need_n to_o beseech_v he_o to_o abide_v there_o it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v requisite_a for_o such_o pastor_n to_o reside_v neatheir_o respective_a flock_n and_o not_o to_o go_v to_o foreign_a country_n to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o other_o church_n but_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o timothy_n be_v not_o fix_v in_o any_o particular_a church_n but_o be_v paul_n fellow-traveller_n among_o the_o church_n in_o divers_a country_n and_o frequent_o send_v by_o he_o to_o sundry_a place_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o go_v forth_o with_o he_o till_o paul_n send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v not_o long_o before_o he_o be_v take_v prisoner_n for_o all_o which_o see_v act._n 16_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o and_o 17._o 25_o &_o 18_o 5_o the_o 19_o 22._o the_o 2._o 4._o to_o 18._o and_o though_o in_o a_o certain_a postscript_n add_v to_o 2_o tim._n it_o be_v say_v that_o timothy_n be_v ordain_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v true_a see_v the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n have_v bishop_n act_n 20._o 18._o even_a while_n paul_n and_o timothy_n be_v companion_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o divers_a country_n nor_o be_v the_o ancient_n positive_a in_o this_o matter_n for_o i_o find_v eusebius_n only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v report_v that_o timothy_n be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o ephesus_n and_o titus_n of_o crect_n but_o he_o affirm_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o that_o timotheus_n his_o care_n be_v for_o other_o church_n as_o much_o as_o for_o that_o at_o ephesus_n be_v evident_a philip._n 2_o 19_o 20._o but_o i_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o send_v timotheus_n unto_o you_o for_o i_o have_v no_o man_n like_o mind_a who_o will_v natural_o care_v for_o your_o state_n but_o you_o know_v the_o proof_n of_o he_o that_o as_o a_o son_n with_o the_o father_n he_o have_v serve_v with_o i_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o titus_n the_o same_o consideration_n may_v be_v have_v see_v he_o be_v leave_v in_o crect_n to_o set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v want_v and_o to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n plain_o show_v that_o his_o power_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o his_o care_n for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o same_o for_o every_o church_n that_o it_o be_v for_o any_o one_o which_o be_v a_o far_o different_a charge_n from_o that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act_v 20._o for_o they_o be_v not_o bid_v to_o look_v to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n but_o only_o to_o the_o flock_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o episcopos_fw-la overseer_n or_o bishop_n nor_o be_v titus_n his_o care_n for_o the_o church_n in_o crect_n only_o for_o paul_n call_v he_o his_o partner_n &_o fellow_n helper_n concern_v the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 23._o whether_o any_o do_v inquire_v of_o titus_n he_o be_v my_o partner_n and_o fellow_n helper_n concern_v you_o of_o the_o same_o import_n be_v that_o place_n gal._n 1._o 18_o 19_o i_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o see_v peter_n but_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n see_v i_o none_o save_o james_n the_o lord_n brother_n here_o james_n the_o lord_n brother_n be_v call_v a_o apostle_n he_o be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o 12._o for_o that_o james_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o alpheus_n math._n 10._o 3._o of_o this_o mind_n be_v eusebius_n but_o jerom_o will_v sometime_o make_v these_o two_o one_o selfsame_a man_n and_o yet_o otherwhiles_o do_v call_v he_o decimum_fw-la tertium_fw-la apostolum_n that_o be_v the_o thirteen_o apostle_n but_o that_o james_n the_o lord_n brother_n be_v not_o one_o of_o the_o 12._o be_v evident_a 1_o cor._n 15._o 5._o to_o 8._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o our_o lord_n apppear_v first_o to_o cephas_n then_o to_o the_o 12._o after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o james_n then_o of_o all_z the_o apostle_n two_o thing_n be_v hence_o to_o be_v note_v 1._o that_o james_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o 12._o and_o so_o be_v those_o person_n signify_v by_o all_o the_o apostle_n for_o it_o can_v be_v that_o by_o all_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v mean_v the_o chief_a apostle_n for_o they_o be_v mention_v before_o and_o paul_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o apostle_n of_o the_o same_o dignity_n be_v mention_v afterward_o but_o by_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v most_o like_a to_o be_v mean_v the_o 70._o disciple_n who_o our_o lord_n send_v out_o as_o messenger_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o every_o city_n whither_o himself_o will_v go_v and_o who_o no_o doubt_n become_v famous_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o with_o this_o eusebius_n do_v seem_v to_o agree_v we_o see_v then_o partly_o from_o evident_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o partly_o from_o rational_a probability_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v endue_v with_o a_o ministry_n of_o many_o messenger_n or_o apostle_n beside_o those_o who_o be_v the_o foundation_n layer_n and_o master-builder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o hence_o we_o infer_v that_o god_n have_v ordain_v such_o a_o ministry_n to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n till_o the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v perfect_v 4._o from_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o brethren_n who_o most_o question_v the_o be_v of_o messenger_n as_o a_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o such_o a_o office_n do_v remaiâ—_n for_o do_v they_o not_o frequent_o send_v out_o man_n to_o act_v authoritative_o both_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o in_o set_a thing_n in_o order_n in_o remote_a congregation_n to_o exercise_v discipline_n by_o excommunication_n of_o offender_n and_o remit_v the_o penitent_a by_o ordain_v they_o elder_n and_o dispence_v to_o they_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n etc._n etc._n as_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v deny_v so_o we_o may_v just_o inquire_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o do_v thus_o if_o indeed_o the_o church_n have_v none_o to_o act_n in_o the_o capacity_n of_o apostle_n or_o messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o as_o we_o have_v define_v they_o see_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v neither_o i_o think_v do_v our_o brethren_n affirm_v that_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n have_v equal_a power_n in_o other_o congregation_n as_o in_o that_o which_o they_o be_v choose_v to_o serve_v neither_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o congregation_n to_o take_v the_o pastor_n of_o any_o church_n from_o they_o neither_o may_v any_o church_n impose_v their_o pastor_n upon_o another_o church_n wherefore_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o ministry_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v relate_v to_o all_o congregation_n indifferent_o we_o may_v perceive_v what_o confusion_n be_v like_a to_o ensue_v moreover_o if_o those_o who_o go_v to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n can_v justisie_n their_o calling_n how_o shall_v they_o comfort_v themselves_o in_o their_o undertake_n or_o answer_v opposer_n when_o question_v concern_v their_o commission_n especial_o in_o such_o place_n where_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v sith_o all_o that_o have_v read_v they_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o as_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v so_o those_o which_o go_v forth_o as_o minister_n thereof_o must_v be_v send_v either_o by_o immediate_a mission_n from_o heaven_n which_o our_o brethren_n pretend_v not_o to_o or_o some_o mediate_a mission_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o none_o can_v pretend_v to_o that_o deny_v the_o office_n of_o messenger_n since_o other_o officer_n be_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n to_o go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v the_o nation_n or_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n if_o to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v it_o shall_v be_v reply_v â—hat_n church_n which_o be_v distant_a one_o from_o another_o may_v by_o consent_n let_v the_o elder_n of_o one_o church_n act_n as_o elder_n in_o another_o etc._n etc._n this_o be_v soon_o say_v than_o prove_v for_o see_v officer_n have_v their_o commission_n at_o what_o time_n they_o aâ—e_v ordain_v it_o can_v be_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o power_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la make_v either_o less_o or_o great_a by_o the_o consent_n or_o non-consent_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o again_o it_o will_v be_v understand_v how_o long_o the_o power_n our_o brethren_n give_v to_o man_n to_o act_v as_o elder_n in_o those_o congregation_n do_v remain_v whether_o they_o thenceforth_o stand_v equal_o engage_v to_o oversee_v those_o church_n as_o the_o church_n that_o first_o call_v they_o to_o serve_v
a_o sigh_n for_o peace_n or_o the_o cause_n of_o division_n discover_v wherein_o the_o great_a gospel_n promise_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o the_o way_n ordain_v of_o god_n to_o seek_v for_o it_o be_v assert_v and_o vindicate_v as_o the_o interest_n and_o duty_n of_o christ_n disciple_n in_o general_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o search_n for_o schism_n by_o tho._n grantham_n a_o servant_n of_o christ_n gal._n 5._o 7_o 8_o 9_o you_o do_v run_v well_o who_o do_v hinder_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n this_o persuasion_n come_v not_o of_o he_o that_o call_v you_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n i_o have_v confidence_n in_o you_o through_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v be_v none_o otherwise_o mind_v but_o he_o that_o trouble_v you_o shall_v bear_v his_o burden_n whosoever_o he_o be_v wherefore_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n zech._n 8._o 19_o print_v for_o the_o author_n 1671._o the_o epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o london_n with_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o messenger_n elder_n and_o brethren_n occasional_o meet_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n salutation_n etc._n etc._n brethren_n when_o i_o consider_v how_o much_o it_o be_v your_o desire_n and_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o brotherly_a concord_n peace_n and_o truth_n may_v possess_v the_o room_n of_o all_o our_o division_n in_o affection_n judgement_n and_o practice_v and_o particular_o in_o the_o four_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o how_o many_o prayer_n be_v daily_o make_v to_o god_n for_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n and_o that_o hopeful_a way_n we_o late_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o desire_v and_o therewithal_o that_o most_o unhappy_a obstruction_n of_o our_o hope_n as_o you_o know_v arise_v from_o one_o who_o shall_v rather_o have_v be_v a_o restorer_n of_o the_o ancient_a path_n which_o many_o have_v forsake_v and_o so_o a_o healer_n of_o the_o breach_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o its_o be_v neglect_v who_o be_v in_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n have_v therewithal_o great_a opportunity_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v real_o intend_v to_o do_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n much_o good_a even_o then_o by_o a_o little_a solly_n follow_v his_o own_o counsel_n doubtless_o through_o satan_n malice_n who_o envy_v our_o good_a have_v make_v himself_o and_o his_o enterprise_n obnoxious_a and_o our_o wound_n more_o grievous_a i_o say_v when_o i_o consider_v these_o thing_n i_o can_v not_o pass_v they_o over_o without_o a_o sigh_n even_o this_o which_o here_o i_o present_a unto_o you_o say_v in_o my_o heart_n why_o have_v the_o lord_n do_v this_o which_o be_v no_o soon_o conceive_v but_o i_o be_v immediate_o satisfy_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v jealous_a for_o his_o holy_a way_n which_o have_v be_v gris_o profane_v by_o a_o hypocritical_a conformity_n thereunto_o and_o true_a for_o ever_o be_v that_o word_n hosea_n 14._o ult_n all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o the_o just_a shall_v walk_v therein_o but_o the_o transgressor_n shall_v fall_v therein_o and_o certain_o as_o our_o brethren_n resuse_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n after_o the_o due_a order_n at_o the_o first_o so_o this_o prodigious_a hypocrisy_n at_o the_o last_o may_v too_o true_o be_v call_v church_n perrez_n