beginning_n be_v very_o evident_a our_o bless_a lord_n when_o he_o begin_v with_o his_o ministry_n to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o gospel_n church_n what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o distinguish_v than_o his_o choose_n the_o select_a number_n of_o twelve_o as_o one_o superior_a order_n of_o minister_n and_o of_o seventy_o who_o he_o send_v forth_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o order_n inferior_a to_o the_o twelve_o though_o their_o general_a office_n and_o commission_n as_o preacher_n be_v both_o the_o same_o which_o make_v they_o of_o one_o body_n and_o society_n as_o such_o but_o of_o a_o different_a order_n and_o degree_n and_o these_o as_o plain_o and_o political_o distinguish_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o common_a disciple_n as_o any_o one_o political_a society_n or_o company_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v from_o another_o and_o thus_o they_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o with_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n take_v as_o a_o particular_a company_n and_o body_n of_o man_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o holy_a call_v separate_a and_o distinct_a from_o the_o common_a people_n and_o as_o such_o have_v a_o government_n of_o christ_n own_o institution_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o they_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o exact_a number_n of_o twelve_o or_o of_o seventy_o do_v at_o all_o concern_v we_o gentile_n but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o it_o common_a both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o what_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o the_o levite_n that_o the_o twelve_o be_v to_o the_o seventy_o yea_o and_o among_o the_o twelve_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o difference_n both_o of_o order_n and_o degree_n though_o peter_n be_v not_o the_o princeps_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la he_o be_v the_o primus_fw-la discipulorum_fw-la the_o seniour_n of_o that_o school_n or_o collegium_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o next_o in_o dignity_n under_o christ_n his_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o we_o find_v that_o peter_n be_v the_o person_n unto_o who_o christ_n do_v immediate_o direct_v all_o his_o speech_n that_o concern_v they_o in_o common_a that_o when_o the_o twelve_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o be_v mention_v if_o peter_n be_v one_o he_o be_v always_o name_v first_o yea_o and_o matthew_n in_o his_o catalogue_n do_v not_o only_o name_v he_o first_o but_o give_v he_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o praeses_fw-la neither_o though_o this_o be_v grant_v will_v it_o at_o all_o strengthen_v or_o favour_v the_o arrogant_a claim_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v peter_n successor_n for_o peter_n himself_o be_v call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n universal_a of_o which_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o head_n but_o with_o relation_n to_o that_o particular_a society_n or_o collegium_fw-la of_o which_o he_o be_v then_o a_o member_n for_o when_o the_o frame_n and_o oeconomy_n of_o that_o particular_a society_n be_v dissolve_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n peter_n be_v no_o more_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o primate_n or_o precedent_n than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o eleven_o be_v 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v always_o so_o and_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o this_o 1._o because_o christ_n have_v institute_v it_o by_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o example_n as_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v now_o say_v and_o what_o christ_n have_v once_o institute_v may_v not_o by_o man_n be_v abrogate_a or_o alter_v 2._o because_o there_o be_v perpetual_a need_n of_o it_o i_o need_v not_o descant_v upon_o this_o doleful_n experience_n tell_v we_o to_o our_o shame_n that_o there_o be_v no_o society_n or_o body_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v more_o need_n of_o the_o reins_o of_o government_n than_o the_o ministry_n have_v every_o company_n of_o physician_n surgeon_n merchant_n apothecary_n tailor_n draper_n shoemaker_n victualler_n vintner_n baker_n brick-layer_n etc._n etc._n need_v of_o a_o government_n peculiar_a to_o their_o respective_a company_n and_o profession_n in_o the_o best_a govern_a town_n and_o corporation_n i_o will_v i_o can_v say_v that_o minister_n have_v not_o much_o more_o who_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n be_v of_o sad_a consequence_n than_o any_o of_o they_o aforementioned_a if_o every_o minister_n as_o such_o be_v immediate_o under_o christ_n as_o to_o government_n which_o can_v be_v unless_o they_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v then_o be_v he_o accountable_a to_o none_o else_o but_o be_v absolute_a and_o independent_a in_o his_o office_n what_o grosser_n principle_n of_o tyranny_n can_v there_o be_v than_o this_o what_o wide_a gate_n can_v there_o be_v open_v to_o the_o most_o licentious_a arbitrariness_n and_o in_o what_o a_o case_n then_o be_v the_o poor_a church_n this_o be_v to_o pull_v down_o one_o tyrant_n and_o to_o set_v up_o many_o thousand_o and_o to_o make_v every_o novice_n a_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n quest_n 2._o by_o who_o must_v they_o be_v rule_v sol._n not_o by_o themselves_o sure_a that_o be_v plain_a anarchy_n and_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o any_o form_n of_o political_n government_n which_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o will_v soon_o be_v weary_a of_o as_o in_o pensilvania_n they_o say_v they_o begin_v to_o be_v be_v they_o not_o in_o despite_n of_o their_o irrational_a principle_n preserve_v from_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o they_o by_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o government_n they_o here_o live_v under_o but_o they_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o the_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o and_o every_o one_o both_o pastor_n and_o people_n by_o their_o own_o immediate_a officer_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o heb._n 13.17_o and_o who_o be_v they_o who_o christ_n have_v set_v to_o rule_n and_o to_o govern_v in_o his_o house_n but_o those_o who_o he_o call_v his_o steward_n his_o minister_n into_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o government_n neither_o have_v he_o share_v the_o rule_v power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o between_o they_o and_o the_o people_n nor_o can_v it_o have_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o wisdom_n or_o the_o interest_n and_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n to_o have_v do_v it_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o not_o one_o but_o both_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 16.19_o that_o these_o be_v the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n appear_v by_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o word_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n give_v he_o neither_o be_v this_o power_n of_o government_n give_v to_o peter_n exclusive_o nor_o as_o a_o private_a disciple_n but_o as_o a_o