order_n of_o the_o sacred_a separation_n of_o person_n qualify_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bishop_n elder_n or_o pastor_n be_v here_o clear_o represent_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o people_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v present_a namely_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n preside_v in_o the_o action_n direct_v of_o it_o and_o confirm_v that_o by_o their_o consent_n with_o they_o 2._o a_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o fast_v be_v appoint_v for_o the_o action_n or_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o 3._o when_o they_o be_v so_o choose_v the_o apostle_n present_v solemn_o pray_v whereby_o their_o ordination_n be_v complete_a and_o those_o who_o will_v have_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o mention_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o authoritative_a imposition_n of_o hand_n wherein_o this_o ordination_n do_v consist_v do_v say_v there_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o word_n that_o be_v they_o feign_v a_o disorder_n in_o they_o to_o serve_v their_o own_o hypothesis_n for_o they_o suppose_v that_o their_o complete_a ordination_n be_v effect_v before_o there_o be_v any_o prayer_n with_o fast_v for_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o their_o judgement_n ordination_n be_v complete_v so_o bellarmine_n a_o lapide_fw-la on_o the_o place_n with_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o but_o first_o to_o pervert_v the_o true_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o then_o to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o that_o wrest_n of_o it_o by_o assign_v a_o disorder_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o the_o whole_a sentence_n and_o that_o such_o a_o disorder_n as_o make_v in_o their_o judgement_n a_o false_a representation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v be_v a_o way_n of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o will_v serve_v any_o turn_n 4._o this_o be_v do_v in_o every_o church_n or_o in_o every_o congregation_n as_o tindal_n render_v the_o word_n namely_o in_o all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n that_o be_v gather_v in_o those_o part_n for_o that_o collection_n and_o constitution_n do_v always_o precede_v the_o election_n and_o ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o this_o place_n as_o also_o tit._n 1.5_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o truth_n that_o the_o be_v of_o church_n depend_v on_o the_o successive_a ordination_n of_o their_o officer_n that_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v be_v always_o antecedent_n unto_o their_o be_v and_o call._n but_o because_o it_o be_v some_o man_n interest_n to_o entangle_v thing_n plain_a and_o clear_a enough_o in_o themselves_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o objection_n unto_o this_o rendition_n of_o the_o word_n the_o whole_a of_o it_o lie_v against_o the_o signification_n use_n and_o application_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o although_o we_o do_v not_o here_o argue_v mere_o from_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n but_o from_o the_o representation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n make_v in_o the_o context_n yet_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o thing_n sufficient_a for_o the_o removal_n of_o that_o objection_n as_o 1._o the_o native_a signification_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o virtue_n of_o its_o composition_n be_v to_o lift_v up_o or_o stretch_v forth_o the_o hand_n or_o a_o hand_n and_o hereunto_o the_o lxx_o have_v respect_n isa._n 58.9_o where_o they_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o put_v forth_o of_o the_o finger_n which_o be_v use_v in_o a_o ill_a sense_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o same_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o be_v it_o ever_o use_v in_o any_o other_o signification_n 2._o the_o first_o constant_a use_n of_o it_o in_o thing_n political_a or_o civil_a and_o so_o consequent_o ecclesiastical_a be_v to_o choose_v elect_v design_n or_o create_v any_o person_n a_o officer_n magistrate_n or_o ruler_n by_o suffrage_n or_o common_a consent_n of_o those_o concern_v and_o this_o be_v usual_o do_v with_o make_v bare_a the_o hand_n and_o arm_n with_o lift_v up_o as_o aristophanes_n witness_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v a_o great_a stranger_n unto_o these_o thing_n who_o know_v not_o that_o among_o the_o greek_n especial_o the_o athenian_n from_o who_o the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n be_v borrow_v or_o take_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o act_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o officer_n and_o magistrate_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v by_o common_a suffrage_n to_o decree_n and_o determine_v of_o any_o thing_n law_n or_o order_n and_o when_o apply_v unto_o person_n it_o signify_v their_o choice_n and_o designation_n to_o office._n so_o be_v it_o use_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n by_o demosthenes_n orat._n in_o timoch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o people_n confirm_v my_o say_n by_o their_o suffrage_n and_o in_o the_o other_o philip._n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o the_o senate_n nor_o the_o people_n choose_v he_o to_o his_o office._n so_o be_v the_o passive_a verb_n use_v to_o be_v create_v by_o suffrage_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o act_n of_o choose_v who_o effect_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o determine_a vote_n or_o suffrage_n porrexerunt_fw-la manus_fw-la psephisma_n notum_fw-la est_fw-la sai_z cicero_z speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o when_o there_o be_v a_o division_n in_o choice_n it_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o great_a suffrage_n thucid._n lib._n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v produce_v as_o there_o be_v report_n of_o call_v man_n unto_o magistracy_n by_o election_n in_o the_o greek_a historian_n and_o all_o the_o far_a composition_n of_o the_o word_n do_v signify_v to_o choose_v confirm_v or_o to_o abrogate_v by_o common_a suffrage_n 3._o the_o word_n be_v but_o once_o more_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o cor._n 8.19_o where_o it_o plain_o signify_v election_n and_o choice_n of_o a_o person_n to_o a_o employment_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o be_v choose_v of_o the_o church_n to_o travel_v with_o we_o 4._o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o after_o this_o be_v the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v apply_v to_o signify_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o not_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o hence_o it_o be_v use_v sometime_o for_o the_o obtain_n or_o collation_n of_o authority_n or_o dignity_n or_o magistracy_n any_o manner_n of_o way_n though_o not_o by_o election_n to_o appoint_v to_o create_v but_o this_o be_v by_o a_o abusive_a application_n of_o the_o word_n to_o express_v the_o thing_n itself_o intend_v without_o regard_n unto_o its_o signification_n and_o proper_a use_n why_o such_o a_o use_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v here_o admit_v no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v for_o in_o all_o other_o place_n on_o such_o occasion_n the_o apostle_n do_v admit_v and_o direct_v the_o church_n to_o use_v their_o liberty_n in_o their_o choice_n so_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n send_v choose_v man_n of_o their_o own_o company_n to_o antioch_n such_o as_o they_o choose_v by_o common_a suffrage_n for_o that_o end_n so_o again_o ver_fw-la 25._o i_o will_v send_v who_o you_o shall_v approve_v 1_o cor._n 16.3_o the_o church_n choose_v they_o the_o apostle_n send_v he_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o be_v our_o companion_n 2_o cor._n 8.19_o look_v out_o from_o among_o yourselves_o act._n 6._o if_o on_o all_o these_o and_o the_o like_a occasion_n the_o apostle_n do_v guide_v and_o direct_v the_o people_n in_o their_o right_n and_o use_v of_o their_o liberty_n as_o unto_o the_o election_n of_o person_n unto_o office_n and_o employment_n when_o the_o church_n themselves_o be_v concern_v what_o reason_n be_v there_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o proper_a and_o usual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o this_o place_n denote_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n 5._o that_o which_o alone_o be_v object_v hereunto_o by_o bellarmine_n and_o other_o who_o follow_v he_o and_o borrow_v their_o whole_n in_o this_o case_n from_o he_o namely_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grammatical_o agree_v with_o and_o regulate_v by_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n denote_v their_o act_n and_o not_o any_o act_n of_o the_o people_n be_v of_o no_o force_n for_o 1._o paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v preside_v in_o the_o whole_a action_n help_v order_v and_o dispose_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v do_v by_o some_o on_o all_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o appoint_v elder_n by_o the_o
right_n unto_o its_o exercise_n it_o be_v require_v moreover_o that_o he_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o his_o office_n in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o peculiar_a prayer_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o any_o unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o notion_n that_o can_v never_o be_v obliterated_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v in_o these_o thing_n nor_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o practice_n of_o what_o sort_n they_o have_v be_v among_o many_o we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o there_o have_v be_v less_o regard_n unto_o the_o other_o duty_n namely_o that_o these_o prayer_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o fast_v but_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o apostolical_a example_n act._n 14.23_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o work_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o one_o be_v to_o be_v so_o ordain_v it_o do_v belong_v unto_o extraordinary_a officer_n whilst_o they_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o the_o cessation_n of_o their_o office_n it_o be_v devolve_v on_o the_o ordinary_a state_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o i_o say_v in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o such_o officer_n before_o fix_v in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o any_o one_o be_v to_o be_v only_o ordain_v and_o in_o case_n there_o be_v none_o the_o assistance_n of_o pastor_n or_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v desire_v unto_o the_o conduct_n and_o regulation_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o authoritative_a influence_n of_o this_o ordination_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office_n or_o office-power_n whilst_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a and_o to_o belong_v essential_o unto_o the_o call_v unto_o office._n for_o when_o sundry_a duty_n as_o these_o of_o election_n and_o ordination_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v not_o for_o i_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o peculiar_a efficacy_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o see_v neither_o of_o they_o without_o the_o other_o have_v any_o at_o all_o hereunto_o be_v add_v as_o a_o external_n adjunct_n imposition_n of_o hand_n significant_a of_o the_o person_n so_o call_v to_o office_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o although_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_o prove_v that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ceremony_n be_v design_v unto_o continuance_n after_o a_o cessation_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o outward_a mean_n in_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o we_o do_v free_o grant_v it_o unto_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n provide_v that_o there_o be_v no_o apprehension_n of_o its_o be_v the_o sole_a authoritative_a conveyance_n of_o a_o successive_a flux_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o this_o may_v at_o present_a suffice_v as_o unto_o the_o call_v of_o meet_a person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o consequent_o any_o other_o office_n in_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n follow_v be_v essential_o necessary_a unto_o it_o so_o as_o that_o authority_n and_o right_o to_o feed_v and_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o officer_n of_o his_o house_n that_o may_v be_v give_v unto_o any_o one_o thereby_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o charter_n grant_v by_o he_o unto_o the_o church_n itself_o the_o first_o be_v that_o antecedent_o unto_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o such_o a_o person_n with_o respect_n unto_o office_n he_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o with_o grace_n and_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o office_n whereunto_o he_o be_v to_o be_v call_v this_o divine_a designation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v rest_v on_o the_o kingly_a office_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n where_o this_o be_v whole_o want_v it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n under_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a order_n or_o act_n to_o communicate_v pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a power_n unto_o any_o person_n whatever_o second_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o exploration_n or_o trial_n of_o those_o gift_n and_o ability_n as_o unto_o their_o accommodation_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o any_o person_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v a_o pastor_n or_o minister_n but_o although_o the_o right_a of_o judge_v herein_o belong_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o who_o else_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v for_o they_o or_o be_v entrust_v so_o to_o do_v yet_o be_v it_o their_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n to_o desire_v the_o assistance_n and_o guidance_n of_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n in_o other_o church_n three_o the_o first_o act_n of_o power_n commit_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o it_o be_v that_o election_n of_o a_o person_n qualify_v and_o try_v unto_o his_o office_n which_o we_o have_v now_o vindicate_v four_o there_o be_v require_v hereunto_o the_o solemn_a ordination_n inauguration_n dedication_n or_o set_v apart_o of_o the_o person_n so_o choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n this_o be_v that_o order_n which_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o direct_v unto_o and_o although_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o a_o defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v from_o unavoidable_a hindrance_n do_v disannul_v the_o call_n of_o a_o person_n to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o where_o they_o be_v not_o all_o due_o attend_v unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v neglect_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n infringe_v wherefore_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o all_o authority_n for_o office_n and_o of_o office_n itself_o sole_o by_o a_o flux_n of_o power_n from_o the_o first_o ordainer_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o pretend_a successor_n in_o all_o age_n under_o all_o the_o innumerable_a miscarriage_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a and_o have_v actual_o fall_v into_o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o the_o consent_n or_o call_v of_o the_o church_n by_o rule_n law_n and_o order_n foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n as_o shall_v be_v manifest_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a chap._n v._o the_o especial_a duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n we_o have_v declare_v the_o way_n whereby_o pastor_n be_v give_v unto_o and_o instate_v in_o the_o church_n that_o which_o shall_v ensue_v be_v a_o account_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office._n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o large_a discourse_n both_o among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o late_a i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o touch_v on_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o most_o necessary_a consideration_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o principal_a duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n by_o diligent_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n relate_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n pastor_n according_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v they_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n jer._n 3.15_o this_o be_v by_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o no_o otherwise_o this_o feed_v be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o so_o that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o or_o can_v or_o will_v not_o feed_v the_o flock_n be_v no_o pastor_n whatever_o outward_a call_n or_o work_v he_o may_v have_v in_o the_o church_n the_o care_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v to_o peter_n and_o in_o he_o unto_o all_o true_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o feed_v joh._n 21.15_o 16._o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o encumbrance_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n act._n 6._o their_o work_n be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o thereby_o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act._n 20._o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v every_o where_o give_v they_o
in_o judge_v of_o they_o in_o time_n of_o necessity_n and_o great_a penury_n of_o able_a teacher_n so_o that_o person_n in_o holy_a ministry_n design_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n but_o otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o pretend_a office._n 2._o where_o any_o such_o be_v admit_v through_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n or_o the_o usurpation_n of_o undue_a power_n over_o church_n in_o impose_v minister_n on_o they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a nullity_n in_o their_o administration_n until_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o convict_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n but_o if_o on_o evidence_n hereof_o the_o people_n will_v voluntary_o adhere_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o vnchurch_n themselves_o 3._o where_o such_o person_n be_v by_o any_o mean_v place_v as_o pastor_n in_o or_o over_o any_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o the_o removal_n or_o reformation_n it_o be_v lawful_a unto_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o as_o wherein_o edification_n be_v better_a provide_v for_o for_o whereas_o this_o be_v the_o sole_a end_n of_o church_n of_o all_o their_o office_n officer_n and_o administration_n it_o be_v the_o high_a folly_n to_o imagine_v that_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v or_o be_v oblige_v by_o his_o authority_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n without_o seek_v relief_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n wherein_o that_o end_n be_v utter_o overthrow_v 4._o where_o the_o generality_n of_o church_n in_o any_o kind_n of_o association_n be_v head_v by_o pastor_n defective_a in_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o matter_n declare_v there_o all_o public_a church-reformation_n be_v moral_o impossible_a and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n let_v church_n and_o churchman_n say_v what_o they_o please_v some_z few_o thing_n may_v yet_o be_v inquire_v into_o with_o reference_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n as_o 1._o whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v ordain_v a_o pastor_n or_o a_o minister_n without_o relation_n unto_o any_o particular_a church_n so_o as_o to_o be_v invest_v with_o office-power_n thereby_o it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v ordain_v a_o minister_n unto_o or_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o to_o convert_v infidel_n although_o he_o be_v not_o relate_v unto_o any_o particular_a flock_n or_o congregation_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a discuss_v sundry_a thing_n about_o the_o power_n and_o way_n of_o ordination_n which_o influence_n this_o controversy_n but_o only_o speak_v brief_o unto_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n endow_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n unto_o that_o work_n when_o he_o may_v be_v orderly_o call_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o providence_n of_o god._n for_o 1._o such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o call_n unto_o it_o material_o in_o the_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v warrant_v he_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o as_o he_o have_v occasion_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 14.12_o set_v apart_o unto_o a_o important_a work_n by_o prayer_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n and_o useful_a in_o church_n affair_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n act._n 13.12_o 2._o a_o public_a testimony_n unto_o the_o approbation_n of_o a_o person_n undertake_v the_o work_n of_o preach_v be_v necessary_a 1._o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o be_v occasion_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v the_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n 1_o cor._n 16.3_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 3_o joh._n 9_o 2._o unto_o the_o safety_n of_o they_o among_o who_o he_o may_v exercise_v his_o gift_n that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o false_a teacher_n or_o seducer_n nor_o will_v the_o primitive_a church_n allow_v nor_o be_v it_o allowable_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o any_o person_n not_o so_o testify_v unto_o not_o so_o send_v and_o warrant_v shall_v undertake_v constant_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 2._o such_o person_n so_o set_v apart_o and_o send_v may_v be_v esteem_v minister_n in_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a in_o the_o call_n and_o plant_v of_o church_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v instate_v in_o the_o pastoral_n office._n this_o be_v original_o the_o work_n of_o evangelist_n which_o office_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v elsewhere_o the_o work_n may_v be_v supply_v by_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n 3._o no_o church_n whatever_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v man_n minister_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n since_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n and_o office_n the_o care_n of_o that_o work_n be_v devolve_v mere_o on_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v leave_v without_o the_o verge_n of_o church-institution_n god_n alone_o can_v send_v and_o warrant_v man_n for_o the_o undertake_n of_o that_o work._n nor_o can_v any_o man_n know_v or_o be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o call_n unto_o that_o work_n without_o some_o previous_a guidance_n of_o divine_a providence_n lead_v he_o thereunto_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o diffuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n among_o who_o or_o near_o unto_o who_o their_o habitation_n be_v cast_v and_o they_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o divine_a warranty_n for_o their_o so_o do_v as_o many_o worthy_a person_n have_v do_v effectual_o in_o new_a england_n and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a who_o may_v be_v cast_v among_o they_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o instruct_v they_o according_a unto_o his_o ability_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o ordain_v a_o person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o heathen_a antecedent_o unto_o any_o designation_n by_o divine_a providence_n thereunto_o 4._o no_o man_n can_v be_v proper_o or_o complete_o ordain_v unto_o the_o ministry_n but_o he_o be_v ordain_v unto_o a_o determinate_a office_n as_o a_o bishop_n a_o elder_a a_o pastor_n but_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v but_o he_o who_o be_v ordain_v in_o and_o unto_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o contrary_a practice_n 1._o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o ordain_v no_o ordinary_a officer_n but_o in_o and_o unto_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v to_o be_v their_o proper_a charge_n and_o care_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o nor_o be_v there_o mention_n of_o any_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o such_o as_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n where-unto_a they_o do_v relate_v act._n 20.28_o phil._n 1.1_o revel_v 2.3_o nor_o be_v any_o such_o practice_n know_v or_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o 2._o it_o be_v absolute_o forbid_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o all_o such_o ordination_n declare_v null_a so_o as_o not_o to_o communicate_v office-power_n or_o give_v any_o ministerial_a authority_n so_o it_o be_v express_o in_o the_o first_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n and_o the_o council_n decree_v that_o all_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o such_o case_n be_v invalid_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n yea_o so_o exact_a and_o careful_a be_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o if_o any_o one_o for_o any_o just_a cause_n as_o he_o judge_v himself_o do_v leave_v his_o particular_a church_n or_o charge_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o to_o officiate_v occasional_o in_o that_o church_n or_o any_o where_o else_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o eustathius_n a_o bishop_n of_o pamphilia_n the_o good_a man_n find_v the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n very_o troublesome_a by_o reason_n of_o secular_a business_n that_o it_o be_v encumber_v withal_o and_o much_o opposition_n with_o reproach_n that_o befall_v he_o from_o the_o church_n itself_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n lay_v down_o and_o resign_v his_o charge_n the_o church_n choose_v one_o theodorus_n in_o his_o room_n but_o afterward_o he_o desire_v that_o though_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o charge_n he_o may_v retain_v the_o name_n title_n
