and_o honour_n of_o a_o bishop_n for_o this_o end_n he_o make_v a_o petition_n unto_o the_o council_n of_o ephesus_n who_o as_o themselves_o express_v it_o in_o mere_a commiseration_n unto_o the_o old_a man_n condescend_v unto_o his_o desire_n as_o unto_o the_o name_n and_o title_n but_o not_o as_o unto_o any_o office-power_n which_o they_o judge_v relate_v absolute_o unto_o a_o particular_a charge_n epist._n can._n ephes._n 1._o ad_fw-la synod_n in_o pamphil._n 3._o such_o ordination_n want_v a_o essential_a constitutive_a cause_n and_o part_n of_o the_o collation_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n and_o be_v therefore_o invalid_a see_v what_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o unto_o that_o purpose_n 4._o a_o bishop_n a_o elder_a a_o pastor_n be_v term_n of_o relation_n to_o make_v any_o one_o so_o without_o relation_n unto_o a_o church_n a_o people_n a_o flock_n be_v to_o make_v he_o a_o father_n who_o have_v no_o child_n or_o a_o husband_n who_o have_v no_o wife_n a_o relate_v without_o a_o correlate_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n 5._o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office._n whoever_o be_v due_o call_v set_v apart_z or_o ordain_v unto_o that_o office_n he_o do_v therein_o and_o thereby_o take_v on_o himself_o the_o discharge_v of_o all_o the_o duty_n belong_v thereunto_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o attend_v diligent_o unto_o they_o if_o then_o we_o will_v take_v a_o view_n of_o what_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o to_o belong_v unto_o this_o office_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o not_o the_o least_o part_n scarce_o any_o thing_n of_o it_o can_v be_v undertake_v and_o discharge_v by_o such_o as_o be_v ordain_v absolute_o without_o relation_n unto_o particular_a church_n for_o any_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o commit_v a_o office_n unto_o other_o and_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n charge_v they_o with_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o office_n and_o their_o immediate_a attendance_n on_o they_o or_o for_o any_o to_o accept_v of_o a_o office_n and_o office-power_n not_o know_v when_o or_o where_o to_o exert_v the_o power_n or_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v irregular_a in_o particular_a ruling_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n which_o they_o can_v attend_v unto_o who_o have_v none_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o they_o 2._o may_v a_o pastor_n remove_v from_o one_o congregation_n unto_o another_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o ancient_a church_n make_v great_a provision_n against_o for_o when_o some_o church_n be_v increase_v in_o member_n reputation_n privilege_n and_o wealth_n above_o other_o it_o grow_v a_o ordinary_a practice_n for_o the_o bishop_n to_o design_n and_o endeavour_v their_o own_o removal_n from_o a_o less_o unto_o a_o great_a benefice_n this_o be_v so_o severe_o interdict_v in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o chalcedon_n as_o that_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n in_o any_o other_o place_n but_o only_o in_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v original_o ordain_v and_o therefore_o if_o any_o do_v so_o remove_v themselves_o decree_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v send_v home_o again_o and_o there_o abide_v or_o cease_v to_o be_v church-officer_n council_n nicaea_n can._n 15_o 16._o chalced._n can._n 5_o 20._o plurality_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o open_a contend_v for_o ecclesiastical_a promotion_n benefice_n and_o dignity_n be_v then_o either_o unknown_a or_o open_o condemn_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v just_a cause_n of_o the_o removal_n of_o a_o pastor_n from_o one_o congregation_n unto_o another_o for_o whereas_o the_o end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o general_a where_o in_o any_o especial_a instance_n such_o a_o removal_n be_v useful_a unto_o that_o end_n it_o be_v equal_v it_o shall_v be_v allow_v case_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o person_n place_n time_n and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n that_o i_o can_v insist_v on_o in_o particular_a but_o that_o such_o removal_n may_v be_v without_o offence_n it_o be_v require_v that_o they_o be_v make_v 1._o with_o the_o free_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v 2._o with_o the_o advice_n of_o other_o church_n or_o their_o elder_n with_o who_o they_o walk_v in_o communion_n and_o of_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n or_o of_o the_o removal_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o in_o a_o orderly_a manner_n by_o advice_n and_o counsel_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a churth_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n such_o be_v that_o of_o gregory_n naz._n remove_v from_o casima_n to_o constantinople_n though_o i_o acknowledge_v it_o have_v no_o good_a success_n 3._o may_v a_o pastor_n voluntary_o or_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n resign_v and_o lay_v down_o his_o office_n and_o remain_v in_o a_o private_a capacity_n this_o also_o be_v judge_v inconvenient_a if_o not_o unlawful_a by_o the_o first_o synod_n of_o ephesus_n in_o the_o