ecclesia_fw-la at_o this_o day_n thou_o lord_n be_v righteous_a thou_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o have_v discover_v the_o hide_a thing_n thereof_o and_o have_v plead_v the_o cause_n of_o thy_o precious_a though_o much_o abuse_v truth_n even_o so_o lord_n let_v our_o iniquity_n be_v ever_o correct_v but_o yet_o in_o mercy_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v shall_v we_o now_o no_o more_o go_v about_o this_o dreadful_a work_n to_o bring_v the_o ark_n the_o four_o principle_n of_o christianity_n i_o mean_v to_o its_o proper_a place_n in_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o some_o irregular_a church_n to_o their_o due_a reverence_n unto_o it_o if_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v his_o servant_n still_o convene_v to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n perhaps_o we_o shall_v find_v grace_n in_o his_o sight_n for_o there_o be_v hope_n that_o we_o shall_v one_o understand_v another_o and_o with_o one_o consent_n seek_v and_o serve_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o our_o forefather_n and_o this_o i_o be_o the_o more_o induce_v to_o believe_v or_o hope_v for_o from_o not_o only_o the_o great_a desire_n which_o i_o yet_o find_v to_o be_v alive_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n general_o that_o peace_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v upon_o israel_n but_o also_o from_o the_o great_a forwardness_n which_o i_o find_v in_o the_o searcher_n themselves_o to_o consent_v unto_o certain_a proposal_n for_o peace_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v grant_v and_o profess_v on_o all_o side_n by_o the_o former_o divide_a party_n that_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v one_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n this_o proposition_n be_v consider_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o there_o want_v but_o a_o step_n as_o it_o be_v to_o unity_n in_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o so_o to_o a_o last_a peace_n one_o with_o another_o and_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v no_o impossible_a thing_n for_o we_o to_o agree_v about_o the_o particular_a service_n intend_v heb._n 6._o 2._o unless_o a_o spirit_n of_o perverseness_n be_v mingle_v among_o we_o towards_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o difficulty_n something_o be_v say_v in_o the_o sequel_n which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v consider_v why_o the_o searcher_n shall_v so_o much_o declaim_v against_o you_o as_o if_o you_o unchurch_v all_o churchâ—s_n but_o yourselves_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n have_v never_o understand_v that_o you_o do_v at_o any_o time_n by_o any_o agreement_n deliver_v such_o a_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o much_o your_o business_n to_o meddle_v with_o unchurch_v any_o body_n as_o to_o keep_v yourselves_o from_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n indeed_o the_o point_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o reject_v or_o oppose_v your_o faith_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o case_n depend_v have_v be_v much_o debate_v and_o resolve_v in_o the_o negative_a èspecial_o touch_v the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o you_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o plain_o argue_v you_o own_o they_o for_o such_o but_o yet_o such_o as_o for_o their_o reject_v or_o oppose_v some_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o uncapable_a of_o present_a communion_n with_o those_o that_o religious_o observe_v the_o truth_n by_o they_o reject_v and_o oppose_v for_o if_o you_o deem_v they_o to_o be_v no_o church_n at_o all_o what_o need_v any_o debate_n be_v have_v whether_o it_o be_v orderly_a or_o safe_a to_o communicate_v with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n now_o that_o person_n may_v be_v allow_v the_o appellation_n of_o christian_n and_o so_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o as_o the_o matter_n may_v be_v circumstance_v concern_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v hold_v at_o some_o distance_n in_o respect_n of_o present_a communion_n with_o other_o christian_n or_o church_n imply_v no_o absurdity_n but_o be_v rather_o very_o necessary_a i_o hope_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v demonstrate_v something_o also_o i_o have_v say_v in_o vindication_n of_o the_o messenger_n office_n which_o i_o perceive_v to_o be_v much_o question_v by_o some_o i_o confess_v myself_o nothing_o so_o fit_a a_o person_n to_o plead_v this_o cause_n as_o some_o other_o however_o if_o that_o which_o i_o have_v do_v may_v give_v occasion_n to_o any_o other_o to_o do_v more_o or_o more_o effectual_o in_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v think_v my_o pain_n well_o bestow_v i_o commit_v all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o church_n your_o brother_n and_o servant_n tho._n grantham_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n entitle_v a_o search_n for_o schism_n brethren_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o god_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v good_a thing_n for_o his_o people_n by_o contrary_a way_n even_o by_o turn_v the_o unkindness_n of_o brethren_n into_o mean_n of_o preservation_n to_o the_o family_n gen._n 50._o 20._o we_o be_v make_v even_o against_o hope_n to_o believe_v in_o hope_n that_o the_o product_n of_o your_o do_n in_o your_o search_n and_o the_o epistle_n prefix_v may_v be_v good_a although_o its_o procedure_n in_o respect_n
or_o congrâ—â—tions_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v free_a from_o these_o corrupâ—ions_n i_o will_v descend_v to_o those_o ground_n which_o â—re_n more_o familiar_a to_o we_o and_o then_o see_v how_o it_o â—ay_v reach_v the_o case_n depend_v between_o the_o searcher_n and_o their_o brethren_n and_o first_o from_o act_n 15._o 2._o it_o appear_v that_o â—here_o be_v not_o only_o great_a disputation_n but_o dissension_n also_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n about_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n which_o word_n communion_n dissension_n do_v imply_v the_o discontinuance_n oâ—_n communion_n between_o paul_n baâ—nâ—bas_n with_o those_o which_o do_v adhere_v to_o they_o and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v zealous_a for_o circumcision_n and_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o do_v one_o unchurch_n another_o but_o use_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n thaâ—_n may_v be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o strife_n and_o very_o remarkable_a it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o assembly_n aâ—_n jerusalem_n do_v plain_o determine_v the_o point_n oâ—_n doctrine_n yet_o do_v they_o forbear_v their_o censure_n against_o the_o person_n who_o err_v in_o that_o case_n 〈◊〉_d choose_v to_o exercise_v all_o longanimity_n rather_o than_o severity_n know_v that_o their_o power_n be_v give_v moderation_n more_o for_o edificationâ—_n then_o for_o destroy_v any_o man_n attainment_n in_o the_o path_n of_o christianity_n howbeit_o when_o this_o lenity_n will_v not_o effect_v thâ—_n reformation_n of_o the_o ill_a manner_n of_o those_o corrupter_n or_o depraver_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o diâ—_n the_o apostle_n lie_v great_a weight_n upon_o they_o whâ—_n will_v not_o cease_v to_o trouble_v the_o church_n gal._n 5._o 12._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o judaizer_n have_v general_o be_v hold_v at_o some_o distance_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n or_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n before_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o gallatian_n for_o see_v that_o epistle_n write_v by_o paul_n siâ—vanus_n and_o timotheus_n do_v empower_v the_o church_n at_o thessalonica_n to_o note_v such_o as_o disobey_v 1._o it_o with_o a_o note_n of_o diâ—inction_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o conform_v themselves_o to_o its_o direction_n then_o doubtless_o that_o epistle_n act_v 15._o write_v in_o the_o â—ame_n of_o the_o great_a assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v every_o way_n as_o much_o empower_v all_o church_n to_o put_v â—he_n like_o note_n of_o distinction_n upon_o all_o that_o do_v not_o â—hey_n the_o same_o which_o note_n of_o distinction_n howsoever_o it_o may_v lie_v as_o a_o bar_n against_o their_o present_a communion_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o destroy_v their_o breâ—her-hood_n 2_o thes_n 3._o 14_o 15._o so_o that_o it_o be_v further_a evident_a that_o a_o people_n â—ay_v be_v esteem_v brethren_n in_o christ_n or_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n and_o yet_o just_o be_v deny_v communionâ—â—th_v â—â—th_z other_o church_n or_o brethren_n in_o christ_n for_o â—he_n matter_n in_o short_a lie_v thus_o as_o a_o brother_n be_v 〈◊〉_d member_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o congregation_n or_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v immediate_o relate_v â—o_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v but_o a_o member_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a as_o therefore_o a_o man_n may_v be_v call_v a_o christian_a brother_n and_o yet_o just_o for_o some_o cause_n be_v deny_v present_a communion_n with_o his_o fellow_n brethren_n so_o a_o congregation_n may_v be_v account_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o just_o be_v deny_v communion_n by_o her_o sister_n church_n and_o chief_o when_o she_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o be_v consider_v may_v well_o serve_v to_o satisfy_v our_o brethren_n that_o we_o commit_v no_o absurdity_n in_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o they_o though_o we_o grant_v they_o the_o appellation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o brethren_n in_o particular_a as_o before_o we_o have_v say_v have_v show_v that_o alâ—_n manner_n of_o division_n which_o church_n happen_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o proper_o against_o she_o they_o being_n after_o a_o sort_n rather_o necessary_a for_o her_o reformation_n then_o to_o bring_v heâ—_n to_o desolation_n when_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n have_v make_v in_o vasion_n upon_o heâ—_n though_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o eveâ—_n those_o division_n be_v accidental_o against_o thâ—_n church_n and_o that_o as_o for_o other_o cause_n so_o chief_o for_o that_o they_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o world_n and_o a_o stumble_n to_o weak_a christian_n it_o behove_v that_o we_o brief_o show_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o division_n which_o be_v proper_o against_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o when_o both_o party_n contend_v strive_v to_o set_v up_o some_o sinful_a thing_n or_o their_o own_o device_n 2._o when_o they_o divide_v about_o that_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o indifferent_a only_o 3._o when_o the_o point_n in_o question_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o thing_n seek_v for_o as_o revenge_v upon_o the_o person_n against_o who_o the_o controversy_n be_v hold_v those_o and_o such_o like_v tend_v only_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o church_n have_v no_o tendency_n at_o all_o to_o edification_n the_o first_o of_o these_o show_v itself_o among_o the_o corinthian_n when_o they_o strive_v to_o set_v up_o man_n some_o this_o man_n and_o other_o that_o and_o this_o in_o opposition_n one_o unto_o another_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o which_o folly_n have_v be_v the_o overthrow_n of_o congregation_n where_o man_n person_n have_v be_v admiâ—ed_v and_o truth_n neglect_v the_o second_o be_v rebuke_v rom._n 14._o but_o why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n or_o set_v at_o nought_o thy_o brother_n meaning_n for_o thing_n indifferent_a therefore_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v the_o three_o be_v detect_v gal._n 5._o 15._o for_o whatsoever_o the_o question_n be_v this_o be_v their_o sin_n they_o do_v bite_v one_o another_o thus_o man_n may_v hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o without_o charity_n preach_v christ_n mere_o of_o envy_n to_o add_v thereby_o some_o affliction_n to_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o brethren_n those_o kind_n of_o division_n in_o the_o age_n border_v upon_o the_o apostle_n become_v the_o heathen_n sport_n and_o the_o christian_n shame_n upon_o their_o â—pen_a theater_n let_v we_o therefore_o now_o return_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o distemper_n which_o have_v befall_v our_o body_n about_o the_o four_o principle_n of_o christ_n his_o doctrine_n heb._n 6._o 2._o the_o searcher_n have_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o part_n distemper_v to_o be_v only_o the_o congregation_n under_o the_o practice_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a contexture_n of_o their_o search_n and_o the_o directon_n of_o the_o epistle_n prefix_v to_o it_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o amiss_o in_o this_o matter_n on_o their_o part_n who_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v have_v make_v and_o defend_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o there_o withal_o divide_v themselves_o from_o a_o principle_n thereof_o and_o this_o word_n schism_n be_v take_v by_o the_o searcher_n not_o in_o a_o mild_a sense_n such_o as_o wherein_o it_o may_v be_v take_v by_o propriety_n of_o speech_n to_o signify_v division_n in_o some_o low_a consideration_n as_o the_o word_n be_v translate_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o but_o they_o have_v hoist_v it_o in_o their_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o congregation_n profess_v the_o four_o principle_n to_o the_o most_o extreme_a signification_n even_o that_o of_o sedition_n yea_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o if_o we_o unchurch_v constitution_n all_o church_n but_o ourselves_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o light_a matter_n to_o brand_v all_o those_o church_n for_o schismatic_n but_o they_o shall_v have_v consider_v that_o bare_a abstain_v from_o communion_n chief_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v general_o if_o so_o much_o have_v be_v do_v and_o that_o upon_o such_o immergent_fw-la occasion_n as_o have_v at_o least_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hot_a contention_n be_v give_v for_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o this_o their_o rash_a charge_n against_o their_o brethren_n see_v our_o saviour_n himself_o put_v a_o bar_n for_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n while_o difference_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n only_o remain_v undecided_a which_o be_v due_o
