deaconry_n and_o be_v deacon_n in_o common_a unto_o all_o those_o church_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n as_o the_o other_o be_v elder_n but_o this_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n though_o subject_a to_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o which_o the_o deacon_n have_v the_o ordinary_a relation_n of_o deacon_n in_o no_o respect_n extend_v further_a than_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n nor_o do_v they_o exercise_v act_n of_o that_o office_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n to_o other_o congregation_n nor_o otherwise_o to_o neighbour_n congregation_n then_o to_o any_o other_o much_o less_o be_v there_o a_o common_a deaconship_n of_o they_o all_o and_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o late_a be_v erect_v over_o all_o those_o church_n as_o one_o church_n as_o well_o as_o a_o common_a eldership_n especial_o if_o in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n par_fw-la ratio_fw-la shall_v carry_v it_o every_o church_n quâ_fw-la church_n be_v a_o body_n have_v relation_n to_o all_o its_o officer_n as_o organical_a member_n thereof_o so._n rom._n 12_o and_o the_o four_o and_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o philippi_n a_o church_n in_o a_o city_n he_o write_v to_o the_o bishop_n the_o elder_n and_o the_o deacon_n as_o both_o alike_a officer_n of_o that_o church_n and_o act_n chap._n 6_o the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n if_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n as_o our_o brethren_n suppose_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o whole_a multitude_n when_o gather_v together_o by_o the_o 12._o and_o therefore_o be_v deacon_n of_o that_o whole_a church_n as_o well_o as_o the_o elder_n elder_n thereof_o now_o if_o the_o deacon_n office_n shall_v thus_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o the_o congregation_n as_o the_o elder_n be_v then_o why_o shall_v not_o each_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o bring_v contribution_n to_o the_o deacon_n of_o each_o church_n and_o to_o be_v distribute_v in_o common_a and_o so_o our_o purse_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o deacon_n in_o common_a as_o far_o as_o our_o person_n to_o the_o elder_n in_o common_a and_o they_o may_v challenge_v the_o same_o power_n in_o their_o office_n over_o the_o one_o that_o the_o elder_n do_v over_o the_o other_o and_o then_o also_o each_o congregation_n be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a obligation_n bind_v to_o relieve_v all_o the_o poor_a in_o those_o church_n as_o well_o as_o those_o in_o their_o own_o parish_n not_o only_o by_o the_o common_a law_n of_o charity_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o special_a relation_n of_o their_o be_v one_o church_n which_o relation_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v beget_v the_o like_a obligation_n that_o it_o do_v in_o government_n and_o so_o all_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v alike_o common_a to_o all_o and_o each_o and_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o common_a treasury_n for_o this_o one_o great_a diaconat_a church_n as_o we_o may_v in_o a_o parallel_n allusion_n to_o that_o other_o name_n of_o presbyterial_a call_v it_o a_o second_o head_n of_o incongruity_n and_o inconsistency_n which_o will_v follow_v upon_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mutual_a duty_n require_v and_o that_o do_v necessary_o follow_v upon_o this_o stand_a relation_n for_o a_o constant_a government_n of_o these_o elder_n to_o all_o this_o people_n of_o these_o church_n and_o of_o the_o people_n to_o these_o elder_n 1._o from_o the_o people_n to_o all_o these_o elder_n according_a unto_o what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o as_o due_a to_o stand_v elder_n they_o owe_v at_o least_o honour_n and_o esteem_v yea_o maintenance_n to_o all_o their_o elder_n whether_o those_o that_o ordinary_o rule_v they_o or_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o they_o owe_v it_o for_o both_o tim._n epist._n 1._o chap._n 5._o ver._n 17._o and_o 18._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n which_o honour_n be_v express_v by_o the_o analogy_n of_o that_o law_n ver._n 18._o not_o to_o mussel_z up_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n and_o this_o be_v certain_o due_a to_o elder_n for_o all_o that_o be_v the_o work_n or_o elder_n whether_o perform_v apart_o or_o together_o by_o way_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o a_o presbytery_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o constant_a rule_n as_o in_o the_o presbytery_n be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o elder_n and_o so_o must_v be_v here_o intend_v for_o which_o a_o especial_a honour_n be_v due_a and_o as_o they_o be_v to_o feed_v all_o and_o every_o one_o in_o the_o flock_n as_o act_n 20._o ver._n 28._o so_o maintenance_n and_o honour_n be_v due_a from_o all_o this_o people_n to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o these_o elder_n as_o well_o to_o those_o that_o rule_n as_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o in_o reason_n if_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o and_o perform_v the_o lesser_a act_n of_o rule_v in_o their_o particular_a congregation_n and_o the_o presbytery_n thereof_o be_v to_o have_v this_o honour_n in_o their_o relation_n than_o all_o those_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o in_o the_o common_a presbytery_n and_o perform_v the_o great_a act_n of_o rule_v be_v to_o have_v the_o like_a from_o all_o that_o classical_a church_n the_o emphasis_n be_v put_v upon_o rule_v well_o and_o in_o those_o act_n do_v by_o they_o the_o excellency_n of_o rule_v consist_v and_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o to_o honour_v presbytery_n in_o some_o abstract_a notion_n but_o elder_n because_o the_o particular_a person_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o it_o and_o those_o most_o who_o excel_v most_o in_o that_o rule_n that_o rule_n well_o or_o best_a but_o when_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n that_o have_v their_o proper_a fix_a pastor_n and_o elder_n who_o they_o maintain_v for_o perform_v one_o part_n of_o the_o elder_n work_n for_o they_o perform_v but_o one_o part_n of_o it_o how_o shall_v they_o perform_v this_o due_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o that_o other_o part_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v due_a from_o every_o person_n as_o he_o be_v able_a or_o he_o can_v perform_v his_o duty_n how_o burdensome_a how_o confuse_a will_v this_o be_v and_o then_o how_o to_o proportion_v this_o suppose_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v maintenance_n but_o honour_n and_o esteem_v this_o people_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v not_o only_o for_o that_o they_o can_v be_v present_a at_o their_o work_n and_o so_o can_v judge_v of_o it_o but_o because_o either_o it_o must_v be_v proportion_v to_o they_o as_o constant_a preaching-elder_n or_o as_o rule_v not_o as_o to_o preach_v elder_n for_o they_o labour_v not_o to_o they_o as_o such_o the_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v require_v be_v that_o they_o tread_v out_o their_o corn_n and_o to_o honour_n and_o esteem_v they_o as_o rule_v elder_n only_o be_v to_o honour_v preach_v elder_n below_o the_o rank_n and_o degree_n of_o their_o office_n so_o second_o it_o bring_v the_o like_a incongruity_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n of_o elder_n which_o the_o new_a testament_n indifferent_o require_v of_o all_o those_o that_o it_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v elder_n unto_o a_o people_n and_o therefore_o no_o such_o constant_a relation_n of_o elder_n to_o so_o many_o church_n may_v be_v as_o first_o pray_v with_o the_o sick_a send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o james_n chap._n 5._o ver._n 14._o what_o be_v these_o elder_n of_o a_o presbyterial_a church_n bind_v hereto_o this_o duty_n lie_v in_o common_a upon_o elder_n of_o church_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o distinguish_v when_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o second_o visit_v from_o house_n to_o house_n as_o paul_n in_o his_o example_n instruct_v the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n act_n chap._n 20._o ver._n 20._o three_o watch_v over_o man_n soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n heb._n chap._n 13._o ver._n 17._o to_o watch_v be_v not_o to_o stay_v till_o cause_n be_v bring_v by_o appeal_n or_o so_o from_o the_o congregation_n but_o personal_o to_o observe_v and_o oversee_v they_o as_o soul_n commit_v to_o they_o which_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o four_o of_o preach_v if_o preach_v elder_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n the_o bishop_n they_o say_v the_o flock_n be_v they_o and_o the_o whole_a care_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o to_o salve_v the_o incongruity_n of_o not_o be_v able_a to_o preach_v themselves_o to_o they_o they_o profess_v a_o derivative_a delegate_a power_n to_o inferior_a pastor_n who_o they_o call_v their_o curate_n this_o be_v plain_a deal_n but_o these_o elder_n make_v all_o the_o whole_a flock_v they_o and_o this_o from_o those_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o elder_n and_o