case_n of_o eustathius_n he_o be_v as_o it_o appear_v a_o age_a man_n one_o that_o love_v his_o one_o peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o who_o can_v not_o well_o bear_v the_o opposition_n and_o reproach_n which_o he_o meet_v withal_o from_o the_o church_n or_o some_o in_o it_o and_o thereon_o solemn_o upon_o his_o own_o judgement_n without_o advice_n lay_v down_o and_o renounce_v his_o office_n in_o the_o church_n who_o thereupon_o choose_v a_o good_a man_n in_o his_o room_n yet_o do_v the_o synod_n condemn_v this_o practice_n and_o that_o not_o without_o weighty_a reason_n whereby_o they_o confirm_v their_o judgement_n but_o yet_o no_o general_a rule_n can_v be_v establish_v in_o this_o case_n nor_o be_v the_o judgement_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n precise_a herein_o clemens_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n express_o advise_v those_o on_o who_o occasion_n there_o be_v disturbance_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o office_n and_o withdraw_v from_o it_o gregory_n nazianzen_n do_v the_o same_o at_o constantinople_n and_o protest_v open_o that_o although_o he_o be_v himself_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o blame_n as_o he_o true_o be_v and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a man_n of_o his_o age_n yet_o he_o will_v depart_v or_o be_v cast_v out_o rather_o than_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v peace_n among_o they_o which_o he_o do_v according_o orat._n 52._o &_o vit_fw-mi nazian_n and_o afterward_o a_o synod_n at_o constantinople_n under_o photius_n conclude_v that_o in_o some_o case_n it_o be_v lawful_a can._n 5._o wherefore_o 1._o it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v lawful_a so_o to_o do_v mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o weakness_n of_o work_n and_o labour_n though_o occasion_v by_o age_n sickness_n or_o bodily_a distemper_n for_o no_o man_n be_v any_o way_n oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o he_o be_v able_a with_o the_o regular_a preservation_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o what_o ability_n a_o pastor_n have_v otherwise_o provide_v for_o itself_o in_o what_o be_v want_v 2._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a mere_o on_o a_o weariness_n of_o and_o despondency_n under_o opposition_n and_o reproach_n which_o a_o pastor_n be_v call_v and_o oblige_v to_o undergo_v for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o not_o to_o faint_v in_o the_o warfare_n wereto_o he_o be_v call_v these_o two_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o eustathius_n at_o perga_n which_o be_v disallow_v in_o the_o council_n at_o ephesus_n but_o 3._o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o such_o a_o incurable_a decay_n of_o intellectual_a ability_n as_o whereon_o a_o man_n can_v discharge_v no_o duty_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o it_o be_v lawful_a in_o case_n of_o incurable_a division_n in_o the_o church_n constant_o obstruct_v its_o edification_n and_o which_o can_v be_v remove_v whilst_o such_o a_o one_o continue_v in_o his_o office_n though_o he_o be_v no_o way_n the_o cause_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o clemens_n give_v advice_n and_o whereof_o gregory_n give_v a_o example_n in_o his_o own_o practice_n but_o this_o case_n and_o its_o determination_n will_v hold_v only_o where_o the_o division_n be_v incurable_a by_o any_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o if_o those_o who_o cause_n such_o division_n may_v be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o church_n may_v withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o or_o if_o there_o be_v division_n in_o fix_a party_n and_o principle_n opinion_n or_o practice_n they_o may_v separate_v into_o distinct_a communion_n in_o
commit_v to_o one_o sort_n of_o person_n only_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n absolute_o then_o be_v some_o commend_v who_o do_v not_o discharge_v their_o whole_a duty_n at_o least_o not_o comparative_o unto_o other_o which_o be_v a_o vain_a imagination_n that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v commit_v unto_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n and_o one_o of_o they_o only_o unto_o another_o each_o discharge_n its_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o its_o work_n and_o so_o both_o worthy_a of_o honour_n be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o which_o be_v object_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n namely_o that_o maintenance_n belong_v unto_o this_o double_a honour_n and_o so_o consequent_o that_o if_o there_o be_v elder_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o rule_n only_o that_o maintenance_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o from_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v so_o no_o doubt_n if_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o a_o allowance_n 2._o if_o their_o work_n be_v such_o as_o to_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o industry_n and_o 3._o if_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o without_o which_o consideration_n it_o may_v be_v dispense_v withal_o not_o only_o in_o they_o but_o in_o teach_v elder_n also_o our_o next_o testimony_n be_v from_o the_o same_o apostle_n rom._n 12.6_o 