of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n it_o iâ—_n say_v that_o paul_n kneel_v down_o and_o pray_v with_o they_o all_o and_o they_o all_o weep_v sore_o act_v 20.36.37_o compare_v with_o verse_n 28._o here_o be_v some_o good_a number_n import_v to_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n that_o be_v to_o the_o pastor_n thereof_o collective_o take_v christ_n say_v the_o devil_n shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n revel_v 2.10_o which_o if_o not_o only_o yet_o principal_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o pastor_n though_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o whole_a church_n this_o be_v more_o plain_a of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n verse_n 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unto_o you_o i_o say_v &_o to_o the_o rest_n in_o thyatira_n as_o if_o he_o will_v say_v say_v pareus_n tibi_fw-la â—spicopo_fw-la cum_fw-la collegis_fw-la &_o reliquo_fw-la coetui_fw-la dico_fw-la paul_n write_v to_o the_o bishop_n at_o philippi_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o notwithstanding_o that_o there_o be_v already_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o the_o apostle_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o send_v unto_o they_o epaphroditus_n also_o phil._n 2.25_o be_v short_o thereafter_o to_o send_v unto_o they_o timotheus_n verse_n 19_o yea_o to_o come_v himself_o verse_n 24._o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o scarcity_n of_o labourer_n in_o that_o harvest_n epaphras_n and_o archippus_n be_v pastor_n to_o the_o church_n at_o colosse_n and_o who_o beside_o we_o can_v tell_v but_o paul_n send_v unto_o they_o also_o tychicus_n and_o onesimuâ—_n col._n 4.7.9_o now_o touch_v the_o three_o proposition_n no_o man_n who_o understand_v will_v imagine_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n within_o one_o of_o those_o great_a city_n be_v divide_v into_o as_o many_o parish_n as_o there_o be_v meet_v place_n for_o worship_n it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o controversy_n who_o do_v begin_v the_o division_n of_o parish_n but_o whosoever_o it_o be_v whether_o evaristus_n or_o higinus_n or_o dionysius_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o than_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v in_o every_o city_n or_o to_o say_v in_o every_o church_n that_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tit._n 1.5_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v 14.22_o this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o anti-prelaticall_a writer_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v and_o by_o the_o prelatical_a writer_n also_o the_o last_o proposition_n as_o it_o have_v not_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o so_o it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o the_o former_a for_o that_o which_o make_v the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n within_o one_o city_n to_o be_v one_o church_n be_v their_o union_n under_o and_o their_o subjection_n unto_o the_o same_o church_n government_n and_o governor_n a_o multitude_n may_v be_v one_o church_n though_o they_o do_v not_o meet_v together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o example_n it_o may_v fall_v forth_o that_o a_o congregation_n can_v meet_v together_o into_o one_o but_o into_o divers_a place_n and_o this_o may_v continue_v so_o for_o some_o year_n together_o either_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n or_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o plague_n or_o because_o they_o have_v not_o such_o a_o large_a parish-church_n as_o may_v contain_v they_o all_o so_o that_o a_o part_n of_o they_o must_v meet_v in_o some_o other_o place_n but_o a_o multitude_n can_v be_v one_o church_n unless_o they_o communicate_v in_o the_o same_o church_n government_n and_o under_o the_o same_o governor_n by_o one_o church_n i_o mean_v one_o ecclesiastical_a republic_n even_o as_o the_o like_a union_n under_o civil_a government_n and_o governor_n make_v one_o corporation_n when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o all_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n 20.28_o he_o exhort_v they_o all_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v govern_v by_o the_o common_a counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o elder_n as_o hierome_n speak_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o say_v not_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o amsterdam_n because_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n have_v the_o charge_n and_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a from_o all_o which_o have_v be_v say_v i_o infer_v this_o corollary_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o presbytery_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a court_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o do_v ordain_v depose_v excommunicate_a etc._n etc._n do_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o pastor_n and_o elder_n as_o can_v with_o conveniency_n meet_v ordinary_o together_o which_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o warrant_n for_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n i_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o town_n no_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o do_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n notwithstanding_o whereof_o the_o pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o that_o congregation_n might_n and_o do_v manage_v the_o government_n of_o the_o same_o and_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n therein_o i_o confess_v also_o that_o in_o those_o city_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o can_v meet_v together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o presbytery_n do_v consist_v of_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n within_o such_o a_o city_n for_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n any_o christian_a congregation_n in_o landward_o village_n the_o