the_o reason_n of_o the_o dissent_a brethren_n against_o the_o three_o proposition_n concerning_o presbyterial_a government_n humble_o present_v london_n print_v by_o g._n m._n for_o ralph_n smith_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o corn-hill_n 1645._o die_fw-la lunae_fw-la 23._o decemb._n 1644._o order_a by_o the_o commons_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n that_o three_o hundred_o and_o no_o more_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o dissent_a brethren_n against_o the_o three_o proposition_n touch_v presbyterial_a government_n and_o the_o answer_n and_o solution_n of_o the_o assembly_n to_o the_o say_a reason_n be_v forthwith_o print_v and_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o exact_a print_n thereof_o be_v refer_v to_o mr_n byfield_n and_o the_o printer_n be_v enjoin_v at_o his_o peril_n not_o to_o print_v more_o than_o three_o hundred_o of_o they_o it_o be_v further_a order_v that_o no_o man_n presume_v to_o reprint_n divulge_v or_o publish_v the_o say_a reason_n and_o answer_n or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o till_o further_a order_n be_v take_v herein_o by_o either_o or_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n h_o elsing_n cler._n parl._n d._n com._n reason_n against_o the_o three_o proposition_n concerning_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o the_o proof_n thereof_o viz._n the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o that_o many_o particular_a congregation_n may_v be_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n humble_o present_v if_o many_o congregation_n have_v all_o elder_n already_o affix_v respective_o unto_o they_o may_v be_v under_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n then_o all_o those_o elder_n must_v sustain_v a_o special_a relation_n of_o elder_n to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o those_o congregation_n as_o one_o church_n and_o to_o every_o one_o as_o a_o member_n thereof_o but_o for_o a_o company_n of_o such_o elder_n already_o affix_v etc._n etc._n to_o sustain_v such_o a_o relation_n carry_v with_o it_o so_o great_a and_o manifold_a incongruity_n and_o inconsistency_n with_o what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o elder_n in_o their_o relation_n to_o a_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o and_o likewise_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n themselves_o as_o can_v be_v admit_v and_o therefore_o such_o a_o government_n may_v not_o be_v the_o first_o proposition_n that_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n such_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n necessary_o draw_v such_o a_o special_a relation_n be_v evince_v by_o part_n thus_o 1._o they_o must_v have_v the_o relation_n of_o elder_n to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o the_o member_n for_o church_n and_o elder_n be_v relative_n and_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v take_v by_o the_o presbyterial_a divine_n from_o this_o that_o many_o congregation_n in_o scripture_n be_v make_v one_o church_n and_o the_o elder_n thereof_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n 2._o that_o relation_n they_o have_v must_v be_v a_o more_o special_a relation_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o practice_n and_o principle_n of_o this_o government_n for_o when_o the_o congregation_n in_o shire_n be_v divide_v into_o several_a presbytery_n or_o deanery_n the_o elder_n though_o neighbour_n of_o a_o border_a presbytery_n intermeddle_v not_o with_o the_o congregation_n under_o another_o presbytery_n and_o yet_o neighbour_n elder_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o special_a relation_n put_v the_o difference_n that_o those_o of_o these_o presbytery_n do_v judge_v the_o congregation_n under_o they_o as_o have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o they_o such_o as_o not_o to_o other_o congregation_n the_o minor_a proposition_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o we_o present_v these_o incongruity_n as_o follow_v first_o this_o breed_v many_o incongruous_a disproportion_n to_o the_o order_n set_v by_o christ_n about_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o to_o extend_v a_o pastor_n power_n of_o ordinary_a rule_n beyond_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o ordinary_a teach_n be_v against_o the_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v and_o all_o extent_n of_o power_n must_v as_o well_o have_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o power_n or_o office_n itself_o the_o difference_n of_o evangelist_n and_o ordinary_a pastor_n lay_v in_o extent_n of_o power_n but_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o pastor_n ordinary_a roll_a power_n be_v but_o to_o that_o flock_n as_o his_o whole_a flock_n which_o he_o be_v able_a to_o feed_v the_o first_o proposition_n be_v confirm_v first_o by_o scripture_n second_o by_o reason_n first_o by_o scripture_n act_n chap._n 20._o verse_n 28._o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n whence_o first_o we_o see_v the_o special_a limitation_n of_o their_o extensive_a power_n and_o relation_n to_o a_o flock_n and_o all_o in_o that_o flock_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o by_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v by_o man_n further_o than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v appoint_v 2._o the_o extent_n of_o that_o relation_n to_o that_o flock_n and_o the_o whole_a flock_n they_o feed_v and_o to_o feed_v all_o that_o flock_v alike_o and_o if_o they_o be_v preach_v elder_n then_o to_o feed_v by_o preach_v and_o therefore_o be_v overseer_n to_o they_o to_o feed_v they_o and_o this_o because_o they_o feed_v they_o 3._o he_o speak_v to_o preach_v elder_n especial_o that_o feed_v by_o doctrine_n for_o he_o propound_v his_o own_o example_n to_o they_o verse_n 20._o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o peter_n second_v paul_n in_o this_o 1_o peter_n chap._n 5._o verse_n 2._o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o the_o flock_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o among_o you_o be_v that_o flock_v any_o of_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o as_o his_o flock_n respective_o peter_n here_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o several_a nation_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 1._o whereas_o in_o act_n 20_o and_o verse_n 28._o the_o charge_n be_v to_o the_o particular_a elder_n of_o ephesus_n to_o that_o whole_a flock_n therefore_o that_o note_n of_o respectiveness_n be_v here_o put_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o among_o you_o that_o be_v that_o flock_n which_o respective_o belong_v to_o you_o as_o colossian_n chap._n 1._o verse_n 17._o who_o be_v for_o you_o a_o faithful_a minister_n that_o be_v your_o proper_a pastor_n so_o the_o flock_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v your_o several_a proper_a flock_n that_o belong_v to_o you_o and_o hereby_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o oversight_n be_v not_o extendible_a beyond_o their_o feed_n thus_o also_o heb._n 13._o verse_n 7._o remember_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o preach_v elder_n and_o of_o rule_v elder_n of_o who_o he_o speak_v verse_n 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n and_o whether_o these_o place_n note_v out_o two_o sort_n of_o officer_n preach_v elder_n ver._n 7._o and_o rule_v elder_n ver._n 17._o or_o but_o one_o sort_n and_o so_o but_o several_a act_n of_o the_o same_o office_n however_o if_o but_o one_o yet_o still_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n over_o they_o be_v not_o farther_o extendible_a than_o their_o ordinary_a preach_n if_o two_o sort_n of_o officer_n they_o be_v officer_n together_o in_o the_o same_o church_n if_o the_o pastor_n power_n of_o rule_v extend_v no_o far_a than_o his_o preach_n than_o the_o mere_a roll_a elder_n power_n or_o he_o that_o be_v assistant_n to_o he_o must_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o the_o pastor_n also_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n and_o so_o be_v the_o measure_n to_o set_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o ordinary_a church_n power_n it_o be_v one_o argument_n use_v against_o episcopal_a power_n that_o they_o be_v enforce_v to_o obey_v he_o that_o speak_v not_o the_o word_n to_o they_o nor_o watch_n over_o their_o soul_n and_o this_o hold_v as_o well_o against_o these_o presbyterial_a officer_n when_o a_o man_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v come_v before_o such_o if_o he_o say_v i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o obey_v you_o in_o such_o authoritative_a way_n nor_o do_v i_o owe_v a_o subjection_n as_o to_o a_o power_n of_o censure_n in_o you_o for_o many_o yea_o most_o of_o you_o never_o speak_v the_o word_n unto_o i_o nor_o do_v watch_n over_o my_o soul_n nay_o perhaps_o the_o man_n can_v say_v he_o never_o see_v their_o face_n afore_o and_o it_o avail_v not_o to_o say_v that_o they_o may_v occasional_o preach_v for_o take_v two_o place_n more_o the_o 1_o to_o the_o thes._n chap._n 5._o ver._n
12._o speak_v of_o respect_n to_o their_o officer_n know_v they_o that_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o these_o two_o labour_n and_o be_v over_o you_o be_v commensurable_a that_o be_v who_o make_v it_o their_o calling_n to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o you_o which_o the_o many_o pastor_n and_o elder_n in_o a_o common_a presbytery_n can_v and_o labour_n in_o what_o tim._n epist._n 1._o chap._n 1._o ver._n 17._o expound_v it_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o elder_n that_o rule_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 and_o expound_v this_o latter_a know_a place_n whether_o of_o teach_v elder_n only_o or_o rule_v and_o teach_v both_o as_o the_o reform_a church_n do_v however_o it_o afford_v this_o to_o we_o that_o the_o extent_n of_o rule_v in_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v but_o as_o large_a as_o teach_v and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o teach_v elder_n only_o that_o both_o rule_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v limit_v in_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n as_o they_o be_v be_v fix_v pastor_n to_o their_o own_o congregation_n then_o in_o rule_v and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o rule_v elder_n as_o distinct_a from_o they_o yet_o their_o roll_a be_v but_o of_o the_o same_o extent_n that_o the_o other_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n be_v and_o that_o be_v extend_v but_o to_o one_o congregation_n and_o second_o reason_n be_v for_o this_o for_o in_o a_o pastor_n office_n in_o which_o preach_v and_o rule_v be_v join_v yet_o his_o power_n of_o rule_v flow_v in_o he_o from_o and_o be_v the_o adjunct_n of_o his_o power_n to_o preach_v and_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o extendible_a further_o and_o however_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o same_o proportion_n of_o either_o and_o then_o by_o just_a reason_n the_o extent_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o his_o ordinary_a rule_n can_v be_v extend_v large_a than_o what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a subject_n of_o his_o preach_n and_o so_o these_o relation_n be_v of_o equal_a limit_n if_o a_o father_n have_v the_o power_n of_o govern_v as_o a_o father_n than_o it_o be_v extendible_a only_o to_o those_o he_o be_v a_o father_n to_o and_o that_o a_o pastor_n have_v his_o ordinary_a roll_a power_n annex_v to_o his_o ordinary_a power_n of_o preach_v be_v prove_v by_o these_o reason_n first_o