we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n certain_a officer_n appoint_v for_o government_n we_o be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o that_o charge_n belong_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v such_o and_o that_o do_v s._n paul_n plain_o declare_v where_o he_o put_v a_o difference_n of_o the_o several_a office_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o name_v governor_n for_o one_o 1._o cor._n 28._o 29._o 29_o and_o rom._n 12._o 8._o 8._o let_v he_o that_o rule_v do_v it_o with_o diligence_n therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o every_o church_n a_o consistory_n or_o segnorye_n of_o elder_n or_o governor_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o hear_v examination_n and_o determine_v of_o all_o matter_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o congregation_n which_o authority_n of_o they_o nevertheless_o ought_v to_o be_v moderate_v that_o their_o judgement_n may_v be_v right_o account_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o holy_a church_n which_o thing_n consist_v in_o these_o two_o point_n first_o that_o the_o elder_n be_v elect_v and_o choose_v by_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n man_n of_o godliness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o who_o the_o whole_a church_n repose_v such_o confidence_n that_o they_o commit_v unto_o they_o their_o authority_n in_o hear_v &_o determine_v such_o matter_n as_o without_o horrible_a confusion_n they_o can_v perform_v themselves_o and_o hereto_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o election_n of_o pastor_n that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v ordain_v by_o election_n of_o the_o congregation_n elder_n unto_o many_o church_n act_n 14._o 23._o 23._o because_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v common_a to_o both_o to_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o comprehend_v both_o at_o once_o as_o it_o appear_v manifest_o by_o s._n paul_n 1._o tim._n 5._o 7._o 7._o those_o elder_n that_o govern_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o which_o testimony_n we_o learn_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n which_o meddle_v not_o with_o teach_v but_o be_v occupy_v altogether_o in_o govern_v second_o that_o the_o elder_n which_o labour_n in_o teach_v otherwise_o call_v pastor_n be_v join_v also_o in_o government_n with_o they_o which_o teach_v not_o and_o thirdlye_o that_o the_o name_n of_o elder_a comprehend_v both_o sort_n of_o elder_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o place_n before_o allege_v for_o election_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o think_v that_o the_o elder_n for_o government_n be_v as_o well_o understand_v as_o the_o other_o for_o doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o after_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o congregation_n by_o election_n 23._o as_o have_v set_v the_o church_n in_o perfect_a order_n which_o can_v not_o be_v except_o they_o have_v establish_v discipline_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n they_o commit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o they_o believe_v the_o second_o point_n for_o moderation_n of_o the_o elder_n authority_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o their_o sentence_n may_v be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v this_o that_o when_o the_o consistory_n have_v travel_v in_o examine_v of_o cause_n pertain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o agree_v what_o judgement_n ought_v to_o pass_v upon_o the_o matter_n they_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n that_o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v by_o their_o consent_n whereof_o s._n paul_n speak_v touch_v the_o execution_n of_o excommunication_n because_o the_o fact_n be_v manifest_a when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o with_o my_o spirit_n 4._o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n now_o therefore_o toâ—_n prove_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consistory_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n for_o govern_v of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n touch_v he_o that_o despise_v pryvate_a admonition_n 17._o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v the_o congregation_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o congregation_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a &_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v upon_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n in_o which_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n this_o word_n congregation_n be_v not_o so_o large_o take_v as_o in_o other_o place_n for_o the_o whole_a multitude_n but_o for_o the_o choose_a assembly_n of_o elder_n for_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o that_o word_n allude_v unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o elder_n that_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o call_v but_o corruptlie_o of_o a_o greek_a word_n synedrion_n which_o signify_v a_o counsel_n or_o consistory_n sanedrin_n which_o have_v the_o hear_n and_o determine_v of_o all_o difficult_a and_o weighty_a matter_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o like_a whereof_o he_o will_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n for_o administration_n of_o government_n for_o see_v it_o be_v first_o institute_v by_o god_n for_o government_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o old_a law_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o out_o of_o num._n 11._o 6._o 6._o although_o it_o be_v shameful_o abuse_v by_o the_o wicked_a jew_n our_o saviour_n christ_n translate_v it_o into_o his_o church_n also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n do_v most_o apt_o agree_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v governor_n in_o the_o church_n now_o even_o as_o it_o do_v to_o the_o ancient_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o the_o pastor_n seem_v to_o have_v borrow_v the_o name_n of_o elder_n special_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o government_n the_o name_n of_o this_o consistory_n also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n whereof_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v 18._o tell_v the_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n s_o paul_n 1._o tim._n 4._o 14._o 14._o despise_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v give_v thou_o through_o prophecy_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n where_o the_o greek_a word_n be_v presbyterion_n the_o assembly_n or_o consistorye_n of_o the_o elder_n which_o word_n be_v use_v also_o by_o saint_n luke_n in_o his_o gospel_n speak_v of_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o jewish_a elder_n luke_n 22._o 66._o 66._o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v day_n the_o whole_a eldership_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n come_v together_o both_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o their_o counsel_n in_o which_o say_v their_o counsel_n synedrion_n be_v call_v presbyterion_n also_o saint_n paul_n act._n 20._o 5._o 5._o that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o persecutor_n of_o christian_n take_v witness_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a consistory_n of_o elder_n use_v the_o same_o word_n presbyterion_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o this_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la in_o that_o place_n mean_v a_o consistory_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n who_o authority_n he_o do_v ratify_v with_o such_o power_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_v by_o they_o on_o earth_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o with_o hearty_a prayer_n the_o lord_n will_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v yea_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o as_o precedent_n of_o their_o counsel_n to_o direct_v their_o consultation_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o own_o church_n therefore_o in_o every_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consistory_n of_o elder_n or_o governor_n which_o with_o the_o pastor_n may_v take_v charge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o good_a order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n and_o the_o advauncement_n of_o true_a virtue_n these_o if_o they_o govern_v well_o as_o saint_n paul_n do_v testify_v be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n both_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o godly_a man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o good_a governor_n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v discipline_n that_o discipline_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o awe_n from_o offend_v and_o to_o bring_v offender_n to_o repentance_n to_o avoid_v the_o infection_n of_o sin_n within_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reproach_n that_o grow_v by_o neglect_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n among_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n we_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o stand_v long_o in_o prove_v the_o matter_n of_o itself_o be_v so_o apparent_a and_o have_v such_o plentiful_a testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o especial_o let_v the_o reason_n of_o saint_n paul_n 5._o 1._o cor._n 5._o