judgement_n who_o have_v most_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o common_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o all_o place_n 13._o and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o begin_v to_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o more_o but_o one_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_a in_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v its_o rule_n in_o its_o self_n other_o elder_n for_o rule_n be_v unnecessary_a this_o be_v a_o novel_a opinion_n contradictory_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o contrary_n 1._o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o first_o church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v as_o our_o rule_n constant_o express_v and_o declare_v that_o many_o elder_n be_v appoint_v by_o they_o in_o every_o church_n act._n 11.30_o chap._n 14.23_o chap._n 15.2_o 4_o 6_o 22._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o phil._n 1.1_o tit._n 1.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o mention_n in_o antiquity_n of_o any_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o more_o elder_n than_o one_o nor_o do_v that_o church_n answer_v the_o original_a pattern_n where_o it_o be_v otherwise_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_a in_o a_o church_n there_o can_v be_v a_o eldership_n or_o presbytery_n as_o there_o can_v be_v a_o senate_n where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o senator_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 3._o the_o continuation_n of_o every_o church_n in_o its_o original_a state_n and_o constitution_n be_v since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a office_n and_o power_n commit_v to_o the_o care_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o hereunto_o the_o call_v and_o ordain_v of_o ordinary_a officer_n pastor_n ruler_n elder_n teacher_n do_v belong_v and_o therein_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v both_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o solemn_a set_n of_o they_o apart_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v concur_v but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_n only_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o his_o death_n or_o removal_n this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n must_v either_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o people_n or_o be_v supply_v by_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n or_o be_v whole_o omit_v all_o which_o be_v irregular_a and_o that_o church-order_n be_v defective_a which_o want_v the_o symbol_n of_o authoritative_a ordination_n 4._o it_o be_v difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a on_o a_o supposition_n of_o one_o elder_a only_o in_o a_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n from_o be_v prelatical_a or_o popular_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o object_v unto_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o diocesan_n bishop_n than_o that_o they_o will_v every_o one_o be_v bishop_n in_o their_o own_o parish_n and_o unto_o their_o own_o people_n all_o such_o pretence_n be_v exclude_v on_o our_o principle_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o the_o same_o church_n in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o other_o church_n in_o association_n but_o practical_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_a one_o of_o the_o extreme_n can_v be_v hardly_o avoid_v if_o he_o rule_v by_o himself_o without_o the_o previous_a advice_n in_o some_o case_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subsequent_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v a_o eye_n of_o unwarrantable_a prelacy_n in_o it_o if_o every_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v original_o transact_v dispose_a order_v by_o the_o whole_a society_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_a will_v quick_o be_v insignificant_a and_o he_o will_v be_v little_o more_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n than_o any_o other_o brother_n of_o the_o society_n but_o all_o these_o inconvenience_n be_v prevent_v by_o the_o fix_v of_o many_o elder_n in_o each_o church_n which_o may_v maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o free_a the_o church_n from_o the_o despotical_a rule_n of_o any_o diotrâ—phes_n but_o in_o case_n there_o be_v but_o one_o in_o any_o church_n unless_o he_o have_v wisdom_n to_o maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o eldership_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o act_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n but_o confusion_n 5._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v require_v that_o in_o every_o church_n consist_v in_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o member_n there_o shall_v be_v more_o elder_n than_o one._n when_o god_n first_o appoint_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o assign_v unto_o every_o ten_o person_n or_o family_n a_o distinct_a ruler_n deut._n 1.15_o for_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o walk_n or_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o rule_n be_v eminent_a as_o unto_o the_o holiness_n that_o it_o require_v above_o all_o other_o rule_n of_o moral_a conversation_n whatever_o and_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n great_a accuracy_n and_o circumspection_n require_v in_o their_o walk_n after_o it_o and_o according_a unto_o it_o the_o order_n also_o and_o decency_n which_o be_v require_v in_o all_o church-assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o exact_a care_n and_o inspection_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v attend_v unto_o and_o discharge_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n in_o any_o church_n by_o one_o elder_a be_v for_o they_o only_o to_o suppose_v who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o and_o although_o there_o may_v be_v a_o appearance_n for_o a_o season_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o such_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o therein_o a_o due_a compliance_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v no_o present_a beauty_n nor_o will_v be_v of_o any_o long_a continuance_n these_o consideration_n as_o also_o those_o that_o follow_v may_v seem_v jejune_n and_o contemptible_a unto_o such_o as_o have_v another_o frame_n of_o church-rule_n and_o order_n draw_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o interest_n a_o government_n vest_v in_o some_o few_o person_n with_o title_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o legal_a power_n exercise_v in_o court_n with_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n by_o the_o method_n and_o process_n of_o canon_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n be_v that_o which_o they_o suppose_v do_v better_a become_v the_o grandeur_n of_o church-ruler_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n than_o these_o creep_v elder_n with_o their_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o our_o present_a enquiry_n after_o these_o thing_n be_v only_o in_o and_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v neither_o shadow_n nor_o appearance_n of_o any_o of_o these_o practice_n i_o beg_v their_o pardon_n if_o at_o present_a i_o consider_v they_o not_o 10._o we_o shall_v now_o make_v application_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n i_o say_v then_o 1._o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o work_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o pastoral_n feed_v 2._o whereas_o this_o work_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o with_o diligence_n which_o include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o he_o that_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n with_o all_o those_o duty_n that_o accompany_v it_o be_v a_o full_a employment_n for_o any_o man_n and_o so_o consequent_o his_o principal_n and_o proper_a work_n which_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o be_v remiss_a in_o by_o attend_v on_o another_o with_o diligence_n and_o 4._o whereas_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n that_o both_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v may_v be_v constant_o attend_v unto_o 5._o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n distinct_a work_n do_v require_v distinct_a office_n for_o their_o discharge_n all_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v already_o our_o enquiry_n hereon_o be_v whether_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n have_v not_o distinguish_v this_o office_n of_o elder_n into_o those_o two_o sort_n namely_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o teach_v and_o rule_n also_o and_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o which_o we_o affirm_v the_o testimony_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v confirm_v be_v general_o know_v and_o plead_v i_o shall_v insist_v on_o some_o of_o they_o only_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n if_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o conflict_n withal_o but_o prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n and_o this_o be_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v praesum_fw-la praesidio_fw-la to_o preside_v to_o rule_v president_n
spiritual_a gift_n in_o preach_v with_o a_o refusal_n of_o undertake_v a_o ministerial_a office_n or_o without_o design_n so_o to_o do_v upon_o a_o lawful_a call_n can_v be_v approve_v 3._o the_o rule_n propose_v concern_v only_o ordinary_a case_n and_o the_o ordinary_a state_n of_o the_o church_n extraordinary_a case_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o warranty_n in_o themselves_o for_o extraordinary_a act_n and_o duty_n 12._o the_o call_v of_o person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n be_v a_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o political_a magistrate_n not_o of_o the_o pope_n not_o of_o any_o single_a prelate_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o indeed_o although_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o call_v of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n yet_o none_o who_o understand_v aught_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o church_n alone_o be_v impower_v by_o christ_n to_o put_v forth_o and_o exert_v but_o this_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o call_v of_o man_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n therein_o the_o call_v of_o person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n in_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o election_n 2._o ordination_n as_o it_o be_v common_o call_v or_o sacred_a separation_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o former_a four_o thing_n must_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o be_v previous_a unto_o it_o or_o preparatory_a for_o it_o 2._o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 3._o it_o be_v necessity_n or_o the_o demonstration_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o institution_n 4._o what_o influence_n it_o have_v into_o the_o communication_n of_o pastoral-office-power_n unto_o a_o pastor_n so_o choose_v 1._o that_o which_o be_v previous_a unto_o it_o be_v the_o meetness_n of_o the_o person_n for_o his_o office_n and_o work_n that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v it_o can_v never_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v or_o choose_v a_o unmeet_a a_o unqualified_a a_o unprepared_a person_n unto_o this_o office._n no_o pretend_a necessity_n no_o outward_a motive_n can_v enable_v or_o warrant_v it_o so_o to_o do_v nor_o can_v it_o by_o any_o outward_a act_n whatever_o the_o rule_n or_o solemnity_n of_o it_o be_v communicate_v ministerial_a authority_n unto_o person_n utter_o unqualify_v for_o and_o uncapable_a of_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o have_v be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o debase_v the_o ministry_n and_o almost_o ruine_v the_o church_n itself_o either_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o those_o who_o suppose_v themselves_o entrust_v with_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o ordination_n or_o by_o imposition_n on_o they_o by_o secular_a power_n and_o patron_n of_o live_n as_o they_o be_v call_v with_o the_o state_v regulation_n of_o their_o proceed_n herein_o by_o a_o defective_a law_n whence_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o antecedent_n preparatory_a qualification_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o ministry_n two_o way_n be_v the_o meetness_n of_o any_o one_o make_v know_v and_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o 1._o by_o a_o evidence_n give_v of_o the_o qualification_n in_o he_o beforementioned_a the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o call_v or_o choose_v any_o one_o to_o office_n who_o be_v not_o know_v unto_o they_o of_o who_o frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o walk_v they_o have_v not_o have_v some_o experience_n not_o a_o novice_n or_o one_o late_o come_v unto_o they_o he_o must_v be_v one_o who_o by_o his_o way_n and_o walk_v have_v obtain_v a_o good_a report_n even_o among_o they_o that_o be_v without_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v know_v unless_o they_o be_v enemy_n or_o scoffer_n and_o one_o that_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n evidence_v his_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a trust_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v negligent_a herein_o or_o if_o at_o all-adventure_n they_o will_v impose_v a_o officer_n in_o his_o house_n upon_o he_o without_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o meetness_n upon_o due_a enquiry_n it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n unto_o he_o and_o provocation_n of_o he_o herein_o principal_o be_v church_n make_v the_o overseer_n of_o their_o own_o purity_n and_o edification_n to_o deny_v they_o a_o ability_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o or_o a_o liberty_n for_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o be_v error_n and_o tyranny_n but_o that_o flock_n which_o christ_n purchase_v and_o purify_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v little_a better_o than_o a_o herd_n of_o brute_n beast_n where_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o this_o personal_a knowledge_n for_o want_n of_o opportunity_n it_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o testimony_n of_o unquestionable_a authority_n 2._o by_o a_o trial_n of_o his_o gift_n for_o edification_n these_o be_v those_o spiritual_a endowment_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n grant_v and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v profit_v by_o they_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o and_o we_o must_v at_o present_a take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v so_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o it_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n what_o gift_n of_o man_n be_v suit_v unto_o their_o own_o edification_n but_o yet_o in_o make_v a_o judgement_n hereof_o one_o directive_n mean_n be_v the_o advice_n of_o other_o elder_n and_o church_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v use_v off_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o the_o avoidance_n of_o offence_n in_o their_o walk_n in_o that_o communion_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o election_n call_v or_o choice_n of_o a_o person_n know_v try_a and_o judge_v meet_o qualify_v for_o the_o pastoral_n office_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o fraternity_n with_o their_o elder_n if_o they_o have_v any_o for_o a_o pastor_n may_v be_v choose_v unto_o a_o church_n which_o have_v other_o teacher_n elder_n or_o officer_n already_o instate_v in_o it_o in_o this_o case_n their_o concurrence_n in_o the_o choice_n intend_v be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o common_a suffrage_n not_o of_o authority_n or_o office-power_n for_o election_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n but_o of_o liberty_n and_o power_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o fraternity_n be_v equal_a if_o there_o be_v no_o officer_n state_v in_o the_o church_n before_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n on_o the_o first_o ordination_n of_o elder_n among_o they_o this_o election_n belong_v unto_o the_o fraternity_n 3._o that_o therefore_o which_o we_o have_v now_o to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o meet_v person_n shall_v be_v call_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n or_o any_o other_o office_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v antecedent_o unto_o a_o sacred_a solemn_a separation_n unto_o their_o respective_a office_n for_o 1._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v three_o way_n whereby_o man_n be_v call_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o they_o be_v so_o extraordinary_o and_o immediate_o by_o the_o nomination_n and_o designation_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o aaron_n be_v call_v unto_o the_o priesthood_n and_o other_o afterward_o as_o samuel_n to_o be_v prophet_n 2._o by_o a_o law_n of_o carnal_a generation_n so_o all_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o aaron_n succeed_v into_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priesthood_n without_o any_o other_o call_v 3._o by_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v the_o call_n of_o all_o the_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n deut._n 1.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v to_o yourselves_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n make_v a_o judgement_n on_o their_o qualification_n for_o the_o office_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v man_n know_v unto_o they_o for_o wise_a understanding_n righteous_a walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o look_v out_o and_o then_o to_o present_v they_o unto_o moses_n for_o their_o separation_n unto_o office_n which_o be_v election_n it_o be_v true_a that_o exod._n 13.15_o it_o be_v
mention_n of_o any_o ordinary_a elder_n distinct_a from_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v in_o that_o church_n for_o all_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o yet_o abide_v there_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o this_o time_n make_v only_o some_o occasional_a excursion_n unto_o other_o place_n be_v able_a to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v indeed_o mention_v as_o those_o who_o be_v well_o know_v in_o the_o church_n not_o long_o afterward_o chap._n 11.30_o but_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o the_o call_v or_o ordinary_a teaching-elders_a or_o pastor_n be_v not_o record_v that_o of_o deacon_n be_v so_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v concern_v it_o unto_o our_o purpose_n 1._o that_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o be_v of_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o that_o fullness_n of_o church-power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v furnish_v by_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o that_o they_o do_v not_o exert_v that_o authority_n but_o upon_o such_o reason_n of_o it_o as_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o the_o church_n which_o they_o declare_v v_o 2._o 3._o that_o the_o action_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o twelve_o in_o general_a without_o name_v any_o person_n who_o speak_v for_o the_o rest_n which_o render_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o romanist_n from_o the_o former_a place_n where_o peter_n be_v say_v to_o have_v speak_v unto_o the_o disciple_n whereon_o they_o will_v have_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o to_o have_v be_v by_o his_o concession_n and_o grant_n not_o of_o their_o own_o right_n altogether_o vain_a for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o much_o interest_v and_o concern_v in_o what_o be_v then_o speak_v by_o peter_n as_o they_o be_v at_o this_o time_n when_o the_o whole_a be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o twelve_o 4._o that_o the_o church_n be_v great_o multiply_v that_o time_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o conversion_n unto_o the_o faith_n record_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n it_o be_v probable_a indeed_o that_o many_o yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v return_v unto_o their_o own_o habitation_n for_o the_o next_o year_n there_o be_v church_n in_o all_o judea_n galilee_n and_o samaria_n chap._n 9.31_o and_o peter_n go_v about_o throughout_o all_o quarter_n to_o visit_v the_o saint_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o ver_fw-la 32._o of_o who_o conversion_n we_o read_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o fall_v out_o at_o jerusalem_n at_o pentecost_n but_o a_o great_a multitude_n they_o be_v v_o 1_o 2._o 5._o this_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o brethren_n v_o 3._o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n be_v congregat_v by_o the_o apostle_n v_o 2._o who_o will_v not_o ordain_v any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n 6._o they_o judge_v on_o the_o whole_a matter_n propose_v unto_o they_o and_o give_v their_o approbation_n thereof_o before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o v_o 5._o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n 7._o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v unto_o the_o office_n intend_v be_v declare_v by_o the_o apostle_n v_o 3._o of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n 8._o these_o quality_n the_o multitude_n be_v to_o judge_v upon_o and_o so_o absolute_o of_o the_o meetness_n of_o any_o for_o this_o office._n 9_o the_o choice_n be_v whole_o commit_v and_o leave_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o which_o of_o right_o do_v belong_v unto_o they_o look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o which_o they_o make_v use_v off_o choose_v they_o unto_o the_o office_n by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n v_o 5._o 10._o have_v thus_o choose_v they_o they_o present_v they_o as_o their_o choose_a officer_n unto_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v by_o they_o set_v apart_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n