receive_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n from_o they_o also_o and_o not_o from_o the_o church_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a the_o apostle_n be_v extraordinary_a officer_n as_o they_o be_v immediate_o call_v and_o choose_v of_o christ_n not_o by_o the_o church_n so_o they_o be_v most_o of_o they_o ordain_v by_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o not_o all_o of_o they_o neither_o for_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n though_o choose_v to_o the_o apostolical_a office_n immediate_o from_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v ordain_v to_o that_o office_n by_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o some_o officer_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 13.2_o 3._o but_o that_o hinder_v not_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n receive_v their_o power_n immediate_o from_o christ_n so_o do_v the_o church_n receive_v their_o power_n immediate_o from_o christ_n also_o for_o he_o that_o say_v to_o the_o apostle_n who_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v who_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v joh._n 20.23_o he_o also_o say_v to_o the_o church_n whatsoever_o you_o bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 18.18_o which_o be_v a_o commission_n of_o the_o same_o power_n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n if_o then_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n the_o same_o commission_n of_o church-power_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n that_o though_o the_o church_n then_o present_v their_o officer_n choose_v by_o they_o to_o receive_v ordination_n from_o the_o apostle_n yet_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v cease_v and_o no_o other_o successor_n leave_v in_o their_o room_n from_o who_o their_o officer_n may_v receive_v ordination_n but_o from_o the_o presbytery_n of_o their_o own_o church_n then_o where_o such_o a_o presbytery_n be_v yet_o want_v and_o their_o power_n be_v now_o to_o be_v execute_v the_o church_n have_v full_a power_n to_o give_v ordination_n to_o they_o themselves_o by_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o hand_n sect_n viii_o object_n when_o the_o apostle_n cease_v bishop_n be_v leave_v as_o successor_n in_o their_o room_n as_o timothy_n in_o ephesus_n and_z titus_n in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n tit._n 1.5_o answ_n timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v not_o leave_v to_o ordain_v elder_n as_o bishop_n but_o as_o evangelist_n who_o office_n be_v alike_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o of_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n eph._n 4.11_o their_o work_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o apostle_n and_o so_o set_v forward_o the_o work_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v begin_v whereto_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o forth_o and_o direct_v they_o and_o not_o to_o keep_v settle_a residence_n in_o any_o one_o church_n as_o elder_n do_v or_o in_o any_o one_o nation_n of_o church_n as_o bishop_n do_v timothy_n be_v express_o command_v to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n 2_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o titus_n be_v not_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n at_o crete_n but_o leave_v in_o crete_n as_o have_v travel_v up_o and_o down_o with_o paul_n gal._n 2.3_o and_o come_v to_o crete_n be_v leave_v to_o direct_v the_o cretian_a believer_n in_o their_o church-affaire_n after_o paul_n departure_n afterward_o he_o depart_v to_o dalmatia_n 2_o tim._n 4.10_o sometime_o paul_n appoint_v he_o to_o meet_v he_o at_o nicopolis_n tit._n 3.12_o sometime_o he_o send_v he_o to_o corinth_n 2_o cor._n 12.18_o and_o commend_v he_o as_o his_o partner_n and_o fellow-helper_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o at_o troas_n paul_n find_v no_o rest_n in_o his_o spirit_n because_o he_o find_v not_o titus_n his_o brother_n 2_o cor._n 2.13_o and_o in_o macedonia_n he_o find_v much_o comfort_n because_o he_o find_v titus_n there_o 2_o cor._n 7.5_o 6._o which_o argue_v his_o call_n be_v not_o episcopal_a to_o rest_v in_o a_o certain_a charge_n but_o to_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o with_o the_o apostle_n or_o after_o they_o or_o whither_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v lead_v they_o forth_o to_o help_v forward_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n object_n but_o in_o the_o subscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o they_o titus_n be_v call_v the_o first_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o all_o the_o cretan_n and_o timothy_n the_o first_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n answ_n the_o subscription_n of_o paul_n epistle_n both_o those_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v no_o part_n of_o canonical_a scripture_n but_o apocrypha_fw-la not_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o by_o some_o scribe_n that_o copy_v they_o out_o in_o after_o age_n as_o be_v observe_v by_o many_o learn_v both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n in_o particular_a this_o subscription_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o titus_n contain_v a_o apparent_a mistake_n for_o the_o subscription_n say_v the_o epistle_n be_v write_v from_o nicopolis_n to_o macedonia_n as_o if_o paul_n have_v be_v at_o nicopolis_n when_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n which_o conceit_n in_o the_o scribe_n spring_v from_o a_o mistake_n of_o paul_n word_n tit._n 3.12_o where_o paul_n bid_v titus_n be_v diligent_a to_o come_v to_o i_o to_o nicopolis_n for_o i_o have_v determine_v there_o to_o winter_n but_o paul_n do_v not_o say_v i_o have_v determine_v here_o to_o winter_n as_o if_o he_o be_v there_o already_o in_o nicopolis_n but_o i_o have_v determine_v there_o to_o winter_n to_o wit_n as_o intend_v to_o go_v thither_o for_o to_o winter_n the_o subscription_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n still_v he_o the_o first_o ordain_v bishop_n of_o the_o ephesian_n will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o apostle_n charge_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o epistle_n 2_o tim._n 4.5_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n for_o a_o bishop_n be_v to_o attend_v with_o personal_a residence_n upon_o his_o charge_n act._n 20.28_o but_o a_o evangelist_n be_v to_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o with_o the_o apostle_n or_o after_o they_o to_o come_v and_o go_v at_o their_o appointment_n as_o paul_n there_o do_v command_n timothy_n to_o be_v diligent_a to_o come_v to_o he_o 2_o tim._n 4.9.21_o again_o when_o paul_n address_v himself_o to_o go_v to_o rome_n from_o whence_o this_o subscription_n tell_v we_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v he_o intend_v to_o pass_v by_o macedonia_n to_o rome_n act._n 19.21_o beseech_v timothy_n to_o abide_v still_o at_o ephesus_n 1_o tim._n 1.3_o but_o if_o timothy_n have_v be_v the_o bishop_n ordain_v of_o the_o ephesian_n his_o duty_n will_v have_v bind_v he_o to_o abide_v there_o and_o shall_v not_o have_v need_v paul_n entreaty_n so_o to_o do_v beside_o when_o paul_n in_o that_o journey_n come_v to_o miletus_n he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20.17_o who_o also_o he_o name_v bishop_n for_o so_o the_o greek_a word_n be_v which_o be_v translate_v overseer_n v._o 28._o and_o then_o paul_n acknowledge_v no_o such_o singular_a ordination_n of_o any_o to_o a_o transcendent_a episcopacy_n but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n but_o that_o it_o may_v further_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o intent_n of_o paul_n or_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n to_o direct_v the_o church_n to_o send_v the_o elder_n who_o they_o have_v choose_v unto_o any_o transcendent_a or_o diocesan_n bishop_n for_o ordination_n nor_o leave_v any_o to_o like_v eminent_a place_n after_o timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o perform_v that_o work_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o direction_n at_o all_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n for_o the_o church_n election_n of_o any_o evangelist_n or_o of_o any_o bishop_n over_o many_o church_n for_o 1._o the_o bishop_n paul_n speak_v of_o in_o timothy_n of_o who_o qualification_n he_o give_v direction_n 1_o tim._n 3.2_o to_o 7._o he_o call_v they_o all_o when_o he_o come_v to_o give_v order_n for_o their_o maintenance_n by_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n some_o rule_v elder_n some_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o titus_n the_o elder_n which_o paul_n leave_v titus_n to_o ordain_v in_o every_o city_n he_o call_v they_o bishop_n tit._n 1.5.7_o now_o of_o these_o he_o appoint_v many_o elder_n and_o many_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n or_o church_n not_o many_o city_n or_o church_n under_o one_o bishop_n act._n 14.23_o elder_n in_o every_o city_n act._n 20.17_o 18._o many_o elder_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n phil._n 1.11_o many_o bishop_n as_o well_o as_o many_o deacon_n in_o one_o church_n of_o philippi_n and_o that_o a_o poor_a one_o too_o for_o philippi_n be_v a_o church_n in_o macedonia_n act._n 16.12_o and_o all_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n have_v trial_n of_o deep_a poverty_n
