depend_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n hence_o the_o first_o duty_n of_o a_o church_n without_o officer_n be_v to_o obtain_v they_o according_a to_o rule_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o complete_a administration_n without_o a_o antecedent_n complete_n of_o order_n be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n the_o practice_n therefore_o propose_v be_v irregular_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v two_o fold_n as_o essential_a as_o organical_a the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o essential_a and_o its_o power_n thence_o arise_v be_v first_o for_o its_o preservation_n second_o for_o its_o perfection_n 1._o for_o its_o preservation_n in_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n 2._o for_o its_o perfection_n in_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n no_o part_n of_o this_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o essential_o consider_v can_v be_v delegated_a but_o must_v be_v act_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o can_v delegate_v power_n to_o some_o to_o admit_v member_n so_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o can_v delegate_v power_n to_o any_o to_o elect_a officer_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o a_o church_n essential_o the_o reason_n be_v thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o essence_n of_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o it_o formal_o as_o such_o and_o so_o can_v be_v transfer_v the_o church_n therefore_o can_v delegate_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n inquire_v after_o shall_v it_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o power_n of_o order_n as_o the_o church_n be_v essential_o consider_v which_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o if_o the_o church_n may_v delegate_v or_o substitute_v other_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o ordinance_n whatsoever_o without_o elder_n or_o pastor_n than_o it_o may_v perfect_v the_o saint_n and_o complete_a the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o they_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o and_o second_o it_o will_v render_v the_o ministry_n only_o convenient_a and_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o order_n as_o organical_a be_v the_o adequate_a subject_n of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o not_o as_o essential_a because_o as_o essential_a it_o never_o do_v nor_o can_v enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n namely_o the_o ministry_n in_o particular_a whereby_o it_o be_v constitute_v organical_a yet_o on_o this_o supposition_n the_o church_n as_o essential_o consider_v be_v the_o sole_a adequate_a subject_n of_o all_o ordinance_n though_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a object_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n but_o that_o be_v various_a for_o instance_n 1._o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n its_o first_o object_n be_v the_o world_n for_o conversion_n its_o next_o professor_n for_o edification_n 2._o baptism_n it_o be_v only_a object_n be_v neither_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o professor_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reckon_v to_o they_o by_o god_n appointment_n that_o be_v their_o infant_n seed_n 3._o the_o supper_n its_o object_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n only_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o institution_n one_o special_a end_n of_o it_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n thereon_o depend_v ordinance_n whereof_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n and_o the_o only_a object_n can_v be_v administer_v authoritative_o but_o by_o officer_n only_o 1._o because_o none_o but_o christ_n steward_n have_v authority_n in_o and_o towards_o his_o house_n as_o such_o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o matth._n 24.25_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o office-authority_n to_o represent_v christ_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o to_o feed_v the_o whole_a flock_n thereby_o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o practice_n among_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o walk_v in_o order_n neither_o in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o in_o all_o antiquity_n but_o it_o be_v object_v by_o those_o who_o allow_v this_o practice_n that_o if_o the_o church_n may_v appoint_v or_o send_v a_o person_n forth_o to_o preach_v or_o appoint_v a_o brother_n to_o preach_v unto_o themselves_o then_o they_o may_v appoint_v he_o to_o administer_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o supper_n answ._n here_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o supposition_n the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o body_n of_o it_o can_v send_v out_o any_o brother_n authoritative_o to_o preach_v two_o thing_n be_v require_v thereunto_o collation_n of_o gift_n and_o communication_n of_o office_n neither_o of_o which_o the_o church_n under_o that_o consideration_n can_v do_v to_o one_o that_o be_v send_v forth_o but_o where_o god_n give_v gift_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o a_o call_v by_o his_o providence_n the_o church_n only_o comply_v therewith_o not_o in_o communicate_v authority_n to_o the_o person_n but_o in_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o his_o work._n the_o same_o be_v the_o case_n in_o desire_v a_o brother_n to_o teach_v among_o they_o the_o duty_n be_v moral_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o gift_n and_o call_v be_v from_o god_n alone_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o exercise_n be_v only_o administer_v by_o the_o church_n it_o be_v far_a add_v by_o the_o same_o person_n that_o if_o a_o brother_n or_o one_o who_o be_v a_o disciple_n only_o may_v baptise_v than_o he_o may_v also_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v desire_v of_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o supposition_n be_v not_o grant_v nor_o prove_v but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o difference_n between_o these_o ordinance_n the_o object_n of_o one_o be_v professor_n as_o such_o at_o large_a the_o object_n of_o the_o other_o be_v professor_n as_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o return_v 4._o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n receive_v and_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o defend_v it_o against_o all_o opposition_n this_o be_v one_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n one_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v commit_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n unto_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n frequent_o and_o emphatical_o repeat_v the_o charge_n of_o it_o unto_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o unto_o all_o to_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v 1_o epist._n 1.1_o 3_o 4._o chap._n 4.6_o 7_o 16._o chap._n 6.20_o 2_o epist._n 1.14_o 22._o chap._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o the_o same_o he_o give_v in_o charge_n unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20.28_o 29_o 30._o what_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n be_v commit_v unto_o his_o trust_n 1_o tim._n 1.11_o be_v true_a of_o all_o pastor_n of_o church_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n and_o call_v and_o they_o shall_v all_o aim_n at_o the_o account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o his_o ministry_n herein_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n 2_o tim._n 3.7_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v so_o principal_o in_o its_o ministry_n and_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o of_o the_o pernicious_a heresy_n and_o error_n that_o have_v infest_a and_o ruin_v the_o church_n those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n entire_a in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o have_v many_o of_o they_o speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o bishop_n presbyter_n public_a teacher_n have_v be_v the_o ringleader_n in_o heresy_n wherefore_o this_o duty_n especial_o at_o this_o time_n when_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v on_o all_o side_n impugn_a from_o all_o sort_n of_o adversary_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n to_o be_v attend_v unto_o sundry_a thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o as_o 1._o a_o clear_a sound_v comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o the_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n attain_v by_o all_o mean_v useful_a and_o common_o prescribe_v unto_o that_o end_n especial_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o illumination_n and_o understanding_n man_n can_v preserve_v that_o for_o other_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o themselves_o truth_n may_v be_v lose_v by_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o by_o wickedness_n and_o the_o defect_n herein_o in_o many_o be_v deplorable_a 2._o love_n
