the_o reason_n of_o the_o dissent_a brethren_n against_o the_o three_o proposition_n concerning_o presbyterial_a government_n humble_o present_v london_n print_v by_o g._n m._n for_o ralph_n smith_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o corn-hill_n 1645._o die_fw-la lunae_fw-la 23._o decemb._n 1644._o order_a by_o the_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n that_o three_o hundred_o and_o no_o more_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o dissent_a brethren_n against_o the_o three_o proposition_n touch_v presbyterial_a government_n and_o the_o answer_n and_o solution_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o say_a reason_n be_v forthwith_o print_v and_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o exact_a print_n thereof_o be_v refer_v to_o mr_n byfield_n and_o the_o printer_n be_v enjoin_v at_o his_o peril_n not_o to_o print_v more_o than_o three_o hundred_o of_o they_o it_o be_v further_a order_v that_o no_o man_n presume_v to_o reprint_n divulge_v or_o publish_v the_o say_a reason_n and_o answer_n or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o till_o further_a order_n be_v take_v herein_o by_o either_o or_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n h_o elsing_n cler._n parl._n d._n com._n reason_n against_o the_o three_o proposition_n concerning_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o the_o proof_n thereof_o viz._n the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o that_o many_o particular_a congregation_n may_v be_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n humble_o present_v if_o many_o congregation_n have_v all_o elder_n already_o affix_v respective_o unto_o they_o may_v be_v under_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n then_o all_o those_o elder_n must_v sustain_v a_o special_a relation_n of_o elder_n to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o those_o congregation_n as_o one_o church_n and_o to_o every_o one_o as_o a_o member_n thereof_o but_o for_o a_o company_n of_o such_o elder_n already_o affix_v etc._n etc._n to_o sustain_v such_o a_o relation_n carry_v with_o it_o so_o great_a and_o manifold_a incongruity_n and_o inconsistency_n with_o what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o elder_n in_o their_o relation_n to_o a_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o likewise_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n themselves_o as_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o therefore_o such_o a_o government_n may_v not_o be_v the_o first_o proposition_n that_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n such_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n necessary_o draw_v such_o a_o special_a relation_n be_v evince_v by_o part_n thus_o 1._o they_o must_v have_v the_o relation_n of_o elder_n to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o member_n for_o church_n and_o elder_n be_v relative_n and_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v take_v by_o the_o presbyterial_a divine_n from_o this_o that_o many_o congregation_n in_o scripture_n be_v make_v one_o church_n and_o the_o elder_n thereof_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n 2._o that_o relation_n they_o have_v must_v be_v a_o more_o special_a relation_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o practice_n and_o principle_n of_o this_o government_n for_o when_o the_o congregation_n in_o shire_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a presbytery_n or_o deanery_n the_o elder_n though_o neighbour_n of_o a_o border_a presbytery_n intermeddle_v not_o with_o the_o congregation_n under_o another_o presbytery_n and_o yet_o neighbour_n elder_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o special_a relation_n put_v the_o difference_n that_o those_o of_o these_o presbytery_n do_v judge_v the_o congregation_n under_o they_o as_o have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o they_o such_o as_o not_o to_o other_o congregation_n the_o minor_a proposition_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o we_o present_v these_o incongruity_n as_o follow_v first_o this_o breed_v many_o incongruous_a disproportion_n to_o the_o order_n set_v by_o christ_n about_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o to_o extend_v a_o pastor_n power_n of_o ordinary_a rule_n beyond_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o ordinary_a teach_n be_v against_o the_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v and_o all_o extent_n of_o power_n must_v as_o well_o have_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o power_n or_o office_n itself_o the_o difference_n of_o evangelist_n and_o ordinary_a pastor_n lay_v in_o extent_n of_o power_n but_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o pastor_n ordinary_a roll_a power_n be_v but_o to_o that_o flock_n as_o his_o whole_a flock_n which_o he_o be_v able_a to_o feed_v the_o first_o proposition_n be_v confirm_v first_o by_o scripture_n second_o by_o reason_n first_o by_o scripture_n act_n chap._n 20._o verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n whence_o first_o we_o see_v the_o special_a limitation_n of_o their_o extensive_a power_n and_o relation_n to_o a_o flock_n and_o all_o in_o that_o flock_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o by_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v by_o man_n further_o than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v appoint_v 2._o the_o extent_n of_o that_o relation_n to_o that_o flock_n and_o the_o whole_a flock_n they_o feed_v and_o to_o feed_v all_o that_o flock_v alike_o and_o if_o they_o be_v preach_v elder_n then_o to_o feed_v by_o preach_v and_o therefore_o be_v overseer_n to_o they_o to_o feed_v they_o and_o this_o because_o they_o feed_v they_o 3._o he_o speak_v to_o preach_v elder_n especial_o that_o feed_v by_o doctrine_n for_o he_o propound_v his_o own_o example_n to_o they_o verse_n 20._o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o peter_n second_v paul_n in_o this_o 1_o peter_n chap._n 5._o verse_n 2._o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o the_o flock_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o among_o you_o be_v that_o flock_v any_o of_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o as_o his_o flock_n respective_o peter_n here_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o several_a nation_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 1._o whereas_o in_o act_n 20_o and_o verse_n 28._o the_o charge_n be_v to_o the_o particular_a elder_n of_o ephesus_n to_o that_o whole_a flock_n therefore_o that_o note_n of_o respectiveness_n be_v here_o put_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o among_o you_o that_o be_v that_o flock_n which_o respective_o belong_v to_o you_o as_o colossian_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 17._o who_o be_v for_o you_o a_o faithful_a minister_n that_o be_v your_o proper_a pastor_n so_o the_o flock_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v