v_o 6._o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o more_o evident_a convince_a instance_n and_o example_n of_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n by_o the_o multitude_n or_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n than_o be_v give_v we_o herein_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n why_o this_o order_n and_o process_n shall_v be_v observe_v why_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o themselves_o nominate_v and_o appoint_v person_n who_o they_o see_v and_o know_v meet_v for_o this_o office_n to_o receive_v it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n which_o they_o will_v not_o abridge_v nor_o infringe_v so_o be_v it_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v chrysostom_n on_o the_o place_n and_o so_o it_o ought_v now_o to_o be_v but_o the_o usage_n begin_v then_o to_o decline_v it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o will_v consider_v how_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n treat_v that_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v so_o much_o now_o despise_v and_o utter_o exclude_v from_o all_o concern_n in_o church_n affair_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o servile_a subjection_n but_o they_o have_v in_o this_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o future_a order_n of_o the_o call_n of_o meet_a person_n to_o office_n in_o the_o church_n their_o interest_n power_n and_o privilege_n secure_v unto_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v never_o just_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o herein_o but_o only_o a_o record_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o manage_v church_n affair_n it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o i_o that_o any_o who_o will_v be_v think_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o office_n shall_v dare_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o example_n set_v before_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o prefer_v their_o own_o way_n and_o invention_n above_o it_o i_o shall_v ever_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v more_o safety_n in_o a_o strict_a adherence_n unto_o this_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o example_n than_o in_o a_o compliance_n with_o all_o the_o canon_n of_o council_n or_o church_n afterward_o the_o only_a objection_n usual_o insist_v on_o that_o be_v by_o bellarmine_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o election_n of_o deacon_n to_o manage_v the_o alm_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v somewhat_o of_o their_o temporal_n nothing_o can_v thence_o be_v conclude_v unto_o the_o right_n or_o way_n of_o call_v bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_n who_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n they_o may_v indeed_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v entrust_v with_o their_o purse_n or_o what_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v out_o of_o they_o but_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v their_o spiritual_a pastor_n nor_o to_o have_v the_o choice_n of_o they_o nothing_o can_v be_v weak_a than_o this_o pretence_n or_o evasion_n for_o 1._o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o call_v of_o person_n unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n in_o general_n whereof_o we_o have_v here_o a_o rule_n whereunto_o no_o exception_n be_v any_o way_n enter_v 2._o this_o can_v be_v fair_o plead_v by_o they_o who_o appoint_v deacon_n to_o preach_v baptise_v and_o officiate_v public_o in_o all_o holy_a thing_n except_v only_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n 3._o if_o the_o people_n be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o they_o who_o be_v of_o honest_a report_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v here_o require_v of_o they_o they_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v who_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v their_o pastor_n 4._o the_o argument_n hold_v strong_o on_o the_o other_o side_n namely_o that_o if_o it_o be_v right_a and_o equal_a if_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o apostolical_a practice_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v choose_v those_o who_o be_v to_o collect_v and_o distribute_v their_o charitable_a benevolence_n because_o of_o their_o concernment_n therein_o much_o more_o be_v they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o liberty_n right_o and_o privilege_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n unto_o who_o they_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o lord_n 3._o according_o they_o do_v use_v the_o same_o liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o elder_n act._n 14.23_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v say_v erasmus_n vatablus_n beza_n all_o our_o old_a english_a translation_n appoint_v ordain_v create_v elder_n by_o election_n or_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o disciple_n have_v pray_v with_o fast_n the_o whole_a
to_o be_v fit_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n before_o he_o can_v challenge_v church_n privilege_n or_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v he_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o many_o profess_v believer_n that_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n for_o though_o they_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n without_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o combination_n explicit_a or_o at_o least_o implicit_a whereby_o they_o become_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n charter_n a_o spiritual_a corporation_n and_o be_v call_v a_o city_n household_n house_n be_v unite_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o bond_n not_o only_o by_o internal_a bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o external_a the_o bond_n of_o union_n must_v be_v visible_a as_o the_o house_n be_v by_o profession_n this_o be_v a_o society_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v power_n to_o to_o choose_v a_o pastor_n and_o other_o officer_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v hence_o a_o visible_a church_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o separate_a congregation_n separation_n be_v a_o proper_a and_o inseparable_a adjunct_n thereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n membership_n 2_o cor._n vi_o 14_o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yoke_v with_o those_o of_o another_o kind_n the_o plough_v with_o a_o ox_n and_o ass_n together_o be_v forbid_v under_o the_o law_n with_o unbeliever_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n visible_a unbeliever_n of_o any_o sort_n or_o kind_n for_o what_o participation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v righteousness_n with_o vnrighteousness_n what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d communion_n or_o fellowship_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n vers._n 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o harmony_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n man_n of_o corrupt_a life_n and_o conversation_n or_o what_o part_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o believer_n i._n e._n a_o visible_a believer_n with_o a_o vnbeliever_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v render_v infidel_n but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o our_o translator_n to_o put_v a_o blind_a upon_o this_o place_n as_o to_o its_o true_a intention_n and_o to_o countenance_v parish_n communion_n for_o why_o do_v they_o not_o here_o vers._n 14._o and_o every_o where_o else_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o infidel_n vers._n 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o consistency_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n church_n with_o idol_n etc._n etc._n i_o take_v this_o place_n to_o be_v a_o full_a proof_n of_o what_o be_v before_o speak_v that_o a_o gospel_n church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o faithful_a profess_v people_n walk_v together_o by_o mutual_a consent_n or_o confederation_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o subjection_n to_o and_o practice_n of_o all_o his_o gospel-precept_n and_o command_n whereby_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o person_n and_o thing_n manifest_o contrary_a or_o disagree_v thereunto_o hence_o as_o its_o separate_a from_o all_o such_o impurity_n that_o be_v without_o so_o christ_n have_v furnish_v it_o with_o sufficient_a power_n and_o mean_n to_o keep_v itself_o pure_a and_o therefore_o have_v provide_v ordinance_n and_o minister_n for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o the_o great_a end_n of_o church-edification_n can_v be_v obtain_v without_o purity_n be_v also_o maintain_v in_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n purity_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o order_n a_o disorderly_a society_n will_v corrupt_v within_o itself_o for_o by_o disorder_n it_o be_v divide_v by_o division_n the_o joint_n and_o band_n be_v break_v not_o only_o of_o love_n and_o affection_n but_o of_o visible_a conjunction_n so_o that_o root_n of_o bitterness_n and_o sensual_a separation_n arise_v many_o be_v defile_v it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o a_o society_n that_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o gospel-order_n when_o man_n agree_v together_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o a_o false_a rule_n or_o in_o a_o supine_n and_o negligent_a observation_n of_o the_o true_a rule_n there_o may_v be_v a_o common_a connivance_n at_o each_o one_o to_o walk_v as_o he_o list_v but_o this_o be_v not_o order_n but_o disorder_n by_o consent_n beside_o a_o church_n may_v for_o the_o most_o part_n walk_v in_o order_n when_o there_o be_v breach_n and_o division_n some_o do_v agree_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n when_o other_o will_v deviate_v from_o it_o it_o be_v orderly_a to_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v those_o that_o walk_v not_o orderly_a though_o such_o just_a undertake_n seem_v sometime_o ground_n of_o disturbance_n and_o cause_n of_o convulsion_n in_o the_o whole_a body_n threaten_v even_o its_o break_n in_o piece_n but_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v do_v to_o preserve_v the_o whole_a the_o word_n translate_v order_n colos._n ij_o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o military_a word_n it_o be_v the_o order_n of_o soldier_n in_o a_o band_n keep_v rank_a and_o file_n where_o every_o one_o keep_v his_o place_n follow_v his_o leader_n observe_v the_o word_n of_o command_n and_o his_o right-hand_n man._n hence_o the_o apostle_n joy_v to_o see_v their_o close_a order_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o faith_n their_o firmness_n valour_n and_o resolution_n in_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o order_n in_o so_o do_v not_o only_o in_o watch_v as_o single_a professor_n but_o in_o march_v orderly_o together_o as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o comely_a than_o a_o church_n walk_v in_o order_n when_o every_o one_o keep_v his_o place_n know_v and_o practise_v his_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n each_o submit_v to_o the_o other_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n when_o the_o elder_n know_v their_o place_n and_o the_o people_n they_o christ_n have_v be_v more_o faithful_a than_o moses_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n without_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o order_n may_v be_v in_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v know_v and_o that_o by_o officer_n and_o people_n they_o that_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o rule_n or_o negligent_a in_o attend_v it_o or_o doubtful_a and_o therefore_o always_o contend_v about_o it_o will_v never_o walk_v according_a to_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o minister_n to_o study_v order_n well_o and_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o it_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v bewail_v that_o so_o few_o divine_n bend_v their_o study_n that_o way_n they_o content_v themselves_o only_o with_o study_v and_o preach_v the_o truth_n that_o concern_v faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o mere_a moral_a part_n of_o holiness_n but_o as_o to_o gospel-churche_n or_o institute_v worship_n they_o general_o in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n let_v it_o alone_o and_o administer_v sacrament_n as_o indefinite_o as_o they_o preach_v care_v not_o to_o stand_v relate_v to_o one_o people_n more_o than_o another_o any_o further_a than_o maintain_v by_o they_o likewise_o many_o good_a people_n be_v as_o great_a stranger_n to_o gospel_n church_n and_o order_n and_o as_o their_o minister_n have_v a_o great_a adversness_n to_o both_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o readiness_n of_o both_o to_o comply_v with_o rule_n of_o man_n for_o make_v church_n canon_n establish_v by_o humane_a law_n be_v carry_v away_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n by_o corrupt_a erastian_n principle_n that_o christ_n have_v leave_v the_o church_n to_o be_v altogether_o guide_v and_o govern_v by_o law_n of_o magistratick_a sanction_n reformation_n from_o the_o gross_a idolatrous_a part_n of_o antichristianism_n be_v engage_v in_o with_o some_o heroic_a courage_n and_o resolution_n but_o the_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n of_o protestant_n to_o any_o further_a progress_n almost_o ever_o since_o be_v not_o a_o little_a to_o be_v lament_v many_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o house_n be_v lay_v in_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o that_o be_v not_o rather_o write_v in_o the_o book_n than_o preach_v in_o pulpit_n at_o this_o day_n but_o how_o little_a do_v they_o care_v to_o set_v their_o hand_n to_o building_n the_o house_n sure_o a_o great_a matter_n be_v from_o that_o spiritual_a sloathfulness_n that_o many_o be_v fall_v under_o as_o likewise_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v under_o the_o great_a discouragement_n lay_v before_o they_o by_o the_o adversary_n of_o judah_n when_o they_o find_v the_o child_n of_o the_o spiritual_a captivity_n be_v about_o to_o build_v a_o gospel_n church_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o long_o have_v this_o great_a work_n cease_v
all_o thing_n as_o they_o see_v necessary_a which_o church_n they_o be_v wherefore_o if_o that_o will_v please_v they_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o skill_n for_o the_o management_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n according_a to_o the_o canon_n law_n with_o such_o other_o rule_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a as_o they_o have_v frame_v and_o in_o the_o legal_a proceed_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n as_o they_o be_v call_v there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v equal_a unto_o they_o or_o will_v contend_v with_o they_o 2._o it_o hence_o also_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v diligent_o endeavour_v the_o attain_n of_o and_o increase_n in_o this_o wisdom_n give_v evidence_n thereof_o on_o all_o occasion_n that_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o rule_n but_o hereunto_o so_o many_o thing_n do_v belong_v as_o can_v in_o this_o place_n be_v meet_o treat_v of_o somewhat_o that_o appertain_v to_o they_o shall_v afterward_o be_v consider_v chap._n iu._n the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o be_v essential_a with_o respect_n unto_o its_o nature_n and_o be_v or_o as_o it_o be_v organical_a with_o respect_n unto_o its_o order_n the_o constituent_a cause_n and_o part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o essence_n and_o be_v be_v its_o institution_n matter_n and_o form_n whereof_o we_o have_v treat_v it_o be_v order_n as_o it_o be_v organical_a be_v found_v in_o that_o communication_n of_o power_n unto_o it_o from_o christ_n which_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o organize_a of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o place_n or_o implant_n in_o it_o those_o officer_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o act_v and_o exercise_v his_o authority_n therein_o for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o exertion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v that_o be_v the_o officer_n of_o it_o not_o that_o all_o officer_n be_v call_v to_o rule_n but_o that_o none_o be_v call_v to_o rule_v that_o be_v not_o so_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o their_o work_n be_v distribute_v into_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n rom._n 12.6.7_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v authority_n to_o teach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o also_o of_o rule_v which_o be_v call_v a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n corrupt_o and_o some_o have_v only_a power_n for_o rule_n of_o which_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o in_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world._n those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v distinguish_v into_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o distinction_n between_o the_o elder_n themselves_o be_v not_o like_a that_o between_o elder_n and_o deacon_n which_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o whole_a kind_n or_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n but_o only_o with_o respect_n unto_o work_n and_o order_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v distinct_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v bishop_n or_o elder_n concern_v who_o there_o have_v be_v mighty_a contention_n in_o the_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o principle_n we_o have_v hitherto_o proceed_v on_o discharge_v we_o from_o any_o especial_a interest_n or_o concernment_n in_o this_o controversy_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o church_n of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a constitution_n none_o in_o be_v in_o the_o second_o or_o three_o century_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n the_o foundation_n of_o that_o contest_v which_o be_v about_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n in_o the_o same_o person_n over_o many_o church_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n indeed_o strife_n about_o power_n superiority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o among_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o scandal_n it_o start_v early_o in_o the_o church_n be_v extinguish_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o apostle_n 9.10_o rebuke_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o other_o yet_o through_o the_o pride_n ambition_n and_o avarice_n of_o man_n have_v grow_v to_o be_v the_o stain_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o church_n in_o most_o age_n for_o neither_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n forbid_v such_o ambitious_a designing_n nor_o the_o proposal_n of_o his_o own_o example_n in_o this_o particular_a case_n nor_o the_o experience_n of_o their_o own_o insufficiency_n for_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n have_v be_v able_a to_o restrain_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o covet_v after_o and_o contend_v for_o a_o prerogative_n in_o church-power_n over_o other_o for_o though_o this_o ambition_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n or_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v under_o a_o severe_a interdict_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yet_o when_o man_n like_a achan_n see_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o the_o goodly_a babylonish_n garment_n that_o they_o think_v to_o be_v in_o power_n domination_n and_o wealth_n they_o covet_v they_o and_o take_v they_o to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n if_o man_n will_v but_o a_o little_a serious_o consider_v what_o there_o be_v in_o that_o care_n of_o soul_n even_o of_o all_o they_o over_o who_o they_o pretend_v church-power_n rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n concern_v they_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v abate_v of_o their_o earnestness_n in_o contend_v for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o their_o cure_n the_o claim_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o consist_v in_o a_o rank_n of_o person_n distinct_a from_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n be_v manage_v with_o great_a variety_n it_o be_v not_o agree_v whether_o they_o be_v distinct_a in_o order_n above_o they_o or_o only_o as_o unto_o a_o certain_a degree_n among_o they_o of_o the_o same_o order_n it_o be_v not_o determine_v what_o do_v constitute_v that_o pretend_a distinct_a order_n nor_o wherein_o that_o degree_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o the_o same_o order_n do_v consist_v nor_o what_o basis_n it_o stand_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o agree_v whether_o this_o order_n of_o bishop_n have_v any_o church-power_n appropriate_v unto_o it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v act_v single_o by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o presbyter_n or_o how_o far_o that_o concurrence_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o act_n of_o church-order_n or_o power_n there_o be_v no_o bound_n or_o limit_n of_o the_o diocese_n which_o they_o claim_v the_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o as_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v peculiar_o relate_v derive_v either_o from_o divine_a institution_n or_o tradition_n or_o general_a rule_n of_o reason_n respect_v both_o or_o either_o of_o they_o or_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o gift_n and_o ability_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o wherein_o church-order_n or_o edification_n be_v concern_v those_o who_o plead_v for_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n will_v not_o proceed_v any_o far_a but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o superiority_n in_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n in_o order_n or_o degree_n but_o whether_o this_o must_v be_v over_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n only_o or_o in_o many_o distinct_a church_n whether_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o not_o only_o hinder_v they_o utter_o from_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n towards_o the_o most_o of_o they_o who_o they_o esteem_v their_o flock_n and_o necessitate_v they_o unto_o a_o rule_n by_o unscriptural_a church-officer_n law_n and_o power_n they_o suppose_v do_v not_o belong_v unto_o their_o cause_n whereas_o indeed_o the_o weight_n and_o moment_n of_o it_o do_v lie_v in_o and_o depend_v on_o these_o thing_n innumerable_a other_o uncertainty_n difference_n and_o variance_n there_o be_v about_o this_o singular_a episcopacy_n which_o we_o be_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o nor_o shall_v i_o insist_v on_o any_o of_o those_o which_o have_v be_v already_o mention_v but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o evangelical_n pastoral_n office_n which_o be_v now_o under_o consideration_n unto_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v before_o about_o the_o non_fw-fr institution_n of_o any_o church_n beyond_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v utter_o exclusive_a of_o all_o pretence_n of_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n i_o shall_v brief_o as_o in_o a_o diversion_n add_v the_o argument_n which_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v every_o way_n the_o same_o person_n in_o the_o same_o office_n have_v the_o same_o function_n without_o distinction_n in_o