commission_n that_o christ_n give_v a_o pastoral_a relation_n or_o presbytership_n which_o be_v include_v in_o their_o apostleship_n and_o exercise_v towards_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n such_o presbyter-ship_n john_n and_o peter_n both_o have_v hence_o there_o remain_v no_o other_o successor_n jure_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n these_o be_v relative_a officer_n and_o be_v always_o in_o and_o to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n we_o know_v of_o no_o catholic_n visible_a church_n that_o any_o pastor_n be_v ordain_v to_o 1._o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o church_n as_o catholic_n visible_a 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o chimaera_n of_o some_o man_n brain_n it_o be_v not_o in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la for_o if_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v all_o the_o church_n that_o i_o see_v at_o a_o time_n i_o be_o not_o capable_a of_o see_v much_o more_o than_o what_o can_v assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o all_o the_o church_n actual_o in_o be_v how_o be_v they_o visible_a to_o i_o where_o can_v they_o be_v see_v in_o one_o place_n i_o may_v as_o well_o call_v all_o the_o city_n and_o corporation_n in_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n visible_a city_n or_o corporation_n which_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v nonsense_n beside_o if_o all_o organise_v church_n can_v be_v get_v together_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o saint_n militant_a much_o less_o of_o triumphant_a for_o many_o be_v no_o church_n member_n that_o be_v christ_n member_n and_o many_o visible_a member_n be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n where_o be_v any_o such_o church_n capable_a of_o communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o other_o organise_v visible_a church_n again_o to_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n constitute_v shall_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v such_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o officer_n to_o the_o mystical_a church_n christ_n be_v the_o mystical_a head_n and_o pastor_n he_o be_v call_v the_o chief_a bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.25_o hence_o the_o uncalled_a be_v his_o sheep_n as_o john_n 10.16_o but_o to_o all_o visible_a church_n christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o where_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v unless_o it_o please_v we_o to_o take_v he_o from_o rome_n to_o say_v that_o all_o individual_a pastor_n be_v pastor_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v either_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o as_o much_o pastoral_n power_n and_o charge_n in_o one_o church_n as_o in_o another_o and_o then_o they_o be_v indefinite_a pastor_n and_o therefore_o all_o pastor_n have_v mutual_a power_n in_o each_o other_o church_n and_o so_o john_n may_v come_v into_o thomas_n his_o church_n and_o exercise_v all_o part_n of_o jurisdiction_n there_o and_o thomas_n into_o john_n or_o a_o minister_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v a_o universal_a catholic_n power_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o so_o the_o power_n and_o charge_n which_o every_o ordinary_a pastor_n have_v be_v apostolic_a or_o last_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o take_v up_o a_o particular_a charge_n where_o he_o please_v with_o a_o non_fw-la obstante_fw-la to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n for_o if_o he_o have_v a_o office_n whereby_o he_o be_v equal_o and_o indisputable_o relate_v to_o all_o church_n it_o be_v at_o his_o liberty_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o office_n to_o take_v where_o he_o please_v but_o every_o church-officer_n under_o christ_n be_v a_o visible_a relate_v and_o the_o correlate_n must_v be_v such_o whence_o the_o church_n must_v be_v visible_a to_o which_o he_o be_v a_o officer_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v a_o man_n be_v a_o visible_a husband_n to_o a_o invisible_a wife_n the_o relate_v and_o correlate_n must_v be_v ejusdem_fw-la naturae_fw-la it_o be_v true_a christ_n be_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_a head_n but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o mystical_a nature_n for_o christ_n have_v substitute_v no_o mystical_a officer_n in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o mystical_a and_o external_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o latter_a be_v found_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o it_o as_o take_v its_o true_a spiritual_a original_a from_o it_o derive_v vital_a spirit_n from_o it_o by_o a_o mystical_a union_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o all_o external_a visible_a assembly_n minister_n ordinance_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n for_o call_v in_o the_o elect_n and_o the_o edify_v of_o they_o to_o that_o full_a measure_n of_o stature_n they_o be_v design_v unto_o but_o the_o different_a consideration_n lie_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o mystical_a church_n do_v never_o fail_v neither_o be_v diminish_v by_o any_o shock_n of_o temptation_n or_o suffer_v that_o in_o their_o visible_a profession_n any_o of_o they_o undergo_v whereas_o visible_a church_n be_v often_o break_v scatter_a yea_o unchurch_v and_o many_o member_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o final_a apostasy_n likewise_o christ_n mystical_a church_n be_v many_o time_n preserve_v in_o that_o state_n only_o or_o most_o when_o christ_n have_v not_o a_o visible_a organise_v church_n according_a to_o institution_n to_o be_v find_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o it_o be_v with_o his_o church_n often_o under_o the_o old_a testament-dispensation_n as_o in_o egypt_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o the_o ark_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o philistine_n in_o the_o day_n of_o manasseh_n and_o other_o wicked_a king_n and_o especial_o in_o babylon_n in_o such_o time_n the_o faithful_a one_o be_v preserve_v without_o the_o true_a sacrifice_n the_o teach_a priest_n and_o the_o law._n so_o have_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o divers_a place_n under_o the_o draconick_a heathen_a persecution_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o wilderness-state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o antichristian_a usurpation_n and_o false_a worship_n which_o mystical_a state_n be_v the_o place_n prepare_v of_o god_n to_o hide_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o from_o the_o dragon_n rage_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n again_o unto_o this_o mystical_a church_n be_v only_o essential_o necessary_a a_o mystical_a union_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n acceptation_n and_o covenant-undertaking_a of_o the_o son_n the_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n work_v true_a save_a faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o true_a member_n whereby_o as_o they_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a union_n so_o they_o have_v a_o spiritual_a communion_n though_o without_o those_o desirable_a enjoyment_n of_o external_a church_n privilege_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o be_v providential_o often_o hinder_v from_o visible_a church_n be_v but_o christ_n tent_n and_o tabernacle_n which_o he_o sometime_o set_v up_o and_o sometime_o take_v down_o and_o remove_v at_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o see_v best_o for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world._n but_o of_o these_o he_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n as_o to_o their_o foundadation_n matter_n constitution_n and_o order_n he_o give_v forth_o a_o exact_a pattern_n from_o mount_n zion_n as_o of_o that_o typical_a tabernacle_n from_o mount_n sinai_n of_o old._n the_o foundation_n part_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o corner_n stone_n eph._n ij_o 20_o matth._n xuj_o 18_o this_o profession_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o not_o the_o church_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o profession_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a individual_a person_n that_o make_v a_o organise_v visible_a church_n we_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v man_n and_o woman_n not_o doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n and_o these_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o practise_v holiness_n the_o member_n of_o church_n be_v always_o call_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n saint_n faithful_n believer_n they_o be_v such_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v every_o believer_n so_o as_o such_o but_o as_o a_o profess_v believer_n for_o a_o man_n must_v appear_v