if_o not_o upon_o this_o ground_n then_o upon_o some_o other_o not_o by_o any_o special_a faculty_n or_o office_n over_o and_o above_o this_o of_o preach_v for_o than_o he_o shall_v be_v ordain_v a_o roll_a elder_n over_o and_o above_o his_o be_v first_o a_o preach_v elder_a as_o a_o new_a faculty_n give_v he_o or_o by_o be_v make_v a_o ruler_n first_o and_o then_o this_o of_o preach_v superadd_v as_o the_o bishop_n first_o make_v deacon_n than_o presbyter_n but_o second_o all_o the_o key_n be_v give_v he_o at_o once_o the_o key_n of_o rule_v with_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n the_o power_n of_o the_o staff_n intrinsical_o follow_v his_o be_v a_o pastor_n or_o shepherd_n and_o though_o the_o one_o be_v a_o power_n of_o mere_a order_n namely_o that_o of_o preach_v and_o that_o of_o his_o rule_v be_v a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n to_o be_v exercise_v with_o other_o and_o not_o alone_o yet_o still_o his_o receive_a power_n to_o join_v with_o other_o in_o those_o act_n of_o rule_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v from_o this_o his_o power_n of_o order_n and_o the_o ordinary_a extent_n of_o his_o authority_n therein_o be_v extendible_a no_o far_o than_o his_o ordinary_a call_n to_o preach_v yea_o three_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o rule_v in_o all_o the_o church_n be_v found_v upon_o and_o extendible_a with_o their_o commission_n to_o preach_v in_o all_o church_n and_o their_o very_a call_n and_o obligation_n be_v not_o to_o preach_v in_o a_o set_a fix_a relation_n as_o ordinary_a pastor_n call_v be_v but_o to_o all_o church_n in_o all_o nation_n hence_o their_o power_n of_o rule_v be_v answerable_a it_o be_v their_o very_a call_n to_o be_v universal_a pastor_n and_o therefore_o universal_a ruler_n yea_o and_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o that_o be_v without_o their_o authority_n of_o rule_v be_v narrow_a in_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o then_o of_o their_o preach_n the_o apostle_n may_v preach_v to_o heathen_n and_o their_o call_n be_v so_o to_o do_v to_o convert_v they_o but_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o rule_v all_o man_n what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o but_o in_o this_o way_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n though_o they_o also_o may_v occasional_o preach_v where_o they_o may_v not_o rule_v yet_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o ordinary_a rule_v be_v extend_v beyond_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o ordinary_a preach_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o second_o it_o breed_v a_o incongruous_a disproportion_n between_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v and_o preach_v elder_n compare_v among_o themselves_o for_o this_o government_n make_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n office_n and_o relation_n to_o be_v large_a than_o that_o of_o their_o teacher_n or_o pastor_n for_o the_o pastor_n quâ_fw-la pastor_n be_v limit_v to_o his_o particular_a congregation_n he_o be_v fix_v to_o for_o the_o ordinary_a performance_n of_o his_o office_n as_o the_o deacon_n also_o be_v but_o the_o rule_v elder_n office_n quâ_fw-la ruling_n elder_n be_v extend_v over_o all_o these_o congregation_n in_o this_o presbytery_n the_o rule_v elder_n perform_v his_o office_n in_o the_o high_a perfection_n of_o it_o as_o to_o admonish_v excommunicate_a in_o all_o these_o church_n but_o the_o pastor_n be_v limit_v in_o the_o high_a work_n of_o their_o calling_n preach_v being_n more_o excellent_a than_o rule_v yea_o then_o baptise_v unto_o one_o congregation_n that_o in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o tim._n chap._n 5._o ver._n 17._o interpret_v it_o as_o you_o will_v justify_v this_o three_o it_o pervert_v the_o order_n and_o distinction_n of_o teach_v elder_n and_o mere_a rule_v elder_n as_o the_o reform_a church_n call_v they_o or_o church_n governor_n as_o the_o assembly_n that_o whereas_o christ_n have_v make_v some_o teach_v elder_n and_o some_o rule_v elder_n and_o these_o distinct_a in_o this_o that_o the_o preach_a elder_n office_n be_v to_o preach_v and_o rule_v the_o rule_v elder_n office_n only_o to_o rule_v this_o frame_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n make_v one_o person_n not_o only_o to_o do_v both_o these_o work_n which_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n every_o pastor_n do_v but_o formal_o to_o be_v both_o those_o office_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o double_a relation_n he_o do_v sustain_v namely_o a_o pastor_n to_o be_v a_o preach_a elder_n to_o the_o congregation_n where_o he_o be_v fix_v and_o a_o mere_a roll_a elder_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o congregation_n of_o a_o classical_a church_n for_o it_o be_v demand_v when_o a_o pastor_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v in_o this_o common_a presbytery_n what_o sort_n of_o officer_n he_o be_v to_o that_o presbyterial_a church_n a_o elder_n he_o be_v because_o he_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o elder_n a_o teach_v elder_a to_o that_o church_n he_o be_v not_o for_o to_o that_o whole_a church_n he_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n timothy_n epist._n 1._o chap._n 5._o ver._n 17._o therefore_o a_o mere_a roll_a elder_n he_o must_v be_v and_o so_o the_o same_o man_n bear_v two_o sort_n of_o office_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o mere_a roll_a elder_n whereas_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n a_o pastor_n though_o he_o rule_v yet_o he_o rule_v as_o a_o pastor_n to_o that_o congregation_n and_o this_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n be_v further_a set_v out_o in_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o same_o officer_n have_v a_o full_a relation_n to_o one_o church_n and_o but_o half_a a_o relation_n to_o another_o and_o cause_v he_o to_o perform_v the_o whole_a of_o his_o office_n to_o one_o church_n the_o particular_a church_n he_o have_v relation_n to_o and_o but_o the_o half_a thereof_o to_o the_o other_o four_o it_o make_v a_o incongruous_a disproportion_n between_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o those_o two_o office_n of_o elder_n and_o deacon_n unto_o a_o church_n if_o the_o scripture_n have_v intend_v many_o church_n make_v one_o church_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o those_o many_o churcher_n to_o have_v be_v elder_n in_o common_a to_o those_o church_n as_o one_o church_n then_o in_o like_o manner_n the_o deacon_n of_o all_o those_o church_n shall_v make_v up_o a_o common_a
flock_n and_o themselves_o not_o curate_n and_o so_o personal_o oblige_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n in_o scripture_n and_o yet_o can_v perform_v it_o which_o be_v a_o worse_a incongruity_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o may_v part_v these_o duty_n among_o they_o ubi_fw-la scriptura_fw-la non_fw-la distinguit_fw-la nec_fw-la nos_fw-la debemus_fw-la distinguere_fw-la now_o all_o those_o duty_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o elder_n to_o the_o flock_n they_o be_v without_o distinction_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n to_o who_o they_o be_v extend_v paul_n say_v to_o those_o of_o ephesus_n feed_v the_o flock_n peter_n the_o like_a to_o those_o he_o write_v to_o the_o flock_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o respective_o to_o feed_v and_o to_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o watch_v over_o their_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o thessalonian_n he_o describe_v they_o to_o be_v those_o that_o be_v over_o they_o and_o labour_n and_o admonish_v they_o when_o those_o injunction_n be_v thus_o lay_v upon_o all_o how_o shall_v the_o conscience_n of_o elder_n be_v able_a to_o part_v and_o distinguish_v their_o discharge_n of_o they_o and_o to_o say_v though_o i_o be_o a_o elder_n in_o common_a to_o all_o in_o these_o congregation_n yet_o i_o be_o bind_v but_o to_o govern_v they_o in_o great_a matter_n and_o to_o admonish_v they_o as_o with_o other_o when_o public_o meet_v in_o a_o consistory_n and_o be_o bind_v to_o no_o other_o act_n of_o eldership_n and_o yet_o to_o this_o particular_a congregation_n i_o be_o oblige_v to_o private_a admonition_n rule_n watchfulness_n etc._n etc._n where_o have_v the_o scripture_n set_v these_o bound_n or_o thus_o part_v they_o and_o therefore_o certain_o all_o these_o place_n hold_v forth_o single_o only_o the_o elder_n and_o their_o duty_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n fix_v thereto_o as_o know_v no_o other_o it_o be_v necessary_a christ_n shall_v have_v set_v the_o bound_n and_o give_v the_o distinction_n and_o not_o indifferent_o lay_v all_o these_o upon_o all_o and_o either_o in_o these_o place_n the_o duty_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o common_a presbytery_n be_v contain_v and_o that_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o elder_n to_o those_o or_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o all_o these_o may_v be_v bring_v in_o several_a argument_n alone_o by_o themselves_o against_o the_o main_a proposition_n though_o here_o they_o come_v in_o only_a as_o branch_n of_o the_o minor_n last_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o call_n of_o elder_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o call_n first_o choice_n second_o ordination_n first_o for_o choice_n chamier_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n allow_v the_o people_n this_o the_o approbation_n of_o their_o elder_n and_o so_o in_o scotland_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o allow_v they_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o deacon_n that_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n treasury_n and_o take_v care_n of_o their_o body_n then_o much_o more_o of_o their_o elder_n that_o have_v to_o do_v with_o their_o conscience_n look_v what_o ever_o right_o of_o the_o people_n be_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v preach_v to_o they_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n they_o shall_v have_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o elder_n that_o in_o a_o common_a presbytery_n do_v rule_n over_o they_o for_o they_o perform_v one_o part_n of_o the_o elder_n duty_n namely_o rule_v as_o the_o preach_a elder_n do_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o by_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o same_o law_n that_o speak_v of_o elder_n