the_o peace_n of_o our_o church_n let_v i_o now_o conclude_v with_o a_o free_a word_n to_o the_o brethren_n of_o both_o persuasion_n and_o that_o be_v to_o beseech_v you_o to_o consider_v one_o another_o as_o brethren_n and_o not_o as_o adversary_n and_o as_o brethren_n to_o put_v on_o charity_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o chief_o you_o that_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o principle_n under_o debate_n the_o more_o you_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n the_o more_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o show_v forth_o your_o work_n with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o that_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o hope_v and_o believe_v all_o thing_n which_o doubtless_o will_v teach_v you_o to_o believe_v this_o of_o your_o brethren_n in_o general_a that_o if_o they_o see_v the_o truth_n as_o you_o do_v they_o will_v be_v nothing_o less_o zealous_a for_o it_o then_o yourselves_o and_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n as_o they_o be_v erroneous_a in_o our_o judgement_n and_o certain_o erroneous_a they_o be_v so_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v to_o they_o and_o though_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o reject_v one_o principle_n of_o religion_n do_v indeed_o endanger_v the_o rest_n yet_o let_v we_o believe_v that_o if_o they_o be_v awar_n of_o this_o they_o will_v abhor_v such_o a_o opinion_n as_o do_v so_o prejudice_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n our_o brethren_n do_v err_v it_o be_v true_a but_o they_o err_v with_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o error_n because_o as_o may_v be_v hope_v they_o know_v not_o that_o they_o err_v now_o charity_n suffer_v long_o and_o be_v kind_a be_v not_o puff_v up_o against_o any_o that_o zealous_o serve_v the_o lord_n though_o perhaps_o they_o err_v from_o many_o of_o his_o precept_n charity_n be_v not_o the_o companion_n of_o that_o excess_n of_o indiscreet_a zeal_n which_o abound_v in_o some_o man_n for_o it_o know_v that_o temperance_n be_v as_o necessary_a in_o our_o zeal_n as_o mercy_n be_v in_o judgement_n violent_a spirit_n seldom_o or_o never_o do_v the_o church_n service_n without_o disservice_n and_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o truth_n we_o stand_v for_o have_v no_o need_n of_o our_o passion_n to_o defend_v it_o no_o it_o be_v own_o authority_n will_v support_v it_o against_o the_o strong_a opposition_n therefore_o let_v your_o moderation_n appear_v to_o all_o man_n to_o the_o brethren_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v i_o thus_o speak_v beware_v that_o you_o despise_v not_o your_o brethren_n especial_o you_o that_o be_v man_n of_o part_n because_o you_o be_v take_v for_o brethren_n of_o high_a degree_n must_v now_o if_o you_o own_o the_o truth_n which_o you_o have_v oppose_v seem_v to_o be_v abase_v you_o that_o have_v be_v instructer_n of_o the_o simple_a must_v now_o learn_v of_o babe_n or_o at_o least_o such_o thing_n as_o pertain_v to_o babe_n whereupon_o if_o you_o ask_v your_o conscience_n i_o be_o persuade_v you_o or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o you_o have_v meet_v with_o such_o reason_n as_o once_o a_o wise_a man_n meet_v with_o upon_o a_o occasion_n like_o to_o this_o when_o he_o reason_v with_o his_o friend_n after_o this_o manner_n because_o other_o be_v go_v before_o be_v it_o a_o shame_n for_o we_o to_o come_v after_o or_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o a_o great_a shame_n not_o at_o all_o to_o go_v after_o they_o aug._n confess_v l._n 8._o c_o 8._o and_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v how_o upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o baptise_v for_o man_n have_v forsake_v the_o way_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o subject_n and_o manner_n of_o that_o ordinance_n there_o be_v find_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n for_o christian_n of_o ancient_a stand_n as_o it_o be_v to_o begin_v again_o and_o yet_o some_o then_o as_o you_o now_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v prevail_v with_o but_o will_v at_o least_o have_v the_o way_n of_o baptise_v leave_v to_o every_o man_n liberty_n as_o you_o will_v have_v the_o four_o principle_n and_o now_o the_o lord_n have_v plead_v that_o cause_n when_o no_o other_o endeavour_n can_v prevail_v for_o those_o that_o stumble_v at_o that_o truth_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n whole_o extinct_a in_o this_o nation_n whilst_o those_o that_o embrace_v it_o be_v bless_v with_o great_a increase_n and_o what_o shall_v befall_v you_o if_o to_o your_o disobedience_n you_o shall_v add_v pertinacity_n a_o little_a time_n may_v determine_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v you_o may_v perceive_v brethren_n how_o the_o case_n stand_v between_o we_o glad_o will_v we_o have_v communion_n with_o you_o in_o all_o christian_a privilege_n but_o your_o wilful_a want_n as_o of_o some_o may_v be_v fear_v you_o of_o one_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o therewithal_o your_o endeavour_n to_o deprive_v our_o church_n of_o it_o as_o be_v too_o evident_a to_o be_v deny_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o desire_v and_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v obtain_v be_v the_o business_n for_o time_n to_o determine_v and_o o_o that_o the_o set_a time_n be_v come_v mean_o while_o we_o must_v leave_v the_o searcher_n and_o their_o search_n ourselves_o and_o our_o sigh_n to_o he_o that_o will_v cause_v all_o the_o church_n to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o will_v give_v to_o every_o man_n according_a as_o his_o work_n shall_v be_v a_o defence_n of_o the_o office_n of_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o continuance_n thereof_o in_o the_o church_n till_o the_o end_n for_o man_n to_o strain_v more_o at_o the_o word_n apostle_n as_o some_o do_v at_o the_o word_n bishop_n then_o at_o the_o work_n or_o office_n signify_v thereby_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n as_o i_o conceive_v then_o groundless_a humility_n or_o hypocritical_a subtlety_n see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o those_o title_n be_v as_o lowly_a as_o any_o that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o suit_n with_o the_o matter_n thereby_o intend_v the_o first_o signify_v a_o messenger_n or_o one_o send_v the_o other_o a_o overseer_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v avoid_v this_o humour_n i_o will_v not_o fear_v to_o call_v old_a thing_n by_o their_o old_a name_n and_o therefore_o shall_v call_v the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o same_o name_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v give_v they_o not_o to_o make_v they_o proud_a but_o rather_o humble_v and_o to_o be_v as_o a_o memento_n concern_v the_o work_n which_o by_o their_o office_n they_o stand_v engage_v to_o do_v nor_o shall_v we_o need_v at_o this_o time_n to_o say_v much_o of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n general_o but_o only_o of_o the_o office_n of_o apostle_n or_o messenger_n &_o this_o because_o some_o of_o our_o brethren_n do_v not_o only_a doubt_n but_o endeavour_n to_o make_v other_o doubtful_a also_o whether_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n any_o apostle_n or_o messenger_n to_o succeed_v the_o primitive_a apostle_n as_o a_o constant_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o albeit_o we_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v successor_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n yet_o our_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o all_o respect_n for_o there_o be_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n something_o ordinary_a â—nd_n fix_v and_o something_o extraordinary_a and_o temporary_a the_o latter_a be_v first_o their_o immediate_a â—ission_n 1._o second_o they_o â—earned_v their_o doctrine_n eiâ—her_o from_o the_o sacred_a lip_n â—f_o the_o lord_n christ_n or_o by_o â—â—fallible_a revelation_n and_o be_v not_o teach_v it_o â—y_a man_n as_o 13._o timothy_n and_o â—ther_o their_o successor_n â—ere_z heb._n 2._o great_a salâ—ation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v â—im_v that_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v â—â—en_o with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n thaâ—_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1_o 5._o but_o i_o certify_v you_o brethren_n thâ—â—_n the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o i_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o i_o neither_o receiveâ—_n it_o of_o man_n ananias_n neither_o be_v teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n gal._n 1._o 11._o three_o they_o be_v tâ—_n lay_v a_o foundation_n and_o tâ—_n propose_v a_o form_n of_o doctrine_n 16._o for_o other_o teacher_n to_o builâ—_n on_o and_o to_o keep_v as_o their_o pattern_n and_o a_o standard_n by_o which_o to_o try_v other_o doctrine_n anâ—_n spirit_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 10._o as_o a_o wise_a master_n buildeâ—_n i_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o another_o
buildeâ—_n thereon_o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n hear_v we_o he_o that_o be_v nâ—_n of_o god_n hear_v not_o we_o hereby_o know_v we_o the_o spirâ—â—_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n 1_o john_n 4._o 6._o four_o they_o be_v necessary_o endow_v witâ—_n office_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n to_o demonstraâ—â—_n that_o they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n and_o that_o theâ—_n doctrine_n be_v from_o heaven_n luke_n 24._o 49_o but_o tarry_v you_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n until_o 〈◊〉_d be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a 2_o cor._n 12._o 1â—_n truly_n the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v amoâ—â—_n you_o in_o all_o patience_n in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o may_v deed_n in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a respect_n the_o apostle_n have_v no_o successor_n for_o if_o they_o have_v then_o â—ust_z their_o word_n and_o write_n have_v the_o like_a â—orce_n and_o authority_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v â—â—ill_o receive_v new_a oracle_n and_o never_o know_v when_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o now_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v ordinary_a and_o â—ixed_v in_o the_o apostolical_a office_n be_v such_o as_o â—hese_fw-mi their_o authority_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o â—ll_a place_n at_o all_o time_n to_o all_o person_n as_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n by_o god_n providence_n be_v give_v to_o they_o mark_n 16._o 15._o preach_v the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d every_o creature_n math._n 28._o 19_o 20._o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o to_o â—he_n end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o work_n can_v not_o be_v â—ied_v only_o to_o the_o chief_a or_o primitive_a apostle_n â—â—th_v they_o be_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n by_o death_n â—ech_n 1._o 5_o 6._o the_o father_n where_o be_v they_o