from_o he_o to_o treat_v with_o their_o fellow-creature_n in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o communicate_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o which_o by_o a_o just_a analogy_n may_v also_o be_v attribute_v to_o all_o succeed_a minister_n who_o be_v legal_o appoint_v to_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o minister_v to_o his_o people_n in_o sacred_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o respect_v the_o office_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n they_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v intend_v under_o this_o phrase_n will_v most_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o compare_v this_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o then_o consider_v the_o most_o genuine_a import_n and_o signification_n of_o they_o in_o col._n 2.2_o the_o apostle_n profess_v his_o ardent_a zeal_n and_o solicitude_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o colossi_fw-la and_o laodicea_n insert_v this_o very_a expression_n into_o his_o prayer_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v with_o one_o accord_n into_o the_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n of_o which_o he_o affirm_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o all_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o the_o same_o he_o call_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n verse_n 5._o and_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n verse_n 6._o which_o phrase_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o exposition_n to_o explicate_v their_o sense_n and_o meaning_n than_o to_o signify_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o afterward_o confirm_v and_o perfect_v by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o parallel_n to_o which_o be_v that_o illustrious_a aphorism_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n which_o prescribe_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o piety_n and_o that_o this_o notion_n require_v so_o general_a a_o signification_n appear_v by_o the_o several_a branch_n enumerate_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o basis_n or_o foundation_n to_o support_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o common_a receive_v article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o that_o man_n may_v not_o wander_v eternal_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o a_o everlasting_a blindness_n possess_v their_o soul_n it_o have_v please_v the_o infinite_o wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n to_o communicate_v to_o the_o world_n by_o divine_a revelation_n many_o sublime_a and_o mysterious_a point_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o observe_v in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o world_n and_o secure_v from_o the_o corruption_n or_o invasion_n of_o enemy_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v in_o the_o sacred_a record_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o by_o a_o especial_a providence_n be_v preserve_v entire_a to_o this_o very_a day_n in_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o latter_a be_v the_o only_a foundation_n lay_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o the_o catalogue_n of_o book_n contain_v therein_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o st._n paul_n say_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o know_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o certain_o can_v not_o remain_v in_o unwritten_a tradition_n for_o than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v hide_v from_o the_o world_n rom._n 16.26_o and_o another_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o faith_n once_o or_o at_o once_o deliver_v judas_n 3_o which_o direct_o oppose_v any_o innovation_n or_o introduction_n of_o doctrine_n into_o the_o gospel_n after_o its_o consummation_n by_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v a_o assertion_n of_o such_o catholic_n verity_n that_o all_o the_o writer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v constant_o acknowledge_v it_o till_o those_o few_o person_n in_o the_o late_a council_n of_o trent_n dare_v venture_v to_o reject_v the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o run_v counter_a with_o the_o best_a antiquity_n which_o be_v plain_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o incomparable_a industry_n and_o elaborate_a inquiry_n of_o the_o late_a reverend_a bishop_n of_o durham_n in_o his_o scholastical_a history_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o though_o the_o write_n of_o apocryphical_a author_n may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o example_n of_o life_n and_o instruction_n of_o manner_n yet_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n in_o compile_v her_o public_a liturgy_n have_v appoint_v no_o part_n of_o those_o book_n to_o be_v read_v but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o always_o account_v their_o authority_n too_o weak_a to_o lay_v any_o foundation_n for_o or_o to_o establish_v any_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o saint_n jerome_n concern_v this_o matter_n who_o be_v also_o the_o most_o strenuous_a assertor_n of_o the_o certain_a and_o indubitate_a catalogue_n of_o holy_a writer_n for_o speak_v of_o the_o write_n of_o apocrypha_fw-la he_o say_v legit_fw-la quidem_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la sed_fw-la eas_fw-la inter_fw-la canonicas_fw-la non_fw-la recipit_fw-la and_o though_o we_o receive_v the_o name_n and_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a tradition_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o credit_n believe_v those_o copy_n which_o now_o we_o enjoy_v to_o be_v authentic_a and_o in_o all_o material_a part_n agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o primitive_a write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n yet_o we_o dare_v not_o receive_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n nay_o we_o utter_o reject_v such_o imposition_n as_o presumptuous_a and_o impudent_a and_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n if_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o comsummation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v consign_v and_o seal_v it_o up_o with_o a_o anathema_n rev._n 22.18_o 19_o itestifie_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v prescribe_v the_o same_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o utter_o disclaim_v all_o pretence_n of_o addition_n to_o or_o detraction_n from_o it_o as_o it_o be_v recite_v in_o the_o six_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n so_o that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n the_o sacred_a record_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o