public_a minister_n and_o public_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o he_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n in_o the_o same_o office_n for_o they_o and_o for_o their_o successor_n mat._n 18.18_o who_o be_v it_o that_o christ_n mean_v by_o the_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n lu._n 12.42_o be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v 1_o cor._n 4.1_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o tit._n 1.7_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o steward_n who_o his_o lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n so_o that_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v establish_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o minister_n on_o who_o he_o breathe_v the_o holy-ghost_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o and_o carry_v they_o through_o all_o the_o work_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a whereto_o he_o send_v they_o joh._n 20.22_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o general_n in_o who_o hand_n immediate_o under_o christ_n the_o govern_v power_n do_v lie_v not_o in_o the_o people_n but_o in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o alone_o be_v his_o steward_n and_o unto_o who_o at_o his_o departure_n he_o deliver_v the_o key_n of_o his_o house_n and_o of_o all_o the_o provision_n and_o treasure_n in_o it_o and_o who_o be_v sometime_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n call_v his_o ambassador_n or_o messenger_n sometime_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n sometime_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n sometime_o proestotes_n or_o ruler_n which_o be_v but_o several_a name_n and_o title_n give_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o know_v no_o point_n in_o scripture_n more_o plain_o assert_v than_o this_o viz._n that_o christ_n have_v join_v
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o admonish_v you_o so_o heb._n 13.7_o those_o that_o rule_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o that_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o ver_fw-la 17._o they_o be_v say_v to_o watch_n for_o soul_n which_o as_o it_o may_v imply_v other_o work_n so_o it_o must_v import_v preach_v the_o word_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o word_n be_v ordinary_o use_v in_o scripture_n and_o here_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o watchman_n be_v the_o same_o many_o other_o text_n there_o be_v that_o free_o offer_v to_o avouch_v this_o truth_n but_o these_o be_v enough_o to_o prove_v what_o i_o aim_v at_o that_o the_o work_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o to_o teach_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o govern_v be_v not_o worthy_a to_o teach_v they_o but_o to_o obviate_v any_o scandalous_a reflection_n that_o ignorance_n or_o envy_n may_v make_v on_o this_o position_n and_o claim_v of_o our_o govern_n power_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o church_n we_o hearty_o declare_v our_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o those_o popith_n tenet_n and_o pretension_n which_o be_v any_o way_n derogatory_n to_o the_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v and_o unto_o which_o we_o profess_v our_o cheerful_a and_o constant_a obedience_n both_o as_o man_n and_o as_o christian_n our_o spiritual_a government_n of_o god_n spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o our_o respective_a charge_n be_v no_o more_o prejudicial_a to_o that_o of_o temporal_a state_n and_o kingdom_n than_o be_v the_o despotical_a which_o be_v the_o natural_a right_n of_o every_o family_n yea_o so_o far_o from_o prejudicial_a that_o it_o be_v accumulative_a both_o of_o their_o honour_n and_o security_n as_o the_o experience_n both_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n have_v unquestionable_o prove_v and_o which_o may_v in_o many_o particular_a instance_n be_v it_o necessay_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o what_o have_v be_v now_o thus_o brief_o say_v i_o conclude_v this_o question_n that_o feed_v my_o lamb_n and_o my_o sheep_n imply_v these_o two_o thing_n teach_v they_o and_o rule_v they_o wherein_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n be_v include_v but_o to_o tell_v you_o how_o they_o must_v be_v teach_v and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v will_v need_v much_o more_o time_n than_o be_v here_o allot_v i_o or_o be_v now_o convenient_a for_o i_o to_o take_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o main_a of_o my_o errand_n to_o you_o something_o must_v be_v speak_v to_o it_o as_o time_n and_o strength_n will_v serve_v in_o the_o applicatory_a part_n to_o which_o i_o now_o proceed_v cap._n iii_o the_o doctrine_n improve_v by_o way_n of_o instruction_n this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v useful_a more_o way_n than_o i_o shall_v be_v able_a now_o to_o apply_v it_o yet_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o suggest_v some_o of_o the_o more_o necessary_a thing_n under_o these_o three_o general_a head_n instruction_n exhortation_n encouragement_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o instruction_n and_o that_o in_o these_o eight_o particular_n 1._o in_o the_o right_n and_o propriety_n that_o christ_n have_v in_o his_o church_n they_o be_v his_o own_o sheep_n joh._n 10.3.4_o no_o shepherd_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v or_o can_v have_v that_o absolute_a undefeasible_a supreme_a independent_a and_o natural_a propriety_n in_o his_o flock_n as_o christ_n have_v in_o he_o they_o be_v his_o both_o as_o god_n and_o as_o redeemer_n he_o by_o right_n of_o creation_n donation_n purchase_n regeneration_n and_o their_o own_o voluntary_a choice_n and_o self-dedication_n his_o portion_n his_o inheritance_n his_o peculiar_a treasure_n nothing_o be_v near_a nothing_o dear_a to_o he_o than_o they_o his_o mark_n and_o his_o name_n be_v upon_o they_o his_o spirit_n his_o nature_n his_o image_n his_o glory_n shine_v in_o they_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o his_o claim_n to_o they_o and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v distinguish_v and_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n joh._n 15.19_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o caution_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 3._o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rule_v but_o not_o domineer_a govern_v but_o not_o tyrannize_a more_o regio_fw-la imperantes_fw-la as_o deputy_n and_o ruler_n in_o trust_n not_o as_o lord_n and_o king_n non_fw-fr regnum_fw-la sed_fw-la cura_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la commissa_fw-la est_fw-la beccause_n they_o be_v not_o you_o but_o god_n heritage_n his_o clergy_n whether_o minister_n or_o people_n for_o the_o word_n in_o the_o use_n as_o well_o as_o derivation_n of_o it_o reach_v both_o church-tyranny_n be_v a_o encroachment_n upon_o christ_n peculiar_a right_n to_o rule_v with_o a_o lordly_a grandeur_n with_o rigour_n or_o arbitrariness_n to_o monopolise_v the_o power_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o equal_o distribute_v be_v very_o injurious_a not_o only_o to_o the_o flock_n but_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o it_o and_o who_o servant_n and_o steward_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v and_o which_o be_v a_o guilt_n