be_v come_v unto_o it_o be_v best_o for_o edification_n that_o all_o person_n peaceable_o dispose_v themselves_o into_o those_o society_n with_o who_o they_o most_o agree_v in_o principle_n and_o opinion_n especial_o such_o as_o relate_v or_o lead_v unto_o practice_n in_o any_o duty_n of_o worship_n but_o 4._o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o opinion_n if_o man_n will_v as_o be_v usual_a wrangle_v and_o contend_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o hinder_v it_o in_o any_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o its_o own_o edification_n and_o will_v neither_o peaceable_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n nor_o peaceable_o depart_v from_o it_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v proceed_v against_o with_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n viii_o whether_o person_n excommunicate_v out_o of_o any_o church_n may_v be_v admit_v unto_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o that_o church_n answ._n 1._o they_o may_v be_v so_o as_o also_o to_o be_v present_a at_o all_o duty_n of_o moral_a worship_n for_o so_o many_o heathen_n and_o unbeliever_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o 24._o 2._o when_o person_n be_v under_o this_o sentence_n the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o expect_v of_o their_o recovery_n and_o return_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o prohibit_v they_o any_o mean_v thereof_o such_o as_o be_v preach_v of_o the_o word_n ix_o how_o far_o extend_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n towards_o person_n reject_v of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v as_o that_o also_o note_v that_o man_n and_o have_v no_o company_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a 2_o thess._n 3.14_o 1._o to_o eat_v comprise_v all_o ordinary_a converse_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n give_v we_o our_o daily_a bread._n 2._o to_o note_v be_v either_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n set_v the_o mark_n of_o its_o censure_n and_o disapprobation_n on_o he_o or_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o he_o as_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o not_o keep_v company_n with_o he_o wherefore_o 2._o herein_o all_o ordinary_a converse_n of_o choice_n not_o make_v necessary_a by_o previous_a occasion_n be_v forbid_v the_o rule_n i_o say_v forbid_v 1._o all_o ordinary_a converse_n of_o choice_n not_o that_o which_o be_v occasional_a 2._o converse_v about_o earthly_a secular_a thing_n not_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a for_o such_o a_o one_o may_v and_o aught_o still_o to_o be_v admonish_v whilst_o he_o will_v hear_v the_o word_n of_o admonition_n 3._o it_o be_v such_o converse_n as_o be_v not_o make_v previous_o necessary_a by_o man_n mutual_a engagement_n in_o trade_n and_o the_o like_a for_o that_o be_v found_v on_o such_o rule_n of_o right_n and_o equity_n with_o such_o obligation_n in_o point_n of_o truth_n as_o excommunication_n can_v dissolve_v 3._o no_o suspension_n of_o duty_n antecedent_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o natural_a or_o moral_a relation_n be_v allow_v or_o countenance_v by_o this_o rule_n such_o be_v those_o of_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n magistrate_n and_o subject_n master_n and_o servant_n neighbour_n relation_n in_o propinquity_n of_o blood._n no_o duty_n arise_v from_o or_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o relation_n be_v release_v or_o the_o obligation_n unto_o they_o weaken_v by_o excommunication_n husband_n may_v not_o hereon_o forsake_v their_o wife_n if_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v nor_o wife_n their_o husband_n magistrate_n may_v not_o withdraw_v their_o protection_n from_o any_o of_o their_o subject_n because_o they_o be_v excommunicate_a much_o less_o may_v subject_n withhold_v their_o obedience_n on_o any_o pretence_n of_o the_o excommunication_n of_o their_o magistrate_n as_o such_o and_o the_o same_o be_v true_a as_o unto_o all_o other_o natural_a or_o moral_a relation_n 4._o the_o end_n of_o this_o prohibition_n be_v 1._o to_o testify_v our_o condemnation_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o disapprobation_n of_o the_o person_n guilty_a of_o it_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v 2._o the_o preservation_n of_o ourselves_o from_o all_o kind_n of_o participation_n in_o his_o sin._n 3_o to_o make_v he_o ashamed_a of_o himself_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o utter_o profligate_v and_o give_v up_o unto_o total_a apostasy_n it_o may_v occasion_v in_o he_o thought_n of_o return_v x._o how_o ought_v person_n excommunicate_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n upon_o their_o repentance_n answ._n 1._o as_o unto_o the_o internal_a manner_n with_o all_o readiness_n and_o cheerfulness_n with_o 1._o meekness_n to_o take_v from_o they_o all_o discouragement_n and_o disconsolation_n gal._n 6.1_o 2._o with_o compassion_n and_o all_o mean_n of_o relief_n and_o consolation_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 3._o with_o love_n in_o all_o the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o vers._n 8._o 4._o with_o joy_n to_o represent_v the_o heart_n of_o christ_n towards_o repent_v sinner_n 2._o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o the_o restauration_n of_o such_o a_o person_n consist_v in_o 1._o his_o testification_n of_o his_o repentance_n unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o express_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o his_o reception_n 3._o his_o renew_a engagement_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o he_o be_v reinstated_n or_o joint_v again_o in_o the_o body_n in_o his_o own_o proper_a place_n in_o all_o which_o the_o elder_n by_o their_o authority_n be_v to_o go_v before_o the_o church_n all_o sort_n of_o person_n do_v now_o condemn_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o novatian_o in_o refuse_v the_o readmission_n of_o lapse_v sinner_n into_o the_o church_n upon_o repentance_n but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o evil_n observe_v among_o some_o lead_v that_o way_n or_o unto_o what_o be_v worse_o and_o this_o be_v that_o they_o seek_v not_o after_o the_o recovery_n of_o those_o that_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o prayer_n admonition_n exhortation_n in_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o tenderness_n but_o be_v well_o satisfy_v that_o they_o have_v quit_v themselves_o of_o their_o society_n it_o be_v better_a never_o to_o excommunicate_v any_o than_o so_o to_o carry_v it_o towards_o they_o when_o they_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o if_o a_o man_n be_v once_o a_o offender_n he_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o ever_o xi_o our_o last_o enquiry_n shall_v be_v whether_o excommunication_n may_v be_v regular_a and_o valid_a where_o the_o matter_n of_o right_o be_v dubious_a and_o disputable_a as_o many_o such_o case_n may_v fall_v out_o especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o occasion_n of_o life_n and_o mutual_a converse_n or_o when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o due_o prove_v by_o positive_a witness_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o be_v deny_v on_o the_o other_o answ._n 1._o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o excommunication_n next_o and_o under_o its_o divine_a institution_n