several_a content_n therein_o the_o various_a part_n thereof_o and_o no_o other_o write_n or_o tradition_n whatsoever_o be_v that_o depositum_fw-la commit_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o ministerial_a officer_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o preserve_v and_o improve_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o this_o purpose_n they_o be_v constitute_v steward_n of_o god_n and_o dispenser_n of_o holy_a mystery_n thus_o st._n paul_n affirm_v in_o general_a 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o commit_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o peace_n that_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n to_o pray_v man_n in_o christ_n stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a proclaim_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v appoint_v a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n 2_o tim._n 1.11_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o exhort_v timothy_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o he_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o his_o hand_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o and_o to_o keep_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o verse_n 6_o 13_o 14._o to_o which_o agree_v that_o description_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o precedent_n in_o sacred_a affair_n deliver_v by_o that_o mystical_a divine_a that_o he_o be_v the_o proper_a interpreter_n of_o divine_a theology_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o angel_n of_o almighty_n god_n be_v to_o learn_v from_o those_o divine_o inspire_v oracle_n and_o then_o to_o teach_v and_o explain_v they_o to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o apostolical_a person_n be_v restrain_v within_o the_o prescription_n of_o certain_a bound_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o go_v beyond_o the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a of_o their_o own_o mind_n have_v power_n to_o say_v nothing_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o what_o he_o communicate_v to_o they_o
ad_fw-la clerum_fw-la a_o visitation_n sermon_n preach_v at_o beckonsfield_n in_o the_o county_n of_o buck_n april_n the_o 9_o the_o 1678._o by_o john_n james_n a._n m._n rector_n of_o latimer_n in_o the_o county_n of_o buck_n london_n print_v by_o t.h._n for_o r._n chiswel_o at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1678._o imprimatur_fw-la geo._n thorp_n r_o mo_z in_o c.p.d._n domino_fw-la gulielmo_n archiep._n cant._n a_o sacris_fw-la domesticis_fw-la may_v 31._o 1678._o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n moreover_o it_o be_v require_v in_o steward_n that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a saint_n paul_n have_v plant_v christianity_n among_o the_o corinthian_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n and_o other_o adjacent_a province_n in_o the_o country_n of_o greece_n after_o the_o space_n of_o eighteen_o month_n he_o depart_v from_o those_o region_n and_o take_v his_o journey_n into_o asia_n where_o he_o alsodeliver_v what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o instruct_v the_o people_n both_o public_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o private_o in_o their_o house_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n immediate_o after_o his_o departure_n apollo_n be_v by_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o his_o come_n to_o ephesus_n be_v by_o they_o recommend_v and_o send_v to_o the_o brethren_n at_o achaia_n where_o he_o bold_o deliver_v and_o diligent_o teach_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n confirm_v those_o who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o by_o argument_n unanswerable_a confute_v the_o most_o obstinate_a jew_n and_o put_v to_o silence_n public_o in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o most_o subtle_a and_o shrewd_a disputant_n among_o they_o act_v 18._o vers_fw-la 24_o etc._n etc._n but_o though_o paul_n have_v plant_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o convert_v many_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v proselyte_n to_o it_o and_o apollo_n after_o he_o have_v water_v those_o convert_v in_o contribute_v his_o utmost_a assistance_n to_o settle_v and_o establish_v they_o on_o the_o foundation_n which_o paul_n have_v lay_v though_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v increase_n in_o make_v their_o labour_n effectual_a by_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o obtain_v those_o great_a end_n he_o design_v in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o wit_n the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o soul_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n yet_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o heat_n of_o their_o devotion_n begin_v to_o be_v abate_v or_o rather_o to_o be_v misemploy_v upon_o improper_a object_n for_o those_o which_o have_v enroll_v themselves_o into_o the_o same_o society_n profess_v and_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o so_o become_v member_n of_o the_o same_o mystical_a body_n break_v forth_o into_o furious_a contention_n &_o animosity_n against_o each_o other_o render_v most_o miserable_o and_o most_o cruel_o tear_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o piece_n in_o its_o very_a infancy_n for_o through_o the_o enmity_n of_o those_o impure_a gnostic_n against_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o judaize_v christian_n against_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o most_o lamentable_a schism_n and_o faction_n break_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n which_o like_a flame_n of_o fire_n be_v ready_a to_o consume_v and_o burn_v it_o down_o to_o the_o ground_n error_n and_o heresy_n be_v scatter_v abroad_o and_o greedy_o receive_v by_o too_o many_o among_o they_o which_o like_o ill_a weed_n soon_o grow_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o most_o unwholesome_a fruit_n in_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n this_o sad_a news_n no_o soon_o come_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o our_o apostle_n but_o it_o sink_v heavy_o down_o upon_o his_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n of_o sorrow_n upon_o his_o mind_n therefore_o to_o redress_v these_o mischief_n and_o if_o possible_a to_o settle_v the_o distraction_n and_o division_n of_o corinth_n he_o present_o compose_v and_o direct_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n there_o and_o to_o all_o other_o christian_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n inhabit_v the_o region_n of_o achaia_n in_o which_o after_o a_o religious_a and_o most_o affectionate_a salutation_n to_o procure_v from_o they_o a_o