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church_n call_v elder_n ephesus_n 2,928 5 11.2611 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A00283 A briefe and plaine declaration, concerning the desires of all those faithfull ministers, that haue and do seeke for the discipline and reformation of the Church of Englande which may serue for a iust apologie, against the false accusations and slaunders of their aduersaries. Fenner, Dudley, 1558?-1587, attributed name.; Fulke, William, 1538-1589, attributed name.; Travers, Walter, 1547 or 8-1635, attributed name. 1584 (1584) STC 10395; ESTC S111889 54,423 158

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as_o it_o appear_v by_o many_o place_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n 16._o but_o chief_o in_o numb_a 11._o 16._o where_o god_n ordain_v seventy_o ancient_n to_o assist_v moses_n in_o his_o government_n who_o be_v also_o endue_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n from_o which_o time_n it_o become_v a_o ordinary_a office_n and_o name_n of_o governor_n in_o israel_n wherein_o we_o have_v to_o note_v against_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v never_o call_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o the_o name_n of_o sacrifice_a priest_n which_o be_v under_o the_o law_n but_o often_o be_v call_v elder_n of_o the_o similitude_n of_o those_o ancient_a that_o govern_v the_o people_n of_o god_n whereas_o if_o they_o have_v be_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o be_v sacrificer_n the_o similitude_n &_o name_n of_o sacrifice_a priest_n will_v a_o great_a deal_n better_o have_v agree_v unto_o they_o but_o whereas_o both_o these_o name_n 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god_n almighty_a then_o take_v it_o in_o good_a part_n when_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n shall_v be_v so_o great_o neglect_v to_o the_o endanger_v of_o their_o everlasting_a salvation_n therefore_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v that_o the_o pastor_n shall_v attend_v unto_o his_o peculiar_a flock_n 5._o that_o elder_n shall_v be_v ordain_v in_o every_o city_n 5._o town_n and_o other_o place_n tit._n 1._o 5._o 5._o and_o act_n 14._o 23._o the_o apostle_n ordain_v elder_n in_o ●uery_n church_n of_o derbe_n 23_o lystra_n iconi●m_n and_o tichia_n and_o all_o the_o congrega●●ons_n about_o second_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n be_v ●ot_n only_o to_o teach_v the_o same_o truth_n in_o ●heir_n several_a flock_n but_o also_o to_o apay_v it_o to_o the_o time_n and_o person_n of_o ●home_n they_o have_v charge_n with_o ex●ortation_n and_o reprehension_n with_o consolation_n of_o the_o afflict_a &_o threat_v ●ing_v of_o the_o obstinate_a etc._n etc._n this_o in_o ●we_a word_n be_v set_v forth_o by_o s._n paul_n ●●eaking_v of_o the_o diverse_a gift_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d his_o church_n 8._o he_o say_v whether_o it_o ●●e_v he_o that_o teach_v in_o his_o doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o exhort_v in_o his_o exhortati●●_n the_o doctor_n therefore_o teach_v without_o exhortation_n the_o pastor_n tea●heth_v and_o exhort_v withal_o more_o 〈◊〉_d large_a he_o set_v forth_o the_o same_o offi●●_n in_o his_o exhortation_n unto_o the_o pastor_n of_o ephesus_n will_v they_o to_o follow_v ●●s_o example_n 20._o who_o supply_v that_o office_n until_o they_o be_v able_a to_o succeed_v 〈◊〉_d his_o place_n also_o very_o brief_o and_o yet_o full_o he_o describe_v the_o same_o unto_o timothy_n 17._o show_v first_o that_o all_o his_o foundation_n must_v be_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o part_n o●_n his_o charge_n
and_o external_a domination_n clean_a contrary_n to_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n whereof_o ensue_v all_o unbrideled_a licence_n of_o ungodly_a live_n to_o be_v short_a the_o exchange_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n 1●_n bring_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o devil_n and_o antichriste_n wherefore_o if_o we_o mind_n such_o a_o reformation_n as_o shall_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n &_o profitable_a unto_o his_o church_n we_o must_v thorough_o be_v resolve_v to_o set_v up_o no_o new_a kind_n of_o ministry_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n neither_o for_o teach_v nor_o for_o discipline_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n but_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o that_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a order_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v by_o his_o word_n and_o because_o all_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o link_v together_o as_o the_o member_n of_o one_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n we_o will_v so_o describe_v one_o part_n as_o the_o description_n of_o they_o all_o may_v be_v sufficient_o comprehend_v therein_o as_o if_o a_o man_n will_v set_v forth_o the_o manifold_a office_n &_o use_n of_o the_o hand_n he_o shall_v declare_v what_o it_o do_v alone_o &_o what_o it_o do_v with_o the_o help_n of_o the_o other_o hand_n or_o with_o the_o arm_n with_o the_o breast_n with_o the_o knee_n or_o with_o the_o foot_n &c_n &c_n what_o it_o can_v do_v with_o diverse_a kind_n of_o tool_n &_o what_o without_o all_o manner_n of_o instrument_n this_o order_n we_o think_v good_a to_o observe_v in_o describe_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n as_o by_o which_o both_o the_o distinction_n &_o communication_n of_o all_o office_n &_o service_n in_o the_o church_n may_v most_o plainli_a appear_v otherwise_o we_o force_v not_o by_o what_o method_n so_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v plain_o set_v forth_o by_o any_o man_n and_o as_o we_o control_v not_o other_o man_n method_n by_o we_o so_o we_o will_v not_o that_o other_o man_n manner_n of_o teach_v shall_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o we_o this_o we_o say_v because_o of_o they_o which_o either_o for_o lack_v of_o wit_n or_o through_o too_o much_o wilfulness_n if_o they_o see_v any_o difference_n in_o the_o form_n &_o order_n of_o teach_v of_o diverse_a man_n though_o in_o matter_n &_o substance_n they_o all_o agree_v they_o exclaim_v there_o be_v no_o unity_n &_o therefore_o no_o truth_n among_o they_o let_v we_o then_o proceed_v in_o our_o purpose_n the_o office_n of_o teach_v be_v the_o chief_a &_o principal_a office_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n by_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o know_v god_n &_o how_o to_o serve_v he_o &_o what_o benefit_n to_o look_v for_o at_o his_o hand_n without_o which_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o felicity_n but_o only_a destruction_n look_v for_o according_a to_o the_o say_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n where_o propheci_v fail_v 18._o there_o the_o people_n perish_v the_o ministry_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o function_n they_o that_o exercise_v the_o first_o be_v call_v pastor_n doctor_n the_o other_o be_v call_v doctor_n or_o teacher_n the_o office_n of_o a_o doctor_n be_v to_o teach_v as_o the_o very_a name_n do_v declare_v but_o yet_o every_o teacher_n be_v not_o mean_v thereby_o for_o it_o appertain_v to_o pastor_n also_o to_o teach_v yet_o this_o latter_a be_v distinct_a from_o the_o former_a almighty_a god_n be_v careful_a that_o true_a doctrine_n shall_v continue_v in_o his_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n most_o wise_o provide_v that_o certain_a man_n shall_v be_v appoint_v in_o every_o congregation_n who_o he_o have_v endue_v with_o gift_n meet_v for_o the_o same_o purpose_n which_o shall_v employ_v themselves_o either_o whole_o or_o principal_o to_o the_o study_n of_o holy_a scripture_n thereby_o to_o learn_v to_o avouche_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o repress_v and_o beat_v down_o all_o false_a and_o strange_a opinion_n of_o which_o sathan_n never_o cease_v to_o sow_v the_o seed_n but_o chief_o where_o this_o office_n be_v not_o set_v up_o &_o maintain_v according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n these_o man_n must_v not_o content_v themselves_o with_o contemplative_a knowledge_n but_o as_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o excel_v other_o man_n in_o understanding_n so_o they_o must_v diligent_o instruct_v other_o man_n in_o the_o same_o learning_n and_o open_o confute_v all_o false_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n and_o especial_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v pain_n in_o the_o instruction_n of_o such_o man_n as_o may_v be_v make_v meet_a to_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n as_o pastoure_n and_o to_o succeed_v in_o their_o place_n as_o doctor_n their_o institution_n be_v set_v forth_o 1._o corin._n 12._o 28._o also_o ephes._n 4._o 11._o in_o the_o former_a place_n the_o apostle_n teach_v that_o they_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n say_v he_o god_n have_v ordain_v in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n in_o the_o latter_a place_n he_o testify_v 11._o that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n ascend_v on_o high_a lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o have_v give_v gift_n unto_o ●en_n among_o which_o gift_n he_o account_v the_o function_n of_o teacher_n who_o shall_v then_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n who_o shall_v deprive_v we_o of_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o christ_n the_o office_n of_o doctor_n be_v brief_o express_v in_o rom._n 12._o 7._o 7._o let_v he_o that_o be_v teacher_n attend_v upon_o teach_v where_o also_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o office_n and_o namely_o from_o the_o office_n of_o ●astors_n for_o it_o follow_v immediat●e_v 8._o let_v he_o that_o exhort_v which_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o pastor_n office_n not_o necessary_o require_v in_o a_o teacher_n be_v eligent_a in_o his_o exhortation_n for_o the_o office_n of_o doctor_n be_v only_o to_o teach_v true_a doctrine_n and_o to_o confute_v all_o heresy_n and_o false_a opinion_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n concern_v all_o article_n &_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n without_o apply_v their_o teach_n to_o any_o particular_a state_n of_o time_n of_o person_n or_o place_n the_o example_n or_o practice_n of_o this_o office_n be_v set_v forth_o acts._n 13._o 1._o where_o it_o be_v record_v by_o s._n luke_n that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n before_o the_o holy_a ghost_n command_v they_o to_o be_v separate_v for_o the_o work_n whereunto_o he_o call_v they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o prophet_n and_o doctor_n with_o symeon_n niger_n lucius_n of_o siren_n and_o manahen●_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antiochia_n where_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o office_n a_o whol●_n year_n in_o which_o city_n the_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n act._n 11._o 26._o 26._o likewise_o apollo●_n which_v be_v a_o eloquent_a man_n &_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n first_o at_o ephesus_n but_o afterward_o be_v more_o perfect_o instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n by_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n in_o the_o church_n of_o acha●a_n exercise_v the_o office_n of_o a_o teacher_n with_o great_a profit_n of_o they_o which_o have_v believe_v and_o to_o the_o great_a confusion_n of_o the_o stiffnecked_a jew_n while_o he_o prove_v plain_o by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ._n act._n 18._o 28._o 28._o therefore_o if_o we_o purpose_v to_o have_v the_o church_n to_o flourish_v in_o true_a knowledge_n we_o must_v provide_v that_o this_o office_n be_v restore_v both_o in_o the_o university_n and_o in_o as_o many_o other_o place_n as_o may_v be_v as_o well_o for_o the_o better_a instruction_n of_o all_o man_n which_o be_v desirous_a to_o learn_v as_o especial_o for_o the_o information_n of_o those_o which_o shall_v occupy_v the_o ●oomes_n of_o pastor_n of_o which_o sort_n ●here_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o great_a number_n always_o in_o good_a towardness_n to_o take_v charge_n of_o so_o many_o several_a flock_n as_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o church_n as_o this_o be_v beside_o doctor_n title_n there_o must_v be_v pastor_n ordain_v in_o every_o congregation_n which_o have_v diverse_a appellation_n ●n_v the_o scripture_n as_o eph._n 4._o they_o be_v ●alled_v by_o the_o name_n of_o pastor_n because_o they_o ought_v to_o feed_v the_o several_a ●ocks_n of_o god_n sheep_n commit_v to_o ●heir_a charge_n as_o it_o appear_v act._n 20_o ●8_o 1._o peter_n 5._o 2._o 2._o they_o be_v call_v also_o elder_n not_o always_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o ●ge_n but_o of_o their_o office_n and_o gravity_n ●or_a timothy_n be_v but_o a_o young_a man_n and_o yet_o have_v the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a this_o name_n be_v receive_v of_o a_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o people_n of_o is●aell_n who_o use_v so_o to_o call_v those_o that_o be_v ruler_n and_o officer_n among_o they_o