that_o the_o proud_a he_o upon_o earth_n will_v not_o have_v the_o hardiness_n to_o own_o before_o his_o judge_n another_o day_n 2._o in_o the_o tender_a affection_n and_o care_n he_o have_v for_o they_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o endear_v a_o thing_n to_o we_o than_o propriety_n that_o which_o be_v our_o own_o we_o love_v though_o it_o be_v not_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v nor_o as_o we_o wish_v yet_o because_o it_o be_v our_o own_o and_o those_o that_o do_v otherwise_o be_v just_o reckon_v among_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o natural_a affection_n and_o worse_o than_o infidel_n but_o shall_v i_o begin_v to_o tell_v you_o what_o dearness_n of_o affection_n the_o lord_n jsus_n christ_n have_v for_o his_o poor_a little_a flock_n where_o shall_v i_o end_v eternity_n will_v be_v little_a enough_o with_o admiration_n and_o praise_n to_o recount_v the_o glorious_a soul-ravishing_a instance_n of_o this_o love_n he_o love_v they_o so_o as_o to_o leave_v the_o eternal_a throne_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o sweet_a repose_n he_o have_v from_o everlasting_a in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n for_o they_o so_o as_o to_o humble_a and_o abase_v himself_o to_o the_o vile_a rag_n of_o our_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o misery_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o indigent_a life_n to_o the_o proud_a scorn_n and_o blasphemous_a indignity_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o horrid_o ungrateful_a world_n to_o the_o foul_a temptation_n and_o buffet_n of_o satan_n to_o the_o imputation_n of_o sin_n the_o only_a thing_n so_o abhorrent_n to_o his_o pure_a and_o sinless_a nature_n to_o the_o bondage_n obedience_n and_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o he_o never_o in_o the_o least_o for_o himself_o deserve_v and_o which_o to_o any_o one_o else_o will_v have_v be_v utter_o unsupportable_a to_o the_o most_o ignâ—â—â—inious_a torturous_a and_o accurse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o death_n his_o own_o servant_n and_o common_a executioner_n for_o a_o time_n and_o all_o this_o his_o love_n to_o they_o overcome_v and_o sweeten_v to_o he_o yea_o and_o have_v love_v they_o he_o love_v they_o still_o and_o will_v love_v they_o to_o the_o end_n yea_o without_o end_n and_o therefore_o delight_v to_o speak_v of_o they_o always_o with_o some_o intimation_n of_o their_o dearness_n to_o he_o as_o his_o friend_n his_o brethren_n his_o child_n his_o lamb_n his_o spouse_n his_o member_n etc._n etc._n for_o all_o which_o i_o have_v no_o need_n to_o quote_v you_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o be_v his_o love_n to_o they_o so_o be_v his_o care_n of_o and_o provision_n for_o they_o when_o he_o see_v it_o expedient_a for_o they_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o as_o to_o his_o bodily_a presence_n and_o to_o leave_v they_o here_o in_o a_o militant_a state_n expose_v to_o the_o rage_n of_o he_o and_o their_o enemy_n both_o temporal_a and_o infernal_a to_o be_v hate_v and_o tempt_v and_o persecute_v to_o the_o death_n for_o his_o sake_n o_o how_o do_v his_o soul_n pity_v they_o with_o what_o compassion_n do_v he_o embrace_v they_o and_o seal_v his_o unchangeable_a love_n to_o they_o what_o a_o stream_n of_o endear_n affection_n and_o care_n do_v there_o run_v through_o his_o part_a discourse_n with_o they_o joh._n 14.15_o and_o 16._o how_o sweet_o do_v he_o counsel_v and_o comfort_v they_o there_o and_o be_v so_o concern_v for_o they_o that_o he_o seem_v to_o take_v no_o care_n for_o himself_o though_o he_o know_v that_o dreadful_a hour_n be_v now_o come_v wherein_o that_o wrath_n must_v be_v
we_o be_v of_o he_o 5._o it_o inform_v we_o what_o a_o honourable_a work_n the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v it_o be_v so_o both_o in_o its_o self_n and_o with_o relation_n to_o its_o author_n its_o object_n and_o its_o end_n how_o contemptible_a soever_o it_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o some_o and_o how_o unworthy_a and_o vile_a soever_o some_o of_o those_o be_v that_o be_v admit_v or_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o it_o to_o the_o reproach_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o work_n but_o a_o office_n and_o a_o office_n of_o the_o high_a dignity_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o author_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o have_v a_o name_n above_o every_o name_n the_o lord_n of_o lord_n the_o king_n eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n and_o unto_o who_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n unto_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o honour_n too_o great_a for_o any_o but_o god_n to_o bestow_v a_o honour_n more_o immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o everlasting_a fountain_n of_o honour_n than_o any_o other_o office_n in_o the_o world_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o object_n the_o mystical_a flock_n and_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o noble_a family_n and_o household_n of_o god_n minister_n be_v christ_n ambassador_n not_o page_n nor_o porter_n though_o that_o be_v a_o honour_n but_o his_o ambassador_n and_o representative_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o the_o steward_n of_o his_o house_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n rev._n 1.20_o he_o have_v put_v his_o own_o honour_n upon_o they_o and_o have_v tell_v the_o word_n that_o what_o be_v do_v to_o they_o he_o take_v as_o do_v to_o himself_o and_o have_v require_v his_o church_n to_o honour_v they_o for_o his_o and_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v they_o be_v account_v worthy_a or_o let_v they_o be_v dignify_v with_o double_a honour_n the_o honour_n of_o respect_n and_o maintenance_n be_v due_a to_o all_o that_o be_v faithful_a but_o a_o double_a or_o great_a degree_n of_o honour_n and_o authority_n to_o those_o that_o be_v best_a qualify_v for_o and_o most_o laborious_a in_o their_o work_n where_o by_o the_o way_n you_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o minister_n do_v not_o live_v as_o perhaps_o some_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v and_o to_o upbraid_v they_o too_o on_o the_o people_n alms._n their_o maintenance_n be_v of_o god_n allowance_n and_o precept_n non_fw-la eleemosinae_fw-la sed_fw-la honoraria_fw-la not_o alm_n but_o reward_n by_o divine_a right_o due_a to_o they_o i_o say_v divine_a right_n in_o genere_fw-la though_o not_o in_o specie_fw-la but_o of_o this_o i_o will_v not_o now_o have_v once_o open_v my_o lip_n but_o for_o your_o sake_n who_o be_v the_o people_n that_o no_o guilt_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v rest_v on_o any_o of_o you_o and_o that_o you_o may_v not_o have_v any_o unbecoming_a thought_n of_o we_o on_o this_o account_n last_o it_o be_v honourable_a too_o on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o end_n the_o conversion_n edification_n and_o salvation_n of_o immortal_a soul_n the_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o pull_v down_o his_o strong_a hold_n the_o repair_v the_o ruin_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o fall_n and_o the_o restore_v the_o image_n of_o their_o maker_n upon_o they_o the_o negotiate_v the_o grand_a affair_n of_o a_o peace_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o