evangelist_n 4._o pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes._n 4._o 11._o elsewhere_o we_o find_v other_o name_n of_o gift_n and_o office_n as_o worker_n of_o miracle_n gift_n of_o heal_n help_v governor_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n interpreter_n of_o tongue_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28_o 29_o 30._o item_n deacon_n exhorter_n ruler_n rom._n 12._o 7_o 8._o and_o bishop_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 1_o 8._o and_o 5._o 17_o 18_o 19_o from_o whence_o i_o make_v these_o inference_n 1._o if_o these_o officer_n appoint_v for_o the_o first_o building_n of_o christ_n church_n be_v by_o degree_n set_v in_o a_o priority_n and_o superiority_n one_o above_o another_o than_o i_o may_v conceive_v that_o a_o priority_n and_o superiority_n of_o spiritual_a officer_n be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n church_n but_o these_o officer_n be_v so_o set_v in_o relation_n of_o degree_n one_o above_o another_o therefore_o i_o may_v conceive_v that_o such_o a_o gradation_n of_o spiritual_a officer_n be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o government_n of_o christ_n church_n 2._o if_o there_o be_v no_o independent_a parity_n in_o the_o first_o officer_n institute_v in_o christ_n church_n than_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o conceive_v that_o a_o independent_a parity_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o christ_n intention_n in_o institute_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o independent_a parity_n in_o these_o first_o officer_n institute_v in_o the_o church_n therefore_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o conceive_v that_o a_o independent_a parity_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o christ_n intention_n here_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v object_v or_o except_v against_o this_o rule_n of_o decision_n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v christ_n first_o officer_n be_v equal_a one_o to_o another_o and_o independent_a one_o from_o another_o but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o officer_n appoint_v before_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o those_o that_o be_v name_v express_o to_o bear_v office_n in_o the_o church_n already_o constitute_v second_o if_o then_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o inequality_n of_o these_o first_o office-bearer_n do_v proceed_v from_o the_o difference_n of_o extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a officer_n then_o requisite_a at_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o now_o requisite_a after_o it_o be_v once_o constitute_v then_o i_o answer_v that_o here_o i_o neither_o intend_v nor_o have_v need_n to_o consider_v which_o officer_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o which_o ordinary_a because_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o only_o at_o this_o time_n as_o they_o be_v officer_n extant_a at_o first_o to_o build_v up_o the_o church_n and_o my_o inference_n go_v no_o further_a as_o yet_o nor_o must_v i_o come_v to_o admit_v of_o that_o distinction_n in_o my_o thought_n till_o the_o matter_n itself_o carry_v i_o to_o it_o four_o i_o find_v the_o several_a charge_n and_o duty_n of_o these_o officer_n to_o be_v these_o 1._o christ_n send_v forth_o his_o apostle_n appoint_v they_o to_o be_v his_o witness_n unto_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o salvation_n act_n 1._o 8._o also_o he_o give_v they_o charge_n to_o teach_v all_o man_n to_o observe_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o to_o baptise_v those_o that_o receive_v their_o doctrine_n matth._n 28._o 19_o 20._o this_o they_o do_v and_o so_o gather_v a_o church_n together_o wherein_o at_o first_o the_o faithful_a have_v all_o thing_n common_a bring_v their_o good_n to_o the_o apostle_n foot_n make_v they_o distributer_n thereof_o unto_o such_o as_o have_v need_v but_o the_o apostle_n find_v this_o charge_n impose_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v too_o troublesome_a and_o not_o proper_a unto_o their_o spiritual_a call_n therefore_o they_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o their_o own_o peculiar_a charge_n which_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n act_n 6._o 4._o and_o give_v advice_n that_o deacon_n shall_v be_v choose_v who_o peculiar_a charge_n at_o their_o first_o institution_n be_v to_o serve_v the_o table_n ibid._n verse_n 2_o 3._o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o also_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o bear_v witness_n of_o christ_n ib._n verse_n 9_o 10._o and_o cap._n 8._o verse_n 5._o and_o baptise_v the_o believer_n ib._n chap._n 8._o vers._n 12._o 38._o beside_o these_o deacon_n we_o find_v that_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v other_o officer_n in_o it_o be_v name_v and_o say_v to_o be_v different_a in_o charge_n as_o the_o charge_n of_o prophet_n be_v to_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n of_o deacon_n to_o attend_v their_o deaconship_n of_o teacher_n to_o attend_v teach_v of_o exhorter_n to_o attend_v exhort_v of_o distributer_n to_o distribute_v of_o ruler_n to_o rule_v with_o diligence_n rom._n 12._o 6._o 7._o 8._o of_o speaker_n with_o tongue_n to_o speak_v and_o of_o interpreter_n to_o interpret_v 1_o cor._n 14._o 27._o beside_o these_o duty_n thus_o general_o mention_v we_o find_v more_o particular_a charge_n mention_v as_o first_o concerning_o the_o duty_n of_o prophet_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o prophesy_v and_o of_o speaker_n with_o tongue_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o speak_v unto_o edification_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o second_o concerning_o ruler_n where_o we_o find_v the_o charge_n give_v to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n either_o as_o evangelist_n or_o as_o ordinary_a bishop_n and_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n next_o unto_o the_o apostle_n their_o charge_n be_v to_o set_v in_o order_n thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n leave_v undo_v for_o the_o constitute_n of_o the_o church_n among_o which_o the_o ordain_n of_o elder_n and_o deacon_n in_o every_o church_n be_v a_o chief_a duty_n belong_v to_o they_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 3._o tit._n 1._o 5._o item_n to_o repress_v and_o inhibit_v false_a doctrine_n 1._o tim._n 1._o 3._o tit._n 1._o 10._o 11._o item_n to_o settle_v a_o course_n of_o prayer_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o item_n to_o appoint_v due_a maintenance_n for_o widow_n and_o elder_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 9_o 17._o 18._o item_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o matter_n of_o accusation_n against_o elder_n ibid._n verse_n 19_o and_o to_o give_v imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o those_o that_o be_v approve_v and_o fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n ibid_n verse_n 22._o item_n to_o maintain_v their_o authority_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v despise_v