persecution_n force_v christian_n to_o choose_v the_o shelter_n of_o city_n for_o which_o reason_n many_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o infidel_n in_o those_o day_n be_v call_v pagani_n because_o they_o alone_o dwell_v in_o pagis_fw-la and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o adjacent_a to_o city_n we_o must_v think_v the_o same_o shall_v have_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o common_a presbytery_n their_o own_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v a_o part_n thereof_o howsoever_o it_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n that_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v make_v up_o of_o as_o many_o as_o can_v convenient_o meet_v together_o for_o manage_v the_o ordinary_a matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o church-government_n the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o divers_a city_n can_v not_o convenient_o have_v such_o ordinary_a meeting_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o persecution_n only_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n within_o one_o city_n have_v such_o conveniency_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v we_o do_v not_o forsake_v but_o follow_v the_o pattern_n when_o we_o join_v together_o a_o number_n of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n out_o of_o the_o congregation_n in_o a_o convenient_a circuit_n to_o make_v up_o a_o common_a presbytery_n which_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o govern_v those_o congregation_n for_o if_o the_o presbytery_n which_o we_o find_v in_o those_o city_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n plant_v church_n be_v a_o sure_a pattern_n for_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v than_o it_o follow_v undeniable_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o church-government_n of_o excommunication_n ordination_n etc._n etc._n which_o do_v belong_v to_o that_o primitive_a presbytery_n do_v also_o belong_v to_o those_o our_o classical_a or_o great_a presbytery_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o authority_n of_o synod_n provincial_n and_o national_n touch_v synod_n i_o shall_v first_o show_v what_o their_o power_n be_v and_o thereafter_o give_v argument_n for_o the_o same_o the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n which_o we_o ascribe_v unto_o synod_n be_v the_o same_o in_o nature_n and_o kind_n with_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o presbytery_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o presbytery_n do_v exercise_v it_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o in_o matter_n proper_a to_o the_o congregation_n within_o their_o circuit_n synod_n do_v exercise_v this_o power_n in_o matter_n which_o be_v common_a to_o a_o whole_a province_n or_o nation_n or_o if_o in_o matter_n proper_a to_o the_o bound_n of_o one_o presbytery_n it_o be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n that_o be_v to_o say_v when_o either_o presbytery_n have_v err_v in_o the_o manage_n of_o their_o own_o matter_n or_o when_o such_o thing_n be_v transfer_v to_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o presbytery_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o appellation_n or_o by_o reference_n the_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n whereof_o i_o speak_v be_v threefold_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o it_o be_v distinguish_v by_o our_o writer_n and_o all_o these_o three_o do_v in_o manner_n foresay_a belong_v unto_o synod_n in_o respect_n of_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o worship_n a_o synod_n be_v judex_n or_o testis_fw-la in_o respect_n of_o external_a order_n and_o policy_n in_o circumstance_n a_o contriver_n of_o a_o
feminine_a quod_fw-la si_fw-la qua_fw-la yet_o our_o english_a translator_n and_o many_o good_a interpreter_n turn_v it_o in_o the_o masculine_a and_o sure_o it_o shall_v have_v more_o weight_n if_o it_o agree_v to_o man_n as_o well_o as_o woman_n say_v calvin_n upon_o that_o place_n now_o they_o who_o read_v in_o the_o masculine_a that_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v there_o of_o widow_n will_v not_o we_o suppose_v blame_v we_o for_o read_v rom._n 12.8_o in_o the_o masculine_a also_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n we_o conclude_v our_o three_o argument_n thus_o whatsoever_o office-bearer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v different_a from_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o yet_o rule_v the_o church_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o roll_a elder_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mention_v rom._n 12.8_o be_v different_a from_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o yet_o rule_v the_o church_n ergo._fw-la chap._n vi_o argument_n 4._o from_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o our_o four_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o where_o we_o find_v again_o a_o enumeration_n of_o sundry_a office_n in_o the_o church_n though_o not_o so_o perfect_a as_o that_o rom._n 12._o and_o among_o other_o help_n that_o be_v deacon_n and_o government_n that_o be_v rule_v elâ—ers_n where_o we_o can_v enough_o admire_v how_o the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a english_a translation_n be_v bold_a to_o turn_v it_o thus_o help_v in_o government_n so_o to_o make_v one_o of_o two_o and_o to_o elude_v our_o argument_n the_o original_n have_v they_o clear_o distinguish_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o find_v some_o late_a edition_n of_o the_o english_a translation_n to_o have_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a help_n government_n how_o this_o change_n have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o english_a bibles_n i_o know_v not_o chrysostome_n expound_v this_o place_n do_v not_o take_v help_n and_o governement_n to_o be_v all_o one_o as_o bilson_n have_v bold_o 204_o but_o false_o aver_v nay_o chrysostome_n make_v the_o meaning_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v