and_o 2._o cor._n 2._o 2._o where_o he_o purposely_o intreat_v of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n be_v weigh_v a_o little_a leaven_n sour_v a_o whole_a lump_n of_o dough_n for_o infection_n you_o be_v puff_v up_o where_o you_o shall_v be_v sad_a and_o ashamed_a for_o ignominy_n we_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o flesh_n that_o his_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o repentance_n public_a reprehension_n of_o many_o which_o be_v godly_a refuse_v to_o eat_v with_o such_o one_o be_v profitable_a both_o to_o drive_v himself_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o keep_v other_o in_o order_n for_o fear_n of_o like_a punishment_n where_o this_o discipline_n be_v not_o no_o marvel_n if_o all_o wickedness_n overflowe_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o gospel_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o many_o &_o corrupt_a of_o more_o to_o the_o grief_n of_o the_o godly_a offence_n of_o the_o weak_a encouragement_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o rejoice_v of_o the_o adversary_n let_v we_o therefore_o proceed_v in_o set_v forth_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n with_o the_o elder_n which_o be_v first_o to_o punish_v offender_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n or_o else_o to_o cut_v they_o clean_o from_o the_o church_n as_o rot_v and_o infect_v member_n but_o here_o we_o have_v to_o inquire_v for_o what_o offence_n the_o church_n may_v proceed_v to_o so_o sharp_a a_o punishment_n for_o god_n forbid_v that_o the_o sword_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v draw_v out_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n for_o every_o small_a disease_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o only_o when_o the_o disease_n be_v deadly_a and_o the_o member_n rot_v thereby_o for_o we_o ought_v as_o hardly_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o excommunicate_v any_o of_o our_o brethren_n as_o we_o will_v have_v a_o leg_n or_o a_o arm_n cut_v off_o from_o our_o body_n therefore_o the_o popish_a tyranny_n be_v detestable_a which_o thunder_v out_o their_o pretend_a excommunication_n for_o every_o trifle_n yea_o such_o as_o be_v no_o sin_n as_o none_o payment_n of_o a_o little_a money_n where_o it_o be_v not_o detain_v of_o fraud_n non_fw-la appearance_n where_o man_n otherwise_o have_v necessary_a impediment_n as_o though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o small_a matter_n to_o put_v man_n out_o of_o the_o protection_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o deliver_v they_o unto_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o everlasting_a damnation_n lest_o therefore_o we_o shall_v use_v such_o unreasonable_a rigour_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n teach_v we_o what_o manner_n of_o sin_n deserve_v excommunication_n 1._o cor._n 5._o 11._o 11._o if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o whooremonger_n or_o a_o covetous_a person_n or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o slanderer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o see_v that_o you_o eat_v not_o these_o offence_n therefore_o and_o such_o like_a be_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o excommunication_n also_o a_o obstinate_a heretic_n that_o will_v not_o repent_v by_o admonition_n be_v worthy_a of_o this_o punishment_n tit._n 3._o 10._o 10._o 2._o tim._n 2._o 16._o 1._o tim._n 1._o 20._o 2._o joh._n 10._o &_o 11._o 16._o and_o not_o only_o these_o great_a and_o notorious_a sin_n 20._o deserve_v this_o correction_n 11._o but_o also_o lesser_a crime_n increase_v with_o contumacy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o church_n admonition_n become_v worthy_a of_o the_o same_o castigation_n therefore_o say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n of_o private_a offence_n math._n 18._o 15._o 16._o etc._n etc._n etc._n if_o thy_o brother_n sin_n against_o thou_o go_v and_o reproove_v he_o between_o he_o and_o thou_o alone_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v win_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n everye_o word_n may_v stand_v if_o he_o disobey_v they_o then_o tell_v the_o church_n if_o he_o disobey_v the_o church_n then_o let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n likewise_o 2._o thes._n 3._o 6._o 6._o etc._n etc._n concern_v those_o that_o be_v idle_a and_o walk_v disorderlye_o will_v have_v all-gentle_a mean_n use_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o labour_n and_o good_a order_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v reform_v for_o any_o admonition_n he_o command_v they_o to_o be_v separate_v by_o excommunication_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o hitherto_o appear_v not_o so_o great_a use_n of_o this_o consistorye_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v necessary_a for_o excommunication_n neither_o do_v saint_n paul_n make_v mention_n of_o it_o in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o excommunication_n we_o answer_v that_o although_o the_o simple_a institution_n of_o christ_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v suffice_v we_o to_o think_v it_o necessary_a yet_o there_o be_v many_o necessary_a use_n thereof_o to_o be_v allege_v for_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n christ_n command_v in_o private_a offence_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o congregation_n except_o you_o understande_v thereby_o the_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n there_o shall_v follow_v horrible_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n thereby_o for_o admit_v a_o man_n may_v accuse_v his_o brother_n unto_o the_o whole_a multitude_n yet_o how_o shall_v the_o whole_a multitude_n admonish_v he_o and_o exhort_v he_o to_o repentance_n again_o of_o these_o notorious_a offence_n that_o be_v worthy_a of_o excommunication_n some_o be_v open_o know_v so_o that_o they_o need_v no_o trial_n as_o the_o adultery_n of_o that_o corinthian_a 1._o cor._n 5._o â—_o some_o be_v in_o controversy_n and_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v concern_v which_o saint_n paul_n warn_v timothy_n that_o he_o admit_v not_o any_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_a but_o under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n and_o charge_v he_o before_o god_n and_o before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o elect_a angel_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o through_o rash_a or_o over_o hasty_a judgement_n and_o that_o he_o do_v all_o thing_n without_o partiality_n or_o affection_n unto_o party_n 1._o timothy_n 5._o cap._n 19_o 21._o and_o twenty_o one_o verse_n we_o see_v here_o manifest_o a_o necessary_a use_n of_o the_o eldership_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o examine_v and_o discuss_v such_o difficult_a controversy_n therefore_o it_o behoove_v the_o church_n to_o have_v such_o ordinary_a delegate_n as_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v their_o diligence_n vuto_fw-mi such_o matter_n moreover_o to_o oversee_v the_o church_n for_o matter_n pertain_v to_o order_n and_o discipline_n how_o can_v the_o multitude_n oversee_v themselves_o or_o the_o pastor_n only_o which_o have_v a_o principal_a care_n of_o doctrine_n to_o attend_v upon_o and_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o s._n paul_n do_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o eldership_n or_o consistory_n of_o elder_n in_o all_o place_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o excommunication_n we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a he_o shall_v so_o do_v for_o whereas_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v a_o form_n thereof_o that_o he_o which_o obey_v not_o the_o congregation_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o that_o in_o other_o place_n he_o make_v sufficient_a mention_n both_o of_o the_o elder_n and_o of_o the_o assembly_n we_o ought_v to_o understande_v that_o his_o purpose_n be_v to_o observe_v that_o form_n to_o the_o uttermost_a and_o although_o he_o do_v not_o always_o make_v express_a mention_n thereof_o yet_o must_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o he_o mean_v to_o alter_v or_o change_v the_o same_o in_o the_o first_o to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o five_o verse_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o albeit_o heâ—_n desire_v nothing_o more_o then_o that_o the_o incestuous_a adulterer_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o therefore_o determine_v of_o he_o for_o his_o own_o part_n as_o absent_a in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o spirit_n yet_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v excommunicate_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1._o cor._n 5._o 4._o 4._o likewise_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v receive_v again_o he_o be_v to_o be_v pardon_v not_o only_o by_o he_o but_o by_o they_o also_o 2._o cor._n 1._o 10._o 10._o and_o therefore_o if_o so_o high_a a_o apostle_n can_v not_o by_o his_o private_a authority_n excommunicate_v that_o corinthian_a we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o by_o his_o private_a authority_n but_o by_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n he_o excommunicate_v himmineus_fw-la &_o alexander_n 20._o although_o he_o do_v not_o make_v express_a mention_n of_o