therein_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 12._o tit._n 2._o 15._o and_o last_o to_o commit_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o apostle_n unto_o faithful_a man_n able_a to_o teach_v other_o who_o shall_v be_v successor_n in_o that_o place_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 2._o as_o for_o other_o ruler_n in_o the_o pastoral_a charge_n their_o duty_n be_v specify_v to_o be_v a_o watch_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o flock_n as_o those_o which_o must_v give_v a_o account_n heb._n 13._o 17._o and_o in_o do_v this_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o call_v their_o sheep_n by_o name_n to_o lead_v they_o out_o and_o to_o go_v before_o they_o ioh._n 10._o 3._o 4._o item_n to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o wolf_n though_o they_o hazard_v their_o life_n in_o so_o do_v ib._n verse_n 11._o item_n to_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o pray_v for_o they_o iam._n 5._o 14._o item_n to_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o shut_v it_o and_o open_v it_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v matth._n 16._o 19_o and_o 18._o 17_o 18._o and_o 1_o cor._n 5._o 4._o 5._o and_o then_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o all_o officer_n be_v that_o as_o every_o one_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n so_o he_o shall_v minister_v the_o same_o to_o other_o as_o a_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o manifold_a grace_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 10._o from_o all_o this_o i_o make_v these_o inference_n 1._o if_o all_o these_o charge_n and_o duty_n be_v different_a and_o yet_o shall_v be_v administer_v joint_o as_o by_o several_a member_n of_o one_o body_n than_o it_o seem_v such_o a_o priority_n and_o superiority_n in_o some_o and_o subordination_n in_o other_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o be_v in_o the_o member_n of_o a_o natural_a body_n one_o in_o respect_n of_o another_o but_o all_o these_o charge_n be_v different_a and_o yet_o so_o to_o be_v administer_v as_o be_v mention_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 4_o 5._o and_o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n therefore_o it_o seem_v such_o a_o priority_n and_o superiority_n in_o some_o and_o subordination_n in_o other_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v 2._o if_o these_o charge_n in_o their_o natural_a property_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o be_v repugnant_a to_o a_o independent_a parity_n than_o
there_o be_v no_o independent_a parity_n allow_v of_o among_o the_o officer_n who_o be_v to_o discharge_v the_o same_o but_o it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v make_v good_a that_o these_o charge_n be_v in_o their_o natural_a property_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o repugnant_a to_o a_o independent_a parity_n therefore_o perhaps_o there_o be_v no_o independent_a parity_n allow_v of_o among_o the_o officer_n who_o be_v to_o discharge_v the_o same_o five_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o flock_n be_v in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o their_o ruler_n and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o heb._n 13._o 7._o 17._o and_o to_o provide_v necessary_a maintenance_n for_o they_o gal._n 6._o 6._o 8._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 13_o 14._o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v that_o if_o submission_n and_o obedience_n be_v to_o be_v yield_v and_o if_o ruler_n be_v different_a in_o charge_n then_o according_a to_o every_o one_o degree_n and_o different_a place_n in_o his_o charge_n the_o submission_n ought_v to_o be_v difference_v but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o also_o the_o consequent_a therefore_o i_o conceive_v that_o more_o respect_n be_v due_a unto_o apostle_n even_o as_o they_o be_v ordinary_a minister_n than_o to_o their_o ordinary_a ruler_n and_o more_o to_o the_o bishop_n and_o overseer_n that_o be_v make_v judge_n of_o other_o elder_n then_o to_o the_o elder_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v judge_v and_o more_o reverence_n due_a to_o the_o elder_n then_o to_o the_o deacon_n last_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o chief_a masterbuilder_n be_v this_o they_o lay_v the_o foundation_n which_o be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 10_o 11._o they_o build_v by_o preach_v upon_o the_o foundation_n gold_n silver_n and_o precious_a stone_n they_o baptise_v the_o believer_n and_o gather_v they_o together_o in_o one_o body_n and_o ordain_v elder_n and_o officer_n over_o they_o to_o rule_v they_o and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n see_v act_n 13._o and_o 14._o chapter_n and_o particular_o in_o chap._n 14._o the_o verse_n 21_o 22_o 23._o they_o give_v order_n to_o their_o follower_n concerning_o all_o thing_n needful_a for_o edification_n in_o the_o church_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o 1_o cor._n chapter_n 5_o and_o 6_o and_o 7_o and_o 8_o and_o 9_o and_o and_o 10_o and_o 11_o and_o 12_o and_o 14_o and_o 16._o verse_n 1._o and_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n chap._n 8_o and_o 9_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n throughout_o and_o elsewhere_o as_o in_o the_o act_n in_o chap._n 6._o and_o 15._o and_o 20._o from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o if_o neither_o in_o the_o apostle_n own_o practice_n nor_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o they_o set_v over_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o time_n there_o be_v any_o example_n of_o independent_a parity_n intimate_v or_o use_v in_o the_o way_n of_o ordinary_a government_n than_o such_o a_o parity_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v inconvenient_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o perhaps_o no_o such_o example_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o their_o practice_n or_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o who_o they_o appoint_v to_o be_v ordinary_a ruler_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o own_o time_n therefore_o a_o independent_a parity_n may_v seem_v inconvenient_a to_o be_v admit_v thus_o i_o have_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o fundamental_a matter_n of_o the_o first_o question_n in_o hand_n not_o intend_v to_o determine_v any_o thing_n precise_o but_o to_o gather_v some_o rule_n of_o determination_n whereby_o the_o matter_n of_o priority_n and_o superiority_n in_o government_n may_v be_v try_v more_o at_o large_a in_o due_a time_n only_o thus_o much_o i_o must_v now_o intimate_v that_o my_o doubt_n concerning_o priority_n and_o superiority_n of_o spiritual_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o resolve_v that_o it_o seem_v not_o at_o all_o repugnant_a to_o i_o but_o rather_o more_o consonant_a and_o answerable_a to_o christ_n intention_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o his_o church_n than_o a_o independent_a parity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o position_n wherein_o i_o