favourable_a audience_n and_o a_o candid_a entertainment_n of_o what_o he_o deliver_v from_o v._o 1._o to_o v._o 9_o he_o most_o earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o unity_n in_o doctrine_n and_o brotherly_a communion_n one_o among_o another_o vers_fw-la 10_o 11._o and_o then_o lay_v open_a before_o their_o eye_n the_o grievousness_n of_o their_o schism_n he_o charge_v they_o bold_o with_o it_o to_o their_o very_a face_n vers_fw-la 11_o 12_o 13._o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v but_o one_o and_o christ_n jesus_n the_o only_a author_n of_o it_o that_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o be_v such_o that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o usher_v into_o the_o world_n with_o sublimity_n of_o speech_n and_o the_o ornament_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o be_v style_v the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v and_o by_o the_o learned_a scribe_n and_o wise_a disputer_n of_o the_o world_n be_v reject_v with_o pride_n and_o insolence_n yet_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o so_o far_o excel_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o destroy_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o confound_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_a and_o noble_a chap._n 1.2_o that_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o divine_a institution_n so_o he_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a foundation_n for_o man_n to_o lay_v the_o superstructure_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o salvation_n upon_o and_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o st._n peter_n act_v 4.12_o the_o only_a name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v and_o consequent_o that_o thoso_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n or_o authority_n to_o command_v their_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o fellow-labourer_n together_o with_o god_n steward_n in_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o show_v they_o their_o respective_a and_o just_a esteem_n but_o not_o to_o transcend_v its_o prescribe_a limit_n and_o bound_n so_o it_o be_v require_v these_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o office_n and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o so_o sacred_a a_o function_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o prevalent_a mean_n to_o repair_v the_o breach_n and_o cure_v the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o the_o immediate_a design_n of_o the_o word_n in_o my_o text._n let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o etc._n etc._n that_o my_o discourse_n may_v be_v full_a and_o comprehensive_a proportionable_a to_o the_o just_a design_n and_o import_v of_o these_o word_n and_o serviceable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o present_a occasion_n and_o future_a necessity_n of_o this_o assembly_n three_o thing_n necessary_o require_v our_o consideration_n first_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v employ_v under_o the_o pronoun_n us._n second_o the_o matter_n predicate_v of_o or_o attribute_v to_o these_o person_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n both_o which_o particular_n join_v together_o make_v up_o a_o entire_a proposition_n that_o the_o person_n intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n three_o practical_a inference_n deduce_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n one_o respect_v the_o man_n to_o who_o these_o person_n be_v employ_v as_o minister_n and_o steward_n let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o other_o relate_v to_o the_o person_n themselves_o to_o who_o their_o office_n be_v commit_v moreover_o it_o be_v require_v in_o steward_n that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a first_o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n employ_v under_o the_o pronoun_n Ê‹s_o the_o person_n here_o intend_v be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o a_o just_a determination_n of_o this_o particular_a the_o most_o regular_a and_o orderly_a method_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o undertake_n and_o progress_n of_o our_o present_a employment_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o
person_n speak_v of_o who_o st._n paul_n do_v direct_o and_o immediate_o respect_n be_v those_o mention_v chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 22._o paul_n apollo_n and_o cephas_n who_o be_v separate_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o appoint_v as_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o faith_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o corinthian_n but_o that_o this_o particular_a direction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n may_v be_v of_o large_a use_n and_o service_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o general_a it_o be_v most_o rational_a and_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o whole_a scope_n and_o tenure_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o affirm_v that_o all_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o same_o employment_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o office_n implicit_o include_v in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o as_o just_o style_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n be_v and_o if_o particular_a commission_n be_v necessary_a to_o constitute_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n the_o negative_a hold_v as_o infallible_o true_a as_o the_o affirmative_a that_o no_o person_n may_v presume_v to_o administer_v any_o office_n appropriate_a to_o this_o sacred_a function_n but_o those_o who_o be_v legal_o call_v to_o and_o canonical_o invest_v with_o it_o for_o the_o gospel_n almost_o as_o oft_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v to_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o dispenser_n of_o it_o plain_o intimate_v that_o the_o master_n of_o our_o religion_n design_n a_o separation_n of_o person_n from_o secular_a employment_n to_o officiate_v in_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 12._o the_o apostle_n resemble_v the_o church_n to_o a_o body_n which_o be_v constitute_v of_o several_a member_n and_o every_o one_o design_v to_o serve_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o foot_n can_v usurp_v the_o office_n of_o the_o head_n nor_o the_o arm_n exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o brain_n but_o every_o one_o discharge_v its_o proper_a function_n that_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n nor_o division_n in_o the_o body_n in_o proportion_n to_o which_o similitude_n the_o state_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o which_o every_o the_o mean_a christian_n be_v a_o