and_o the_o prophet_n do_v they_o live_v for_o ever_o act_n 20._o 29._o i_o know_v after_o my_o decease_n grievous_a wolf_n shall_v enter_v 〈◊〉_d second_o their_o unwearied_a diligence_n in_o teach_v both_o the_o church_n and_o pastor_n in_o â—ll_a the_o will_n of_o god_n their_o care_n for_o the_o well-setâ—ing_a and_o govern_v the_o church_n act_n 20._o 31._o therefore_o watch_n and_o remember_v that_o by_o the_o space_n of_o â—hree_o year_n i_o cease_v not_o to_o warn_v every_o one_o night_n and_o â—ay_n with_o tear_n 2_o cor._n 11._o 28._o that_o which_o come_v upon_o i_o daily_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n 2_o pet_n 1_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o i_o will_v not_o be_v negligent_a to_o put_v you_o always_o in_o remembrance_n of_o these_o thing_n yea_o i_o think_v it_o meet_v 〈◊〉_d long_o as_o i_o be_o in_o this_o tabernacle_n to_o stir_v you_o up_o by_o put_v you_o in_o remembrance_n moreover_o i_o will_v endeavour_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a after_o my_o decease_n to_o have_v these_o thing_n always_o in_o remembrance_n the_o rest_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v and_o perfect_a that_o which_o be_v lack_v concern_v your_o faith_n tit._n 1._o 5._o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o 3._o their_o be_v set_v for_o a_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o false_a apostle_n phil._n 1._o 16_o 17._o the_o one_o preach_v christ_n of_o coniention_n suppose_v to_o add_v affliction_n to_o my_o bond_n the_o other_o of_o love_n know_v that_o i_o be_o set_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n four_o to_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o particular_a pastor_n against_o usurper_n and_o such_o as_o despise_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n act_v 20._o and_o from_o meletus_n he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o they_o be_v come_v unto_o he_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o of_o your_o own_o self_n shall_v man_n arise_v speak_v perverse_a thing_n therefore_o watch_n etc._n etc._n 3_o john_n 5._o belove_a thou_o do_v faithful_o whatsoever_o thou_o do_v to_o the_o brethren_n and_o to_o stranger_n i_o write_v to_o the_o church_n but_o diotrephes_n who_o love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o receive_v we_o not_o wherefore_o if_o i_o come_v i_o will_v remember_v his_o deed_n that_o he_o do_v prate_v against_o we_o with_o malicious_a word_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n gal._n 4._o 17_o 18._o they_o zealous_o affect_v you_o but_o not_o well_o yea_o they_o will_v exclude_v we_o that_o you_o may_v affect_v they_o now_o that_o the_o chief_a apostle_n have_v some_o to_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o apostleship_n as_o we_o have_v affirm_v will_v appear_v first_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o commission_n which_o our_o lord_n give_v for_o the_o teach_v of_o the_o nation_n or_o for_o the_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n second_o from_o the_o duration_n of_o those_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n which_o our_o lord_n obtain_v and_o give_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ascension_n three_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n their_o have_v such_o apostle_n or_o messenger_n four_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o most_o question_v the_o necessity_n of_o messenger_n at_o this_o day_n five_o from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n their_o necessity_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o danger_n they_o lie_v under_o by_o mean_n of_o false_a apostle_n and_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o math._n 28._o 19_o 20._o and_o mark_v 16._o 15._o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o the_o nation_n be_v teach_v and_o that_o every_o creature_n shall_v have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v unto_o they_o wherefore_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o stick_v to_o nation_n one_o thing_n out_o of_o three_o and_o that_o be_v either_o some_o body_n in_o special_a be_v bind_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o those_o that_o be_v without_o or_o else_o that_o all_o christian_n be_v equal_o bind_v to_o perform_v this_o work_n if_o capable_a in_o respect_n of_o gift_n or_o else_o that_o this_o work_n end_v with_o the_o apostle_n the_o last_o will_v not_o be_v say_v by_o any_o that_o consider_v that_o the_o make_v one_o branch_n of_o that_o commission_n math._n 28._o and_o mark_v 16._o void_a or_o not_o oblige_v or_o bind_v to_o the_o church_n now_o or_o any_o person_n in_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o make_v the_o whole_a commission_n void_a for_o if_o none_o have_v power_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o commission_n to_o teach_v the_o nation_n how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o any_o have_v power_n from_o hence_o to_o baptize_v both_o work_n be_v command_v as_o it_o be_v in_o one_o breath_n nor_o can_v the_o church_n observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o christ_n command_v his_o apostle_n if_o they_o be_v not_o to_o observe_v this_o great_a work_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n neither_o can_v it_o rational_o be_v say_v that_o this_o work_n belong_v to_o every_o gift_a christian_a alike_o because_o the_o employment_n of_o the_o gospel_n consist_v in_o divers_a office_n and_o all_o such_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n 2._o again_o mere_a gift_n do_v not_o make_v man_n officer_n and_o that_o the_o teach_v math._n 28._o and_o the_o preach_n mark_v 16._o be_v a_o preach_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o gift_n only_o but_o by_o authority_n also_o can_v be_v deny_v 1_o tim._n 1._o 18._o this_o charge_n i_o commit_v to_o son_n timothy_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 20._o o_o tiâ—othy_n keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o trust_n â—_o tim._n 2._o 2._o and_o the_o same_o commit_v thou_o to_o faithful_a â—en_n and_o let_v these_o also_o first_o be_v prove_v and_o then_o let_v â—hem_n use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v find_v blameâ—iss_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 10._o sure_o if_o this_o care_n must_v be_v â—ad_v that_o none_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n but_o â—pon_o such_o proof_n have_v of_o their_o fitness_n it_o can_v â—e_v imagine_v that_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o the_o goâ—pel_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o hand_n without_o the_o like_a â—are_n and_o circumspection_n 3._o they_o that_o will_v have_v this_o work_n of_o reach_v to_o the_o world_n no_o man_n concern_v by_o virtue_n of_o office_n while_o they_o speak_v against_o messenger_n do_v make_v more_o than_o any_o body_n else_o therewise_o we_o may_v well_o inquire_v how_o shall_v they_o reach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v rom._n 10._o we_o conclude_v then_o if_o those_o that_o preach_v must_v be_v send_v â—nd_v if_o that_o commission_n math._n 28._o mark_v 16._o be_v yet_o in_o force_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v some_o to_o succeed_v they_o
sufficient_a that_o they_o be_v deceiver_n yet_o he_o never_o make_v that_o a_o argument_n at_o all_o but_o go_v about_o to_o vindicate_v his_o apostleship_n as_o be_v nothing_o inferior_a to_o those_o transformed-apostle_n since_o he_o be_v not_o a_o whit_n behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n the_o same_o consideration_n may_v be_v have_v of_o that_o place_n rev._n 2._o 2._o thou_o have_v try_v they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o have_v find_v they_o liar_n for_o have_v there_o be_v no_o more_o apostle_n but_o the_o chief_a apostle_n there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n to_o try_v whether_o these_o be_v apostle_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o for_o still_o their_o very_a say_n they_o be_v such_o have_v without_o more_o ado_n prove_v they_o liar_n and_o like_a as_o if_o any_o shall_v arise_v and_o say_v i_o be_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n his_o very_a say_n so_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o same_o be_v a_o deceiver_n but_o why_o so_o very_o because_o there_o be_v only_o one_o lord_n jesus_n our_o saviour_n who_o the_o heaven_n must_v retain_v till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n even_o so_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o succession_n of_o apostle_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o discover_v a_o false_a apostle_n final_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o world_n for_o a_o witness_n to_o all_o people_n and_o then_o shall_v the_o end_n come_v math._n 24._o 14._o which_o suppose_v the_o be_v of_o a_o ministry_n who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n rev._n 14._o 6._o the_o angel_n a_o definite_a for_o a_o indefinite_a number_n messenger_n or_o messenger_n must_v preach_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n immediate_o before_o great_a babylon_n fall_v it_o follow_v then_o that_o though_o darkness_n have_v much_o prevail_v since_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o a_o ministry_n shall_v go_v forth_o even_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o who_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v enlighten_v and_o here_o let_v it_o be_v note_v that_o the_o preacher_n or_o preacher_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n have_v not_o a_o gospel_n to_o confirm_v with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n but_o a_o gospel_n to_o preach_v to_o every_o nation_n kindred_n tongue_n and_o people_n even_o the_o same_o that_o be_v preach_v by_o our_o lord_n and_o confirm_v to_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o the_o sum_n of_o that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v be_v this_o that_o as_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n a_o fix_a ministry_n of_o bishop_n elder_n pastor_n etc._n etc._n to_o take_v the_o care_n of_o particular_a congregation_n so_o he_o have_v give_v she_o a_o travel_a ministry_n or_o unfixed_a in_o respect_n of_o particular_a society_n or_o congregation_n to_o who_o it_o appertain_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n to_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o cause_v the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n to_o shine_v unto_o such_o as_o sit_v in_o darkness_n to_o plant_v church_n to_o confirm_v and_o settle_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o visit_v and_o comfort_v those_o which_o have_v believe_v through_o grace_n go_v you_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n jesus_n christ_n 19_o who_o be_v preach_v among_o you_o by_o we_o even_o by_o i_o and_o silvanus_n and_o timotheus_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n which_o make_v manifest_v 14._o the_o savour_n of_o his_o knowledge_n by_o we_o in_o every_o place_n and_o when_o they_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o that_o city_n 22._o and_o teach_v many_o they_o return_v again_o to_o listra_n and_o to_o iconium_n and_o antioch_n confirm_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o disciple_n for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o send_v un-unto_a you_o timotheus_n who_o be_v 17._o my_o belove_a son_n and_o faithful_a in_o the_o lord_n who_o shall_v bring_v you_o in_o remembrance_n of_o my_o way_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n as_o i_o teach_v every_o where_o 36._o in_o every_o church_n let_v we_o go_v again_o and_o visit_v our_o brethren_n in_o every_o city_n where_o we_o have_v preach_v the_o word_n and_o see_v how_o they_o do_v and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o to_o the_o end_n 20._o of_o the_o world_n when_o we_o say_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v unfixed_a minister_n our_o meaning_n be_v not_o thereby_o to_o deny_v but_o that_o for_o the_o more_o convenient_a mannagement_n of_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o may_v divide_v themselves_o into_o divers_a part_n and_o so_o may_v be_v call_v the_o messenger_n of_o such_o country_n as_o with_o who_o they_o most_o frequent_o converse_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n gal._n 2._o 9_o when_o james_n cephas_n and_o john_n perceive_v the_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v to_o i_o and_o barnabas_n they_o give_v unto_o i_o and_o barnabas_n the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n that_o we_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o heathen_a and_o they_o to_o the_o circumcision_n in_o asia_n we_o read_v of_o seven_o trans_fw-la messenger_n and_o these_o relate_v to_o seven_o church_n in_o seven_o principal_a city_n in_o that_o country_n yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v doubt_v but_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n and_o scatter_a disciple_n in_o country_n village_n