receive_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o my_o doubt_n if_o therefore_o any_o will_v contradict_v this_o position_n to_o make_v i_o again_o doubtful_a of_o it_o i_o think_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o show_v that_o a_o independent_a parity_n of_o ruler_n be_v not_o only_o no_o less_o but_o as_o much_o and_o rather_o much_o more_o answerable_a to_o christ_n intention_n and_o this_o he_o must_v show_v from_o the_o same_o ground_n which_o i_o have_v lay_v except_o he_o can_v show_v these_o to_o be_v insufficient_a and_o lay_v some_o other_o that_o be_v more_o satisfactory_a which_o if_o he_o do_v than_o it_o will_v be_v also_o requisite_a that_o he_o define_v clear_o what_o that_o prime_a and_o independent_a authority_n be_v which_o every_o ruler_n have_v by_o himself_o in_o his_o particular_a charge_n as_o for_o i_o because_o i_o take_v this_o position_n as_o grant_v that_o christ_n do_v institute_v in_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o his_o church_n a_o priority_n and_o superiority_n of_o spiritual_a officer_n therefore_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o gather_v that_o for_o the_o build_n up_o and_o perpetual_a propagate_n of_o the_o same_o his_o intention_n be_v not_o alter_v which_o second_o position_n if_o any_o will_v deny_v i_o suppose_v he_o will_v find_v himself_o oblige_v to_o show_v unto_o i_o sufficient_a and_o evident_a cause_n why_o his_o intention_n shall_v be_v alter_v and_o therefore_o that_o frame_n of_o government_n which_o be_v either_o necessary_a or_o most_o convenient_a for_o the_o first_o constitution_n and_o build_n up_o of_o his_o church_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o perpetual_a propagation_n thereof_o but_o see_v i_o conceive_v it_o not_o likely_a that_o this_o can_v be_v show_v therefore_o i_o ought_v to_o proceed_v and_o come_v to_o the_o second_o question_n to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o priority_n and_o superiority_n be_v which_o christ_n do_v allow_v of_o in_o the_o spiritual_a ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o find_v out_o this_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o review_v again_o the_o ground_n heretofore_o lay_v from_o whence_o the_o position_n have_v be_v gather_v that_o a_o priority_n and_o superiority_n of_o ruler_n in_o spiritual_a government_n be_v answerable_a to_o christ_n intention_n which_o that_o we_o may_v do_v let_v we_o begin_v at_o the_o last_o and_o go_v upward_o towards_o the_o first_o the_o last_o of_o our_o ground_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o yield_v no_o example_n to_o we_o of_o any_o independent_a paâ—â—ty_n but_o rather_o of_o a_o superior_a priority_n which_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o ordinary_a government_n they_o use_v over_o other_o for_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n doubt_v of_o this_o but_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a couâ—se_n of_o their_o mystery_n above_o all_o other_o spiritual_a officer_n which_o ordinary_o rule_v the_o church_n if_o then_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v above_o other_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v seek_v after_o will_v be_v this_o wherein_o their_o superiority_n do_v consist_v and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v derive_v or_o not_o derive_v unto_o their_o successor_n and_o to_o find_v out_o this_o i_o conceive_v that_o in_o the_o apostle_n discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n some_o thing_n be_v extraordinary_a as_o be_v useful_a and_o requisite_a only_o for_o that_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o something_o ordinary_a and_o of_o perpetual_a use_n which_o be_v to_o be_v transmit_v unto_o their_o successor_n the_o extraordinary_a discharge_n of_o their_o apostolical_a duty_n be_v first_o to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o then_o to_o raise_v and_o settle_v that_o frame_n of_o christ_n church_n upon_o the_o same_o which_o be_v most_o answerable_a to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o do_v this_o god_n â—â—dued_v they_o with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o tongue_n of_o knowledge_n of_o wisdom_n of_o prudence_n and_o of_o infallibility_n in_o truth_n and_o public_a government_n and_o confirm_v their_o authority_n with_o his_o own_o testimony_n bear_v they_o witness_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v heb._n 2._o 4._o both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n he_o confer_v upon_o the_o believer_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o act_n 8._o 17._o and_o 19_o 6._o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v their_o extraordinary_a authority_n and_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v transmit_v to_o any_o after_o they_o but_o shall_v rest_v in_o their_o person_n and_o be_v for_o after_o time_n record_v in_o scripture_n that_o thereby_o they_o shall_v become_v perpetual_a apostle_n
unto_o all_o age_n as_o be_v set_v on_o their_o throne_n in_o god_n word_n to_o judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o their_o apostleship_n although_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o personal_a condition_n it_o be_v temporary_a yet_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o charge_n and_o message_n from_o god_n to_o his_o church_n it_o be_v perpetual_a and_o yet_o still_o extant_a in_o the_o church_n the_o ordinary_a discharge_n of_o their_o ministerial_a duty_n be_v to_o bear_v witness_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o world_n to_o declare_v by_o preach_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n unto_o mankind_n to_o attend_v the_o work_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o govern_v the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o do_v at_o first_o constitute_v the_o same_o for_o no_o doubt_n the_o rule_n which_o they_o give_v to_o other_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n and_o government_n they_o themselves_o first_o observe_v so_o that_o not_o only_o by_o precept_n but_o by_o practice_n they_o leave_v their_o example_n to_o be_v follow_v as_o rule_n see_v phil._n 3._o 17._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 10_o 11._o from_o whence_o i_o gather_v that_o what_o priority_n and_o superiority_n soever_o in_o the_o ordinary_a government_n of_o the_o constitute_a church_n of_o god_n they_o use_v over_o other_o minister_n to_o who_o the_o particular_a spiritual_a charge_n of_o a_o church_n do_v belong_v that_o the_o same_o priority_n and_o superiority_n may_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n be_v use_v in_o the_o same_o ordinary_a government_n iten_fw-la i_o gather_v further_o that_o they_o do_v transmit_v their_o priority_n and_o superiority_n unto_o those_o who_o they_o appoint_v to_o be_v their_o successor_n in_o the_o ordinary_a charge_n i_o say_v they_o do_v transmit_v it_o either_o by_o express_a precept_n or_o by_o actual_a practice_n propose_v to_o be_v a_o example_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v follow_v in_o like_o case_n for_o thus_o 2._o tim._n 3._o 10_o 11._o the_o apostle_n