2_o cor._n 8.1_o 2._o 2._o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o put_v of_o any_o one_o bishop_n above_o his_o fellow_n except_o only_o the_o difference_n of_o rule_v and_o teach_v elder_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o those_o as_o they_o be_v not_o set_v over_o many_o church_n so_o neither_o be_v any_o of_o they_o set_v above_o his_o fellow_n only_o the_o preacher_n be_v allow_v more_o reverence_n and_o maintenance_n than_o the_o ruler_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v appoint_v some_o singular_a bishop_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o any_o transcendent_a and_o eminent_a office_n he_o will_v have_v appoint_v he_o also_o some_o eminent_a and_o transcendent_a proper_a work_n of_o his_o office_n but_o what_o shall_v that_o be_v shall_v it_o be_v ordination_n as_o hierome_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o bishop_n in_o his_o time_n quid_fw-la facit_fw-la episcopus_fw-la excepta_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyter_n non_fw-la facit_fw-la why_o that_o be_v a_o work_n of_o rule_n or_o shall_v it_o be_v hear_v accusation_n against_o elder_n and_o censure_v they_o according_o as_o 1_o tim._n 5.19_o 20_o why_o that_o be_v a_o work_n of_o rule_n also_o now_o the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v no_o act_n of_o rule_n nor_o any_o elder_n or_o bishop_n that_o do_v rule_n as_o worthy_a of_o great_a honour_n than_o such_o elder_n as_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o it_o be_v therefore_o apparent_o contradictory_n to_o the_o institution_n give_v by_o paul_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o set_v up_o any_o eminent_a or_o transcendent_a bishop_n in_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o rule_n or_o exercise_v of_o office_n of_o more_o honour_n and_o power_n then_o pertain_v to_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o neither_o ordination_n nor_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v both_o of_o they_o act_n of_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o transcendent_a bishop_n but_o pertain_v indifferent_o to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n sect_n ix_o object_n but_o if_o no_o transcendent_a act_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_n be_v reserve_v unto_o one_o bishop_n alone_o above_o other_o minister_n how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o rev._n 2.3_o each_o singular_a angel_n in_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v alone_o for_o all_o the_o fault_n that_o be_v find_v in_o his_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o angel_n why_o shall_v one_o angel_n alone_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o those_o fault_n in_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o hand_n alone_o to_o redress_v and_o punish_v they_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o john_n and_o find_v also_o in_o other_o scripture_n to_o use_v the_o name_n of_o angel_n not_o singular_o for_o one_o person_n but_o collective_o for_o a_o company_n administer_a the_o same_o work_n as_o the_o seven_o angel_n that_o sound_v the_o seven_o trumpet_n and_o the_o seven_o angel_n that_o pour_v out_o the_o seven_o vial_n be_v not_o seven_o singular_a person_n but_o seven_o company_n or_o sort_n of_o person_n perform_v that_o service_n and_o when_o david_n say_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n pitch_v his_o tent_n about_o they_o which_o fear_v he_o psal_n 34.7_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o one_o angel_n alone_o but_o of_o many_o of_o they_o for_o one_o alone_a can_v pitch_v his_o tent_n about_o all_o they_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o that_o john_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n do_v not_o mean_a by_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n one_o singular_a person_n but_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a presbytery_n of_o person_n more_o than_o one_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o speech_n unto_o they_o as_o unto_o many_o the_o devil_n say_v he_o shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n rev._n 2.10_o some_o of_o you_o 〈◊〉_d gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o imply_v more_o than_o one_o and_o again_o in_o rev._n 2.24_o speak_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n but_o unto_o you_o plural_a you_o gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o in_o the_o plural_a i_o say_v and_o unto_o the_o rest_n of_o thiatira_n which_o argue_v that_o the_o angel_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o than_o one_o person_n for_o he_o say_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n object_n but_o now_o say_v some_o let_v it_o be_v so_o then_o if_o such_o eminent_a and_o transcendent_a bishop_n that_o be_v diocesan_n bishop_n who_o claim_v a_o peerless_a power_n in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o themselves_o alone_o have_v no_o foothold_a in_o the_o scripture_n then_o let_v they_o neither_o have_v name_n nor_o place_n portion_n right_a nor_o memorial_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o yet_o nevertheless_o the_o apostle_n be_v clear_a for_o a_o presbytery_n and_o acknowledge_v imposition_n of_o hand_n even_o upon_o timothy_n how_o much_o more_o upon_o other_o elder_n by_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o answ_n we_o willing_o also_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o where_o god_n have_v furnish_v any_o church_n with_o a_o presbytery_n to_o they_o it_o pertain_v to_o ordain_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n any_o elder_n or_o deacon_n that_o shall_v be_v choose_v by_o office_n by_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o but_o if_o the_o church_n want_v a_o presbytery_n for_o want_v of_o elder_n they_o want_v a_o warrant_n to_o repair_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o another_o church_n to_o impose_v hand_n upon_o their_o elect_a elder_n our_o reason_n be_v reason_n 1_o first_o ordination_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v a_o work_n of_o church_n power_n as_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v now_o as_o no_o church_n have_v power_n over_o another_o but_o all_o of_o they_o stand_v in_o brotherly_a equality_n one_o towards_o another_o so_o the_o presbytery_n of_o one_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o the_o elder_n of_o another_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v all_o of_o they_o receive_v the_o same_o commission_n joh._n 20.23_o have_v none_o of_o they_o power_n over_o another_o so_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v all_o of_o they_o the_o same_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o they_o none_o of_o they_o have_v power_n over_o another_o and_o therefore_o no_o power_n of_o ordination_n of_o one_o another_o officer_n reason_n 2_o as_o every_o church_n have_v equal_o receive_v the_o same_o power_n of_o the_o key_n so_o ought_v they_o to_o maintain_v and_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o same_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n purchase_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o at_o a_o less_o rate_n it_o may_v not_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o church_n christ_n by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n have_v obtain_v all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n mat._n 28.18_o phil._n 2.8_o 9_o 10._o and_o look_v where_o he_o have_v communicate_v the_o same_o by_o his_o testament_n ratify_v in_o his_o blood_n there_o it_o ought_v to_o remain_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n whence_o it_o appear_v unlawful_a for_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o put_v over_o that_o power_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o christ_n out_o of_o their_o own_o hand_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v all_o of_o they_o equal_a power_n from_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o by_o common_a consent_n to_o have_v confer_v upon_o peter_n and_o paul_n james_n and_o john_n a_o transcendent_a government_n over_o they_o all_o if_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n as_o be_v say_v of_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n gal._n 2.9_o and_o so_o more_o eminent_a in_o gift_n then_o all_o their_o brethren_n it_o may_v put_v upon_o their_o brethren_n a_o expediency_n and_o sometime_o a_o necessity_n to_o call_v upon_o they_o for_o more_o counsel_n but_o not_o to_o call_v they_o to_o more_o authority_n in_o like_a sort_n if_o a_o church_n in_o a_o city_n and_o the_o officer_n thereof_o be_v of_o more_o eminent_a gift_n and_o grace_n than_o a_o church_n in_o a_o village_n it_o be_v a_o just_a occasion_n for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o village_n to_o listen_v the_o more_o after_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o city_n but_o not_o to_o submit_v the_o more_o unto_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o way_n of_o subjection_n and_o so_o it_o be_v true_a a_o classis_fw-la of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o many_o church_n may_v excel_v in_o more_o variety_n of_o all_o ability_n than_o the_o