ut_fw-la pauperes_fw-la suscipiamus_fw-la and_o the_o meaning_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o expound_v to_o be_v praeesse_fw-la ac_fw-la curam_fw-la gerere_fw-la &_o res_fw-la administrare_fw-la spirituales_fw-la the_o former_a belong_v to_o deacon_n the_o late_a to_o rule_v elder_n two_o answer_n be_v make_v to_o this_o place_n first_o 26._o d._n field_n answer_v that_o both_o here_o and_o rom._n 12.8_o we_o reason_n à _fw-la genere_fw-la ad_fw-la speciem_fw-la affirmatiuè_fw-la because_o the_o apostle_n mention_v governor_n who_o he_o require_v to_o rule_v with_o diligence_n therefore_o they_o be_v such_o elder_n as_o we_o plead_v for_o 114.115_o whitgift_n say_v the_o word_n governor_n 1._o cor._n 12.28_o and_o ruler_n rom._n 12.8_o be_v general_n and_o may_v either_o signify_v christian_a magistrate_n or_o ecclesiastical_a as_o archbishop_n bishop_n or_o whatsoever_o other_o by_o lawful_a authority_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n we_o reply_v 12.8_o first_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v mention_v ruler_n or_o governor_n alone_o then_o may_v we_o have_v indeed_o guess_v that_o he_o mean_v a_o general_a kind_n only_o and_o no_o particular_a species_n but_o since_o he_o have_v enumerate_v so_o many_o species_n as_o apostle_n prophet_n teacher_n gift_n of_o miracle_n gift_n of_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n sure_o they_o do_v either_o most_o ignorant_o or_o most_o malicious_o err_v who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n put_v a_o genus_fw-la in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o species_n second_o the_o apostle_n speak_v only_o of_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n what_o mean_v whitgift_n to_o extend_v his_o word_n to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n t._n c._n answer_v he_o that_o he_o can_v not_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o church_n and_o common-wealh_a and_o so_o betwixt_o the_o church_n officer_n and_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n he_o reply_v that_o he_o can_v not_o put_v any_o such_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o that_o the_o one_o may_v not_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o apostle_n word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o for_o i_o utter_o renounce_v say_v he_o that_o distinction_n invent_v by_o papist_n and_o maintain_v by_o you_o which_o be_v that_o christian_a magistrate_n govern_v not_o in_o the_o respect_n they_o be_v christian_n but_o in_o the_o respect_n they_o be_v man_n and_o that_o they_o govern_v christian_n not_o in_o that_o they_o be_v christian_n but_o in_o that_o they_o be_v man_n which_o be_v to_o give_v no_o more_o authority_n to_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n then_o to_o the_o great_a turk_n let_v our_o opposite_n here_o go_v by_o the_o ear_n among_o themselves_o for_o m._n io._n wemy_n hold_v 123._o that_o all_o king_n have_v alike_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o church_n infidel_n as_o well_o as_o christian_a king_n we_o hold_v that_o christian_a magistrate_n govern_v their_o subject_n neither_o as_o christian_n nor_o as_o man_n but_o as_o magistrate_n and_o they_o govern_v christian_a subject_n as_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o like_a manner_n christian_n be_v govern_v by_o magistrate_n neither_o as_o they_o be_v christian_n nor_o as_o they_o be_v man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v subject_n and_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o christian_a magistrate_n as_o they_o be_v christian_a subject_n and_o we_o all_o maintain_v that_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v great_a authority_n over_o christian_a subject_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o conservation_n and_o purgation_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o great_a turk_n nor_o no_o infidel_n magistrate_n have_v or_o can_v have_v except_o he_o become_v christian._n but_o what_o do_v i_o digress_v after_o the_o impertinency_n of_o a_o rove_a disputer_n for_o what_o of_o all_o this_o let_v christian_n magistrate_n govern_v as_o you_o will_v will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o his_o office_n be_v ecclesiastical_a or_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o apostle_n prophet_n teacher_n etc._n etc._n wherefore_o let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o other_o answer_n which_o be_v make_v by_o saravia_n 115._o he_o say_v that_o though_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o reckon_v out_o different_a gift_n we_o need_v not_o for_o that_o understand_v different_a person_n nor_o make_v different_a order_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n heal_a tongue_n and_o prophecy_n which_o may_v be_v and_o be_v in_o one_o man_n whereupon_o he_o resolve_v the_o text_n thus_o that_o first_o paul_n set_v down_o three_o distinct_a order_n apostle_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n then_o he_o reckon_v forth_o these_o common_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o govern_v among_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o three_o 191._o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o governor_n but_o government_n say_v sutcliffe_n to_o show_v that_o he_o mean_v of_o faculty_n not_o of_o person_n so_o say_v bilson_n in_o like_a manner_n for_o confutation_n of_o all_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v first_o that_o the_o gift_n speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v give_v of_o god_n for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n second_o these_o gift_n the_o apostle_n consider_v not_o abstractâ—â—è_fw-la à _fw-la subjectis_fw-la but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o man_n endue_v with_o they_o as_o be_v plain_a for_o he_o have_v before_o reckon_v forth_o the_o gift_n themselves_o vers_fw-la 8.9.10_o and_o if_o here_o he_o do_v no_o more_o but_o reckon_v they_o over_o again_o this_o be_v