recomend_v his_o own_o practice_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o last_o from_o both_o these_o inference_n i_o gather_v a_o three_o conclusion_n that_o if_o we_o will_v true_o know_v what_o the_o priority_n and_o superiority_n of_o one_o spiritual_a governor_n be_v above_o another_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o government_n we_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n in_o this_o case_n and_o this_o will_v suffice_v at_o this_o time_n for_o a_o entry_n towards_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o which_o we_o seek_v for_o the_o next_o ground_n go_v before_o this_o be_v the_o precept_n of_o obedience_n and_o submission_n due_a by_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o their_o ruler_n that_o watch_v over_o they_o the_o precept_n be_v clear_a heb._n 11._o 17._o the_o rule_n infer_v from_o thence_o be_v that_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o ruler_n in_o the_o degree_n of_o place_n the_o submission_n and_o obedience_n be_v to_o be_v difference_v now_o if_o i_o will_v know_v what_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o ruler_n be_v i_o think_v i_o ought_v to_o observe_v the_o property_n which_o the_o apostle_n add_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o a_o ruler_n as_o a_o characteristical_a note_n of_o his_o charge_n when_o he_o call_v he_o a_o watch_a ruler_n over_o the_o flock_n from_o which_o property_n i_o gather_v this_o inference_n towards_o a_o further_a determination_n of_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n namely_o that_o what_o priority_n and_o superiority_n soever_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o watch_v practise_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o consequent_o transmit_v unto_o their_o follower_n that_o same_o priority_n and_o superiority_n in_o watch_v may_v be_v lawful_o use_v now_o a_o day_n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o watch_v they_o do_v extend_v their_o care_n unto_o more_o particular_a congregation_n than_o one_o than_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v safe_o conclude_v that_o such_o a_o extent_n of_o care_n in_o a_o priority_n and_o superiority_n of_o watch_v and_o consequent_o of_o rule_v may_v also_o be_v use_v and_o let_v this_o also_o suffice_v for_o a_o further_a entry_n at_o this_o time_n towards_o the_o determination_n of_o that_o which_o we_o seek_v for_o again_o the_o ground_n precedent_n to_o this_o have_v four_o branch_n whereof_o the_o last_o concern_v the_o peculiar_a duty_n of_o perpetual_a ruler_n where_o we_o observe_v their_o charge_n to_o consist_v in_o watch_v over_o the_o soul_n of_o their_o flock_n by_o call_v they_o by_o lead_v they_o defend_v they_o visit_v they_o and_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o the_o heavenly_a sheepfold_n to_o shut_v out_o the_o sheep_n or_o let_v they_o in_o as_o they_o shall_v see_v occasion_n from_o whence_o i_o gather_v this_o inference_n that_o what_o priority_n and_o superiority_n soever_o any_o ordinary_a ruler_n have_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n above_o other_o in_o their_o watch_n over_o the_o flock_n by_o call_v lead_a defend_v visit_v and_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o the_o fold_n that_o now_o also_o the_o same_o priority_n and_o superiority_n may_v be_v lawful_o exercise_v and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v apparent_a that_o any_o ordinary_a ruler_n have_v a_o priority_n and_o superiority_n of_o watch_v above_o other_o which_o extend_v itself_o unto_o more_o congregation_n than_o one_o than_o i_o suppose_v it_o may_v safe_o be_v conclude_v that_o such_o a_o superior_a priority_n of_o watch_v may_v be_v lawful_o exrcise_v the_o other_o concern_v the_o peculiar_a charge_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n as_o they_o be_v either_o evangelist_n or_o ordinary_a overseer_n i_o take_v they_o either_o way_n and_o look_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o have_v to_o do_v and_o say_v thus_o if_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v recommend_v to_o they_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n than_o what_o priority_n and_o superiority_n soever_o they_o have_v over_o other_o in_o their_o course_n of_o government_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o those_o charge_n that_o same_o may_v now_o also_o be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o all_o age_n but_o all_o thing_n recommend_v to_o they_o as_o i_o conceive_v be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n therefore_o the_o priority_n and_o superiority_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o may_v also_o be_v make_v of_o for_o although_o it_o be_v say_v that_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v no_o ordinary_a overseer_n but_o evangelist_n that_o be_v extraordinary_a yet_o i_o can_v conceive_v they_o no_o more_o than_o i_o do_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o be_v extraordinary_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o duty_n which_o be_v perpetual_o to_o be_v discharge_v in_o time_n to_o come_v for_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o think_v a_o man_n a_o extraordinary_a officer_n for_o discharge_v a_o ordinary_a duty_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n who_o be_v call_v prophet_n teacher_n exhorter_n deacon_n distributer_n speaker_n of_o tongue_n and_o interpreter_n of_o tongue_n all_o these_o though_o something_o there_o may_v be_v extraordinary_a in_o they_o yet_o so_o far_o as_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o office_n be_v in_o some_o kind_n or_o altogether_o remain_v until_o this_o day_n in_o the_o church_n so_o far_o also_o that_o relation_n of_o priority_n or_o posteriority_n of_o superiority_n or_o inferiority_n wherein_o they_o stand_v one_o towards_o another_o or_o all_o towards_o the_o chief_a roll_a watchman_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o remain_v but_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o they_o stand_v under_o timothy_n and_o titus_n as_o under_o chief_a watchman_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v order_v and_o regulate_v by_o they_o in_o their_o public_a action_n according_a to_o apostolical_a rule_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v think_v also_o that_o all_o officer_n have_v the_o same_o charge_n now_o a_o day_n aught_o to_o stand_v in_o the_o same_o relation_n under_o the_o like_a chief_a watchman_n and_o last_o concerning_o the_o duty_n lay_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o deacon_n heretofore_o mention_v if_o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a therein_o for_o substance_n but_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o certain_a circumstance_n of_o that_o time_n of_o their_o person_n and_o of_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o that_o society_n wherein_o they_o live_v at_o jerusalem_n than_o it_o may_v be_v think_v that_o the_o authority_n whereby_o they_o order_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o abolish_v but_o regular_o transmit_v unto_o their_o successor_n that_o in_o like_o case_n it_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o chief_a watchman_n over_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o i_o gather_v that_o what_o priority_n and_o superiority_n be_v defer_v by_o the_o church_n in_o temporal_a thing_n first_o unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o afterward_o by_o they_o resign_v