lie_v in_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v if_o these_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n as_o in_o dubious_a case_n they_o may_v not_o be_v the_o sentence_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n nor_o efficacy_n 2._o a_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n about_o it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v such_o a_o dubious_a case_n as_o be_v exempt_v from_o this_o censure_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v here_o to_o take_v place_n but_o what_o be_v reprovable_a by_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o concurrent_a judgement_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v god._n 3._o if_o the_o case_n be_v about_o such_o a_o right_n or_o wrong_n in_o pretend_a fraud_n overreach_a or_o the_o like_a as_o be_v determinable_a by_o civil-law_n the_o church_n be_v no_o judge_n in_o such_o case_n unless_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o arbitration_n 1_o cor._n 6._o 4._o if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o doctrine_n that_o be_v not_o in_o point_n fundamental_a so_o as_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n do_v carry_v it_o peaceable_o and_o orderly_o there_o can_v be_v no_o proceedure_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n but_o if_o man_n will_v do_v at_o on_o their_o own_o opinion_n wrangle_v contend_a and_o break_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n about_o they_o there_o be_v other_o rule_v give_v in_o that_o case_n 5._o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o state_v by_o witness_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n that_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o concurrent_a testimony_n one_o witness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v see_v deut._n 19.15_o numb_a 35.30_o matth._n 18.16_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o the_o ensue_a rule_n or_o direction_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o excommunication_n 1._o no_o excommunication_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v in_o
the_o strong_a delusion_n that_o begin_v to_o abate_v shall_v expire_v they_o will_v easy_o see_v the_o direct_a opposition_n that_o be_v between_o these_o two_o head_n and_o two_o church_n namely_o christ_n and_o the_o pope_n the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o all_o the_o evasion_n and_o distinction_n that_o be_v invent_v to_o countenance_v this_o anti-christianism_a as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a head_n one_o of_o internal_a influence_n of_o grace_n which_o christ_n be_v and_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o the_o other_o of_o rule_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o pope_n be_v but_o this_o also_o be_v twofold_a supreme_a and_o remote_a or_o immediate_a and_o subordinate_a the_o first_o be_v christ_n the_o latter_a be_v the_o pope_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o far_o a_o twofold_a head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o one_o invisible_a which_o be_v christ_n the_o other_o visible_a which_o be_v the_o pope_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o gross_a and_o horrible_a figment_n of_o a_o twofold_a head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o any_o sense_n which_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n foreign_a to_o antiquity_n whereof_o never_o one_o word_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o church_n for_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n deform_v the_o beautiful_a spouse_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o monster_n we_o will_v allow_v at_o present_a that_o the_o pope_n be_v only_o the_o immediate_a visible_a subordinate_a head_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o authority_n to_o their_o church_n which_o be_v what_o they_o plead_v for_o then_o i_o say_v that_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o head_n be_v his_o body_n that_o it_o hold_v he_o as_o its_o head_n that_o it_o be_v compact_v together_o by_o the_o officer_n and_o order_n that_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o receive_v all_o their_o influence_n of_o church-power_n and_o order_n from_o he_o which_o though_o he_o communicate_v not_o by_o a_o internal_a influence_n of_o grace_n and_o gift_n alas_o poor_a wretch_n yet_o he_o do_v it_o by_o officer_n office_n order_n and_o law_n so_o give_v union_n and_o communion_n unto_o the_o whole_a body_n by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o every_o joint_n and_o part_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n under_o he_o for_o its_o union_n communion_n and_o edification_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o anti-christ_n and_o the_o anti-christian_n church-state_n as_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n ready_a to_o maintain_v let_v any_o man_n take_v a_o due_a prospect_n of_o this_o head_n and_o this_o body_n as_o relate_v and_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o own_o rule_n constitution_n and_o law_n act_v in_o worldly_a pomp_n splendour_n and_o power_n with_o horrid_a bloody_a cruelty_n against_o all_o that_o oppose_v it_o and_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o open_a view_n of_o all_o the_o scriptural_a lineament_n of_o the_o apostate_n anti-christian_n state_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v again_o this_o assign_v of_o the_o original_n of_o all_o church_n order_n union_n and_o communion_n unto_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n invest_v he_o therewith_o as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n constitute_v he_o thereby_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n thereon_o his_o body_n as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o he_o be_v its_o head_n so_o as_o that_o from_o he_o all_o power_n of_o order_n and_o for_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n shall_v be_v derive_v return_v all_o in_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o do_v set_v up_o a_o visible_a conspicuous_a anti-christian_n church_n state_n in_o opposition_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o with_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o deal_v not_o at_o present_a there_o be_v a_o pretence_n unto_o a_o â—nion_n of_o church_n not_o derive_v from_o the_o papal_a headship_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o the_o canonical_a subjection_n of_o particular_a church_n unto_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o of_o such_o bishop_n to_o metropolitan_o which_o though_o the_o facto_fw-la it_o be_v at_o present_a terminate_v and_o state_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o nation_n yet_o de_fw-fr jure_v it_o aught_o to_o be_v extend_v unto_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n according_a unto_o this_o principle_n the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v in_o that_o order_n whereby_o particular_a church_n be_v distribute_v into_o deanery_n archdeaconries_a exempt_a peculiar_o under_o official_o diocese_n province_n under_o metropolitan_o and_o so_o by_o or_o without_o patriarch_n to_o avoid_v the_o rock_n of_o the_o papacy_n issue_v in_o a_o general-council_n as_o i_o suppose_v but_o 1._o to_o confine_v the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n hereunto_o be_v at_o present_a absolute_o destructive_a both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o communion_n for_o all_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o be_v by_o a_o coalescency_n extend_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v provincial_a or_o national_a have_v both_o political_o and_o ecclesiastical_o such_o bound_n fix_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o can_v pass_v to_o carry_v on_o communion_n unto_o and_o with_o the_o church_n as_o catholic_n by_o any_o act_n and_o duty_n belong_v unto_o their_o order_n and_o hereby_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v utter_o lose_v for_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o do_v always_o equal_o exist_v and_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o be_v always_o equal_o in_o exercise_n and_o can_v consist_v in_o nothing_o but_o what_o do_v so_o exist_v and_o be_v so_o exercise_v wherever_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o order_n 2._o we_o inquire_v at_o present_a after_o such_o a_o union_n as_o give_v particular_a church_n communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o this_o order_n do_v not_o but_o absolute_o overthrow_v it_o leave_v nothing_o unto_o they_o but_o subjection_n to_o officer_n set_v over_o they_o who_o be_v not_o of_o they_o according_a to_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o appointment_n which_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n 3._o this_o order_n itself_o the_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o pretend_a union_n have_v no_o divine_a institution_n especial_o as_o to_o its_o extent_n unto_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o intimation_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n or_o actual_a exercise_n no_o man_n can_v declare_v what_o be_v the_o original_a or_o centre_n of_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v deduce_v and_o wherein_o it_o rest_v have_v remove_v these_o pretence_n out_o of_o our_o way_n we_o may_v easy_o discern_v wherein_o the_o union_n and_o consequent_o the_o communion_n of_o â—ll_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v and_o in_o the_o due_a observation_n whereof_o all_o that_o church-order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o do_v accept_v be_v preserve_v i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a union_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o that_o which_o give_v form_n life_n and_o be_v unto_o the_o church_n catholic_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o what_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o be_v particular_a and_o this_o be_v that_o they_o have_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n and_o father_n one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n one_o faith_n and_o one_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n or_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n one_o regeneration_n one_o baptism_n one_o bread_n and_o wine_n unite_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o one_o spirit_n through_o the_o bond_n of_o faith_n and_o love._n this_o description_n with_o what_o be_v suit_v thereunto_o and_o explanatory_n of_o it_o be_v all_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o constitute_a form_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o what_o church_n soever_o fail_v in_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o this_o description_n or_o any_o of_o they_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o have_v either_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n two_o thing_n concur_v unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n of_o church_n 1._o their_o union_n or_o relation_n unto_o christ._n 2._o that_o which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o original_a and_o spring_n of_o this_o union_n and_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v unite_v unto_o he_o as_o its_o head_n beside_o which_o with_o or_o under_o which_o it_o have_v none_o this_o relation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o christ_n as_o its_o head_n the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o cause_n of_o its_o union_n ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o col._n 2.19_o the_o place_n before_o quote_v hereby_o it_o be_v also_o in_o god_n the_o father_n 2_o thes._n 1.1_o or_o have_v god_n as_o its_o father_n
and_o unless_o this_o union_n be_v dissolve_v unless_o a_o church_n be_v disunite_v from_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v so_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o particular_a however_o it_o may_v be_v deal_v withal_o by_o other_o in_o the_o world._n from_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n and_o spring_n of_o union_n there_o proceed_v unto_o all_o particular_a church_n a_o bond_n of_o union_n which_o be_v his_o holy_a spirit_n act_v itself_o in_o they_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o and_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o kingly_a royal_a beautiful_a union_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n bring_v it_o into_o a_o relation_n unto_o himself_o as_o his_o body_n communicate_v of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o it_o govern_v it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o word_n enable_v it_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o holiness_n for_o unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o faith_n in_o he_o or_o hold_v he_o as_o the_o head_n in_o the_o sincere_a belief_n of_o all_o thing_n concern_v his_o person_n office_n and_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o whatever_o belong_v thereunto_o 2._o love_n unto_o he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v he_o 3._o that_o especial_a holiness_n who_o foundation_n be_v repentance_n and_o effectual_a vocation_n 4._o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n as_o unto_o all_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n these_o thing_n be_v essential_o requisite_a unto_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reality_n and_o power_n of_o they_o be_v the_o internal_a form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o be_v its_o external_a form_n 2._o there_o concur_v hereunto_o a_o union_n among_o themselves_o i_o mean_v all_o particular_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o who_o the_o church_n catholic_n do_v act_n its_o power_n and_o duty_n and_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o these_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v term_v relatio_fw-la aequiparentiae_fw-la wherein_o neither_o of_o the_o relata_fw-la be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v equal_a it_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o subordination_n of_o one_o unto_o another_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a as_o unto_o what_o concern_v their_o essence_n and_o power_n and_o the_o bond_n hereof_o be_v that_o especial_a love_n which_o christ_n require_v among_o all_o his_o disciple_n act_v itself_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n take_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o union_n of_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o relation_n unto_o god_n as_o their_o father_n and_o unto_o christ_n as_o their_o only_a immediate_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n with_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n the_o same_o kind_n of_o holiness_n the_o same_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n especial_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o rule_n or_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o all_o church-order_n with_o mutual_a love_n effectual_a unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o be_v and_o constitution_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n there_o may_v be_v failure_n in_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o as_o unto_o sundry_a of_o these_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v difference_n among_o they_o about_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o infirmity_n ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o they_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v the_o best_a know_v here_o but_o in_o part_n but_o whilst_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v the_o union_n of_o all_o church_n and_o so_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v preserve_v this_o be_v that_o bless_a oneness_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o so_o earnest_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n one_o among_o themselves_o and_o make_v perfect_a in_o one_o joh._n 17.