actum_fw-la agere_fw-la he_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o these_o gift_n by_o the_o office-bearer_n of_o the_o church_n vers_fw-la 27.29_o and_o though_o the_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 28._o speak_v concretive_o only_a of_o these_o three_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n yet_o the_o rest_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n per_fw-la metoxymiam_fw-la adjuncti_fw-la as_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o magistracy_n and_o ministry_n for_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n yea_o the_o apostle_n vers_fw-la 29.30_o so_o expound_v himself_o where_o he_o speak_v concretiuè_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n whereof_o he_o seem_v before_o to_o speak_v abstractiuè_fw-la he_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o different_a subject_n which_o be_v most_o evident_a both_o by_o his_o protasis_n wherein_o he_o do_v again_o press_v the_o same_o simile_n of_o the_o several_a office_n not_o of_o the_o same_o but_o of_o several_a member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o likewise_o by_o the_o word_n immediate_o subjoin_v be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n he_o will_v have_v stand_v here_o and_o say_v no_o more_o if_o he_o have_v mean_v to_o distinguish_v these_o three_o order_n only_o as_o saravia_n expound_v he_o but_o now_o to_o make_v it_o plain_o
the_o conâ—esâ—ion_n of_o our_o opposite_n for_o roll_a elder_n the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o only_o maintain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d cartâ—right_n aâ—â—rsâ—_n bucerâ—â—_n and_o other_o who_o our_o opposite_n will_v call_v partial_a writer_n let_v he_o who_o please_v read_v the_o commentary_n of_o martyr_n 〈◊〉_d gualther_n hemmingius_n piscator_fw-la paraus_n upon_o rom._n 12.8_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o aretius_n on_o act._n 14.23_o zepper_n de_fw-fr polit._n eccles._n l._n 3._o c._n 1._o &_o 12._o bullinger_n on_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o arculâ—rius_n on_o act._n 14.23_o catal_a test_n verit_fw-la col_fw-fr 103._o osâ—and_n cent_n 1_o l._n 4._o c._n 11._o chemnâ—t_fw-la exam_fw-la part_n 2._o pâ—g_v 2â—8_n gerard._n loâ—_n theol._n tom_n 6_o pâ—g_n 363_o â—64_n muscul._n loc_n come_v de_fw-fr eccles._n c._n 5_o bucan_n loc_n come_v â—oc_fw-la 42._o suetanus_fw-la de_fw-la discipl_n eccles._n part_n 4_o c._n 3._o polanus_fw-la synt._n l._n 7._o c_o 11._o zanchius_n in_o 4_o praecep_v col_fw-fr 727._o junius_n animad_fw-la in_o bellâ—r_n cont_n 5._o l_o 1._o c_o 2_o danaeus_n de_fw-fr polit._n christ._n l._n 6_o p_o 452._o alsted_n theol._n case_z pag._n 518.520_o sopingâ—us_fw-la ad_fw-la bonam_fw-la fidem_fw-la sibrandi_fw-la pag._n 253._o etc._n etc._n the_o professor_n of_o leyden_n synt._n pur_fw-mi theol._n disp._n 42._o and_o sundry_a other_o who_o testimony_n i_o omit_v for_o brevity_n cause_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o note_v the_o place_n the_o author_n of_o the_o assertion_n for_o true_a and_o christian_a church_n policy_n pag._n 196.197_o cit_v for_o rule_v elder_n the_o testimony_n the_o commissioner_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o authorize_v to_o compile_v a_o book_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o law_n ecclesiastical_a among_o who_o be_v the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n they_o say_v let_v the_o minister_n go_v apart_o with_o some_o of_o the_o elder_n take_v counsel_n etc._n etc._n voetâ—us_o cit_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n marlorat_n hyperius_fw-la fulke_n whittaker_n fenner_n bunnius_fw-la willet_n sadeel_v lubbertus_n trelcatius_n both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o yea_o socinus_n and_o the_o remonstrant_n beside_o we_o have_v for_o we_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o well_o reform_a church_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o french_a the_o belgic_a and_o the_o helveticke_a church_n to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o harmony_n of_o confession_n but_o what_o will_v you_o say_v if_o the_o adversary_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v force_v to_o say_v somewhat_o for_o they_o 1._o whitgift_n confess_v not_o only_o that_o our_o division_n of_o elder_n into_o preach_v elder_n and_o roll_a elder_n have_v learned_a patron_n but_o also_o that_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v govern_v senior_n 114._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v i_o know_v that_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n they_o have_v in_o every_o church_n senior_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v commit_v saravia_n dare_v they_o his_o word_n likewise_o 104._o quod_fw-la à _fw-la i_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o dispute_v by_o i_o in_o that_o meaning_n that_o the_o belgic_a church_n or_o any_o other_o which_o do_v with_o edification_n use_v the_o service_n of_o these_o elder_n shall_v rash_o change_v any_o thing_n before_o that_o which_o be_v better_o be_v substitute_n again_o speak_v of_o the_o government_n of_o rule_v elder_n 118._o he_o say_v quod_fw-la ut_fw-la etc._n etc._n which_o as_o i_o judge_v profitable_a and_o good_a to_o be_v constitute_v in_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o commonwealth_n so_o i_o affirm_v no_o church_n no_o commonwealth_n to_o be_v bind_v thereto_o by_o divine_a law_n except_o perhaps_o necessity_n compel_v or_o great_a utility_n allure_v and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n require_v it_o loe_o here_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n struggle_v with_o one_o contrary_a mind_v he_o judge_v the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n profitable_a and_o good_a yet_o not_o of_o divine_a right_n yet_o hâ—e_v â—cknowledgeth_v that_o necessity_n utility_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n make_v we_o tie_v to_o it_o even_o by_o divine_a right_n but_o if_o it_o be_v profitable_a