which_o they_o be_v appoint_v to_o discharge_v the_o same_o nor_o do_v their_o property_n seem_v repugnant_a to_o a_o gradation_n and_o difference_v of_o that_o superiority_n which_o their_o name_n denote_v 2_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o discharge_v the_o duty_n commit_v unto_o the_o office-bearer_n in_o christ_n church_n for_o as_o each_o name_n have_v a_o several_a signification_n so_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n which_o the_o office_n bearer_n have_v towards_o the_o church_n according_a to_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o discharge_v his_o duty_n and_o this_o will_v suffice_v to_o show_v in_o general_a the_o way_n how_o this_o priority_n and_o superiorite_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o other_o the_o more_o particular_a determination_n of_o this_o matter_n must_v be_v take_v from_o the_o special_a commandment_n which_o be_v give_v to_o this_o effect_n which_o be_v many_o and_o can_v now_o be_v insist_v upon_o at_o large_a therefore_o we_o will_v only_o point_v at_o they_o in_o show_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n where_o they_o be_v find_v the_o peculiar_a duty_n of_o a_o shepherd_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o be_v set_v forth_o john_n 10._o 1._o till_o 16._o and_o ezek._n 34._o 2._o till_o 20._o the_o ruler_n duty_n be_v mention_v rom._n 12._o 8._o and_o heb._n 13._o 17._o and_o math._n 18._o 17_o 18_o 19_o the_o watchman_n duty_n be_v mention_v ezek._n 3._o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o 21._o the_o bishop_n duty_n be_v large_o mention_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n throughout_o and_o chief_o in_o the_o place_n heretofore_o allege_v concerning_o their_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o 1_o thess._n 5._o 12_o 13_o 14_o the_o steward_n duty_n be_v mention_v matth._n 13._o 52._o and_o 24._o 45._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2._o the_o husbandman_n and_o builder_n duty_n be_v mention_v together_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 6._o the_o angel_n duty_n be_v mention_v revel._n 2._o and_o 3._o chapter_n throughout_o in_o all_o which_o place_n i_o do_v perceive_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o discharge_v their_o duty_n be_v chief_o insist_v upon_o as_o it_o have_v a_o relation_n unto_o the_o flock_n so_o that_o their_o priority_n and_o superiority_n be_v only_o in_o that_o respect_n clear_o to_o be_v gather_v namely_o from_o the_o duty_n which_o towards_o the_o flock_n be_v to_o be_v do_v therefore_o perhaps_o very_o little_o will_v be_v find_v tend_v to_o resolve_v we_o of_o the_o doubt_n in_o hand_n namely_o how_o the_o priority_n and_o superiority_n in_o charge_n which_o one_o overseer_n may_v have_v above_o another_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v yet_o than_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o repugnant_a unto_o this_o superior_a priority_n of_o one_o overseer_n above_o another_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n here_o mention_v then_o i_o say_v i_o ought_v to_o conceive_v that_o they_o may_v very_o well_o stand_v together_o but_o if_o on_o the_o otherside_n any_o thing_n here_o mention_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v these_o charge_n of_o superiority_n be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o independent_a parity_n of_o overseer_n and_o yet_o if_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v must_v be_v perpetual_o make_v use_n of_o in_o church_n government_n then_o i_o say_v it_o may_v be_v strong_o infer_v that_o as_o for_o this_o reason_n a_o independent_a parity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v so_o a_o superior_a priority_n ought_v to_o be_v allow_v yet_o always_o so_o as_o it_o may_v be_v a_o furtheranc_n to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o particular_a pastoral_a charge_n and_o no_o way_n a_o cross_n to_o the_o true_a manner_n of_o discharge_v the_o same_o and_o here_o i_o will_v leave_v it_o unto_o the_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o those_o that_o be_v judicious_a whether_o or_o no_o the_o special_a commandment_n give_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o priority_n and_o superiority_n wherein_o they_o be_v set_v above_o other_o officer_n be_v not_o of_o perpetual_a use_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v the_o same_o as_o it_o be_v recommend_v unto_o they_o where_o special_a notice_n may_v be_v take_v of_o that_o inspection_n which_o be_v defer_v unto_o they_o over_o other_o for_o the_o repress_n of_o false_a doctrine_n for_o the_o ordain_n of_o elder_n in_o several_a church_n for_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o the_o receive_n of_o accusation_n against_o elder_n and_o for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o thing_n ought_v still_o both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n to_o be_v continue_v as_o they_o be_v recommend_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n except_o some_o substantial_a difference_n can_v be_v show_v which_o as_o yet_o i_o can_v see_v the_o example_n of_o practice_n both_o commendable_a and_o discommendable_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o such_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o act_n of_o priority_n and_o superiority_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v the_o same_o be_v mention_v i_o will_v name_v some_o few_o that_o come_v now_o in_o my_o mind_n first_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o christ_n do_v send_v we_o in_o case_n of_o scandal_n math._n 18._o 17._o who_o authority_n be_v establish_v there_o ver._n 18_o 19_o 20._o second_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n act_n 1._o 15._o till_o the_o end_n and_o chap._n 6._o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o deacon_n and_o act_n 15._o in_o hold_v of_o the_o synod_n which_o determine_v the_o controversy_n rise_v at_o antiochia_n and_o act_n 14._o 23._o in_o ordain_v elder_n three_o the_o practice_n of_o paul_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o excommunication_n 1_o cor._n 5._o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v his_o power_n 1_o cor._n 9_o throughout_o and_o 2_o cor._n 10._o throughout_o and_o ibid._n chap._n 13._o 2._o 3._o 10._o item_n 1_o thess._n 2._o 3._o till_o 12._o item_n act_n 20._o 20._o 26_o 27_o 33_o 34_o 35._o these_o be_v example_n of_o commendable_a practice_n the_o example_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v discommend_v be_v these_o first_o of_o diotrephes_n 3._o john_n 9_o 10._o who_o love_v to_o have_v a_o preeminency_n second_o of_o those_o that_o in_o the_o last_o time_n shall_v be_v disobedient_a unto_o the_o truth_n through_o