indefinite_o if_o they_o choose_v any_o elder_n as_o elder_n to_o they_o they_o be_v to_o choose_v these_o also_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n put_v of_o choose_v preach_v elder_n only_o but_o elder_n indefinite_o and_o further_o the_o great_a and_o high_a act_n of_o power_n over_o they_o be_v commit_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n unto_o they_o as_o of_o excommunication_n of_o all_o punishment_n the_o most_o formidable_a there_o be_v put_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o than_o every_o man_n life_n that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o that_o classical_a church_n into_o their_o hand_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o ordinance_n for_o ever_o and_o so_o the_o power_n of_o depose_v their_o minister_n already_o fix_v to_o they_o and_o of_o refuse_v to_o ordain_v they_o they_o shall_v approve_v and_o therefore_o in_o antiquity_n of_o all_o other_o the_o person_n of_o the_o bishop_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o all_o those_o be_v choose_v by_o all_o the_o people_n and_o by_o panegyrical_a meeting_n and_o it_o be_v strengthen_v by_o this_o further_a parallel_n a_o minister_n call_v have_v two_o part_n first_o ordination_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o elder_n second_o choice_n in_o which_o the_o people_n have_v some_o interest_n these_o elder_n as_o elder_n in_o common_a and_o these_o congregation_n as_o one_o church_n be_v relative_n and_o so_o that_o interest_n which_o a_o church_n quâ_fw-la church_n have_v be_v commensurable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o these_o elder_n quâ_fw-la elder_n if_o therefore_o in_o ordain_v all_o the_o elder_n in_o a_o common_a presbytery_n do_v join_v to_o ordain_v a_o officer_n than_o all_o the_o people_n quâ_fw-la church_n must_v join_v in_o choose_v or_o approve_v he_o neither_o can_v their_o common_a right_n of_o choose_v be_v swallow_v up_o by_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o elder_n ordain_v he_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o all_o choose_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o general_a law_n of_o combination_n as_o in_o the_o shire_n parliament_n man_n the_o constitution_n of_o the_o state_n make_v the_o one_o if_o the_o like_a be_v find_v in_o scripture_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a but_o if_o not_o but_o that_o this_o interest_n must_v be_v common_a to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o classical_a church_n it_o be_v ask_v when_o a_o fix_a pastor_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v to_o a_o particular_a charge_n what_o office_n he_o shall_v be_v choose_v to_o by_o the_o people_n of_o the_o other_o congregation_n not_o to_o a_o pastor_n office_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v such_o to_o they_o if_o to_o be_v a_o rule_v elder_a only_o then_o beside_o that_o he_o have_v two_o office_n as_o afore_o so_o now_o he_o must_v have_v two_o choice_n and_o two_o ordination_n we_o choose_v he_o for_o our_o pastor_n say_v the_o particular_a church_n he_o belong_v to_o and_o we_o say_v the_o other_o to_o rule_v and_o beside_o in_o his_o ordination_n the_o people_n have_v a_o interest_n of_o presence_n and_o join_v in_o the_o fast_v and_o prayer_n at_o his_o ordination_n and_o this_o therefore_o must_v be_v perform_v either_o in_o a_o panegyrical_a meeting_n of_o all_o which_o can_v be_v or_o in_o all_o the_o several_a church_n which_o will_v multiply_v the_o ordination_n of_o they_o the_o major_a proposition_n confirm_v in_o regard_n that_o the_o main_a argumentation_n of_o such_o as_o contend_v for_o a_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o in_o their_o writing_n and_o otherways_o appear_v be_v from_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o such_o and_o such_o a_o church_n as_o jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n have_v many_o congregation_n as_o they_o suppose_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o major_n be_v take_v so_o much_o for_o grant_v as_o on_o all_o side_n agree_v on_o as_o it_o be_v less_o insist_v upon_o the_o first_o day_n but_o be_v deny_v and_o answer_v thus_o that_o they_o bear_v not_o the_o relation_n of_o elder_n but_o of_o a_o presbytery_n because_o quod_fw-la convenit_fw-la toti_fw-la quâ_fw-la toti_fw-la non_fw-la convenit_fw-la cuilibet_fw-la parti_fw-la and_o that_o if_o elder_n yet_o in_o sensu_fw-la composito_fw-la non_fw-la diviso_fw-la as_o a_o colonel_n be_v a_o colonel_n to_o a_o particular_a regiment_n but_o in_o a_o council_n of_o war_n not_o so_o to_o all_o regiment_n a_o head_n of_o a_o particular_a tribe_n be_v a_o head_n to_o his_o own_o tribe_n divisive_o but_o not_o so_o to_o all_o the_o tribe_n and_o the_o like_a for_o that_o logical_a axiom_n it_o be_v true_a quod_fw-la convenit_fw-la toti_fw-la quâ_fw-la toti_fw-la non_fw-la convenit_fw-la cuilibet_fw-la parti_fw-la and_o so_o here_o that_o which_o do_v competere_fw-la toti_fw-la to_o the_o whole_a of_o these_o elder_n belong_v not_o to_o every_o part_n for_o take_v they_o all_o as_o meet_v together_o they_o be_v a_o presbytery_n and_o according_o each_o elder_a be_v not_o a_o presbytery_n to_o all_o these_o congregation_n nor_o do_v the_o argument_n suppose_v it_o but_o only_o that_o if_o they_o be_v a_o common_a presbytery_n to_o all_o these_o congregation_n that_o they_o then_o bear_v the_o relation_n of_o elder_n as_o take_v a_o heap_n
aim_v to_o be_v there_o at_o that_o time_n and_o by_o the_o journal_n of_o paul_n thither_o from_o his_o first_o set_v out_o from_o philippi_n chap._n 20._o ver._n 6._o which_o be_v when_o the_o passover_n be_v end_v eight_o week_n before_o this_o ensue_a feast_n of_o pentecost_n and_o also_o by_o compute_v the_o day_n of_o his_o travail_v which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v record_v vers._n 16._o 21._o act_n 21._o 2._o it_o appear_v he_o come_v in_o few_o week_n unto_o tyre_n but_o 40._o mile_n off_o from_o jerusalem_n time_n enough_o to_o come_v to_o the_o feast_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o at_o the_o feast_n he_o find_v thousand_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o 27_o verse_n for_o the_o jew_n which_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o in_o the_o temple_n be_v as_o it_o be_v say_v jew_n of_o asia_n not_o of_o judea_n second_o the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o be_v put_v without_o any_o other_o word_n of_o number_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o great_a multitude_n as_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o or_o a_o greatness_n as_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o plato_n have_v it_o and_o be_v put_v indefinite_o be_v all_o one_o to_o say_v thousand_o or_o many_o as_o the_o latin_n also_o use_v a_o definite_a for_o a_o indefinite_a as_o sexcenta_fw-la possum_fw-la proferrâ—_z decreta_fw-la as_o tully_n speak_v to_o the_o second_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o head_n by_o the_o many_o apostle_n and_o other_o preacher_n in_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n than_o each_o apostle_n preach_v but_o seldom_o which_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o act_n 6._o 2._o first_o for_o the_o apostle_n they_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o fill_v their_o hand_n with_o work_n preach_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o in_o every_o house_n act_n 5._o 42._o chap._n 2._o 46._o paul_n also_o teach_v in_o ephesus_n as_o public_o in_o the_o congregation_n so_o from_o house_n to_o house_n act_n 20._o 20._o also_o when_o any_o in_o the_o place_n abroad_o in_o judea_n or_o else_o where_o be_v convert_v and_o many_o church_n be_v then_o erect_v in_o judea_n the_o apostle_n go_v abroad_o as_o chap._n 8._o show_n and_o beside_o how_o be_v the_o twelve_o employ_v when_o for_o forty_o day_n they_o meet_v in_o a_o upper_a room_n act_n 1._o and_o have_v but_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o for_o their_o flock_n second_o for_o the_o many_o teacher_n in_o those_o time_n there_o be_v many_o guifted_a man_n that_o be_v not_o officer_n who_o occasional_o instruct_v other_o as_o aquila_n do_v apollo_n yea_o those_o gift_n be_v so_o plentiful_a that_o in_o that_o one_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 23._o almost_o all_o of_o they_o have_v doctrine_n prophesy_v speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o officer_n so_o as_o if_o congregation_n shall_v be_v multiply_v according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o such_o guifted_a man_n than_o there_o will_v have_v be_v almost_o as_o many_o teacher_n as_o member_n of_o congregation_n and_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v more_o ordinary_a then_o do_v not_o make_v every_o man_n a_o teacher_n by_o office_n for_o then_o all_o those_o in_o samaria_n shall_v have_v be_v make_v teacher_n act_n 8._o and_o that_o not_o any_o of_o those_o be_v in_o office_n seem_v evident_a by_o this_o that_o when_o the_o deacon_n be_v choose_v chap._n 6._o there_o be_v no_o mention_n make_v of_o elder_n in_o their_o ordination_n in_o which_o if_o any_o elder_n have_v be_v they_o have_v have_v a_o interest_n we_o read_v act_n 15._o when_o there_o be_v elder_n though_o apostle_n be_v also_o then_o in_o that_o church_n both_o be_v mention_v together_o and_o it_o appear_v the_o apostle_n have_v manage_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o that_o church_n until_o then_o those_o deacon_n be_v the_o first_o choice_n of_o any_o sort_n of_o officer_n the_o work_n of_o administration_n of_o all_o sort_n have_v lie_v on_o the_o apostle_n hand_n to_o the_o three_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o head_n the_o diversity_n of_o language_n among_o the_o believer_n act_n 2._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o act_v the_o 6._o do_v argue_v more_o congregation_n than_o one_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n first_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v in_o that_o second_o of_o the_o act_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n that_o hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o several_a language_n of_o the_o country_n they_o be_v bear_v in_o but_o yet_o these_o be_v all_o either_o jew_n or_o proselyte_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o worshipper_n as_o ver._n 5._o who_o come_v up_o to_o worship_n and_o some_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n be_v audible_a and_o though_o bear_v in_o