and_o so_o many_o elder_n also_o yea_o and_o that_o in_o those_o very_a church_n which_o be_v particular_o name_v for_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v the_o first_o of_o the_o seven_o we_o find_v divers_a bishop_n or_o elder_n before_o john_n write_v from_o paâ—mos_n act_v 20._o 17_o 28._o it_o be_v true_a the_o ancient_n call_v these_o seven_o angel_n or_o messenger_n bishop_n or_o chief_a minister_n but_o then_o we_o know_v by_o bishop_n they_o common_o mean_v such_o as_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o many_o particular_a congregation_n thus_o they_o make_v timothy_n a_o bishop_n yet_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o ephesus_n unto_o illiricum_n and_o throughout_o hellas_n in_o achaia_n titus_n they_o make_v bishop_n of_o crect_n yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o that_o country_n they_o also_o make_v silvanus_n bishop_n of_o thessalonica_n but_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v see_v call_v he_o a_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n now_o whether_o it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o call_v those_o travel_a minister_n of_o christ_n bishop_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n or_o apstole_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o business_n for_o the_o sober_a and_o unprejudiced_a reader_n to_o consider_v finis_fw-la finis_fw-la the_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n church_n and_o then_o why_o not_o the_o like_a for_o all_o disciple_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v no_o man_n can_v render_v a_o good_a reason_n reason_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a which_o paul_n say_v gal._n 1._o 11_o 12_o 15_o 16._o for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o before_o ananias_n come_v at_o he_o he_o which_o they_o say_v to_o i_o they_o do_v always_o grant_v or_o else_o i_o have_v nor_o mention_v it_o in_o this_o book_n tertul._n de_fw-fr resur_fw-fr c._n 8._o cip._n ep_n ad_fw-la jubi_fw-la jerom._n ad_fw-la lucif_n euseb_n l._n 6._o â—_o 42._o erasm_n paraph_n in_o heb._n 6._o 2._o diodate_v annot._n on_o heb._n 6._o 2._o tindale_n in_o 2_o tim._n 1_o 6._o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o university_n of_o basil_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o rhem._n gen._n 4._o 19_o gen._n 9_o 4._o leu._n 17._o 13_o 14_o 15._o act_n 15._o 29._o 29._o which_o seldom_o can_v be_v do_v without_o division_n by_o reason_n of_o pride_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o ignorance_n on_o the_o other_o other_o 1_o king_n 18_o 21._o 21._o for_o it_o can_v be_v think_v but_o that_o jeremiah_n have_v some_o that_o stand_v with_o he_o ver_fw-la 11._o 11._o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o error_n as_o the_o pertinacious_a continuance_n in_o a_o error_n that_o destroy_v the_o church-state_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o appellation_n of_o christian_n by_o true_a baptism_n according_a to_o mat._n 28._o 28._o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v be_v render_v by_o montanus_n seditione_n and_o so_o it_o be_v by_o our_o translator_n in_o gal._n 5._o 20._o which_o be_v consider_v must_v needs_o suppose_v at_o least_o a_o demur_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n hence_o let_v the_o christian_n of_o this_o age_n learn_v moderation_n moderation_n moderation_n 2_o thes_n 1._o 1._o division_n against_o unsufferable_a error_n and_o corruption_n be_v not_o against_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o church_n church_n which_o how_o untrue_a that_o be_v their_o own_o search_n do_v testify_v for_o there_o they_o confess_v that_o we_o own_v they_o for_o church_n at_o some_o turn_n they_o say_v but_o sure_o to_o let_v go_v this_o taunt_n what_o we_o confess_v they_o to_o be_v at_o any_o time_n we_o confess_v they_o to_o be_v at_o all_o time_n and_o that_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n though_o irregular_a in_o point_n of_o constitution_n constitution_n let_v no_o man_n here_o object_n prayer_n and_o hear_v the_o word_n which_o as_o they_o be_v of_o necessity_n antecedent_n to_o our_o membership_n so_o they_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n church_n exit_fw-la ore_fw-la judicium_fw-la judicium_fw-la at_o least_o some_o of_o of_o you_o you_o math._n 28._o 19_o 20._o gal._n 1._o 1._o 1._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 13._o 13._o and_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o paul_n be_v teach_v the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n by_o ananias_n act_n 9_o 6_o 17_o 18._o act_n 22._o 16._o 16._o i._o e._n as_o a_o concomitant_a not_o as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o office_n if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o a_o ministry_n of_o messenger_n than_o none_o be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o office_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o nation_n act_n 6._o 2._o gal._n 2._o 9_o 10._o mark_v 16._o 16._o 2_o cor._n 1._o 19_o 2_o cor._n 2._o 14._o act_n 14._o 21_o 22._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 17._o act_n 14._o 36._o math._n 28._o 20._o 20._o see_v the_o old_a trans_fw-la
in_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v neither_o male_a nor_o female_a but_o if_o you_o be_v christ_n then_o be_v you_o abraham_n seed_n and_o heir_n according_a to_o promise_v it_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o do_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o again_o he_o that_o stabiish_v we_o in_o chrâ—st_n and_o have_v anoint_v we_o be_v god_n who_o also_o have_v seâ—led_v we_o and_o give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n yea_o this_o even_o this_o spirit_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n by_o which_o christian_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n according_a to_o 2_o pet._n 1_o 3_o 4._o thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v evince_n that_o the_o handmaid_n as_o well_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n without_o exception_n that_o â—he_v church_n of_o god_n without_o rejection_n of_o any_o true_a member_n thereof_o have_v a_o clear_a indubitate_a right_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o hâ—ly_a spirit_n and_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n consist_v not_o only_o no_o nor_o chief_o in_o those_o gift_n which_o some_o say_v be_v now_o cease_v to_o wit_n of_o miracle_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o have_v no_o scripture_n for_o it_o but_o this_o promise_n chief_o consist_v in_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n and_o soul_a ablish_v comfort_n thereof_o yea_o in_o that_o which_o seal_v a_o christian_a to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n which_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n will_v fail_v to_o do_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v like_a water_n to_o he_o that_o iâ—_n thirsty_a as_o before_o we_o have_v see_v it_o be_v that_o unction_n which_o the_o holy_a one_o which_o teach_v christian_n all_o thing_n or_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n iâ—_n a_o word_n it_o be_v that_o reception_n of_o the_o spiriâ—_n which_o be_v above_o all_o gift_n of_o tongue_n prophecy_n etc._n etc._n call_v charity_n and_o be_v branch_v into_o meekness_n temperance_n goodness_n and_o faith_n yea_o '_o tiâ—_n that_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o christian_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n power_n and_o a_o sound_a mind_n in_o the_o exercise_n whereof_o i_o mean_v this_o gift_n oâ—_n the_o spirit_n a_o christian_a be_v both_o accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n so_o then_o we_o have_v the_o glorious_a promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n remain_v for_o and_o pertain_v to_o the_o handmaid_n and_o servant_n oâ—_n the_o lord_n in_o the_o most_o excellent_a gift_n thereoâ—_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o and_o consequent_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o as_o ever_o any_o be_v and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o my_o proposition_n viz._n the_o dutiful_a observance_n of_o that_o way_n which_o be_v allow_v and_o confirm_v from_o heaven_n for_o obtain_v that_o heavenly_a donation_n that_o god_n shall_v by_o his_o prophet_n foretell_v oâ—_n such_o grace_n and_o so_o often_o mention_v it_o as_o so_o greaâ—_n a_o promise_n the_o reception_n whereof_o be_v so_o necessary_a as_o without_o which_o christian_n do_v want_v the_o lively_a evidence_n â—eaâ—_n &_o confirmation_n that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n with_o christ_n &_o not_o assign_v some_o peculiar_a way_n and_o special_a mean_n for_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o order_n to_o their_o obtain_n it_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v credible_a which_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o do_v if_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o the_o church_n or_o her_o delegate_n be_v reject_v if_o otherwise_o it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o body_n will_v assign_v we_o what_o peculiar_a way_n the_o word_n of_o god_n direct_v we_o to_o as_o be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v ratify_v from_o heaven_n as_o a_o mean_n peculiar_a for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n which_o if_o any_o assay_n to_o show_v we_o let_v they_o also_o consider_v why_o the_o apostle_n take_v that_o way_n which_o be_v so_o much_o neglect_v by_o our_o brethren_n if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o particular_a mean_n and_o way_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o no_o special_a way_n or_o mean_n be_v leave_v we_o but_o the_o general_a ordinance_n of_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v then_o say_v it_o be_v not_o like_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n in_o other_o case_n for_o ordinary_o when_o it_o please_v god_n to_o promise_v or_o give_v some_o special_a favour_n or_o gift_n unto_o his_o church_n he_o therewithal_o order_v some_o solemn_a or_o service_n to_o keep_v in_o memory_n that_o his_o favour_n and_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o promise_n thus_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n the_o deliverance_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o they_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o he_o promise_v they_o must_v be_v perpetuate_v and_o wait_v for_o in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o way_n as_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o memorial_n or_o reception_n of_o these_o favour_n respective_o and_o so_o must_v the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v seek_v for_o and_o signify_v not_o only_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n in_o general_a but_o particular_o in_o the_o baptism_n of_o of_o repentance_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n also_o nor_o must_v we_o only_o receive_v the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o word_n preach_v but_o particular_o in_o the_o solemn_a use_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n also_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o seek_v to_o god_n for_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o prayer_n but_o also_o in_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a way_n of_o prayer_n allow_v and_o confirm_v from_o heaven_n for_o that_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n which_o be_v the_o point_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v according_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n in_o that_o behalf_n do_v teach_v we_o and_o first_o from_o that_o place_n act_v 8._o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o now_o when_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v at_o jerusaâ—em_n hear_v that_o samaria_n have_v receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o lay_v they_o their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o they_o receive_v the_o holy_a gâ—ost_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o place_n it_o be_v meet_v to_o consider_v that_o such_o as_o pray_v to_o god_n aught_o to_o know_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o pray_v for_o be_v attainable_a and_o that_o they_o know_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v of_o he_o that_o very_a thing_n which_o they_o pray_v for_o especial_o when_o the_o prayer_n be_v make_v positive_o i_o mean_v without_o conditional_a expression_n as_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o the_o prayer_n be_v such_o as_o indeed_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v without_o doubt_v when_o we_o ask_v of_o god_n those_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v james_n 1._o 5_o 6_o 7._o but_o if_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o this_o place_n be_v mean_v only_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n thereof_o such_o as_o tongue_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n then_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n from_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v that_o all_o those_o person_n which_o be_v baptise_a in_o samaria_n shall_v so_o receive_v the_o spirit_n no_o nor_o any_o ground_n from_o any_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o pray_v for_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o particular_a person_n among_o they_o â—lâ—_n since_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o that_o case_n be_v not_o make_v to_o this_o or_o that_o man_n or_o woman_n by_o name_n and_o consequent_o here_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o pray_v absolute_o and_o believe_o but_o rather_o doubt_o for_o that_o very_a thing_n which_o they_o purposely_o pray_v for_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o all_o the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n but_o rather_o very_a few_o and_o they_o also_o unknown_a by_o name_n to_o any_o man_n no_o not_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 11_o 29._o act_n 1._o 24._o be_v choose_v to_o be_v prophet_n worker_n of_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n at_o all_o practise_v here_o as_o some_o imagine_v namely_o a_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n do_v sometime_o give_v
doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o of_o eternal_a judgement_n and_o what_o though_o it_o be_v say_v that_o other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o which_o be_v already_o lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n do_v this_o prejudice_n that_o use_n of_o the_o word_n foundation_n heâ—_n 6._o 1._o not_o at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o not_o any_o more_o than_o the_o church_n be_v call_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o and_o the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n or_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 15._o do_v prejudice_v the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o be_v call_v christ_n or_o the_o foundation_n and_o be_v not_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n call_v the_o foundation_n ephes_n 2._o 20._o of_o which_o christ_n in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o corner_n stone_n and_o yet_o sure_o christian_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n do_v understand_v that_o these_o say_n do_v not_o contradict_v but_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o say_n of_o paul_n other_o foundation_n can_v no_o mâ—n_z lay_v etc._n etc._n so_o long_o as_o christ_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v the_o head_n the_o all_o and_o in_o all_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o since_o the_o searcher_n do_v grant_v and_o say_v to_o my_o knowledge_n that_o they_o do_v ever_o grant_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o good_a basis_n for_o a_o happy_a composure_n of_o our_o unhappy_a dâ—fference_n it_o remain_v that_o the_o only_a or_o chief_a point_n of_o difference_n lie_v in_o this_o what_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n it_o be_v that_o be_v call_v a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n heb._n 6._o 2_o whether_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n with_o prayer_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o promise_n or_o some_o other_o kind_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n we_o affirm_v the_o first_o they_o imagine_v the_o latter_a but_o now_o ask_v they_o what_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n they_o will_v assign_v to_o be_v mean_v heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o then_o they_o either_o answer_v nothing_o at_o all_o or_o else_o so_o flat_o contradictory_o one_o to_o another_o or_o with_o such_o hesitation_n in_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v admire_v but_o more_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o such_o leader_n in_o israel_n as_o they_o pass_v for_o and_o to_o give_v they_o their_o due_n may_v well_o pass_v for_o such_o if_o etc._n etc._n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o digest_v the_o milk_n which_o babe_n must_v feed_v upon_o nor_o can_v they_o assign_v to_o babe_n their_o portion_n therein_o but_o instead_o of_o milk_n they_o sometime_o set_v before_o they_o strong_a meat_n even_o that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n which_o pertain_v to_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o as_o one_o of_o the_o babe_n principle_n which_o be_v far_o from_o be_v fit_a nutriment_n for_o they_o and_o now_o that_o the_o searcher_n may_v sufficient_o show_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o that_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n which_o they_o confess_v to_o be_v a_o principle_n etc._n etc._n they_o number_v up_o six_o or_o seven_o sort_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o then_o put_v it_o to_o the_o question_n which_o of_o all_o these_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n be_v intend_v heb._n 6._o 2._o and_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o unwary_a demand_n no_o doubt_n they_o have_v lead_v many_o a_o simple_a meaning_n christian_n into_o a_o maze_n and_o there_o leave_v he_o nor_o can_v they_o possible_o give_v he_o relief_n since_o they_o can_v extricate_v themselves_o from_o the_o same_o meander_n and_o as_o a_o addition_n to_o their_o folly_n they_o demand_v that_o see_v divers_a man_n be_v different_o persuade_v concern_v that_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o they_o to_o doubt_v whether_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n practise_v by_o we_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n which_o they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v hold_v for_o god_n institution_n for_o certain_o divers_a man_n be_v notwithstanding_o their_o interest_n diverse_o persuade_v of_o most_o place_n of_o scripture_n on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_o faith_n and_o practice_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o in_o this_o mist_n till_o they_o be_v weary_a shall_v desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o will_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v plain_o what_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n it_o be_v which_o be_v call_v a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o though_o the_o searcher_n be_v please_v to_o trouble_v their_o reader_n with_o a_o large_a enumeration_n of_o laying_n on_o of_o hand_n yet_o they_o seem_v at_o last_o to_o be_v content_a that_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o shall_v be_v one_o out_o of_o two_o namely_o either_o that_o which_o be_v for_o heal_v the_o sick_a or_o else_o that_o which_o be_v for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o they_o rather_o incline_v to_o the_o first_o and_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v show_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n nor_o ever_o be_v be_v a_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o man_n understanding_n to_o who_o such_o gift_n do_v belong_v and_o consequent_o they_o know_v not_o on_o who_o to_o impose_v their_o hand_n that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o shall_v be_v that_o on_o the_o sick_a be_v no_o way_n congruous_a to_o truth_n or_o reason_n for_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o milk_n for_o babe_n see_v it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o believe_v without_o a_o miracle_n than_o with_o one_o but_o it_o be_v not_o more_o bless_v to_o be_v without_o a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n than_o to_o have_v it_o and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o they_o see_v they_o be_v upbraid_v for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n to_o heal_v the_o sick_a if_o necessary_a yet_o be_v prerequisite_a to_o faith_n sign_n be_v for_o they_o which_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o not_o for_o they_o that_o do_v but_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v subsequent_a to_o faith_n yea_o it_o follow_v baptism_n and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v that_o which_o be_v for_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n again_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o the_o sick_a be_v most_o proper_a if_o not_o only_o proper_a for_o those_o that_o be_v without_o and_o therefore_o not_o milk_n for_o babe_n in_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o not_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o as_o for_o sick_a person_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o bid_v to_o have_v hand_n lay_v on_o they_o but_o be_v bid_v to_o send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v pray_v over_o they_o anoint_v they_o with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n that_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a and_o what_o though_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o woman_n luke_n 3._o 17._o and_o the_o disease_a people_n of_o the_o island_n act_v 28._o 9_o 10._o may_v be_v teach_v to_o all_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n appertain_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o to_o follow_v his_o baptism_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v that_o it_o be_v proper_o teach_v to_o a_o believer_n as_o such_o for_o what_o do_v it_o add_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o believe_v already_o that_o christ_n have_v one_o far_o great_a thing_n than_o the_o heal_n of_o a_o disease_n for_o he_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v overcome_v death_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n indeed_o to_o those_o that_o doubt_v whether_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n such_o a_o sight_n may_v be_v some_o way_n convince_a to_o they_o but_o still_o this_o be_v for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o not_o the_o four_o principle_n of_o a_o christian_n we_o see_v then_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o person_n which_o be_v without_o to_o work_v miracle_n can_v with_o no_o show_n of_o truth_n be_v say_v to_o be_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heâ—_n 6._o 2._o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v join_v with_o
advantage_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v much_o doubt_v whether_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v ever_o teach_v or_o command_v by_o authority_n from_o heaven_n i_o think_v this_o shall_v not_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v unless_o we_o can_v be_v so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o to_o dream_v that_o peter_n and_o john_n when_o they_o come_v among_o the_o disciple_n go_v preposterous_o from_o person_n to_o person_n pray_v and_o put_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o without_o tell_v they_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o it_o which_o to_o do_v be_v enough_o to_o amaze_v the_o spectator_n and_o iâ—_n contrary_a to_o the_o glory_n and_o gravity_n of_o gospel_n performance_n which_o as_o they_o must_v be_v act_n oâ—_n subjection_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o do_v please_v god_n so_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o act_n or_o subjection_n musâ—_n come_v by_o hear_v with_o understand_v whaâ—_n they_o must_v do_v or_o to_o what_o they_o must_v submit_v and_o to_o what_o end_n and_o this_o hear_n must_v be_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n else_o there_o iâ—_n no_o ground_n for_o faith_n or_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n but_o goâ—_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o apostle_n act_v anâ—_n the_o samaritan_n submission_n in_o the_o case_n of_o prayer_n with_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o bear_v witness_n from_o heaven_n that_o he_o approve_v it_o therefore_o their_o obedience_n be_v of_o faith_n therefore_o they_o hear_v with_o understanding_n that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v their_o duty_n &_o therefore_o the_o lord_n teach_v they_o both_o concern_v the_o duty_n and_o the_o end_n thereof_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v practice_v with_o such_o frequency_n this_o service_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n upon_o disciple_n general_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v record_v among_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o act_n in_o promote_a the_o gospel_n and_o settle_v of_o church_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v place_v among_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o this_o without_o authority_n from_o heaven_n be_v unworthy_a the_o follower_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n to_o imagine_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o divers_a have_v labour_v to_o satisfy_v the_o contrary_n mind_v in_o this_o point_n who_o work_n be_v extant_a &_o unanswered_a i_o