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o that_o horrid_a image_n of_o it_o which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o church_n which_o all_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o bow_v down_o unto_o and_o worship_n with_o the_o fire_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n furnance_n of_o any_o other_o union_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n this_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v always_o the_o same_o inviolable_a unchangeable_a comprehend_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o all_o time_n not_o confinable_a unto_o any_o state_n or_o party_n not_o interruptible_a by_o any_o external_a form_n nor_o to_o be_v prevail_v against_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o all_o such_o dispute_n about_o a_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n as_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o questionable_a among_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o prayer_n and_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whilst_o evangelical_n faith_n holiness_n obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o mutual_a love_n abide_v in_o any_o on_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v profess_v that_o catholic_n church_n be_v visible_a other_o catholic_n church_n upon_o the_o earth_n i_o believe_v none_o nor_o any_o that_o need_v other_o thing_n unto_o its_o constitution_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v our_o present_a enquiry_n namely_o wherein_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o do_v consist_v the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v their_o joint_a act_n in_o the_o same_o gospel_n duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o their_o mutual_a act_n towards_o each_o other_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o be_v which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n the_o ground_n of_o they_o be_v faith_n and_o therein_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v twofold_a 1._o general_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a unto_o godliness_n the_o same_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n this_o the_o primitive_a church_n provide_v for_o in_o creed_n and_o symbol_n or_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v know_v but_o as_o never_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v express_o own_v by_o all_o church_n so_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o come_v to_o be_v abuse_v as_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a church_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a hence_o we_o have_v as_o many_o arian_n creed_n yet_o extant_a as_o those_o that_o be_v orthodox_n but_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o particular_a ☜_o church_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v but_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o profess_a assent_n unto_o all_o divine_a revelation_n therein_o contain_v provide_v that_o no_o error_n be_v avow_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principal_a or_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o it_o for_o although_o any_o society_n of_o man_n shall_v profess_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o avow_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o revelation_n make_v therein_o yet_o by_o the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o they_o may_v embrace_v and_o adhere_v unto_o such_o error_n as_o may_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o faith._n such_o be_v the_o denial_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o divine_a person_n or_o office_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a and_o they_o may_v also_o add_v that_o of_o their_o own_o unto_o their_o profess_a belief_n as_o shall_v exclude_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n such_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o tradition_n as_o equal_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o another_o head_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o lord_n christ_n of_o another_o sacrifice_n beside_o what_o he_o once_o offer_v for_o all_o and_o the_o like_a but_o where_o any_o be_v preserve_v from_o such_o heresy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o communion_n with_o
the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n and_o its_o government_n wherein_o these_o follow_a particular_n be_v distinct_o handle_v i._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o church_n ii_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n iii_o of_o the_o polity_n rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n iv._o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n v._o the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n vi_o the_o office_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n vii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o rule_v elder_n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church_n polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n ix_o of_o deacon_n x._o of_o excommunication_n xi_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n the_o publish_v whereof_o be_v mention_v by_o the_o author_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o separation_n by_o the_o late_a pious_a and_o learned_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n john_n owen_n d._n d._n license_v june_n 10._o 1688._o london_n print_v for_o william_n martial_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o newgate_n street_n mdclxxxix_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n according_a as_o it_o be_v represent_v unto_o we_o or_o describe_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v but_o a_o twofold_a consideration_n as_o catholic_n and_o mystical_a or_o as_o visible_a and_o organise_v in_o particular_a congregation_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o whole_a mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o all_o the_o elect_a which_o be_v purchase_v and_o redeem_v by_o his_o blood_n whether_o already_o call_v or_o uncalled_a militant_a or_o triumphant_a and_o this_o be_v the_o church_n that_o god_n give_v he_o to_o be_v head_n unto_o which_o be_v his_o body_n and_o his_o fullness_n and_o by_o union_n with_o he_o christ_n mystical_a ephes._n 1.22_o 23._o and_o this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o only_a word_n most_o full_o express_v the_o catholic_n church_n use_v in_o scripture_n the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o i_o e._n in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o shall_v all_o appear_v one_o day_n gather_v together_o to_o their_o head_n in_o the_o perfection_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem-state_n where_o they_o will_v make_v a_o glorious_a church_n not_o have_v spot_n or_o wrinkle_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n the_o day_n of_o grace_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v pass_v in_o the_o respective_a age_n of_o the_o church_n be_v but_o the_o day_n of_o its_o espousal_n wherein_o the_o bride_n have_v make_v herself_o ready_a but_o then_o will_v be_v she_o full_o marry_a state_n unto_o christ_n then_o will_v be_v the_o perfection_n not_o only_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n call_v a_o perfect_a man_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o be_v call_v edify_v and_o build_v up_o by_o the_o ministry_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n whilst_o we_o be_v in_o via_n in_o our_o passage_n unto_o this_o country_n a_o city_n with_o a_o more_o durable_a fix_a foundation_n which_o we_o seek_v in_o order_n therefore_o unto_o the_o complete_n this_o great_a and_o mystical_a body_n christ_n have_v his_o particular_a visible_a church_n and_o assembly_n in_o this_o world_n wherein_o he_o have_v ordain_v ordinance_n and_o appoint_v officer_n for_o the_o glorious_a foremention_v end_n and_o purpose_n there_o be_v no_o other_o sort_n of_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n organise_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a institution_n speak_v of_o but_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n either_o in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n where_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o do_v ordinary_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o some_o one_o or_o more_o great_a ordinance_n of_o christ._n the_o first_o church_n be_v oeconomick_a when_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v solemn_o perform_v in_o the_o large_a family_n of_o the_o antidiluvian_n and_o postdiluvian_n patriarch_n where_o no_o doubt_n all_o frequent_o assemble_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n as_o then_o offer_v and_o other_o part_n of_o worship_n then_o in_o use_n after_o the_o descent_n of_o a_o numerous_a progeny_n from_o abraham_n loin_n god_n take_v they_o to_o himself_o in_o one_o visible_a body_n a_o national_a but_o congregational_a church_n to_o which_o he_o form_v they_o four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o although_o all_o abraham_n natural_a posterity_n according_a to_o the_o external_n part_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o be_v take_v into_o visible_a church-fellowship_n so_o that_o it_o become_v a_o national_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o national_a church_n