be_v these_o gift_n office_n and_o officer_n be_v grant_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.12_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n call_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n they_o do_v in_o and_o by_o their_o choice_n of_o they_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n according_a unto_o all_o the_o power_n and_o duty_n wherewith_o they_o be_v by_o he_o entrust_v and_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v 3._o it_o be_v require_v that_o person_n so_o choose_v so_o submit_v unto_o be_v so_o solemn_o separate_v dedicate_v unto_o and_o confirm_v in_o their_o office_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o this_o be_v consonant_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o direct_v unto_o a_o solemnity_n in_o the_o susception_n of_o public_a officer_n whence_o proceed_v the_o coronation_n of_o king_n which_o give_v they_o not_o their_o title_n but_o solemn_o proclaim_v it_o which_o on_o many_o account_n be_v unto_o the_o advantage_n of_o government_n so_o it_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n by_o especial_a institution_n but_o hereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v far_o immediate_o this_o order_n of_o call_v man_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n namely_o by_o their_o previous_a qualification_n for_o the_o ministry_n whereby_o a_o general_a designation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v be_v make_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o orderly_a choice_n or_o election_n of_o he_o in_o a_o voluntary_a subjection_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n itself_o follow_v with_o solemn_a ordination_n or_o set_v apart_o unto_o the_o office_n and_o discharge_n of_o it_o by_o prayer_n with_o fast_v all_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v and_o institution_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n and_o privilege_n be_v by_o law-constitution_n annex_v be_v suit_v unto_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o nature_n of_o gospel_n society_n in_o order_n or_o church_n the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o power_n commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o confirm_v by_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o example_n herein_o we_o rest_v without_o any_o further_a dispute_n or_o limit_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n unto_o any_o one_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o it_o all_o the_o three_o thing_n mention_v be_v essential_a thereunto_o and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v utter_o neglect_v where_o they_o be_v neither_o formal_o nor_o virtual_o there_o be_v no_o lawful_a regular_a call_n unto_o the_o ministry_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n this_o order_n be_v a_o long_a time_n observe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n inviolate_a and_o the_o footstep_n of_o it_o may_v be_v trace_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n although_o it_o first_o gradual_o decay_v then_o be_v pervert_v and_o corrupt_v until_o it_o issue_v as_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o a_o pageant_n and_o show_n instead_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o approbation_n of_o spiritual_a endowment_n previous_o necessary_a unto_o the_o call_v of_o any_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o pedantic_a examination_n of_o the_o bishop_n domestic_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o in_o themselves_o the_o election_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o mock-shew_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n a_o deacon_n call_v out_o that_o if_o any_o have_v objection_n against_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v they_o shall_v come_v forth_o and_o speak_v whereunto_o another_o cry_n out_o of_o a_o corner_n by_o compact_n he_o be_v learned_a and_o worthy_a and_o ordination_n be_v esteem_v to_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n with_o some_o other_o ceremony_n annex_v thereunto_o whereby_o without_o any_o other_o ☞_o consideration_n there_o ensue_v a_o flux_n of_o power_n from_o the_o ordainer_n unto_o the_o ordain_v but_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o some_o few_o instance_n of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n may_v be_v touch_v on_o in_o our_o passage_n clem._n epist._n ad_fw-la corinth_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o appoint_v approve_a person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o or_o with_o the_o consent_n or_o choice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o enact_v by_o common_a consent_n which_o make_v it_o somewhat_o strange_a that_o a_o learned_a man_n shall_v think_v that_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o election_n be_v exclude_v in_o this_o very_a place_n by_o clemens_n from_o what_o be_v assign_v unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o ordination_n ignat_fw-la epist_n ad_fw-la philadelph_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d write_v to_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n it_o become_v you_o as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n tertull_a apol_n president_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la honorem_fw-la istum_fw-la non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la adepti_fw-la the_o elder_n come_v unto_o their_o honour_n or_o office_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v by_o their_o suffrage_n in_o their_o election_n origen_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o last_o book_n against_o celsus_n discourse_v express_o of_o the_o call_v and_o constitution_n of_o church_n or_o city_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o they_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d choose_v to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o church_n which_o they_o do_v rule_n the_o testimony_n give_v by_o cyprian_a in_o sundry_a place_n unto_o this_o right_n of_o the_o people_n especial_o in_o epist._n 68_o unto_o the_o elder_n and_o people_n of_o some_o church_n in_o spain_n be_v so_o know_v so_o frequent_o urge_v and_o except_v against_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n as_o that_o it_o be_v no_o way_n needful_a to_o insist_v again_o upon_o it_o some_o few_o thing_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v concern_v and_o out_o of_o that_o epistle_n as_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o single_a epistle_n of_o his_o own_o more_o ordinary_a occasion_n but_o a_o determination_n upon_o a_o weighty_a question_n make_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o who_o name_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o cyprian_a it_o be_v write_v and_o send_v unto_o the_o church_n who_o have_v crave_v their_o advice_n 2._o he_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v worthy_a person_n to_o be_v their_o bishop_n and_o reject_v those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a but_o also_o industrious_o prove_v it_o so_o to_o be_v their_o right_n by_o divine_a institution_n and_o appointment_n 3._o he_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n if_o they_o neglect_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o their_o right_n and_o power_n in_o reject_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o unworthy_a pastor_n and_o choose_v other_o in_o their_o room_n 4._o he_o affirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n not_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n but_o of_o those_o in_o most_o of_o the_o other_o province_n of_o the_o empire_n some_o passage_n in_o his_o discourse_n wherein_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v assert_v i_o shall_v transcribe_v in_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o epistle_n nec_fw-la sibi_fw-la plebs_fw-la blandiatur_fw-la quasi_fw-la immunis_fw-la esse_fw-la a_o contagio_fw-la delicti_fw-la possit_fw-la cum_fw-la sacerdote_fw-la peccatore_fw-la communicans_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la injustum_fw-la &_o illicitum_fw-la praepositi_fw-la svi_fw-la episcopatum_fw-la consensum_fw-la suum_fw-la commodans_fw-la propter_fw-la quod_fw-la plebs_fw-la obsequens_fw-la praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la &_o deum_fw-la metuens_fw-la a_o peccatore_fw-la praeposito_fw-la separare_fw-la se_fw-la debet_fw-la nec_fw-la se_fw-la ad_fw-la sacrilegi_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la sacrificia_fw-la miscere_fw-la quando_fw-la ipsa_fw-la maxim_n habeat_fw-la potestatem_fw-la vel_fw-la eligendi_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o ipsum_fw-la videmus_fw-la de_fw-la divina_fw-la authoritate_fw-la descendere_fw-la for_o this_o cause_n the_o people_n obedient_a to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n and_o fear_v god_n aught_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o wicked_a bishop_n nor_o mix_v themselves_o with_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o sacrilegious_a priest._n for_o they_o principal_o have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v the_o worthy_a priest_n and_o reject_v the_o unworthy_a which_o come_v from_o divine_a authority_n or_o appointment_n as_o he_o prove_v from_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o full_o represent_v the_o truth_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o he_o assign_v unto_o the_o people_n a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o separate_n
from_o unworthy_a pastor_n of_o reject_v or_o depose_v they_o and_o that_o grant_v to_o they_o by_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o power_n of_o election_n in_o the_o people_n he_o prove_v from_o the_o apostolical_a practice_n before_o insist_v on_o quod_fw-la postea_fw-la secundum_fw-la divina_fw-la magisteria_fw-la observatur_fw-la in_fw-la act_v apostolorum_fw-la quando_fw-la in_o ordinando_fw-la in_o locum_fw-la judae_fw-la episcopo_fw-la petrus_n ad_fw-la plebem_fw-la loquor_fw-la surrexit_fw-la inquit_fw-la petrus_n in_o medio_fw-la discentium_fw-la fuit_fw-la autem_fw-la turba_fw-la in_o uno_fw-la nec_fw-la hoc_fw-la in_o episcoporum_fw-la tantum_fw-la &_o sacerdotum_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o diaconorum_fw-la ordinationibus_fw-la observasse_fw-la apostolos_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la &_o ipso_fw-la in_fw-la act_v eorum_fw-la scriptum_n est_fw-la et_fw-la convocarunt_fw-la inquit_fw-la duodecim_fw-la totam_fw-la plebem_fw-la discipulorum_fw-la &_o dixerunt_fw-la eye_v etc._n etc._n according_a unto_o the_o divine_a command_v the_o same_o course_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereof_o he_o give_v instance_n in_o the_o election_n of_o mathias_n act._n 1._o and_o of_o the_o deacon_n chap._n 6._o and_o afterward_o speak_v of_o ordination_n de_fw-fr vniversae_fw-la fraternitatis_fw-la suffragio_fw-la by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n of_o the_o church_n he_o say_v diligenter_fw-la de_fw-fr traditione_n divina_fw-la &_o apostolica_fw-la observatione_fw-la servandum_fw-la est_fw-la &_o tenendum_fw-la apud_fw-la nos_fw-la quoque_fw-la ut_fw-la fere_n per_fw-la universas_fw-la provincias_fw-la tenetur_fw-la accord_n to_o which_o divine_a tradition_n and_o apostolical_a practice_n this_o custom_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v among_o we_o also_o as_o it_o be_v almost_o through_o all_o the_o province_n those_o who_o be_v not_o move_v with_o his_o authority_n yet_o i_o think_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v he_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o what_o be_v do_v every_o where_o or_o almost_o every_o where_o in_o his_o own_o day_n and_o they_o may_v take_v time_n to_o answer_v his_o reason_n when_o they_o can_v which_o comprise_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v in_o this_o case_n but_o the_o testimony_n in_o follow_a age_n give_v unto_o this_o right_a and_o power_n of_o the_o people_n in_o choose_v their_o own_o church-officer_n bishop_n and_o other_o record_v in_o the_o decree_n of_o council_n the_o write_n of_o the_o learned_a man_n in_o they_o the_o rescript_n of_o pope_n and_o constitution_n of_o emperor_n be_v so_o full_o and_o faithful_o collect_v by_o blondellus_n in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o his_o apology_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o hierom_n about_o episcopacy_n as_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v unto_o his_o diligence_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o far_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o behalf_n the_o pretence_n also_o of_o bellarmine_n and_o other_o who_o follow_v he_o and_o borrow_v their_o conceit_n from_o he_o that_o this_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n in_o choose_v their_o own_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o at_o first_o by_o way_n of_o indulgence_n or_o connivance_n and_o that_o be_v abuse_v by_o they_o and_o turn_v into_o disorder_n be_v gradual_o take_v from_o they_o until_o it_o issue_v in_o that_o shameful_a mock_n of_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v in_o use_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n when_o at_o the_o ordination_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o priest_n one_o deacon_n make_v a_o demand_n whether_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ordain_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o people_n and_o another_o answer_n out_o of_o a_o corner_n that_o the_o people_n approve_v he_o have_v be_v so_o confute_v by_o protestant_a writer_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o insist_v any_o long_o on_o they_o indeed_o the_o concession_n that_o be_v make_v that_o this_o ancient_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o people_n choose_v their_o own_o officer_n which_o to_o deny_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o sun_n give_v light_a at_o noonday_n be_v as_o unto_o its_o right_n by_o various_a degree_n transfer_v unto_o pope_n patron_n and_o bishop_n with_o a_o representation_n in_o a_o mere_a pageantry_n of_o the_o people_n liberty_n to_o make_v objection_n against_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v be_v as_o fair_a a_o concession_n of_o the_o gradual_a apostasy_n of_o church_n from_o their_o original_a order_n and_o constitution_n as_o need_v be_v desire_v this_o power_n and_o right_n which_o we_o assign_v unto_o the_o people_n be_v not_o to_o act_v itself_o only_o in_o a_o subsequent_a consent_n unto_o one_o that_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o acceptance_n of_o he_o to_o be_v their_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n how_o far_o that_o may_v salve_v the_o defect_n and_o disorder_n of_o the_o omission_n of_o previous_a election_n and_o so_o preserve_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n i_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o that_o which_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v the_o power_n and_o right_n of_o election_n to_o be_v exercise_v previous_o unto_o the_o solemn_a ordination_n or_o set_v apart_o of_o any_o unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n communicative_a of_o office-power_n in_o its_o own_o kind_n unto_o the_o person_n choose_v this_o be_v part_n of_o that_o contest_v which_o for_o sundry_a age_n fill_v most_o country_n of_o europe_n with_o broil_n and_o disorder_n neither_o be_v there_o yet_o a_o end_n put_v unto_o it_o but_o in_o this_o present_a discourse_n we_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v what_o state_n and_o order_n of_o church-affair_n be_v declare_v and_o represent_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therein_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n from_o whence_o this_o controversy_n do_v arise_v and_o whereon_o it_o do_v depend_v secular_a endowment_n jurisdiction_n investiture_n right_n of_o presentation_n and_o the_o like_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o evangelical_n pastoral_n office_n or_o its_o exercise_n in_o any_o place_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o these_o contest_v be_v foreign_a unto_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v they_o nor_o can_v be_v reduce_v unto_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o wherefore_o whether_o this_o jus_n patronatus_n be_v consistent_a with_o gospel-institution_n whether_o it_o may_v be_v continue_v with_o respect_n unto_o land_n tithe_n and_o benefice_n or_o how_o it_o may_v be_v reconcile_v unto_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n from_o the_o different_a act_n object_n and_o end_n require_v unto_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v thing_n not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n and_o this_o we_o affirm_v to_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o natural_a reason_n and_o equity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o church_n in_o their_o institution_n and_o end_n to_o all_o authority_n and_o office-power_n in_o the_o church_n necessary_a unto_o its_o edification_n with_o the_o security_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o officer_n themselves_o the_o preservation_n of_o due_a respect_n and_o obedience_n unto_o they_o constitute_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n wherefore_o the_o utter_a despoil_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o those_o gather_v in_o church_n society_n by_o his_o authority_n and_o command_n of_o this_o right_a and_o liberty_n may_v be_v esteem_v a_o sacrilege_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o sundry_a other_o thing_n which_o be_v reproach_v as_o criminal_a under_o that_o name_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v yet_o far_o appear_v to_o justify_v this_o deprivation_n of_o the_o right_o lay_v claim_n unto_o and_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o people_n from_o their_o ancient_a possession_n with_o sobriety_n of_o argument_n and_o reason_n the_o whole_a cause_n may_v be_v yet_o far_o debate_v from_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o equity_n from_o maxim_n of_o law_n and_o polity_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o end_n of_o church-order_n and_o power_n from_o the_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o any_o other_o way_n of_o the_o conveyance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a office-power_n as_o well_o as_o from_o evangelical_n institution_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n it_o will_v be_v object_v i_o know_v that_o the_o restoration_n of_o this_o liberty_n unto_o the_o people_n will_v overthrow_v that_o jus_o patronatus_fw-la or_o right_o of_o present_v unto_o live_n and_o preferment_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n in_o this_o nation_n and_o so_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o restore_v unto_o the_o people_n their_o right_n in_o common_a destroy_v other_o man_n undoubted_a right_n in_o their_o own_o enclosure_n but_o this_o election_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o actual_o and_o immediate_o instate_v the_o person_n choose_v in_o the_o office_n whereunto_o he_o be_v choose_v nor_o give_v actual_a
some_o instance_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o office-duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v they_o be_v but_o some_o of_o they_o and_o those_o only_o propose_v not_o pursue_v and_o press_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o those_o particular_a duty_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n way_n of_o management_n motive_n and_o enforcement_n defect_n and_o cause_n of_o they_o which_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n these_o may_v suffice_v unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o we_o may_v derive_v from_o they_o the_o ensue_a brief_a consideration_n 1._o a_o due_a meditation_n and_o view_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o propose_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v the_o wise_a the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o the_o most_o diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n this_o will_v make_v they_o look_v well_o to_o their_o call_n and_o entrance_n into_o this_o office_n as_o that_o alone_a which_o will_v bear_v they_o out_o and_o justify_v they_o in_o the_o susception_n of_o it_o for_o no_o sense_n of_o insufficiency_n can_v utter_o discourage_v any_o in_o the_o undertake_n of_o a_o work_n which_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n call_v he_o unto_o for_o where_o he_o call_v to_o a_o duty_n he_o give_v competent_a strength_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o say_v under_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n he_o do_v say_v my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o you_o 2._o although_o all_o the_o thing_n mention_v do_v plain_o evident_o and_o undeniable_o belong_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n we_o find_v by_o the_o success_n that_o they_o be_v very_o little_o consider_v by_o the_o most_o that_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o the_o present_a ruin_n of_o religion_n as_o unto_o its_o power_n beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o all_o place_n arise_v principal_o from_o this_o cause_n that_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o undertake_v this_o office_n be_v neither_o in_o any_o measure_n fit_a for_o it_o nor_o do_v either_o conscientious_o attend_v unto_o or_o diligent_o perform_v the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o it_o ever_o be_v and_o every_o will_v be_v true_a in_o general_a like_o priest_n like_o people_n 3._o whereas_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o office_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o primitive_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v frequent_o propose_v unto_o we_o and_o many_o warning_n give_v we_o thereon_o in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o take_v it_o into_o due_a consideration_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o christ_n visitation_n he_o will_v proceed_v on_o such_o article_n as_o those_o here_o lay_v down_o and_o other_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o at_o all_o on_o those_o which_o be_v now_o inquire_v upon_o in_o our_o episcopal_a visitation_n and_o if_o they_o may_v be_v mind_v of_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o concern_v whilst_o they_o possess_v the_o place_n they_o hold_v in_o the_o church_n without_o offence_n i_o will_v advise_v they_o to_o conform_v their_o inquiry_n in_o their_o visitation_n unto_o those_o which_o they_o can_v but_o know_v the_o lord_n christ_n will_v make_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o visitation_n which_o do_v approach_v this_o i_o think_v but_o reasonable_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o give_v up_o their_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o confidence_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n continual_o to_o bear_v in_o mind_n what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v of_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n to_o take_v benefice_n to_o perform_v legal_a duty_n by_o themselves_o or_o other_o be_v not_o full_o compliant_a with_o what_o pastor_n of_o church_n be_v call_v unto_o 4._o it_o be_v manifest_a also_o from_o hence_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o this_o office_n and_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o it_o for_o any_o one_o man_n to_o undertake_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o pastor_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o especial_o if_o far_o distant_a from_o one_o another_o a_o evil_a this_o be_v like_o that_o of_o mathematical_a prognostication_n at_o rome_n always_o condemn_v and_o always_o retain_v but_o one_o view_n of_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o each_o pastor_n and_o of_o who_o diligent_a performance_n he_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v discard_v this_o practice_n from_o all_o approbation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o be_v sober_a however_o it_o be_v as_o good_a to_o have_v ten_o church_n at_o once_o as_o have_v but_o one_o never_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n towards_o it_o 5._o all_o church_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v the_o weight_n and_o burden_n that_o lie_v upon_o their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n that_o they_o may_v be_v constant_a in_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o they_o as_o also_o to_o provide_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v without_o trouble_n and_o care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n 6._o there_o be_v so_o many_o duty_n necessary_a unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n and_o those_o of_o such_o various_a sort_n and_o kind_n as_o to_o require_v various_a gift_n and_o ability_n unto_o their_o due_a performance_n it_o seem_v very_o difficult_a to_o find_v a_o concurrence_n of_o they_o in_o any_o own_o person_n in_o any_o considerable_a degree_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o office_n itself_o shall_v be_v due_o discharge_v i_o answer_v 1._o the_o end_n both_o of_o the_o office_n and_o of_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o be_v the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n this_o therefore_o give_v they_o their_o measure_n where_o that_o be_v attain_v the_o office_n be_v due_o discharge_v though_o the_o gift_n whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v thereunto_o be_v not_o eminent_a 2._o where_o a_o man_n be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n and_o apply_v himself_o sincere_o unto_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o it_o if_o he_o be_v evident_o defective_a with_o respect_n to_o any_o especial_a duty_n or_o duty_n of_o it_o that_o defect_n be_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o call_v any_o other_o unto_o his_o assistance_n in_o office_n who_o be_v qualify_v to_o make_v that_o supply_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o like_a must_v be_v say_v concern_v such_o pastor_n as_o through_o age_n or_o bodily_a weakness_n be_v disable_v from_o attendance_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o still_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v provide_v for_o 7._o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n and_o what_o relation_n with_o respect_n unto_o communion_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v unto_o they_o who_o pastor_n be_v evident_o defective_a in_o or_o neglective_a of_o these_o thing_n so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o any_o competent_a measure_n attend_v unto_o and_o we_o may_v in_o particular_a instance_n in_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o of_o the_o pastoral_a duty_n before_o insist_v on_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v his_o flock_n or_o have_v any_o ability_n yet_o do_v not_o will_v not_o give_v himself_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n or_o not_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o edification_n and_o suppose_v the_o same_o person_n be_v open_o defective_a as_o unto_o a_o exemplary_a conversation_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a lay_v the_o stumble_a block_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o what_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o his_o ministry_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o constituent_a part_n as_o its_o ruler_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n real_o to_o confer_v the_o pastoral_a office_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o ordination_n whatever_o unto_o any_o who_o be_v open_o and_o evident_o destitute_a of_o all_o those_o previous_a qualification_n which_o the_o scripture_n require_v in_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office._n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o latitude_n to_o be_v allow_v