affirm_v with_o the_o papist_n that_o sacrament_n confer_v grace_n of_o the_o work_n wrought_v and_o that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o such_o necessity_n that_o whosoever_o be_v not_o dip_v in_o water_n must_v be_v eternal_o condemn_v which_o heretical_a opinion_n as_o we_o have_v hiss_v out_o in_o our_o profession_n and_o preach_v so_o be_v it_o a_o great_a shame_n for_o we_o to_o maintain_v by_o such_o corrupt_a usage_n of_o christ_n holy_a sacrament_n let_v we_o therefore_o retain_v this_o principle_n that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o pastor_n duty_n for_o although_o the_o office_n of_o preach_v bee_n more_o excellent_a then_o of_o ministration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o s._n paul_n speak_v comparative_o christ_n send_v i_o not_o to_o baptize_v but_o to_o preach_v 1._o cor._n 1._o 17._o 17._o yet_o they_o be_v of_o such_o affinity_n that_o the_o accessary_n can_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o principal_a thereof_o for_o where_o be_v no_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o minister_n of_o the_o sacrament_n furthermore_o it_o pertain_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastor_n to_o make_v prayer_n as_o act._n 16._o 16._o 16._o not_o only_o private_a as_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o do_v but_o also_o public_a prayer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n act._n 6._o 4._o 1._o timot._fw-la 2._o 1._o be_v the_o mouth_n thereof_o 4._o for_o whereas_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 1._o command_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o decent_a and_o comely_a order_n 16._o and_o forbid_v all_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n as_o it_o be_v great_a confusion_n &_o uncomelines_n for_o every_o man_n to_o make_v his_o several_a prayer_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n so_o be_v it_o orderly_o for_o one_o to_o pronounce_v the_o prayer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o rest_n to_o pray_v with_o he_o in_o silence_n &_o to_o answer_v amen_o it_o be_v also_o decent_a that_o he_o which_o be_v the_o shepherd_n 40._o shall_v go_v before_o the_o sheep_n in_o prayer_n &_o the_o sheep_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o lift_v up_o of_o their_o heart_n in_o mutual_a consent_n moreover_o for_o much_o as_o preach_v and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v use_v without_o public_a prayer_n as_o it_o be_v the_o pastor_n office_n to_o preach_v and_o minister_v the_o sacrament_n so_o be_v it_o his_o duty_n also_o to_o go_v before_o his_o flock_n in_o public_a prayer_n but_o here_o we_o have_v to_o observe_v two_o thing_n the_o first_o that_o as_o it_o pertain_v to_o the_o pastor_n to_o conceive_v public_a prayer_n so_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o join_v in_o hart_n with_o the_o pastor_n in_o the_o same_o prayer_n that_o they_o know_v and_o understand_v what_o he_o have_v pray_v may_v at_o the_o end_n give_v their_o consent_n by_o answer_v amen_o 16_o wherein_o their_o be_v great_a abuse_n in_o our_o church_n for_o as_o though_o it_o wear_v notinough_o to_o keep_v out_o preach_v by_o long_o prescribe_v form_n of_o prayer_n these_o prayer_n be_v so_o pronounce_v by_o the_o minister_n that_o a_o great_a number_n &_o some_o not_o of_o the_o worst_a dispose_v people_n think_v it_o pertain_v not_o to_o they_o to_o give_v ear_n or_o consent_n of_o mind_n unto_o they_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o such_o insensible_a reader_n who_o voice_n either_o can_v be_v hear_v or_o else_o can_v be_v understand_v whereof_o there_o be_v great_a number_n nor_o of_o the_o unfit_a place_n prescribe_v for_o the_o minister_n stand_v at_o prayer_n in_o the_o east_n end_n of_o the_o house_n when_o the_o simple_a people_n shall_v stand_v oftentimes_o 40._o or_o 50._o yard_n of_o in_o the_o west_n end_n or_o of_o the_o confusion_n of_o voice_n while_o all_o speak_v at_o once_o beside_o scrine_n of_o roode-lofts_a organ_n lofts_o idol_n cage_n otherwise_o call_v chauntrie_n chappelles_n and_o high_a pewe_v between_o they_o which_o although_o they_o do_v manifest_o hinder_v edifycation_n yet_o may_v they_o not_o be_v remoove_v in_o many_o place_n for_o deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o material_a house_n whereas_o s._n paul_n so_o much_o esteme_v the_o build_n of_o god_n spiritual_a house_n that_o he_o command_v the_o glorious_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o cease_v in_o the_o congregation_n 28._o when_o they_o do_v not_o help_v to_o edification_n but_o we_o speak_v of_o this_o that_o a_o great_a multitude_n think_v they_o have_v well_o serve_v god_n if_o they_o have_v be_v present_a at_o common_a prayer_n or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o think_v in_o popery_n although_o they_o be_v never_o so_o vain_o occupy_v in_o the_o church_n some_o in_o walk_v some_o in_o talk_v in_o gather_v of_o money_n not_o only_o for_o the_o poor_a but_o for_o other_o contribution_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o that_o think_v they_o do_v best_a be_v occupy_v in_o their_o private_a prayer_n or_o in_o read_v of_o book_n while_o their_o minister_n pronounce_v public_a prayer_n thus_o as_o preach_v be_v neglect_v upon_o colour_n of_o public_a prayer_n so_o public_a prayer_n by_o private_a exercise_n be_v make_v altogether_o unprofitable_a to_o a_o great_a number_n for_o who_o know_v the_o right_a use_n of_o public_a prayer_n but_o they_o that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n let_v we_o therefore_o establish_v public_a preach_n and_o public_a prayer_n will_v follow_v of_o necessity_n but_o if_o we_o continue_v to_o uphold_v formal_a prayer_n that_o preach_v be_v neglect_v it_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o neither_o shall_v be_v regard_v for_o what_o do_v thrust_v out_o preach_v from_o the_o romishe_a church_n but_o long_a prescript_n form_n of_o read_v of_o sing_v of_o pray_v so_o that_o their_o ordinary_a be_v enough_o and_o to_o much_o to_o occupy_v the_o whole_a day_n though_o there_o be_v no_o sermon_n whereas_o contrariwise_o there_o will_v be_v no_o ordinary_a public_a prayer_n without_o preach_v which_o terrible_a example_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n shall_v make_v we_o afraid_a to_o give_v any_o like_a occasion_n of_o such_o inconvenience_n hereafter_o to_o come_v for_o be_v not_o this_o opinion_n already_o grow_v into_o a_o great_a many_o man_n head_n that_o the_o service_n may_v not_o give_v place_n to_o a_o sermon_n no_o though_o the_o time_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o both_o and_o be_v there_o not_o many_o that_o have_v much_o rather_o hear_v a_o chant_v matin_n and_o evensong_n than_o a_o godly_a &_o learned_a sermon_n yea_o they_o frequent_a the_o one_o and_o refuse_v the_o other_o let_v cathedral_n church_n etc._n etc._n be_v a_o example_n where_o you_o shall_v see_v a_o great_a number_n that_o tarry_v while_o the_o service_n be_v song_n but_o depart_v so_o soon_o as_o the_o sermon_n begin_v while_o the_o organ_n pipe_n some_o be_v draw_v with_o the_o sweetness_n of_o music_n to_o come_v up_o but_o while_o the_o preacher_n cry_v out_o continue_v beneath_o and_o in_o laughter_n or_o brawl_a be_v loud_o than_o he_o oftentimes_o so_o that_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o mass_n missa_fw-la non_fw-la mordet_fw-la the_o mass_n be_v a_o gentle_a beast_n and_o do_v bite_v no_o man_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o well_o belove_v of_o many_o may_v right_o be_v verify_v of_o our_o ordinary_a service_n for_o therefore_o a_o great_a number_n can_v so_o well_o away_o with_o it_o because_o it_o do_v not_o sharp_o reproove_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n nor_o disclose_v the_o secreate_v of_o their_o heart_n but_o that_o they_o may_v continue_v still_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o voluptuousness_n and_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n whereas_o by_o preach_v their_o conscience_n be_v gaul_v their_o wickedness_n and_o hypocrisy_n discover_v their_o damnation_n threaten_v they_o be_v call_v to_o repentance_n and_o forsake_v of_o their_o pleasant_a sin_n and_o to_o holiness_n and_o innocence_n of_o life_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o they_o hear_v preach_v so_o often_o as_o they_o use_v to_o hear_v service_n they_o will_v fall_v down_o on_o their_o face_n &_o worship_n god_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n in_o his_o minister_n 1._o cor._n 14._o 15._o 15_o but_o that_o they_o can_v away_o with_o all_o be_v like_a unto_o felix_n the_o liefetenaunt_n of_o the_o roman_n in_o jewrie_n who_o when_o he_o hear_v paul_n a_o poor_a prisoner_n that_o stand_v before_o he_o bind_v in_o chain_n preach_v of_o righteousness_n of_o temperance_n and_o of_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v he_o be_v weary_a of_o he_o because_o he_o be_v a_o great_a oppressor_n and_o a_o