7._o 8._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a unto_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n he_o that_o give_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n with_o cheerfulness_n our_o argument_n from_o hence_o be_v this_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o rule_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o rule_v with_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o office_n whence_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o presides_n over_o other_o with_o authority_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o differ_v peculiar_a gift_n bestow_v on_o some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ver_fw-la 7._o and_o there_o be_v the_o especial_a manner_n prescribe_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o especial_a office_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o especial_a gift_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o peculiar_a diligence_n and_o this_o ruler_n be_v distinguish_v from_o he_o that_o exhort_v and_o he_o that_o teach_v with_o who_o especial_a work_n as_o such_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v even_o as_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o who_o give_v and_o show_v mercy_n that_o be_v there_o be_v a_o elder_a by_o office_n in_o the_o church_n who_o work_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o rule_n not_o to_o exhort_v or_o teach_v ministerial_o which_o be_v our_o rule_v elder_a it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o treat_v in_o this_o place_n of_o office_n function_n or_o distinct_a officer_n but_o of_o differ_v gift_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v according_a as_o their_o different_a nature_n do_v require_v sundry_a thing_n i_o shall_v return_v hereunto_o which_o will_v both_o explain_v the_o context_n and_o vindicate_v our_o argument_n 1._o those_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v principal_o allow_v no_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o office._n wherefore_o a_o distinct_a exercise_n of_o they_o be_v here_o place_v in_o distinct_a officer_n one_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o another_o 2._o give_v such_o a_o probable_a enumeration_n of_o the_o distinct_a office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o assert_v namely_o of_o arch-bishop_n bishop_n presbyter_n and_o chancellor_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o shall_v yield_v the_o cause_n 3._o gift_n alone_o do_v no_o more_o give_v no_o other_o warranty_n nor_o authority_n but_o only_o render_v man_n meet_v for_o their_o exercise_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o as_o occasion_n do_v require_v if_o a_o man_n have_v receive_v a_o gift_n of_o teach_v but_o be_v not_o call_v to_o office_n he_o be_v not_o oblige_v nor_o warrant_v thereby_o to_o attend_v on_o public_a teach_v nor_o be_v it_o require_v of_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n nor_o give_v in_o charge_n unto_o he_o as_o here_o it_o be_v 4._o there_o be_v in_o one_o rule_v require_v with_o diligence_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o ruler_n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o he_o that_o he_o attend_v unto_o his_o work_n with_o diligence_n and_o there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n require_v unto_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o thesis_n 1._o that_o this_o rule_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office-power_n 2._o that_o he_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v ascribe_v be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o pastoral_n and_o other_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o rule_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n or_o of_o office-power_n for_o it_o require_v 1._o a_o especial_a relation_n there_o be_v so_o between_o he_o that_o rule_v and_o they_o that_o be_v rule_v and_o this_o be_v the_o relation_n of_o office_n or_o all_o confusion_n will_v ensue_v 2._o especial_a prelation_n he_o that_o rule_v be_v over_o be_v above_o they_o that_o be_v rule_v obey_v they_o that_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n this_o in_o the_o church_n can_v be_v in_o any_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o office_n 3._o especial_a authority_n all_o lawful_a rule_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o office._n second_o that_o this_o officer_n be_v distinct_a from_o all_o other_o in_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v immediate_o demonstrate_v when_o we_o have_v a_o little_a further_o clear_v the_o context_n wherefore_o 5._o it_o be_v confess_v that_o respect_n be_v have_v unto_o gift_n have_v different_a gift_n ver_fw-la 6_o 7._o as_o all_o office-power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v found_v in_o they_o ephes._n 4.7_o 8_o 9_o 11_o 12._o but_o gift_n absolute_o with_o reference_n unto_o common_a use_n be_v not_o intend_v as_o in_o some_o other_o place_n but_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o respect_n unto_o office_n or_o function_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o they_o unto_o officer_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o text_n and_o context_n with_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o place_n for_o 1._o