shall_v not_o insist_v far_o save_v that_o i_o do_v brief_o show_v that_o our_o brethren_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a for_o they_o do_v that_o themselves_o which_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v themselves_o to_o do_v for_o they_o practise_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n for_o which_o there_o be_v as_o little_a by_o way_n of_o precept_n as_o for_o the_o lay_v hand_n on_o disciple_n or_o rather_o less_o for_o since_o they_o do_v now_o acquit_v that_o text_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o as_o not_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o the_o business_n of_o ordination_n and_o to_o strengthen_v a_o contrary_a interpretation_n do_v bring_v the_o suffrage_n of_o dr._n hammond_n victor_n cyprian_n and_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n sure_o i_o be_o they_o have_v no_o text_n which_o have_v so_o much_o as_o the_o face_n of_o a_o precept_n i_o mean_v in_o so_o many_o word_n for_o lay_v hand_n upon_o officer_n although_o it_o be_v beyond_o doubt_n with_o i_o that_o that_o way_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o depute_v his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n to_o their_o work_n respective_o wherefore_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o this_o enthememe_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n in_o scripture_n for_o lay_v hand_n on_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o our_o brethren_n do_v make_v a_o show_n by_o their_o action_n out_o of_o some_o ancient_a author_n as_o well_o as_o modern_a as_o if_o antiquity_n be_v on_o their_o part_n in_o this_o controversy_n i_o will_v therefore_o put_v in_o something_o by_o way_n of_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o i_o find_v they_o partly_o from_o the_o author_n themselves_o and_o partly_o from_o such_o as_o have_v gather_v certain_a sentence_n out_o of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ancient_n concern_v this_o matter_n 8._o tertullian_n to_o this_o effect_n that_o like_o as_o in_o baptism_n the_o flesh_n be_v wash_v that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v make_v clean_o so_o in_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n the_o flesh_n be_v overshadow_a that_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o clemens_n there_o be_v say_v to_o be_v this_o passage_n viz._n we_o must_v all_o hasten_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o to_o god_n mean_v by_o baptism_n and_o at_o length_n to_o be_v sign_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o seven_o fold_v grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n otherwise_o a_o person_n can_v perfect_o be_v a_o christian_n if_o careless_o and_o willing_o and_o not_o of_o necessity_n he_o remain_v without_o it_o jubi_fw-la cyprian_a speak_v of_o the_o samaritan_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n say_v which_o also_o be_v do_v with_o we_o that_o they_o which_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v present_v to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o church_n that_o by_o prayer_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n may_v obtain_v the_o holy_a ghost_n lucif_n jerom_n according_a to_o andrea_n willet_n touch_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n have_v these_o word_n viz._n it_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n 42._o eusebius_n have_v a_o passage_n concern_v novatus_n who_o live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o century_n how_o he_o slight_v the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n these_o be_v his_o word_n after_o mention_n make_v of_o his_o be_v baptize_v he_o say_v he_o obtain_v not_o that_o which_o he_o shall_v have_v do_v according_a to_o the_o canon_n or_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n to_o wit_n confirmation_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o bishop_n insomuch_o than_o he_o obtain_v not_o that_o how_o come_v he_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n see_v also_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n the_o seven_o book_n of_o eusebius_n c._n 2._o for_o modern_a writer_n erasmus_n in_o my_o opinion_n as_o he_o be_v most_o clear_a without_o mixture_n in_o most_o of_o his_o exposition_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o point_n he_o be_v most_o clear_a these_o be_v his_o word_n upon_o the_o principle_n heb._n 6._o 1_o 2._o 2._o the_o first_o degree_n unto_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v repentant_a of_o our_o former_a life_n and_o to_o forsake_v sin_n next_o of_o all_o it_o be_v require_v that_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o true_a innocency_n and_o soul-health_n be_v to_o be_v hope_v for_o of_o god_n then_o forthwith_o that_o we_o be_v purge_v by_o holy_a baptism_n from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o restore_v again_o to_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n then_o that_o we_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n and_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a to_o come_v and_o also_o that_o last_o judgement_n that_o shall_v award_v some_o to_o eternal_a felicity_n and_o other_o some_o to_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o damnation_n 2._o diodate_v have_v these_o word_n lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v a_o ceremony_n join_v to_o baptism_n for_o a_o sign_n of_o blessing_n and_o consecration_n to_o god_n and_o he_o call_v these_o principle_n the_o first_o ground_n of_o christian_a catechism_n and_o the_o head_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n 6._o as_o in_o baptism_n the_o outward_a ministry_n or_o mystical_a wash_n do_v regenerate_v wash_v away_o sin_n cleanse_v and_o purge_v we_o from_o our_o filthiness_n so_o do_v the_o imsition_n or_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n give_v we_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o outward_a and_o mystical_a wash_n do_v only_o represent_v unto_o we_o that_o in_o christ_n blood_n our_o sin_n be_v clean_o wash_v away_o etc._n etc._n from_o these_o testimony_n it_o appear_v that_o what_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n now_o contend_v for_o touch_v the_o practice_n and_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o end_n of_o prayer_n with_o laying_z on_o of_o hand_n be_v no_o novel_a thing_n but_o as_o the_o institution_n of_o that_o ordinance_n be_v find_v in_o holy_a writ_n as_o we_o have_v show_v so_o it_o have_v continue_v in_o use_n as_o necessary_a in_o place_n the_o next_o to_o holy_a baptism_n among_o christian_n general_o a_o appendix_n meet_v late_o with_o a_o very_a worthy_a brother_n at_o east_n haddon_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n he_o do_v much_o importune_v i_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o short_a dispute_n with_o he_o about_o the_o principle_n under_o consideration_n to_o who_o i_o consent_v and_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o assertion_n that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n
in_o their_o office_n apostolical_a which_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a by_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o gift_n which_o our_o lord_n obtain_v and_o give_v to_o his_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o ascension_n eph._n 4._o 11._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_a of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v into_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n etc._n etc._n see_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o it_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o gift_n be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n albeit_o some_o of_o they_o be_v perhaps_o but_o rare_o find_v at_o least_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o do_v profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n especial_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o may_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v whole_o absent_a from_o the_o church_n in_o these_o day_n and_o in_o this_o nation_n of_o which_o i_o can_v say_v something_o partly_o from_o such_o information_n as_o i_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o partly_o from_o what_o i_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v in_o that_o behalf_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o gift_n of_o office_n here_o repeat_v why_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n i_o see_v not_o any_o ground_n at_o all_o they_o be_v so_o evident_o fix_v in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a church_n be_v complete_v and_o the_o use_n of_o these_o office_n respective_o as_o before_o we_o have_v define_v so_o needful_a that_o the_o church_n will_v easy_o find_v the_o want_n of_o they_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v take_v from_o she_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o anon_o and_o although_o we_o say_v before_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n tongue_n etc._n etc._n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n and_o yet_o be_v only_o temporary_a and_o now_o say_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n may_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o have_v a_o be_v or_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n in_o this_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o the_o make_v those_o gift_n temporary_a or_o but_o for_o a_o time_n as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o office_n of_o those_o which_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n do_v not_o at_o all_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v whole_o abnegated_a or_o take_v away_o from_o the_o church_n and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o these_o gift_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o chief_a apoostle_n our_o meaning_n not_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o office_n but_o only_o a_o necessary_a concomicant_n thereto_o so_o that_o though_o this_o concomitant_a shall_v not_o befound_v it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o office_n consider_v as_o we_o have_v define_v it_o we_o come_v now_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o order_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o certain_o have_v many_o apostle_n beside_o those_o that_o be_v foundation_n layer_n and_o master-builder_n such_o be_v andronicus_n and_o junia_n rom._n 16._o 7._o who_o be_v â—â—id_v to_o he_o man_n of_o note_n among_o the_o apostle_n some_o conceive_v they_o be_v of_o the_o seventy_o apostle_n than_o they_o be_v for_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a interpretation_n to_o say_v they_o be_v note_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v to_o wrest_v the_o word_n of_o paul_n from_o their_o native_a signification_n which_o clear_o give_v andronicuâ—_n and_o junia_n a_o place_n among_o the_o apostle_n not_o among_o the_o chief_a apostle_n but_o those_o that_o be_v call_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o we_o read_v of_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 23._o and_o such_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v those_o 3_o ep._n john_n who_o be_v say_v to_o go_v forth_o for_o the_o name_n sake_n of_o christ_n take_v nothing_o of_o the_o gentile_n who_o gaius_n be_v commend_v for_o courtes_o entertain_v and_o dioteophe_n for_o reject_v have_v not_o these_o brethren_n be_v send_v topreach_n i_o see_v not_o how_o john_n shall_v reprove_v they_o that_o receive_v they_o not_o or_o stir_v up_o gaius_n to_o bring_v they_o on_o their_o journey_n whethersoever_o they_o will_v go_v but_o john_n care_n of_o they_o and_o his_o hâ—lding_v they_o in_o reputation_n and_o defend_v they_o against_o opposer_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o therewithal_o their_o forsake_v all_o for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o free_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v show_v that_o they_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o church_n otherwise_o if_o they_o run_v before_o they_o be_v send_v they_o can_v not_o manage_v the_o great_a affair_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a john_n call_v they_o brethren_n only_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o ministerial_a capacity_n for_o we_o find_v the_o same_o phrase_n use_v by_o paul_n concern_v those_o who_o be_v messenger_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 32._o or_o if_o the_o brethren_n be_v inquire_v oâ—_n they_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o gloâ—y_n of_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o those_o brethren_n be_v messenger_n only_o as_o they_o be_v send_v to_o carry_v the_o contribution_n from_o the_o gentile_a church_n to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o be_v a_o very_a cold_a exposition_n for_o first_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o business_n but_o second_o if_o they_o be_v how_o shall_v they_o for_o