some_o public_a offence_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o as_o have_v be_v already_o open_v sure_o though_o this_o three_o reason_n reach_v not_o infant_n yet_o the_o two_o former_a do_v and_o prevent_v as_o their_o parent_n of_o just_a claim_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o they_o of_o due_a right_n of_o baptism_n with_o we_o for_o neither_o have_v we_o power_n over_o they_o neither_o have_v they_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v dismiss_v from_o the_o church_n where_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o recommend_v to_o none_o against_o this_o sundry_a thing_n be_v object_v and_o such_o as_o seem_v of_o much_o weight_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n have_v be_v administer_v to_o some_o who_o be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o to_o the_o child_n of_o non-member_n as_o philip_n baptize_v the_o eunuch_n act_v 8.37_o 38._o and_o peter_n baptize_v cornelius_n and_o his_o household_n act_v 10.47_o 48._o paul_n baptize_v lydia_n and_o her_o household_n the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o household_n act_v 16.15.33_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v three_o thing_n *_o *_o first_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o unlimited_a power_n and_o may_v baptize_v believer_n profess_v the_o faith_n and_o their_o seed_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v but_o the_o power_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v limit_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a visible_a church_n which_o have_v call_v they_o to_o minister_v unto_o they_o *_o *_o second_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n baptize_v any_o but_o such_o as_o either_o be_v member_n of_o some_o visible_a church_n before_o they_o preach_v to_o they_o or_o else_o they_o gather_v they_o into_o a_o visible_a church_n estate_n before_o they_o baptize_v they_o *_o *_o the_o eunuch_n in_o act_n 8._o be_v a_o proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o text_n say_v he_o come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n for_o to_o worship_n act_v 8.27_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n object_n that_o his_o membership_n at_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o entitle_v he_o to_o baptism_n see_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o of_o the_o jewish_a *_o *_o for_o whatsoever_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o the_o messiah_n and_o profess_v that_o faith_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n for_o such_o they_o be_v who_o john_n baptize_v mat._n 3.6_o and_o christ_n disciple_n joh._n 4.2_o yea_o all_o the_o israelite_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n 1_o cor._n 10.2_o *_o *_o as_o for_o lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o both_o their_o family_n they_o live_v together_o in_o the_o same_o city_n of_o philippi_n act._n 16.12_o where_o be_v a_o company_n also_o of_o other_o brethren_n ver_fw-la 4._o and_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o doubtless_o be_v when_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o act_v 16._o he_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o a_o church_n know_v you_o philippian_n say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o church_n communicate_v with_o i_o as_o concern_v give_v and_o receive_v but_o you_o only_o phil._n 4.15_o which_o evident_o hold_v they_o forth_o as_o a_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o paul_n do_v first_o gather_v the_o brethren_n there_o into_o a_o church_n when_o he_o baptize_v lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o other_o there_o and_o indeed_o the_o commission_n which_o christ_n give_v his_o apostle_n hold_v it_o forth_o that_o they_o be_v by_o preach_v to_o make_v disciple_n before_o they_o baptize_v they_o and_o their_o child_n mat._n 28.19_o now_o a_o disciple_n as_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n impli_v be_v a_o scholar_n in_o christ_n school_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o make_v disciple_n before_o they_o do_v baptize_v they_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n but_o also_o to_o gather_v they_o as_o disciple_n or_o scholar_n into_o a_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n be_v every_o particular_a visible_a christian_a church_n wherein_o some_o be_v teacher_n some_o be_v disciple_n or_o scholar_n and_o his_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v among_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o apostle_n will_v baptize_v any_o that_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o enter_v they_o into_o it_o in_o which_o regard_n we_o can_v easy_o think_v that_o when_o peter_n baptize_v cornelius_n and_o his_o family_n he_o do_v only_o perceive_v they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o evident_o profess_v the_o same_o in_o new_a tongue_n act_n 10.45_o 46_o 47._o but_o that_o he_o do_v also_o gather_v they_o into_o one_o body_n direct_v they_o to_o the_o spiritual_a use_n of_o the_o new_o receive_v gift_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o baptize_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o one_o another_o in_o his_o name_n three_o we_o answer_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v transcendent_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o receive_v transcendent_a power_n to_o administer_v their_o work_n as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n so_o christ_n send_v they_o job_n 20.21_o to_o wit_n cum_fw-la amplitudine_fw-la &_o plenitudine_fw-la potestatis_fw-la with_o all_o fullness_n of_o power_n so_o that_o any_o one_o apostle_n receive_v both_o the_o gift_n and_o power_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n any_o apostle_n may_v do_v the_o work_n not_o only_o of_o a_o apostle_n but_o of_o a_o prophet_n of_o a_o evangelist_n of_o a_o pastor_n of_o a_o teacher_n of_o a_o deacon_n 1.1_o rev._n 1.1_o they_o do_v foretell_v as_o prophet_n thing_n to_o come_v act_v 27.22_o they_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o not_o only_o to_o plant_v church_n but_o to_o water_v church_n as_o evangelist_n act_n 15.41_o they_o as_o pastor_n feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n with_o wholesome_a word_n of_o exhortation_n 2.7_o 1_o tim._n 2.7_o joh._n 21.25_o they_o as_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o teach_v they_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o as_o elder_n rule_v the_o church_n not_o as_o lord_n but_o as_o example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o as_o deacon_n they_o receive_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o distribute_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o 4.35_o act_n 4.35_o though_o when_o the_o apostle_n come_v where_o church_n be_v plant_v they_o do_v put_v forth_o no_o act_n of_o transcendent_a authority_n but_o do_v all_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v do_v any_o act_n which_o any_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n thereof_o may_v do_v together_o as_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v in_o such_o a_o case_n impose_v hand_n alone_o so_o paul_n may_v set_v apart_o timothy_n to_o some_o special_a office_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o they_o may_v alone_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o they_o alone_o may_v baptize_v in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o presence_n and_o the_o power_n and_o fellowship_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o do_v comprehend_v as_o much_o as_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o *_o *_o their_o act_n therefore_o in_o such_o transcendent_a case_n be_v not_o pattern_n nor_o precedent_n for_o we_o but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v to_o move_v in_o our_o own_o line_n and_o to_o act_v only_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v object_v again_o that_o child_n of_o excommunicate_v person_n such_o as_o be_v cast_v out_o be_v not_o hold_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v yet_o right_a unto_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v of_o we_o to_o deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n that_o child_n of_o excommunicate_v person_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n they_o prove_v by_o sundry_a argument_n 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divers_a sort_n of_o member_n some_o be_v member_n not_o actual_o but_o in_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n 2._o some_o be_v member_n only_o in_o show_n and_o appearance_n as_o hypocrite_n which_o be_v as_o wooden_a leg_n fasten_v to_o the_o body_n 3._o some_o be_v lively_a member_n knit_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n to_o the_o brethren_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n 4._o some_o be_v decay_v member_n which_o though_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n &_o