your_o several_a proper_a flock_n that_o belong_v to_o you_o and_o hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o oversight_n be_v not_o extendible_a beyond_o their_o feed_n thus_o also_o heb._n 13._o verse_n 7._o remember_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o preach_v elder_n and_o of_o rule_v elder_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v verse_n 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n and_o whether_o these_o place_n note_v out_o two_o sort_n of_o officer_n preach_v elder_n ver._n 7._o and_o rule_v elder_n ver._n 17._o or_o but_o one_o sort_n and_o so_o but_o several_a act_n of_o the_o same_o office_n however_o if_o but_o one_o yet_o still_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n over_o they_o be_v not_o farther_o extendible_a than_o their_o ordinary_a preach_n if_o two_o sort_n of_o officer_n they_o be_v officer_n together_o in_o the_o same_o church_n if_o the_o pastor_n power_n of_o rule_v extend_v no_o far_a than_o his_o preach_n than_o the_o mere_a roll_a elder_n power_n or_o he_o that_o be_v assistant_n to_o he_o must_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o pastor_n also_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n and_o so_o be_v the_o measure_n to_o set_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o ordinary_a church_n power_n it_o be_v one_o argument_n use_v against_o episcopal_a power_n that_o they_o be_v enforce_v to_o obey_v he_o that_o speak_v not_o the_o word_n to_o they_o nor_o watch_n over_o their_o soul_n and_o this_o hold_v as_o well_o against_o these_o presbyterial_a officer_n when_o a_o man_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v come_v before_o such_o if_o he_o say_v i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o obey_v you_o in_o such_o authoritative_a way_n nor_o do_v i_o owe_v a_o subjection_n as_o to_o a_o power_n of_o censure_n in_o you_o for_o many_o yea_o most_o of_o you_o never_o speak_v the_o word_n unto_o i_o nor_o do_v watch_n over_o my_o soul_n nay_o perhaps_o the_o man_n can_v say_v he_o never_o see_v their_o face_n afore_o and_o it_o avail_v not_o to_o say_v that_o they_o may_v occasional_o preach_v for_o take_v two_o place_n more_o the_o 1_o to_o the_o thes._n chap._n 5._o ver._n
doctrinal_a thesis_n be_v the_o joint_n declare_v and_o avow_a judgement_n and_o conclusion_n of_o these_o and_o so_o answer_v to_o those_o other_o word_n in_o their_o letter_n it_o seem_v good_a unto_o we_o be_v with_o one_o accord_n etc._n etc._n apostle_n and_o elder_n thus_o meet_v with_o one_o accord_n agree_v therein_o and_o particular_o and_o unanimous_o so_o judge_v and_o therefore_o when_o james_n give_v his_o judgement_n he_o use_v the_o same_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o verse_n 19_o of_o this_o 15._o chap._n this_o be_v my_o judgement_n which_o be_v vote_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v call_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o neither_o do_v this_o argue_v any_o act_n of_o authority_n that_o the_o thing_n here_o declare_v to_o be_v observe_v be_v indifferent_a for_o some_o of_o they_o come_v under_o a_o moral_a consideration_n and_o all_o come_v under_o the_o case_n of_o offence_n neither_o do_v the_o language_n they_o commend_v those_o to_o they_o in_o sound_a of_o that_o jurisdiction_n or_o government_n intend_v in_o the_o proposition_n for_o although_o they_o seem_v to_o speak_v as_o guide_v infallible_o in_o their_o resolution_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o we_o and_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o their_o expression_n be_v carry_v so_o as_o to_o avoid_v jurisdiction_n those_o word_n to_o lay_v no_o other_o burden_n if_o any_o must_v import_v this_o jurisdiction_n but_o these_o word_n as_o ludovicus_n de_fw-fr dieu_fw-fr have_v well_o observe_v be_v as_o they_o may_v be_v take_v passive_o therein_o agree_v with_o the_o syriack_n translation_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o no_o other_o burden_n be_v lay_v on_o you_o that_o whereas_o these_o teacher_n of_o the_o circumcision_n have_v go_v about_o by_o their_o doctrine_n to_o bind_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n upon_o man_n conscience_n and_o to_o put_v on_o they_o a_o burden_n too_o heavy_a for_o they_o to_o bear_v as_o peter_n speak_v verse_n 9_o and_o have_v teach_v this_o to_o be_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o disclaim_v this_o and_o profess_v they_o will_v have_v no_o such_o burden_n put_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o they_o give_v these_o teacher_n no_o such_o commandment_n that_o be_v never_o deliver_v or_o utter_v any_o such_o doctrine_n to_o be_v command_v and_o if_o it_o be_v take_v active_o yet_o the_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o imposition_n here_o intend_v for_o the_o same_o word_n be_v use_v of_o the_o teacher_n who_o yet_o have_v not_o assume_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n to_o impose_v these_o thing_n but_o by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n so_o verse_n the_o ten_o why_o tempt_v you_o god_n to_o put_v a_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o disciple_n verse_n 5._o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n to_o teach_v and_o to_o declare_v though_o by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n and_o to_o press_v man_n conscience_n with_o thing_n as_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o bind_n and_o impose_v a_o burden_n on_o they_o so_o of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o these_o be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n of_o who_o and_o to_o who_o that_o be_v speak_v verse_n 5._o it_o be_v say_v matth._n 23._o 4._o that_o the_o pharisee_n bind_v heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v and_o lay_v they_o on_o man_n shoulder_n which_o be_v speak_v but_o of_o a_o doctrinal_a declare_v and_o press_v man_n conscience_n with_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n and_o this_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v insist_v on_o neither_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o if_o they_o may_v lay_v these_o burden_n by_o way_n of_o doctrine_n they_o may_v censure_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o they_o for_o every_o minister_n in_o his_o sermon_n impose_v those_o burden_n whilst_o they_o urge_v and_o declare_v these_o duty_n to_o man_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o power_n ecclesiastical_o to_o censure_v they_o for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o command_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v not_o but_o hold_v it_o forth_o as_o such_o and_o so_o urge_v it_o yet_o not_o by_o way_n of_o jurisdiction_n but_o with_o these_o soft_a word_n which_o if_o you_o observe_v you_o do_v well_o last_o although_o these_o false_a teacher_n have_v subvert_v their_o faith_n and_o against_o their_o own_o light_n have_v avouch_v their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o