member_n in_o particular_a but_o every_o member_n can_v dispose_v and_o regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n do_v all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n do_v all_o interpret_v verse_n 29.30_o shall_v the_o foot_n say_v unless_o i_o be_o head_n i_o will_v not_o be_v of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o ear_n say_v because_o i_o be_o not_o the_o eye_n i_o be_o not_o sufficient_o honour_v if_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v a_o eye_n where_o be_v the_o hear_n and_o if_o every_o member_n be_v the_o head_n where_o be_v the_o body_n but_o god_n have_v set_v the_o member_n every_o one_o in_o the_o body_n as_o it_o have_v please_v he_o verse_n 16_o 17_o 18._o first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n verse_n 28._o and_o that_o this_o distinction_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v confident_o conffirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o wherein_o he_o declare_v that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n therein_o mention_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n which_o phrase_n must_v of_o necessity_n denote_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n till_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o state_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n perfect_o complete_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n st._n paul_n justify_v his_o special_a designation_n to_o the_o apostleship_n 1_o tim._n 2.7_o and_o st._n peter_n exhort_v his_o presbyter_n to_o continual_a diligence_n in_o their_o employment_n as_o their_o proper_a and_o necessary_a duty_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o indeed_o if_o we_o search_v into_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o world_n or_o consider_v the_o account_n which_o modern_a historian_n have_v private_o collect_v and_o public_o present_v to_o we_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o faithful_a among_o they_o do_v confident_o assure_v we_o that_o never_o any_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o governor_n thereof_o solemn_o appoint_v a_o separation_n of_o person_n who_o constant_a employment_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o solemnize_v and_o celebrate_v the_o mystery_n thereof_o and_o moses_n in_o transcribe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n and_o under_o the_o admistration_n of_o the_o law_n have_v record_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o custom_n in_o those_o several_a form_n of_o church-government_n thus_o enoch_n and_o noah_n be_v preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o the_o old_a world_n abraham_n and_o the_o succeed_a patriarch_n be_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o their_o respective_a family_n and_o due_o administer_v the_o affair_n of_o religion_n to_o their_o several_a charge_n and_o when_o god_n erect_v his_o theocratical_a government_n over_o the_o jew_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o own_o people_n he_o command_v aaron_n and_o his_o son_n to_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o priest_n office_n that_o they_o may_v wait_v at_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o minister_n to_o the_o people_n in_o holy_a thing_n which_o be_v appoint_v a_o statute_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o for_o evermore_o exod._n 28.1_o 43._o and_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v deny_v this_o honour_n and_o no_o such_o custom_n observe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o strange_a innovation_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o reason_n either_o that_o it_o contain_v matter_n of_o less_o value_n and_o concernment_n to_o christian_n than_o the_o religion_n of_o other_o nation_n to_o the_o proselyte_n of_o it_o or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v so_o plain_a easy_a in_o all_o and_o every_o particular_a doctrine_n that_o the_o mean_a understanding_n can_v comprehend_v their_o most_o intimous_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o most_o illiterate_a to_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o judgement_n concern_v they_o these_o be_v the_o fair_a pretence_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o necessary_a distinction_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n yet_o their_o weakness_n be_v apparent_a at_o the_o first_o view_n and_o their_o absurdity_n so_o gross_a that_o it_o may_v palpable_o be_v feel_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_v this_o reproach_n and_o contempt_n that_o it_o contain_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n for_o man_n to_o know_v such_o as_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o that_o incomparable_a method_n contrive_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n comprehend_v matter_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o propound_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o practical_a religion_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o require_v and_o most_o reasonable_a for_o mankind_n to_o observe_v in_o all_o which_o respect_v it_o infinite_o transcend_v all_o the_o platform_n of_o religion_n entertain_v in_o the_o world_n and_o even_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o and_o though_o those_o practical_a point_n which_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n be_v extreme_o suitable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o deliver_v with_o the_o great_a perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n imaginable_a yet_o it_o discourse_v concern_v point_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o great_a depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n which_o be_v altogether_o inconceiveable_a and_o incomprehensible_a and_o do_v exceed_v the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o create_v be_v such_o be_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o other_o doctrine_n of_o like_a affinity_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a so_o wrest_v as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o what_o can_v be_v speak_v of_o such_o infinite_a importance_n what_o can_v be_v deliver_v of_o so_o tremendous_a consequence_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o