and_o good_a why_o do_v he_o call_v in_o question_n the_o necessity_n at_o least_o the_o utility_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o it_o can_v one_o call_v in_o question_n the_o utility_n of_o that_o which_o be_v profitable_a he_o will_v have_v say_v the_o truth_n but_o it_o stick_v in_o his_o tooth_n and_o can_v not_o come_v forth_o saelâ—vius_n de_fw-fr council_n lib._n ay_o cap._n 8._o say_v that_o among_o the_o jew_n seniores_fw-la tribuum_fw-la the_o elder_n of_o the_o tribe_n do_v sit_v with_o the_o priest_n in_o judge_a controversy_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n hence_o he_o argue_v against_o bellarmine_n that_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n also_o because_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n be_v no_o lessâ—_n thâ—n_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n câ—mero_n tell_v we_o 118._o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n 1_o coâ—_n 6._o reprove_v the_o corinthian_n for_o that_o when_o one_o of_o 〈◊〉_d have_v â—_o matter_n against_o another_o they_o 〈…〉_z the_o saint_n to_o be_v â—udges_n 〈…〉_z noâ—_n by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈…〉_z multitude_n sedeos_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o ecclesia_fw-la constituti_fw-la craft_n 68_o ut_fw-la vacarent_fw-la gubernationi_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la that_o be_v â—hose_v who_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n to_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n my_o lord_n craigtanne_v find_v the_o strength_n of_o that_o argument_n that_o if_o beside_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n other_o grave_n and_o wise_a christian_n may_v be_v present_a in_o the_o great_a assembly_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n why_o not_o in_o presbytery_n also_o answer_v that_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o that_o the_o wise_a sorâ—_n among_o the_o people_n be_v join_v as_o helper_n and_o assistant_n to_o the_o pastor_n provide_v that_o this_o their_o auxiliary_a function_n be_v not_o obtrude_v as_o necessary_a this_o be_v somewhat_o for_o we_o but_o we_o say_v further_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o oecumenicke_n counsel_n for_o no_o less_o do_v the_o argument_n of_o our_o divine_n in_o that_o question_n with_o the_o papist_n conclude_v then_o be_v it_o necessary_a in_o presbytery_n also_o chap._n xi_o doctor_n field_n five_o argument_n against_o roll_a 〈…〉_z his_o fiâ—st_a reason_n that_o show_v 〈◊〉_d to_o think_v there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d any_o 〈…〉_z church_n be_v because_o bishop_n presbyter_n that_o preach_v and_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n and_o deacon_n howsoever_o they_o much_o degenerate_v in_o late_a time_n yet_o all_o still_o remain_v in_o all_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n both_o greek_a and_o latin_a in_o their_o name_n and_o office_n also_o in_o some_o sort_n but_o of_o these_o roll_a elder_n there_o be_v no_o footstep_n to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v not_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n whereas_o there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o remain_v of_o these_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o have_v they_o ever_o have_v any_o institution_n from_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o the_o other_o have_v to_o this_o we_o answer_v 1._o if_o the_o christian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n have_v want_v rule_v elder_n long_o than_o they_o do_v yet_o prescription_n can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n 2._o after_o that_o the_o golden_a age_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v spend_v and_o go_v exact_a diligence_n be_v not_o take_v to_o have_v the_o church_n provide_v with_o well_o qualify_a minister_n but_o many_o unfit_a man_n yea_o sundry_a heretic_n enter_v into_o that_o sacred_a vocation_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o corruption_n and_o error_n overflow_v the_o church_n 103._o as_o both_o eusebius_n prove_v from_o aegesippus_n and_o catalogus_fw-la testium_fw-la veritatis_fw-la from_o irenaus_n may_v not_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o change_v the_o office-bearer_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o in_o the_o roman_a yea_o in_o prelatical_a church_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o footstep_n at_o all_o of_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v presbyter_n and_o deacon_n as_o they_o be_v institute_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o apostle_n ordain_v presbyter_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o key_n but_o the_o popish_a and_o prelatical_a presbyter_n have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n nor_o the_o power_n of_o church_n government_n for_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o their_o prelate_n as_o for_o the_o other_o two_o they_o be_v common_a to_o their_o deacon_n for_o they_o also_o do_v preach_v and_o baptise_v the_o office_n of_o the_o popish_a priest_n stand_v in_o two_o thing_n to_o consecrate_v and_o offer_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o absolve_v