the_o analysis_n of_o the_o place_n direct_v unto_o this_o interpretation_n three_o sort_n of_o duty_n be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o chapter_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v universal_a belong_v absolute_o unto_o all_o and_o every_o one_o that_o appertain_v unto_o it_o which_o be_v declare_v ver_n 1.2_o 2._o such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o some_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o especial_a place_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o office._n 3_o such_o as_o be_v general_a or_o common_a with_o respect_n unto_o occasion_n from_o ver_fw-la 8._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n hence_o the_o same_o duty_n be_v double_o prescribe_v to_o some_o in_o way_n of_o especial_a office_n to_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o gracious_a duty_n in_o general_n so_o here_o he_o that_o give_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n vers._n 8._o be_v the_o same_o duty_n or_o work_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o with_o distribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n vers._n 13._o and_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o repeat_v his_o charge_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n in_o so_o few_o word_n as_o require_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o of_o the_o same_o person_n but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n by_o virtue_n of_o office_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a of_o its_o discharge_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o a_o grace_n in_o all_o believer_n the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n lie_v plain_a in_o the_o analysis_n of_o this_o discourse_n 2._o the_o context_n make_v the_o same_o truth_n evident_a for_o 1._o the_o whole_a ordinary_a public_a work_n of_o the_o church_n be_v distribute_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prophecy_n and_o ministry_n for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o here_o intend_v but_o only_o that_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o rule_n be_v the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
their_o judgement_n absolute_o in_o any_o case_n and_o in_o many_o their_o determination_n may_v be_v so_o doubtful_a as_o not_o to_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o he_o who_o be_v censure_v but_o such_o a_o person_n be_v not_o only_o a_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n also_o it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o judge_v as_o unto_o his_o interest_n therein_o if_o he_o do_v desire_v it_o and_o this_o can_v no_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o such_o synod_n as_o we_o shall_v immediate_o describe_v 6._o synod_n be_v consecrate_a unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o guidance_n of_o the_o first_o church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n which_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n as_o be_v give_v by_o they_o under_o the_o infallible_a conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 15._o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v far_o unto_o immediate_o have_v see_v the_o original_a of_o church_n synod_n or_o their_o formal_a cause_n we_o consider_v also_o their_o material_a cause_n or_o the_o subject_a matter_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o or_o determine_v in_o they_o and_o this_o in_o general_n be_v every_o thing_n wherein_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n among_o themselves_o when_o any_o thing_n fall_v out_o among_o they_o which_o otherwise_o will_v disturb_v that_o communion_n and_o hereof_o some_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v 1._o church_n have_v mutual_a communion_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith._n if_o any_o doubt_n or_o difference_n do_v arise_v about_o it_o any_o opinion_n be_v advance_v contrary_a unto_o it_o either_o in_o any_o particular_a church_n which_o they_o can_v determine_v among_o themselves_o or_o among_o sundry_a church_n the_o last_o outward_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n among_o they_o and_o of_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o error_n and_o opinion_n contrary_a unto_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n be_v by_o these_o synod_n or_o council_n the_o care_n hereof_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o first_o place_n commit_v unto_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o be_v at_o large_a before_o declare_v but_o in_o case_n through_o the_o subtlety_n prevalency_n and_o interest_n of_o those_o by_o who_o damnable_a doctrine_n be_v broach_v the_o church_n itself_o whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v not_o able_a to_o rebuke_v and_o suppress_v they_o nor_o to_o maintain_v its_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o that_o by_o suffer_v such_o thing_n in_o one_o church_n other_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v infect_v or_o defile_v this_o be_v the_o last_o external_a refuge_n that_o be_v leave_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o same_o faith._n we_o have_v multiply_v example_n hereof_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o these_o synod_n into_o superstition_n