deserve_v the_o high_a censure_n be_v a_o sin_n so_o scandalous_a yet_o they_o proceed_v not_o to_o censure_v they_o by_o way_n of_o admonition_n or_o excommunication_n which_o be_v act_n of_o government_n but_o only_o do_v declare_v their_o sin_n and_o error_n and_o give_v their_o judgement_n of_o it_o whereas_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o proof_n from_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o many_o congregation_n to_o be_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n it_o be_v assert_v whether_o these_o congregation_n be_v fix_v or_o not_o fix_v it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n this_o reason_n be_v offer_v against_o it_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n every_o congregation_n have_v elder_n fix_v to_o it_o be_v a_o church_n for_o the_o relation_n of_o elder_n and_o church_n be_v mutual_a act_n 14._o 23._o they_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n this_o relation_n of_o elder_n to_o a_o church_n be_v a_o special_a distinct_a relation_n to_o that_o congregation_n of_o which_o they_o be_v elder_n so_o as_o they_o be_v not_o relate_v to_o other_o congregation_n and_o these_o congregation_n be_v ecclesiae_fw-la primae_fw-la church_n form_v up_o though_o uncompleat_a as_o be_v according_a to_o our_o brethren_n opinion_n member_n of_o a_o more_o general_a presbyterial_a church_n but_o if_o congregation_n have_v no_o fix_a officer_n they_o be_v not_o church_n according_a to_o their_o principle_n now_o it_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n whether_o many_o church_n may_v be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o or_o whether_o many_o congregation_n which_o to_o they_o be_v no_o church_n may_v be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o one_o whatsoever_o our_o brethren_n show_v of_o divers_a congregation_n to_o be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o church_n presbyterial_a yet_o they_o nowhere_o show_v any_o one_o pattern_n or_o example_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o many_o church_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o one_o nay_o nor_o where_o any_o one_o church_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o another_o and_o last_o if_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n in_o jerusalem_n have_v their_o officer_n fix_v to_o they_o and_o not_o in_o common_a then_o during_o the_o time_n before_o the_o dispersion_n the_o apostle_n must_v be_v those_o officer_n that_o be_v thus_o fix_o dispose_v of_o to_o those_o several_a congregation_n some_o over_o one_o other_o over_o another_o as_o ordinary_a elder_n now_o be_v now_o suppose_v this_o number_n of_o believer_n to_o have_v be_v as_o many_o thousand_o as_o be_v argue_v at_o 10._o or_o 12000._o soul_n and_o these_o to_o be_v divide_v into_o as_o many_o congregation_n as_o may_v be_v divide_v to_o twelve_o apostle_n several_o to_o watch_v over_o or_o suppose_v the_o several_a congregation_n make_v up_o of_o 2000_o which_o be_v a_o alotment_n small_a enough_o to_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o pain_n of_o two_o apostle_n hereupon_o great_a incongruity_n do_v follow_v that_o apostle_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o work_n of_o parish_n minister_n to_o who_o yet_o it_o be_v commit_v and_o inseparable_o annex_v to_o their_o office_n yea_o and_o constitute_v it_o as_o apostle_n to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o church_n and_o if_o when_o the_o church_n be_v multiply_v and_o disperse_v into_o several_a country_n they_o be_v to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o they_o then_o much_o more_o when_o they_o be_v in_o one_o city_n some_o of_o the_o writer_n against_o episcopacy_n when_o those_o that_o write_v for_o it_o allege_v the_o instance_n of_o james_n abide_v at_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n have_v judge_v it_o a_o debase_n of_o the_o apostolical_a power_n to_o limit_v it_o to_o one_o diocesan_n church_n but_o this_o position_n do_v debase_v all_o the_o apostle_n at_o once_o much_o more_o it_o make_v they_o not_o bishop_n to_o many_o church_n but_o ordinary_a elder_n in_o that_o one_o or_o two_o of_o they_o perhaps_o be_v over_o one_o single_a church_n yea_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o incredible_a if_o these_o church_n and_o their_o government_n be_v like_o to_o those_o under_o the_o presbytery_n and_o no_o
be_v intend_v of_o the_o join_n of_o the_o same_o person_n in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n for_o which_o they_o still_o do_v meet_v be_v genuine_a for_o it_o import_v that_o which_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o of_o all_o other_o action_n do_v by_o a_o multitude_n be_v to_o have_v the_o near_a union_n of_o spirit_n as_o that_o wherein_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o worship_n consist_v and_o then_o name_v the_o place_n where_o they_o meet_v also_o it_o must_v needs_o import_v oneness_n of_o assembly_n which_o also_o hold_v forth_o in_o this_o example_n this_o duty_n that_o as_o saint_n when_o meet_v in_o worship_n shall_v join_v with_o one_o accord_n so_o live_v in_o a_o place_n together_o shall_v as_o far_o as_o possible_o may_v join_v themselves_o to_o one_o assembly_n and_o this_o carry_v with_o it_o such_o a_o appearance_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o other_o sense_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v in_o the_o same_o story_n of_o the_o same_o church_n set_v forth_o the_o unity_n of_o their_o first_o meeting_n as_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o individual_a assembly_n by_o this_o expression_n of_o be_v in_o one_o and_o with_o one_o accord_n act_n chap._n 1._o chap._n 2._o and_o in_o the_o next_o mention_n not_o far_o off_o carry_v along_o one_o of_o the_o same_o expression_n namely_o with_o one_o accord_n and_o together_o therewith_o shall_v name_v the_o place_n of_o their_o meeting_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o latter_a intend_v not_o one_o but_o meeting_n in_o several_a company_n in_o that_o place_n this_o we_o humble_o submit_v to_o better_a judgement_n second_o exception_n 1._o for_o the_o mention_n of_o five_o thousand_o chap._n 4._o verse_n 4._o this_o can_v be_v evince_v from_o that_o place_n that_o the_o five_o thousand_o be_v a_o new_a number_n add_v to_o the_o three_o thousand_o the_o word_n be_v these_o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o but_o that_o this_o number_n of_o five_o thousand_o shall_v refer_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v not_o certain_a see_v both_o the_o greek_n will_v bear_v it_o and_o favour_v it_o as_o well_o to_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o number_n that_o hear_v as_o of_o the_o man_n that_o believe_v and_o of_o the_o two_o that_o former_a be_v the_o more_o probable_a that_o he_o shall_v say_v of_o the_o man_n that_o hear_v they_o be_v five_o thousand_o and_o that_o of_o