always_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a land_n as_o be_v congregational_a for_o it_o be_v but_o one_o congregation_n during_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple-state_n first_o or_o second_o they_o be_v always_o bind_v to_o assemble_v to_o the_o tabernacle_n or_o temple_n thrice_o at_o least_o every_o year_n hence_o the_o tabernacle_n be_v still_o call_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n they_o be_v to_o have_v but_o one_o altar_n for_o burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n what_o other_o be_v at_o any_o time_n elsewhere_o call_v high-place_n be_v condemn_v by_o god_n as_o sin._n last_o when_o christ_n have_v divorce_v this_o people_n abolish_v their_o moysaicall_a constitution_n by_o break_v their_o staff_n of_o beauty_n and_o their_o staff_n of_o bond_n he_o erect_v his_o gospel_n church_n call_v in_o disciple_n by_o his_o ministry_n form_v they_o into_o a_o body_n furnish_v they_o with_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n and_o after_o he_o have_v suffer_v rise_v again_o and_o continue_v here_o forty_o day_n in_o which_o time_n he_o frequent_o appear_v to_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o his_o will_n ascend_v unto_o his_o father_n send_v his_o spirit_n in_o a_o plentiful_a manner_n at_o pentecost_n whereby_o most_o of_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o necessary_a miraculous_a gift_n to_o the_o promote_a the_o glory_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n hence_o the_o whole_a evangelical_n ministry_n be_v first_o place_v in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o far_o as_o extraordinary_a or_o such_o a_o part_n of_o it_o as_o be_v to_o descend_v to_o church_n of_o after_o age_n neither_o be_v they_o place_v as_o abide_v or_o stand_v officer_n in_o any_o other_o church_n as_o we_o find_v in_o this_o church_n they_o act_v as_o the_o elder_n thereof_o and_o from_o this_o church_n they_o be_v it_o be_v very_o likely_a solemn_o send_v by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o apostolic_a function_n in_o preach_v heal_v and_o work_v miracle_n gather_v church_n and_o settle_v officer_n in_o they_o even_o so_o as_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n be_v send_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n their_o distinguish_a apostolic_a office_n and_o charge_n from_o which_o the_o evangelist_n differ_v but_o little_a be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n not_o to_o sit_v down_o as_o stand_v pastor_n to_o all_o or_o any_o particular_a congregation_n but_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n to_o gather_v to_o direct_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o practice_n of_o their_o doctrine_n fellowship_n break_v bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n wherefore_o this_o apostolic_a care_n commit_v to_o they_o prove_v nothing_o either_o of_o the_o catholic_n authority_n claim_v by_o a_o oecumenick_n pastor_n or_o that_o charge_n of_o many_o congregation_n claim_v by_o diocesan_n bishop_n whence_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o all_o church_n officer_n so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v any_o pastoral_n or_o episcopal_a office_n be_v give_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o read_v of_o no_o pastor_n of_o many_o congregation_n nor_o of_o no_o church_n make_v up_o of_o many_o congregation_n to_o which_o officer_n be_v annex_v nor_o of_o any_o representative_a church_n as_o some_o will_v have_v that_o apostolic_a power_n do_v descend_v to_o successor_n we_o utter_o deny_v it_o be_v not_o derivable_a for_o none_o after_o they_o can_v say_v they_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o our_o lord_n before_z or_o after_o his_o resurrection_n none_o since_o so_o qualify_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o preach_v and_o work_v miracle_n and_o none_o but_o the_o pope_n challenge_v such_o a_o extensive_a care_n for_o and_o power_n over_o all_o church_n that_o which_o descend_v from_o they_o to_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n be_v a_o commission_n to_o preach_v and_o baptise_v and_o why_o not_o to_o head_n it_o be_v always_o in_o the_o
the_o estate_n of_o visible_a regeneration_n do_v depend_v be_v require_v of_o they_o herein_o if_o they_o fail_v they_o lose_v all_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n by_o their_o baptism_n so_o speak_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.25_o for_o circumcision_n very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n very_o it_o profit_v if_o a_o man_n stand_v unto_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v tender_v therein_o between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n for_o it_o will_v give_v he_o right_o unto_o all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n his_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n 16._o as_o unto_o the_o real_a communication_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptance_n with_o he_o so_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o baptism_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o external_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state._n 15.8_o 4._o god_n alone_o be_v judge_n concern_v this_o regeneration_n as_o unto_o its_o internal_a 2.23_o real_a principle_n and_o state_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereon_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v depend_v the_o church_n be_v judge_v of_o its_o evidence_n and_o fruit_n in_o their_o external_a demonstration_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n 8.13_o and_o no_o far_o and_o we_o shall_v hereon_o brief_o declare_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o form_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o and_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v fit_a member_n of_o any_o gospel_n church-state_n or_o have_v a_o right_a so_o to_o be_v 1.16_o 1._o such_o as_o from_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o withdraw_v or_o withhold_v communion_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n constitunent_a of_o a_o church_n or_o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o such_o be_v all_o habitual_a sinner_n those_o who_o have_v prevalent_a habit_n and_o inclination_n unto_o sin_n of_o any_o kind_n unmortified_a do_v walk_v according_a unto_o they_o such_o be_v profane_a swearer_n drunkard_n fornicator_n covetous_a oppressor_n and_o the_o like_a who_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o 2_o thess._n 3.6_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o as_o a_o man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o be_v habitual_o without_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v so_o a_o man_n know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n can_v regular_o be_v receive_v into_o any_o church_n to_o compose_v church_n of_o habitual_a sinner_n and_o that_o either_o as_o unto_o sin_n of_o commission_n or_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v not_o to_o erect_v temple_n of_o christ_n but_o chapel_n unto_o the_o devil_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v admonish_v of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 18._o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o who_o abide_v obstinate_a in_o any_o know_a sin_n 5.11_o whereby_o they_o have_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o without_o a_o profess_a repentance_n thereof_o although_o they_o have_v not_o live_v in_o it_o habitual_o 3._o they_o be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o gospel_n church_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o the_o title_n assign_v therein_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n may_v on_o good_a ground_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o to_o compose_v church_n of_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o visible_o answer_v the_o character_n give_v of_o what_o they_o be_v of_o old_a and_o what_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o gospel-constitution_n be_v not_o church_n edification_n but_o destruction_n and_o those_o who_o look_v on_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o all_o church_n member_n of_o old_a as_o that_o they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n lively_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v separate_a from_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n as_o those_o which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o