we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n certain_a officer_n appoint_v for_o government_n we_o be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o that_o charge_n belong_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v such_o and_o that_o do_v s._n paul_n plain_o declare_v where_o he_o put_v a_o difference_n of_o the_o several_a office_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o name_v governor_n for_o one_o 1._o cor._n 28._o 29._o 29_o and_o rom._n 12._o 8._o 8._o let_v he_o that_o rule_v do_v it_o with_o diligence_n therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o every_o church_n a_o consistory_n or_o segnorye_n of_o elder_n or_o governor_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o hear_v examination_n and_o determine_v of_o all_o matter_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o congregation_n which_o authority_n of_o they_o nevertheless_o ought_v to_o be_v moderate_v that_o their_o judgement_n may_v be_v right_o account_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o holy_a church_n which_o thing_n consist_v in_o these_o two_o point_n first_o that_o the_o elder_n be_v elect_v and_o choose_v by_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n man_n of_o godliness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o who_o the_o whole_a church_n repose_v such_o confidence_n that_o they_o commit_v unto_o they_o their_o authority_n in_o hear_v &_o determine_v such_o matter_n as_o without_o horrible_a confusion_n they_o can_v perform_v themselves_o and_o hereto_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o election_n of_o pastor_n that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v ordain_v by_o election_n of_o the_o congregation_n elder_n unto_o many_o church_n act_n 14._o 23._o 23._o because_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v common_a to_o both_o to_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o comprehend_v both_o at_o once_o as_o it_o appear_v manifest_o by_o s._n paul_n 1._o tim._n 5._o 7._o 7._o those_o elder_n that_o govern_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o which_o testimony_n we_o learn_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n which_o meddle_v not_o with_o teach_v but_o be_v occupy_v altogether_o in_o govern_v second_o that_o the_o elder_n which_o labour_n in_o teach_v otherwise_o call_v pastor_n be_v join_v also_o in_o government_n with_o they_o which_o teach_v not_o and_o thirdlye_o that_o the_o name_n of_o elder_a comprehend_v both_o sort_n of_o elder_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o place_n before_o allege_v for_o election_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o think_v that_o the_o elder_n for_o government_n be_v as_o well_o understand_v as_o the_o other_o for_o doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o after_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o congregation_n by_o election_n 23._o as_o have_v set_v the_o church_n in_o perfect_a order_n which_o can_v not_o be_v except_o they_o have_v establish_v discipline_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n they_o commit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o they_o believe_v the_o second_o point_n for_o moderation_n of_o the_o elder_n authority_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o their_o sentence_n may_v be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v this_o that_o when_o the_o consistory_n have_v travel_v in_o examine_v of_o cause_n pertain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o agree_v what_o judgement_n ought_v to_o pass_v upon_o the_o matter_n they_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n that_o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v by_o their_o consent_n whereof_o s._n paul_n speak_v touch_v the_o execution_n of_o excommunication_n because_o the_o fact_n be_v manifest_a when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o with_o my_o spirit_n 4._o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n now_o therefore_o to●_n prove_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consistory_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n for_o govern_v of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n touch_v he_o that_o despise_v pryvate_a admonition_n 17._o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v the_o congregation_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o congregation_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a &_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v upon_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n in_o which_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n this_o word_n congregation_n be_v not_o so_o large_o take_v as_o in_o other_o place_n for_o the_o whole_a multitude_n but_o for_o the_o choose_a assembly_n of_o elder_n for_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o that_o word_n allude_v unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o elder_n that_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o call_v but_o corruptlie_o of_o a_o greek_a word_n synedrion_n which_o signify_v a_o counsel_n or_o consistory_n sanedrin_n which_o have_v the_o hear_n and_o determine_v of_o all_o difficult_a and_o weighty_a matter_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o like_a whereof_o he_o will_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n for_o administration_n of_o government_n for_o see_v it_o be_v first_o institute_v by_o god_n for_o government_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o old_a law_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o out_o of_o num._n 11._o 6._o 6._o although_o it_o be_v shameful_o abuse_v by_o the_o wicked_a jew_n our_o saviour_n christ_n translate_v it_o into_o his_o church_n also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n do_v most_o apt_o agree_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v governor_n in_o the_o church_n now_o even_o as_o it_o do_v to_o the_o ancient_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o the_o pastor_n seem_v to_o have_v borrow_v the_o name_n of_o elder_n special_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o government_n the_o name_n of_o this_o consistory_n also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n whereof_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v 18._o tell_v the_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n s_o paul_n 1._o tim._n 4._o 14._o 14._o despise_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v give_v thou_o through_o prophecy_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n where_o the_o greek_a word_n be_v presbyterion_n the_o assembly_n or_o consistorye_n of_o the_o elder_n which_o word_n be_v use_v also_o by_o saint_n luke_n in_o his_o gospel_n speak_v of_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o jewish_a elder_n luke_n 22._o 66._o 66._o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v day_n the_o whole_a eldership_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n come_v together_o both_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o their_o counsel_n in_o which_o say_v their_o counsel_n synedrion_n be_v call_v presbyterion_n also_o saint_n paul_n act._n 20._o 5._o 5._o that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o persecutor_n of_o christian_n take_v witness_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a consistory_n of_o elder_n use_v the_o same_o word_n presbyterion_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o this_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la in_o that_o place_n mean_v a_o consistory_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n who_o authority_n he_o do_v ratify_v with_o such_o power_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_v by_o they_o on_o earth_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o with_o hearty_a prayer_n the_o lord_n will_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v yea_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o as_o precedent_n of_o their_o counsel_n to_o direct_v their_o consultation_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o own_o church_n therefore_o in_o every_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consistory_n of_o elder_n or_o governor_n which_o with_o the_o pastor_n may_v take_v charge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o good_a order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n and_o the_o advauncement_n of_o true_a virtue_n these_o if_o they_o govern_v well_o as_o saint_n paul_n do_v testify_v be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n both_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o godly_a man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o good_a governor_n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v discipline_n that_o discipline_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o awe_n from_o offend_v and_o to_o bring_v offender_n to_o repentance_n to_o avoid_v the_o infection_n of_o sin_n within_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reproach_n that_o grow_v by_o neglect_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n among_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n we_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o stand_v long_o in_o prove_v the_o matter_n of_o itself_o be_v so_o apparent_a and_o have_v such_o plentiful_a testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o especial_o let_v the_o reason_n of_o saint_n paul_n 5._o 1._o cor._n 5._o