mediator_n upon_o earth_n the_o high_a trust_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v to_o mere_a creature_n the_o great_a work_n and_o design_n which_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n have_v espouse_v to_o glorify_v all_o his_o attribute_n in_o and_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v send_v into_o this_o low_a world_n for_o what_o be_v earthly_a kingdom_n and_o dominion_n and_o interest_n to_o this_o this_o be_v that_o swallow_v up_o all_o sir_n it_o be_v not_o without_o regret_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v compel_v as_o paul_n once_o be_v to_o magnify_v our_o office_n and_o to_o become_v fool_n in_o glory_v 2_o cor_n 12.11_o it_o be_v a_o honour_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v ourselves_o infinite_o unworthy_a of_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o honour_n that_o our_o god_n have_v put_v upon_o we_o both_o for_o his_o own_o and_o for_o your_o sake_n 6._o it_o inform_v we_o what_o a_o burdensome_a work_n the_o ministry_n be_v burdensome_a not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o labour_n of_o it_o wherein_o if_o that_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n be_v use_v as_o be_v necessary_a and_o require_v it_o be_v the_o heavy_a of_o all_o employment_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o which_o spend_v the_o strength_n both_o of_o body_n and_o spirit_n more_o than_o any_o other_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v too_o many_o that_o live_v idle_o and_o work_v easy_o enough_o in_o this_o laborious_a call_v who_o praise_n be_v not_o great_a in_o the_o church_n and_o who_o comfort_n be_v not_o like_a to_o abound_v in_o the_o day_n of_o account_n but_o those_o that_o love_v their_o master_n and_o their_o work_n and_o be_v due_o sensible_a of_o their_o charge_n can_v find_v little_a time_n to_o be_v idle_a alas_o sir_n what_o you_o see_v and_o hear_v of_o our_o pulpit_n work_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o our_o labour_n beside_o it_o be_v a_o burdensome_a work_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o many_o temptation_n opposition_n and_o discouragement_n that_o attend_v it_o both_o from_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n god_n know_v we_o be_v the_o best_a of_o we_o man_n and_o but_o man_n subject_a to_o like_a passion_n as_o other_o be_v we_o that_o teach_v other_o must_v teach_v ourselves_o we_o that_o carry_v the_o light_n before_o you_o have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o the_o light_n as_o you_o not_o as_o though_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v already_o perfect_a phil._n 3.12_o the_o bold_a officer_n be_v in_o himself_o no_o more_o shot-free_a than_o the_o common_a soldier_n though_o his_o danger_n may_v be_v great_a pity_v we_o then_o and_o pray_v for_o we_o when_o you_o see_v a_o temptation_n too_o strong_a for_o we_o we_o be_v more_o the_o butt_n of_o the_o dragon_n envy_n and_o the_o mark_n that_o his_o rage_n aim_v at_o than_o you_o which_o make_v our_o post_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o difficult_a again_o it_o be_v a_o burdensome_a work_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o unsuccessfulness_n of_o it_o neither_o be_v this_o the_o least_o part_n of_o our_o burden_n how_o very_o glad_o will_v we_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o dear_a flock_n we_o will_v not_o think_v the_o labour_n of_o our_o brain_n or_o breast_n our_o study_n or_o watch_n our_o travel_n or_o care_n our_o reproach_n or_o suffering_n no_o nor_o our_o blood_n too_o much_o for_o they_o can_v we_o but_o be_v comfort_v by_o they_o with_o the_o good_a success_n of_o all_o this_o but_o when_o after_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o adventure_n and_o prayer_n and_o tear_n we_o see_v so_o little_a of_o the_o good_a fruit_n we_o long_v for_o so_o little_a humility_n so_o little_a charity_n so_o little_a self-denial_n so_o little_a mortification_n to_o the_o world_n so_o little_a regular_a and_o discreet_a zeal_n for_o god_n this_o be_v that_o break_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o to_o walk_v heavy_o last_o it_o be_v a_o burdensome_a work_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o both_o to_o our_o hearer_n and_o to_o ourselves_o to_o our_o hearer_n their_o soul_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o what_o have_v they_o dear_a what_o have_v they_o more_o be_v bind_v up_o in_o this_o burden_n to_o ourselves_o o_o the_o tremendous_a charge_n not_o only_o of_o our_o own_o but_o of_o our_o people_n soul_n and_o the_o account_n that_o will_v short_o be_v require_v of_o we_o when_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o be_v at_o hand_n that_o we_o may_v be_v no_o long_o steward_n the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o this_o be_v astonish_v o_o that_o it_o may_v now_o be_v awaken_v well_o may_v the_o apostle_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n 7._o it_o show_v we_o the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o intruder_n into_o this_o office_n it_o be_v dangerous_a both_o to_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o flock_n to_o themselves_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o usurpation_n which_o be_v high_o sacrilegious_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o end_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v base_a vainglorious_a and_o selfish_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o account_n they_o must_v at_o last_o give_v for_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n which_o will_v be_v dreadful_a and_o
know_v not_o how_o to_o restore_v the_o old_a to_o their_o original_a rectitude_n as_o befall_v the_o theocracy_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n 1_o sam._n 8.5_o and_o 7._o but_o be_v the_o argument_n good_a from_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n against_o the_o use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o argue_v ourselves_o into_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n in_o nature_n now_o if_o we_o will_v right_o understand_v what_o that_o form_n of_o government_n be_v that_o christ_n have_v choose_v for_o his_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v consider_v what_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o government_n be_v or_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o it_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v the_o church_n which_o be_v vox_fw-la ambigua_fw-la but_o we_o must_v distinguish_v nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o take_v notice_n here_o of_o all_o the_o distinction_n the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o or_o that_o have_v be_v by_o some_o other_o impose_v on_o it_o as_o 1._o the_o church_n ecumenical_a to_o which_o the_o pope_n so_o arrogant_o and_o false_o lay_v a_o claim_n of_o supremacy_n or_o two_o the_o church_n national_a of_o which_o that_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr._n baxter_n have_v give_v so_o rational_a and_o scriptural_a a_o account_n and_o which_o that_o i_o know_v be_v not_o by_o any_o one_o as_o yet_o answer_v or_o three_o the_o church_n provincial_a which_o be_v the_o constitution_n and_o union_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o province_n into_o one_o distinct_a political_a body_n or_o sacred_a polity_n