〈◊〉_d catechist_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 4.15_o instructor_n of_o those_o that_o be_v young_a in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o whereof_o be_v eminent_a famous_a and_o useful_a and_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o church_n be_v great_a and_o numerous_a for_o whereas_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o be_v original_o commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n as_o belong_v entire_o unto_o his_o office_n the_o discharge_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v numerous_a be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o man_n or_o it_o may_v be_v more_o in_o the_o same_o office_n where_o all_o be_v oblige_v unto_o a_o especial_a attendance_n on_o one_o part_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n it_o please_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o appoint_v such_o as_o in_o distinct_a office_n shall_v be_v associate_v with_o they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o sundry_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n so_o be_v deacon_n ordain_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o interest_n in_o rule_n or_o right_o to_o teach_v so_o be_v as_o we_o shall_v prove_v elder_n ordain_v to_o assist_v and_o help_v in_o rule_n without_o any_o call_n to_o preach_v or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o be_v teacher_n appoint_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n and_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o rule_v or_o the_o administration_n of_o other_o ordinance_n and_o thus_o although_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n yet_o be_v supply_v with_o assistance_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v comfortable_o discharge_v by_o they_o and_o if_o this_o order_n be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n not_o only_o many_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v prevent_v but_o the_o order_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n great_o promote_v 2._o he_o who_o be_v peculiar_o call_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n with_o reference_n unto_o a_o distinction_n from_o a_o pastor_n may_v yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o elder_a also_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o teach_v elder_a and_o where_o there_o be_v in_o any_o officer_n a_o concurrence_n of_o both_o these_o a_o right_n unto_o rule_n as_o a_o elder_a and_o power_n to_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o same_o office_n and_o office-power_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o pastor_n 3._o on_o the_o forego_n supposition_n there_o yet_o remain_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n which_o as_o far_o as_o light_n may_v be_v take_v from_o their_o name_n and_o distinct_a asscription_n unto_o they_o consist_v material_o in_o the_o different_a gift_n which_o those_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o office_n have_v receive_v which_o the_o church_n in_o their_o call_n ought_v to_o have_v respect_n unto_o and_o formal_o in_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o those_o gift_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o assignation_n of_o their_o especial_a work_n unto_o they_o which_o themselves_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o upon_o what_o have_v be_v before_o discourse_v concern_v the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o whether_o there_o ought_v only_o to_o be_v one_o of_o each_o sort_n and_o i_o say_v 1._o take_v teacher_n in_o the_o three_o sense_n for_o those_o who_o be_v only_o so_o and_o have_v no_o far_o interest_n in_o office-power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o edification_n and_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v and_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o institution_n will_v prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o man_n preach_v constant_o who_o be_v in_o no_o office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o although_o i_o do_v grant_v that_o those_o who_o have_v once_o be_v regular_o or_o solemn_o set_v a_o part_n or_o ordain_v unto_o the_o ministry_n have_v the_o right_n of_o constant_a preach_a inherent_a in_o they_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o incumbent_a on_o they_o though_o they_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o those_o church_n wherein_o and_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v peculiar_o ordain_v yet_o for_o man_n to_o give_v themselves_o up_o constant_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o never_o be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o church_n thereunto_o i_o know_v not_o that_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n in_o the_o same_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14.22_o act._n 20.28_o phil._n 1.1_o tit._n 1.5_o but_o if_o there_o be_v sundry_a sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o pastor_n who_o peculiar_o feed_v the_o flock_n those_o teach_v elder_n of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v and_o those_o ruler_n concern_v who_o we_o shall_v treat_v in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o no_o determination_n of_o this_o enquiry_n can_v be_v take_v from_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o order_n very_o early_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o pastor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d praeses_fw-la quick_o call_v episcopus_fw-la by_o way_n of_o distinction_n with_o many_o elder_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o teach_v and_o deacon_n minister_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n whereby_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o its_o authority_n represent_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o each_o particular_a church_n there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n with_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n if_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o deviation_n from_o its_o first_o order_n by_o a_o occasional_a coalescency_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o by_o a_o new_a form_n of_o church_n never_o appoint_v by_o christ_n which_o come_v not_o in_o until_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n that_o give_v occasion_n to_o corrupt_v this_o order_n into_o a_o episcopal_a pre-eminence_n which_o degenerate_v more_o and_o more_o into_o confusion_n under_o the_o name_n of_o order_n and_o the_o absolute_a equality_n of_o many_o pastor_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n be_v liable_a unto_o many_o inconvenience_n if_o not_o diligent_o watch_v against_o 5._o wherefore_o let_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v unto_o its_o original_a constitution_n which_o be_v congregational_a and_o no_o other_o and_o i_o do_v judge_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v so_o early_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n namely_o of_o one_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o all_o holy_a administration_n with_o many_o elder_n teach_v or_o rule_v only_o do_v not_o so_o overthrow_v church-order_n as_o to_o render_v its_o rule_n or_o discipline_n useless_a 6._o but_o whereas_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o office_n or_o power_n intimate_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v where_o there_o be_v many_o teach_v elder_n in_o any_o church_n a_o equality_n in_o office_n and_o power_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v but_o yet_o this_o take_v not_o off_o from_o the_o due_a preference_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n nor_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o precedency_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o order_n in_o all_o church_n assembly_n nor_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n which_o gift_n age_n ability_n prudence_n and_o experience_n which_o may_v belong_v unto_o some_o according_a to_o rule_n may_v give_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o rule_v elder_n 1._o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n therein_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n all_o elder_n in_o office_n have_v rule_n and_o none_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n but_o elder_n as_o such_o rule_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o especial_a office_n be_v entrust_v with_o all_o church-power_n but_o therefore_o they_o be_v elder_n also_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o joh._n 1._o 3_o joh._n 1._o see_v act
21.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o on_o other_o account_n call_v bishop_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n guide_n but_o what_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n or_o what_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o otherwise_o act._n 20.17_o 18._o so_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o difference_n in_o age_n but_o be_v use_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ruler_n or_o governor_n whether_o in_o office_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a especial_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o call_v its_o elder_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o power_n or_o office_n intend_v by_o it_o be_v traduce_v to_o signify_v man_n in_o authority_n signeiores_fw-la eldermani_fw-la in_o all_o place_n 2._o church-power_n act_v in_o its_o rule_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o a_o expression_n derive_v from_o the_o key_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o office-power_n in_o the_o family_n of_o king_n isa._n 22.22_o and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o denote_v the_o communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o other_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o universal_o vest_v in_o himself_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n revel_v 3.7_o mat._n 16.19_o 3._o these_o key_n be_v usual_o refer_v unto_o two_o head_n namely_o the_o one_o of_o order_n the_o other_o of_o jurisdiction_n 4._o by_o the_o key_n of_o order_n the_o spiritual_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n doctrinal_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v intend_v 5._o by_o jurisdiction_n the_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o call_v or_o esteem_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n until_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o church-rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v deprave_v and_o change_v therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o or_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v unto_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o its_o rule_n it_o be_v expressive_a of_o and_o direct_v unto_o that_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a according_a unto_o the_o canon_n law_n by_o which_o all_o church-rule_n and_o order_n be_v destroy_v i_o do_v therefore_o at_o once_o dismiss_v all_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o of_o thing_n foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v as_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n about_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n but_o that_o these_o key_n do_v include_v the_o twofold_a distinct_a power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v free_o grant_v 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o that_o of_o rome_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a distribution_n make_v of_o these_o key_n unto_o some_o that_o be_v unto_o one_o special_a sort_n or_o order_n of_o man_n they_o be_v both_o grant_v both_o the_o key_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v unto_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o some_o other_o under_o various_a canonical_a restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o dean_n and_o arch-deacon_n unto_o some_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o order_n only_o without_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o jurisdiction_n or_o rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n which_o be_v the_o parochial_a minister_n or_o mere_a presbyter_n without_o any_o additional_a title_n or_o power_n as_o of_o commissary_n surrogate_v or_o the_o like_a and_o unto_o a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n almost_o plenipotent_a who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o key_n of_o order_n that_o be_v be_v never_o ordain_v separate_v dedicate_v unto_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o chancellor_n etc._n etc._n 7._o these_o chancellor_n be_v the_o only_a lay-elder_n that_o i_o know_v any_o where_o in_o any_o church_n that_o be_v person_n entrust_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o its_o censure_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v unto_o any_o church-office_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o laity_n or_o the_o people_n all_o church_n ruler_n by_o institution_n be_v elder_n to_o be_v a_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o ruler_n in_o it_o be_v all_o one_o wherefore_o these_o person_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o thus_o continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o people_n be_v lay-elder_n who_o i_o wonder_v how_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n come_v so_o serious_o to_o oppose_v see_v this_o order_n of_o man_n be_v own_v by_o none_o but_o themselves_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o know_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v who_o order_n be_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o be_v of_o any_o public_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v dispose_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o part_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o authoritative_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o even_o those_o who_o place_n the_o whole_a external_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v it_o as_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o church-power_n and_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v usual_o call_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n either_o appoint_v by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o that_o with_o cogent_a argument_n see_v grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la potestat_fw-la cap._n 8._o but_o this_o distribution_n mention_v of_o church-power_n be_v unscriptural_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o antiquity_n it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o two_o latter_a branch_n of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n doctrinal_o or_o ministerial_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n which_o give_v they_o this_o power_n not_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n or_o discipline_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v countenance_n unto_o and_o as_o by_o this_o mean_n those_o be_v abridge_v and_o deprive_v of_o their_o power_n to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o elder_n due_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n so_o in_o the_o three_o branch_n there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o church-power_n unto_o such_o as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v exclude_v from_o any_o interest_n therein_o the_o enormity_n of_o which_o constitution_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a insist_v upon_o but_o enquiry_n must_v be_v make_v what_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o herein_o and_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o pastoral_n feeding_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n all_o agree_v herein_o unless_o it_o be_v erastus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o who_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o but_o their_o argument_n lie_v not_o against_o rule_n in_o general_n which_o be_v brutish_a but_o only_o a_o rule_n by_o external_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o grant_v the_o general_a assertion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o rule_n for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o only_o they_o contend_v about_o the_o subject_n of_o power_n require_v thereunto_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o mutual_a voluntary_a confederation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n purity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n few_o of_o that_o opinion_n deny_v at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v oppose_v for_o to_o deny_v all_o rule_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o administration_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a power_n internal_o inherent_a in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a political_a
have_v to_o do_v and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v to_o do_v it_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a and_o senseless_a unto_o they_o who_o have_v another_o idea_n of_o church-affair_n and_o rule_n conceive_v in_o their_o mind_n or_o receive_v by_o tradition_n and_o rivet_v by_o interest_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o what_o belong_v unto_o the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n beyond_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o reap_v the_o advantage_n that_o be_v obtain_v thereby_o can_v see_v any_o necessity_n of_o the_o distribution_n of_o these_o several_a work_n and_o duty_n unto_o several_a officer_n but_o suppose_v all_o may_v be_v do_v well_o enough_o by_o one_o or_o two_o in_o the_o same_o office._n wherefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o we_o treat_v brief_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a and_o what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o which_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n 9_o the_o exception_n which_o be_v usual_o put_v in_o unto_o this_o testimony_n have_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n from_o the_o text_n or_o context_n nor_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o nor_o confirmation_n 〈◊〉_d any_o other_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v therefore_o in_o vain_a to_o contend_v about_o they_o be_v such_o as_o any_o man_n may_v multiply_v at_o his_o pleasure_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o use_v by_o those_o who_o on_o other_o consideration_n be_v not_o willing_a that_o thing_n shall_v be_v as_o they_o be_v here_o declare_v to_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o we_o may_v take_v a_o brief_a specimen_fw-la of_o they_o some_o say_v it_o be_v gift_n absolute_o without_o respect_n unto_o distinct_a office_n that_o the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o which_o have_v be_v disprove_v from_o the_o text_n and_o context_n before_o some_o say_v that_o rule_n be_v include_v in_o the_o pastoral_n office_n so_o as_o that_o the_o pastor_n only_o be_v here_o intend_a but_o 1._o rule_n be_v not_o his_o principal_a work_n which_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n with_o diligence_n above_o other_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n 2._o the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n belong_v also_o to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o be_v there_o another_o office_n appoint_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n act._n 6._o 3._o he_o that_o rule_v be_v in_o this_o place_n express_o distinguish_v from_o he_o that_o exhort_v and_o he_o that_o teach_v some_o say_v that_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v he_o that_o rule_v his_o family_n but_o this_o be_v disprove_v by_o the_o analysis_n of_o the_o chapter_n before_o declare_v and_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o that_o have_v family_n and_o confine_v unto_o their_o family_n be_v ill_o place_v among_o those_o public_a duty_n which_o be_v design_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o be_v object_v that_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v here_o place_v after_o he_o that_o give_v that_o be_v the_o deacon_n i_o say_v then_o it_o can_v be_v the_o pastor_n that_o be_v intend_v if_o we_o may_v prescribe_v method_n of_o express_v himself_o unto_o the_o apostle_n but_o he_o use_v his_o liberty_n and_o do_v not_o oblige_v himself_o unto_o any_o order_n in_o the_o annumeration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n see_v 1_o cor._n 12.8_o 9_o 10_o 28._o and_o some_o other_o exception_n be_v insist_v on_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o importance_n which_o indeed_o deserve_v not_o our_o consideration_n 10._o there_o be_v the_o same_o evidence_n give_v unto_o the_o truth_n argue_v for_o in_o another_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_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 healing_n help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o testimony_n and_o its_o vindication_n in_o particular_a see_v many_o thing_n will_v be_v require_v thereunto_o which_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o already_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v brief_o observe_v concern_v it_o that_o there_o be_v here_o a_o annumeration_n of_o officer_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n both_o extraordinary_a for_o that_o season_n and_o ordinary_a for_o continuance_n be_v beyond_o exception_n unto_o they_o be_v add_v the_o present_a exercise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a gift_n as_o miracle_n healing_n tongue_n that_o by_o help_n the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n be_v intend_v most_o do_v agree_v because_o their_o original_a institution_n