other_o country_n the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v yet_o all_o be_v general_o learn_v and_o understand_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n the_o language_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n even_o as_o to_o this_o day_n the_o jew_n and_o their_o child_n do_v which_o seem_v evident_a from_o the_o story_n in_o the_o 20_o 21_o and_o 22._o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n paul_n come_v up_o with_o divers_a grecian_n to_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n chap._n 20._o ver._n 4._o unto_o which_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o all_o quarter_n come_v and_o be_v all_o at_o a_o solemn_a meeting_n in_o the_o temple_n chap._n 21._o ver._n 27._o the_o jew_n out_o of_o asia_n stranger_n stir_v up_o all_o the_o people_n against_o he_o and_o when_o chap._n 22._o ver._n 2._o he_o make_v a_o speech_n to_o they_o and_o they_o hear_v he_o speak_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n they_o keep_v silence_n and_o hear_v he_o patient_o and_o further_o those_o mention_a act_n 2._o do_v understand_v all_o of_o they_o peter_n sermon_n and_o though_o other_o speak_v beside_o peter_n to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o a_o preparatory_n sign_n to_o they_o as_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 22._o make_v way_n for_o their_o conversion_n vers._n 11_o 12_o and_o 13._o but_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v peter_n sermon_n after_o and_o it_o be_v he_o also_o that_o give_v direction_n to_o they_o all_o what_o to_o do_v to_o be_v save_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v speak_v of_o some_o one_o common_a tongue_n they_o all_o understand_v and_o those_o gift_n of_o language_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o out_o of_o a_o necessity_n to_o instruct_v those_o new_a convert_v only_o but_o to_o fit_v they_o when_o they_o shall_v go_v abroad_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v a_o sign_n to_o the_o jew_n at_o present_a to_o convince_v they_o second_o for_o the_o grecian_a widow_n act_n 6._o the_o hellenist_n that_o live_v among_o the_o jew_n may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v hebrew_n and_o that_o these_o have_v not_o several_a congregation_n from_o the_o rest_n appear_v by_o this_o that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n together_o meet_v and_o choose_v the_o deacon_n it_o be_v a_o joint_a act_n and_o if_o of_o differ_v language_n wherein_o the_o one_o understand_v not_o the_o other_o occasion_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o congregation_n as_o the_o proof_n will_v hold_v forth_o how_o can_v they_o all_o have_v agree_v in_o one_o meeting_n on_o the_o same_o man_n but_o the_o argument_n as_o well_o hold_v against_o the_o presbyterial_a association_n of_o those_o congregation_n into_o one_o church_n people_n and_o elder_n unto_o which_o and_o in_o the_o communion_n and_o exercise_n whereof_o such_o correspondency_n and_o intercourse_n be_v needful_a as_o they_o require_v one_o common_a language_n to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o argument_n that_o all_o these_o congregation_n be_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n proof_n 1._o because_o they_o be_v but_o one_o church_n though_o it_o be_v one_o yet_o they_o not_o be_v more_o than_o can_v meet_v in_o one_o the_o argument_n conclude_v not_o 2_o proof_n the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n be_v mention_v there_o be_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o elder_n in_o this_o church_n until_o after_o the_o aforesaid_a dispersion_n act._n 8._o and_o so_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o argument_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o that_o after_o the_o dispersion_n there_o be_v many_o congregation_n which_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n do_v not_o so_o positive_o affirm_v the_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v such_o a_o presbytery_n as_o the_o proposition_n intend_v do_v depend_v upon_o this_o their_o be_v call_v elder_n to_o that_o church_n we_o nowhere_o read_v they_o call_v a_o presbytery_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v elder_n but_o they_o be_v therefore_o a_o presbytery_n as_o here_o it_o be_v argue_v because_o they_o be_v elder_n to_o that_o church_n
now_o if_o they_o be_v elder_n in_o common_a because_o a_o presbytery_n as_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o argument_n than_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v argue_v a_o presbytery_n only_o because_o they_o be_v elder_n in_o common_a for_o than_o the_o argument_n run_v in_fw-la circulo_fw-la and_o the_o chief_a and_o first_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v elder_n for_o no_o other_o be_v mention_v be_v according_o hold_v forth_o in_o their_o be_v elder_n to_o that_o church_n in_o common_a whereas_o according_a to_o presbyterial_a principle_n there_o be_v a_o primary_a relation_n of_o elder_n quà _fw-la elder_n to_o their_o particular_a fix_a congregation_n reason_n against_o the_o three_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o branch_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v the_o ordinary_a act_n of_o presbyter_n as_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v prove_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o that_o church_n before_o the_o dispersion_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o whole_a depend_v upon_o this_o proposition_n for_o though_o before_o the_o dispersion_n there_o have_v be_v many_o congregation_n yet_o not_o under_o elder_n but_o apostle_n now_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o substance_n of_o ministerial_a act_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n who_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o in_o other_o ordinary_a minister_n but_o first_o though_o for_o the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o power_n which_o be_v the_o point_n in_o question_n therein_o the_o apostle_n jurisdiction_n over_o many_o congregation_n be_v not_o the_o pattern_n of_o presbyterial_a elder_n over_o many_o for_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v universal_a over_o all_o church_n and_o upon_o that_o be_v found_v their_o power_n over_o those_o congregation_n suppose_v many_o and_o episcopacy_n may_v as_o strong_o argue_v and_o infer_v that_o because_o in_o crete_n by_o apostolical_a warrant_n one_o man_n titus_n do_v ordain_v elder_n etc._n etc._n that_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v one_o man_n a_o bishop_n that_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v etc._n etc._n in_o and_o over_o several_a church_n and_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v strong_a from_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o evangelist_n for_o episcopal_a power_n then_o this_o of_o apostolical_a government_n for_o the_o presbyterial_a by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v the_o more_o inferior_a office_n but_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v more_o immediate_a and_o transcendent_a and_o so_o the_o power_n of_o a_o evangelist_n be_v near_a to_o a_o ordinary_a succession_n and_o it_o will_v as_o well_o follow_v that_o any_o one_o presbyter_n alone_o may_v govern_v many_o congregation_n because_o one_o of_o these_o apostle_n may_v as_o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v these_o joint_o that_o therefore_o many_o presbyter_n over_o several_a congregation_n may_v second_o each_o of_o these_o apostle_n as_o he_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o apostolical_a commission_n the_o power_n of_o they_o all_o so_o he_o have_v relation_n of_o ministry_n unto_o all_o these_o suppose_a congregation_n unto_o every_o person_n thereof_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o duty_n of_o preach_v to_o they_o admonish_v they_o etc._n etc._n but_o thus_o in_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n over_o many_o congregation_n fix_v and_o their_o pastor_n and_o elder_n fix_v to_o they_o the_o several_a elder_n be_v deny_v to_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o elder_n to_o each_o congregation_n but_o make_v up_o only_o a_o eldership_n in_o common_a as_o unite_v over_o all_o these_o but_o the_o apostle_n here_o have_v the_o relation_n to_o both_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o apostolical_a frame_n be_v make_v a_o pattern_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o these_o congregation_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o elder_n to_o each_o congregation_n and_o every_o member_n of_o they_o and_o not_o only_o of_o a_o common_a presbytery_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n be_v if_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o those_o act_n of_o government_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o that_o church_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o ordinary_a act_n such_o as_o presbyter_n perform_v and_o that_o therefore_o answerable_o their_o person_n themselves_o be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o elder_n because_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o only_o apostle_n but_o elder_n also_o as_o john_n epistle_n 2._o verse_n 1._o and_o peter_n epist._n 1._o chap._n 5._o verse_n 1._o and_o therefore_o might_n and_o do_v act_n as_o elder_n in_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o be_v therefore_o therein_o to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o a_o just_a pattern_n to_o we_o and_o to_o have_v rule_v these_o congregation_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o college_n or_o body_n of_o elder_n unite_v conedscend_v so_o to_o act_v as_o common_a presbyter_n take_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o acts._n 6._o as_o likewise_o they_o do_v in_o every_o church_n where_o they_o come_v join_v with_o the_o eldership_n thereof_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o as_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o a_o ordinary_a presbytery_n especial_o see_v that_o what_o they_o thus_o do_v they_o do_v as_o a_o unite_a body_n to_o many_o congregation_n consider_v as_o one_o church_n it_o be_v answer_v to_o the_o first_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v elder_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o call_v virtual_o not_o formal_o and_o but_o because_o apostleship_n contain_v all_o office_n in_o it_o so_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n