under_o the_o general_a inspection_n and_o authority_n of_o one_o ecclesiastical_a head_n either_o single_a or_o collective_a or_o 4_o the_o presbyterial_a classical_a collegiate_n diocesan_n etc._n etc._n which_o i_o take_v as_o synonimous_a and_o include_v all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o such_o a_o division_n or_o 5_o the_o congregational_a make_v up_o of_o one_o pastor_n with_o his_o people_n and_o necessary_a officer_n these_o be_v the_o distinction_n give_v according_a to_o the_o common_a division_n that_o have_v for_o order_n sake_n be_v make_v of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o only_a distinction_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o a_o little_a animadvert_v upon_o be_v this_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_v and_o shall_v speak_v to_o the_o last_o first_o the_o rule_v and_o herein_o shall_v answer_v these_o three_o question_n 1._o who_o they_o be_v they_o must_v be_v rule_v 2._o by_o who_o they_o must_v be_v rule_v 3._o by_o what_o law_n they_o must_v be_v rule_v q._n 1._o who_o they_o be_v that_o must_v be_v rule_v s._n the_o answer_n in_o general_a be_v what_o paul_n give_v loco_fw-la cit_fw-la rom._n 13.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o soul_n he_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o that_o political_a body_n civil_a or_o sacred_a whereunto_o he_o stand_v relate_v as_o a_o member_n and_o by_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v comprehend_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lawless_a and_o disobedient_a for_o who_o the_o bridle_n and_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v and_o so_o both_o ruler_n and_o rule_v be_v equal_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n though_o not_o the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n but_o according_a to_o the_o different_a capacity_n order_n and_o relation_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o rule_v can_v be_v the_o same_o sub_fw-la codem_fw-la respectu_fw-la yet_o in_o divers_a respect_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o those_o that_o be_v ruler_n of_o some_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o other_o so_o than_o the_o rule_v part_n of_o which_o i_o be_o first_o to_o speak_v be_v twofold_a the_o clergy_n and_o the_o laity_n or_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o duplicity_n of_o the_o government_n to_o which_o as_o church-member_n they_o stand_v relate_v which_o be_v either_o general_a and_o common_a or_o special_a and_o proper_a the_o ruler_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n as_o those_o of_o army_n and_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d man_n under_o authority_n and_o the_o law_n of_o a_o polity_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o as_o such_o as_o well_o as_o the_o people_n who_o they_o govern_v by_o the_o law_n that_o be_v fit_v for_o they_o i_o say_v under_o authority_n and_o that_o not_o only_o and_o immediate_o unto_o christ_n but_o also_o unto_o man_n even_o such_o as_o christ_n the_o supreme_a legislator_n and_o lord_n have_v commissioned_n to_o rule_v for_o and_o under_o he_o in_o his_o church_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v be_v one_o great_a mistake_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o thousand_o more_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v and_o hold_v their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n only_o from_o christ_n in_o capite_fw-la so_o as_o to_o conclude_v a_o equality_n and_o co-ordination_a of_o pastor_n it_o be_v true_a the_o general_a patent_n and_o grant_v of_o the_o office_n be_v original_o and_o immediate_o from_o christ_n but_o the_o particular_a distribution_n of_o commission_n be_v not_o so_o but_o from_o such_o hand_n as_o be_v entrust_v and_o authorize_v by_o he_o to_o bestow_v it_o on_o other_o and_o unto_o who_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o aught_o to_o be_v accountable_a for_o their_o well_n or_o maladministration_n of_o it_o all_o those_o that_o be_v due_o qualify_v and_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n be_v equal_o minister_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n one_o be_v not_o more_o a_o minister_n than_o another_o nor_o mere_o as_o such_o have_v they_o great_a power_n one_o than_o another_o as_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v equal_o man_n god_n creature_n and_o partaker_n of_o human_a nature_n but_o from_o hence_o to_o deny_v a_o subordination_n of_o one_o to_o another_o in_o point_n of_o government_n be_v to_o pluck_v up_o all_o government_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o root_n and_o turn_v the_o whole_a creation_n into_o anarchy_n and_o worse_o than_o its_o first_o tohn_fw-ge vebohu_fw-mi which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o mad_a principle_n that_o ever_o be_v suggest_v to_o the_o rational_a nature_n by_o that_o grand_a author_n of_o confusion_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o clergy_n as_o for_o distinction_n they_o be_v common_o call_v be_v a_o particular_a distinct_a company_n and_o society_n of_o man_n as_o the_o people_n or_o laity_n be_v another_o and_o so_o they_o ever_o be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v account_v by_o god_n own_o appointment_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o regulate_v army_n and_o other_o secular_a government_n in_o the_o world_n the_o officer_n be_v a_o separate_a political_a body_n and_o community_n of_o themselves_o distinct_a from_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o so_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v their_o proper_a polity_n and_o government_n as_o such_o a_o government_n peculiar_a and_o distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o common_a people_n and_o which_o be_v call_v hierarchy_n only_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o it_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o always_o must_v be_v so_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o prove_v 1._o that_o it_o have_v be_v ever_o so_o since_o christ_n have_v have_v a_o church_n upon_o the_o earth_n i_o say_v a_o church_n organical_o constitute_v and_o political_o govern_v such_o be_v the_o jew_n under_o that_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o the_o minister_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v a_o distinct_a body_n yea_o and_o to_o avoid_v confusion_n a_o distinct_a tribe_n purposely_o so_o choose_v of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a polity_n and_o government_n of_o god_n own_o appoint_v and_o that_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n and_o particularity_n even_o to_o very_a minute_n circumstance_n in_o all_o the_o order_n degree_n and_o course_n of_o their_o consecration_n and_o ministration_n i_o will_v think_v it_o needless_a for_o i_o to_o spend_v time_n to_o demonstrate_v those_o that_o have_v any_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o that_o church_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o and_o this_o be_v both_o the_o beauty_n and_o the_o strength_n and_o security_n of_o that_o church_n the_o hedge_n that_o god_n make_v about_o his_o vineyard_n and_o as_o they_o be_v a_o distinct_a body_n as_o clergy_n separate_v from_o all_o the_o other_o tribe_n so_o they_o have_v their_o proper_a government_n and_o oeconomy_n the_o priest_n of_o the_o house_n of_o aaron_n the_o ruler_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o levite_n the_o rule_v and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o under_o the_o gospel_n too_o from_o the_o