be_v as_o helper_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n government_n be_v governor_n or_o ruler_n the_o abstract_n for_o the_o concrete_a that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v distinct_a from_o teacher_n such_o have_v god_n place_v in_o the_o church_n and_o such_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o gift_n not_o office_n be_v intend_v the_o gift_n of_o government_n or_o gift_n for_o government_n if_o so_o than_o these_o gift_n be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a if_o ordinary_a how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o miracle_n healing_n and_o tongue_n if_o extraordinary_a what_o extraordinary_a gift_n for_o government_n be_v then_o give_v distinct_a from_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o instance_n be_v any_o where_o give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n again_o if_o god_n have_v give_v gift_n for_o government_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o those_o give_v unto_o teacher_n and_o unto_o other_o person_n than_o the_o teacher_n then_o be_v there_o a_o distinct_a office_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v all_o we_o plead_v for_o 11._o the_o original_a order_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n have_v all_o church-power_n and_o church-office_n in_o themselves_o with_o authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o they_o everywhere_o on_o all_o occasion_n but_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o of_o the_o rule_n appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o it_o or_o over_o it_o they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v not_o ordinary_o exercise_v their_o power_n by_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o own_o person_n alone_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o first_o church_n consist_v of_o a_o small_a number_n the_o apostle_n act_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n or_o the_o fraternity_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v from_o act_n the_o first_o and_o when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n increase_v so_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n attend_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v towards_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o office_n they_o add_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n for_o the_o especial_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o church_n owe_v unto_o its_o poor_a member_n whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v no_o more_o personal_o attend_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o without_o a_o entrenchment_n on_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o than_o they_o can_v attend_v unto_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a they_o appoint_v elder_n to_o help_v and_o assist_v in_o that_o part_n of_o office-work_a as_o the_o deacon_n do_v in_o the_o other_o these_o elder_n be_v first_o mention_v act._n 11.30_o where_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o those_o which_o be_v well_o know_v and_o have_v now_o be_v of_o some_o time_n in_o the_o church_n afterward_o they_o be_v still_o mention_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o distinction_n from_o the_o church_n itself_o act_v 15.2_o 4_o 6_o 22._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 21.18_o now_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v teach_v elder_n that_o be_v such_o as_o have_v the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n commit_v to_o they_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o joh._n 1._o and_o these_o elder_n be_v constant_o distinguish_v from_o they_o which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o teach_v elder_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v make_v of_o they_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v or_o preach_v be_v no_o where_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o which_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n reserve_v to_o themselves_o act._n 6.2_o 3._o but_o they_o be_v every_o where_o introduce_v as_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o distinction_n from_o the_o church_n itself_o or_o the_o brethren_n of_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a that_o whilst_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o
shall_v appoint_v in_o the_o same_o church_n many_o more_o teach_v elder_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o elder_n intend_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v add_v for_o a_o close_a of_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o be_v but_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o sacred_a order_n as_o some_o call_v they_o or_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a office_n as_o unto_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o person_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n much_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o chancellor_n official_o commissary_n and_o the_o like_a officer_n who_o be_v absolute_o lay-man_n and_o not_o at_o all_o in_o their_o holy_a order_n some_o will_v place_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o only_o rule_v elder_a as_o they_o suppose_v but_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n both_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a do_v both_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o their_o office_n lie_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o order_n and_o discipline_n which_o they_o can_v forgo_v without_o extreme_a confusion_n yea_o without_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o church_n and_o although_o some_o among_o we_o consider_v particular_a church_n only_o as_o small_a society_n may_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o office_n or_o officer_n for_o rule_n in_o they_o yet_o when_o such_o church_n consist_v of_o some_o thousand_o without_o any_o opportunity_n of_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a congregation_n as_o at_o charenton_n in_o france_n it_o be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o by_o two_o or_o three_o minister_n alone_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o have_v instance_n of_o ten_o twenty_o yea_o forty_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o institution_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n whereby_o each_o ten_o family_n be_v to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reformation_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o attend_v unto_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o call_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n chap._n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church-polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n have_v declare_v who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n something_o must_v be_v add_v concern_v the_o rule_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o hereof_o i_o have_v treat_v before_o in_o general_a that_o which_o i_o now_o design_n be_v what_o in_o particular_a respect_v they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o whereunto_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o there_o be_v power_n authority_n and_o rule_v grant_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o some_o person_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v democratical_a from_o the_o necessary_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o it_o in_o its_o exercise_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o whereas_o this_o consent_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n require_v that_o all_o they_o do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v voluntary_a as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v in_o dutiful_a compliance_n with_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o rule_n it_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o government_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v act_v and_o dispose_v in_o the_o church_n by_o suffrage_n or_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n the_o vote_n of_o the_o fraternity_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o authoritative_a but_o only_o declarative_a of_o consent_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n where_o the_o church_n be_v organical_a or_o in_o complete_a order_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o authority_n and_o rule_n institute_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v not_o liable_a unto_o dispute_n where_o there_o be_v bishop_n pastor_n elder_n guide_n ruler_n steward_n institute_v give_v grant_v call_v ordain_v and_o some_o to_o be_v rule_v sheep_n lamb_n brethren_n oblige_v by_o command_n to_o obey_v they_o follow_v they_o submit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n regard_v they_o as_o over_o they_o there_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o some_o person_n and_o that_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o in_o the_o practical_a part_n or_o exercise_n of_o rule_n due_a respect_n be_v not_o have_v unto_o their_o authority_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n when_o the_o people_n judge_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o such_o only_a and_o in_o they_o do_v the_o right_a of_o their_o use_n and_o exercise_n reside_v that_o their_o elder_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o dispose_n of_o church_n affair_n or_o in_o act_n of_o church_n power_n but_o only_o their_o own_o suffrage_n or_o what_o they_o can_v obtain_v by_o reason_v and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o authority_n in_o any_o thing_n a_o evil_a apt_a to_o grow_v in_o church_n it_o overthrow_v all_o that_o beautiful_a order_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n of_o this_o complaint_n that_o where_o the_o people_n have_v their_o due_a liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o assume_v that_o power_n unto_o themselves_o which_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o a_o evil_n attend_v with_o troublesome_a impertinency_n and_o disorder_n tend_v unto_o anarchy_n let_v they_o remember_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o upon_o the_o confinement_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o guide_n bishop_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n and_o enlarge_v their_o usurpation_n until_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o absolute_a tyranny_n wherefore_o no_o fear_n of_o consequent_n that_o may_v ensue_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n ignorance_n weakness_n lust_n corruption_n or_o secular_a interest_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o entice_v we_o unto_o the_o least_o alteration_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o any_o prudential_a provision_n of_o our_o own_o 3._o this_o authority_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v neither_o autocratical_a or_o sovereign_n nor_o nomothetical_a or_o legislative_a nor_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a but_o organical_a and_o ministerial_a only_o the_o endless_a controversy_n which_o have_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n about_o a_o autocratical_a and_o monarchical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n about_o power_n to_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o to_o kill_v and_o destroy_v they_o with_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n contrary_a to_o express_v command_n of_o scripture_n and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n isa._n 33.22_o jam._n 4.12_o mat._n 17.5_o chap._n 23.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o luke_n 22.25_o 26._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 25._o 4._o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v be_v mere_o ministerial_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v it_o free_a so_o in_o its_o nature_n it_o be_v spiritual_a pure_o and_o only_o so_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v express_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o for_o its_o object_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n whereunto_o it_o extend_v which_o no_o other_o humane_a power_n do_v nor_o do_v it_o reach_v those_o other_o concern_v of_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o political_a power_n its_o end_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a
may_v be_v and_o ofttimes_o be_v but_o one_o teaching-eld_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n in_o a_o church_n upon_o his_o death_n or_o removal_n it_o be_v the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o these_o elder_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o its_o assembly_n to_o prevent_v irregularity_n in_o any_o person_n or_o party_n among_o they_o to_o go_v before_o to_o direct_v and_o guide_v the_o church_n in_o the_o call_n and_o choice_n of_o some_o other_o meet_a person_n or_o person_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o decease_a or_o remove_v these_o few_o instance_n have_v i_o give_v of_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_v elder_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o such_o as_o deserve_v a_o great_a enlargement_n in_o their_o declaration_n and_o confirmation_n than_o i_o can_v here_o afford_v unto_o they_o and_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n and_o synod_n but_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v be_v sufficient_a unto_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o all_o the_o thing_n insist_v on_o do_v undoubted_o and_o unquestionable_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o they_o that_o be_v liable_a unto_o any_o just_a exception_n from_o they_o by_o who_o all_o church_n order_n be_v not_o despise_v wherefore_o where_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v defective_a as_o unto_o its_o own_o edification_n and_o where_o this_o defect_n be_v great_a in_o many_o of_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o beauty_n no_o glory_n no_o order_n in_o any_o church_n but_o only_o a_o outward_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v belong_v unto_o the_o duty_n of_o these_o elder_n there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n nor_o confirmation_n but_o that_o they_o all_o undoubted_o and_o unquestionable_o belong_v unto_o that_o rule_n and_o order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n and_o which_o the_o scripture_n testify_v unto_o both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a for_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o vain_a apprehension_n to_o suppose_v that_o one_o or_o two_o teach_v officer_n in_o a_o church_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n to_o labour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o preach_v in_o and_o out_o of_o season_n that_o be_v at_o all_o time_n on_o all_o opportunity_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v gainsayers_a by_o word_n and_o write_v plead_v for_o the_o truth_n to_o assist_v and_o guide_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o under_o their_o temptation_n and_o desertion_n with_o sundry_a other_o duty_n in_o part_n speak_v to_o before_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o attend_v with_o diligence_n unto_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o do_v evident_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o church_n at_o this_o day_n do_v live_v on_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o pastor_n which_o they_o great_o value_v and_o be_v very_o little_a sensible_a of_o the_o wisdom_n goodness_n love_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o unto_o their_o edification_n and_o the_o supply_n which_o many_o have_v make_v hitherto_o herein_o by_o person_n either_o unacquainted_a with_o their_o duty_n or_o insensible_a of_o their_o own_o authority_n or_o cold_a if_o not_o negligent_a in_o their_o work_n do_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v lose_v in_o most_o church_n and_o it_o be_v both_o vain_o and_o presumptuous_o plead_v to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o order_n that_o some_o church_n do_v walk_v in_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o be_v edify_v without_o it_o supply_v some_o defect_n by_o the_o prudent_a aid_n of_o some_o member_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o preference_n of_o our_o own_o wisdom_n unto_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n or_o at_o best_a a_o unwillingness_n to_o make_v a_o venture_n on_o the_o warranty_n of_o his_o rule_n for_o fear_v of_o some_o disadvantage_n that_o may_v ensue_v thereon_o 3._o whereas_o sundry_a of_o the_o duty_n beforementioned_a be_v as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o require_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a station_n without_o any_o especial_a obligation_n to_o attend_v unto_o they_o with_o diligence_n to_o look_v after_o they_o or_o power_n to_o exercise_n any_o authority_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o they_o to_o leave_v they_o from_o under_o the_o office-care_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o let_v in_o confusson_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n and_o gradual_o to_o remove_v the_o whole_a advantage_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o many_o church_n already_o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o neither_o the_o purity_n nor_o the_o order_n nor_o the_o beauty_n or_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o majesty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o government_n of_o they_o can_v be_v long_o preserve_v without_o a_o multiplication_n of_o elder_n in_o they_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o respective_a member_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o guidance_n and_o for_o want_v hereof_o have_v church_n of_o old_a and_o of_o late_a either_o degenerate_v into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n their_o self_n rule_n be_v manage_v with_o vain_a dispute_n and_o jangle_n unto_o their_o division_n and_o ruin_n or_o else_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o domination_n of_o some_o prelatical_a teacher_n to_o rule_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n which_o prove_v the_o bane_n and_o poison_n of_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o they_o will_v and_o must_v do_v so_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o order_n for_o the_o future_a chap._n ix_o of_o deacon_n the_o original_a institution_n nature_n and_o use_v of_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o that_o we_o need_v not_o much_o insist_v upon_o they_o nor_o shall_v i_o treat_v of_o the_o name_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o any_o kind_n of_o ministry_n civil_a or_o sacred_a but_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o that_o especial_a work_n for_o which_o this_o office_n be_v ordain_v the_o remote_a foundation_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n the_o poor_a you_o have_v always_o with_o you_o joh._n 12.8_o he_o do_v not_o only_o foretell_v that_o such_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n but_o recommend_v the_o care_n of_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n 15.11_o for_o the_o poor_a shall_v never_o cease_v out_o of_o the_o land_n therefore_o i_o command_v thou_o say_v thou_o shall_v open_v thy_o hand_n wide_a unto_o thy_o brother_n to_o thy_o poor_a and_o to_o thy_o needy_a this_o legal_a institution_n found_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o authority_n transferr_v and_o translate_v unto_o the_o use_n of_o gospel_n church_n among_o his_o disciple_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o at_o the_o same_o instant_a hypocrisy_n and_o avarice_n begin_v to_o attempt_v their_o advantage_n on_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o afterward_o effect_v unto_o their_o safety_n for_o on_o the_o pretence_n hereof_o judas_n immediate_o condemn_v a_o eminent_a duty_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o contain_v a_o cost_n in_o it_o which_o may_v have_v be_v better_o lay_v out_o in_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a the_o ointment_n pour_v on_o our_o saviour_n he_o think_v may_v have_v be_v sell_v for_o three_o hundred_o penny_n it_o may_v be_v about_o forty_o or_o fifty_o pound_n and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a but_o this_o he_o say_v not_o that_o he_o care_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o thief_n and_o have_v the_o bag_n out_o of_o which_o he_o can_v have_v make_v a_o good_a prey_n unto_o himself_o joh._n 12.6_o and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o although_o judas_n malicious_o begin_v this_o murmur_a yet_o at_o last_o some_o of_o the_o other_o disciple_n be_v
unto_o a_o present_a exercise_n by_o such_o circumstance_n as_o nature_n and_o providence_n do_v suggest_v the_o care_n also_o of_o the_o whole_a work_n be_v as_o be_v say_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n only_o the_o ordinary_a execution_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o deacon_n nor_o be_v this_o a_o temporary_a institution_n for_o that_o season_n and_o so_o the_o officer_n appoint_v extraordinary_a but_o be_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o generation_n for_o 1._o the_o work_n itself_o as_o a_o distinct_a work_n of_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n be_v never_o to_o cease_v it_o be_v to_o abide_v for_o ever_o the_o poor_a you_o shall_v have_v always_o with_o you_o 2._o the_o reason_n of_o its_o institution_n be_v perpetual_a namely_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o themselves_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o pray_v preach_a and_o this_o ministration_n 3._o they_o be_v afterward_o not_o only_o in_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n reckon_v among_o the_o fix_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o 4._o direction_n be_v give_v for_o their_o continuation_n in_o all_o church_n with_o a_o prescription_n of_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o call_v into_o this_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 10_o 11._o 5._o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n be_v direct_v and_o a_o office_n commit_v unto_o they_o let_v they_o be_v first_o prove_v then_o let_v they_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n 6._o a_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n be_v annex_v unto_o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o this_o office_n vers._n 13._o hence_o those_o who_o afterward_o utter_o pervert_v all_o church_n order_n take_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o care_n of_o the_o deacon_n that_o work_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o for_o which_o end_v alone_o their_o office_n be_v institute_v in_o the_o church_n assign_v other_o work_n unto_o they_o whereunto_o they_o be_v not_o call_v nor_o appoint_v yet_o think_v meet_v to_o continue_v the_o name_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o a_o office_n because_o of_o the_o evident_a institution_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o continuation_n and_o whereas_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v swell_v with_o pride_n and_o ambition_n in_o the_o church_n no_o sort_n of_o its_o officer_n content_v themselves_o with_o their_o primitive_a institution_n but_o strive_v by_o various_a degree_n to_o somewhat_o in_o name_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v high_a and_o aloft_n there_o arise_v from_o the_o name_n of_o this_o office_n the_o meteor_n of_o a_o archdeacon_n with_o strange_a power_n and_o authority_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o age_n but_o this_o belong_v unto_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n whereunto_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n but_o some_o think_v it_o not_o inconvenient_a even_o to_o sport_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o church_n order_n and_o constitution_n this_o office_n of_o deacon_n be_v a_o office_n of_o service_n which_o give_v not_o any_o authority_n or_o power_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v a_o office_n it_o give_v authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o special_a work_n of_o it_o under_o a_o general_a notion_n of_o authority_n that_o be_v a_o right_a to_o attend_v unto_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o but_o this_o right_n be_v