but_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o be_v apostle_n and_o therefore_o john_n in_o that_o very_a epistle_n where_o he_o style_v himself_o a_o elder_n he_o yet_o write_v canonical_a scripture_n as_o a_o apostle_n and_o take_v on_o he_o to_o threaten_v diotrephes_n as_o a_o apostle_n to_o remember_v he_o which_o as_o a_o formal_a elder_n he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v and_o sure_o those_o office_n which_o christ_n distinguish_v ephesian_n 4._o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o same_o person_n be_v not_o formal_o both_o though_o virtual_o he_o may_v be_v all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o that_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v say_v to_o act_v as_o apostle_n their_o preach_n be_v call_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n their_o bring_v their_o money_n to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o officer_n of_o that_o church_n be_v to_o they_o not_o as_o elder_n but_o as_o apostle_n they_o lay_v it_o down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n yea_o in_o that_o act_n of_o ordain_v the_o seven_o deacon_n it_o be_v say_v they_o set_v they_o afore_o the_o apostle_n chap._n 6._o verse_n 6._o and_o they_o lay_v on_o their_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o distinguish_v and_o say_v that_o the_o man_n be_v apostle_n but_o the_o power_n they_o act_v by_o be_v as_o elder_n when_o the_o name_n of_o a_o apostle_n import_v the_o office_n yea_o in_o that_o very_a act_n of_o government_n about_o deacon_n they_o must_v needs_o act_v as_o apostle_n for_o they_o do_v not_o simple_o ordain_v the_o man_n but_o do_v anew_o by_o virtue_n of_o apostolical_a authority_n institute_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n by_o declare_v christ_n mind_n which_o none_o but_o apostle_n can_v immediate_o and_o at_o first_o have_v do_v so_o as_o the_o same_o person_n in_o this_o same_o act_n instance_v in_o must_v act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o elder_n and_o by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n shall_v we_o distinguish_v to_o the_o second_o viz._n that_o they_o act_v here_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o joint_a body_n or_o in_fw-la collegio_fw-la over_o these_o many_o congregation_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o a_o association_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o eldership_n over_o many_o be_v not_o argue_v from_o hence_o for_o first_o they_o have_v all_o single_o the_o same_o power_n which_o they_o exercise_v joint_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v exercise_v it_o joint_o here_o to_o that_o end_n to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o eldership_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o prove_v they_o exercise_v it_o together_o because_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o be_v together_o and_o it_o be_v fit_a none_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v exclude_v but_o it_o depend_v not_o upon_o this_o union_n of_o all_o in_o a_o body_n as_o act_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o presbytery_n do_v as_o parliamentary_a power_n be_v not_o the_o result_n of_o parliament_n man_n but_o as_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n yea_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n thence_o arise_v not_o so_o here_o our_o apostle_n may_v have_v do_v that_o which_o all_o here_o do_v yea_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o because_o two_o apostle_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n act_n 14._o as_o join_v in_o the_o same_o act_n and_o so_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n but_o joint_o
be_v for_o synod_n they_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o occasional_a presbytery_n be_v stand_v and_o ordinary_a synod_n be_v make_v up_o of_o commissioner_n send_v from_o presbytery_n and_o presbytery_n be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o particular_a congregation_n the_o member_n of_o synod_n be_v elder_n of_o such_o church_n which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n complete_a church_n have_v full_a power_n of_o jurisdiction_n for_o all_o act_n of_o government_n within_o themselves_o but_o the_o member_n of_o presbytery_n be_v elder_n of_o such_o congregation_n which_o be_v neither_o complete_a church_n nor_o have_v within_o themselves_o full_a and_o complete_a power_n and_o these_o can_v be_v one_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o presbytery_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o this_o once_o become_v a_o synod_n by_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n cease_v to_o be_v any_o long_o a_o presbytery_n to_o that_o church_n and_o must_v become_v with_o they_o a_o new_a body_n to_o all_o the_o church_n these_o other_o elder_n do_v come_v from_o and_o then_o to_o argue_v these_o act_n do_v by_o these_o because_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v present_a and_o member_n of_o this_o synod_n be_v presbyterial_a act_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o act_n of_o government_n put_v forth_o by_o a_o parliament_n at_o westminster_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o burgess_n and_o common_a council_n of_o the_o city_n of_o westminster_n because_o there_o the_o parliament_n sit_v and_o the_o burgess_n of_o that_o city_n be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o parliament_n or_o as_o if_o the_o kingdom_n be_v govern_v by_o county_n court_n and_o out_o of_o those_o county_n court_n knight_n and_o burgess_n shall_v be_v choose_v to_o make_v up_o a_o parliament_n when_o the_o parliament_n be_v meet_v there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o power_n of_o a_o parliament_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o a_o county_n court_n or_o from_o the_o power_n of_o a_o county_n court_n to_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o a_o parliament_n thus_o synod_n be_v make_v out_o of_o presbytery_n therefore_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n to_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n or_o from_o the_o power_n of_o presbytery_n to_o the_o power_n of_o synod_n but_o second_o we_o deny_v it_o to_o have_v be_v such_o a_o ordinary_a formal_a synod_n the_o jurisdiction_n of_o synod_n be_v found_v upon_o this_o necessary_a requisite_a thereunto_o that_o there_o be_v commissioner_n from_o all_o those_o church_n represent_v they_o present_a or_o call_v to_o be_v so_o and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o jurisdiction_n can_v reach_v nor_o extend_v further_o than_o to_o such_o church_n as_o have_v send_v commissioner_n thereunto_o the_o weight_n then_o of_o this_o synodical_a power_n depend_v on_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o that_o all_o those_o church_n send_v commissioner_n to_o this_o assembly_n which_o if_o either_o it_o be_v not_o prove_v or_o the_o contrary_a thereunto_o find_v true_a the_o authority_n of_o those_o decree_n as_o from_o those_o elder_n here_o will_v prove_v not_o to_o have_v be_v act_n of_o government_n further_o than_o the_o apostle_n authority_n who_o join_v in_o it_o be_v stamp_v on_o it_o to_o affirm_v that_o commissioner_n from_o they_o all_o be_v present_a because_o the_o decree_n do_v bind_v they_o be_v to_o beg_v what_o be_v deny_v when_o another_o just_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o their_o bind_n if_o any_o such_o authority_n be_v in_o they_o and_o our_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a be_v these_o first_o we_o find_v a_o deep_a silence_n about_o it_o for_o we_o read_v but_o only_o of_o two_o church_n between_o who_o it_o be_v transact_v they_o of_o antioch_n send_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o their_o elder_n there_o chap._n 14._o 27_o 28._o compare_v with_o chap._n 15._o 2_o 3._o and_o the_o messenger_n which_o be_v send_v from_o this_o assembly_n go_v only_o to_o antioch_n ver._n 30._o 31._o as_o those_o who_o be_v chief_o trouble_v only_o the_o benefit_n redound_v to_o all_o they_o write_v to_o yea_o although_o paul_n come_v through_o phenice_n and_o samaria_n ver._n 3._o yet_o we_o read_v not_o a_o word_n of_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o those_o part_n their_o send_n of_o any_o commissioner_n unto_o this_o synod_n as_o have_v it_o be_v intend_v such_o certain_o they_o will_v and_o there_o be_v this_o special_a reason_n why_o those_o of_o this_o church_n be_v thus_o elective_o send_v unto_o because_o they_o be_v the_o mother_n church_n from_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n come_v and_o from_o who_o those_o man_n that_o trouble_v they_o have_v go_v forth_o and_o have_v pretend_v to_o teach_v what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o and_o beside_o they_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n verse_v in_o this_o question_n it_o be_v about_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o law_n and_o there_o also_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v present_a how_o many_o we_o know_v not_o for_o disperse_v they_o have_v be_v long_o before_o and_o if_o any_o number_n of_o other_o out_o of_o those_o other_o part_n of_o judea_n have_v come_v up_o hither_o it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v as_o act._n 11._o ult._n the_o elder_n of_o judea_n not_o only_o of_o jerusalem_n yea_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o say_v that_o they_o that_o be_v send_v from_o antioch_n be_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n but_o that_o they_o send_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o and_o second_o the_o contrary_a seem_v clear_a namely_o that_o those_o letter_n and_o decree_n be_v write_v and_o send_v only_o from_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o not_o from_o all_o those_o church_n for_o first_o the_o decree_n be_v everywhere_o attribute_v to_o the_o elder_n in_o jerusalem_n so_o chap._n 16._o 4._o the_o decree_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o jerusalem_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o now_o the_o usual_a stile_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v by_o way_n of_o distinction_n of_o church_n to_o say_v the_o church_n in_o such_o a_o place_n the_o elder_n in_o such_o a_o place_n as_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 13._o 1._o and_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 1._o and_o by_o the_o like_a reason_n the_o elder_n in_o such_o