they_o that_o hear_v many_o believe_v this_o sound_n well_o and_o be_v no_o way_n force_v but_o five_o thousand_o man_n to_o be_v convert_v at_o once_o be_v that_o which_o be_v never_o afore_o nor_o since_o and_o the_o great_a conversion_n that_o our_o divine_n have_v instance_v in_o be_v the_o three_o thousand_o act_v chap._n 2._o and_o not_o in_o this_o five_o thousand_o and_o if_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therein_o why_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n that_o hear_v shall_v be_v here_o reckon_v to_o be_v five_o thousand_o be_v ask_v after_o it_o be_v to_o show_v what_o have_v occasion_v the_o persecution_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o namely_o this_o that_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v teach_v and_o preach_v to_o this_o fret_v the_o pharisee_n that_o come_v upon_o peter_n and_o john_n and_o with_o this_o agree_v euâ—â—ath_n the_o second_o verse_n that_o they_o be_v grieve_v they_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v that_o many_o of_o they_o that_o hear_v believe_v notwithstanding_o this_o persecution_n but_o how_o many_o of_o these_o be_v not_o certain_a and_o beza_n and_o calvin_n and_o many_o other_o of_o our_o protestant_a writer_n judge_v this_o number_n not_o to_o be_v of_o this_o new_a accession_n of_o convert_v but_o the_o total_a number_n include_v the_o former_a and_o the_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o although_o translate_v man_n be_v when_o put_v alone_o as_o there_o all_o one_o with_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o female_n as_o well_o as_o male_n which_o especial_o may_v be_v so_o take_v because_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o such_o a_o promiscuous_a auditory_a and_o if_o any_o shall_v affirm_v it_o mean_v of_o male_n only_o and_o they_o now_o convert_v it_o will_v make_v a_o great_a miracle_n than_o any_o other_o record_v especial_o when_o the_o people_n be_v say_v to_o be_v convert_v verse_n 2._o that_o do_v alike_o run_v to_o see_v the_o miracle_n 2_o exception_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v that_o all_o that_o be_v mention_v to_o be_v convert_v remain_v not_o constant_a member_n of_o that_o church_n abide_v at_o jerusalem_n until_o the_o dispersion_n and_o so_o though_o the_o holy_a ghost_n scope_n may_v be_v to_o show_v the_o increase_n of_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n yet_o not_o of_o such_o as_o continue_v all_o that_o while_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o our_o reason_n for_o that_o be_v these_o first_o those_o three_o thousand_o who_o be_v convert_v chap._n 2._o be_v not_o settle_v dweller_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o stranger_n commorant_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n which_o be_v disperse_v in_o all_o those_o country_n mention_v in_o the_o 2_o chapter_n verse_n 9_o who_o come_v up_o to_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v act_n 21._o 20_o 27_o 28._o jew_n that_o live_v in_o asia_n come_v to_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n as_o paul_n also_o do_v compare_v with_o act_n 20._o 16._o and_o the_o word_n which_o be_v translate_v dweller_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v interpret_v by_o a_o eminent_a critic_n sojourner_n at_o jerusalem_n during_o this_o feast_n although_o the_o word_n diatribe_n signify_v both_o and_o to_o that_o end_n quote_v the_o septuagint_n in_o 1._o king_n 17._o 20._o where_o elijah_n cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n say_v o_o lord_n my_o god_n have_v thou_o also_o bring_v evil_a upon_o the_o widow_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o with_o who_o i_o sojourn_v only_o and_o that_o which_o confirm_v it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v dweller_n or_o inhabitant_n of_o mesopotamia_n and_o judea_n and_o capadocea_n verse_n 9_o they_o can_v not_o fix_o belong_v as_o dweller_n to_o both_o they_o be_v therefore_o rather_o sojourner_n in_o jerusalem_n now_o at_o the_o feast_n though_o fix_a dweller_n in_o all_o those_o place_n for_o if_o they_o be_v fix_v dweller_n in_o jerusalem_n to_o what_o end_n while_o they_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n shall_v the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v sojourner_n in_o mesopotamia_n and_o they_o must_v needs_o rather_o be_v dweller_n there_o because_o they_o be_v say_v to_o understand_v every_o one_o his_o own_o language_n and_o that_o which_o strengthen_v this_o be_v that_o in_o the_o greek_a there_o be_v this_o difference_n in_o the_o word_n in_o verse_n 5_o and_o 9_o in_o that_o they_o be_v say_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o in_fw-la jerusalem_n as_o for_o the_o present_a there_o yea_o and_o as_o to_o come_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o from_o out_o of_o every_o nation_n but_o in_o the_o 9_o verse_n he_o change_v it_o and_o say_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o inhabiter_n of_o mesopotamia_n and_o those_o other_o country_n where_o their_o fix_a possession_n be_v and_o therefore_o verse_n 14._o he_o call_v they_o man_n jew_n and_o dweller_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o two_o sort_n and_o verse_n 22._o man_n of_o israel_n the_o stile_n give_v those_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n scatter_v man_n devout_a as_o verse_n 5._o who_o come_v up_o at_o those_o solemn_a time_n have_v wife_n and_o child_n and_o their_o family_n at_o home_n to_o who_o they_o use_v after_o a_o time_n to_o return_v now_o although_o these_o be_v add_v and_o make_v member_n of_o that_o church_n and_o be_v say_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n yet_o that_o will_v not_o necessary_o imply_v that_o they_o continue_v all_o the_o time_n till_o the_o dispersion_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o while_o they_o be_v there_o they_o be_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o that_o be_v they_o cleave_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o to_o think_v that_o many_o of_o they_o come_v as_o stranger_n shall_v not_o go_v down_o to_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n which_o nature_n teach_v they_o to_o provide_v for_o and_o religion_n teach_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o fetch_v they_o up_o to_o they_o so_o as_o this_o may_v well_o be_v a_o fluid_a church_n ebb_v and_o flow_v as_o touch_v the_o residence_n of_o its_o member_n yea_o some_o of_o these_o be_v of_o judea_n verse_n 9_o and_o so_o of_o the_o country_n about_o and_o of_o they_o may_v