reverence_v peter_n yet_o will_v not_o i_o be_v call_v a_o petrian_a i_o honour_v paul_n yet_o will_v not_o i_o be_v call_v a_o paulian_a but_o the_o assertion_n of_o lactantius_n though_o very_o severe_a 30._o instit_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 30._o be_v undoubted_o true_a christiani_n esse_fw-la desièrunt_fw-la qui_fw-la christi_fw-la nomine_fw-la amisso_fw-la humana_fw-la and_o externa_fw-la vocabula_fw-la induerunt_fw-la and_o indeed_o it_o be_v such_o a_o reproach_n to_o christianity_n for_o its_o professor_n to_o assume_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o de_fw-fr conscience_n prael_n p._n 3._o that_o as_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n sanderson_n sad_o complain_v non_fw-la est_fw-la dignus_fw-la qui_fw-la sit_fw-la christi_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la unius_fw-la christi_fw-la discipulus_fw-la but_o if_o man_n do_v serious_o design_n the_o peace_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n or_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n in_o which_o they_o live_v they_o will_v rejoice_v exceed_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n alone_o will_v reverent_o observe_v the_o lawful_a constitution_n of_o a_o well_o settle_a national_a church_n and_o embrace_v christianity_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n without_o any_o sinister_a respect_n to_o party_n and_o division_n i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v neither_o by_o their_o flattery_n or_o pusillanimity_n their_o connivance_n or_o lukewarmness_n contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o these_o sad_a distraction_n in_o this_o nation_n and_o i_o humble_o beg_v that_o they_o will_v most_o serious_o declaim_v against_o and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o suppress_v such_o extravagant_a vanity_n in_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o auditor_n and_o that_o the_o people_n of_o this_o kingdom_n will_v once_o be_v persuade_v into_o this_o necessary_a piece_n of_o christian_a prudence_n not_o to_o think_v of_o their_o teacher_n more_o than_o they_o ought_v but_o whatever_o reverence_n they_o bear_v to_o their_o person_n however_o fair_a and_o plausible_a their_o reason_n may_v seem_v to_o their_o weak_a understanding_n to_o let_v none_o of_o their_o stratagem_n deceive_v their_o soul_n nor_o a_o multitude_n of_o word_n to_o sway_v their_o judgement_n to_o make_v unjust_a separation_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n church_n to_o affront_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawful_a power_n by_o which_o under_o god_n they_o be_v protect_v much_o less_o to_o be_v pervert_v from_o any_o one_o article_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o to_o receive_v any_o doctrine_n that_o overthrow_v it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o command_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o only_a potentate_n and_o lord_n over_o heaven_n and_o earth_n mat._n 23.6_o 7_o 9_o though_o your_o patriot_n love_v the_o uppermost_a room_n at_o feast_n and_o the_o chief_a seat_n in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o to_o be_v call_v of_o man_n rabbi_n rabbi_n yet_o call_v no_o man_n your_o father_n upon_o the_o earth_n for_o one_o be_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 2._o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n admit_v of_o this_o exposition_n that_o man_n account_v so_o worthy_o of_o these_o person_n as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o god_n as_o those_o denomination_n be_v apply_v to_o minister_n which_o denote_v their_o servitude_n and_o subjection_n to_o christ_n so_o the_o same_o and_o other_o title_n of_o honour_n be_v attribute_v to_o they_o which_o import_n some_o power_n and_o authority_n inherent_a in_o they_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d denote_v their_o dignity_n and_o commission_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o as_o in_o temporal_a kingdom_n when_o ruler_n or_o procurator_n be_v send_v into_o any_o province_n they_o receive_v authority_n to_o regulate_v the_o affair_n thereof_o as_o deputy_n or_o vicegerent_n to_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n so_o christ_n send_v forth_o his_o apostle_n with_o commission_n to_o succeed_v he_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n to_o execu_n in_o his_o name_n several_a office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o he_o in_o person_n perform_v when_o he_o be_v conversant_a with_o it_o thereof_o they_o be_v call_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 13.17_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 12.28_o of_o like_a signification_n be_v that_o honourable_a appellation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o respect_v the_o eminent_a dignity_n of_o the_o ministerial_a officer_n who_o be_v employ_v by_o the_o prince_n of_o heaven_n as_o his_o ambassador_n to_o treat_v and_o negotiate_v with_o the_o son_n of_o of_o man_n concern_v the_o mysterious_a affair_n of_o his_o glorious_a kingdom_n for_o so_o the_o roman_n give_v the_o title_n of_o legate_n to_o those_o person_n who_o be_v invest_v with_o dignity_n to_o represent_v their_o master_n person_n and_o with_o authority_n to_o manage_v their_o commission_n with_o foreign_a state_n which_o employment_n as_o it_o high_o advance_v the_o dignity_n of_o these_o officer_n so_o it_o just_o require_v from_o man_n a_o honourable_a respect_n to_o their_o message_n and_o a_o reverend_a estimation_n of_o their_o person_n and_o for_o this_o st._n paul_n commend_v his_o belove_a corinthian_n because_o of_o their_o kindness_n and_o obedience_n to_o titus_n that_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o his_o spiritual_a function_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a they_o have_v receive_v he_o 2_o cor._n 7.15_o in_o conformity_n to_o which_o practice_n the_o apostle_n frequent_o insert_v a_o exhortation_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o a_o necessary_a injunction_n to_o the_o church_n 1_o thes_n 5.12_o 13._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o heb._n 13.17_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n and_o from_o hence_o st._n ignatius_n exhort_v the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n to_o unity_n and_o order_n present_v they_o with_o that_o respect_v 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n epist_n ad_fw-la smyrn_n p._n 6._o which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o proper_a expedient_a thereto_o let_v the_o bishop_n be_v obey_v as_o your_o spiritual_a father_n the_o presbytery_n as_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o deacon_n revere_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n let_v nothing_o be_v do_v without_o the_o bishop_n appointment_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o best_a of_o we_o be_v but_o man_n of_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n with_o other_o and_o consequent_o many_o imperfection_n through_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v in_o we_o unavoidable_a and_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v some_o in_o sacred_a order_n very_o disorderly_a in_o