which_o subscribe_v some_o do_v it_o with_o this_o limitation_n &_o some_o with_o that_o some_o hold_v their_o former_a judgement_n as_o not_o gain_v say_v by_o their_o subscription_n some_o lament_v their_o slip_n in_o that_o behalf_n be_v deduct_v the_o number_n of_o the_o one_o will_v not_o so_o great_o surmount_v the_o other_o as_o for_o the_o challenge_n of_o the_o papist_n knit_v up_o with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o estate_n the_o difference_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n concern_v the_o matter_n they_o make_v it_o in_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v in_o diverse_a assembly_n abroad_o and_o at_o home_o be_v dispute_v resolve_v and_o now_o public_o maintain_v for_o our_o true_a &_o holy_a faith_n we_o in_o matter_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n of_o great_a moment_n indeed_o yet_o never_o thus_o handle_v nor_o urge_v the_o alteration_n but_o perfection_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o church_n &_o further_o good_a of_o the_o common_a wealth_n while_o by_o this_o mean_n among_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n the_o ignorant_a ministry_n &_o by_o it_o popery_n &_o by_o popery_n rebellion_n shall_v be_v avoid_v which_o by_o the_o other_o be_v most_o manifest_o breed_v &_o nourish_v concern_v the_o manner_n they_o call_v it_o to_o a_o sudden_a and_o tumultuous_a reason_n where_o the_o ready_a wit_n the_o best_a memory_n the_o most_o file_a speech_n shall_v carry_v away_v the_o truth_n at_o least_o marvellous_o move_v the_o ungrounded_a harer_n we_o require_v that_o where_o both_o side_n may_v upon_o mature_a &_o sufficient_a deliberation_n be_v beard_n without_o any_o of_o these_o show_n and_o the_o matter_n deliver_v unto_o her_o majesty_n their_o hh_n and_o whomsoever_o they_o shall_v choose_v to_o receive_v and_o examine_v the_o allegation_n of_o both_o side_n so_o that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v communicate_v unto_o the_o people_n until_o the_o manifest_a light_n of_o truth_n appear_v first_o unto_o they_o and_o if_o this_o so_o safe_a and_o reasonable_a a_o offer_n can_v be_v like_v in_o the_o respect_n of_o the_o last_o object_v consideration_n we_o think_v it_o impossible_a but_o the_o person_n which_o desire_v a_o way_n so_o sound_a peaceable_a and_o dutiful_a shall_v recover_v this_o favour_n that_o with_o safety_n of_o their_o conscience_n they_o shall_v exercise_v their_o ministry_n with_o that_o liberty_n which_o be_v meet_v for_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v tie_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v especial_a regard_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o public_a order_n wherefore_o most_o christian_n reader_n when_o thou_o shall_v by_o these_o sew_n take_v knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n pray_v unto_o god_n for_o we_o and_o as_o thy_o place_n be_v solicit_v and_o further_a so_o just_a a_o cause_n to_o this_o end_n only_o that_o christ_n kingdom_n may_v be_v perfect_o establish_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a quiet_v and_o the_o happy_a regiment_n of_o her_o majesty_n honour_v with_o much_o peace_n joy_n and_o quietness_n at_o home_n finis_fw-la ¶_o a_o learned_a discourse_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 15._o and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v direct_v in_o all_o thing_n church_n according_a to_o the_o order_n prescribe_v by_o the_o housholder_n himself_o which_o order_n be_v not_o to_o be_v learn_v elsewhere_o but_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n or_o proposition_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n utter_v by_o paul_n the_o second_o follow_v necessary_o of_o the_o first_o the_o third_o be_v a_o manifest_a truth_n believe_v of_o all_o they_o that_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o all_o our_o life_n and_o able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a 17._o prepare_v to_o all_o good_a work_n this_o foundation_n be_v sure_o lay_v church_n against_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v we_o ought_v diligent_o and_o reverent_o to_o search_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o we_o may_v find_v what_o order_n our_o saviour_n christ_n our_o only_a householder_n have_v set_v forth_o in_o they_o by_o which_o he_o will_v have_v his_o house_n or_o church_n to_o be_v direct_v in_o all_o thing_n appertain_v to_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o we_o man_n his_o unprofitable_a servant_n now_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n be_v not_o unmindful_a of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n 11._o but_o ordain_v a_o holy_a ministry_n of_o man_n 28._o to_o the_o build_n up_o of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n we_o find_v also_o that_o as_o the_o office_n be_v diverse_a of_o this_o ministry_n so_o they_o be_v not_o general_a unto_o all_o the_o church_n but_o as_o order_v and_o necessity_n require_v for_o execute_v of_o their_o office_n distribute_v and_o limit_v unto_o certain_a place_n or_o particular_a church_n according_a to_o the_o division_n of_o region_n city_n and_o town_n for_o we_o read_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v at_o derbe_n lystra_n iconium_n antiochia_n &c_n &c_n elder_n by_o election_n in_o every_o church_n 23._o with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o so_o commend_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o they_o believe_v 5._o also_o paul_n leave_v titus_n in_o the_o will_v of_o creta_n that_o he_o shall_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v concern_v the_o diverse_a office_n of_o the_o ministry_n we_o be_v teach_v by_o saint_a paul_n rom._n 12._o 6._o also_o 1._o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o ephes._n 4._o 11._o 11._o where_o we_o read_v that_o god_n have_v ordain_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o church_n these_o several_a office_n namely_o apostle_n evangelist_n prophet_n pastor_n doctor_n governoure_v and_o deacon_n also_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a of_o power_n or_o miracle_n and_o of_o diverse_a tongue_n of_o these_o office_n some_o be_v temporal_a serve_v only_o for_o the_o first_o plant_n &_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n among_o the_o heathen_a some_o be_v perpetual_a pertain_v to_o the_o nourish_a and_o build_v up_o the_o church_n for_o ever_o of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n man_n endue_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o power_n of_o healing_n and_o of_o diverse_a tongue_n of_o the_o latter_a kind_n be_v doctor_n pastor_n governor_n and_o deacon_n the_o apostle_n be_v ordain_v by_o god_n and_o send_v forth_o immediate_o by_o christ_n have_v a_o general_a commission_n to_o spread_v the_o gospel_n over_o all_o the_o world_n which_o work_n when_o they_o have_v accomplish_v that_o office_n cease_v 19_o such_o be_v the_o 12._o apostle_n 25._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o apostle_n appoint_v mathias_n in_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n 15._o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n permit_v nevertheless_o the_o election_n unto_o god_n by_o cast_v of_o lot_n that_o the_o number_n may_v be_v full_a for_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n but_o when_o herod_n have_v slay_v james_n the_o brother_n of_o john_n with_o the_o sword_n 2._o they_o choose_v no_o man_n to_o succeed_v in_o his_o place_n because_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o see_v it_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o church_n afterward_o separate_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n which_o live_v at_o antioch_n 2._o as_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n to_o the_o work_n whereto_o he_o have_v call_v they_o the_o prophet_n be_v such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o singular_a gift_n of_o revelation_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n 12._o and_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o present_a use_n of_o the_o church_n 11._o of_o who_o some_o also_o do_v foreshewe_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v 10._o as_o agabus_n also_o there_o be_v in_o every_o city_n that_o prophesy_v to_o s._n paul_n as_o he_o pass_v by_o they_o that_o bond_n and_o affliction_n be_v prepare_v for_o he_o at_o jerusalem_n 23_o this_o office_n be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o be_v ordain_v for_o beautify_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o first_o publish_v thereof_o it_o cease_v with_o that_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o be_v a_o ordinary_a function_n of_o the_o church_n the_o evangelist_n be_v such_o as_o be_v stir_v up_o of_o god_n to_o assist_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n of_o general_a charge_n in_o plant_v the_o gospel_n and_o confirm_v the_o same_o by_o their_o preach_n but_o inferior_a in_o dignity_n to_o the_o apostle_n 5._o such_o be_v philip_n that_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o samaria_n whither_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v send_v by_o the_o apostle_n 14._o to_o confer_v unto_o
they_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n the_o visible_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o philip_n do_v not_o the_o same_o philip_n in_o act._n 21._o 8._o verse_n 8._o be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n so_o be_v timothy_n 2._o timoth._n 4._o 5._o 5_o such_o be_v titus_n silus_n and_o many_o other_o this_o office_n also_o with_o the_o order_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v expire_v and_o have_v no_o place_n likewise_o as_o we_o do_v plain_o see_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a of_o power_n or_o miracle_n and_o of_o diverse_a tongue_n have_v long_o since_o cease_v to_o be_v in_o the_o church_n so_o the_o office_n of_o they_o which_o be_v ground_v upon_o these_o gift_n must_v also_o cease_v and_o be_v determine_v therefore_o the_o papist_n do_v vain_o retain_v the_o name_n &_o office_n of_o exorcist_n when_o they_o can_v cast_v out_o devil_n &_o extreme_a unction_n when_o they_o can_v cure_v dissease_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n which_o they_o have_v not_o by_o inspiration_n &_o that_o without_o any_o interpretation_n which_o saint_n paul_n express_o forbid_v 14._o there_o remain_v therefore_o of_o these_o before_o rehearse_v only_o in_o the_o church_n these_o ecclesiastical_a office_n institute_v of_o god_n church_n namely_o pastor_n doctor_n governor_n and_o deacon_n by_o which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v according_a to_o his_o word_n be_v direct_v in_o all_o matter_n which_o be_v common_o call_v ecclesiastical_a and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v unlawful_a so_o it_o be_v unneedeful_a for_o man_n follow_v the_o devise_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n without_o the_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n to_o institute_v and_o ordain_v any_o other_o office_n or_o kind_n of_o ministry_n beside_o these_o appoint_v &_o approve_v by_o god_n himself_o exercise_v in_o the_o primitive_a &_o pure_a church_n until_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n work_v a_o way_n for_o antichristes_n pride_n &_o presumption_n change_v god_n ordinance_n and_o bring_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o false_a doctrine_n &_o confusion_n and_o now_o again_o restore_v in_o all_o right_o reform_a church_n with_o such_o daily_a increase_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o suppression_n of_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n that_o the_o only_a experience_n hereof_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a persuasion_n to_o we_o to_o leave_v this_o disorder_a state_n of_o we_o wherein_o we_o have_v so_o long_o labour_v with_o so_o little_a profit_n and_o to_o embrace_v that_o most_o beautiful_a order_n of_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n which_o god_n so_o manifestlye_o do_v bless_v and_o prosper_v in_o our_o neighbour_n hand_n but_o while_o we_o speak_v of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n it_o may_v be_v think_v of_o some_o that_o we_o shall_v entreat_v first_o of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o christian_a prince_n whereupon_o it_o seem_v that_o all_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v which_o be_v such_o a_o mist_n to_o dazzle_v the_o eye_n of_o ignorant_a person_n that_o they_o think_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n aught_o to_o be_v dispose_v by_o that_o only_a high_a authority_n and_o absolute_a power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n other_o there_o be_v with_o more_o colour_n of_o reason_n that_o refer_v only_o indifferent_a matter_n to_o the_o disposition_n of_o prince_n but_o in_o determine_v indifferent_a matter_n they_o show_v themselves_o not_o to_o be_v indifferent_a judge_n for_o whatsoever_o it_o shall_v please_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o themselves_o to_o call_v or_o count_v indifferent_a it_o must_v be_v so_o hold_v of_o all_o man_n without_o any_o further_a enquiry_n but_o of_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o christian_n prince_n in_o ecclesiastical_a cause_n how_o far_o it_o extend_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v have_v better_a occasion_n to_o entreat_v hereafter_o when_o we_o have_v describe_v the_o ecclesiastical_a state_n and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o needful_a nor_o agreeable_a to_o good_a order_n of_o teach_v to_o begin_v first_o therewith_o it_o may_v be_v plain_a to_o everye_o man_n by_o this_o reason_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v perfect_a in_o all_o her_o regiment_n before_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a prince_n yea_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v