be_v church_n erect_v in_o their_o proper_a dwelling_n be_v rational_o supposable_a for_o in_o that_o persecution_n in_o act_n 8._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n persecute_v disciple_n in_o other_o place_n then_o at_o jerusalem_n act_n 26._o 10._o which_o thing_n i_o also_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n say_v he_o and_o in_o other_o place_n at_o damascus_n and_o also_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o this_o that_o upon_o the_o cease_n of_o paul_n persecution_n it_o be_v say_v act_n 9_o 31._o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_n through_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v at_o rest_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o persecution_n raise_v chap._n 8._o 1._o 3_o exception_n be_v that_o they_o in_o those_o country_n and_o time_n have_v often_o great_a assembly_n consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o hearer_n at_o once_o that_o do_v and_o can_v hear_v luke_n 12._o 1._o christ_n preach_v to_o myriad_n many_o thousand_o and_o act_n 13._o 45._o almost_o a_o whole_a city_n come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o paul_n and_o at_o charenton_n how_o many_o thousand_o may_v and_o do_v hear_v be_v well_o know_v and_o so_o in_o many_o place_n of_o england_n and_o moses_n sometime_o speak_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o so_o ezra_n chapter_n 10._o verse_n 9_o and_o 10._o and_o it_o be_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o as_o in_o hot_a country_n they_o may_v see_v as_o far_o again_o through_o the_o pureness_n of_o the_o air_n so_o they_o may_v hear_v at_o a_o far_o great_a distance_n then_o in_o our_o cold_a climate_n 4_o exception_n be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o church_n and_o whereof_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o officer_n those_o therefore_o that_o dwell_v there_o will_v certain_o abide_v together_o as_o one_o church_n without_o part_v or_o divide_v even_o till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o utmost_a proportion_n that_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o so_o maximum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la and_o continue_v together_o in_o one_o for_o the_o more_o unite_a strength_n and_o glory_n of_o hold_v forth_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o body_n unite_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o communicate_v in_o ordinance_n together_o 5_o exception_n be_v that_o they_o have_v during_o all_o this_o time_n of_o their_o multitude_n until_o the_o persecution_n of_o paul_n arise_v the_o great_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o the_o people_n magnify_v they_o chap._n 5._o verse_n 12._o they_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n chap._n 2._o verse_n 47._o insomuch_o that_o although_o the_o ruler_n fall_v upon_o two_o of_o they_o john_n and_o peter_n yet_o they_o be_v enforce_v to_o let_v they_o go_v find_v nothing_o how_o to_o punish_v they_o because_o of_o the_o people_n chapter_n 4._o 21._o beside_o that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n among_o the_o jew_n for_o sect_n to_o have_v great_a multitude_n to_o follow_v and_o cleave_v to_o they_o and_o to_o preach_v in_o any_o place_n as_o in_o spain_n and_o italy_n and_o to_o baptise_v open_o as_o john_n and_o christ_n do_v reason_n and_o answer_n to_o the_o appendix_n add_v to_o the_o former_a proof_n viz._n that_o the_o dispersion_n mention_v in_o act_n 8._o 1._o do_v not_o simple_o prove_v such_o a_o scatter_n as_o that_o there_o may_v not_o remain_v more_o congregation_n than_o one_o in_o that_o church_n act_n 9_o 31._o act_n 12._o 24._o act_n 21._o 20._o thus_o have_v show_v the_o multitude_n not_o arise_v to_o that_o number_n but_o that_o they_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o now_o after_o the_o dispersion_n much_o less_o and_o to_o that_o end_n let_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o persecution_n be_v consider_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o dispersion_n it_o be_v call_v not_o a_o persecution_n only_o but_o a_o great_a persecution_n both_o extensive_o and_o intensive_o for_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n vers_n 3._o and_o for_o the_o height_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o imprisonment_n even_o unto_o death_n chap._n 22._o 4._o act_n 26._o 10._o it_o be_v also_o call_v a_o make_n havoc_n of_o the_o church_n vers._n 9_o the_o object_n of_o this_o persecution_n be_v not_o preacher_n only_o but_o christian_n of_o all_o sort_n indifferent_o for_o it_o be_v say_v indefinite_o to_o be_v upon_o the_o church_n vers._n 1._o and_o vers._n 3._o it_o be_v call_v a_o enter_n into_o every_o house_n hail_v man_n and_o woman_n and_o in_o chap._n 26._o paul_n speak_v of_o this_o very_a persecution_n wherein_o he_o have_v a_o special_a hand_n say_v vers._n 10._o that_o he_o imprison_v many_o of_o the_o saint_n not_o preacher_n only_o and_o ver._n 9_o his_o aim_n be_v promiscuous_o against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o so_o any_o that_o profess_v his_o name_n unto_o this_o end_n compare_v the_o vary_v the_o expression_n use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o speak_v of_o this_o persecution_n and_o of_o another_o mention_a act_n 12._o 1._o there_o it_o be_v say_v herod_n stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o vex_v certain_a of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o it_o be_v against_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n man_n and_o woman_n in_o every_o house_n and_o all_o except_o the_o apostle_n the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o except_o there_o be_v to_o show_v that_o none_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v scatter_v though_o the_o generality_n of_o other_o be_v if_o man_n guift_v flee_v away_o than_o other_o also_o except_o we_o suppose_v the_o people_n more_o courageous_a to_o stay_v by_o it_o then_o the_o teacher_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o that_o be_v disperse_v go_v about_o preach_v the_o word_n vers._n 4._o first_o it_o argue_v not_o that_o preacher_n only_o or_o chief_o be_v disperse_v for_o as_o calvin_n say_v it_o come_v in_o to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o dispersion_n and_o we_o may_v well_o suppose_v woman_n and_o whole_a family_n to_o have_v be_v scatter_v abroad_o who_o yet_o preach_v not_o and_o second_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o those_o time_n for_o man_n that_o be_v not_o by_o office_n minister_n occasional_o to_o teach_v the_o word_n in_o private_a way_n of_o converse_n yea_o and_o otherwise_o and_o that_o be_v not_o call_v teach_v which_o be_v by_o way_n of_o sermon_n to_o a_o multitude_n for_o vers._n 25._o of_o this_o chap._n philip_n in_o private_a conference_n teach_v the_o eunuch_n as_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n teach_v apollo_n and_o they_o be_v not_o call_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o have_v a_o office_n but_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o refer_v to_o the_o act_n the_o work_n they_o do_v and_o that_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o sound_v as_o if_o they_o make_v it_o their_o work_n it_o may_v well_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o zeal_n of_o those_o day_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n