their_o life_n and_o profane_a in_o their_o manner_n such_o as_o shall_v adorn_v the_o soundness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n by_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o conversation_n but_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n and_o derision_n by_o their_o unholy_a and_o vicious_a course_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n and_o till_o they_o be_v suspend_v from_o their_o office_n by_o lawful_a authority_n which_o be_v hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v they_o stand_v in_o christ_n stead_n who_o have_v extend_v his_o precept_n concern_v this_o very_a purpose_n to_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n that_o people_n shall_v follow_v the_o good_a doctrine_n of_o their_o teacher_n not_o the_o evil_a example_n of_o their_o life_n and_o action_n mat._n 23.2_o 3._o so_o that_o though_o the_o person_n for_o his_o immorality_n deserve_v to_o be_v degrade_v into_o the_o low_a rank_n of_o christian_n according_a to_o the_o twenty_o five_o of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o upon_o continue_a disobedience_n after_o sufficient_a admonition_n to_o be_v expel_v the_o christian_a church_n mat._n 18.17_o yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o distinguish_v his_o office_n and_o employment_n from_o his_o personal_a vice_n and_o necessary_a to_o respect_v he_o for_o his_o work_n sake_n but_o i_o may_v return_v from_o this_o digression_n and_o take_v up_o a_o just_a reprehension_n against_o a_o impudent_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o abuse_v the_o messenger_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o confront_v the_o message_n deliver_v by_o they_o such_o as_o deride_v and_o affront_v their_o person_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o refuse_n and_o offscouring_a of_o the_o world_n and_o endeavour_v by_o sacrilege_n and_o injustice_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o competent_a and_o necessary_a allowance_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v command_v in_o general_a and_o the_o contribution_n of_o charitable_a friend_n with_o the_o just_a authority_n of_o the_o
civil_a power_n have_v prescribe_v in_o particular_a most_o contrary_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 5.17.18_o that_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n for_o the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o reward_n and_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o 1_o cor._n 9.14_o that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o refuse_v to_o attend_v to_o his_o ambassage_n though_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o neglect_v to_o consider_v the_o grand_a importance_n of_o it_o though_o he_o speak_v the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god_n and_o discourse_n to_o they_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n such_o as_o scorn_v to_o endure_v the_o reproof_n of_o their_o minister_n though_o never_o so_o just_a and_o necessary_a and_o be_v enrage_v at_o his_o reprehension_n though_o usher_v with_o meekness_n wisdom_n and_o gravity_n who_o affection_n be_v so_o corrupt_a and_o their_o spirit_n so_o haughty_a that_o they_o become_v his_o enemy_n because_o he_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o the_o power_n of_o their_o hand_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o passion_n of_o their_o heart_n will_v parallel_v the_o oppression_n of_o ahab_n the_o impiety_n of_o jehoiakim_n or_o the_o cruelty_n of_o herod_n et_fw-la alia_fw-la insunt_fw-la stolida_fw-la &_o vana_fw-la vel_fw-la si_fw-la molliùs_fw-la acciperes_fw-la miseranda_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la invidiam_fw-la ista_fw-la verum_fw-la conciliandae_fw-la misericordiae_fw-la refero_fw-la which_o epiphonema_v of_o the_o historian_n may_v be_v expoun_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n unto_o the_o world_n to_o angel_n and_o to_o man_n we_o be_v fool_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v despise_v and_o revile_v i_o speak_v not_o these_o thing_n to_o shame_v our_o enemy_n but_o as_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n to_o warn_v and_o remember_v they_o 1_o cor._n 4._o â—9_n etc._n etc._n father_n forgive_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v they_o consider_v not_o what_o reproach_n and_o affront_n they_o cast_v upon_o thy_o son_n our_o master_n when_o they_o contemn_v and_o dishonour_v we_o his_o immediate_a servant_n which_o yet_o our_o lord_n have_v express_o signify_v luk._n 10.16_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o the_o people_n in_o our_o several_a charge_n may_v this_o petition_n be_v insert_v into_o our_o daily_a litany_n that_o they_o will_v cheerful_o ascend_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v instruction_n will_v attend_v with_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n to_o our_o word_n of_o exhortation_n will_v impartial_o examine_v and_o serious_o consider_v the_o rational_a importance_n of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o admonition_n and_o either_o friend_o inform_v we_o if_o any_o error_n or_o corruption_n fall_v from_o we_o or_o if_o we_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n and_o lie_v not_o faithful_o believe_v and_o sincere_o obey_v we_o but_o whether_o man_n will_v hear_v or_o whether_o they_o will_v forbear_v let_v we_o remember_v the_o vocation_n whereto_o we_o be_v call_v that_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o the_o resolution_n of_o st._n paul_n 20.24_o acts._n 20.24_o that_o their_o bond_n nor_o affliction_n shall_v move_v we_o neither_o will_v we_o count_v our_o life_n dear_a unto_o we_o so_o that_o we_o may_v finish_v our_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o the_o ministry_n we_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n etc._n 2_o cor._n 6.4_o etc._n etc._n we_o may_v attain_v the_o christian_a simplicity_n and_o courage_n of_o that_o bless_a apostle_n and_o approve_v ourselves_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o second_o inference_n deliver_v in_o the_o text_n and_o respect_v the_o person_n who_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o be_v faithful_a in_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n commit_v to_o they_o moreover_o it_o be_v require_v in_o steward_n that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a the_o just_a design_n of_o which_o exhortation_n will_v be_v full_o answer_v by_o they_o if_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o these_o two_o qualification_n first_o a_o good_a understanding_n of_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n second_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o first_o a_o good_a understanding_n