the_o teach_v and_o rule_v authority_n together_o and_o commit_v it_o in_o conjunction_n to_o the_o same_o hand_n but_o what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o let_v no_o man_n put_v asunder_o quest_n 3._o by_o what_o law_n must_v they_o be_v rule_v sol._n not_o by_o law_n of_o man_n devise_v which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o accommodate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o inclination_n and_o end_n but_o by_o the_o write_a law_n of_o his_o own_o prescription_n the_o oeconomy_n be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o so_o must_v the_o law_n be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v administer_v other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o the_o foundation_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v lay_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o whoever_o lay_v any_o other_o foundation_n in_o either_o of_o these_o entrenche_n on_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o his_o own_o peril_n though_o in_o the_o necessary_a circumstantial_o of_o all_o these_o humane_a prudence_n and_o authority_n have_v a_o determine_a power_n for_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o to_o its_o destruction_n or_o disturbance_n i_o say_v the_o necessary_a circumstantial_o but_o unnecessary_o to_o multiply_v circumstantial_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o indifferent_n and_o on_o pretence_n of_o decency_n or_o authority_n be_v a_o very_a unacceptable_a and_o offensive_a piece_n of_o superstition_n and_o to_o impose_v they_o as_o the_o indispensible_a term_n of_o communion_n on_o such_o as_o be_v not_o satisfy_v about_o they_o be_v not_o the_o least_o instance_n of_o church-tyranny_n church_n officer_n be_v but_o christ_n deputy_n and_o not_o lord_n of_o god_n heritage_n and_o therefore_o must_v rule_v by_o christ_n law_n for_o he_o be_v our_o judge_n our_o lawgiver_n and_o our_o king_n isa_n 33.22_o our_o power_n be_v but_o to_o execute_v it_o be_v he_o that_o must_v make_v and_o give_v the_o law_n and_o what_o these_o law_n be_v and_o where_o to_o be_v find_v i_o need_v not_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v his_o statute-book_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o 2._o the_o ruler_n if_o there_o be_v some_o to_o be_v rule_v there_o must_v be_v other_o to_o rule_n relata_fw-la se_fw-la simul_fw-la ponunt_fw-la &_o tollunt_fw-la &_o qui_fw-la novit_fw-la unum_fw-la relatorum_fw-la novit_fw-la &_o alterum_fw-la yet_o here_o it_o will_v be_v inquire_v who_o be_v those_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v i_o shall_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o regal_a power_n or_o how_o far_o it_o be_v christian_n it_o extend_v both_o over_o pastor_n and_o people_n not_o only_o as_o civil_a subject_n but_o as_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n for_o this_o to_o mr._n baxter_n of_o national_a church_n and_o to_o other_o that_o have_v write_v of_o it_o it_o be_v foreign_a to_o my_o present_a text._n but_o as_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v two_o distinct_a political_a body_n so_o there_o must_v be_v two_o distinct_a form_n of_o government_n proper_a to_o each_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v 1._o of_o the_o people_n these_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o not_o to_o rule_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i_o know_v this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o that_o can_v bad_o bear_v it_o nor_o will_v i_o thus_o displease_v they_o can_v i_o help_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v faithful_a those_o that_o be_v for_o a_o democracy_n seem_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n as_o they_o be_v numb_a 16.3_o who_o gather_v themselves_o together_o against_o moses_n and_o against_o aaron_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o see_v all_o the_o congregation_n be_v holy_a every_o one_o of_o they_o wherefore_o then_o lift_v you_o up_o yourselves_o above_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o tribe_n of_o reuben_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o strange_a but_o great_a pity_n it_o be_v that_o any_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n shall_v conspire_v with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o can_v consent_v to_o such_o a_o usurpation_n and_o be_v innocent_a and_o true_a to_o the_o trust_n commit_v to_o he_o let_v those_o that_o be_v for_o the_o people_n rule_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n show_v we_o when_o and_o where_o the_o key_n of_o government_n or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v put_v into_o any_o of_o their_o hand_n where_o do_v our_o lord_n make_v they_o partner_n with_o we_o in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n or_o what_o part_n of_o the_o govern_v office_n and_o work_n be_v it_o that_o he_o assign_v to_o they_o herein_o i_o be_o sorry_a that_o i_o must_v dissent_v not_o only_o from_o man_n of_o a_o inferior_a note_n and_o more_o heterodox_n principles_n but_o from_o the_o learned_a calvin_n too_o and_o almost_o all_o that_o follow_v he_o for_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o find_v in_o scripture_n any_o such_o officer_n as_o a_o non-preaching_a roll_a elder_a appoint_v of_o christ_n or_o of_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n the_o one_o and_o only_a officer_n that_o christ_n himself_o make_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o his_o word_n the_o evangelical_n pastor_n who_o work_n be_v to_o feed_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o flock_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o add_v the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n as_o servant_n to_o they_o and_o help_v in_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o their_o work_n as_o may_v be_v see_v act._n 6._o begin_v and_o as_o moses_n do_v for_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o government_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o jethro_n exod._n 18.18_o etc._n etc._n which_o though_o it_o be_v apostolical_a yet_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v primary_o but_o only_o secundary_o jure_v divino_fw-la the_o scripture_n that_o be_v allege_v in_o favour_n of_o this_o ruling_n lay_v elder_a do_v not_o as_o i_o think_v prove_v any_o such_o conclusion_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v and_o leave_v all_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o such_o as_o can_v without_o prejudice_n weigh_v what_o i_o be_o now_o bold_a to_o offer_v one_o text_n we_o have_v rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o to_o which_o i_o have_v this_o exception_n if_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o rule_v be_v here_o mention_v as_o a_o distinct_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n then_o why_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o which_o we_o have_v these_o seven_o in_o this_o one_o scripture_n viz._n he_o that_o prophesi_v he_o that_o minister_v he_o that_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v he_o that_o give_v he_o that_o rule_v