and_o not_o to_o a_o office_n commit_v to_o they_o they_o go_v not_o forth_o by_o mission_n but_o persecution_n and_o here_o the_o many_o congregation_n be_v bring_v but_o to_o a_o it_o may_v be_v and_o the_o grand_a proposition_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o it_o may_v be_v and_o how_o can_v it_o may_v be_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o it_o may_v be_v especial_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o need_n have_v a_o strong_a foundation_n for_o matter_n upon_o which_o so_o great_a alteration_n be_v like_a to_o be_v make_v but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o after_o that_o time_n by_o act_n 9_o 31._o act_n 12._o 24._o act_n 21._o 20._o first_o for_o act_n 9_o 31._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o signify_v not_o ordinary_o a_o great_a number_n make_v up_o but_o a_o increase_n matth._n 21._o 12._o and_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 2._o grace_n be_v multiply_v it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n not_o in_o number_n but_o in_o measure_n again_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o judea_n galilee_n and_o of_o samaria_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o for_o act_v 21._o 20._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o how_o many_o thousand_o do_v not_o argue_v it_o for_o first_o it_o be_v the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n when_o paul_n come_v now_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n in_o act_n 20._o 16._o it_o be_v say_v of_o this_o journey_n that_o he_o â—asted_v if_o possible_a to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o all_o quarter_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o great_a concourse_n that_o then_o will_v be_v there_o at_o the_o feast_n move_v he_o to_o
now_o if_o they_o be_v elder_n in_o common_a because_o a_o presbytery_n as_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o argument_n than_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v argue_v a_o presbytery_n only_o because_o they_o be_v elder_n in_o common_a for_o than_o the_o argument_n run_v in_fw-la circulo_fw-la and_o the_o chief_a and_o first_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v elder_n for_o no_o other_o be_v mention_v be_v according_o hold_v forth_o in_o their_o be_v elder_n to_o that_o church_n in_o common_a whereas_o according_a to_o presbyterial_a principle_n there_o be_v a_o primary_a relation_n of_o elder_n quà _fw-la elder_n to_o their_o particular_a fix_a congregation_n reason_n against_o the_o three_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o branch_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v the_o ordinary_a act_n of_o presbyter_n as_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v prove_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o that_o church_n before_o the_o dispersion_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o whole_a depend_v upon_o this_o proposition_n for_o though_o before_o the_o dispersion_n there_o have_v be_v many_o congregation_n yet_o not_o under_o elder_n but_o apostle_n now_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o substance_n of_o ministerial_a act_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n who_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o in_o other_o ordinary_a minister_n but_o first_o though_o for_o the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o power_n which_o be_v the_o point_n in_o question_n therein_o the_o apostle_n jurisdiction_n over_o many_o congregation_n be_v not_o the_o pattern_n of_o presbyterial_a elder_n over_o many_o for_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v universal_a over_o all_o church_n and_o upon_o that_o be_v found_v their_o power_n over_o those_o congregation_n suppose_v many_o and_o episcopacy_n may_v as_o strong_o argue_v and_o infer_v that_o because_o in_o crete_n by_o apostolical_a warrant_n one_o man_n titus_n do_v ordain_v elder_n etc._n etc._n that_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v one_o man_n a_o bishop_n that_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v etc._n etc._n in_o and_o over_o several_a church_n and_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v strong_a from_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o evangelist_n for_o episcopal_a power_n then_o this_o of_o apostolical_a government_n for_o the_o presbyterial_a by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v the_o more_o inferior_a office_n but_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v more_o immediate_a and_o transcendent_a and_o so_o the_o power_n of_o a_o evangelist_n be_v near_a to_o a_o ordinary_a succession_n and_o it_o will_v as_o well_o follow_v that_o any_o one_o presbyter_n alone_o may_v govern_v many_o congregation_n because_o one_o of_o these_o apostle_n may_v as_o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v these_o joint_o that_o therefore_o many_o presbyter_n over_o several_a congregation_n may_v second_o each_o of_o these_o apostle_n as_o he_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o apostolical_a commission_n the_o power_n of_o they_o all_o so_o he_o have_v relation_n of_o ministry_n unto_o all_o these_o suppose_a congregation_n unto_o every_o person_n thereof_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o duty_n of_o preach_v to_o they_o admonish_v they_o etc._n etc._n but_o thus_o in_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n over_o many_o congregation_n fix_v and_o their_o pastor_n and_o elder_n fix_v to_o they_o the_o several_a elder_n be_v deny_v to_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o elder_n to_o each_o congregation_n but_o make_v up_o only_o a_o eldership_n in_o common_a as_o unite_v over_o all_o these_o but_o the_o apostle_n here_o have_v the_o relation_n to_o both_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o apostolical_a frame_n be_v make_v a_o pattern_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o these_o congregation_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o elder_n to_o each_o congregation_n and_o every_o member_n of_o they_o and_o not_o only_o of_o a_o common_a presbytery_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n be_v if_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o those_o act_n of_o government_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o that_o church_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o ordinary_a act_n such_o as_o presbyter_n perform_v and_o that_o therefore_o answerable_o their_o person_n themselves_o be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o elder_n because_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o only_o apostle_n but_o elder_n also_o as_o john_n epistle_n 2._o verse_n 1._o and_o peter_n epist._n 1._o chap._n 5._o verse_n 1._o and_o therefore_o might_n and_o do_v act_n as_o elder_n in_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o be_v therefore_o therein_o