and_o then_o most_o earnest_o command_v he_o to_o practice_v the_o same_o with_o all_o diligence_n his_o word_n be_v these_o 2_o all_o scripture_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n and_o profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o exhortation_n for_o reformation_n and_o for_o instruction_n which_o be_v in_o righteousness_n thaâ—_n the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v prepare_v to_o aâ—_n good_a work_n therefore_o i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n &_o before_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o shall_v judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a at_o his_o appear_v and_o in_o his_o kingdom_n preach_v the_o word_n be_v instanâ—_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n improove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long_a suffering_n and_o doctrine_n the_o first_o part_n therefore_o and_o the_o chief_a of_o a_o pastors_n office_n or_o duty_n be_v to_o feed_v with_o wholesome_a doctrine_n the_o flock_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o therefore_o saint_n paulâ—_n describe_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v meet_v for_o that_o charge_n unto_o timothy_n require_v that_o a_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v apt_a or_o able_a to_o teach_v 2._o for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o much_o knowledge_n and_o be_v not_o apt_a or_o able_a to_o teach_v he_o ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v unto_o this_o vocation_n and_o unto_o titus_n write_v chap._n 1._o verse_n 9_o he_o require_v that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n 9_o according_a to_o doctrine_n that_o he_o also_o may_v be_v able_a to_o exhort_v with_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o improove_v they_o that_o say_v against_o it_o whereupon_o it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o whosoever_o be_v himself_o ignorant_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n word_n and_o therefore_o unable_a either_o to_o exhort_v with_o wholesome_a doctrine_n or_o to_o confute_v they_o that_o gainsay_v it_o be_v altogether_o unmeete_a for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n wherefore_o if_o ever_o we_o mind_n such_o a_o reformation_n as_o god_n shall_v thereby_o be_v glorify_v and_o his_o church_n edifyed_a we_o must_v utterlye_o remove_v all_o the_o unlearned_a pastor_n as_o man_n by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v tolerate_v to_o have_v any_o charge_n over_o the_o lord_n flok_v &_o also_o provide_v that_o hereafter_o none_o be_v receive_v into_o that_o office_n but_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o knowledge_n &_o ability_n in_o teach_v to_o take_v so_o weighty_a a_o charge_n in_o hand_n what_o man_n have_v but_o one_o hundred_o sheep_n will_v make_v such_o a_o man_n shepherd_n or_o overseer_n over_o they_o as_o be_v a_o natural_a idiott_n or_o otherwise_o altogether_o unskilful_a or_o unable_a to_o perform_v those_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o shepherd_n if_o no_o man_n have_v so_o little_a care_n of_o brute_n beast_n what_o brutish_a negligence_n be_v it_o to_o commit_v the_o people_n of_o god_n redeem_v with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o such_o unskilful_a and_o unsufficient_a pastor_n as_o neither_o themselves_o know_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n neither_o be_v able_a to_o lead_v other_o unto_o it_o whereof_o they_o be_v ignorant_a themselves_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o salvation_n but_o by_o faith_n 14._o and_o none_o can_v believe_v but_o such_o as_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v o_o lord_n how_o miserable_a be_v the_o state_n of_o many_o flock_n in_o this_o land_n who_o either_o seldom_o or_o never_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n true_o preach_v and_o â—herefore_o know_v not_o how_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v answer_v that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n great_o to_o be_v desire_v to_o it_o be_v altogether_o unpossible_a to_o provide_v the_o church_n of_o so_o many_o learned_a pastor_n as_o shall_v take_v charge_n of_o every_o several_a congregation_n but_o hereto_o we_o reply_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n necessary_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n by_o god_n almighty_a and_o therefore_o we_o must_v object_v no_o impossibility_n especial_o when_o our_o own_o negligence_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o difficulty_n or_o if_o you_o will_v so_o call_v it_o impossibility_n we_o confess_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a at_o the_o first_o but_o we_o must_v do_v our_o endeavour_n and_o commit_v the_o success_n unto_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o in_o time_n it_o will_v grow_v to_o a_o happy_a end_n but_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v altogether_o careless_a as_o we_o have_v be_v of_o long_a time_n and_o that_o be_v worse_a not_o acknowledge_v any_o default_n in_o this_o behalf_n as_o there_o be_v that_o do_v not_o and_o that_o be_v most_o of_o all_o mayntain_v such_o let_n and_o hinderaunce_n as_o be_v continual_a nursey_n of_o ignorance_n and_o ignorant_a pastor_n we_o may_v be_v ashamed_a to_o allege_v that_o difficulty_n for_o which_o none_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v but_o we_o ourselves_o we_o may_v be_v ashamed_a now_o that_o our_o church_n have_v have_v rest_n and_o peace_n with_o free_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n this_o 25._o or_o 26._o year_n under_o the_o protection_n of_o our_o most_o gracious_a queen_n to_o be_v so_o unfurnished_a of_o learned_a pastor_n as_o we_o be_v whereas_o if_o that_o diligence_n have_v be_v use_v of_o all_o part_n as_o might_n and_o shall_v have_v be_v employ_v of_o all_o they_o that_o unfaigned_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n almost_o in_o half_a the_o time_n this_o necessity_n may_v have_v be_v well_o supply_v if_o we_o seek_v experience_n what_o diligent_a &_o careful_a provision_n be_v able_a to_o do_v with_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n look_v to_o our_o neighbour_n &_o brethren_n in_o christ_n of_o france_n who_o although_o they_o never_o enjoy_v one_o day_n of_o such_o peace_n as_o we_o have_v do_v so_o many_o year_n yet_o how_o plentifullie_o they_o be_v furnish_v withal_o kind_n of_o ecclesiastical_a minister_n and_o namely_o with_o godly_a and_o learned_a pastor_n it_o will_v rejoice_v any_o christian_a heart_n to_o behold_v in_o they_o â—nd_v lament_v to_o see_v the_o lack_n in_o us._n but_o â—s_n for_o those_o that_o acknowledge_v no_o deâ—ect_n in_o our_o church_n through_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o ignorant_a pastor_n we_o have_v rather_o at_o this_o time_n pray_v to_o god_n â—o_o lighten_v their_o blindenes_n then_o by_o â—ny_n long_a discourse_n to_o discover_v their_o palpable_a darkness_n will_v to_o god_n there_o be_v not_o more_o difficulty_n in_o reform_v they_o that_o maintain_v such_o inconvenience_n as_o except_o they_o be_v take_v away_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v disburden_v of_o the_o canker_n of_o the_o church_n those_o unlearned_a minister_n for_o while_o nonresident_n and_o plurality_n be_v retain_v we_o shall_v never_o want_v unlearned_a curate_n that_o for_o small_a stipend_n will_v supply_v the_o absence_n of_o plurality_n and_o nonresidente_n which_o gross_a corruption_n of_o pastoral_a office_n as_o they_o may_v have_v some_o honest_a pretence_n so_o can_v they_o have_v no_o better_a pretence_n neither_o be_v they_o retain_v with_o a_o better_a conscience_n than_o the_o priest_n in_o our_o saviour_n christ_n time_n suffer_v the_o exchaunger_n of_o money_n grasyers_n and_n pulterer_n to_o make_v a_o burse_n or_o shambles_n and_o a_o pultrie_n yea_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n of_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n to_o all_o nation_n 22._o math._n 21._o 12._o mark_n 11._o 15._o john_n 2._o 14._o but_o especial_o 15._o while_o the_o whole_a office_n of_o a_o pastor_n 14._o shall_v be_v think_v to_o consist_v in_o read_v only_o a_o prescript_n number_n of_o psalm_n and_o chapter_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o other_o appoint_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v allow_v as_o a_o sufficient_a pastor_n which_o do_v the_o thing_n which_o a_o child_n of_o ten_o year_n old_a may_v do_v as_o well_o as_o he_o so_o long_o shall_v we_o never_o lack_v unlearned_a pastor_n ignorant_a and_o ungodly_a people_n symonicall_a and_o sacrilegious_a patroness_n so_o long_o the_o build_n of_o god_n church_n shall_v go_v but_o slow_o forward_o beside_o other_o superstitious_a fantasy_n maintain_v in_o the_o people_n heart_n which_o for_o shortness_n we_o omit_v to_o speak_v off_o what_o though_o some_o say_v formal_a read_n may_v be_v bear_v withal_o for_o a_o time_n until_o the_o church_n may_v be_v provide_v of_o sufficient_a pastor_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o grant_v shall_v it_o therefore_o continue_v always_o to_o the_o perpetual_a decay_n of_o knowledge_n and_o hurt_v of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n what_o great_a discouragement_n be_v there_o unto_o student_n then_o to_o see_v the_o reward_n of_o learning_n bestow_v as_o common_o upon_o the_o ignorant_a as_o upon_o the_o learned_a what_o encouragement_n