of_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v find_v faithful_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n be_v faithful_a in_o their_o stewardship_n who_o intellectual_n be_v natural_o defective_a or_o their_o understanding_n though_o capable_a of_o improvement_n yet_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n how_o can_v they_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o teacher_n that_o have_v need_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n or_o how_o can_v those_o person_n instruct_v their_o people_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v novice_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o know_v not_o those_o canon_n by_o which_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o then_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n to_o preserve_v it_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a or_o be_v able_a by_o so_o und_fw-ge doctrine_n to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n it_o be_v our_o saviour_n observation_n if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a they_o shall_v both_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n so_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v themselves_o sufficient_o instruct_v that_o they_o may_v communicate_v to_o other_o in_o all_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o as_o the_o lacedaemonian_n call_v the_o governor_n of_o their_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o frame_v the_o disposition_n and_o fashion_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o subject_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o repective_a community_n and_o the_o wise_a athenian_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n give_v their_o ruler_n the_o same_o denomination_n and_o style_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o constitute_v good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n for_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o people_n and_o use_v most_o prevalent_a mean_n to_o have_v they_o observe_v so_o god_n that_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o his_o people_n have_v give_v the_o like_a appellation_n to_o the_o deputy_n in_o his_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o spiritual_a affair_n as_o seer_n prophet_n overseer_n and_o steward_n that_o from_o the_o signification_n of_o their_o name_n they_o may_v be_v put_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o their_o mouth_n what_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o general_n be_v have_v be_v already_o discourse_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o depositum_fw-la commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o for_o whole_a service_n it_o shall_v be_v employ_v the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v man_n salvation_n be_v faithful_o deliver_v and_o explain_v as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o particular_a office_n wherein_o this_o general_a duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o those_o short_a instruction_n recommend_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o ordination_n to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o as_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o necessity_n require_v they_o administer_v those_o sacred_a rite_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 25._o mat._n 28.19_o 1._o cor._n 11.24_o 25._o by_o baptise_v such_o as_o be_v due_o dispose_v for_o that_o solemn_a ordinance_n and_o distribute_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o those_o pious_a and_o humble_a soul_n that_o be_v religious_o dispose_v to_o celebrate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o that_o sacred_a institution_n and_o into_o their_o hand_n i_o s._n sc_n be_v put_v who_o be_v command_v to_o solemnize_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v public_a either_o as_o priest_n to_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n of_o lord_n to_o intercede_v with_o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o present_v in_o their_o stead_n prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o this_o st._n paul_n give_v in_o charge_n to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2._o and_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o great_a apostle_n so_o frequent_o insert_v his_o petition_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o his_o belove_a convert_v protest_v that_o he_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o he_o neglect_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o resolve_v never_o to_o omit_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n and_o upon_o
but_o little_a conscience_n in_o prescribe_v rule_n and_o direction_n to_o other_o or_o if_o we_o do_v employ_v our_o knowledge_n and_o our_o strength_n to_o explain_v the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o soul_n commit_v to_o our_o charge_n we_o can_v challenge_v a_o blessing_n from_o god_n upon_o our_o endeavour_n nor_o rational_o expect_v that_o our_o labour_n shall_v be_v successful_a for_o god_n himself_o have_v take_v up_o a_o quarrel_n against_o such_o man_n psal_n 50.16_o 17_o unto_o the_o wicked_a say_v god_n what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o declare_v my_o statute_n or_o to_o take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o word_n behind_o thou_o therefore_o i_o will_v reprove_v thou_o and_o set_v thy_o sin_n in_o order_n before_o thy_o eye_n and_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o that_o such_o man_n be_v inexcusable_a before_o god_n and_o that_o his_o sacred_a name_n be_v blaspheme_v by_o they_o rom._n 2.1_o 17_o ---_o 24._o and_o as_o our_o people_n may_v just_o upbraid_v the_o indecency_n and_o absurdity_n of_o our_o life_n when_o our_o action_n confront_v our_o doctrine_n and_o our_o manner_n give_v our_o preach_v the_o lie_n as_o st._n jerome_n have_v observe_v perdit_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la docendi_fw-la cujus_fw-la sermo_n opere_fw-la destruitur_fw-la so_o they_o may_v be_v provoke_v to_o reproach_n and_o contemn_v the_o gospel_n itself_o as_o a_o unholy_a institution_n or_o a_o fabulous_a legend_n like_o those_o in_o salvian_n time_n si_fw-mi christus_fw-la sancta_fw-la docuisset_fw-la christiani_n sanctè_fw-la vixissent_fw-la of_o what_o great_a concernment_n be_v it_o then_o that_o we_o demonstrate_v our_o knowledge_n in_o the_o sound_a mystery_n of_o religion_n by_o our_o reverent_a apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o a_o religious_a deportment_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o frame_v of_o our_o action_n correspondent_a to_o they_o that_o every_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n of_o who_o truth_n