to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o a_o just_a pattern_n to_o we_o and_o to_o have_v rule_v these_o congregation_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o college_n or_o body_n of_o elder_n unite_v conedscend_v so_o to_o act_v as_o common_a presbyter_n take_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o acts._n 6._o as_o likewise_o they_o do_v in_o every_o church_n where_o they_o come_v join_v with_o the_o eldership_n thereof_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o as_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o a_o ordinary_a presbytery_n especial_o see_v that_o what_o they_o thus_o do_v they_o do_v as_o a_o unite_a body_n to_o many_o congregation_n consider_v as_o one_o church_n it_o be_v answer_v to_o the_o first_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v elder_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o call_v virtual_o not_o formal_o and_o but_o because_o apostleship_n contain_v all_o office_n in_o it_o so_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n but_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o be_v apostle_n and_o therefore_o john_n in_o that_o very_a epistle_n where_o he_o style_v himself_o a_o elder_n he_o yet_o write_v canonical_a scripture_n as_o a_o apostle_n and_o take_v on_o he_o to_o threaten_v diotrephes_n as_o a_o apostle_n to_o remember_v he_o which_o as_o a_o formal_a elder_n he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v and_o sure_o those_o office_n which_o christ_n distinguish_v ephesian_n 4._o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o same_o person_n be_v not_o formal_o both_o though_o virtual_o he_o may_v be_v all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o that_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v say_v to_o act_v as_o apostle_n their_o preach_n be_v call_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n their_o bring_v their_o money_n to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o officer_n of_o that_o church_n be_v to_o they_o not_o as_o elder_n but_o as_o apostle_n they_o lay_v it_o down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n yea_o in_o that_o act_n of_o ordain_v the_o seven_o deacon_n it_o be_v say_v they_o set_v they_o afore_o the_o apostle_n chap._n 6._o verse_n 6._o and_o they_o lay_v on_o their_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o distinguish_v and_o say_v that_o the_o man_n be_v apostle_n but_o the_o power_n they_o act_v by_o be_v as_o elder_n when_o the_o name_n of_o a_o apostle_n import_v the_o office_n yea_o in_o that_o very_a act_n of_o government_n about_o deacon_n they_o must_v needs_o act_v as_o apostle_n for_o they_o do_v not_o simple_o ordain_v the_o man_n but_o do_v anew_o by_o virtue_n of_o apostolical_a authority_n institute_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n by_o declare_v christ_n mind_n which_o none_o but_o apostle_n can_v immediate_o and_o at_o first_o have_v do_v so_o as_o the_o same_o person_n in_o this_o same_o act_n instance_v in_o must_v act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o elder_n and_o by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n shall_v we_o distinguish_v to_o the_o second_o viz._n that_o they_o act_v here_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o joint_a body_n or_o in_fw-la collegio_fw-la over_o these_o many_o congregation_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o a_o association_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o eldership_n over_o many_o be_v not_o argue_v from_o hence_o for_o first_o they_o have_v all_o single_o the_o same_o power_n which_o they_o exercise_v joint_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v exercise_v it_o joint_o here_o to_o that_o end_n to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o eldership_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o prove_v they_o exercise_v it_o together_o because_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o be_v together_o and_o it_o be_v fit_a none_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v exclude_v but_o it_o depend_v not_o upon_o this_o union_n of_o all_o in_o a_o body_n as_o act_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o presbytery_n do_v as_o parliamentary_a power_n be_v not_o the_o result_n of_o parliament_n man_n but_o as_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n yea_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n thence_o arise_v not_o so_o here_o our_o apostle_n may_v have_v do_v that_o which_o all_o here_o do_v yea_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o because_o two_o apostle_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n act_n 14._o as_o join_v in_o the_o same_o act_n and_o so_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n but_o joint_o
be_v for_o synod_n they_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o occasional_a presbytery_n be_v stand_v and_o ordinary_a synod_n be_v make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n send_v from_o presbytery_n and_o presbytery_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o particular_a congregation_n the_o member_n of_o synod_n be_v elder_n of_o such_o church_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n complete_a church_n have_v full_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o but_o the_o member_n of_o presbytery_n be_v elder_n of_o such_o congregation_n which_o be_v neither_o complete_a church_n nor_o have_v within_o themselves_o full_a and_o complete_a power_n and_o these_o can_v be_v one_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o this_o once_o become_v a_o synod_n by_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n cease_v to_o be_v any_o long_o a_o presbytery_n to_o that_o church_n and_o must_v become_v with_o they_o a_o new_a body_n to_o all_o the_o church_n these_o other_o elder_n do_v come_v from_o and_o then_o to_o argue_v these_o act_n do_v by_o these_o because_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v present_a and_o member_n of_o this_o synod_n be_v presbyterial_a act_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o act_n of_o government_n put_v forth_o by_o a_o parliament_n at_o westminster_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o burgess_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o city_n of_o westminster_n because_o there_o the_o parliament_n sit_v and_o the_o burgess_n of_o that_o city_n be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o parliament_n or_o as_o if_o the_o kingdom_n be_v govern_v by_o county_n court_n and_o out_o of_o those_o county_n court_n knight_n and_o burgess_n shall_v be_v choose_v to_o make_v up_o a_o parliament_n when_o the_o parliament_n be_v meet_v there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o power_n of_o a_o parliament_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o a_o county_n court_n or_o from_o the_o power_n of_o a_o county_n court_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o a_o parliament_n thus_o synod_n be_v make_v