the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o place_n 1._o tim._n 2._o 20._o 20._o so_o likewise_o where_o he_o speak_v to_o timothy_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n concern_v the_o hear_n &_o determine_v of_o matter_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o teach_v in_o timothy_n his_o person_n the_o duty_n of_o elder_n &_o never_o mean_v to_o give_v timothy_n a_o absolute_a or_o singular_a authority_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o these_o matter_n without_o consent_n of_o the_o eldership_n whereof_o he_o make_v mention_n but_o a_o little_a before_o to_o conclude_v therefore_o the_o pastor_n with_o advice_n &_o consent_v of_o the_o elder_n have_v authority_n to_o hear_v &_o examine_v matter_n pertain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o as_o the_o cause_n require_v to_o excommunicate_a offender_n and_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n to_o receive_v they_o again_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n approve_v by_o the_o word_n of_o 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excommunicate_v by_o a_o foolish_a boy_n if_o this_o matter_n seem_v not_o to_o require_v speedy_a reformation_n god_n have_v blind_v our_o eye_n that_o we_o can_v not_o see_v the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o our_o face_n for_o if_o we_o look_v to_o banish_v the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o pope_n out_o of_o all_o man_n heart_n we_o must_v utter_o remove_v all_o his_o detestable_a enormity_n out_o of_o the_o realm_n as_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v in_o the_o common_a prayer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n henry_n and_o edward_n whereas_o now_o by_o retain_v still_o all_o the_o detestable_a enormity_n of_o his_o prerogative_n and_o faculty_n &_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o canon_n law_n the_o papacy_n be_v not_o so_o much_o banish_v in_o name_n as_o translate_v in_o deed_n from_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o sea_n of_o caunterbury_n under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o prince_n supremacy_n with_o as_o heinous_a injury_n and_o contumely_n of_o the_o lawful_a authority_n &_o godly_a supremacy_n of_o the_o prince_n as_o join_v with_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o miserable_a disorder_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o mean_v not_o in_o this_o place_n to_o prosecute_v our_o just_a complaint_n nor_o to_o inveigh_v against_o the_o abuse_n of_o these_o thing_n with_o such_o vehemency_n of_o word_n as_o the_o worthiness_n of_o the_o matter_n deserve_v but_o only_o in_o set_v forth_o the_o plain_a truth_n to_o give_v a_o glimp_v by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o contrary_a falsehood_n we_o must_v therefore_o return_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n which_o he_o have_v join_v with_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v pastor_n the_o church_n have_v always_o have_v great_a care_n for_o provision_n of_o the_o poor_a by_o which_o compassion_n they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v lively_a member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o avoid_v great_a reproach_n of_o they_o that_o be_v without_o for_o what_o shame_n be_v it_o for_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o be_v all_o son_n of_o one_o father_n and_o therefore_o all_o brethren_n yea_o that_o be_v member_n all_o of_o one_o body_n to_o suffer_v their_o brethren_n &_o fellow_n member_n to_o lack_v necessary_n to_o sustain_v their_o temporal_a life_n as_o though_o they_o that_o communicate_v in_o all_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o blessing_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o take_v part_n of_o these_o worldly_a benefit_n at_o leastwyse_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o to_o supply_v their_o necessity_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n christ_n always_o commend_v brotherly_a love_n among_o his_o disciple_n to_o teach_v we_o how_o ready_a we_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o distribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brethren_n which_o be_v a_o true_a testimony_n of_o our_o love_n declare_v by_o his_o own_o example_n for_o although_o he_o be_v so_o poor_a that_o he_o live_v of_o the_o alms_n and_o liberality_n of_o other_o man_n yet_o of_o that_o which_o be_v more_o than_o serve_v his_o own_o necessity_n he_o use_v to_o bestow_v upon_o the_o poor_a as_o john_n 13._o 29._o 29._o to_o teach_v they_o who_o he_o have_v bless_v with_o temporal_a riches_n which_o he_o refuse_v to_o enrich_v we_o with_o heavenlye_a treasure_n that_o they_o of_o their_o superfluity_n will_v be_v content_a to_o give_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o poor_a brother_n which_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v in_o his_o extreme_a poverty_n to_o teach_v also_o they_o that_o have_v but_o mean_a substance_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v excuse_v but_o somewhat_o to_o contribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o poor_a brother_n when_o he_o that_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o that_o which_o be_v give_v even_o of_o that_o bestow_v part_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n think_v it_o to_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o better_a provide_v for_o the_o poor_a that_o certain_a man_n shall_v be_v appoint_v of_o approve_a godliness_n and_o diligence_n which_o shall_v take_v the_o special_a charge_n of_o the_o distribution_n unto_o the_o poor_a act._n 6._o 6._o these_o man_n be_v call_v deacon_n or_o minister_n because_o they_o do_v minister_v and_o serve_v the_o poor_a in_o their_o necessity_n and_o because_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o ordinance_n continue_v always_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v say_v we_o shall_v always_o have_v the_o poor_a amongst_o we_o john_n 12._o 8._o 8._o whereby_o god_n will_v exercise_v our_o charity_n the_o office_n of_o deacon_n also_o be_v perpetual_a therefore_o the_o apostle_n saint_n paul_n prescribe_v what_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v meet_v for_o that_o office_n 1._o timothy_n 3._o 8._o 8._o and_o in_o every_o well_o constitute_v church_n they_o be_v ordain_v according_o as_o philip_n 1._o 1._o 1._o also_o after_o the_o ordain_v of_o the_o seven_o deacon_n this_o office_n be_v divide_v into_o diverse_a part_n as_o necessity_n show_v diverse_a occasion_n for_o some_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o collection_n and_o distribution_n of_o alm_n as_o roman_n 12._o 8._o and_o some_o for_o attend_v upon_o the_o sick_a and_o impotent_a among_o the_o poor_a 8._o as_o in_o the_o same_o place_n let_v he_o that_o distribute_v do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n and_o let_v he_o that_o show_v mercy_n do_v it_o with_o cheerfulness_n which_o kind_n of_o deacon_n 1._o cor._n 12._o 28._o 28._o be_v call_v helper_n and_o for_o the_o service_n of_o this_o office_n be_v appoint_v diverse_a old_a poor_a widow_n who_o as_o they_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o church_n so_o they_o serve_v the_o church_n attend_v upon_o the_o other_o poor_a who_o be_v sick_a and_o impotent_a have_v need_v not_o only_o of_o thing_n necessary_a but_o also_o of_o service_n and_o attend_v 1._o timoth._n 5._o 5._o 5._o these_o office_n be_v institute_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o necessary_a use_n of_o the_o church_n which_o use_v still_o continue_v ought_v also_o to_o be_v retain_v among_o us._n for_o we_o see_v for_o want_v of_o these_o office_n what_o great_a inconvenience_n be_v among_o we_o concern_v the_o poor_a for_o although_o there_o be_v very_o good_a politic_a law_n make_v for_o provision_n of_o the_o poor_a yet_o small_a relief_n come_v thereby_o to_o the_o poor_a indeed_o at_o least_o wise_a many_o abuse_n the_o relief_n which_o they_o receive_v which_o come_v of_o this_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o every_o church_n or_o congregation_n such_o deacon_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v appoint_v which_o shall_v take_v a_o special_a care_n &_o employ_v a_o great_a diligence_n for_o the_o provision_n of_o the_o poor_a not_o only_o some_o to_o gather_v and_o distribute_v but_o also_o to_o see_v it_o well_o employ_v on_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o employ_v the_o poor_a that_o live_v of_o the_o alm_n of_o the_o church_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o their_o