and_o domination_n such_o be_v eminent_o that_o gather_v at_o antioch_n for_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o heresy_n of_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la the_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o order_n peace_n and_o unity_n wherein_o every_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o itself_o and_o among_o its_o own_o member_n there_o be_v schism_n division_n strife_n and_o contention_n in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o apostolical_a plant_n and_o water_v so_o there_o be_v at_o antioch_n and_o afterward_o at_o corinth_n as_o also_o of_o some_o of_o the_o church_n in_o galatia_n the_o duty_n of_o remedy_v and_o heal_v these_o division_n and_o difference_n from_o what_o cause_n soever_o they_o arise_v be_v first_o incumbent_n on_o each_o particular_a member_n in_o every_o such_o church_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v give_v in_o charge_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o if_o every_o one_o of_o they_o do_v perform_v their_o duty_n in_o love_n a_o end_n will_v be_v put_v unto_o all_o strife_n in_o case_n of_o failure_n therein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v charge_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n authority_n and_o wisdom_n to_o rebuke_v and_o compose_v such_o difference_n but_o in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o able_a so_o to_o do_v as_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n than_o a_o assembly_n of_o other_o church_n walk_v in_o actual_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n wherein_o the_o difference_n be_v arisen_a and_o thereon_o concern_v in_o their_o prosperity_n and_o edification_n by_o their_o messenger_n and_o delegate_n be_v the_o last_o outward_a mean_n for_o its_o composure_n 3._o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o male_a administration_n of_o discipline_n whereby_o any_o member_n of_o a_o church_n have_v be_v injure_v as_o suppose_v they_o be_v undue_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n of_o some_o diotrephes_n or_o that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n make_v a_o party_n and_o faction_n to_o depose_v their_o elder_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n when_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n give_v they_o advice_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v necessary_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o the_o interest_n the_o person_n injure_v have_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o edification_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o church-administrations_a that_o the_o proceed_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v renew_v by_o a_o synod_n and_o a_o remedy_n provide_v in_o the_o case_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v leave_v without_o relief_n which_o be_v undue_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o diotrephes_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ordinary_a way_n hereof_o but_o only_o by_o synod_n but_o this_o case_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o afterward_o 4._o the_o same_o be_v the_o case_n with_o respect_n unto_o worship_n as_o also_o of_o manner_n and_o conversation_n if_o it_o be_v report_v or_o know_v by_o credible_a testimony_n that_o any_o church_n have_v admit_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n any_o thing_n superstitious_a or_o vain_a or_o if_o the_o member_n of_o it_o walk_v like_o those_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3.18_o 19_o unto_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n itself_o not_o endeavour_v its_o own_o reformation_n and_o repentance_n other_o church_n walk_v in_o communion_n therewith_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o more_o private_a way_n for_o its_o reduction_n as_o opportunity_n and_o duty_n may_v suggest_v unto_o their_o elder_n aught_o to_o assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n for_o advice_n either_o as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o far_a mean_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o to_o withhold_v communion_n from_o it_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n in_o its_o evil_a way_n the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o this_o part_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o gospel_n worship_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o gospel_n obedience_n in_o its_o power_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o decay_n and_o apostasy_n of_o they_o all_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o negligence_n instead_o of_o be_v helpful_a one_o to_o another_o for_o their_o mutual_a recovery_n and_o the_o revival_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v they_o gradual_o infect_v one_o another_o according_a as_o they_o fall_v into_o their_o decay_n and_o countenance_v one_o another_o by_o their_o example_n unto_o a_o continuance_n in_o such_o disorder_n the_o image_n which_o in_o late_a age_n be_v set_v up_o hereof_o in_o diocesan_n and_o metropolitical_a visitation_n and_o those_o of_o lesser_a district_n under_o officer_n of_o anti-christian_n name_n have_v be_v useful_a rather_o unto_o destruction_n than_o edification_n but_o so_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o