and_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n but_o if_o we_o go_v to_o work_v in_o this_o way_n how_o will_v office_n be_v multiply_v in_o the_o church_n beyond_o all_o that_o be_v ever_o intend_v or_o imagine_v and_o then_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 29_o 30._o where_o we_o have_v no_o less_o than_o nine_o mention_v among_o which_o we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o signify_v the_o rule_v lay-elder_n and_o so_o we_o will_v believe_v too_o can_v they_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n here_o mention_v be_v so_o many_o office_n in_o the_o church_n they_o insist_v very_o confident_o on_o these_o word_n of_o sanction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n have_v set_v and_o appoint_v but_o why_o this_o word_n which_o have_v undeniable_o a_o equal_a relation_n to_o all_o shall_v make_v or_o prove_v one_o to_o be_v a_o office_n and_o not_o another_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o depth_n that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o fathom_n here_o as_o i_o think_v the_o great_a mistake_n lie_v that_o gift_n and_o office_n be_v confound_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6._o very_o plain_o distinguish_v between_o gift_n administ_n ation_n and_o operation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o by_o gift_n be_v mean_v the_o ability_n bestow_v upon_o the_o office_n or_o administration_n in_o order_n to_o the_o operation_n or_o effect_n of_o they_o to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o forementioned_a scripture_n we_o find_v a_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n but_o gift_n and_o office_n be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o there_o be_v one_o scripture_n more_o which_o have_v be_v already_o quote_v on_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o seem_v to_o speak_v more_o full_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o to_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o preach_v and_o rule_v elder_n viz._n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v account_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o
labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n much_o use_n have_v be_v make_v of_o this_o text_n to_o little_a purpose_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o mention_v any_o of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v see_v and_o read_v of_o it_o but_o give_v you_o as_o god_n have_v enable_v i_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o this_o scripture_n and_o let_v the_o unprejudiced_a reader_n judge_n and_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o it_o we_o will_v consider_v 1._o by_o who_o and_o to_o who_o this_o direction_n be_v give_v it_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n the_o great_a plant_a of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o who_o as_o a_o apostle_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o order_n and_o determine_v all_o the_o affair_n that_o concern_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o his_o own_o plant_n both_o this_o and_o the_o other_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o he_o to_o timothy_n who_o he_o leave_v as_o his_o substitute_n or_o surrogate_v with_o apostolical_a power_n under_o he_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n as_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n and_o to_o dispose_v of_o the_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n to_o such_o as_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o they_o and_o will_v best_o improve_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n benefit_n and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n it_o be_v that_o he_o leave_v titus_n in_o crete_n as_o his_o substitute_n or_o overseer_n in_o that_o island_n as_o appear_v tit._n 1.5_o so_o that_o this_o advice_n be_v not_o send_v to_o the_o people_n nor_o to_o the_o inferior_a presbyter_n who_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o it_o but_o to_o one_o in_o a_o high_a sphere_n of_o authority_n and_o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v order_v whether_o for_o distinction_n sake_n he_o be_v call_v evangelist_n or_o bishop_n or_o precedent_n or_o moderator_n the_o difference_n be_v but_o verbal_a 2._o what_o do_v the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o the_o double_a honour_n here_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o bid_v fair_a for_o the_o sense_n which_o will_v both_o come_v to_o one_o in_o the_o issue_n 1._o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o so_o we_o find_v the_o word_n sometime_o use_v in_o scripture_n as_o ver_fw-la 3._o of_o this_o chap._n matt._n 15.6_o act_n 28_o 10._o and_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o scripture_n seem_v to_o look_v this_o way_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n must_v be_v this_o let_v those_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n that_o best_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n in_o rule_v but_o especial_o in_o preach_v which_o be_v the_o more_o noble_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o their_o work_n have_v the_o great_a encouragement_n on_o this_o kind_n i_o e._n let_v not_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v then_o but_o small_a and_o uncertain_a be_v bestow_v promiscuous_o much_o less_o partial_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o so_o as_o may_v best_o subserve_v the_o church_n good_a government_n and_o the_o grand_a design_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 2._o the_o honour_n of_o authority_n and_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v the_o prime_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o five_o commandment_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n exod._n 20.12_o be_v the_o same_o with_o obey_v your_o parent_n eph._n 6.1_o and_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o heb._n 13.17_o and_o so_o be_v the_o word_n use_v heb._n 5.4_o no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n unto_o himself_o i._n e._n this_o office_n this_o dignity_n this_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v much_o more_o worthy_o and_o proper_o call_v honour_n than_o a_o rich_a worldly_a revenue_n or_o a_o fat_a benefice_n or_o bishopric_n thing_n unborn_a in_o those_o day_n which_o man_n too_o often_o abuse_v both_o to_o god_n dishonour_n and_o their_o own_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o double_a honour_n here_o intend_v as_o to_o i_o seem_v most_o probable_a at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v include_v as_o the_o most_o eminent_a part_n of_o it_o then_o the_o sense_n will_v be_v this_o let_v those_o presbyter_n or_o minister_n that_o appear_v on_o experience_n and_o trial_n to_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o government_n but_o especial_o with_o it_o a_o eminency_n of_o ability_n and_o diligence_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v make_v ruler_n and_o superintendent_o over_o the_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n let_v such_o be_v take_v into_o the_o collegium_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la regens_fw-la the_o regency_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o distinction_n of_o office_n but_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o officer_n