difference_n of_o those_o action_n do_v not_o argue_v a_o diversity_n of_o function_n but_o both_o teach_n and_o exhort_v be_v co-incident_a to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n as_o be_v several_a action_n of_o several_a gift_n not_o of_o several_a officer_n answ_n the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o text_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o three_o several_a reason_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text._n reas_n 1._o from_o the_o word_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o do_v not_o distribute_v several_a gift_n only_o but_o several_a person_n to_o who_o those_o several_a gift_n be_v several_o commit_v according_a as_o the_o same_o apostle_n distribute_v the_o same_o divers_a sort_n of_o gift_n to_o the_o same_o divers_a sort_n of_o person_n 1_o cor._n 12.8_o to_o one_o say_v he_o be_v give_v a_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o wit_n for_o direction_n of_o practice_n whereto_o the_o pastor_n attend_v to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n to_o wit_n for_o direction_n of_o the_o judgement_n whereto_o the_o teacher_n attend_v and_o both_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n who_o distribute_v to_o every_o man_n several_o ver_fw-la 11._o reas_n 2._o though_o office_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o gift_n to_o discharge_v a_o office_n another_o and_o the_o action_n or_o exercise_n of_o every_o several_a gift_n do_v not_o always_o argue_v a_o several_a office_n yet_o in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o express_v the_o different_a office_n or_o function_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n by_o their_o different_a and_o proper_a act_n for_o here_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o divers_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o of_o divers_a member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n who_o have_v divers_a office_n or_o function_n in_o the_o body_n be_v to_o perform_v different_a proper_a action_n according_a to_o their_o different_a function_n as_o we_o have_v many_o member_n say_v he_o in_o one_o body_n ver_fw-la 4_o 5._o and_o all_o the_o member_n have_v not_o one_o office_n as_o the_o translator_n turn_v it_o when_o the_o original_a say_v have_v not_o one_o action_n or_o practice_v but_o both_o express_v the_o same_o meaning_n so_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n in_o christ_n and_o every_o one_o member_n one_o of_o another_o have_v then_o say_v he_o ver_fw-la 6._o different_a gift_n gift_n comprehend_v both_o office_n and_o grace_n whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophecy_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n whether_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n and_o look_v then_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n it_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o tongue_n to_o speak_v it_o be_v his_o function_n and_o office_n to_o speak_v and_o not_o to_o see_v and_o it_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o be_v his_o function_n to_o see_v and_o not_o to_o hear_v so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o teacher_n to_o teach_v he_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o teach_v not_o unto_o exhortation_n and_o it_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o exhortor_fw-la to_o exhort_v he_o be_v to_o attend_v on_o exhortation_n not_o on_o teach_v reas_n 3._o if_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o only_o of_o several_a action_n or_o exercise_n of_o several_a gift_n but_o both_o co-incident_a to_o the_o same_o person_n and_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n why_o then_o do_v he_o command_v the_o teacher_n to_o wait_v on_o teach_v and_o the_o exhorte_a to_o wait_v on_o exhortation_n for_o he_o that_o perform_v a_o action_n according_a to_o this_o gift_n which_o be_v not_o peculiar_a to_o his_o office_n but_o common_a to_o he_o with_o man_n of_o other_o office_n be_v never_o command_v nor_o be_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o attend_v or_o wait_v on_o such_o a_o action_n as_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o gift_n of_o love_n or_o mercy_n or_o liberality_n and_o according_a to_o that_o gift_n be_v fit_a to_o perform_v a_o action_n of_o give_v alm_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o command_v to_o attend_v or_o wait_v upon_o almesgiving_n unless_o it_o be_v his_o office_n as_o well_o as_o his_o gift_n object_n attend_v or_o wait_v be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o original_a but_o in_o the_o translation_n only_o answ_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_v in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v necessary_o intend_v for_o either_o such_o a_o word_n as_o express_v wait_v or_o at_o least_o the_o verb_n substantive_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d must_v needs_o be_v understand_v which_o hold_v forth_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o that_o teach_v let_v he_o be_v teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v let_v he_o be_v in_o exhortation_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o let_v he_o attend_v to_o it_o let_v he_o make_v it_o his_o proper_a and_o constant_a work_n so_o a_o like_a example_n in_o 1_o tim._n 4.15_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v the_o same_o phrase_n and_o which_o be_v fit_o translate_v give_v thyself_o whole_o to_o they_o the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ver_fw-la 16._o continue_v or_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o indeed_o experience_n show_v that_o teach_v and_o exhort_v be_v so_o far_o different_a one_o from_o another_o and_o flow_v from_o such_o different_a gift_n that_o they_o be_v seldom_o find_v at_o least_o in_o any_o eminency_n both_o of_o they_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n and_o therefore_o require_v several_a officer_n for_o the_o dispense_n of_o they_o you_o have_v many_o man_n of_o eminent_a dexterity_n for_o clear_a open_n of_o a_o text_n for_o judicious_a gather_n and_o handle_v sound_a doctrine_n from_o it_o and_o also_o acute_a and_o strong_a for_o conviction_n of_o a_o contrary_a error_n and_o heresy_n who_o yet_o be_v very_o cold_a in_o exhortation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n you_o have_v some_o very_a fervent_a in_o exhortation_n who_o be_v very_o confuse_v and_o general_a and_o common_a in_o teach_v but_o beside_o this_o the_o need_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o weight_n of_o both_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o exhort_v call_v for_o several_a officer_n to_o attend_v to_o both_o the_o explication_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o principle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n solid_o and_o distinct_o with_o the_o discussion_n of_o controversy_n which_o be_v include_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d doctrine_n and_o reproof_n two_o tim._n 3.16_o well_o attend_v too_o will_v take_v up_o the_o whole_a time_n and_o talent_n of_o a_o most_o judicious_a divine_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o direction_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n the_o reformation_n of_o their_o manner_n both_o in_o their_o private_a carriage_n and_o in_o their_o family_n as_o also_o in_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o stir_v up_o of_o man_n thereto_o with_o the_o reproof_n of_o all_o disorder_n and_o abuse_n in_o life_n and_o conversation_n which_o be_v include_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d instruction_n and_o correction_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o these_o well_o attend_v to_o will_v take_v up_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o vigilant_a pastor_n of_o any_o congregation_n all_o which_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v think_v it_o needful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o bounty_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o finish_v our_o church_n as_o we_o bless_v his_o name_n most_o of_o they_o be_v with_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o preach_v elder_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n nevertheless_o he_o that_o be_v gift_v for_o both_o these_o in_o any_o good_a measure_n let_v he_o use_v both_o yet_o attend_v principal_o on_o that_o to_o which_o he_o be_v most_o eminent_o gift_v and_o call_v sect_n ii_o as_o for_o rule_v elder_n the_o same_o text_n of_o scirpture_n rom._n 12.8_o speak_v as_o express_o for_o their_o distinct_a office_n also_o for_o there_o speak_v of_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o attend_v to_o their_o proper_a work_n as_o the_o teacher_n to_o teach_v the_o pastor_n to_o exhortation_n the_o deacon_n to_o give_v with_o simplicity_n he_o direct_v also_o the_o ruler_n to_o rule_v with_o diligence_n and_o who_o be_v that_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o roll_a elder_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o timothy_n the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o but_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v enmity_n to_o god_n so_o the_o wisdom_n and_o wit_n of_o man_n have_v find_v out_o many_o invention_n and_o exception_n against_o every_o scripture_n that_o hold_v forth_o this_o ordinance_n object_n 1._o the_o elder_n the_o apostle_n here_o