most_o thing_n concern_v church-order_n worship_n and_o discipline_n the_o power_n and_o spirituality_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v lose_v a_o machine_n have_v be_v frame_v to_o make_v a_o appearance_n and_o representation_n of_o they_o to_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o inquire_v after_o the_o primitive_a institution_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o experience_n of_o their_o efficacy_n consider_v what_o we_o have_v learn_v in_o these_o late_a age_n by_o woeful_a experience_n of_o what_o have_v fall_v out_o former_o among_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o their_o degeneracy_n from_o gospel_n worship_n and_o holiness_n with_o the_o abound_v of_o temptation_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o the_o spiritual_a decay_n that_o all_o church_n be_v prone_a unto_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o if_o those_o church_n which_o do_v walk_v in_o express_a
arrive_v unto_o those_o which_o they_o call_v general_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o pope_n who_o senate_n they_o be_v but_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o countenance_n give_v they_o by_o any_o divine_a institution_n apostolical_a example_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a product_n of_o secular_a interest_n work_v itself_o in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n since_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n nation_n have_v be_v cast_v into_o distinct_a civil_a government_n of_o their_o own_o who_o sovereignty_n be_v in_o themselves_o by_o the_o event_n of_o war_n and_o counsel_n thereon_o emergent_a unto_o each_o of_o these_o it_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o church-state_n accommodate_v as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o the_o like_a who_o original_a and_o be_v depend_v on_o the_o first_o event_n of_o war_n in_o that_o dissolution_n unto_o these_o new_a church-state_n who_o be_v bound_n and_o limit_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o absolute_o by_o those_o of_o the_o civil_a government_n which_o they_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v think_v meet_v that_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n shall_v be_v accommodate_v but_o in_o what_o way_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v there_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o agreement_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o consider_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v about_o it_o which_o be_v know_v unto_o this_o nation_n on_o a_o dear_a account_n yet_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o whereas_o it_o be_v eminent_o useful_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n that_o all_o the_o church_n profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o same_o supreme_a civil_a government_n shall_v hold_v constant_a actual_a communion_n among_o themselves_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o it_o before_o mention_v i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v any_o abridgement_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o particular_a church_n or_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o their_o right_n which_o they_o hold_v by_o divine_a institution_n if_o through_o more_o constant_a lesser_a synod_n for_o advice_n there_o be_v a_o communication_n of_o their_o mutual_a concern_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v great_a until_o if_o occasion_n require_v and_o it_o be_v expedient_a there_o be_v a_o general_a assembly_n of_o they_o all_o to_o advise_v about_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v all_o concern_v but_o this_o be_v grant_v only_o with_o these_o limitation_n 1._o that_o the_o right_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o free_a election_n of_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o all_o these_o synod_n 2._o that_o they_o assume_v no_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o church_n or_o person_n in_o thing_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a 3._o that_o none_o be_v immediate_o concern_v in_o this_o proper_a synodal_n power_n or_o authority_n which_o what_o it_o be_v we_o shall_v inquire_v who_o be_v not_o present_a in_o they_o by_o their_o own_o delegate_n for_o that_o kind_n of_o synod_n which_o some_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la which_o be_v a_o convention_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o sundry_a parochial_a church_n distinguish_v for_o presential_a communion_n ordinary_o in_o some_o act_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o office-power_n it_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o a_o combination_n of_o they_o into_o one_o who_o original_a distinction_n be_v only_o in_o the_o civil_a limit_n of_o their_o cohabitation_n which_o probable_o may_v be_v do_v sometime_o and_o in_o some_o place_n unto_o edification_n 4._o the_o person_n of_o who_o all_o sort_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v to_o consist_v must_v be_v inquire_v into_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o mere_a humane_a prudential_a constitution_n that_o have_v long_a obtain_v in_o the_o church_n than_o that_o those_o shall_v