stand_v and_o do_v stand_v at_o this_o day_n in_o most_o bless_a estate_n where_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o great_a favourer_n by_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o regiment_n and_o government_n thereof_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n but_o upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n who_o have_v most_o merciful_o and_o wise_o so_o establish_v the_o same_o that_o as_o with_o the_o comfortable_a aid_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n it_o may_v singulerlie_o flourish_v &_o prosper_v so_o without_o it_o it_o may_v continue_v and_o against_o the_o adversary_n thereof_o prevail_v for_o the_o church_n crave_v help_v &_o defence_n of_o christian_n prince_n to_o continue_v &_o go_v forward_o more_o peaceable_o &_o profitable_o to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o all_o her_o authority_n she_o receive_v immediate_o of_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o return_v to_o those_o office_n of_o ecclesiastical_a regiment_n which_o now_o remain_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v institute_v &_o ordain_v by_o christ_n himself_o which_o before_o we_o have_v prove_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v only_o these_o doctor_n pastor_n governor_n &_o deacon_n whereof_o some_o appertain_v to_o doctrine_n doctor_n some_o to_o government_n and_o discipline_n the_o duty_n of_o doctor_n &_o pastor_n be_v chief_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v they_o to_o learn_v the_o office_n of_o elder_n &_o deacon_n be_v to_o provide_v that_o good_a order_n and_o discipline_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n these_o office_n be_v right_o establish_v &_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n according_a to_o doctrine_n 13._o and_o both_o for_o doctrine_n and_o order_n of_o government_n to_o make_v we_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n 27._o and_o member_n one_o of_o another_o now_o what_o shall_v be_v desire_v more_o than_o this_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n or_o what_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v espy_v better_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o what_o mean_v this_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o effect_v which_o we_o do_v desire_n what_o man_n wit_n can_v devise_v better_o than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v express_v or_o when_o god_n have_v establish_v a_o order_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o own_o house_n what_o presumption_n of_o man_n dare_v change_v it_o but_o what_o dare_v not_o dust_n &_o ash_n presune_v to_o do_v against_o his_o maker_n &_o that_o with_o great_a inconvenience_n when_o with_o best_a pretence_n of_o correct_v and_o reform_v that_o which_o they_o do_v think_v to_o be_v unperfect_a in_o his_o do_n example_n thereof_o we_o have_v most_o evident_a that_o which_o be_v allege_v as_o the_o chief_a defence_n of_o this_o disorder_a state_n which_o now_o remain_v in_o our_o church_n namely_o that_o our_o father_n of_o old_a time_n be_v not_o content_a with_o the_o simple_a order_n institute_v by_o christ_n and_o establish_v by_o his_o apostle_n but_o for_o better_a govern_v of_o the_o church_n think_v good_a some_o office_n to_o add_v thereto_o some_o to_o take_v away_o some_o to_o alter_v &_o change_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o perverte_v and_o overthrow_v all_o christian_n and_o ecclesiastical_a policy_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n 20._o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o cheeft_a corner_n stone_n but_o how_o unhappy_a a_o success_n this_o good_a intent_n as_o they_o call_v it_o of_o they_o deserve_v to_o have_v of_o god_n who_o always_o abhor_v all_o good_a intentes_fw-la of_o man_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n express_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n the_o age_n before_o we_o alas_o have_v feel_v the_o present_a time_n do_v plain_o see_v and_o we_o pray_v god_n the_o posterity_n warn_v by_o example_n of_o their_o ancestor_n may_v take_v heed_n of_o it_o for_o where_o there_o be_v special_o two_o thing_n propound_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n doctrine_n and_o discipline_n as_o if_o a_o man_n will_v say_v knowledge_n and_o practice_n by_o which_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v seek_v and_o shine_v therein_o in_o steed_n of_o true_a doctrine_n follow_v all_o manner_n of_o corruption_n of_o the_o same_o both_o in_o the_o whole_a and_o in_o every_o part_n thereof_o as_o ignorance_n heresy_n idolatry_n superstition_n etc._n etc._n the_o discipline_n degenerate_v unto_o intolerable_a tyranny_n
and_o occasion_n be_v of_o small_a power_n to_o persuade_v any_o man_n and_o least_o of_o all_o the_o ignorant_a people_n let_v long_a experience_n the_o mistress_n of_o fool_n teach_v we_o if_o knowledge_n the_o instructor_n of_o wise_a man_n can_v move_v us._n how_o many_o papist_n convert_v how_o many_o ignorant_a instruct_v how_o many_o wicked_a reform_v be_v you_o able_a to_o show_v by_o this_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a ministry_n with_o all_o the_o help_n of_o read_v of_o for●all_a prayer_n and_o homily_n without_o ●eaching_v and_o apply_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o proper_a circumstance_n ●efore_o rehearse_v again_o who_o see_v ●ot_n but_o he_o that_o be_v so_o blind_a that_o he_o ●ill_v see_v nothing_o that_o these_o part_n of_o strue_a pastor_n duty_n which_o both_o the_o prophet_n ezechiel_n and_o zachary_n rehearse_v namely_o to_o strengthen_v the_o ●eake_a to_o heal_v the_o sick_a to_o bind_v the_o ●roken_a to_o seek_v the_o lose_v to_o bring_v ●ome_o that_o be_v carry_v away_o to_o cherish_v ●e_n young_a lamb_n to_o feed_v the_o strong_a ●eepe_n etc._n etc._n can_v be_v perform_v of_o ●y_a man_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o these_o but_o only_o by_o such_o one_o as_o be_v a_o godly_a and_o ●arned_a shepherd_n wherefore_o these_o ●oore_a help_n of_o prescript_n form_n of_o ●ading_v of_o prayer_n of_o homily_n and_o ●ch_v like_a when_o they_o be_v allege_v to_o maintain_v the_o ignorance_n of_o unskilful_a ●astors_n be_v call_v no_o better_a by_o the_o ●dgement_n of_o god_n but_o the_o instrument_n of_o foolish_a and_o idol_n sheap●eardes_n which_o have_v a_o certain_a pre●●nce_n of_o pastoral_a office_n but_o in_o effect_n be_v altogether_o unmeet_a for_o the_o same_o even_o as_o idiot_n and_o idol_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o able_a to_o do_v much_o hurt_n concern_v who_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pronounce_v this_o fearful_a sentence_n 14._o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a they_o shall_v both_o fall_v into_o the_o pit_n how_o long_o therefore_o shall_v we_o suffer_v the_o blind_a to_o lead_v the_o blind_a to_o the_o destruction_n of_o both_o let_v we_o therefore_o now_o at_o the_o length_n remove_v these_o blind_a guide_n and_o place_n in_o their_o steed_n faithful_a overseer_n that_o may_v lead_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n 13._o if_o the_o salt_n be_v unsavoury_a wherewith_o shall_v it_o be_v season_v it_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o tread_v down_o of_o man_n foot_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o seek_v politic_a shift_n to_o maintain_v the_o unsavoury_a salt_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pronounce_v to_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n that_o it_o be_v the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n both_o to_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o teach_v his_o flock_n and_o that_o no_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o charge_n or_o retain_v if_o he_o be_v ●rept_v in_o no_o more_o than_o a_o blind_a man_n be_v to_o be_v suffer_v in_o a_o office_n which_o must_v be_v execute_v only_o with_o the_o sight_n or_o a_o humbe_n dog_n to_o give_v warning_n which_o can_v bark_v or_o a_o idol_n to_o have_v the_o place_n of_o a_o man_n or_o a_o fool_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n or_o a_o wolf_n of_o a_o shepherd_n or_o darkness_n in_o steed_n of_o light_n or_o salt_n that_o be_v unsavoury_a to_o season_v withal_o but_o while_o we_o entreat_v of_o teach_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n we_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v public_a preach_n when_o the_o congregation_n be_v assemble_v but_o also_o private_a exhortation_n reprehension_n consolation_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n within_o his_o charge_n so_o often_o as_o need_v shall_v require_v and_o that_o this_o also_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o faithful_a bishop_n s._n paul_n testify_v set_v before_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o example_n of_o his_o diligence_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o follow_v 20._o you_o know_v say_v he_o from_o the_o first_o day_n that_o i_o come_v into_o asia_n after_o what_o manner_n i_o have_v be_v with_o you_o at_o all_o season_n serve_v the_o lord_n withal_o modesty_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o i_o keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a but_o have_v show_v you_o and_o teach_v you_o both_o open_o and_o throughout_o every_o house_n by_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o pastor_n must_v not_o only_o teach_v all_o his_o flock_n open_o but_o also_o he_o must_v instruct_v every_o family_n private_o whersoever_o he_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v needful_a or_o expedient_a which_o duty_n can_v be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o read_a minister_n also_o in_o the_o 26._o vers_fw-la of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o commend_v unto_o the_o elder_n a_o general_a care_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n 26._o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o say_v he_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a flock_n which_o care_n can_v not_o be_v well_o or_o at_o all_o undertake_v except_o they_o be_v diligent_a to_o teach_v both_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o their_o flock_n as_o need_n shall_v require_v which_o thing_n also_o he_o will_v they_o once_o again_o to_o observe_v in_o his_o example_n verse_n 31._o saying_n therefore_o watch_v you_o 31._o remember_v that_o by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n i_o cease_v not_o night_n and_o day_n exhort_v every_o one_o of_o you_o by_o these_o testimony_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o see_v what_o diligence_n the_o holy_a ghost_n require_v of_o pastor_n in_o teach_v both_o public_o and_o private_o as_o well_o general_o all_o their_o flock_n as_o particular_o everye_o one_o of_o they_o he_o therefore_o that_o be_v unapt_a to_o execute_v this_o part_n of_o a_o pastor_n duty_n be_v altogether_o unmeete_a to_o who_o governance_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n shoule_fw-mi be_v commit_v in_o temporal_a affair_n no_o man_n will_v commit_v the_o least_o charge_n that_o can_v be_v to_o such_o person_n as_o he_o know_v to_o be_v altogether_o unmeete_a or_o unable_a to_o answer_v unto_o the_o charge_n and_o shall_v we_o continue_v as_o we_o have_v do_v hitherto_o to_o put_v they_o in_o trust_n with_o the_o great_a charge_n that_o can_v be_v the_o salvation_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o soul_n redeem_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o we_o know_v certain_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v no_o part_n of_o a_o pastors_n duty_n sufficient_o god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v still_o continue_v so_o light_o to_o esteem_v so_o waightye_a a_o matter_n as_o though_o we_o account_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o we_o be_v sanctify_v to_o be_v profane_a and_o will_v contumelious_o withstand_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o necessity_n you_o will_v answer_v have_v no_o law_n this_o necessity_n we_o have_v answer_v before_o to_o consist_v in_o 2._o point_n in_o lack_n of_o live_n and_o lack_v of_o learned_a man_n the_o first_o we_o have_v show_v aught_o to_o be_v no_o let_n no_o not_o of_o a_o hour_n if_o the_o other_o want_n can_v so_o soon_o be_v supply_v and_o both_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v provide_v for_o in_o time_n or_o else_o we_o testify_v before_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n that_o they_o which_o neglect_n or_o with_o stand_v this_o provision_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o they_o that_o perisse_v through_o the_o desaulte_n of_o teach_v in_o the_o whole_a realm_n the_o lack_n of_o live_n may_v be_v supply_v either_o by_o restore_v the_o sacrilege_n of_o abbey_n as_o impropriation_n of_o benefice_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o devide_v the_o supersluity_n of_o some_o place_n that_o have_v to_o much_o unto_o they_o that_o have_v too_o little_a or_o by_o any_o other_o godly_a mean_n that_o may_v be_v thought_n meet_v to_o these_o godly_a and_o wise_a governor_n that_o by_o duty_n ought_v and_o by_o authority_n may_v do_v it_o the_o lack_n of_o learned_a preacher_n must_v be_v so_o far_o forth_o supply_v as_o it_o may_v present_o by_o encourage_v and_o exhort_v so_o many_o as_o be_v able_a to_o take_v that_o charge_n in_o hand_n by_o overseeing_a the_o reader_n &_o scholar_n in_o divinity_n in_o the_o university_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n the_o one_o in_o teach_v pure_o the_o other_o in_o learning_n diligent_o by_o thrust_v out_o these_o unprofitable_a head_n of_o college_n and_o other_o drone_n bee_n which_o either_o be_v unable_a or_o unwilling_a to_o set_v forward_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n in_o their_o several_a huose_n &_o place_v diligent_a and_o learned_a governor_n &_o student_n in_o their_o place_n &_o