a_o place_n do_v signify_v the_o proper_a elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n or_o city_n while_o but_o one_o and_o therefore_o if_o by_o the_o elder_n in_o jerusalem_n have_v be_v mean_v in_o this_o place_n only_o the_o elder_n meet_v from_o all_o quarter_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o place_n of_o that_o assembly_n there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a ambiguity_n see_v the_o more_o usual_a and_o proper_a import_n of_o that_o expression_n be_v to_o note_v out_o the_o fix_a stand_v elder_n of_o a_o place_n and_o the_o church_n in_o a_o place_n again_o second_o in_o the_o four_o verse_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o be_v receive_v of_o the_o church_n and_o apostle_n and_o elder_n namely_o of_o jerusalem_n as_o in_o particular_a relation_n to_o it_o yea_o three_o the_o stand_a elder_n of_o that_o place_n assume_v to_o themselves_o to_o have_v write_v the_o decree_n chap._n 21._o 25._o as_o touch_v the_o gentile_n we_o have_v write_v and_o conclude_v four_o and_o according_o the_o conclusion_n of_o their_o letter_n be_v make_v the_o special_a act_n of_o that_o church_n and_o the_o elder_n thereof_o ver._n 22._o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v of_o jerusalem_n as_o verse_n 4._o to_o send_v choose_v man_n and_o the_o letter_n run_v thus_o the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n five_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o letter_n argue_v it_o ver._n 24._o forasmuch_o as_o certain_a that_o go_v out_o from_o we_o have_v trouble_v you_o with_o word_n to_o who_o we_o give_v no_o such_o commandment_n how_o can_v this_o be_v say_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o those_o church_n which_o be_v themselves_o trouble_v by_o they_o it_o be_v manifest_a therefore_o they_o come_v out_o from_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o write_v this_o and_o they_o pretend_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n which_o be_v call_v a_o commandment_n because_o the_o apostle_n teach_v no_o other_o than_o what_o christ_n command_v as_o matth._n 28._o ult._n and_o to_o say_v the_o denomination_n be_v from_o the_o more_o eminent_a part_n namely_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n have_v be_v derogatory_a to_o the_o synod_n if_o it_o have_v be_v such_o a_o meeting_n and_o six_o if_o the_o elder_n of_o all_o those_o church_n have_v be_v present_a there_o have_v be_v less_o need_n for_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n
be_v church_n erect_v in_o their_o proper_a dwelling_n be_v rational_o supposable_a for_o in_o that_o persecution_n in_o act_n 8._o 1._o it_o be_v say_v that_o paul_n persecute_v disciple_n in_o other_o place_n then_o at_o jerusalem_n act_n 26._o 10._o which_o thing_n i_o also_o do_v at_o jerusalem_n say_v he_o and_o in_o other_o place_n at_o damascus_n and_o also_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o this_o that_o upon_o the_o cease_n of_o paul_n persecution_n it_o be_v say_v act_n 9_o 31._o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_n through_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o be_v say_v to_o be_v at_o rest_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o persecution_n raise_v chap._n 8._o 1._o 3_o exception_n be_v that_o they_o in_o those_o country_n and_o time_n have_v often_o great_a assembly_n consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o hearer_n at_o once_o that_o do_v and_o can_v hear_v luke_n 12._o 1._o christ_n preach_v to_o myriad_n many_o thousand_o and_o act_n 13._o 45._o almost_o a_o whole_a city_n come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o paul_n and_o at_o charenton_n how_o many_o thousand_o may_v and_o do_v hear_v be_v well_o know_v and_o so_o in_o many_o place_n of_o england_n and_o moses_n sometime_o speak_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n and_o so_o ezra_n chapter_n 10._o verse_n 9_o and_o 10._o and_o it_o be_v know_v by_o experience_n that_o as_o in_o hot_a country_n they_o may_v see_v as_o far_o again_o through_o the_o pureness_n of_o the_o air_n so_o they_o may_v hear_v at_o a_o far_o great_a distance_n then_o in_o our_o cold_a climate_n 4_o exception_n be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o church_n and_o whereof_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o officer_n those_o therefore_o that_o dwell_v there_o will_v certain_o abide_v together_o as_o one_o church_n without_o part_v or_o divide_v even_o till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o utmost_a proportion_n that_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o so_o maximum_fw-la quod_fw-la sic_fw-la and_o continue_v together_o in_o one_o for_o the_o more_o unite_a strength_n and_o glory_n of_o hold_v forth_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o body_n unite_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o communicate_v in_o ordinance_n together_o 5_o exception_n be_v that_o they_o have_v during_o all_o this_o time_n of_o their_o multitude_n until_o the_o persecution_n of_o paul_n arise_v the_o great_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o the_o people_n magnify_v they_o chap._n 5._o verse_n 12._o they_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n chap._n 2._o verse_n 47._o insomuch_o that_o although_o the_o ruler_n fall_v upon_o two_o of_o they_o john_n and_o peter_n yet_o they_o be_v enforce_v to_o let_v they_o go_v find_v nothing_o how_o to_o punish_v they_o because_o of_o the_o people_n chapter_n 4._o 21._o beside_o that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n among_o the_o jew_n for_o sect_n to_o have_v great_a multitude_n to_o follow_v and_o cleave_v to_o they_o and_o to_o preach_v in_o any_o place_n as_o in_o spain_n and_o italy_n and_o to_o baptise_v open_o as_o john_n and_o christ_n do_v reason_n and_o answer_n to_o the_o appendix_n add_v to_o the_o former_a proof_n viz._n that_o the_o dispersion_n mention_v in_o act_n 8._o 1._o do_v not_o simple_o prove_v such_o a_o scatter_n as_o that_o there_o may_v not_o remain_v more_o congregation_n than_o one_o in_o that_o church_n act_n 9_o 31._o act_n 12._o 24._o act_n 21._o 20._o thus_o have_v show_v the_o multitude_n not_o arise_v to_o that_o number_n but_o that_o they_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o now_o after_o the_o dispersion_n much_o less_o and_o to_o that_o end_n let_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o persecution_n be_v consider_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o greatness_n of_o this_o dispersion_n it_o be_v call_v not_o a_o persecution_n only_o but_o a_o great_a persecution_n both_o extensive_o and_o intensive_o for_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n enter_v into_o every_o house_n vers_n 3._o and_o for_o the_o height_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o imprisonment_n even_o unto_o death_n chap._n 22._o 4._o act_n 26._o 10._o it_o be_v also_o call_v a_o make_n havoc_n of_o the_o church_n vers._n 9_o the_o object_n of_o this_o persecution_n be_v not_o preacher_n only_o but_o christian_n of_o all_o sort_n indifferent_o for_o it_o be_v say_v indefinite_o to_o be_v upon_o the_o church_n vers._n 1._o and_o vers._n 3._o it_o be_v call_v a_o enter_n into_o every_o house_n hail_v man_n and_o woman_n and_o in_o chap._n 26._o paul_n speak_v of_o this_o very_a persecution_n wherein_o he_o have_v a_o special_a hand_n say_v vers._n 10._o that_o he_o imprison_v many_o of_o the_o saint_n not_o preacher_n only_o and_o ver._n 9_o his_o aim_n be_v promiscuous_o against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o so_o any_o that_o profess_v his_o name_n unto_o this_o end_n compare_v the_o vary_v the_o expression_n use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o speak_v of_o this_o persecution_n and_o of_o another_o mention_a act_n 12._o 1._o there_o it_o be_v say_v herod_n stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n to_o vex_v certain_a of_o the_o church_n but_o here_o it_o be_v against_o the_o church_n in_o jerusalem_n man_n and_o woman_n in_o every_o house_n and_o all_o except_o the_o apostle_n the_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o except_o there_o be_v to_o show_v that_o none_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v scatter_v though_o the_o generality_n of_o other_o be_v if_o man_n guift_v flee_v away_o than_o other_o also_o except_o we_o suppose_v the_o people_n more_o courageous_a to_o stay_v by_o it_o then_o the_o teacher_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o that_o be_v disperse_v go_v about_o preach_v the_o word_n vers._n 4._o first_o it_o argue_v not_o that_o preacher_n only_o or_o chief_o be_v disperse_v for_o as_o calvin_n say_v it_o come_v in_o to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o dispersion_n and_o we_o may_v well_o suppose_v woman_n and_o whole_a family_n to_o have_v be_v scatter_v abroad_o who_o yet_o preach_v not_o and_o second_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o those_o time_n for_o man_n that_o be_v not_o by_o office_n minister_n occasional_o to_o teach_v the_o word_n in_o private_a way_n of_o converse_n yea_o and_o otherwise_o and_o that_o be_v not_o call_v teach_v which_o be_v by_o way_n of_o sermon_n to_o a_o multitude_n for_o vers._n 25._o of_o this_o chap._n philip_n in_o private_a conference_n teach_v the_o eunuch_n as_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n teach_v apollo_n and_o they_o be_v not_o call_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o have_v a_o office_n but_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o refer_v to_o the_o act_n the_o work_n they_o do_v and_o that_o the_o word_n seem_v to_o sound_v as_o if_o they_o make_v it_o their_o work_n it_o may_v well_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o zeal_n of_o those_o day_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n and_o not_o to_o a_o office_n commit_v to_o they_o they_o go_v not_o forth_o by_o mission_n but_o persecution_n and_o here_o the_o many_o congregation_n be_v bring_v but_o to_o a_o it_o may_v be_v and_o the_o grand_a proposition_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o it_o may_v be_v and_o how_o can_v it_o may_v be_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o it_o may_v be_v especial_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o need_n have_v a_o strong_a foundation_n for_o matter_n upon_o which_o so_o great_a alteration_n be_v like_a to_o be_v make_v but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o believer_n there_o after_o that_o time_n by_o act_n 9_o 31._o act_n 12._o 24._o act_n 21._o 20._o first_o for_o act_n 9_o 31._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o signify_v not_o ordinary_o a_o great_a number_n make_v up_o but_o a_o increase_n matth._n 21._o 12._o and_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 2._o grace_n be_v multiply_v it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n not_o in_o number_n but_o in_o measure_n again_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o judea_n galilee_n and_o of_o samaria_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o can_v not_o meet_v in_o one_o for_o act_v 21._o 20._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o how_o many_o thousand_o do_v not_o argue_v it_o for_o first_o it_o be_v the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n when_o paul_n come_v now_o up_o to_o jerusalem_n in_o act_n 20._o 16._o it_o be_v say_v of_o this_o journey_n that_o he_o â—asted_v if_o possible_a to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o all_o quarter_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o great_a concourse_n that_o then_o will_v be_v there_o at_o the_o feast_n move_v he_o to_o