this_o service_n only_o be_v call_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n sure_o this_o character_n must_v needs_o refer_v to_o their_o be_v entrust_v with_o better_a treasure_n than_o silver_n and_o gold_n since_o either_o brethren_n or_o sister_n of_o very_a ordinary_a capacity_n if_o faithful_a may_v have_v be_v send_v with_o earthly_a treasure_n again_o epaphroditus_n be_v not_o only_o call_v the_o mâ—ssenger_n of_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n but_o also_o paul_n companion_n in_o labour_n and_o his_o fellow_n soldier_n which_o show_v that_o though_o he_o may_v bring_v the_o church_n bounty_n to_o paul_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o confer_v upon_o he_o the_o title_n of_o apostle_n or_o messenger_n since_o he_o have_v a_o great_a employment_n than_o that_o namely_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o war_n in_o that_o holy_a warfare_n even_o as_o a_o companion_n of_o paul_n himself_o and_o therefore_o worthy_o may_v he_o be_v call_v a_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v barnabas_n luke_n mark_v silas_n sylvanus_n titchicus_n troplimus_n and_o apollo_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o be_v frequent_o fellow_n traveller_n and_o labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o apostle_n concern_v who_o i_o argue_v thus_o these_o person_n be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o be_v not_o entrust_v with_o the_o care_n of_o particular_a church_n therefore_o their_o office_n be_v general_a and_o by_o consequence_n travel_v minister_n â—r_o â—_z of_o the_o gospel_n the_o major_n be_v true_a otherwise_o they_o run_v before_o they_o be_v send_v and_o then_o how_o can_v they_o preach_v rom._n 10._o or_o be_v paul_n fellow-soldier_n and_o fellow_n labourer_n the_o minor_a be_v out_o of_o doubt_n because_o of_o their_o unfixedness_n in_o respect_n of_o place_n as_o before_o we_o have_v say_v and_o beside_o some_o of_o they_o be_v express_o call_v the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n 1_o thes_n 1._o 1._o where_o silvanus_n be_v join_v with_o paul_n as_o speak_v to_o the_o thessâ—lonians_n and_o so_o throughout_o that_o epistle_n and_o chap._n 2._o 6._o it_o be_v thus_o say_v nor_o of_o man_n seek_v we_o glory_n we._n what_o we_o paul_n and_o silvanus_n when_o we_o may_v have_v be_v burdensome_a how_o may_v paul_n and_o silvanus_n have_v be_v burdensome_a why_o as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n for_o such_o they_o be_v otherwise_o they_o may_v not_o have_v be_v burdensome_a as_o such_o timotheus_n and_o titus_n be_v evident_o minister_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n as_o appear_v partly_o from_o the_o scripture_n even_o now_o allege_v where_o as_o paâ—l_v and_o silvanus_n so_o also_o timotheus_n be_v express_o call_v a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o partly_o from_o those_o epistle_n which_o paul_n write_v to_o they_o respective_o 1_o tim._n 1._o as_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o abide_v still_o at_o ephesus_n when_o i_o go_v into_o macedoian_a that_o thou_o may_v wâ—rn_v some_o that_o they_o teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n so_o do_v have_v timothy_n charge_n be_v only_o at_o ephesus_n as_o pastor_n only_o of_o that_o church_n there_o have_v be_v no_o
as_o pastor_n and_o also_o how_o many_o several_a congregation_n they_o may_v act_v in_o as_o pastor_n by_o consent_n whether_o two_o only_a or_o ten_o only_a or_o a_o hundred_o and_o so_o ad_fw-la infinitum_fw-la sure_o if_o once_o they_o give_v particular_a pastor_n power_n to_o act_n as_o elder_n in_o more_o congregation_n than_o they_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o ordination_n appoint_v to_o oversee_v they_o can_v never_o bind_v their_o power_n and_o than_o what_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n do_v ever_o exceed_v they_o in_o that_o respect_n and_o further_o if_o our_o brethren_n can_v give_v their_o particular_a pastors_n power_n to_o act_v as_o pastor_n in_o many_o church_n for_o a_o month_n or_o half_a a_o year_n then_o why_o not_o a_o year_n 2._o or_o 3._o and_o so_o for_o the_o term_n of_o life_n the_o occasion_n still_o be_v the_o same_o and_o how_o much_o come_v this_o short_a of_o the_o power_n commit_v to_o any_o messenger_n in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n wherefore_o see_v that_o our_o brethren_n do_v exercise_v as_o great_a authority_n in_o send_v man_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o settle_v their_o church_n as_o we_o do_v it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v dislike_v our_o calling_n those_o office_n by_o such_o name_n as_o the_o scripture_n give_v they_o rather_o than_o by_o such_o name_n as_o be_v exclusive_a of_o that_o authority_n which_o be_v exercise_v either_o by_o those_o who_o go_v out_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n or_o those_o that_o take_v the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n true_a it_o be_v that_o peter_n call_v himself_o a_o elder_n and_o that_o he_o be_v elder_a in_o one_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o but_o this_o be_v because_o he_o have_v a_o office_n which_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o office_n in_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n sometime_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n when_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o let_v to_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o 10._o great_a contain_v the_o less_o yet_o the_o less_o do_v not_o contain_v the_o great_a for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o particular_a elder_n of_o a_o congregation_n only_o and_o a_o charge_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n be_v thing_n inconsistent_a to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n what_o may_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o person_n gift_v in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o general_a privilege_n or_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o my_o business_n here_o to_o discourse_n but_o only_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v which_o necessary_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o those_o office_n which_o god_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o church_n otherwise_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v not_o only_o provide_v a_o liberty_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o modest_a exercise_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o prophecy_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o body_n may_v be_v edify_v but_o also_o when_o by_o his_o providence_n any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v expose_v to_o remâ—te_a place_n or_o otherwise_o call_v to_o testify_v their_o faith_n they_o may_v lawful_o evangelize_n or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o be_v evident_a both_o from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n act._n 8._o 4_o 5._o and_o other_o very_a ancient_a author_n see_v socrates_n schlasticus_n l._n 1._o the_o 15._o 16._o chapter_n 5._o the_o necessity_n of_o messenger_n or_o apostle_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o have_v define_v be_v yet_o more_o evident_a from_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o continual_a neâ—d_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o ancient_a purity_n thereof_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o of_o that_o greâ—t_a danger_n they_o lie_v under_o by_o reasâ—n_n of_o the_o many_o decivers_a or_o false_a vpostle_n which_o be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n who_o corrupt_v the_o worldly_a mingle_v therewith_o their_o own_o tradition_n the_o world_n be_v the_o lord_n harvest_n into_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o send_v his_o labourer_n and_o the_o church_n be_v command_v to_o pray_v that_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n will_v send_v forth_o painful_a labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n luke_n 10._o 1_o 2._o it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v that_o these_o labourer_n be_v at_o least_o chief_o some_o that_o be_v in_o a_o ministerial_a capacity_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o they_o can_v so_o well_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o particular_a function_n in_o the_o ministry_n as_o that_o of_o messenger_n partly_o for_o that_o the_o other_o officer_n in_o the_o ministry_n be_v bind_v to_o particular_a congregation_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o and_o partly_o for_o that_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o direction_n to_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o send_v forth_o messenger_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n if_o then_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n to_o pray_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v send_v forth_o painful_a labourer_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n as_o sure_o none_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o room_n leave_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o continuance_n of_o such_o a_o office_n as_o that_o of_o messenger_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o very_a clause_n touch_v their_o be_v send_v forth_o and_o that_o as_o lamb_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n do_v sufficient_o instruct_v we_o what_o labourer_n these_o be_v a_o necessity_n therefore_o liee_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o dispose_v of_o her_o member_n to_o that_o needful_a work_n as_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o lest_o otherwise_o she_o be_v like_o those_o who_o make_v many_o prayer_n for_o that_o which_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o do_v it_o be_v certain_a the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o cause_v the_o world_n to_o come_v to_o her_o assembly_n nor_o be_v it_o like_o that_o the_o world_n will_v send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o instruction_n it_o remain_v therefore_o see_v the_o gospel_n be_v for_o the_o illumination_n of_o all_o that_o as_o gad_n have_v wont_a to_o send_v forth_o his_o ambassador_n to_o beseech_v the_o world_n in_o christ_n stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n even_o so_o one_o fruit_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o our_o lord_n at_o this_o day_n be_v a_o gift_n even_o for_o the_o rebellious_a that_o the_o lord_n god_n may_v dwell_v among_o they_o psal_n 68_o 18._o which_o be_v compare_v with_o ephes_n 4._o may_v very_o well_o be_v interpret_v of_o a_o gift_a ministry_n to_o turn_v rebellious_a sinner_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n to_o which_o agree_v that_o place_n john_n 16._o 8._o where_o our_o lord_n do_v assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o when_o he_o shall_v send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o shall_v convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n and_o this_o no_o doubt_n as_o he_o shall_v operate_v or_o work_v upon_o man_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n which_o promise_v either_o end_v with_o that_o age_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v or_o else_o if_o it_o remain_v to_o these_o day_n than_o it_o suppose_v a_o ministry_n to_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o world_n the_o everlasting_a gospel_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o ministry_n as_o be_v bind_v even_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o call_n as_o debtor_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o unwise_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o those_o that_o be_v without_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o satan_n have_v his_o apostle_n minister_n or_o messenger_n in_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o in_o time_n past_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 13_o 22._o it_o be_v strange_a now_o if_o our_o lord_n christ_n shall_v have_v none_o to_o withstand_v these_o if_o need_v be_v with_o a_o be_v they_o apostle_n so_o be_o i_o as_o well_o as_o with_o a_o be_v they_o mnister_n of_o christ_n so_o be_o i_o nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n hear_v dissllow_v the_o appellation_n of_o apostle_n or_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o other_o beside_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n but_o that_o which_o he_o do_v disallow_v be_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o when_o their_o work_n declare_v that_o they_o be_v false_a apostle_n and_o such_o as_o only_o transform_v themselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n but_o have_v it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o to_o be_v call_v apostle_n beside_o the_o foundation-layer_n paul_n have_v a_o very_a easy_a way_n to_o confute_v these_o deceiver_n even_o by_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o profess_v themselves_o apostle_n be_v proof_n