injury_n or_o to_o give_v a_o offence_n unto_o another_o and_o for_o these_o end_n it_o be_v most_o necessary_a that_o they_o be_v govern_v by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n 5._o there_o may_v be_v a_o competition_n or_o a_o controversy_n not_o only_o betwixt_o one_o congregation_n and_o another_o but_o in_o the_o same_o congregation_n betwixt_o the_o one_o half_a and_o the_o other_o yea_o the_o eldership_n itself_o of_o that_o congregation_n may_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v divide_v in_o itself_o and_o how_o shall_v thing_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o common_a presbytery_n 6._o but_o which_o be_v caput_fw-la rei_fw-la these_o our_o classical_a presbytery_n have_v a_o certain_a warrant_n from_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n for_o proof_n whereof_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o appear_v 1._o that_o in_o those_o city_n at_o least_o in_o many_o of_o they_o where_o christian_n religion_n be_v plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n than_o either_o do_v or_o convenient_o can_v meet_v together_o into_o one_o place_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o in_o those_o city_n there_o be_v a_o plurality_n not_o only_o of_o rule_v elder_n but_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n 3._o that_o notwithstanding_o hereof_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n within_o the_o city_n be_v one_o church_n 4._o that_o the_o whole_a number_n and_o several_a company_n of_o christian_n within_o one_o city_n be_v all_o govern_v by_o one_o common_a presbytery_n the_o second_o of_o these_o do_v follow_v upon_o the_o first_o and_o the_o four_o upon_o the_o three_o the_o first_o proposition_n may_v be_v make_v good_a by_o induction_n of_o particular_n and_o first_o it_o be_v more_o than_o evident_a of_o jerusalem_n where_o we_o find_v unto_o 120_o disciple_n act._n 1.15_o add_v 8000._o by_o peter_n two_o sermon_n act._n 2.41_o and_o 4.4_o beside_o who_o there_o be_v yet_o more_o multitude_n add_v act._n 5.14_o and_o after_o that_o also_o we_o read_v of_o a_o further_a multiplication_n of_o the_o disciple_n act._n 6.1_o by_o occasion_n whereof_o the_o seven_o deacon_n be_v choose_v and_o ordain_v which_o make_v some_o to_o conjecture_v that_o there_o be_v seven_o congregation_n a_o deacon_n for_o every_o one_o certain_o there_o be_v rather_o more_o than_o few_o though_o we_o can_v determine_v how_o many_o it_o be_v write_v of_o samaria_n that_o the_o people_n with_o one_o accord_n give_v heed_n unto_o philip_n act._n 8.6_o even_o all_o of_o they_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a who_o have_v before_o give_v heed_n to_o simon_n of_o these_o all_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o believe_v philip_n and_o be_v baptize_v vers_fw-la 10.12_o which_o make_v the_o apostle_n that_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n when_o they_o hear_v that_o the_o great_a city_n samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n the_o harvest_n be_v so_o great_a that_o philip_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o it_o v_o 14._o of_o joppa_n it_o be_v say_v 9.42_o that_o many_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n of_o antâ—och_n wâ—_n read_v that_o a_o great_a number_n believe_v and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n act._n 11.21_o of_o iconium_n that_o a_o great_a multitude_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o also_o of_o the_o greek_n believe_v act._n 14.1_o of_o lidda_n that_o all_o who_o dwell_v therein_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n act._n 9.35_o of_o berâ—a_n that_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v also_o of_o the_o honourable_a woman_n and_o the_o man_n not_o a_o few_o act._n 17.12_o of_o corinth_n the_o lord_n say_v i_o have_v much_o people_n in_o this_o city_n act._n 18.10_o oâ—_n ephesus_z we_o find_v that_o â—eare_z fall_v on_o all_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n which_o dwell_v there_o and_o many_o believe_v yea_o many_o of_o the_o magician_n themselves_o who_o book_n that_o be_v burn_v amount_v to_o fifâ—y_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n so_o mighty_o grow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prevail_v act._n 19.17.18.19.20_o unto_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o city_n let_v we_o add_v another_o consideration_n viz._n that_o they_o have_v no_o temple_n as_o now_o we_o have_v but_o private_a place_n â—or_a their_o holy_a assembly_n such_o as_o the_o house_n of_o mary_n act._n 12.12_o the_o school_n of_o tyrannus_n act_n 19.9_o a_o upper_a chamber_n at_o trâ—â—s_n act._n â—0_n 8_o paul_n lodging_n at_o rome_n act._n 28._o â—3_n neither_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n why_o the_o church_n which_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n rom._n 16.5_o 1_o cor._n 16.19_o shall_v not_o be_v understand_v to_o be_v a_o congregation_n as_o erasmus_n read_v it_o that_o be_v such_o a-number_n of_o christian_n as_o meet_v together_o in_o their_o house_n so_o we_o read_v of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n col._n 4.15_o and_o of_o the_o church_n 〈…〉_z house_n of_o archippus_n philem_n v._n 2._o 〈…〉_z iâ—_n be_v certain_a that_o christian_n meet_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d house_n by_o house_n domatius_fw-la act._n 2.46_o both_o these_o consideration_n viz._n the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n in_o one_o city_n and_o their_o assemble_v together_o for_o worship_n in_o private_a house_n have_v also_o place_n in_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n 1._o let_v eusebius_n speak_v for_o they_o both_o who_o can_v describe_v say_v he_o those_o innumerable_a heap_n &_o flock_a multitude_n throughout_o all_o city_n and_o famous_a assembly_n frequent_v the_o place_n dedicate_v to_o prayer_n thereafter_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v how_o in_o aftertime_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o emperor_n christian_n have_v throughout_o all_o city_n ample_a church_n build_v for_o they_o they_o not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o old_a orâ—toria_n which_o be_v but_o private_a house_n now_o these_o two_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o want_n of_o temple_n shall_v abundant_o give_v light_n to_o my_o first_o proposition_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o all_o the_o disciple_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v meet_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d into_o one_o place_n act._n 2.44_o and_o the_o same_o be_v say_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o ans._n the_o disciple_n at_o jerusalem_n 46._o be_v at_o that_o time_n above_o 3000._o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v