that_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o direction_n for_o 3._o we_o must_v consider_v the_o person_n on_o who_o this_o double_a honour_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v or_o who_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v dignify_v as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v and_o these_o be_v elder_n describe_v 1._o in_o genere_fw-la by_o their_o office_n 2._o in_o specie_fw-la by_o their_o qualification_n 1._o by_o their_o general_a office_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o word_n always_o use_v to_o denote_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o gospel-church_n as_o act._n 11.30_o ch_n 14.23_o ch_n 15.2_o 6_o 22_o 23._o ch_z 16.4_o ch_n 20.17_o ch_n 21.18_o tit._n 1.5_o jam._n 5.14_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o ep._n john_n 1._o and_o epist_n 3.1_o 2._o by_o their_o special_a qualification_n which_o be_v double_a 1._o they_o much_o be_v such_o as_o rule_v well_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v another_o title_n peculiar_o give_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o well_o as_o to_o preach_v 2._o they_o must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o 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and_o name_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v become_v of_o ill_a fame_n through_o the_o idolatry_n heresy_n superstition_n tyranny_n and_o immorality_n of_o a_o degenerate_a age_n yet_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o good_a and_o necessary_a and_o perhaps_o the_o very_a same_o that_o other_o plead_v for_o under_o other_o name_n and_o title_n and_o can_v they_o be_v but_o once_o again_o due_o purge_v of_o these_o defilement_n will_v be_v as_o glorious_a and_o useful_a as_o of_o old_a they_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a time_n and_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v once_o again_o reform_v in_o the_o government_n and_o discipline_n of_o it_o according_a to_o scripture_n it_o must_v not_o be_v by_o pluck_v up_o and_o destroy_v that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o by_o purge_v that_o which_o be_v foul_a and_o remove_v that_o which_o be_v burdensome_a and_o superfluous_a i_o be_o sorry_a 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ordain_v and_o call_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n have_v a_o divine_a right_n of_o execute_v the_o whole_a office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o and_o over_o that_o congregation_n pos_fw-la v._o that_o every_o pastor_n of_o a_o congregation_n as_o such_o be_v under_o the_o govern_n power_n of_o that_o classical_a presbytery_n whereof_o he_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o member_n pos_fw-la vi_o that_o the_o classical_a or_o diocesan_n presbytery_n ought_v to_o be_v but_o a_o select_a number_n and_o not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o that_o classis_fw-la or_o diocese_n pos_fw-la vii_o that_o the_o form_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v presbytery_n ought_v to_o be_v fix_v and_o constant_a and_o not_o occasional_a only_o and_o intermittent_a pos_fw-la viii_o that_o every_o classical_a presbytery_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o single_a head_n or_o precedent_n and_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v continue_v in_o that_o office_n quam_fw-la diu_fw-la bene_fw-la se_fw-la gesserit_fw-la 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happiness_n be_v this_o if_o you_o be_v he_o he_o will_v be_v you_o you_o to_o all_o gracious_a end_n and_o purpose_n you_o to_o love_v you_o you_o to_o provide_v for_o you_o you_o to_o protect_v you_o you_o to_o bless_v to_o guide_v to_o instruct_v to_o own_o to_o sanctify_v to_o save_v you_o he_o will_v be_v a_o friend_n a_o father_n a_o husband_n a_o all_o and_o better_a than_o all_o to_o you_o let_v who_o will_v forsake_v you_o your_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a he_o will_v never_o forsake_v you_o yea_o when_o all_o other_o forsake_v then_o will_v he_o be_v every_o way_n best_a to_o you_o you_o shall_v never_o want_v a_o friend_n while_o you_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o heaven_n but_o remember_v you_o can_v be_v so_o his_o nor_o he_o you_o without_o your_o voluntary_a hearty_a unreserved_a self-dedication_n to_o he_o he_o will_v not_o be_v you_o without_o your_o deliberate_a choice_n and_o free_a and_o full_a consent_n if_o he_o be_v you_o it_o must_v be_v by_o covenant_n and_o by_o a_o covenant_n of_o salt_n you_o must_v be_v his_o covenant-servant_n and_o that_o for_o ever_o he_o that_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o god_n plough_n must_v not_o look_v back_o yea_o you_o must_v be_v so_o his_o as_o to_o be_v no_o more_o your_o own_o if_o christ_n be_v you_o he_o must_v be_v your_o lord_n to_o rule_v and_o command_v you_o his_o will_n must_v be_v your_o will_n and_o his_o word_n your_o rule_n and_o his_o work_n your_o delight_n o_o that_o this_o may_v help_v now_o to_o oblige_v and_o encourage_v you_o to_o offer_v your_o first_o your_o best_a your_o body_n your_o soul_n your_o all_o to_o the_o lord_n 2._o he_o call_v upon_o his_o lamb_n the_o lamb_n be_v the_o hope_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o shepherd_n none_o so_o welcome_a to_o he_o as_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o betimes_o that_o devote_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o their_o youth_n and_o strength_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o it_o be_v john_n the_o young_a disciple_n that_o be_v the_o belove_a one_o i_o remember_v thou_o the_o kindness_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o love_n of_o thy_o espousal_n jer._n 2.2_o sir_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o your_o visitation_n behold_v now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tempus_fw-la complacentiae_fw-la &_o gratuitae_fw-la receptionis_fw-la behold_v now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v your_o season_n the_o day_n of_o god_n special_a grace_n which_o be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o day_n of_o youth_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o your_o great_a advantage_n on_o very_a many_o account_n now_o be_v your_o time_n to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o your_o future_a eternal_a happiness_n if_o you_o lose_v this_o season_n you_o be_v for_o ought_v you_o know_v lose_v for_o ever_o if_o you_o now_o be_v before_o hand_n with_o the_o tempter_n you_o will_v the_o more_o easy_o have_v he_o under_o your_o foot_n as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o young_a man_n say_v the_o apostle_n because_o you_o be_v strong_a and_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o 1_o john_n 2.13_o 14._o if_o you_o do_v not_o now_o overcome_v he_o you_o will_v be_v worse_a able_a to_o do_v it_o hereafter_o as_o the_o enemy_n grow_v strong_a you_o will_v find_v yourselves_o grow_v weak_a yea_o the_o more_o call_v of_o god_n you_o reject_v in_o your_o youth_n the_o near_a you_o be_v to_o that_o curse_n prov._n 29.1_o he_o that_o be_v often_o reprove_v harden_v his_o neck_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n o_o do_v not_o presume_v on_o the_o leisure_n of_o old_a age_n how_o many_o thousand_o be_v there_o that_o once_o refuse_v to_o give_v god_n their_o youth_n that_o be_v now_o