out_o of_o presbytery_n therefore_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n to_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n or_o from_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n to_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n but_o second_o we_o deny_v it_o to_o have_v be_v such_o a_o ordinary_a formal_a synod_n the_o jurisdiction_n of_o synod_n be_v found_v upon_o this_o necessary_a requisite_a thereunto_o that_o there_o be_v commissioner_n from_o all_o those_o church_n represent_v they_o present_a or_o call_v to_o be_v so_o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o jurisdiction_n can_v reach_v nor_o extend_v further_o than_o to_o such_o church_n as_o have_v send_v commissioner_n thereunto_o the_o weight_n then_o of_o this_o synodical_a power_n depend_v on_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o that_o all_o those_o church_n send_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n which_o if_o either_o it_o be_v not_o prove_v or_o the_o contrary_a thereunto_o find_v true_a the_o authority_n of_o those_o decree_n as_o from_o those_o elder_n here_o will_v prove_v not_o to_o have_v be_v act_n of_o government_n further_o than_o the_o apostle_n authority_n who_o join_v in_o it_o be_v stamp_v on_o it_o to_o affirm_v that_o commissioner_n from_o they_o all_o be_v present_a because_o the_o decree_n do_v bind_v they_o be_v to_o beg_v what_o be_v deny_v when_o another_o just_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o their_o bind_n if_o any_o such_o authority_n be_v in_o they_o and_o our_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v these_o first_o we_o find_v a_o deep_a silence_n about_o it_o for_o we_o read_v but_o only_o of_o two_o church_n between_o who_o it_o be_v transact_v they_o of_o antioch_n send_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o their_o elder_n there_o chap._n 14._o 27_o 28._o compare_v with_o chap._n 15._o 2_o 3._o and_o the_o messenger_n which_o be_v send_v from_o this_o assembly_n go_v only_o to_o antioch_n ver._n 30._o 31._o as_o those_o who_o be_v chief_o trouble_v only_o the_o benefit_n redound_v to_o all_o they_o write_v to_o yea_o although_o paul_n come_v through_o phenice_n and_o samaria_n ver._n 3._o yet_o we_o read_v not_o a_o word_n of_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o those_o part_n their_o send_n of_o any_o commissioner_n unto_o this_o synod_n as_o have_v it_o be_v intend_v such_o certain_o they_o will_v and_o there_o be_v this_o special_a reason_n why_o those_o of_o this_o church_n be_v thus_o elective_o send_v unto_o because_o they_o be_v the_o mother_n church_n from_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v and_o from_o who_o those_o man_n that_o trouble_v they_o have_v go_v forth_o and_o have_v pretend_v to_o teach_v what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o and_o beside_o they_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n verse_v in_o this_o question_n it_o be_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o law_n and_o there_o also_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a how_o many_o we_o know_v not_o for_o disperse_v they_o have_v be_v long_o before_o and_o if_o any_o number_n of_o other_o out_o of_o those_o other_o part_n of_o judea_n have_v come_v up_o hither_o it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v as_o act._n 11._o ult._n the_o elder_n of_o judea_n not_o only_o of_o jerusalem_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v send_v from_o antioch_n be_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n but_o that_o they_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o and_o second_o the_o contrary_a seem_v clear_a namely_o that_o those_o letter_n and_o decree_n be_v write_v and_o send_v only_o from_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o not_o from_o all_o those_o church_n for_o first_o the_o decree_n be_v everywhere_o attribute_v to_o the_o elder_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o chap._n 16._o 4._o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o jerusalem_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o now_o the_o usual_a stile_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v by_o way_n of_o distinction_n of_o church_n to_o say_v the_o church_n in_o such_o a_o place_n the_o elder_n in_o such_o a_o place_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 13._o 1._o and_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 1._o and_o by_o the_o like_a reason_n the_o elder_n in_o such_o a_o place_n do_v signify_v the_o proper_a elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n or_o city_n while_o but_o one_o and_o therefore_o if_o by_o the_o elder_n in_o jerusalem_n have_v be_v mean_v in_o this_o place_n only_o the_o elder_n meet_v from_o all_o quarter_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o place_n of_o that_o assembly_n there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a ambiguity_n see_v the_o more_o usual_a and_o proper_a import_n of_o that_o expression_n be_v to_o note_v out_o the_o fix_a stand_v elder_n of_o a_o place_n and_o the_o church_n in_o a_o place_n again_o second_o in_o the_o four_o verse_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o apostle_n and_o elder_n namely_o of_o jerusalem_n as_o in_o particular_a relation_n to_o it_o yea_o three_o the_o stand_a elder_n of_o that_o place_n assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o have_v write_v the_o decree_n chap._n 21._o 25._o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v four_o and_o according_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o letter_n be_v make_v the_o special_a act_n of_o that_o church_n and_o the_o elder_n thereof_o ver._n 22._o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v of_o jerusalem_n as_o verse_n 4._o to_o send_v choose_v man_n and_o the_o letter_n run_v thus_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n five_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o letter_n argue_v it_o ver._n 24._o forasmuch_o as_o certain_a that_o go_v out_o from_o we_o have_v trouble_v you_o with_o word_n to_o who_o we_o give_v no_o such_o commandment_n how_o can_v this_o be_v say_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v themselves_o trouble_v by_o they_o it_o be_v manifest_a therefore_o they_o come_v out_o from_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o write_v this_o and_o they_o pretend_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n which_o be_v call_v a_o commandment_n because_o the_o apostle_n teach_v no_o other_o than_o what_o christ_n command_v as_o matth._n 28._o ult._n and_o to_o say_v the_o denomination_n be_v from_o the_o more_o eminent_a part_n namely_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n have_v be_v derogatory_a to_o the_o synod_n if_o it_o have_v be_v such_o a_o meeting_n and_o six_o if_o the_o elder_n of_o all_o those_o church_n have_v be_v present_a there_o have_v be_v less_o need_n for_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n