be_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o and_o whereas_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o ☞_o have_v no_o record_n of_o any_o synod_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o until_o after_o the_o distinction_n be_v make_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o both_o sort_n of_o they_o but_o afterward_o those_o who_o be_v peculiar_o call_v bishop_n enclose_v this_o right_n unto_o themselves_o on_o what_o ground_n god_n know_v there_o be_v no_o one_o tittle_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o give_v they_o countenance_v therein_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v affirm_v that_o no_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n mere_o have_v right_o to_o be_v member_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n as_o such_o neither_o be_v there_o either_o example_n or_o reason_n to_o give_v colour_n unto_o any_o such_o pretence_n farther_o be_v no_o office-power_n to_o be_v exert_v in_o such_o synod_n as_o such_o neither_o conjunct_o by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o nor_o single_o by_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n bishop_n pastor_n elder_n may_v be_v present_a in_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v present_a in_o they_o be_v meet_a for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o to_o be_v but_o mere_o as_o such_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o the_o care_n oversight_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v the_o flock_n among_o they_o distinct_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o for_o that_o they_o be_v instruct_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office._n but_o as_o unto_o their_o conjunction_n in_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a act_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o commit_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o peculiar_a right_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office._n if_o it_o be_v so_o without_o respect_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o call_v they_o or_o of_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v they_o than_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o for_o that_o which_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o as_o such_o by_o virtue_n of_o office_n belong_v equal_o unto_o all_o and_o if_o it_o belong_v unto_o all_o than_o it_o belong_v unto_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n only_o as_o for_o instance_n bishop_n or_o unto_o all_o of_o all_o sort_n as_o for_o instance_n presbyter_n also_o if_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o latter_a way_n than_o every_o presbyter_n as_o such_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n have_v right_o and_o power_n to_o be_v present_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n for_o although_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o his_o office_n be_v not_o equal_a unto_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o also_o that_o this_o right_n do_v equal_o belong_v unto_o his_o office._n if_o the_o former_a be_v avow_v namely_o that_o this_o right_n belong_v unto_o bishop_n only_o such_o as_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n as_o such_o then_o 1._o i_o desire_v that_o any_o tolerable_a proof_n of_o the_o confinement_n of_o this_o right_n unto_o such_o a_o office_n be_v produce_v either_o from_o the_o scripture_n or_o reason_n or_o the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n which_o as_o yet_o i_o have_v never_o see_v 2._o i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v that_o a_o false_a presumption_n hereof_o be_v one_o principal_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o introduce_v tyranny_n into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o their_o liberty_n concern_v the_o composition_n that_o be_v make_v herein_o that_o some_o shall_v convene_v in_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a right_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o other_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o delegation_n from_o some_o of_o their_o own_o order_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a political_a constitution_n which_o i_o shall_v immediate_o speak_v unto_o it_o be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n example_n or_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o society_n in_o union_n or_o communion_n that_o will_v lead_v we_o any_o far_a than_o this_o that_o such_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v compose_v and_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v choose_v and_o delegated_a by_o those_o church_n respective_o who_o do_v act_n and_o exert_v their_o communion_n in_o such_o assembly_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o first_o example_n of_o they_o act._n 15._o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n choose_v and_o send_v messenger_n of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o advise_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n at_o which_o consultation_n the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n also_o be_v present_a and_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n it_o be_v on_o other_o account_n that_o they_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o history_n