material_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o these_o apostle_n be_v in_o their_o several_a parish_n not_o only_o subordinate_a in_o their_o government_n to_o the_o common_a presbytery_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n but_o limit_v to_o lesser_a act_n of_o government_n for_o so_o the_o lesser_a eldership_n in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v confine_v only_o to_o examine_v and_o admonish_v and_o prepare_v for_o the_o great_a presbytery_n and_o therein_o not_o enable_v to_o ordain_v elder_n over_o the_o congregation_n or_o excommunicate_v a_o member_n peter_n and_o john_n join_v together_o be_v by_o this_o principle_n not_o enable_v to_o it_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v not_o suppose_v such_o a_o limit_a government_n in_o those_o several_a congregation_n here_o can_v be_v no_o pattern_n for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o it_o be_v practise_v or_o if_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o fix_v officer_n for_o teach_v only_o to_o one_o of_o those_o congregation_n and_o to_o have_v no_o government_n at_o all_o over_o it_o but_o to_o bring_v all_o to_o the_o common_a presbytery_n of_o apostle_n that_o be_v a_o great_a incongruity_n than_o the_o former_a for_o this_o cast_v they_o below_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o parish_n elder_n for_o unto_o they_o the_o great_a presbytery_n do_v allow_v some_o measure_n and_o part_n of_o the_o government_n but_o such_o a_o supposition_n will_v allow_v apostle_n none_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o that_o many_o congregation_n may_v be_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n sect._n 1._o by_o particular_a congregation_n either_o first_o a_o assembly_n of_o christian_n meet_v for_o worship_n only_o as_o to_o hear_v pray_v etc._n etc._n or_o second_o a_o assembly_n so_o furnish_v with_o officer_n as_o fit_v for_o discipline_n have_v a_o presbytery_n be_v mean_v in_o the_o latter_a sense_n which_o be_v that_o the_o proof_n be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v and_o that_o that_o be_v practise_v where_o this_o government_n be_v set_v up_o the_o proposition_n be_v equivalent_a to_o such_o a_o assertion_n as_o this_o many_o presbytery_n may_v be_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o thus_o many_o parochial_a presbytery_n may_v be_v under_o one_o classical_a many_o classical_a under_o one_o provincial_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o affirm_v that_o one_o presbytery_n may_v be_v over_o another_o as_o the_o bishop_n affirm_v that_o one_o presbyter_n may_v be_v over_o another_o this_o be_v evident_a if_o you_o assert_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n may_v be_v over_o a_o congregation_n that_o be_v compose_v of_o a_o presbytery_n and_o people_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v over_o a_o congregation_n if_o it_o be_v over_o the_o people_n only_o that_o be_v not_o over_o their_o presbytery_n also_o for_o then_o the_o presbytery_n will_v be_v independent_a and_o the_o people_n under_o two_o presbytery_n coordinate_a and_o not_o subordinate_a which_o stand_v not_o with_o common_a reason_n sect._n 2._o this_o then_o be_v the_o assertion_n it_o be_v thus_o argue_v against_o a_o presbytery_n over_o a_o presbytery_n or_o power_n over_o power_n necessary_o imply_v two_o sort_n of_o presbytery_n or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n specifical_o distinct_a or_o at_o least_o more_o than_o numerical_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a vary_v not_o the_o kind_n in_o a_o physical_a or_o theological_a consideration_n but_o in_o a_o political_a it_o do_v he_o that_o have_v a_o great_a power_n than_o i_o have_v that_o be_v a_o power_n over_o my_o power_n a_o power_n to_o order_n direct_v or_o correct_v the_o power_n i_o have_v this_o man_n power_n and_o i_o differ_v as_o two_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o power_n and_o although_o this_o superior_a presbytery_n be_v make_v up_o of_o presbyter_n send_v as_o commissioner_n from_o the_o congregational_a or_o parochial_a presbytery_n yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o at_o all_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o distinct_a for_o some_o city_n and_o town_n corporate_a their_o officer_n be_v send_v up_o and_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o parliament_n yet_o this_o honourable_a house_n have_v a_o power_n distinct_a and_o superior_a to_o that_o which_o be_v in_o london_n or_o york_n though_o the_o superior_a presbytery_n be_v make_v up_o of_o presbyter_n from_o several_a congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o make_v up_o of_o presbytery_n it_o have_v the_o person_n material_o consider_v but_o not_o that_o power_n formal_o consider_v for_o as_o while_o the_o parliament_n sit_v and_o certain_a burgess_n from_o burrough_n town_n sit_v as_o member_n in_o it_o these_o town_n notwithstanding_o still_o retain_v all_o the_o power_n those_o corporation_n be_v ever_o invest_v with_o so_o particular_a congregation_n whilst_o some_o of_o their_o elder_n sit_v in_o the_o classical_a presbytery_n have_v eldership_n or_o a_o presbytery_n still_o now_o that_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o scripture_n hold_v not_o forth_o two_o sort_n of_o presbytery_n thus_o specifical_o distinct_a may_v be_v thus_o argue_v sect._n 3._o first_o where_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o distinct_a sort_n in_o any_o kind_n there_o will_v be_v find_v either_o distinct_a and_o proper_a name_n and_o title_n or_o at_o least_o some_o adjunct_n or_o difference_n add_v to_o that_o which_o be_v common_a or_o general_a in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v presbyter_n over_o presbyter_n apostle_n be_v superior_a to_o prophet_n and_o prophet_n a_o distinct_a order_n from_o teacher_n therefore_o in_o 1_o corinth_n 12._o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v not_o only_o particular_a name_n and_o title_n but_o special_a note_n of_o distinction_n add_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o in_o genesis_n 1._o where_o no_o distinction_n in_o name_n be_v give_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n of_o heaven_n be_v all_o call_v light_n yet_o there_o be_v term_n of_o difference_n add_v they_o be_v call_v first_o great_a light_n and_o then_o the_o great_a to_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o the_o lesser_a to_o rule_v the_o night_n throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v this_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o but_o in_o three_o place_n whereof_o there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o hold_v out_o the_o government_n in_o hand_n and_o in_o that_o place_n you_o have_v the_o naked_a word_n only_o without_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o such_o expression_n great_a lesser_a superior_a inferior_a or_o any_o kind_n of_o adjunct_n that_o can_v possible_o put_v a_o thought_n in_o we_o of_o more_o presbytery_n than_o one_o notwithstanding_o so_o useful_a be_v peculiar_a distinct_a name_n where_o there_o be_v distinct_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o administration_n as_o it_o be_v not_o omit_v by_o any_o church_n in_o their_o ordinance_n for_o government_n in_o scotland_n the_o low_a be_v term_v a_o consistory_n the_o next_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o presbytery_n the_o three_o a_o provincial_n synod_n the_o four_o a_o general_n assembly_n the_o french_a in_o these_o term_n consistory_n and_o colloquel_n and_o synod_n so_o in_o the_o episcopal_a republic_n there_o be_v the_o like_a variety_n sect._n 4._o second_o as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o nothing_o in_o any_o title_n or_o name_n to_o distinguish_v no_o more_o can_v we_o thence_o discover_v any_o sort_n of_o government_n different_a in_o nature_n for_o trial_n of_o this_o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o parochial_a or_o consistorian_a presbytery_n for_o one_o sort_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n we_o call_v classical_a what_o scripture_n give_v light_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o reason_v to_o warrant_v the_o set_n up_o one_o of_o those_o above_o or_o over_o the_o other_o do_v you_o read_v anywhere_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n first_o presbytery_n secondary_o class_n than_o consistory_n or_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n direct_v a_o different_a composition_n or_o constitution_n in_o these_o sect._n 5._o first_o for_o the_o materiale_fw-la the_o person_n that_o these_o presbytery_n be_v make_v up_o of_o be_v the_o same_o the_o consistory_n have_v gift_v man_n set_v apart_o to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n be_v no_o otherwise_o qualify_v nor_o indeed_o do_v the_o scripture_n require_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o presbyteration_n to_o qualify_v man_n for_o any_o sort_n if_o there_o be_v sort_n of_o presbytery_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o presbyter_n in_o the_o one_o then_o in_o the_o other_o this_o alter_v not_o the_o state_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o if_o the_o number_n be_v competent_a that_o be_v so_o many_o as_o two_o or_o three_o may_v agree_v matth._n 18._o it_o suffice_v the_o