presumptuousness_n who_o despise_v all_o superiority_n shall_v perish_v in_o the_o contradiction_n of_o core_n judg._n 21._o by_o which_o we_o perceive_v that_o core_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n be_v type_n of_o that_o disobedience_n which_o will_v be_v under_o the_o gospel_n in_o some_o who_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v equal_a and_o in_o nothing_o inferior_a to_o their_o lawful_a superior_n three_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n for_o not_o exercise_v the_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v revel._n 2._o 14_o 15_o 20._o these_o example_n be_v well_o examine_v i_o suppose_v may_v give_v we_o some_o light_n to_o show_v the_o manner_n how_o the_o superior_a priority_n which_o some_o have_v over_o other_o in_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n thus_o have_v lay_v the_o ground_n and_o gather_v some_o inference_n whereby_o to_o regulate_v my_o thought_n in_o this_o doubtful_a matter_n i_o think_v i_o may_v come_v to_o the_o application_n of_o the_o same_o unto_o the_o controversy_n at_o this_o time_n debate_v to_o see_v by_o what_o mean_v a_o decision_n thereof_o may_v be_v find_v and_o here_o i_o must_v consider_v the_o circumstance_n and_o property_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o be_v now_o question_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o but_o when_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v this_o i_o meet_v with_o a_o difficulty_n incident_a to_o all_o great_a dispute_n which_o be_v common_o involve_v in_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o particular_n and_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n confuse_o debate_v and_o partial_o relate_v by_o opposite_a party_n where_o every_o one_o seek_v his_o own_o advantage_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o state_n the_o case_n true_o according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n which_o be_v most_o material_o therein_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o rule_n may_v be_v apply_v unto_o the_o fundamental_a matter_n of_o doubt_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v decide_v yet_o if_o i_o must_v be_v impartial_a to_o clear_v i_o own_o and_o other_o man_n scruple_n i_o ought_v to_o state_n the_o matter_n so_o as_o both_o side_n may_v agree_v to_o have_v the_o forename_a rule_n apply_v thereunto_o and_o to_o do_v this_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v best_a to_o proceed_v from_o that_o which_o be_v general_a till_o by_o degree_n i_o come_v to_o that_o very_o particular_a wherein_o the_o controversy_n and_o contradiction_n of_o
the_o way_n towards_o the_o find_n of_o a_o decision_n of_o the_o chief_a controversy_n now_o debate_v concerning_o church_n government_n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1641._o the_o way_n towards_o the_o find_n of_o a_o decision_n of_o the_o chief_a controversy_n now_o debate_v concerning_o church-government_n first_o i_o presuppose_v i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o way_n and_o consequent_o study_v to_o walk_v by_o a_o rule_n i_o presuppose_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o desire_v to_o walk_v be_v chief_o the_o clear_a word_n of_o god_n but_o where_o this_o can_v be_v have_v that_o the_o principle_n and_o inditement_n of_o sound_a reason_n they_o will_v not_o reject_v and_o last_o when_o reason_n may_v be_v doubtful_a that_o they_o will_v neither_o be_v singular_a and_o wilful_a in_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o incline_v to_o hear_v the_o judgement_n of_o other_o nor_o unwilling_a to_o yield_v unto_o that_o wherein_o all_o such_o as_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v most_o rational_a do_v agree_v with_o such_o man_n i_o desire_v to_o speak_v and_o will_v tell_v they_o that_o i_o find_v in_o the_o controversy_n of_o this_o time_n divers_a little_a treaty_n put_v forth_o many_o bitter_o and_o indiscreet_o some_o modest_o and_o wise_o write_v some_o for_o and_o some_o against_o episcopacy_n all_o of_o they_o stand_v for_o particular_a tenet_n labour_v to_o uphold_v their_o own_o form_n of_o government_n as_o the_o best_a and_o only_o lawful_a ordinance_n of_o god_n none_o that_o i_o have_v meet_v withal_o do_v look_n upon_o the_o matter_n without_o partiality_n to_o seek_v concerning_o the_o point_n chief_o to_o be_v question_v a_o decision_n which_o i_o think_v may_v be_v take_v from_o undoubted_a ground_n and_o undeniable_a principle_n therefore_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o put_v something_o to_o paper_n also_o in_o this_o kind_n as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o trial_n whether_o or_o no_o the_o way_n to_o decide_v this_o great_a controversy_n may_v not_o be_v find_v out_o so_o as_o to_o give_v present_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o more_o simple_a and_o scrupulous_a and_o to_o show_v to_o the_o more_o learned_a and_o judicious_a who_o doubt_n lie_v deep_a a_o method_n whereby_o to_o resolve_v themselves_o if_o they_o will_v follow_v the_o same_o without_o prejudice_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v i_o take_v then_o the_o matter_n chief_o questionable_a though_o not_o hitherto_o main_o and_o express_o question_v to_o be_v this_o whether_o or_o no_o christ_n have_v not_o for_o the_o unite_n and_o build_n up_o of_o his_o church_n institute_v some_o overseer_n or_o bishop_n for_o i_o use_v these_o name_n indifferent_o to_o be_v before_o and_o above_o other_o in_o church_n government_n or_o whether_o for_o the_o unite_n and_o build_n up_o of_o his_o church_n he_o have_v make_v all_o overseer_n to_o be_v equal_a and_o independent_a one_o from_o another_o if_o the_o first_o be_v affirm_v than_o the_o question_n must_v be_v what_o that_o priority_n and_o superiority_n be_v which_o christ_n have_v allow_v of_o and_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v above_o other_o but_o if_o the_o last_o be_v maintain_v than_o we_o must_v be_v teach_v what_o that_o prime_a and_o unsubordinate_a authority_n of_o every_o overseer_n be_v in_o his_o peculiar_a charge_n and_o how_o he_o shall_v exercise_v it_o now_o to_o find_v a_o way_n to_o decide_v these_o question_n i_o be_o as_o one_o who_o be_v doubtful_a that_o i_o may_v bear_v a_o part_n of_o the_o burden_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o doubt_n therefore_o to_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v myself_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o lay_v some_o ground_n from_o whence_o inference_n may_v be_v make_v appliable_a to_o the_o question_n now_o in_o hand_n the_o ground_n must_v be_v clear_a doctrine_n of_o holy_a scripture_n concerning_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v fundamental_a in_o the_o question_n the_o inference_n must_v be_v rule_n take_v from_o those_o doctrine_n whereby_o my_o understanding_n may_v be_v direct_v to_o go_v the_o straight_a way_n towards_o a_o decision_n of_o the_o question_n and_o the_o application_n must_v be_v a_o consideration_n of_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o thing_n now_o