how_o any_o private_a house_n can_v cotain_v they_o beside_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o break_v bread_n that_o be_v do_v celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n from_o house_n to_o house_n therefore_o many_o good_a interpreter_n understand_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o all_o the_o disciple_n be_v link_v together_o into_o one_o by_o amity_n and_o love_n a_o evidence_n whereof_o be_v give_v in_o the_o next_o word_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a to_o the_o other_o place_n we_o answer_v 1._o that_o epistle_n whether_o it_o be_v write_v from_o philippi_n or_o from_o ephesus_n be_v undoubted_o write_v very_o late_o after_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o corinth_n while_o as_o that_o church_n be_v yet_o in_o her_o infancy_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o at_o that_o time_n the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n may_v and_o do_v meet_v together_o into_o one_o place_n this_o prove_v not_o that_o it_o be_v so_o afterward_o for_o the_o church_n increase_v in_o number_n daily_o act._n 16.5_o but_o 2._o the_o place_n of_o the_o apostle_n prove_v not_o that_o which_o be_v allege_v for_o his_o word_n may_v be_v understand_v in_o sensu_fw-la distributivo_fw-la it_o be_v no_o solecism_n for_o one_o that_o be_v write_v to_o divers_a congregation_n to_o say_v when_o you_o come_v together_o into_o one_o place_n mean_v distributive_o of_o every_o congregation_n not_o collective_o of_o they_o all_o together_o my_o second_o proposition_n concern_v the_o plurality_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o those_o great_a city_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n do_v erect_v christian_a church_n arise_v from_o these_o ground_n 1._o the_o multiplicity_n of_o christian_n 2._o the_o want_n of_o temple_n of_o which_o two_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v 3._o the_o daily_a increase_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o great_a number_n act_v 16.5.4_o there_o be_v need_n of_o preacher_n not_o only_o for_o those_o who_o be_v already_o convert_v in_o the_o city_n but_o also_o for_o labour_v to_o win_v the_o unbeliever_n who_o be_v therein_o these_o reason_n may_v make_v we_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v as_o many_o pastor_n in_o one_o city_n as_o there_o be_v sacred_a meeting_n therein_o and_o some_o more_o also_o for_o the_o respect_n foresay_a and_o what_o will_v you_o say_v if_o we_o find_v example_n of_o this_o plurality_n of_o pastor_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n
desideret_fw-la 5._o add_v unto_o these_o a_o distinction_n betwixt_o a_o congregation_n lie_v alone_o in_o a_o island_n province_n or_o nation_n and_o a_o congregation_n border_v with_o sister_n church_n if_o either_o there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o province_n or_o if_o there_o be_v many_o far_o distant_a one_o from_o another_o so_o that_o their_o pastor_n and_o elder_n can_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o then_o may_v a_o particular_a congregation_n do_v many_o thing_n by_o itself_o alone_o which_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v where_o there_o be_v adjacent_a neighbour_a congregation_n together_o with_o which_o it_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v a_o common_a presbytery_n 6._o let_v we_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o subordination_n of_o one_o congregation_n to_o another_o or_o of_o over_o eldership_n to_o another_o and_o the_o subordination_n of_o any_o congregation_n and_o of_o the_o eldership_n thereof_o to_o a_o superior_a presbytery_n or_o synod_n make_v out_o of_o many_o congregation_n as_o one_o provincial_a synod_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o another_o provincial_n synod_n yet_o all_o the_o provincial_n synod_n in_o the_o nation_n be_v subject_a 〈◊〉_d the_o national_n synod_n so_o it_o be_v also_o with_o the_o ordinary_a consistory_n one_o particular_a eldership_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o another_o yet_o all_o the_o particular_a eldership_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o common_a presbytery_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o this_o subordination_n which_o we_o maintain_v and_o the_o subordination_n of_o all_o the_o parish_n in_o a_o diocese_n to_o the_o praelate_n and_o his_o cathedral_n where_o douname_n do_v object_n that_o all_o the_o parish_n of_o geneva_n be_v hierarchical_o subject_a to_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o city_n parker_n deny_v this_o nisi_fw-la quis_fw-la etc._n etc._n unless_o say_v he_o 23._o peradventure_o one_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o himself_o for_o the_o parish_n each_o for_o their_o own_o part_n and_o that_o alihe_v be_v this_o same_o presbytery_n and_o after_o consistorium_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o cathedral_n church_n be_v a_o external_a meeting_n divers_a distinct_a and_o separate_a from_o the_o rural_a church_n which_o be_v no_o part_n thereof_o this_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o geneva_n 7._o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o dependence_n absolute_a and_o in_o some_o respect_n a_o congregation_n do_v absolute_o depend_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n alone_o as_o the_o perfect_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n and_o of_o church-government_n for_o we_o accurse_v the_o tyranny_n of_o prelate_n who_o claim_v to_o themselves_o a_o autocratoricke_n power_n over_o congregation_n assemb_v to_o who_o they_o give_v their_o naked_a will_n for_o a_o law_n one_o of_o themselves_o tell_v a_o whole_a synod_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o esteem_v that_o best_a which_o seem_v so_o to_o superior_n and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o the_o conscience_n for_o obey_v though_o the_o thing_n be_v inconvenient_a we_o say_v that_o congregation_n ought_v