cease_v but_o such_o as_o have_v their_o chief_a use_n not_o for_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n but_o unbeliever_n out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o government_n be_v of_o perpetual_a necessary_a use_n in_o the_o church_n even_o as_o teacher_n and_o helper_n unless_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o anarchy_n be_v fit_a for_o a_o settle_a church-government_n object_n 3._o but_o why_o may_v not_o these_o governor_n be_v the_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v receive_v a_o ordinary_a power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o order_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v these_o government_n will_v not_o suffer_v that_o for_o here_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v five_o several_a rank_n the_o former_a express_o precedent_a in_o order_n before_o the_o other_o god_n say_v he_o have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n first_o apostles_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n which_o be_v a_o four_o rank_n then_o in_o the_o five_o place_n gift_n of_o heal_a and_o help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n now_o if_o by_o government_n have_v be_v mean_v pastor_n he_o will_v not_o have_v reckon_v they_o in_o a_o low_a order_n so_o far_o after_o teacher_n see_v they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o they_o object_n why_o but_o here_o help_n or_o deacon_n be_v set_v before_o government_n which_o argue_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o regard_v to_o rank_v they_o in_o due_a order_n answ_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o word_n of_o order_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v that_o he_o intend_v to_o reckon_v the_o four_o first_o sort_n in_o their_o due_a order_n and_o the_o five_o sort_n of_o they_o all_o in_o a_o latter_a order_n after_o the_o former_a though_o in_o a_o promiscuous_a manner_n without_o respect_n of_o order_n among_o themselves_o for_o so_o he_o say_v first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o they_o miracle_n then_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n as_o apostle_n be_v before_o prophet_n so_o be_v prophet_n before_o ordinary_a teacher_n the_o teacher_n before_o worker_n of_o miracle_n the_o miracle_n before_o they_o that_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o heal_a for_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a follow_n after_o work_n of_o miracle_n with_o a_o note_n of_o order_n then._n but_o all_o those_o last_o four_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v reckon_v without_o respect_n of_o order_n among_o themselves_o what_o order_n be_v due_a to_o they_o be_v not_o express_v in_o this_o scripture_n though_o it_o be_v in_o some_o other_o at_o least_o for_o some_o of_o they_o but_o clear_v it_o be_v all_o these_o last_o four_o sort_n be_v reckon_v in_o order_n after_o the_o first_o four_o sort_n object_n 4._o but_o it_o may_v be_v the_o church_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v all_o these_o member_n be_v set_v be_v not_o mean_v every_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a every_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o several_a apostle_n apart_o by_o themselves_o nor_o be_v it_o needful_a they_o shall_v after_o that_o church_n be_v once_o plant_v but_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v need_n of_o his_o own_o governor_n within_o itself_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v make_v one_o church_n subordinate_a to_o the_o government_n of_o another_o which_o be_v incompatible_a to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o lord_n have_v institute_v and_o ordain_v no_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o a_o congregation_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o ordinance_n unto_o which_o congregationall_a church_n he_o have_v also_o appoint_v the_o same_o sort_n of_o officer_n without_o preferment_n of_o one_o before_o another_o object_n 5._o for_o humane_a wisdom_n be_v pregnant_a and_o full_a of_o objection_n and_o exception_n against_o the_o way_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n may_v be_v say_v some_o these_o governor_n be_v no_o other_o but_o arbitrator_n which_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o difference_n among_o brethren_n 1._o cor._n 6.4_o but_o now_o since_o god_n have_v set_v up_o christian_a magistrate_n there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n of_o such_o arbiter_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o each_o church_n to_o compound_v their_o difference_n answ_n these_o arbiter_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o place_n or_o office_n of_o government_n but_o of_o counsel_n only_o to_o direct_v brethren_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n equity_n and_o inequitie_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o power_n of_o such_o arbitration_n any_o special_a gift_n for_o the_o apostle_n think_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n even_o the_o least_o capable_a enough_o of_o it_o and_o sufficient_a for_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o well_o say_v since_o god_n have_v set_v up_o christian_a magistrate_n there_o need_v no_o arbiter_n to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n nor_o church_n governor_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostle_n make_v it_o a_o fault_n or_o defect_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o any_o of_o their_o member_n go_v to_o law_n at_o all_o for_o such_o suit_n as_o the_o least_o member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o be_v call_v to_o hear_v the_o case_n may_v arbitrate_v and_o determine_v and_o he_o make_v it_o a_o further_a fault_n that_o they_o go_v to_o law_n under_o infidel_n now_o therefore_o say_v he_o there_o be_v utter_o a_o fault_n among_o you_o that_o brother_n go_v to_o law_n with_o brother_n and_o that_o under_o infidel_n ver_fw-la 6_o 7._o the_o former_a be_v a_o defect_n of_o brotherly_a love_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o neglect_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o before_o infidel_n if_o brother_n go_v to_o law_n with_o brother_n before_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o fault_n be_v avoid_v but_o not_o the_o former_a neither_o may_v it_o be_v think_v as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o the_o benefit_n of_o christian_a magistracy_n take_v off_o the_o necessity_n of_o church-government_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v far_o distant_a from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o though_o one_o of_o they_o may_v need_v the_o help_n of_o the_o other_o when_o they_o go_v astray_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v right_o order_v and_o administer_v the_o one_o of_o they_o do_v not_o intercept_v but_o establish_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o other_o a_o three_o witness_n to_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n be_v that_o well_o know_v and_o much_o agitate_a text_n in_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o elder_n who_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n this_o text_n though_o it_o have_v be_v much_o vex_v and_o rack_v to_o look_v and_o speak_v another_o way_n yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o still_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o steadfast_a evidence_n to_o this_o office_n the_o most_o learned_a adversary_n of_o this_o ordinance_n will_v fasten_v four_o other_o interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n and_o each_o of_o they_o as_o they_o pretend_v more_o pertinent_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n than_o this_o of_o roll_a elder_n 1._o say_v they_o by_o roll_a elder_n may_v be_v mean_v deacon_n for_o the_o apostle_n give_v timothy_n to_o understand_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v with_o who_o maintenance_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v have_v before_o inform_v he_o of_o widow_n now_o tell_v he_o the_o deacon_n also_o be_v to_o be_v maintain_v yea_o and_o with_o a_o double_a portion_n above_o they_o and_o either_o the_o deacon_n be_v not_o to_o be_v maintain_v at_o all_o at_o the_o church_n charge_n or_o else_o the_o apostle_n provide_v for_o their_o maintenance_n in_o this_o place_n or_o no_o where_o answ_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o man_n to_o be_v maintain_v at_o the_o church_n charge_n but_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o present_a poverty_n and_o necessity_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o office_n which_o call_v he_o off_o from_o the_o attendance_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o private_a family_n unto_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o former_a case_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o deacon_n be_v in_o necessity_n they_o may_v be_v supply_v with_o some_o maintenance_n from_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o of_o the_o poor_a brethren_n and_o so_o though_o this_o text_n say_v nothing_o concern_v they_o yet_o other_o scripture_n take_v care_n for_o they_o for_o the_o deacon_n by_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o their_o office_n be_v to_o