find_v in_o every_o place_n so_o that_o jeroboam_fw-la never_o make_v worse_a priest_n of_o the_o refuse_n of_o the_o people_n to_o serve_v his_o golden_a calf_n than_o they_o have_v ordain_v minister_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n this_o complaint_n we_o confess_v be_v grievous_a but_o the_o indignity_n of_o the_o matter_n enforce_v it_o we_o know_v that_o vain_a excuse_n shall_v not_o be_v want_v of_o necessity_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o necessity_n compel_v they_o to_o take_v such_o at_o the_o first_o what_o necessity_n compel_v they_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v such_o still_o for_o if_o they_o will_v needs_o admit_v ignorant_a person_n to_o that_o charge_n yet_o shall_v they_o have_v enforce_v they_o to_o study_v as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o thing_n they_o have_v enforce_v they_o unto_o that_o in_o time_n they_o may_v have_v grow_v to_o be_v meet_a for_o their_o call_n which_o if_o they_o have_v do_v in_o 10._o 12._o or_o 13._o year_n space_n a_o great_a many_o may_v have_v prove_v excellent_o well_o learned_a and_o able_a to_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n with_o great_a fruit_n and_o profit_n and_o the_o rest_n according_a to_o proportion_n of_o their_o time_n may_v have_v come_v to_o some_o mediocrity_n in_o knowledge_n whereas_o now_o as_o ignorant_a and_o as_o unfit_a as_o they_o be_v the_o first_o day_n so_o be_v they_o still_o for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o will_v so_o continue_v to_o their_o life_n end_n if_o they_o may_v be_v suffer_v in_o idleness_n as_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o then_o it_o be_v a_o torment_n to_o think_v what_o ambitious_a sue_n what_o envious_a labour_a what_o unseemelie_a flatter_a what_o prodigal_a bribe_v be_v use_v to_o attain_v to_o great_a dignity_n in_o the_o church_n to_o far_o unmeete_a for_o the_o modesty_n and_o gravitye_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o christian_a preacher_n and_o as_o for_o the_o inferior_a benefice_n from_o the_o fat_a parsonadge_n to_o the_o poor_a vicaradge_v almost_o if_o it_o be_v worth_a 40._o pound_n by_o the_o year_n what_o symonicall_a bargain_n of_o lease_n annuity_n reservation_n exhibition_n yea_o notwithstanding_o the_o act_n of_o parliament_n anno._n 13._o by_o antedate_v and_o other_o subtle_a conveyance_n what_o christian_n heart_n can_v think_v of_o they_o without_o detestation_n of_o such_o horrible_a abuse_n shall_v we_o speak_v here_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o popish_a priesthood_n the_o great_a blasphemy_n that_o ever_o be_v how_o long_o be_v it_o allow_v for_o a_o lawful_a ministry_n until_o by_o the_o godly_a meaning_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n some_o brandmarke_n of_o shame_n be_v set_v upon_o it_o but_o how_o pitifullye_o that_o authority_n be_v abuse_v which_o be_v by_o the_o same_o statute_n commit_v to_o the_o bishop_n in_o allow_v of_o priest_n that_o come_v to_o do_v their_o penance_n by_o negligence_n of_o the_o bishop_n &_o bribery_n of_o their_o officer_n the_o country_n cry_v out_o of_o it_o and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v little_o amend_v by_o it_o old_a sir_n john_n lacklatin_n that_o have_v not_o see_v some_o of_o his_o benefice_n a_o dozen_o year_n before_o be_v carry_v about_o on_o his_o mare_n and_o sometime_o on_o a_o cart_n first_o to_o the_o bishop_n who_o he_o choose_v if_o he_o may_v for_o his_o purpose_n such_o one_o as_o have_v be_v a_o priest_n of_o his_o own_o order_n and_o care_v jest_n what_o minister_n serve_v in_o his_o diocese_n and_o then_o from_o shire_n to_o shire_n one_o distant_a a_o hundred_o mile_n from_o another_o mumble_v up_o his_o article_n in_o his_o morowmasse_n voice_n in_o every_o church_n where_o he_o have_v live_v and_o return_v as_o very_o a_o beast_n as_o he_o come_v but_o this_o and_o all_o other_o inconvenience_n before_o rehearse_v shall_v utterlye_o be_v avoid_v if_o we_o may_v once_o establish_v the_o lawful_a election_n of_o pastor_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v also_o great_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o it_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o every_o congregation_n there_o shall_v be_v two_o pastor_n at_o the_o least_o both_o because_o the_o charge_n be_v great_a and_o also_o for_o supply_v the_o lack_n of_o the_o one_o if_o the_o other_o be_v sick_a or_o absent_a upon_o necessity_n or_o any_o such_o like_a case_n which_o thing_n be_v both_o agreeable_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostolic_a church_n and_o also_o very_o profitable_a for_o the_o congregation_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v this_o in_o everye_o parish_n as_o they_o be_v now_o distinguish_v but_o in_o every_o congregation_n as_o they_o may_v be_v dispose_v both_o for_o best_a edify_v and_o also_o for_o sufficient_a live_n for_o the_o pastor_n it_o will_v be_v object_v when_o we_o have_v all_o thing_n at_o our_o pleasure_n concern_v the_o election_n of_o pastor_n yet_o will_v there_o creep_v in_o many_o abuse_n we_o answer_v they_o shall_v not_o so_o soon_o nor_o so_o easy_o nor_o so_o many_o abuse_n creep_v in_o as_o now_o at_o wide_a window_n yea_o great_a port-gate_n do_v throng_n in_o but_o if_o as_o many_o or_o more_o abuse_n if_o more_o can_v be_v be_v creep_v in_o yet_o be_v the_o case_n better_o than_o it_o be_v now_o for_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a that_o god_n approove_v our_o order_n though_o he_o condemn_v the_o abuse_n because_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o god_n word_n whereas_o now_o he_o abhor_v both_o but_o of_o the_o authority_n that_o pastor_n have_v as_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n we_o have_v speak_v hitherto_o sufficient_o by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a how_o all_o thing_n have_v be_v corrupt_v in_o popery_n which_o have_v at_o the_o first_o any_o good_a institution_n which_o corruption_n we_o also_o retain_v at_o this_o day_n without_o desire_v of_o any_o refourmation_n for_o to_o begin_v first_o with_o our_o particular_a synod_n good_a lord_n what_o a_o mockery_n they_o be_v of_o law_n full_a synod_n be_v hold_v for_o no_o other_o end_n almost_o but_o to_o gather_v up_o fee_n both_o ordinary_a &_o extraordinary_a with_o daily_a new_a devise_n to_o poll_v the_o poor_a priest_n of_o their_o money_n which_o they_o extort_v for_o see_v the_o letter_n of_o order_n for_o dynners_n and_o such_o like_a matter_n and_o yet_o a_o new_a invent_a pyllage_n whereby_o they_o compel_v man_n to_o buy_v book_n of_o they_o for_o 4._o penny_n or_o 6._o penny_n which_o be_v to_o dear_a of_o a_o penny_n or_o two_o penny_n and_o not_o only_o such_o small_a ware_n but_o also_o great_a book_n be_v such_o as_o every_o parish_n be_v appoint_v to_o buy_v must_v be_v buy_v of_o they_o for_o two_o or_o three_o shyllinge_n in_o a_o book_n dear_a than_o it_o may_v be_v buy_v in_o paul_n churchyard_n yea_o otherwhiles_o though_o the_o parish_n be_v furnish_v of_o they_o already_o they_o be_v not_o authentical_a except_o they_o be_v buy_v at_o master_n chaunceller_n and_o official_a at_o master_n regester_n hand_n as_o for_o refourmation_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v indeed_o many_o presentment_n and_o man_n swear_v to_o present_a matter_n but_o little_a or_o none_o amendment_n at_o all_o do_v follow_v so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o common_a say_n in_o the_o country_n when_o the_o presentment_n be_v once_o receyve_v they_o shall_v never_o hear_v more_o of_o it_o soon_o after_o the_o visitation_n or_o synod_n the_o petitbribe_a sumner_n ride_v forth_o lade_v with_o excommunication_n which_o he_o scatter_v abroad_o in_o the_o country_n as_o thick_a as_o haileshot_v against_o this_o parson_n and_o that_o vicar_n this_o church_n warden_n and_o that_o side-man_n who_o he_o himself_o when_o he_o come_v to_o summon_v he_o to_o the_o synod_n for_o a_o cheeze_n or_o a_o gammon_n of_o bacon_n have_v undertake_v to_o excuse_v for_o none_o apparaunce_n but_o when_o he_o be_v once_o excommunicate_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o he_o must_v trudge_v to_o the_o chauncelour_n or_o official_a for_o absolution_n who_o after_o he_o have_v once_o absolve_v his_o purse_n of_o a_o few_o groat_n give_v he_o his_o blessing_n and_o send_v he_o away_o and_o this_o be_v the_o image_n of_o our_o little_a or_o particular_a synod_n our_o general_a convocation_n have_v a_o more_o show_n of_o good_a order_n house_n but_o in_o effect_n little_o better_o for_o first_o they_o be_v stuff_v full_a of_o popish_a and_o profane_a chauncelloure_n and_o other_o lawyer_n which_o be_v mere_a lie_v man_n and_o unlearned_a in_o divinity_n by_o their_o own_o law_n aught_o to_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o yet_o these_o will_v bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o all_o thing_n the_o bishop_n as_o though_o they_o be_v great_a than_o the_o apostle_n must_v have_v their_o several_a cowenticle_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v