by_o other_o good_a mean_n reform_v univer_n sity_n by_o erect_v of_o doctor_n &_o teacher_n in_o as_o many_o place_n as_o may_v be_v by_o compel_v the_o unlearned_a minister_n in_o who_o be_v any_o towardness_n to_o become_v scholar_n in_o divinity_n with_o some_o allow_v aunce_n of_o live_v if_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o study_v or_o else_o to_o send_v they_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v to_o get_v their_o livinge_n with_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n and_o especial_o consider_v the_o gretnes_n of_o the_o harvest_n &_o fewne_n of_o the_o laborer_n by_o pray_v earnest_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n in_o this_o great_a necessity_n of_o we_o 38._o to_o thrust_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n till_o god_n shall_v bless_v we_o with_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o learned_a pastor_n to_o take_v some_o extraordinary_a and_o temporal_a order_n for_o overseeing_a the_o church_n that_o although_o they_o can_v not_o be_v all_o sufficient_o instruct_v and_o govern_v yet_o so_o many_o shall_v not_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a of_o all_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a government_n as_o there_o be_v now_o in_o this_o most_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o continue_v if_o any_o man_n think_v this_o be_v over_o hard_a to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v let_v he_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v never_o work_v of_o more_o difficulty_n then_o to_o build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o necessity_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o work_n shall_v cause_v we_o to_o stay_v nothing_o at_o the_o difficulty_n thereof_o for_o with_o our_o faithful_a endeavour_n we_o shall_v not_o want_v the_o mighty_a assistance_n of_o god_n who_o will_v bless_v our_o godly_a labour_n with_o great_a success_n than_o we_o can_v look_v for_o if_o god_n therefore_o will_v grant_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a mean_n may_v take_v place_n by_o the_o high_a authority_n of_o our_o dread_a sovereign_n the_o queen_n majesty_n and_o continue_v this_o comfortable_a peace_n which_o we_o enjoy_v under_o her_o most_o gracious_a government_n we_o dare_v jeopard_v our_o life_n that_o in_o less_o than_o half_a the_o time_n that_o be_v already_o prosperous_o pass_v of_o her_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a reign_n the_o necessity_n of_o learned_a pastor_n shall_v be_v so_o well_o supply_v as_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o great_a cause_n to_o complain_v for_o lack_v of_o they_o if_o we_o may_v use_v like_o diligence_n to_o continue_v they_o if_o not_o we_o will_v spend_v the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n in_o mourning_n &_o expectation_n of_o the_o heavy_a vengeance_n of_o god_n which_o must_v needs_o fall_v upon_o we_o for_o this_o manifest_a contempt_n of_o his_o express_a commandment_n and_o neglect_v of_o increase_v the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v bold_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n act._n 20._o 27._o we_o testify_v unto_o you_o this_o day_n that_o we_o be_v clean_o from_o the_o blood_n of_o you_o all_o for_o we_o have_v not_o fail_v to_o show_v you_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o regiment_n of_o his_o church_n hitherto_o we_o have_v somewhat_o at_o large_a set_v forth_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o pastor_n office_n which_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n in_o the_o same_o here_o follow_v now_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n which_o consist_v in_o right_a administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o god_n for_o see_v it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o add_v such_o outward_a sign_n to_o be_v help_n of_o our_o infirmity_n as_o seal_n for_o confirmation_n of_o his_o promise_n utter_v by_o his_o word_n rom._n 4._o 11._o he_o have_v appoint_v minister_n of_o the_o same_o 11._o to_o deliver_v they_o unto_o his_o people_n math._n 28._o 19_o 19_o luke_n 22._o 19_o for_o no_o man_n may_v take_v upon_o he_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n 19_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n heb._n 3._o 4._o 4._o see_v therefore_o that_o god_n have_v give_v some_o to_o be_v pastor_n in_o his_o church_n ephes._n 4._o 11._o 11._o and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o spiritual_a pasture_n of_o their_o soul_n appoint_v by_o god_n 1._o cor._n 4._o 1._o 1._o and_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o part_n of_o this_o spiritual_a food_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n to_o administer_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o that_o the_o sacrament_n appertain_v to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o who_o god_n have_v institute_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n he_o also_o have_v he_o make_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v compare_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o seal_n and_o the_o word_n or_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o write_n so_o it_o appertain_v to_o he_o to_o deliver_v the_o seal_n which_o deliver_v the_o writing_n for_o as_o the_o seal_n have_v always_o relation_n unto_o the_o write_n so_o have_v the_o sacrament_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o everye_o pastor_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n of_o christ_n so_o this_o office_n appertain_v to_o none_o but_o to_o those_o which_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n our_o saviour_n christ_n authorise_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n say_v go_v you_o forth_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n 19_o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v command_v you_o likewise_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n go_v you_o forth_o into_o the_o whole_a world_n 15._o and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o shall_v believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v etc._n etc._n also_o institute_v his_o holy_a supper_n he_o say_v 19_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o which_o remembrance_n saint_n paul_n declare_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v celebrate_v by_o preach_v of_o the_o lord_n death_n so_o often_o say_v he_o as_o you_o shall_v eat_v of_o tbis_fw-la bread_n 24._o and_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n you_o shall_v show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n until_o he_o come_v by_o these_o testimony_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n ought_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o none_o but_o unto_o such_o as_o be_v preacher_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v they_o that_o they_o baptise_v that_o be_v able_a to_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n death_n to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o do_v deliver_v the_o outward_a sign_n thereof_o how_o intolerable_a a_o abuse_n than_o be_v it_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o commit_v the_o administration_n of_o they_o to_o those_o man_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o expound_v the_o mystery_n of_o they_o and_o see_v the_o element_n of_o the_o world_n of_o which_o the_o outward_a ●art_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v take_v be_v lead_v and_o beggarly_a of_o themselves_o except_o they_o be_v animate_v and_o enti●hed_v with_o the_o promise_n and_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o sacrament_n what_o can_v it_o be_v better_a than_o sacrilege_n to_o separate_v the_o ministratition_n of_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n from_o the_o sacrament_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n compare_v the_o sacrament_n to_o seal_n that_o be_v add_v for_o confirmation_n of_o write_n we_o know_v well_o that_o a_o word_n or_o writing_n may_v be_v available_a without_o a_o seal_n but_o ●ever_o a_o seal_n without_o a_o writing_n therefore_o in_o this_o behalf_n we_o have_v ●ad_v great_a default_n so_o long_a time_n to_o commit_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o those_o man_n who_o not_o only_o have_v be_v know_v to_o be_v unable_a but_o also_o have_v be_v forbid_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o that_o which_o be_v more_o strange_a to_o be_v suffer_v in_o this_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o permit_v the_o ministration_n of_o baptism_n not_o only_o to_o ignorant_a man_n but_o also_o to_o woman_n which_o have_v no_o voice_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o congregation_n 1._o cor._n 14._o 34._o 34._o &_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 11._o 11._o and_o that_o in_o private_a place_n but_o in_o case_n they_o say_v of_o necessity_n as_o though_o there_o be_v such_o necessity_n of_o the_o outward_a sign_n when_o it_o can_v be_v minister_v according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o