confine_v unto_o the_o particular_a church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v they_o to_o make_v their_o collection_n and_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v they_o to_o administer_v extraordinary_a collection_n from_o or_o for_o other_o church_n be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o dispose_v by_o the_o elder_n act_n 11.30_o whereas_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o office_n be_v in_o general_a to_o free_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n from_o avocation_n by_o outward_a thing_n such_o as_o wherein_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v it_o belong_v unto_o the_o deacon_n not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o to_o manage_v all_o other_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n such_o as_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o place_n of_o the_o church-assembly_n of_o the_o element_n for_o the_o sacrament_n of_o keep_v collect_v and_o dispose_v of_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o its_o officer_n and_o incidency_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n or_o persecution_n hereon_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o attend_v the_o elder_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o they_o and_o receive_v direction_n from_o they_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n until_o the_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n of_o the_o superior_a clergy_n enclose_v all_o alm_n and_o donation_n unto_o themselves_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n whereof_o be_v excellent_o describe_v and_o trace_v by_o paulus_n sharpius_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o matter_n beneficiary_a that_o maintenance_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o be_v to_o distribute_v be_v to_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o voluntary_a contribution_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v make_v ordinary_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2._o and_o this_o contribution_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v 1._o in_o a_o way_n of_o bounty_n not_o spare_o 2_o cor._n 9.5_o 6_o 7._o 2._o in_o a_o way_n of_o equality_n as_o unto_o man_n ability_n 2_o cor._n 8.13_o 14._o 3._o with_o respect_n unto_o present_a success_n and_o thrive_a in_o affair_n whereof_o a_o portion_n be_v due_a to_o god_n as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o 1_o cor._n 16.2_o 4._o with_o willingness_n and_o freedom_n 2_o cor._n 8.12_o chap._n 7._o wherefore_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o deacon_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n 1._o to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o the_o present_a necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a 2._o to_o stir_v up_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o free_a contribution_n according_a unto_o their_o ability_n 3._o to_o admonish_v those_o that_o be_v negligent_a herein_o who_o give_v not_o according_a to_o their_o porportion_n and_o to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n with_o those_o who_o persist_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a unto_o who_o the_o contribution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v minister_v belong_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o office._n as_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v poor_a indeed_o and_o do_v not_o pretend_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v for_o advantage_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o poverty_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o relation_n and_o circumstance_n that_o they_o may_v have_v suitable_a supply_n 3._o that_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o walk_v according_a unto_o rule_n 4._o in_o particular_a that_o they_o work_v and_o labour_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n for_o he_o that_o will_v not_o labour_n must_v not_o eat_v at_o the_o public_a charge_n 5._o to_o comfort_n counsel_n and_o exhort_v they_o unto_o patience_n submission_n contentment_n with_o their_o condition_n and_o thankfulness_n all_o which_o may_v be_v enlarge_v and_o confirm_v but_o that_o they_o be_v obvious_a the_o qualification_n of_o person_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n be_v distinct_o lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o upon_o the_o trial_n knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o qualification_n their_o call_n to_o this_o office_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o a_o separation_n unto_o it_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n act._n 6.3_o 5_o 6._o and_o the_o adjunct_n of_o their_o ministration_n be_v 1._o mercy_n to_o represent_v the_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n towards_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n rom._n 12.8_o 2._o cheerfulness_n to_o relieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v against_o thought_n of_o be_v troublesome_a and_o burdensome_a to_o other_o 3._o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n by_o which_o they_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o great_a boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o inquire_v into_o some_o few_o thing_n relate_v unto_o this_o office_n and_o those_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o as_o 1._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o affirm_v
man_n have_v by_o faith_n and_o his_o conjunction_n unto_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n his_o just_a rejection_n out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o redelivery_n of_o he_o into_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v here_o intend_a and_o this_o be_v a_o act_n suit_v unto_o the_o end_n whereunto_o it_o be_v design_v for_o a_o man_n hereby_o be_v not_o take_v out_o of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n not_o act_v or_o agitate_a by_o the_o devil_n but_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o sedate_n consideration_n of_o his_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o this_o if_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o ingenuous_a grace_n leave_v in_o he_o will_v be_v effectual_o operative_a by_o shame_n grief_n and_o fear_n unto_o his_o humiliation_n especial_o understand_v that_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n herein_o be_v only_o his_o repentance_n and_o restauration_n here_o be_v therefore_o in_o his_o instance_n a_o everlasting_a rule_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o ordinary_a occurrence_n of_o the_o like_a case_n require_v a_o ordinary_a power_n for_o relief_n in_o they_o without_o which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v preserve_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n enjoin_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o necessary_a unto_o its_o glory_n it_o be_v own_o honour_n and_o edification_n to_o reject_v scandalous_a offender_n out_o of_o its_o communion_n be_v evident_o declare_v in_o this_o place_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o it_o have_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n to_o discharge_v see_v without_o they_o it_o can_v be_v discharge_v be_v a_o wild_a imagination_n 4._o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o with_o such_o other_o particular_a duty_n as_o suppose_v the_o institution_n hereof_o be_v in_o many_o place_n direct_v and_o enjoin_v it_o be_v so_o in_o that_o insist_v on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o record_v lie_v in_o this_o that_o church_n ought_v to_o cut_v off_o from_o among_o they_o scandalous_a offender_n and_o that_o to_o the_o end_v they_o may_v preserve_v themselves_o pure_a and_o that_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n vers._n 2_o 4_o 7._o and_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o that_o excommunication_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n we_o shall_v consider_v afterward_o 2_o cor._n chap._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o church_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n call_v it_o a_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o he_o by_o they_o vers._n 6._o he_o give_v also_o a_o account_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o sentence_n against_o he_o which_o be_v his_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n vers._n 7._o and_o hereon_o give_v direction_n for_o his_o restauration_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n forgive_a he_o and_o confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o he_o man_n may_v fancy_n to_o themselves_o strange_a notion_n of_o excommunication_n with_o reference_n unto_o its_o power_n the_o residence_n of_o that_o power_n its_o effect_n extent_n and_o end_n and_o so_o either_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n erect_v it_o into_o a_o engine_n of_o arbitrary_a domination_n over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o or_o deny_v on_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o force_n in_o his_o church_n but_o we_o can_v be_v teach_v nothing_o more_o plain_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o he_o have_v give_v power_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o communion_n obstinate_a scandalous_a offender_n and_o to_o restore_v they_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n enjoin_v it_o unto_o they_o as_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o woeful_a degeneracy_n in_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n when_o this_o sentence_n be_v so_o administer_v as_o that_o it_o have_v a_o effect_n by_o virtue_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o man_n but_o no_o influence_n on_o their_o conscience_n unto_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o its_o appointment_n the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n gal._n 5.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o he_o speak_v of_o those_o false_a teacher_n who_o oppose_v and_o overthrow_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o at_o that_o time_n be_v in_o great_a power_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n who_o they_o have_v corrupt_v with_o their_o false_a opinion_n so_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_o enjoin_v their_o immediate_a excision_n yet_o he_o declare_v what_o they_o do_v deserve_v and_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o they_o when_o free_v from_o their_o delusion_n vers._n 12._o i_o will_v they_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o man_n have_v exercise_v their_o mind_n in_o curious_a conjecture_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n altogether_o in_o vain_a and_o needless_o the_o curiosity_n of_o some_o of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o ancient_n apply_v it_o unto_o a_o forcible_a eunuchism_n be_v extreme_o fond_a no_o other_o excision_n be_v intend_v but_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o truth_n neither_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n condemn_v nor_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n or_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o exposition_n 2_o thessaly_n 3.7_o the_o apostle_n give_v command_v unto_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a what_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v disorderly_a he_o declare_v immediate_o namely_o to_o live_v in_o a_o open_a disobedience_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v unto_o they_o this_o withdraw_a be_v as_o unto_o church-communion_n which_o can_v be_v do_v but_o upon_o some_o act_n of_o the_o church_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o right_n of_o it_o for_o if_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n herein_o it_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o vers._n 14._o he_o require_v that_o a_o note_n be_v set_v on_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v a_o sentence_n be_v denounce_v against_o he_o before_o the_o duty_n of_o withdraw_a from_o he_o by_o the_o brethren_n be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o see_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tit._n 3.10_o 11._o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o revel_v 2.2_o 14_o 15_o 20_o 21._o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o this_o censure_n judgement_n spiritual_a punishment_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o administration_n he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o edification_n with_o its_o preservation_n in_o honour_n purity_n and_o order_n ☞_o there_o have_v be_v many_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o unto_o its_o order_n and_o kind_n some_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o excommunication_n the_o one_o they_o call_v the_o lesser_a and_o the_o other_o the_o great_a some_o three_o sort_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o more_o sort_n but_o one_o or_o of_o any_o degree_n therein_o a_o segregation_n from_o all_o participation_n in_o church-order_n worship_n and_o privilege_n be_v the_o only_a excommunication_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o whereas_o a_o offend_a person_n may_v cause_v great_a disorder_n in_o a_o church_n and_o give_v great_a scandal_n unto_o the_o member_n of_o it_o before_o he_o can_v be_v regular_o cut_v off_o or_o expel_v the_o society_n some_o do_v judge_v that_o there_o shall_v a_o suspension_n of_o he_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n at_o least_o precede_v total_a or_o complete_a excommunication_n in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n and_o it_o ought_v in_o some_o case_n so_o to_o be_v but_o this_o suspension_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o especial_a institution_n but_o only_o a_o act_n of_o prudence_n in_o church-rule_n to_o avoid_v offence_n and_o scandal_n and_o no_o man_n question_v but_o that_o this_o be_v lawful_a unto_o yea_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o require_v any_o
judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o in_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n yea_o such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n witness_v that_o continue_v in_o without_o repentance_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n if_o the_o thing_n itself_o to_o be_v animadvert_v on_o be_v dubious_a or_o disputable_a whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o no_o especial_o such_o a_o sin_n either_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n or_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v or_o from_o other_o circumstance_n so_o as_o that_o the_o guilty_a person_n be_v not_o self-condemned_n nor_o be_v other_o full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o mind_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o excommunication_n in_o such_o case_n and_o if_o it_o be_v once_o allow_v to_o be_v apply_v towards_o any_o sin_n but_o such_o as_o be_v evident_a to_o be_v so_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n not_o only_o will_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v make_v difficult_a a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n unfit_a for_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o will_v leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o prostitute_v unto_o litigious_a brawl_n quarrel_n and_o difference_n wherein_o interest_n and_o partiality_n may_v take_v place_n which_o be_v to_o profane_v this_o divine_a institution_n but_o confine_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n if_o persist_v in_o and_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a from_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n proceed_v that_o horrible_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o excommunication_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o which_o for_o sundry_a age_n prevail_v in_o the_o world._n for_o as_o it_o be_v most_o apply_v unto_o thing_n holy_a just_a and_o good_a or_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o gospel_n duty_n as_o man_n owe_v to_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o be_v exercise_v with_o respect_n unto_o irregularity_n that_o be_v make_v such_o mere_o by_o the_o arbitrary_a constitution_n and_o law_n of_o man_n and_o that_o in_o case_n frivolous_a trifle_a and_o of_o no_o importance_n it_o be_v find_v necessary_a to_o be_v manage_v in_o and_o by_o such_o court_n such_o process_n such_o form_n of_o law_n such_o plead_n and_o intricacy_n of_o craft_n such_o a_o burden_n of_o cost_n and_o charge_n as_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o bewail_v or_o deride_v 2._o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o unto_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o sin_n unto_o the_o particular_a offender_n be_v confess_v or_o not_o deny_v or_o clear_o prove_v how_o far_o this_o be_v to_o extend_v and_o what_o ground_n of_o procedure_v there_o may_v be_v in_o report_n or_o fame_n concur_v with_o lead_v circumstance_n we_o shall_v inquire_v afterward_o and_o although_o in_o such_o case_n of_o public_a fame_n a_o good_a testimony_n from_o those_o of_o credit_n and_o repute_v in_o the_o church_n give_v unto_o the_o suppose_a guilty_a person_n be_v of_o use_n and_o sufficient_a in_o some_o case_n single_o to_o oppose_v unto_o public_a report_n yet_o to_o require_v a_o man_n to_o purge_v himself_o by_o other_o from_o any_o feign_a scandalous_a imputation_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a tyranny_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o require_v that_o the_o previous_a process_n in_o and_o by_o private_a and_o public_a admonition_n and_o that_o repeat_v with_o patient_a wait_v for_o the_o success_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v due_o premise_v whether_o this_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v afterward_o inquire_v into_o ordinary_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o to_o leave_v he_o without_o either_o provocation_n from_o the_o church_n or_o excuse_v in_o himself_o so_o suit_v to_o be_v expressive_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n towards_o sinner_n so_o requisite_a unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o their_o proceedure_n as_o that_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o will_v probable_o render_v the_o sentence_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a a_o cry_v out_o i_o admonish_v a_o first_o a_o second_o a_o three_o time_n and_o so_o to_o excommunication_n be_v a_o very_a absurd_a observation_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v censure_v as_o unto_o his_o profession_n of_o repentance_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o obstinacy_n on_o the_o other_o be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o love_n and_o compassion_n there_o be_v few_o who_o be_v so_o profligate_o wicked_a but_o that_o when_o the_o sin_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v be_v evident_o such_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n and_o when_o it_o be_v just_o prove_v against_o they_o they_o will_v make_v some_o profession_n of_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n whether_o this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o in_o most_o case_n it_o be_v to_o suspend_v the_o present_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n or_o quite_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o upon_o consideration_n of_o present_a circumstance_n and_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o own_o edification_n only_o this_o rule_n must_v be_v continual_o observe_v that_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o haste_n or_o undue_a precipitation_n herein_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v in_o all_o these_o case_n as_o the_o bane_n of_o church-rule_n and_o order_n again_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v consider_v and_o hereunto_o be_v require_v 1._o prayer_n without_o which_o it_o can_v no_o way_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o administration_n of_o any_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o prayer_n be_v a_o horrible_a profanation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n hereof_o in_o any_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o excommunicate_v other_o be_v a_o open_a proclamation_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o their_o act_n and_o sentence_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o without_o any_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n without_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n thereby_o engage_v his_o presence_n and_o authority_n in_o what_o they_o do_v be_v that_o principal_o which_o have_v set_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o mankind_n at_o liberty_n from_o any_o concernment_n in_o this_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o whence_o those_o that_o administer_v it_o expect_v no_o other_o success_n of_o what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o they_o can_v give_v it_o by_o outward_a force_n and_o where_o this_o fail_v excommunication_n be_v quick_o lay_v aside_o as_o it_o be_v when_o the_o pope_n threaten_v the_o canton_n of_o the_o swisser_n that_o if_o they_o comply_v not_o with_o some_o of_o his_o imposition_n he_o will_v excommunicate_v they_o whereon_o they_o send_v he_o word_n they_o will_v not_o be_v excommunicate_v which_o end_v the_o matter_n wherefore_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v direct_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o ask_v assistance_n by_o prayer_n when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o matth._n 18.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o the_o apostle_n direct_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v unto_o this_o sentence_n when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o call_v on_o his_o name_n in_o brief_a without_o prayer_n neither_o be_v the_o ordinance_n itself_o sanctify_v unto_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o meet_a to_o administer_v it_o nor_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n either_o own_v or_o engage_v nor_o divine_a assistance_n attain_v neither_o be_v what_o be_v do_v any_o more_o excommunication_n than_o any_o rash_a curse_n be_v so_o that_o many_o proceed_v inordinate_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o men._n and_o the_o prayer_n require_v herein_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v previous_a for_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o mistake_n when_o man_n act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o engage_v his_o authority_n in_o what_o he_o will_v not_o own_o and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o best_a of_o church_n be_v liable_a