layman_n but_o our_o roll_a elder_n we_o utter_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v layman_n as_o the_o word_n be_v common_o mean_v in_o this_o controversy_n but_o church-officer_n set_v apart_o to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n and_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n but_o if_o they_o be_v layman_n which_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o you_o see_v it_o be_v no_o strange_a or_o unheard_a of_o matter_n that_o church_n shall_v be_v bountiful_a to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o sundry_a sort_n of_o church_n ruler_n who_o be_v mere_o layman_n as_o their_o adversary_n misconceive_v these_o to_o be_v yea_o what_o be_v the_o many_o cloister_n of_o munks_n and_o friar_n and_o nun_n in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n be_v they_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n be_v they_o not_o layman_n &_o woman_n and_o yet_o do_v the_o church_n of_o those_o time_n grudge_v they_o their_o maintenance_n upon_o pretence_n of_o their_o laity_n but_o the_o world_n will_v love_v his_o own_o be_v there_o never_o so_o many_o idle_a drone_n or_o stately_a ruler_n of_o man_n own_o devise_v the_o church_n must_v supply_v they_o not_o only_o with_o maintenance_n but_o with_o magnificence_n but_o let_v the_o lord_n appoint_v roll_a elder_n according_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o assist_v his_o minister_n in_o the_o work_n of_o government_n that_o they_o may_v attend_v the_o more_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n if_o they_o shall_v expect_v from_o the_o church_n any_o maintenance_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n oh_o that_o seem_v a_o strange_a matter_n and_o unheard_a of_o from_o all_o antiquity_n till_o this_o present_a age_n the_o second_o reason_n why_o lie_v elder_n as_o they_o miscall_v they_o rule_v elder_n as_o we_o with_o paul_n call_v they_o be_v not_o mean_v in_o paul_n text_n be_v because_o paul_n mention_v the_o presbyter_n but_o once_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n exclude_v all_o lay_v elder_n from_o that_o presbytery_n neglect_v not_o say_v he_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o imposition_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 2_o tim._n 4.14_o this_o christian_a presbytery_n give_v imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o ordain_v minister_n but_o lay_v elder_n have_v no_o right_a to_o impose_v hand_n to_o that_o purpose_n therefore_o layman_n be_v none_o of_o this_o presbytery_n for_o if_o the_o presbytery_n be_v take_v for_o the_o company_n of_o elder_n none_o be_v of_o that_o company_n but_o such_o as_o may_v give_v imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o if_o presbytery_n be_v take_v for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a than_o none_o may_v take_v that_o function_n on_o he_o but_o must_v receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o timothy_n do_v than_o layman_n which_o neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v whole_o debar_v both_o from_o the_o degree_n and_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o be_v in_o paul_n time_n our_o answer_n consist_v of_o three_o point_n first_o lay_v elder_n we_o disclaim_v but_o rule_v elder_n though_o not_o attend_v to_o preach_v as_o they_o have_v their_o election_n from_o the_o people_n who_o be_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n so_o be_v they_o ordain_v &_o set_v apart_o from_o among_o the_o people_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o presbytery_n the_o company_n of_o elder_n for_o by_o presbytery_n we_o conceive_v can_v be_v there_o mean_v the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a for_o he_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o presbytery_n as_o lay_v on_o hand_n now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a but_o the_o company_n of_o elder_n that_o lie_v on_o hand_n answ_n 2._o when_o it_o be_v say_v no_o man_n can_v give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v all_o of_o they_o make_v a_o ready_a answer_n for_o we_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o that_o give_v shall_v always_o formal_o have_v beforehand_o receive_v that_o power_n which_o they_o give_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o virtual_o for_o instance_n a_o multitude_n of_o free_a people_n may_v elect_v and_o ordain_v a_o king_n over_o they_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o have_v before_o hand_n receive_v kingly_a power_n it_o be_v enough_o they_o have_v a_o virtual_a power_n to_o set_v up_o and_o to_o submit_v unto_o any_o lawful_a form_n of_o government_n which_o they_o see_v good_a for_o themselves_o in_o the_o land_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o wit_n some_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n for_o all_o can_v not_o at_o once_o impose_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n numb_a 8.10_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o levites_n themselves_o nor_o have_v receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n themselves_o and_o yet_o may_v nevertheless_o impose_v hand_n upon_o other_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o peter_n not_o as_o a_o apostle_n nor_o as_o a_o elder_a but_o as_o a_o profess_a believer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o believer_n and_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n mat._n 16.16_o to_o 19_o whereupon_o the_o bind_n and_o lose_v which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n mat._n 18.17_o 18._o if_o then_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o church-power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o exercise_v their_o pastoral_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administer_a of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o elect_v such_o who_o god_n have_v furnish_v with_o gift_n among_o they_o unto_o such_o office_n as_o may_v dispense_v all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o dedicate_v they_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o his_o church_n now_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v this_o power_n to_o impose_v hand_n upon_o their_o officer_n in_o their_o first_o ordination_n how_o can_v it_o seem_v a_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o thing_n or_o a_o absurd_a matter_n that_o roll_a elder_n shall_v together_o with_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n impose_v hand_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o ordain_v answ_n 3._o beside_o there_o be_v that_o conceive_v and_o that_o not_o improbable_o that_o in_o ancient_a time_n the_o child_n baptize_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n nor_o into_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o all_o church_n liberty_n until_o that_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n do_v public_o before_o the_o church_n profess_v their_o faith_n and_o ratify_v the_o covenant_n make_v for_o they_o in_o baptism_n and_o so_o be_v confirm_v as_o they_o which_o be_v but_o a_o small_a remnant_n in_o comparison_n 300._o year_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o primitive_a persecution_n whereof_o we_o have_v few_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n extant_a write_v in_o that_o time_n those_o we_o have_v speak_v so_o of_o elder_n as_o do_v indifferent_o comprise_v as_o well_o rule_v elder_a as_o teach_v elder_n ignatius_n his_o presbyter_n who_o he_o style_v the_o court_n of_o god_n the_o combination_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n the_o holy_a assembly_n and_o counsellor_n and_o assessor_n of_o the_o bishop_n with_o all_o these_o epithet_n may_v as_o well_o agree_v to_o rule_v elder_n as_o to_o preacher_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o disdain_v to_o admit_v civil_a magistrate_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n tabernacle_n psal_n 82.1_o and_o why_o not_o then_o the_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n for_o tertullian_n his_o elder_n who_o be_v precedent_n over_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o attain_v that_o honour_n not_o by_o bribe_n but_o by_o approve_a testimony_n apologetic_n chap._n 29._o what_o be_v there_o in_o his_o whole_a description_n of_o they_o but_o be_v compatible_a to_o rule_v elder_n as_o well_o as_o to_o preach_v yea_o cyprian_n who_o live_v in_o those_o ancient_a bloody_a but_o zealous_a time_n do_v express_o acknowledge_v elder_n that_o be_v not_o preacher_n for_o it_o evident_o appear_v in_o the_o five_o epistle_n of_o his_o four_o book_n that_o he_o ordain_v calinus_fw-la and_o ancellus_n to_o be_v presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v no_o preacher_n but_o reader_n only_o and_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v maintain_v sportulis_fw-la communibus_fw-la that_o be_v at_o the_o common_a charge_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o to_o sit_v with_o himself_o in_o their_o grow_a year_n it_o appear_v also_o in_o