that_o we_o have_v show_v before_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n may_v also_o be_v call_v his_o authority_n as_o to_o preach_v and_o teach_v wherein_o be_v include_v his_o authority_n to_o forgive_v and_o retain_v sin_n also_o his_o authority_n to_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o do_v other_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n which_o none_o may_v do_v but_o he_o but_o in_o this_o place_n we_o understande_v authority_n for_o power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 28._o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o god_n necessary_a for_o the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n this_o authority_n of_o regiment_n we_o have_v declare_v that_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o lordly_a rule_n 3._o neither_o over_o their_o flock_n 26._o nor_o yet_o over_o their_o fellow_n servant_n and_o brethren_n and_o jest_n of_o all_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v dominion_n or_o lordship_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n 14._o in_o all_o these_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n have_v exalt_v himself_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o will_v be_v head_n of_o all_o the_o church_n hierarchia_fw-la bishop_n of_o all_o bishop_n and_o have_v authority_n to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n who_o untollerable_a presumption_n as_o we_o have_v long_o since_o banish_v out_o of_o this_o land_n so_o we_o wish_v that_o no_o step_n of_o such_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n may_v be_v leave_v behind_o he_o namely_o that_o no_o elder_a or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v challenge_v unto_o himself_o or_o accept_v it_o if_o it_o be_v offer_v unto_o he_o any_o other_o authority_n then_o that_o be_v allow_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o chief_o to_o beware_v that_o he_o usurp_v no_o authority_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o wherefore_o do_v we_o de●est_v the_o pope_n and_o his_o usurp_a supremacy_n but_o bicau_o ●se_v he_o arrogate_v the_o same_o unto_o himself_o not_o only_o with_o out_o the_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n but_o also_o clean_o contrary_a to_o the_o same_o now_o if_o the_o same_o reason_n &_o authority_n that_o have_v banish_v the_o pope_n do_v serve_v to_o condemn_v all_o other_o usurp_a authority_n that_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n why_o shall_v not_o all_o such_o usurp_a authority_n be_v banish_v as_o well_o as_o the_o pope_n we_o can_v allege_v against_o the_o pope_n and_o right_o that_o which_o s._n joh._n baptist_n do_v answer_v to_o his_o disciple_n no_o man_n can_v take_v unto_o himself_o any_o thing_n except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o from_o heaven_n joh._n 3._o 27._o 27._o and_o that_o say_v of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 4._o no_o man_n may_v take_v upon_o he_o any_o honour_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n insomuch_o that_o christ_n himself_o do_v not_o give_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o high_a priest_n but_o he_o that_o say_v unto_o he_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n i_o have_v beget_v thou_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n 6._o thou_o be_v a_o priest_n for_o ever_o after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedec_n now_o see_v these_o rule_n be_v so_o general_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v not_o exempt_v from_o they_o but_o show_v forth_o the_o decree_n wherein_o he_o be_v authorize_v by_o what_o rule_n can_v any_o man_n retain_v that_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o call_v thereto_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n likewise_o we_o can_v allege_v again_o against_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n to_o prove_v that_o peter_n be_v not_o superior_a to_o the_o other_o apostle_n that_o which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n say_v to_o his_o apostle_n 26._o luk._n 22._o 26._o and_o mat._n 20._o 25._o mark_n 10._o 42._o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o 25_o but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o 42._o shall_v be_v as_o the_o young_a and_o he_o that_o rule_v as_o he_o that_o serve_v and_o mat._n 23._o 8._o 8._o you_o have_v but_o one_o master_n which_o be_v christ_n and_o all_o you_o be_v brethren_n if_o these_o place_n prove_v that_o the_o pope_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v above_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n why_o do_v they_o not_o likewise_o prove_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v equal_a among_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n all_o those_o argument_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v use_v to_o confute_v the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v of_o as_o great_a force_n against_o all_o other_o usurp_a authority_n of_o one_o pastor_n over_o a_o other_o therefore_o while_o we_o entreat_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o open_v not_o a_o window_n to_o popish_a tyranny_n in_o steed_n of_o pastoral_a authority_n &_o that_o we_o enlarge_v not_o the_o bound_n of_o authority_n without_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o scripture_n wherefore_o while_o we_o search_v the_o scripture_n the_o only_a rule_n whereby_o the_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v we_o find_v that_o in_o regiment_n &_o governance_n of_o the_o church_n the_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n have_v none_o authority_n by_o himself_o separate_v from_o other_o for_o in_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o monarchy_n or_o sole_a absolute_a government_n but_o that_o be_v refer_v peculiar_o to_o our_o saviour_n christ_n only_o 2._o tim._n 6._o 7._o jude._n 4._o 15._o and_o that_o regiment_n which_o he_o have_v leave_v unto_o his_o church_n be_v a_o consent_n of_o his_o household_n servant_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o prescription_n as_o he_o witness_v math._n 18._o 19_o 19_o if_o two_o of_o you_o consent_n upon_o earth_n upon_o any_o matter_n what_o soever_o you_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v grant_v to_o you_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o wheresoever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o see_v therefore_o that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v neither_o authorize_v nor_o promise_v to_o bless_v any_o other_o form_n of_o regiment_n then_o that_o which_o consist_v of_o the_o consent_n and_o gather_v together_o of_o his_o servant_n in_o his_o name_n we_o hold_v we_o content_v with_o this_o simplicity_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o public_a regiment_n or_o discipline_n separate_a from_o other_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o let_v we_o then_o see_v what_o be_v his_o authority_n join_v with_o other_o and_o first_o who_o be_v so_o join_v in_o commission_n with_o he_o that_o without_o their_o consent_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o we_o say_v therefore_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v leave_v unto_o his_o whole_a church_n and_o so_o to_o every_o church_n that_o none_o may_v challenge_v episcopal_a or_o metropolitical_a authority_n as_o it_o be_v with_o we_o at_o this_o day_n over_o other_o without_o great_a tyranny_n and_o manifest_a injury_n for_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n promise_v his_o presence_n and_o authority_n to_o every_o church_n indifferent_o math._n 18._o 19_o 20_o 20._o none_o may_v challenge_v any_o such_o prerogative_n a●ore_v other_o but_o as_o the_o church_n be_v limit_v out_o for_o order_n &_o conveniency_n so_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o of_o like_a authority_n in_o itself_o but_o because_o they_o make_v all_o but_o one_o church_n &_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n therefore_o there_o be_v but_o one_o authority_n in_o they_o to_o determine_v of_o matter_n concern_v they_o all_o by_o which_o there_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o double_a authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n one_o with_o the_o several_a congregation_n in_o which_o he_o be_v pastor_n the_o other_o with_o the_o whole_a synod_n or_o assembly_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n and_o both_o these_o authority_n we_o find_v sufficient_o authorize_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o shall_v playn●lye_o appear_v in_o the_o several_a discourse_n of_o they_o first_o therefore_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o his_o authority_n in_o his_o several_a church_n in_o which_o he_o may_v do_v nothing_o without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o first_o let_v we_o examine_v whether_o this_o authority_n be_v so_o diffuse_v over_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o the_o hear_n try_v and_o determyne_v of_o all_o matter_n pertain_v to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n or_o to_o some_o special_a choose_a person_n amongst_o they_o meet_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o authority_n be_v the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n grant_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o because_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v confuse_v whereas_o god_n be_v not_o the_o authoure_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n and_o that_o
and_o 2._o cor._n 2._o 2._o where_o he_o purposely_o intreat_v of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n be_v weigh_v a_o little_a leaven_n sour_v a_o whole_a lump_n of_o dough_n for_o infection_n you_o be_v puff_v up_o where_o you_o shall_v be_v sad_a and_o ashamed_a for_o ignominy_n we_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o flesh_n that_o his_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o repentance_n public_a reprehension_n of_o many_o which_o be_v godly_a refuse_v to_o eat_v with_o such_o one_o be_v profitable_a both_o to_o drive_v himself_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o keep_v other_o in_o order_n for_o fear_n of_o like_a punishment_n where_o this_o discipline_n be_v not_o no_o marvel_n if_o all_o wickedness_n overflowe_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o gospel_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o many_o &_o corrupt_a of_o more_o to_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o godly_a offence_n of_o the_o weak_a encouragement_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o rejoice_v of_o the_o adversary_n let_v we_o therefore_o proceed_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n with_o the_o elder_n which_o be_v first_o to_o punish_v offender_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n or_o else_o to_o cut_v they_o clean_o from_o the_o church_n as_o rot_v and_o infect_v member_n but_o here_o we_o have_v to_o inquire_v for_o what_o offence_n the_o church_n may_v proceed_v to_o so_o sharp_a a_o punishment_n for_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o sword_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v draw_v out_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n for_o every_o small_a disease_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o only_o when_o the_o disease_n be_v deadly_a and_o the_o member_n rot_v thereby_o for_o we_o ought_v as_o hardly_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o excommunicate_v any_o of_o our_o brethren_n as_o we_o will_v have_v a_o leg_n or_o a_o arm_n cut_v off_o from_o our_o body_n therefore_o the_o popish_a tyranny_n be_v detestable_a which_o thunder_v out_o their_o pretend_a excommunication_n for_o every_o trifle_n yea_o such_o as_o be_v no_o sin_n as_o none_o payment_n of_o a_o little_a money_n where_o it_o be_v not_o detain_v of_o fraud_n non_fw-la appearance_n where_o man_n otherwise_o have_v necessary_a impediment_n as_o though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o put_v man_n out_o of_o the_o protection_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o unto_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o everlasting_a damnation_n lest_o therefore_o we_o shall_v use_v such_o unreasonable_a rigour_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o what_o manner_n of_o sin_n deserve_v excommunication_n 1._o cor._n 5._o 11._o 11._o if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o whooremonger_n or_o a_o covetous_a person_n or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o slanderer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o see_v that_o you_o eat_v not_o these_o offence_n therefore_o and_o such_o like_a be_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o excommunication_n also_o a_o obstinate_a heretic_n that_o will_v not_o repent_v by_o admonition_n be_v worthy_a of_o this_o punishment_n tit._n 3._o 10._o 10._o 2._o tim._n 2._o 16._o 1._o tim._n 1._o 20._o 2._o joh._n 10._o &_o 11._o 16._o and_o not_o only_o these_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n 20._o deserve_v this_o correction_n 11._o but_o also_o lesser_a crime_n increase_v with_o contumacy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o church_n admonition_n become_v worthy_a of_o the_o same_o castigation_n therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n of_o private_a offence_n math._n 18._o 15._o 16._o etc._n etc._n etc._n if_o thy_o brother_n sin_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o reproove_v he_o between_o he_o and_o thou_o