debate_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v determinable_a by_o the_o rule_n which_o may_v be_v find_v out_o thus_o then_o to_o find_v ground_n of_o decision_n i_o must_v take_v notice_n first_o of_o thing_n fundamental_a to_o the_o question_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v these_o 1._o to_o what_o end_n christ_n have_v gather_v together_o and_o compact_v into_o one_o body_n several_a believer_n which_o be_v call_v his_o church_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v proper_o to_o build_v up_o his_o church_n 3._o what_o officer_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o his_o church_n 4._o what_o their_o several_a charge_n and_o duty_n be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o how_o they_o be_v to_o administrate_v the_o same_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o gift_n and_o place_n 5._o how_o these_o that_o be_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n be_v to_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o 6._o how_o according_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n proceed_v from_o his_o spirit_n the_o chief_a builder_n his_o immediate_a follower_n the_o apostle_n do_v put_v all_o in_o execution_n here_o then_o their_o practice_n in_o the_o way_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o if_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v find_v clear_o in_o scripture_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v afford_v i_o some_o light_n to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_n of_o my_o weak_a conscience_n which_o now_o must_v be_v full_a of_o scruple_n for_o other_o man_n sake_n but_o when_o i_o shall_v have_v gather_v all_o that_o from_o clear_a scripture_n can_v be_v gather_v in_o these_o matter_n if_o yet_o something_o shall_v be_v find_v obscure_a and_o doubtful_a concerning_o particular_n now_o agitate_a whereof_o perhaps_o no_o clear_a precept_n be_v extant_a in_o scripture_n from_o whence_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o gather_v such_o inference_n as_o may_v settle_v my_o conscience_n and_o put_v it_o out_o of_o doubt_n concerning_o some_o question_n in_o government_n as_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o case_n ought_v either_o to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v do_v then_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o look_v first_o upon_o the_o apostle_n practice_n in_o like_o case_n or_o if_o that_o be_v perhaps_o also_o either_o unknown_a or_o not_o well_o know_v as_o not_o record_v in_o the_o word_n than_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v the_o laudable_a practice_n of_o other_o time_n and_o chief_o those_o who_o most_o immediate_o follow_v the_o apostolical_a age_n take_v notice_n of_o that_o which_o they_o do_v in_o such_o like_a case_n that_o if_o perhaps_o in_o all_o church_n of_o all_o age_n and_o place_n i_o find_v some_o undoubted_a token_n of_o universal_a consent_n i_o may_v be_v willing_a to_o rest_v in_o it_o and_o not_o affect_v singularity_n chief_o if_o i_o shall_v also_o find_v that_o all_o the_o church_n of_o this_o present_a age_n do_v either_o consent_n full_o thereunto_o or_o at_o least_o do_v not_o so_o far_o dissent_v from_o the_o same_o as_o to_o condemn_v other_o who_o follow_v not_o their_o different_a practice_n in_o such_o case_n in_o all_o which_o church_n i_o say_v i_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n in_o those_o case_n which_o shall_v be_v thus_o doubtful_a of_o their_o form_n of_o government_n so_o far_o as_o i_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o subordinate_a unto_o the_o main_a end_n for_o which_o christ_n gather_v his_o church_n and_o not_o repugnant_a but_o consonant_n unto_o the_o rule_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v clear_o record_v for_o i_o conceive_v that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v apparent_a that_o either_o the_o end_n for_o which_o christ_n gather_v a_o church_n or_o the_o mean_n of_o build_v it_o up_o appoint_v by_o he_o or_o the_o rule_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o the_o builder_n which_o be_v to_o be_v their_o follower_n or_o their_o own_o practice_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n according_a to_o god_n will_n be_v repugnant_a to_o all_o priority_n and_o superiority_n of_o one_o pastor_n above_o another_o than_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o such_o government_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o if_o this_o not_o only_o can_v be_v make_v apparent_a but_o rather_o the_o contrary_n namely_o that_o both_o the_o aim_n of_o christ_n in_o compact_v his_o church_n into_o one_o body_n and_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v build_v up_o and_o the_o rule_n give_v to_o the_o builder_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o chief_a master_n builder_n who_o
unto_o the_o deacon_n may_v in_o like_o case_n be_v exercise_v in_o these_o time_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v also_o concerning_o this_o matter_n to_o give_v yet_o a_o further_a entry_n towards_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n then_o the_o ground_n next_o precedent_n be_v the_o distinction_n of_o officer_n first_o institute_v in_o the_o church_n from_o which_o i_o do_v infer_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o independent_a parity_n but_o a_o superior_a priority_n among_o they_o that_o then_o a_o superior_a priority_n be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v repugnant_a to_o christ_n intention_n in_o build_v up_o his_o church_n which_o be_v grant_v i_o now_o proceed_v further_a to_o gather_v this_o that_o if_o the_o superior_a parity_n be_v not_o ground_n upon_o the_o person_n of_o the_o officer_n but_o upon_o the_o office_n commit_v unto_o they_o which_o in_o some_o respect_n be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a in_o the_o church_n then_o i_o may_v infer_v that_o as_o the_o perpetual_a office_n be_v in_o priority_n and_o superiority_n one_o above_o another_o so_o the_o officer_n must_v be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o degree_n and_o therefore_o to_o find_v out_o the_o degree_n of_o subordination_n in_o the_o officer_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o this_o also_o may_v suffice_v at_o this_o time_n towards_o a_o further_a determination_n of_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n and_o then_o the_o ground_n that_o go_v before_o this_o be_v that_o which_o concern_v the_o build_n up_o of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o as_o heretofore_o it_o have_v be_v describe_v i_o infer_v this_o that_o such_o a_o priority_n and_o superiority_n of_o spiritual_a officer_n one_o above_o another_o as_o be_v most_o fit_a 1._o to_o unite_v all_o saint_n into_o one_o perfect_a man_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o christ_n 2._o to_o free_v they_o from_o the_o divers_a wind_n of_o doctrine_n and_o deceit_n of_o seducer_n 3._o to_o make_v they_o able_a to_o supply_v spiritual_a gift_n one_o to_o another_o for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n be_v that_o priority_n and_o