the_o ten_o epistle_n of_o his_o four_o book_n that_o he_o ordain_v numiditus_n a_o confessor_n to_o be_v a_o presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v not_o at_o first_o call_v to_o be_v a_o preacher_n ambrose_n though_o he_o outlive_v those_o time_n of_o pure_a government_n yet_o bear_v full_a witness_n to_o the_o honourable_a use_n of_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n before_o his_o time_n for_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o 1_o tim._n 15.1_o give_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v elder_n in_o year_n honour_v even_o in_o the_o heal_n of_o their_o fault_n he_o urge_v the_o honour_n of_o old_a age_n in_o all_o nation_n whence_o say_v he_o it_o be_v that_o the_o synagogue_n and_o afterward_o the_o church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n which_o by_o what_o negligence_n be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n in_o the_o church_n i_o know_v not_o unless_o by_o the_o sloth_n of_o teacher_n or_o rather_o pride_n while_o they_o only_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o against_o this_o testimony_n because_o it_o be_v pregnant_a sundry_a exception_n or_o rather_o evasion_n be_v take_v as_o 1._o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o testimony_n be_v not_o that_o ancient_a ambrose_n the_o famous_a bishop_n of_o milan_n but_o some_o other_o late_a of_o that_o name_n ans_fw-fr and_o what_o though_o yet_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v this_o other_o ambrose_n who_o testimony_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o ancient_a learned_a writer_n and_o therefore_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v sufficient_a to_o silence_v that_o charge_n and_o brave_a flourish_n that_o rule_v elder_n be_v utter_o unknown_a and_o unheard_a of_o from_o all_o antiquity_n for_o 1500._o year_n a_o second_o exception_n they_o give_v be_v that_o ambrose_n speak_v not_o of_o elder_n in_o office_n but_o in_o year_n without_o who_o counsel_n not_o without_o who_o authority_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v evident_a he_o speak_v of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o synagogue_n now_o the_o elder_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o synagogue_n as_o appear_v by_o sundry_a place_n in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o that_o nothing_o be_v do_v without_o their_o counsel_n impli_v that_o nothing_o be_v do_v without_o their_o authority_n as_o the_o same_o phrase_n of_o other_o ancient_n imply_v when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o council_n of_o presbyter_n in_o church-government_n for_o in_o that_o sense_n speak_v cyprian_a to_o his_o presbyter_n epistolarum_n lib._n 3._o epist_n 10._o a_o primordio_fw-la episcopatus_fw-la mei_fw-la i_o determine_v with_o myself_o nihil_fw-la sine_fw-la consilio_fw-la vestro_fw-la &_o sine_fw-la consensu_fw-la plebis_fw-la meâ_fw-la privatim_fw-la sententiâ_fw-la gerere_fw-la and_o that_o not_o out_o of_o courtesy_n but_o as_o the_o word_n in_o the_o next_o sentence_n imply_v sicuti_fw-la honour_n mutuus_fw-la poscit_fw-la and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n jeromes_n word_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n imply_v authority_n in_o such_o counsel_n whereby_o the_o presbyter_n of_o each_o church_n govern_v their_o own_o church_n though_o otherwise_o in_o govern_v other_o church_n they_o imply_v rather_o advice_n than_o authority_n his_o word_n be_v before_o faction_n and_o schism_n grow_v in_o the_o church_n communi_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la consilio_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la gubernabantur_fw-la hierome_n in_o the_o 2._o tom_n of_o his_o work_n and_o upon_o titus_n a_o three_o exception_n they_o give_v be_v that_o by_o elder_n be_v mean_v preach_v elder_n who_o the_o bishop_n be_v wont_a to_o consult_v withal_o in_o government_n but_o now_o have_v leave_v it_o off_o either_o by_o the_o idleness_n of_o the_o learned_a teacher_n who_o for_o their_o own_o ease_n give_v over_o meddle_v with_o matter_n pertain_v to_o government_n or_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o learned_a bishop_n who_o take_v all_o upon_o themselves_o that_o they_o alone_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o for_o if_o you_o expound_v pastorum_fw-la for_o the_o teacher_n or_o pastor_n of_o parish_n only_o as_o the_o presbyterian_o do_v or_o for_o bishop_n alone_o as_o other_o do_v i_o can_v see_v say_v dr._n downham_n how_o the_o exclude_v of_o senior_n and_o take_v the_o whole_a burden_n and_o employment_n upon_o themselves_o can_v by_o ambrose_n be_v impute_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n either_o in_o the_o pastor_n to_o exclude_v lay_a elder_n or_o in_o bishop_n to_o exclude_v learned_a presbyter_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o word_n of_o ambrose_n do_v plain_o imply_v not_o only_o that_o consult_v with_o elder_n be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n but_o that_o the_o elder_n themselves_o who_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v consult_v with_o be_v grow_v out_o of_o use_n also_o for_o his_o word_n be_v the_o synagogue_n and_o afterward_o the_o church_n have_v elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o intimate_v the_o church_n former_o have_v such_o but_o then_o have_v they_o not_o they_o be_v obsolete_a and_o according_o consult_v with_o they_o be_v obsolete_a also_o 2._o it_o be_v plain_a these_o elder_n be_v opposite_a to_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n or_o if_o you_o will_v so_o construe_v they_o learned_a man_n and_o therefore_o these_o elder_n be_v neither_o doctor_n nor_o teacher_n nor_o learned_a man_n but_o to_o appropriate_v the_o name_n of_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n or_o learned_a man_n to_o bishop_n only_o be_v too_o great_a a_o arrogancy_n in_o bishop_n and_o too_o great_a a_o injury_n to_o the_o learned_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o every_o age_n till_o antichrist_n his_o darkness_n overwhelm_v all_o in_o ignorance_n as_o well_o bishop_n as_o pastor_n 3._o it_o may_v be_v marvel_v why_o those_o learned_a opposite_n that_o make_v this_o exception_n shall_v understand_v ambrose_n to_o attribute_v it_o to_o the_o idleness_n of_o the_o teacher_n that_o for_o their_o own_o ease_n they_o give_v over_o meddle_v in_o matter_n appertain_v to_o government_n when_o as_o rather_o it_o be_v the_o bishop_n and_o their_o party_n idleness_n that_o they_o give_v over_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o their_o pride_n that_o they_o ingross_v all_o rule_n and_o government_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o say_v they_o can_v see_v how_o the_o exclude_v of_o senior_n and_o the_o take_n of_o the_o whole_a burden_n of_o government_n upon_o themselves_o can_v by_o ambrose_n be_v impute_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n either_o in_o the_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n sure_o if_o man_n do_v not_o willing_o shut_v their_o eye_n they_o may_v see_v and_o daily_a experience_n make_v it_o palpable_o evident_a that_o they_o who_o be_v most_o idle_a in_o teach_v be_v most_o busy_a and_o proud_a in_o government_n so_o that_o the_o doctorum_fw-la desidia_fw-la aut_fw-la magis_fw-la superbia_fw-la which_o ambrose_n make_v to_o be_v the_o two_o cause_n why_o senior_n in_o the_o church_n and_o consult_v with_o they_o be_v then_o both_o of_o they_o grow_v out_o of_o use_n need_v no_o comment_n to_o expound_v the_o same_o but_o the_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o those_o person_n who_o have_v from_o the_o former_a age_n to_o this_o very_a day_n usurp_v all_o church-government_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n if_o any_o man_n say_v as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o whatsoever_o this_o ambrose_n say_v yet_o that_o famous_a bishop_n ambrose_n do_v utter_o disclaim_v it_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o valentinian_n that_o any_o lay_v ruler_n shall_v be_v judge_n of_o church-office_n and_o cause_n let_v he_o take_v for_o a_o answer_n that_o which_o have_v be_v often_o give_v that_o we_o utter_o deny_v those_o roll_a elder_n to_o be_v layman_n or_o lie_v judge_n but_o part_n of_o that_o church_n body_n which_o those_o ancient_a time_n call_v clerus_fw-la if_o it_o be_v say_v again_o as_o also_o it_o be_v that_o ambrose_n call_v his_o presbyter_n antistites_fw-la and_o vicar_n of_o god_n and_o such_o like_a style_n of_o high_a honour_n let_v they_o understand_v that_o the_o least_o office_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n will_v easy_o and_o safe_o admit_v as_o great_a acknowledgement_n as_o these_o be_v only_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n nothing_o seem_v divine_a and_o high_a but_o secular_a pomp_n and_o worldly_a glory_n have_v thus_o rescue_v the_o testimony_n of_o ambrose_n unto_o rule_v elder_n from_o all_o exception_n of_o any_o colourable_a weight_n make_v against_o it_o let_v we_o add_v only_o one_o observation_n out_o of_o antiquity_n which_o may_v give_v some_o further_a light_n to_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v studious_a of_o antiquity_n that_o it_o be_v count_v a_o rare_a and_o insolent_a matter_n for_o a_o elder_a to_o preach_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o