alone_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v win_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n everye_o word_n may_v stand_v if_o he_o disobey_v they_o then_o tell_v the_o church_n if_o he_o disobey_v the_o church_n then_o let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n likewise_o 2._o thes._n 3._o 6._o 6._o etc._n etc._n concern_v those_o that_o be_v idle_a and_o walk_v disorderlye_o will_v have_v all-gentle_a mean_n use_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o labour_n and_o good_a order_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v for_o any_o admonition_n he_o command_v they_o to_o be_v separate_v by_o excommunication_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o hitherto_o appear_v not_o so_o great_a use_n of_o this_o consistorye_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v necessary_a for_o excommunication_n neither_o do_v saint_n paul_n make_v mention_n of_o it_o in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o excommunication_n we_o answer_v that_o although_o the_o simple_a institution_n of_o christ_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v suffice_v we_o to_o think_v it_o necessary_a yet_o there_o be_v many_o necessary_a use_n thereof_o to_o be_v allege_v for_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n christ_n command_v in_o private_a offence_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o congregation_n except_o you_o understande_v thereby_o the_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n there_o shall_v follow_v horrible_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n thereby_o for_o admit_v a_o man_n may_v accuse_v his_o brother_n unto_o the_o whole_a multitude_n yet_o how_o shall_v the_o whole_a multitude_n admonish_v he_o and_o exhort_v he_o to_o repentance_n again_o of_o these_o notorious_a offence_n that_o be_v worthy_a of_o excommunication_n some_o be_v open_o know_v so_o that_o they_o need_v no_o trial_n as_o the_o adultery_n of_o that_o corinthian_a 1._o cor._n 5._o ●_o some_o be_v in_o controversy_n and_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v concern_v which_o saint_n paul_n warn_v timothy_n that_o he_o admit_v not_o any_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_a but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n and_o charge_v he_o before_o god_n and_o before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o elect_a angel_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o through_o rash_a or_o over_o hasty_a judgement_n and_o that_o he_o do_v all_o thing_n without_o partiality_n or_o affection_n unto_o party_n 1._o timothy_n 5._o cap._n 19_o 21._o and_o twenty_o one_o verse_n we_o see_v here_o manifest_o a_o necessary_a use_n of_o the_o eldership_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o examine_v and_o discuss_v such_o difficult_a controversy_n therefore_o it_o behoove_v the_o church_n to_o have_v such_o ordinary_a delegate_n as_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v their_o diligence_n vuto_fw-mi such_o matter_n moreover_o to_o oversee_v the_o church_n for_o matter_n pertain_v to_o order_n and_o discipline_n how_o can_v the_o multitude_n oversee_v themselves_o or_o the_o pastor_n only_o which_o have_v a_o principal_a care_n of_o doctrine_n to_o attend_v upon_o and_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o s._n paul_n do_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o eldership_n or_o consistory_n of_o elder_n in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o excommunication_n we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a he_o shall_v so_o do_v for_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v a_o form_n thereof_o that_o he_o which_o obey_v not_o the_o congregation_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o that_o in_o other_o place_n he_o make_v sufficient_a mention_n both_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o of_o the_o assembly_n we_o ought_v to_o understande_v that_o his_o purpose_n be_v to_o observe_v that_o form_n to_o the_o uttermost_a and_o although_o he_o do_v not_o always_o make_v express_a mention_n thereof_o yet_o must_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o he_o mean_v to_o alter_v or_o change_v the_o same_o in_o the_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o five_o verse_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o albeit_o he●_n desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o that_o the_o incestuous_a adulterer_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o therefore_o determine_v of_o he_o for_o his_o own_o part_n as_o absent_a in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o spirit_n yet_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v excommunicate_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1._o cor._n 5._o 4._o 4._o likewise_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v again_o he_o be_v to_o be_v pardon_v not_o only_o by_o he_o but_o by_o they_o also_o 2._o cor._n 1._o 10._o 10._o and_o therefore_o if_o so_o high_a a_o apostle_n can_v not_o by_o his_o private_a authority_n excommunicate_v that_o corinthian_a we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o by_o his_o private_a authority_n but_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n he_o excommunicate_v himmineus_fw-la &_o alexander_n 20._o although_o he_o do_v not_o make_v express_a mention_n of_o
the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n 1._o tim._n 2._o 20._o 20._o so_o likewise_o where_o he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n concern_v the_o hear_n &_o determine_v of_o matter_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o teach_v in_o timothy_n his_o person_n the_o duty_n of_o elder_n &_o never_o mean_v to_o give_v timothy_n a_o absolute_a or_o singular_a authority_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o these_o matter_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o eldership_n whereof_o he_o make_v mention_n but_o a_o little_a before_o to_o conclude_v therefore_o the_o pastor_n with_o advice_n &_o consent_v of_o the_o elder_n have_v authority_n to_o hear_v &_o examine_v matter_n pertain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o as_o the_o cause_n require_v to_o excommunicate_a offender_n and_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n to_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n approve_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n instead_o of_o which_o antichrist_n have_v set_v up_o a_o tyrannical_a jurisdiction_n of_o one_o bishop_n to_o be_v judge_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v practise_v neither_o for_o cause_n sufficient_a nor_o by_o sufficient_a authority_n in_o so_o much_o as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o testify_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n be_v in_o no_o one_o man_n no_o not_o in_o a_o apostle_n but_o be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n &_o aught_o to_o be_v execute_v by_o lawful_a delegate_n of_o the_o church_n also_o but_o so_o much_o that_o usurp_a authority_n presume_v that_o the_o bishop_n as_o a_o absolute_a owner_n thereof_o commit_v it_o over_o to_o his_o chancellor_n or_o archdeacon_n the_o archdeacon_n to_o his_o official_a &_o he_o to_o his_o register_n &_o he_o again_o to_o his_o substitute_n and_o his_o substitute_n to_o his_o servant_n man_n or_o boy_n as_o it_o happen_v in_o so_o much_o that_o a_o learned_a preacher_n may_v be_v excommunicate_v by_o a_o foolish_a boy_n if_o this_o matter_n seem_v not_o to_o require_v speedy_a reformation_n god_n have_v blind_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o can_v not_o see_v the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o our_o face_n for_o if_o we_o look_v to_o banish_v the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o pope_n out_o of_o all_o man_n heart_n we_o must_v utter_o remove_v all_o his_o detestable_a enormity_n out_o of_o the_o realm_n as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v in_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n henry_n and_o edward_n whereas_o now_o by_o retain_v still_o all_o the_o detestable_a enormity_n of_o his_o prerogative_n and_o faculty_n &_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o canon_n law_n the_o papacy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o banish_v in_o name_n as_o translate_v in_o deed_n from_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o sea_n of_o caunterbury_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o prince_n supremacy_n with_o as_o heinous_a injury_n and_o contumely_n of_o the_o lawful_a authority_n &_o godly_a supremacy_n of_o the_o prince_n as_o join_v with_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o miserable_a disorder_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o mean_v not_o in_o this_o place_n to_o prosecute_v our_o just_a complaint_n nor_o to_o inveigh_v against_o the_o abuse_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o such_o vehemency_n of_o word_n as_o the_o worthiness_n of_o the_o matter_n deserve_v but_o only_o in_o set_v forth_o the_o plain_a truth_n to_o give_v a_o glimp_v by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o contrary_a falsehood_n we_o must_v therefore_o return_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n which_o he_o have_v join_v with_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v pastor_n the_o church_n have_v always_o have_v great_a care_n for_o provision_n of_o the_o poor_a by_o which_o compassion_n they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v lively_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o avoid_v great_a reproach_n of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o for_o what_o shame_n be_v it_o for_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v all_o son_n of_o one_o father_n and_o therefore_o all_o brethren_n yea_o that_o be_v member_n all_o of_o one_o body_n to_o suffer_v their_o brethren_n &_o fellow_n member_n to_o lack_v necessary_n to_o sustain_v their_o temporal_a life_n as_o though_o they_o that_o communicate_v in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o blessing_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o take_v part_n of_o these_o worldly_a benefit_n at_o leastwyse_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o to_o supply_v their_o necessity_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n always_o commend_v brotherly_a love_n among_o his_o disciple_n to_o teach_v we_o how_o ready_a we_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o distribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brethren_n which_o be_v a_o true_a testimony_n of_o our_o love_n declare_v by_o his_o own_o example_n for_o although_o he_o be_v so_o poor_a that_o he_o live_v of_o the_o alms_n and_o liberality_n of_o other_o man_n yet_o of_o that_o which_o be_v more_o than_o serve_v his_o own_o necessity_n he_o use_v to_o bestow_v upon_o the_o poor_a as_o john_n 13._o 29._o 29._o to_o teach_v they_o who_o he_o have_v bless_v with_o temporal_a riches_n which_o he_o refuse_v to_o enrich_v we_o with_o heavenlye_a treasure_n that_o they_o of_o their_o superfluity_n will_v be_v content_a to_o give_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o poor_a brother_n which_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v in_o his_o extreme_a poverty_n to_o teach_v also_o they_o that_o have_v but_o mean_a substance_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v excuse_v but_o somewhat_o to_o contribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o poor_a brother_n when_o he_o that_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o that_o which_o be_v give_v even_o of_o that_o bestow_v part_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n think_v it_o to_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o better_a provide_v for_o the_o poor_a that_o certain_a man_n shall_v be_v appoint_v of_o approve_a godliness_n and_o diligence_n which_o shall_v take_v the_o special_a charge_n of_o the_o distribution_n unto_o the_o poor_a act._n 6._o 6._o these_o man_n be_v call_v deacon_n or_o minister_n because_o they_o do_v minister_v and_o serve_v the_o poor_a in_o their_o necessity_n and_o because_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o