indeed_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n yet_o not_o absolute_o but_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o constitution_n of_o presbytery_n and_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o christian_a discretion_n for_o a_o synod_n be_v judex_n judicandus_fw-la and_o regula_n regulata_n so_o that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v blind_o obey_v whether_o the_o ordinance_n be_v convenient_a or_o inconvenient_a last_o of_o all_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o the_o division_n of_o parish_n and_o the_o state_n of_o our_o church_n now_o after_o such_o division_n at_o the_o first_o when_o the_o multitude_n of_o christian_n in_o those_o great_a city_n of_o rome_n corinth_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o divide_v into_o several_a parish_n the_o common_a presbytery_n in_o the_o city_n do_v suffice_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o particular_a consistory_n of_o elder_n for_o every_o assembly_n and_o congregation_n of_o christian_n within_o the_o city_n except_o perhaps_o to_o admonish_v rebuke_n exhort_v or_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o common_a presbytery_n but_o after_o that_o parish_n be_v divide_v and_o christian_a congregation_n plant_v in_o the_o rural_a village_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o city_n from_o henceforth_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o congregation_n shall_v have_v at_o hand_n within_o itself_o a_o certain_a consistory_n for_o some_o act_n of_o church-government_n though_o still_o those_o of_o great_a importance_n be_v reserve_v to_o the_o great_a presbytery_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o out_o of_o desire_n to_o avoid_v unnecessary_a question_n set_v down_o my_o conception_n concern_v the_o eldership_n of_o particular_a congregation_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o i_o seem_v to_o deny_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o same_o or_o that_o they_o have_v any_o warrant_n from_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n i_o answer_v i_o acknowledge_v the_o conformity_n of_o the_o same_o with_o the_o pattern_n thus_o far_o 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o in_o some_o small_a city_n especial_o the_o same_o not_o be_v whole_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n there_o be_v but_o one_o christian_a congregation_n the_o eldership_n whereof_o do_v manage_v matter_n of_o jurisdiction_n proper_a thereto_o 2._o even_o in_o the_o great_a city_n at_o the_o first_o there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n of_o christian_n and_o so_o but_o one_o particular_a eldership_n 3._o after_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v spread_v and_o christian_n be_v multiply_v in_o those_o great_a city_n it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v all_o govern_v by_o a_o common_a presbytery_n but_o that_o presbytery_n be_v not_o remote_a but_o ready_a at_o hand_n among_o themselves_o now_o in_o this_o we_o keep_v ourselves_o as_o close_a to_o the_o pattern_n as_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o church_n condition_n by_o the_o division_n of_o parish_n will_v suffer_v we_o that_o be_v to_o say_v we_o have_v a_o common_a presbytery_n for_o govern_v the_o congregation_n within_o a_o convenient_a circuit_n but_o withal_o our_o congregation_n have_v ad_fw-la manum_fw-la among_o themselves_o a_o inferior_a eldership_n for_o lesser_a act_n of_o government_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o common_a presbytery_n from_o sundry_a of_o our_o parish_n they_o can_v not_o have_v that_o ease_n and_o benefit_n of_o nearness_n which_o the_o apostolic_a church_n have_v yet_o by_o the_o particular_a eldership_n they_o have_v as_o great_a ease_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o convenient_o can_v be_v chap._n iii_o of_o great_a presbytery_n which_o some_o call_v class_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d presbytery_n we_o find_v thrice_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n twice_o of_o the_o jewish_a presbytery_n at_o jerusalem_n luke_n 22.66_o act._n 22.5_o and_o once_o of_o the_o christian_a presbytery_n 1._o tim._n 4.14_o neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o 〈◊〉_d give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n 1.20_o with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n sutlivius_n and_o douname_n have_v borrow_v from_o bellarmine_n two_o false_a gloss_n upon_o this_o place_n they_o say_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o we_o may_v understand_v either_o a_o assembly_n of_o bishop_n or_o the_o office_n of_o a_o presbyter_n which_o be_v give_v to_o timothy_n 161._o to_o these_o absurdity_n let_v one_o of_o their_o own_o side_n answer_v whereas_o say_v d._n forbesse_n some_o have_v expound_v the_o presbytery_n in_o this_o place_n to_o be_v a_o company_n of_o bishop_n unless_o by_o bishop_n thou_o will_v understand_v simple_a presbyter_n it_o be_v a_o violent_a interpretation_n and_o a_o insolent_a meaning_n and_o whereas_o other_o have_v understand_v the_o degree_n itself_o of_o eldership_n this_o can_v not_o stand_v 1._o for_o the_o degree_n have_v not_o hand_n but_o hand_n be_v mens_fw-la i_o find_v in_o sutlivius_n a_o three_o gloss_n he_o say_v that_o the_o word_n presbytery_n in_o this_o place_n signify_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n non_fw-la juris_fw-la vinculo_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la cunque_fw-la collectos_fw-la inter_fw-la quos_fw-la etiam_fw-la apostoli_fw-la erant_fw-la ans._n 1._o if_o so_o than_o the_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o minister_n be_v it_o in_o a_o journey_n or_o at_o a_o wedding_n or_o a_o burial_n etc._n etc._n shall_v all_o be_v presbytery_n for_o than_o they_o be_v ut_fw-la cunque_fw-la collecti_fw-la 2._o the_o apostle_n do_v put_v the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d better_a order_n then_o to_o leave_v imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o