we_o labour_v to_o persuade_v our_o people_n be_v influential_a upon_o our_o practice_n in_o such_o proportion_n 25._o 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o that_o if_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o that_o be_v unlearned_a into_o our_o assembly_n he_o may_v be_v convince_v and_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n worship_n god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o we_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o every_o precept_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christianity_n which_o we_o bind_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o practice_n may_v be_v delineate_v so_o fair_o in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o other_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n such_o be_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o our_o apostle_n in_o this_o particular_a that_o without_o any_o remorse_n he_o can_v take_v the_o philippian_n by_o the_o hand_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o good_a work_n by_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o example_n brethren_n be_v you_o follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o which_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o example_n phil._n 3.17_o and_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o these_o he_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o judge_v in_o what_o manner_n of_o conversation_n he_o walk_v among_o they_o 1_o thes_n 2.1.10_o yourselves_o brethren_n know_v our_o entrance_n unto_o you_o and_o you_o be_v witness_n and_o god_n also_o how_o just_o and_o holy_o and_o unblamable_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o among_o you_o 78._o lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr jub_n dei_fw-la p._n 78._o for_o which_o reason_n salvian_n so_o high_o and_o deserve_o commend_v he_o boni_fw-la domini_fw-la bone_fw-la famulus_fw-la &_o singularis_fw-la magistri_fw-la praeclarus_fw-la imitator_n and_o now_o brethren_n we_o see_v our_o call_v and_o be_v we_o conscientious_a in_o the_o management_n of_o it_o we_o have_v hear_v our_o profession_n and_o be_v our_o practice_n answerable_a to_o it_o we_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o argument_n that_o oblige_v our_o faithfulness_n and_o do_v they_o preswade_v we_o to_o a_o constant_a universal_a obedience_n or_o be_v not_o the_o best_a of_o we_o too_o little_a serious_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o therefore_o our_o labour_n the_o less_o successful_a do_v we_o persuade_v our_o people_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n and_o press_v they_o to_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o uniform_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o heaven_n as_o man_n that_o know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o believe_v without_o these_o thing_n our_o auditor_n shall_v perish_v eternal_o do_v we_o entreat_v exhort_v and_o beseech_v they_o as_o it_o be_v for_o their_o life_n and_o salvation_n or_o do_v we_o count_v our_o office_n a_o burden_n and_o substitute_v other_o into_o our_o stewardship_n be_v indifferent_a what_o person_n labour_v in_o the_o vineyard_n so_o we_o may_v eat_v the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o receive_v the_o profit_n in_o their_o appoint_a season_n do_v none_o of_o we_o by_o our_o scandalous_a life_n disgrace_v the_o gospel_n we_o preach_v and_o so_o offend_v our_o weak_a brethren_n by_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o scandalize_a they_o by_o our_o licentious_a course_n i_o come_v not_o into_o this_o place_n to_o caluminate_v any_o much_o less_o to_o accuse_v my_o father_n and_o my_o brethren_n this_o work_n i_o refer_v to_o the_o scrutiny_n of_o every_o man_n conscience_n and_o the_o inquisition_n of_o our_o spiritual_a governor_n and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o every_o minister_n in_o this_o assembly_n after_o the_o strict_a examination_n will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v approve_v himself_o a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o our_o care_n be_v to_o rertench_v the_o sin_n and_o impiety_n and_o to_o repair_v the_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o place_n be_v we_o live_v that_o we_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o exact_a conformity_n to_o her_o law_n and_o canon_n and_o brotherly_a kindness_n to_o one_o another_o that_o in_o our_o instruction_n and_o exhortation_n we_o display_v the_o odious_a nature_n of_o sin_n in_o its_o proper_a colour_n that_o sinner_n may_v blush_v and_o be_v ashamed_a at_o their_o profane_a and_o vicious_a course_n and_o use_v the_o most_o prevalent_a rhetoric_n to_o set_v forth_o virtue_n to_o the_o life_n to_o represent_v it_o with_o our_o utmost_a skill_n in_o the_o most_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a attire_n that_o man_n may_v be_v draw_v as_o with_o cord_n of_o love_n to_o court_n and_o embrace_v she_o and_o above_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a from_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o hereunto_o be_v we_o call_v to_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n that_o our_o conversation_n may_v be_v live_a sermon_n and_o our_o sermon_n the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n these_o be_v the_o qualification_n to_o make_v we_o faithful_a steward_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n we_o must_v be_v wise_a to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n lest_o we_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o stratagem_n and_o sophistry_n of_o impostor_n and_o faithful_a lest_o we_o seduce_v and_o delude_v other_o we_o must_v be_v learned_a in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o in_o our_o doctrine_n we_o may_v show_v incorruptness_n gravity_n sincerity_n and_o find_v speech_n that_o can_v be_v condemn_v and_o conscientious_a in_o preach_v the_o same_o that_o he_o who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a part_n may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o those_o that_o gainsay_v the_o faithful_a word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o soundness_n of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o our_o labour_n may_v be_v convince_v who_o then_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n who_o his_o lord_n have_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n blessed_n be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v for_o he_o shall_v say_v unto_o he_o well_o do_v thou_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a over_o a_o few_o thing_n i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o many_o thing_n enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n finis_fw-la