fellow_n poor_a which_o be_v more_o impotent_a they_o they_o as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o primative_a church_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o that_o walk_v disorderlye_o and_o labour_v not_o if_o they_o be_v able_a of_o which_o kind_n of_o people_n when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a multitude_n in_o this_o land_n that_o they_o do_v even_o overflowe_v the_o country_n and_o have_v be_v know_v to_o be_v practizer_n of_o great_a matter_n against_o the_o state_n it_o be_v marvel_n that_o neither_o by_o politic_a nor_o by_o ecclesiastical_a law_n they_o be_v bring_v into_o order_n and_o set_v to_o labour_n or_o else_o as_o saint_n paul_n prescribe_v so_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o eat_v until_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o labour_v 2._o thes._n 3._o 10._o but_o now_o to_o return_v to_o the_o election_n of_o deacon_n concern_v the_o form_n of_o choose_v of_o deacon_n we_o may_v read_v at_o large_a act_n 6._o that_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o have_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o because_o we_o may_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o confusion_n in_o that_o bless_a company_n we_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o which_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v even_o in_o that_o assembly_n and_o first_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n certain_a elder_n appoint_v which_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n have_v the_o disposition_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o appear_v by_o many_o place_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o the_o elder_n be_v name_v with_o the_o apostle_n as_o act_n 15._o 4._o 12._o etc._n etc._n but_o especial_o concern_v this_o matter_n of_o the_o distribution_n unto_o the_o poor_a we_o read_v that_o when_o the_o church_n of_o antiochia_n be_v so_o well_o dispose_v as_o to_o make_v a_o collection_n to_o be_v send_v unto_o the_o poor_a brethren_n that_o dwell_v in_o jury_n they_o send_v unto_o the_o elder_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o barnabas_n and_o saul_n act_n 11._o 30._o 30._o by_o which_o it_o appearethe_v that_o the_o elder_n have_v the_o disposition_n and_o appoint_v of_o such_o as_o shall_v destribute_v it_o unto_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v the_o deacon_n for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o he_o that_o shall_v do_v any_o service_n in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o shall_v be_v choose_v and_o approve_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o for_o the_o regiment_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v further_a of_o from_o all_o tirannye_n so_o ought_v it_o to_o be_v as_o far_o from_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n tyranny_n be_v avoid_v when_o no_o one_o man_n contrary_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n shall_v presume_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o other_o that_o be_v godly_a and_o wise_a and_o authorize_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n confusion_n be_v prevent_v by_o the_o grave_a counsel_n and_o orderlye_v assembly_n of_o elder_n unto_o who_o the_o church_n have_v commit_v her_o authority_n by_o this_o it_o may_v easy_o appear_v what_o great_a default_n there_o be_v in_o our_o church_n where_o those_o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v ordain_v deacon_n never_o purpose_v in_o their_o life_n to_o execute_v any_o part_n of_o a_o deacon_n office_n neither_o be_v choose_v for_o that_o end_n but_o only_o that_o within_o a_o short_a time_n after_o they_o may_v be_v make_v priest_n or_o minister_n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n differ_v from_o the_o superstition_n of_o popery_n where_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n be_v confer_v only_o as_o a_o step_n unto_o priesthood_n as_o though_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o everye_o one_o which_o be_v ordain_v a_o elder_a shall_v first_o be_v a_o deacon_n and_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v make_v a_o deacon_n he_o be_v but_o a_o idol_n yea_o scarce_o a_o idol_n of_o a_o deacon_n have_v no_o resemblance_n at_o all_o unto_o a_o deacon_n indeed_o but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n this_o profane_v of_o god_n institution_n god_n will_v not_o always_o suffer_v unpunished_a especial_o when_o it_o be_v not_o maintain_v of_o ignorance_n or_o infirmity_n but_o defend_v against_o knowledge_n and_o upon_o wilfulness_n therefore_o the_o collector_n be_v more_o like_a to_o deacons_n a_o great_a deal_n than_o those_o that_o the_o bishop_n make_v deacon_n for_o first_o they_o have_v after_o a_o sort_n election_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o the_o other_o have_v but_o the_o approbation_n of_o one_o man_n and_o second_o they_o gather_v and_o distribute_v the_o common_a alm_n unto_o the_o poor_a which_o the_o other_o never_o think_v of_o but_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o allow_v they_o for_o lawful_a deacon_n indeed_o because_o they_o be_v not_o always_o endue_v with_o such_o quality_n as_o the_o apostle_n require_v 1._o tim._n 2._o â—_o for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v man_n of_o good_a estimation_n in_o the_o church_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o wisdom_n that_o shall_v be_v choose_v acts._n 6._o for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o office_n of_o good_a credit_n so_o ought_v the_o person_n to_o be_v of_o good_a reputation_n therefore_o say_v s._n paul_n that_o those_o deacon_n that_o minister_v well_o do_v get_v themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n 13._o and_o great_a liberty_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n insomuch_o that_o s._n paul_n himself_o do_v salute_v in_o special_a word_n the_o deacon_n next_o to_o the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o philipi_n 1._o we_o read_v also_o what_o worthy_a man_n be_v choose_v to_o be_v the_o first_o deacon_n as_o stephen_n the_o first_o martyr_n and_o philip_n which_o afterward_o be_v a_o evangelist_n when_o the_o church_n be_v disperse_v thoroughe_o the_o persecution_n raise_v about_o stephen_n so_o that_o every_o ignorant_a contemptible_a personne_fw-fr be_v not_o to_o be_v allow_v unto_o this_o office_n but_o as_o godly_a wise_a and_o worshipful_a as_o may_v convenientlye_o be_v find_v in_o the_o congregation_n may_v not_o think_v themselves_o too_o good_a to_o minister_v unto_o christ_n in_o his_o member_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n the_o election_n also_o of_o our_o collector_n be_v too_o profane_a for_o so_o holy_a a_o office_n we_o may_v read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n act_n 6._o 6._o with_o what_o gravitye_n reverence_n and_o religiousnesse_n the_o apostle_n ordain_v deacon_n with_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a cause_n although_o the_o ordinary_a collector_n have_v some_o resemblance_n with_o the_o deaconship_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o we_o can_v in_o all_o point_n allow_v they_o for_o deacon_n who_o office_n true_o consist_v only_o in_o ministration_n unto_o the_o poor_a as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o that_o they_o be_v deacon_n we_o have_v declare_v before_o that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n the_o one_o join_v with_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v pastor_n the_o other_o with_o the_o synod_n or_o holy_a assembly_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o former_a we_o have_v entreat_v hitherto_o now_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o latter_a there_o arise_v oftentimes_o in_o the_o church_n diverse_a controversye_n which_o can_v be_v otherwise_o express_v pertain_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n then_o by_o a_o general_a assembly_n of_o all_o the_o pastoure_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v call_v a_o synod_n or_o general_a counsel_n also_o there_o be_v diverse_a case_n wherein_o the_o several_a church_n be_v drive_v to_o pray_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o synod_n where_o matter_n can_v not_o be_v determine_v among_o themselves_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v ordain_v these_o holy_a assemble_v with_o promise_n that_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n he_o himself_o will_v be_v among_o they_o with_o the_o synod_n the_o pastor_n have_v authority_n to_o determine_v concern_v regiment_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o we_o have_v to_o inquire_v of_o what_o person_n a_o synod_n do_v consist_v for_o which_o intent_n we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o act._n 15._o 6._o that_o when_o a_o controversy_n arise_v concern_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n whether_o they_o be_v to_o be_v use_v by_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v convert_v of_o the_o gentile_n the_o apostle_n &_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o exclude_v appear_v by_o the_o 12._o verse_n the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v persuade_v by_o the_o argument_n allege_v by_o peter_n hold_v their_o peace_n and_o quiet_o hear_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n declare_v what_o sign_n &_o wonder_n god_n have_v wrought_v by_o they_o amongst_o the_o