unto_o such_o mistake_n where_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n only_o 2._o in_o or_o together_o with_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o that_o what_o be_v do_v on_o earth_n may_v be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o approbation_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v make_v effectual_a unto_o its_o proper_a end._n 3_o it_o must_v be_v follow_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n all_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o humiliation_n repentance_n healing_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o offender_n 2_o lie_v it_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o lamentation_n or_o mourn_v so_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o mourn_v that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o mourning_n and_o himself_o call_v the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n from_o this_o adjunct_n his_o bewail_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v bewail_v many_o that_o have_v sin_v already_o 2_o cor._n 12.2_o compassion_n for_o the_o person_n offend_v with_o respect_n unto_o that_o dangerous_a condition_n whereinto_o he_o have_v cast_v himself_o the_o excision_n of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o who_o they_o have_v have_v communion_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a mystery_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o his_o fall_n aught_o to_o ingenerate_v this_o mourn_a or_o lamentation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n nor_o be_v it_o advisable_v for_o any_o church_n to_o proceed_v thereunto_o before_o they_o be_v so_o affect_v 3_o lie_v it_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n of_o christ._n for_o we_o herein_o judge_v for_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n and_o woe_n to_o they_o who_o dare_v pronounce_v this_o sentence_n without_o a_o persuasion_n on_o good_a ground_n that_o it_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o there_o be_v a_o representation_n also_o in_o it_o of_o the_o future_a judgement_n when_o christ_n will_v eternal_o cut_v off_o and_o separate_v from_o himself_o all_o hypocrite_n and_o impenitent_a sinner_n this_o be_v well_o express_v by_o tertullian_n ibidem_fw-la etiam_fw-la exhortationes_fw-la castigationes_fw-la &_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la speak_v of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n name_n &_o judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la conspectu_fw-la summumque_fw-la futuri_fw-la judicii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la ita_fw-la d_o liquerit_fw-la ut_fw-la a_o communicatione_n orationis_fw-la &_o conventus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la sancti_fw-la commercii_fw-la relegetur_fw-la apol._n cap._n 39_o be_v this_o duty_n observe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o preservative_n against_o that_o intermixture_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o corrupt_a end_n which_o often_o impose_v themselves_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n last_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o judgement_n or_o sentence_n be_v corrective_a not_o vindicative_a for_o heal_v not_o destruction_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o principal_o concern_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o to_o render_v it_o effectual_a be_v plain_o evident_a of_o what_o use_n a_o significant_fw-la and_o capias_fw-la may_v be_v in_o this_o case_n i_o know_v not_o they_o belong_v not_o unto_o christian_a religion_n much_o less_o do_v fire_n and_o faggot_n do_v so_o prayer_n for_o the_o person_n cut_v off_o admonition_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v compassion_n in_o his_o distress_a estate_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o deplorable_a if_o he_o know_v it_o not_o forbearance_n from_o common_a converse_n with_o readiness_n for_o the_o restauration_n of_o love_n in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o contain_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o towards_o they_o that_o be_v just_o excommunicate_a what_o far_o belong_v unto_o this_o head_n of_o church-rule_n or_o order_n shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n or_o inquiry_n wherein_o also_o some_o thing_n only_o mention_v already_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o explain_v i_o have_v make_v some_o enquiry_n before_o whether_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o by_o who_o it_o be_v desire_v i_o shall_v a_o little_a more_o distinct_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n herein_o though_o i_o shall_v alter_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v before_o lay_v down_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a it_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o i_o now_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v this_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n wherefore_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n both_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a interest_n for_o that_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n towards_o any_o which_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o exercise_v it_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o null_a there_o be_v therefore_o no_o distinction_n or_o distribution_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o especial_a duty_n 2._o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a society_n for_o its_o especial_a end_n do_v not_o deprive_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a right_n as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n there_o be_v in_o every_o community_n by_o voluntary_a confederation_n a_o natural_a right_n and_o power_n to_o expel_v those_o from_o its_o society_n who_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o law_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o power_n new_a as_o unto_o the_o way_n manner_n and_o end_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v deprive_v of_o its_o original_a radical_a power_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o its_o own_o preservation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o gainer_n by_o that_o institution_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n shall_v in_o particular_a appoint_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n or_o administration_n of_o this_o sentence_n commit_v the_o care_n thereof_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o can_v be_v well_o understand_v that_o thereby_o he_o shall_v deprive_v the_o church_n of_o its_o right_n and_o forbid_v they_o their_o duty_n in_o preserve_v their_o society_n entire_a and_o pure_a neither_o can_v it_o be_v so_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n commit_v unto_o any_o as_o that_o upon_o their_o neglect_n whereby_o those_o who_o by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n communion_n be_v continue_v in_o it_o unto_o its_o sin_n and_o defilement_n the_o church_n itself_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o guilt_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n express_o charge_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n with_o sin_n and_o neglect_n of_o duty_n in_o that_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o put_v away_o from_o among_o they_o this_o can_v not_o be_v if_o so_o be_v the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o few_o of_o the_o officer_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o right_a to_o act_v in_o it_o for_o none_o can_v incur_v a_o gild_n mere_o by_o the_o defect_n of_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n 3._o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v be_v before_o its_o ordinary_a officer_n for_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v officer_n in_o every_o church_n but_o the_o church_n in_o that_o state_n have_v power_n to_o put_v away_o from_o among_o they_o and_o their_o communion_n a_o obstinate_a offender_n they_o have_v it_o as_o they_o be_v a_o society_n by_o voluntary_a confederation_n wherein_o this_o come_v short_a of_o authoritative_a excommunication_n will_v immediate_o appear_v 4._o where_o a_o church_n be_v complete_a and_o organise_v with_o its_o state_v ruler_n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v yet_o rule_n instruction_n and_o command_n be_v give_v express_o unto_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o duty_n and_o act_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sentence_n and_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o offender_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 4_o 6_o 7._o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o yea_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o infliction_n of_o the_o sentence_n be_v
and_o unless_o this_o union_n be_v dissolve_v unless_o a_o church_n be_v disunite_v from_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v so_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o particular_a however_o it_o may_v be_v deal_v withal_o by_o other_o in_o the_o world._n from_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n and_o spring_n of_o union_n there_o proceed_v unto_o all_o particular_a church_n a_o bond_n of_o union_n which_o be_v his_o holy_a spirit_n act_v itself_o in_o they_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o and_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o kingly_a royal_a beautiful_a union_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n bring_v it_o into_o a_o relation_n unto_o himself_o as_o his_o body_n communicate_v of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o it_o govern_v it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o word_n enable_v it_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o holiness_n for_o unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o faith_n in_o he_o or_o hold_v he_o as_o the_o head_n in_o the_o sincere_a belief_n of_o all_o thing_n concern_v his_o person_n office_n and_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o whatever_o belong_v thereunto_o 2._o love_n unto_o he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v he_o 3._o that_o especial_a holiness_n who_o foundation_n be_v repentance_n and_o effectual_a vocation_n 4._o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n as_o unto_o all_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n these_o thing_n be_v essential_o requisite_a unto_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reality_n and_o power_n of_o they_o be_v the_o internal_a form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o be_v its_o external_a form_n 2._o there_o concur_v hereunto_o a_o union_n among_o themselves_o i_o mean_v all_o particular_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o who_o the_o church_n catholic_n do_v act_n its_o power_n and_o duty_n and_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o these_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v term_v relatio_fw-la aequiparentiae_fw-la wherein_o neither_o of_o the_o relata_fw-la be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v equal_a it_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o subordination_n of_o one_o unto_o another_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a as_o unto_o what_o concern_v their_o essence_n and_o power_n and_o the_o bond_n hereof_o be_v that_o especial_a love_n which_o christ_n require_v among_o all_o his_o disciple_n act_v itself_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n take_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o union_n of_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o relation_n unto_o god_n as_o their_o father_n and_o unto_o christ_n as_o their_o only_a immediate_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n with_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n the_o same_o kind_n of_o holiness_n the_o same_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n especial_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o rule_n or_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o all_o church-order_n with_o mutual_a love_n effectual_a unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o be_v and_o constitution_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n there_o may_v be_v failure_n in_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o as_o unto_o sundry_a of_o these_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v difference_n among_o they_o about_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o infirmity_n ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o they_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v the_o best_a know_v here_o but_o in_o part_n but_o whilst_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v the_o union_n of_o all_o church_n and_o so_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v preserve_v this_o be_v that_o bless_a oneness_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o so_o earnest_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n one_o among_o themselves_o and_o make_v perfect_a in_o one_o joh._n 17.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o that_o horrid_a image_n of_o it_o which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o church_n which_o all_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o bow_v down_o unto_o and_o worship_n with_o the_o fire_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n furnance_n of_o any_o other_o union_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n this_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v always_o the_o same_o inviolable_a unchangeable_a comprehend_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o all_o time_n not_o confinable_a unto_o any_o state_n or_o party_n not_o interruptible_a by_o any_o external_a form_n nor_o to_o be_v prevail_v against_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o all_o such_o dispute_n about_o a_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n as_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o questionable_a among_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o prayer_n and_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whilst_o evangelical_n faith_n holiness_n obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o mutual_a love_n abide_v in_o any_o on_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v profess_v that_o catholic_n church_n be_v visible_a other_o catholic_n church_n upon_o the_o earth_n i_o believe_v none_o nor_o any_o that_o need_v other_o thing_n unto_o its_o constitution_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v our_o present_a enquiry_n namely_o wherein_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o do_v consist_v the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v their_o joint_a act_n in_o the_o same_o gospel_n duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o their_o mutual_a act_n towards_o each_o other_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o be_v which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n the_o ground_n of_o they_o be_v faith_n and_o therein_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v twofold_a 1._o general_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a unto_o godliness_n the_o same_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n this_o the_o primitive_a church_n provide_v for_o in_o creed_n and_o symbol_n or_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v know_v but_o as_o never_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v express_o own_v by_o all_o church_n so_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o come_v to_o be_v abuse_v as_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a church_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a hence_o we_o have_v as_o many_o arian_n creed_n yet_o extant_a as_o those_o that_o be_v orthodox_n but_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o particular_a ☜_o church_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v but_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o profess_a assent_n unto_o all_o divine_a revelation_n therein_o contain_v provide_v that_o no_o error_n be_v avow_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principal_a or_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o it_o for_o although_o any_o society_n of_o man_n shall_v profess_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o avow_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o revelation_n make_v therein_o yet_o by_o the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o they_o may_v embrace_v and_o adhere_v unto_o such_o error_n as_o may_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o faith._n such_o be_v the_o denial_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o divine_a person_n or_o office_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a and_o they_o may_v also_o add_v that_o of_o their_o own_o unto_o their_o profess_a belief_n as_o shall_v exclude_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n such_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o tradition_n as_o equal_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o another_o head_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o lord_n christ_n of_o another_o sacrifice_n beside_o what_o he_o once_o offer_v for_o all_o and_o the_o like_a but_o where_o any_o be_v preserve_v from_o such_o heresy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o communion_n with_o
the_o whole_a church_n as_o unto_o faith_n in_o general_n but_o only_o the_o belief_n before_o describe_v 2._o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n respect_v the_o church_n itself_o as_o its_o material_a object_n for_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o we_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v have_v in_o all_o age_n and_o especial_o have_v in_o that_o wherein_o we_o live_v a_o church_n on_o the_o earth_n confine_v unto_o no_o place_n nor_o party_n of_o man_n no_o empire_n nor_o dominion_n or_o capable_a of_o any_o confinement_n as_o also_o that_o this_o church_n be_v redeem_a call_v sanctify_v by_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o interest_n his_o concernment_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thereunto_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v belong_v and_o be_v confine_v that_o this_o church_n he_o will_v save_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v from_o all_o opposition_n so_o as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o after_o death_n will_v raise_v it_o up_o and_o glorify_v it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n concern_v itself_o which_o be_v a_o ancient_a fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o if_o any_o one_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o church_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n separate_v from_o it_o unto_o which_o alone_a and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v appertain_v in_o contradistinction_n unto_o all_o other_o or_o confine_v it_o unto_o a_o party_n unto_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o appropriate_a he_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o faith_n hereof_o all_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o world_n have_v a_o comfort_a refresh_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o many_o duty_n in_o they_o continual_o 3._o this_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o faith_n consist_v much_o in_o the_o principal_a fruit_n of_o it_o namely_o prayer_n so_o be_v it_o state_v ephes._n 2.18_o for_o through_o christ_n we_o have_v a_o access_n by_o one_o spirit_n unto_o the_o father_n and_o that_o therein_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v consist_v the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o now_o therefore_o etc._n etc._n for_o prayer_n in_o all_o church_n have_v one_o object_n which_o be_v god_n even_o the_o father_n god_n as_o the_o father_n proceed_v in_o all_o from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n give_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n to_o make_v intercession_n for_o they_o and_o all_o of_o they_o continual_o offer_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n who_o add_v unto_o it_o the_o incense_n of_o his_o own_o intercession_n and_o by_o who_o they_o have_v all_o a_o access_n unto_o the_o same_o throne_n of_o grace_n they_o have_v all_o a_o bless_a communion_n herein_o continual_o and_o this_o communion_n be_v the_o more_o express_a in_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o be_v for_o all_o so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n not_o any_o one_o member_n of_o any_o of_o they_o but_o they_o have_v the_o prayer_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o every_o day_n and_o however_o this_o communion_n be_v invisible_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o flesh_n yet_o be_v it_o glorious_a and_o conspicuous_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n in_o heaven_n this_o prayer_n proceed_v from_o or_o wrought_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o they_o all_o equal_o bestow_v on_o they_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n have_v the_o same_o object_n even_o god_n as_o a_o father_n and_o offer_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o same_o highpriest_n together_o with_o his_o own_o intercession_n give_v unto_o all_o church_n a_o communion_n far_o more_o glorious_a than_o what_o consist_v in_o some_o outward_a rite_n and_o order_n of_o man_n devise_v but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o person_n or_o church_n who_o have_v any_o other_o object_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o as_o our_o father_n in_o christ_n or_o have_v any_o other_o mediator_n or_o intercessor_n by_o who_o to_o convey_v or_o present_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n but_o christ_n alone_o the_o only_a highpriest_n of_o the_o church_n or_o do_v renounce_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o supplication_n they_o cut_v themselves_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n herein_o 4._o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o church_n affect_v communion_n among_o they_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n these_o be_v the_o same_o in_o unto_z and_o among_o they_o all_o neither_o do_v some_o variation_n in_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o their_o administration_n interrupt_v that_o communion_n but_o wherever_o the_o continuation_n of_o these_o ordinance_n be_v deny_v or_o their_o nature_n or_o use_n be_v pervert_v or_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v annex_v unto_o their_o administration_n there_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v renounce_v 5._o they_o have_v also_o by_o faith_n communion_n herein_o in_o that_o all_o church_n do_v profess_v a_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v other_z instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v give_v but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v how_o unscriptural_a the_o notion_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o proper_a communion_n with_o or_o among_o church_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o a_o compliance_n with_o certain_a power_n order_n and_o rite_n the_o press_v whereof_o under_o the_o name_n of_o uniformity_n have_v cast_v all_o thought_n of_o real_a evangelical_n church_n communion_n into_o oblivion_n second_o church_n ordain_v and_o constitute_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o for_o the_o end_v declare_v in_o our_o former_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n and_o among_o themselves_o live_v constant_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o that_o communion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o church-duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o their_o own_o continuation_n increase_v and_o edification_n have_v also_o a_o especial_a union_n among_o themselves_o and_o a_o mutual_a communion_n thence_o arise_v the_o bond_n of_o this_o union_n be_v love_n not_o the_o common_a regulate_v affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n so_o call_v not_o mere_o that_o power_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v engrave_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n towards_o all_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o blood_n with_o themselves_o but_o a_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n act_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o principle_n and_o bond_n of_o its_o union_n unto_o its_o self_n whence_o the_o command_n of_o it_o be_v call_v a_o new_a commandment_n because_o in_o itself_o as_o unto_o the_o only_a example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o cause_n and_o motive_n unto_o it_o with_o its_o peculiar_a end_n and_o proper_a exercise_n it_o be_v absolute_o new_a and_o evangelical_n a_o explanation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o this_o place_n although_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n and_o a_o duty_n of_o so_o much_o importance_n wherein_o so_o much_o of_o the_o life_n power_n and_o peculiar_a glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v consist_v and_o be_v either_o so_o utter_o lose_v or_o have_v such_o vile_a image_n of_o it_o set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o deserve_v a_o full_a consideration_n which_o it_o may_v receive_v in_o another_o place_n i_o say_v the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v give_v from_o christ_n the_o fountain_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church-union_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o abide_v with_o his_o church_n thereby_o unite_n it_o unto_o himself_o do_v work_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o may_v and_o do_v animate_v they_o unto_o all_o those_o mutual_a act_n which_o be_v proper_a unto_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o union_n unto_o christ_n their_o head_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n one_o with_o another_o herein_o consist_v the_o union_n of_o every_o church_n in_o itself_o of_o all_o church_n among_o themselves_o and_o so_o of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n their_o communion_n consist_v