superiority_n which_o christ_n do_v allow_v of_o if_o therefore_o we_o can_v observe_v what_o kind_n of_o priority_n and_o superiority_n be_v best_a able_a to_o work_v the_o effect_n or_o if_o it_o be_v find_v that_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v except_o several_a congregation_n become_v as_o one_o body_n under_o one_o watch_v superiority_n which_o may_v have_v a_o eye_n unto_o they_o all_o alike_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a yet_o more_o full_o to_o determine_v this_o point_n in_o hand_n and_o then_o the_o first_o ground_n of_o all_o be_v that_o which_o describe_v the_o end_n wherefore_o christ_n will_v have_v all_o believer_n unite_v to_o one_o body_n from_o whence_o i_o gather_v this_o that_o the_o priority_n and_o superiority_n of_o officer_n in_o spiritual_a government_n which_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o make_v the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n apparent_a unto_o the_o world_n to_o build_v up_o the_o believer_n among_o themselves_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o adversary_n and_o to_o uphold_v the_o credit_n of_o god_n kingdom_n be_v most_o answerable_a to_o christ_n intention_n and_o therefore_o to_o know_v what_o that_o priority_n and_o superiority_n be_v the_o property_n which_o can_v reach_v these_o end_n must_v be_v find_v in_o it_o which_o property_n if_o they_o be_v not_o repugnant_a but_o rather_o consonant_a to_o that_o inspection_n which_o one_o overseer_n may_v have_v over_o other_o in_o many_o congregation_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o such_o a_o inspection_n be_v not_o repugnant_a but_o rather_o consonant_a to_o christ_n intention_n and_o so_o i_o think_v i_o have_v find_v matter_n enough_o whereby_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o priority_n and_o superiority_n which_o be_v to_o be_v define_v may_v be_v know_v if_o we_o will_v meditate_v now_o full_o upon_o these_o head_n and_o discuss_v more_o distinct_o the_o particular_n contain_v under_o the_o same_o which_o in_o due_a time_n may_v be_v do_v by_o god_n assistance_n thus_o i_o have_v lay_v ground_n and_o gather_a rule_n to_o resolve_v my_o doubt_n first_o whether_o yea_o or_o no_o a_o superior_a priority_n be_v more_o answerable_a to_o christ_n intention_n than_o a_o independent_a parity_n in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n second_o what_o that_o priority_n and_o superiority_n be_v now_o i_o must_v come_v to_o the_o consequent_a of_o this_o second_o question_n viz._n how_o this_o priority_n and_o superiority_n ought_v to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o other_o and_o to_o determine_v this_o we_o may_v gather_v rule_n from_o three_o ground_n which_o clear_a scripture_n do_v yield_v unto_o we_o the_o first_o ground_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n express_v in_o the_o peculiar_a name_n wherein_o the_o singular_a property_n of_o the_o charge_n be_v denote_v the_o second_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o special_a commandment_n give_v to_o the_o chief_a watchman_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o their_o charge_n of_o superiority_n above_o other_o the_o three_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o example_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o that_o commendable_o and_o lawful_o exercise_v their_o authority_n over_o other_o or_o in_o the_o discommendable_a practice_n of_o those_o that_o vary_v from_o the_o rule_n to_o touch_v these_o thing_n but_o in_o a_o word_n at_o this_o time_n i_o observe_v from_o the_o chief_a name_n viz._n of_o shepherd_n of_o ruler_n of_o watchman_n and_o of_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n that_o the_o property_n of_o superiority_n stand_v chief_o in_o the_o relation_n which_o he_o that_o be_v set_v over_o other_o have_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o in_o comparison_n of_o he_o be_v like_o a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n or_o like_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o company_n of_o man_n subject_a to_o certain_a law_n and_o constitution_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v in_o their_o joint_a course_n and_o way_n of_o life_n and_o lest_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o some_o danger_n by_o transgress_v the_o same_o the_o inspection_n to_o be_v have_v over_o they_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n so_o that_o if_o we_o take_v notice_n what_o the_o true_a essential_a property_n of_o a_o shepherd_n be_v in_o his_o lead_a superiority_n or_o of_o a_o watchman_n set_v in_o the_o tower_n of_o a_o city_n or_o of_o a_o overseer_n set_v to_o look_v to_o a_o family_n in_o a_o house_n the_o same_o priority_n and_o superiority_n may_v be_v atribute_v unto_o the_o chief_a officer_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o his_o church_n from_o whence_o again_o i_o infer_v that_o according_a as_o the_o flock_n be_v small_a or_o great_a the_o watchtower_n high_a or_o low_o in_o a_o big_a or_o little_a city_n the_o company_n less_o or_o more_o so_o the_o superiority_n in_o the_o charge_n may_v be_v difference_v and_o by_o degree_n extend_v or_o contract_v the_o name_n of_o steward_n also_o be_v attribute_v unto_o the_o chief_a officer_n but_o not_o unto_o he_o alone_o yet_o it_o employ_v a_o power_n of_o dispense_v these_o thing_n which_o the_o m._n of_o the_o house_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o his_o household_n therefore_o as_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v dispense_v be_v different_a and_o either_o more_o or_o less_o universal_o to_o be_v administer_v so_o the_o difference_n of_o superiority_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o stewardship_n the_o name_n of_o a_o husbandman_n be_v somewhat_o of_o a_o other_o kind_n for_o it_o employ_v a_o property_n rather_o of_o painfulness_n then_o of_o power_n and_o authority_n wherein_o we_o conceive_v that_o according_a to_o the_o intent_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o soil_n so_o the_o husbandry_n must_v be_v for_o as_o the_o soil_n may_v be_v large_a or_o lesser_a so_o the_o charge_n in_o the_o husbandry_n thereof_o may_v be_v difference_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o name_n of_o builder_n may_v be_v difference_v according_a to_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o house_n and_o different_a duty_n in_o the_o build_n thereof_o last_o the_o name_n of_o angel_n be_v give_v to_o the_o chief_a officer_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n as_o denote_v a_o superiority_n of_o message_n wherein_o he_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n towards_o other_o to_o declare_v his_o will_n and_o see_v it_o execute_v in_o his_o kingdom_n for_o he_o be_v the_o ambassador_n of_o god_n unto_o his_o people_n and_o have_v the_o beam_n of_o his_o authority_n confer_v upon_o he_o thus_o than_o i_o gather_v that_o all_o these_o name_n of_o shepherd_n ruler_n watchman_n overseer_n steward_n husbandman_n builder_n and_o angel_n denote_v clear_o a_o superiority_n of_o office_n over_o and_o towards_o the_o person_n unto_o