ordinance_n continue_v always_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v say_v we_o shall_v always_o have_v the_o poor_a amongst_o we_o john_n 12._o 8._o 8._o whereby_o god_n will_v exercise_v our_o charity_n the_o office_n of_o deacon_n also_o be_v perpetual_a therefore_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n prescribe_v what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v meet_v for_o that_o office_n 1._o timothy_n 3._o 8._o 8._o and_o in_o every_o well_o constitute_v church_n they_o be_v ordain_v according_o as_o philip_n 1._o 1._o 1._o also_o after_o the_o ordain_v of_o the_o seven_o deacon_n this_o office_n be_v divide_v into_o diverse_a part_n as_o necessity_n show_v diverse_a occasion_n for_o some_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o collection_n and_o distribution_n of_o alm_n as_o roman_n 12._o 8._o and_o some_o for_o attend_v upon_o the_o sick_a and_o impotent_a among_o the_o poor_a 8._o as_o in_o the_o same_o place_n let_v he_o that_o distribute_v do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n and_o let_v he_o that_o show_v mercy_n do_v it_o with_o cheerfulness_n which_o kind_n of_o deacon_n 1._o cor._n 12._o 28._o 28._o be_v call_v helper_n and_o for_o the_o service_n of_o this_o office_n be_v appoint_v diverse_a old_a poor_a widow_n who_o as_o they_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o church_n so_o they_o serve_v the_o church_n attend_v upon_o the_o other_o poor_a who_o be_v sick_a and_o impotent_a have_v need_v not_o only_o of_o thing_n necessary_a but_o also_o of_o service_n and_o attend_v 1._o timoth._n 5._o 5._o 5._o these_o office_n be_v institute_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o the_o church_n which_o use_v still_o continue_v ought_v also_o to_o be_v retain_v among_o us._n for_o we_o see_v for_o want_v of_o these_o office_n what_o great_a inconvenience_n be_v among_o we_o concern_v the_o poor_a for_o although_o there_o be_v very_o good_a politic_a law_n make_v for_o provision_n of_o the_o poor_a yet_o small_a relief_n come_v thereby_o to_o the_o poor_a indeed_o at_o least_o wise_a many_o abuse_n the_o relief_n which_o they_o receive_v which_o come_v of_o this_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o church_n or_o congregation_n such_o deacon_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v appoint_v which_o shall_v take_v a_o special_a care_n &_o employ_v a_o great_a diligence_n for_o the_o provision_n of_o the_o poor_a not_o only_o some_o to_o gather_v and_o distribute_v but_o also_o to_o see_v it_o well_o employ_v on_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o employ_v the_o poor_a that_o live_v of_o the_o alm_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o
fellow_n poor_a which_o be_v more_o impotent_a they_o they_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o primative_a church_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o that_o walk_v disorderlye_o and_o labour_v not_o if_o they_o be_v able_a of_o which_o kind_n of_o people_n when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a multitude_n in_o this_o land_n that_o they_o do_v even_o overflowe_v the_o country_n and_o have_v be_v know_v to_o be_v practizer_n of_o great_a matter_n against_o the_o state_n it_o be_v marvel_n that_o neither_o by_o politic_a nor_o by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n they_o be_v bring_v into_o order_n and_o set_v to_o labour_n or_o else_o as_o saint_n paul_n prescribe_v so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o eat_v until_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o labour_v 2._o thes._n 3._o 10._o but_o now_o to_o return_v to_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n concern_v the_o form_n of_o choose_v of_o deacon_n we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a act_n 6._o that_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o because_o we_o may_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o confusion_n in_o that_o bless_a company_n we_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o which_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v even_o in_o that_o assembly_n and_o first_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n certain_a elder_n appoint_v which_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n have_v the_o disposition_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o appear_v by_o many_o place_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o the_o elder_n be_v name_v with_o the_o apostle_n as_o act_n 15._o 4._o 12._o etc._n etc._n but_o especial_o concern_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o distribution_n unto_o the_o poor_a we_o read_v that_o when_o the_o church_n of_o antiochia_n be_v so_o well_o dispose_v as_o to_o make_v a_o collection_n to_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o poor_a brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o jury_n they_o send_v unto_o the_o elder_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n act_n 11._o 30._o 30._o by_o which_o it_o appearethe_v that_o the_o elder_n have_v the_o disposition_n and_o appoint_v of_o such_o as_o shall_v destribute_v it_o unto_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v the_o deacon_n for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o he_o that_o shall_v do_v any_o service_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v choose_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o for_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v further_a of_o from_o all_o tirannye_n so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v as_o far_o from_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n tyranny_n be_v avoid_v when_o no_o one_o man_n contrary_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n shall_v presume_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o that_o be_v godly_a and_o wise_a and_o authorize_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n confusion_n be_v prevent_v by_o the_o grave_a counsel_n and_o orderlye_v assembly_n of_o elder_n unto_o who_o the_o church_n have_v commit_v her_o authority_n by_o this_o it_o may_v easy_o appear_v what_o great_a default_n there_o be_v in_o our_o church_n where_o those_o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v ordain_v deacon_n never_o purpose_v in_o their_o life_n to_o execute_v any_o part_n of_o a_o deacon_n office_n neither_o be_v choose_v for_o that_o end_n but_o only_o that_o within_o a_o short_a time_n after_o they_o may_v be_v make_v priest_n or_o minister_n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n differ_v from_o the_o superstition_n of_o popery_n where_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n be_v confer_v only_o as_o a_o step_n unto_o priesthood_n as_o though_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o everye_o one_o which_o be_v ordain_v a_o elder_a shall_v first_o be_v a_o deacon_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v make_v a_o deacon_n he_o be_v but_o a_o idol_n yea_o scarce_o a_o idol_n of_o a_o deacon_n have_v no_o resemblance_n at_o all_o unto_o a_o deacon_n indeed_o but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n this_o profane_v of_o god_n institution_n god_n will_v not_o always_o suffer_v unpunished_a especial_o when_o it_o be_v not_o maintain_v of_o ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n but_o defend_v against_o knowledge_n and_o upon_o wilfulness_n therefore_o the_o collector_n be_v more_o like_a to_o deacons_n a_o great_a deal_n than_o those_o that_o the_o bishop_n make_v deacon_n for_o first_o they_o have_v after_o a_o sort_n election_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o other_o have_v but_o the_o approbation_n of_o one_o man_n and_o second_o they_o gather_v and_o distribute_v the_o common_a alm_n unto_o the_o poor_a which_o the_o other_o never_o think_v of_o but_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o allow_v they_o for_o lawful_a deacon_n indeed_o because_o they_o be_v not_o always_o endue_v with_o such_o quality_n as_o the_o apostle_n require_v 1._o tim._n 2._o ●_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v man_n of_o good_a estimation_n in_o the_o church_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o wisdom_n that_o shall_v be_v choose_v acts._n 6._o for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o office_n of_o good_a credit_n so_o ought_v the_o person_n to_o be_v of_o good_a reputation_n therefore_o say_v s._n paul_n that_o those_o deacon_n that_o minister_v well_o do_v get_v themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n 13._o and_o great_a liberty_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n insomuch_o that_o s._n paul_n himself_o do_v salute_v in_o special_a word_n the_o deacon_n next_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o philipi_n 1._o we_o read_v also_o what_o worthy_a man_n be_v choose_v to_o be_v the_o first_o deacon_n as_o stephen_n the_o first_o martyr_n and_o philip_n which_o afterward_o be_v a_o evangelist_n when_o the_o church_n be_v disperse_v thoroughe_o the_o persecution_n raise_v about_o stephen_n so_o that_o every_o ignorant_a contemptible_a personne_fw-fr be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v unto_o this_o office_n but_o as_o godly_a wise_a and_o worshipful_a as_o may_v convenientlye_o be_v find_v in_o the_o congregation_n may_v not_o think_v themselves_o too_o good_a to_o minister_v unto_o christ_n in_o his_o member_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n the_o election_n also_o of_o our_o collector_n be_v too_o profane_a for_o so_o holy_a a_o office_n we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n act_n 6._o 6._o with_o what_o gravitye_n reverence_n and_o religiousnesse_n the_o apostle_n ordain_v deacon_n with_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a cause_n although_o the_o ordinary_a collector_n have_v some_o resemblance_n with_o the_o deaconship_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o can_v in_o all_o point_n allow_v they_o for_o deacon_n who_o office_n true_o consist_v only_o in_o ministration_n unto_o the_o poor_a as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o that_o they_o be_v deacon_n we_o have_v declare_v before_o that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n the_o one_o join_v with_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v pastor_n the_o other_o with_o the_o synod_n or_o holy_a assembly_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o former_a we_o have_v entreat_v hitherto_o now_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o latter_a there_o arise_v oftentimes_o in_o the_o church_n diverse_a controversye_n which_o can_v be_v otherwise_o express_v pertain_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o by_o a_o general_a assembly_n of_o all_o the_o pastoure_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v call_v a_o synod_n or_o general_a counsel_n also_o there_o be_v diverse_a case_n wherein_o the_o several_a church_n be_v drive_v to_o pray_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o synod_n where_o matter_n can_v not_o be_v determine_v among_o themselves_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v ordain_v these_o holy_a assemble_v with_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n he_o himself_o will_v be_v among_o they_o with_o the_o synod_n the_o pastor_n have_v authority_n to_o determine_v concern_v regiment_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o we_o have_v to_o inquire_v of_o what_o person_n a_o synod_n do_v consist_v for_o which_o intent_n we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o act._n 15._o 6._o that_o when_o a_o controversy_n arise_v concern_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o they_o be_v to_o be_v use_v by_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v convert_v of_o the_o gentile_n the_o apostle_n &_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o exclude_v appear_v by_o the_o 12._o verse_n the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v persuade_v by_o the_o argument_n allege_v by_o peter_n hold_v their_o peace_n and_o quiet_o hear_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n declare_v what_o sign_n &_o wonder_n god_n have_v wrought_v by_o they_o amongst_o the_o