espousal_n without_o a_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o will_v take_v hold_n of_o their_o espousage_n must_v take_v hold_v of_o their_o covenant_n 3._o the_o mutual_a relation_n wherein_o all_o the_o member_n in_o the_o church_n stand_v one_o to_o another_o member_n to_o member_n and_o all_o of_o they_o to_o their_o officer_n and_o their_o officer_n to_o they_o together_o with_o their_o mutual_a interest_n one_o in_o another_o and_o mutual_a power_n one_o over_o another_o do_v all_o of_o they_o necessary_o imply_v a_o mutual_a confederacy_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o whosoever_o will_v partake_v herein_o must_v partake_v in_o their_o confederacy_n suppose_v a_o godly_a christian_a come_v over_o into_o these_o part_n as_o every_o year_n some_o or_o other_o do_v there_o be_v not_o any_o minister_n of_o any_o of_o our_o church_n can_v usurp_v pastoral_a authority_n over_o he_o unless_o that_o christian_a call_v he_o thereunto_o or_o profess_v his_o subjection_n to_o his_o ministration_n according_a to_o god_n nor_o can_v such_o a_o man_n expect_v any_o minister_n watchfulness_n over_o he_o as_o his_o minister_n unless_o the_o minister_n see_v just_a cause_n to_o accept_v such_o a_o charge_n and_o profess_v so_o much_o no_o church_n in_o the_o country_n nor_o all_o the_o member_n of_o any_o church_n can_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o censure_v any_o stranger_n though_o a_o inhabitant_n among_o they_o unless_o he_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o they_o and_o profess_v his_o subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o nor_o can_v he_o challenge_v such_o watchfulness_n from_o they_o unless_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o just_a call_v to_o take_v upon_o they_o that_o care_v over_o he_o that_o christian_a liberty_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o his_o blood_n have_v purchase_v for_o his_o church_n and_o for_o all_o his_o child_n give_v they_o all_o liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o their_o own_o fellow-member_n unto_o who_o to_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o speak_v not_o of_o infant_n who_o make_v choice_n in_o their_o parent_n but_o of_o such_o who_o know_v their_o liberty_n and_o be_v call_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o it_o till_o than_o that_o a_o man_n tender_a and_o offer_v himself_o to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o it_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o receive_v he_o for_o the_o church_n receive_v a_o believer_n which_o be_v the_o apostle_n word_n rom._n 14.1_o impli_v and_o presuppose_v his_o offering_n and_o give_v up_o of_o himself_o unto_o they_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o they_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o receive_n of_o he_o impli_v and_o hold_v forth_o no_o less_o than_o their_o profess_a acceptance_n of_o he_o unto_o all_o those_o holy_a liberty_n with_o they_o and_o performance_n of_o all_o such_o spiritual_a duty_n to_o he_o which_o belong_v to_o all_o the_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o let_v man_n call_v this_o expression_n of_o mutual_a agreement_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o we_o call_v church-covenant_n sect_n v._o let_v we_o proceed_v then_o to_o give_v account_n of_o the_o three_o point_n why_o we_o communicate_v so_o much_o power_n to_o the_o people_n as_o to_o propound_v receive_v of_o member_n unto_o their_o approbation_n and_o consent_n our_o reason_n be_v these_o 1._o from_o the_o like_a power_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n for_o the_o cast_v out_o of_o scandalous_a and_o corrupt_a member_n matth._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o if_o the_o church_n must_v be_v tell_v of_o every_o member_n that_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o they_o be_v to_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n then_o the_o church_n must_v be_v tell_v of_o every_o member_n that_o be_v receive_v and_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v they_o be_v to_o receive_v he_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o church_n but_o the_o former_a be_v clear_a from_o those_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v a_o receive_a maxim_n ejusdem_fw-la est_fw-la potestatis_fw-la aperire_fw-la &_o claudere_fw-la instituere_fw-la &_o destituere_fw-la as_o they_o call_v it_o they_o that_o have_v power_n to_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n they_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o admit_v to_o communion_n 2._o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 9.26_o who_o when_o paul_n assay_v to_o join_v himself_o unto_o they_o do_v not_o at_o first_o receive_v he_o because_o the_o disciple_n be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o his_o spiritual_a good_a estate_n until_o barnabas_n by_o his_o testimony_n of_o he_o have_v remove_v their_o scruple_n which_o argue_v the_o private_a brethren_n in_o a_o church_n as_o well_o as_o public_a officer_n must_v be_v satisfy_v in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o communion_n with_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o church_n power_n in_o elect_v and_o call_v minister_n to_o office_n it_o have_v be_v show_v above_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o choose_v and_o call_v their_o own_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o speech_n of_o cyprian_a lib._n 1._o epist_n 41._o plebs_fw-la maxim_n potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la vel_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la dignos_fw-la eligendi_fw-la velindignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la and_o if_o they_o have_v such_o power_n of_o choose_v worthy_a minister_n and_o refuse_v the_o unworthy_a how_o much_o more_o of_o receive_v worthy_a christian_n and_o refuse_v of_o unworthy_a yea_o in_o the_o epistle_n go_v before_o he_o speak_v express_o he_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o persuade_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v some_o who_o repentance_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a to_o they_o which_o argue_v evident_o their_o power_n in_o receive_v member_n chap._n iu._n concern_v our_o order_n and_o form_n in_o administration_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n sect_n i._o the_o church_n be_v gather_v and_o furnish_v with_o able_a help_n officer_n and_o brethren_n they_o proceed_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o public_a ordinance_n in_o public_a assembly_n especial_o on_o every_o lord_n day_n wherein_o our_o principal_a care_n and_o desire_n be_v to_o administer_v and_o partake_v in_o all_o and_o no_o more_o than_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o in_o all_o those_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v lend_v we_o light_n in_o their_o native_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n without_o any_o dress_n or_o paint_v of_o humane_a invention_n for_o as_o the_o first_o commandment_n require_v we_o to_o worship_v he_o with_o his_o own_o only_a true_a worship_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n without_o add_v aught_o thereto_o or_o take_v aught_o therefrom_o isa_n 29.13_o deut._n 12.32_o so_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o church_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o observe_v much_o less_o for_o the_o officer_n of_o their_o own_o or_o other_o church_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o any_o institution_n of_o their_o own_o whether_o in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n or_o government_n but_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o word_n our_o reason_n hereof_o one_o in_o stead_n of_o many_o be_v take_v from_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v as_o large_a as_o ever_o be_v give_v to_o any_o church-governors_n and_o yet_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o mat._n 28.20_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o observe_v more_o than_o he_o have_v command_v they_o they_o go_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o commission_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o synod_n in_o jerusalem_n lay_v upon_o the_o church_n no_o other_o burden_n then_o necessary_a thing_n act_n 15.29_o necessary_a they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n other_o for_o the_o present_a estate_n of_o thing_n to_o avoid_v offence_n and_o when_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v offensive_a the_o prohibition_n of_o they_o cease_v to_o bind_v object_n if_o any_o shall_v say_v the_o apostle_n commission_n reach_v only_o to_o matter_n of_o substance_n not_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n and_o form_n of_o necessity_n not_o indifferency_n we_o answer_v let_v they_o show_v we_o another_o commission_n to_o authorise_v they_o to_o put_v law_n upon_o the_o church_n for_o matter_n of_o circumstance_n of_o form_n and_o of_o indifferency_n and_o we_o shall_v submit_v but_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o no_o such_o commission_n give_v to_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v that_o much_o urge_a place_n 1_o