gentile_n and_o lest_o you_o shall_v understand_v the_o multitude_n in_o that_o place_n for_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o 22._o verse_n then_o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o choose_v certain_a man_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o scripture_n we_o learn_v that_o the_o synod_n consist_v principal_o of_o pastor_n elder_n teacher_n and_o man_n of_o wisdom_n judgement_n and_o gravity_n as_o it_o be_v of_o necessary_a regent_n for_o although_o the_o whole_a multitude_n come_v together_o yet_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o inquire_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n the_o multitude_n hear_v and_o for_o their_o better_a instruction_n and_o modesty_n submit_v their_o consent_n unto_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o man_n reason_n be_v hear_v for_o there_o be_v great_a disputation_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n prevail_v good_a order_n be_v observe_v so_o after_o the_o matter_n be_v thorough_o discuss_v by_o the_o godly_a argument_n allege_v by_o peter_n and_o barnabas_n &_o paul_n the_o controversy_n be_v conclude_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o james_n to_o who_o that_o prerogative_n be_v grant_v not_o of_o singular_a authority_n but_o for_o order_n sake_n and_o this_o place_n do_v admonish_v we_o to_o entreat_v some_o what_o of_o the_o preeminence_n of_o one_o elder_a or_o pastor_n above_o the_o rest_n we_o confess_v that_o in_o every_o assembly_n or_o company_n some_o one_o of_o necessity_n must_v have_v this_o prerogative_n to_o order_n and_o dispose_v the_o same_o with_o reason_n or_o else_o great_a confusion_n be_v like_a to_o follow_v but_o this_o preeminence_n be_v only_o of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o authority_n as_o to_o propound_v matter_n to_o be_v decide_v to_o gather_v the_o reason_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v etc._n etc._n as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n james_n do_v of_o who_o also_o we_o read_v that_o he_o have_v this_o preeminence_n act._n 21._o 18_o 18._o etc._n etc._n and_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o same_o gal._n 2._o 9_o 12._o 12._o not_o that_o james_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o his_o apostleship_n than_o peter_n or_o paul_n or_o john_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n but_o because_o he_o be_v choose_v of_o the_o rest_n to_o have_v prerogative_n of_o order_n which_o some_o one_o must_v have_v in_o everye_o assembly_n and_o such_o be_v the_o prerogative_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v grant_v sometime_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n &_o sometime_o to_o some_o other_o bishop_n to_o be_v precedent_n or_o prolocutor_n in_o the_o general_a counsel_n be_v choose_v thereto_o for_o the_o time_n by_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o prolocutor_n be_v choose_v in_o our_o convocation_n that_o be_v call_v with_o parliament_n therefore_o as_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n for_o our_o prolocutor_n in_o our_o convocation_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o controller_n of_o the_o whole_a synod_n &_o to_o challenge_v that_o office_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o heir_n for_o ever_o so_o unreasonable_a be_v the_o authority_n that_o the_o pope_n claim_v over_o general_a counsel_n one_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o consent_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o prolocutor_n or_o moderator_n of_o order_n but_o not_o of_o authority_n in_o every_o assembly_n who_o prerogative_n must_v so_o be_v temper_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n tyranny_n be_v avoid_v which_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n easy_o creep_v in_o upon_o proud_a nature_n to_o who_o if_o you_o grant_v a_o inch_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v a_o ell_n according_a to_o the_o proverb_n but_o let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o consist_v in_o decide_v &_o determine_v such_o matter_n as_o can_v otherwise_o in_o particular_a church_n be_v conclude_v either_o because_o they_o concern_v the_o common_a state_n of_o all_o church_n or_o because_o they_o lack_v sufficient_a authority_n in_o some_o one_o church_n first_o therefore_o the_o lawful_a synod_n have_v to_o consider_v if_o any_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n do_v arise_v that_o it_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o bind_v the_o gentile_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n second_o it_o have_v to_o determine_v of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ceremony_n not_o of_o will_n without_o reason_n or_o ground_n of_o scripture_n but_o upon_o necessary_a cause_n of_o avoid_v offence_n and_o similitude_n of_o superstition_n of_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a of_o order_n and_o comeliness_n and_o edification_n so_o do_v the_o synod_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n command_v for_o a_o time_n abstinency_n from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n otherwise_o lawful_a in_o itself_o for_o offence_n sake_n and_o for_o avoid_v of_o all_o pollution_n of_o idolatry_n act._n 6._o 20._o 29._o 29_o and_o forbear_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o abstinency_n from_o eat_v of_o blood_n &_o of_o strangle_a which_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n before_o moses_n time_n to_o teach_v that_o childish_a age_n of_o god_n people_n to_o abstain_v from_o cruelty_n as_o in_o gen._n 9_o 4._o 4._o such_o ceremonial_a constitution_n be_v but_o temporal_a and_o so_o long_o be_v to_o be_v retain_v as_o the_o cause_n continue_v for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v so_o that_o if_o weakness_n cease_v or_o be_v turn_v to_o obstinacy_n they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v retain_v also_o for_o order_n and_o comeliness_n and_o best_a edification_n the_o synod_n have_v to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v observe_v in_o particular_a charge_n as_o of_o the_o time_n place_n and_o form_n of_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o administer_a of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v what_o order_n comeliness_n and_o edification_n require_v according_a to_o god_n word_n but_o they_o that_o be_v teacher_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o same_o unto_o all_o other_o for_o it_o be_v absurd_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v teach_v by_o such_o in_o these_o small_a thing_n as_o aught_o to_o learn_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o all_o matter_n this_o authority_n therefore_o can_v be_v grant_v unto_o any_o civil_a christian_a magistrate_n that_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o learned_a pastor_n and_o elder_n yea_o against_o their_o consent_n of_o who_o as_o in_o some_o respect_n he_o be_v a_o feel_a member_n he_o may_v lawful_o make_v ceremonial_a constitution_n whereby_o the_o church_n must_v be_v govern_v in_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a matter_n it_o be_v ouâ—e_v of_o all_o controversye_n that_o before_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a magistrate_n for_o we_o will_v not_o speak_v of_o sergius_n paulus_n proconsull_n of_o cyprus_n because_o he_o be_v but_o a_o lievetenaunt_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n this_o authority_n be_v proper_a unto_o the_o synod_n which_o authority_n we_o know_v to_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n by_o our_o savioure_n christ_n practise_v by_o his_o apostle_n continue_v by_o their_o successor_n three_o hundred_o year_n before_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a emperor_n for_o we_o receive_v not_o philip_n for_o a_o christian_a emperor_n and_o long_a time_n after_o there_o be_v christian_a emperor_n even_o as_o long_o as_o any_o purity_n continue_v in_o religion_n until_o both_o emperor_n and_o synod_n be_v thrust_v out_o of_o all_o lawful_a authority_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n but_o we_o find_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o authority_n grant_v by_o christ_n to_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o in_o his_o and_o his_o apostle_n time_n be_v not_o nor_o any_o promise_n that_o when_o they_o be_v the_o synod_n shall_v resign_v it_o unto_o they_o therefore_o it_o remain_v that_o it_o be_v show_v by_o they_o that_o defend_v that_o this_o absolute_a authority_n be_v in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o what_o spirit_n or_o revelation_n or_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o we_o know_v not_o for_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o learn_v how_o this_o authority_n be_v translate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o which_o it_o be_v once_o lawfullye_o vest_v unto_o the_o civil_a christian_a magistrate_n therefore_o until_o this_o may_v be_v show_v by_o sufficient_a warrant_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n we_o hold_v that_o the_o synod_n of_o everye_o province_n have_v authority_n to_o decree_v concern_v ceremonial_a order_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o some_o may_v be_v general_a to_o all_o congregation_n some_o particular_a to_o certain_a church_n for_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o place_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o one_o perfection_n so_o it_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_a that_o they_o be_v like_a in_o all_o thing_n the_o