do_v indeed_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o deride_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o present_a church_n member_n or_o the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v so_o be_v themselves_o no_o small_a part_n of_o that_o woeful_a degeneracy_n which_o christian_n religion_n be_v fall_v under_o let_v it_o then_o be_v consider_v what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o dedication_n unto_o god_n as_o unto_o their_o typical_a holiness_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o christian_a church_n in_o real_a holiness_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 9_o with_o the_o description_n give_v of_o they_o constant_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o faithful_a holy_a believe_v as_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o his_o temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v by_o his_o spirit_n as_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n unite_v and_o compact_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o they_o as_o also_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v their_o way_n walking_n and_o duty_n and_o it_o will_v be_v uncontrolable_o evident_a of_o what_o sort_n our_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v those_o of_o any_o other_o sort_n able_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o all_o church_n member_n nor_o to_o use_v the_o privilege_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o wherefore_o i_o say_v to_o suppose_v church_n regular_o to_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o as_o no_o way_n answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o church_n member_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n nor_o capable_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o but_o give_v evidence_n of_o habit_n and_o action_n inconsistent_a therewithal_o be_v not_o only_o to_o disturb_v all_o church_n order_n but_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o end_n and_o be_v of_o church_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o scandalous_a unto_o christian_a religion_n than_o what_o bellarmine_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o namely_o that_o no_o internal_a virtue_n or_o grace_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n in_o its_o member_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccles._n cap._n 2._o 15._o 4._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o not_o only_o do_v the_o scripture_n make_v this_o profession_n necessary_a unto_o the_o participation_n of_o any_o benefit_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o require_v indispensable_o that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o privilege_n attend_v obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o avow_v or_o profess_v that_o obedience_n wherefore_o our_o enquiry_n be_v only_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o may_v render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a thereunto_o for_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v compliant_a with_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v make_v by_o many_o who_o open_o live_v in_o sin_n be_v disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a be_v to_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n itself_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o highpriest_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n i_o shall_v therefore_o declare_v brief_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o this_o profession_n that_o all_o may_v know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o entrance_n of_o any_o into_o our_o church_n wherein_o our_o practice_n have_v be_v sufficient_o traduce_v 1._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o concern_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ._n the_o confession_n hereof_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o he_o grant_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o all_o church_n power_n unto_o believer_n matth._n 16.17_o 18_o 19_o the_o first_o instruction_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n
in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o he_o the_o knowledge_n require_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o christian_a be_v principal_o if_o not_o sole_o that_o of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god._n for_o as_o on_o their_o unbelief_n thereof_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n do_v depend_v as_o he_o tell_v they_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n so_o the_o confession_n of_o he_o be_v sufficient_a on_o their_o part_n unto_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel_n church_n state._n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v apparent_a with_o other_o a_o instruction_n in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n especial_o in_o those_o that_o be_v fundamental_a be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o profession_n we_o inquire_v after_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o what_o pain_n they_o take_v in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o instruct_v those_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n who_o upon_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o its_o truth_n be_v willing_a to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v their_o judgement_n herein_o be_v sufficient_o know_v from_o the_o keep_n a_o multitude_n in_o the_o state_n of_o catechuman_n before_o they_o will_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v blame_v they_o do_v but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v into_o church-communion_n such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o have_v learn_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o from_o a_o form_n of_o word_n yet_o real_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o the_o promiscuous_a drive_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o church_n privilege_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o christ._n this_o knowledge_n therefore_o belong_v unto_o profession_n be_v itself_o to_o be_v profess_v 2._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o profess_a subjection_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n 8.5_o this_o in_o general_n be_v perform_v by_o all_o that_o be_v baptise_a when_o they_o be_v adult_n as_o be_v by_o their_o own_o actual_a consent_n baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o they_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o be_v able_a with_o faith_n and_o understanding_n to_o profess_v their_o consent_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o that_o covenant_n whereinto_o they_o be_v initiate_v 3._o a_o instruction_n in_o and_o consent_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o bear_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n 9.23_o for_o this_o be_v make_v indispensable_o necessary_a by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o unto_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o man_n have_v not_o be_v more_o and_o better_o instruct_v therein_o 24.14_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o who_o ever_o will_v may_v be_v a_o christian_a at_o a_o easy_a rate_n it_o will_v cost_v he_o nothing_o but_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o another_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o it_o not_o only_o warn_v we_o that_o reproach_n hatred_n suffering_n of_o all_o sort_n ofttimes_o to_o death_n itself_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o all_o its_o professor_n who_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o also_o require_v that_o at_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o consider_v aright_o the_o dread_n of_o they_o all_o and_o engage_v cheerful_o to_o undergo_v they_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n whilst_o all_o sort_n of_o misery_n be_v continual_o present_v unto_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n their_o willing_a engagement_n to_o undergo_v they_o who_o be_v convert_v be_v a_o firm_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o we_o also_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n some_o may_v suppose_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross_n be_v of_o use_n only_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o so_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o who_o have_v continual_o the_o countenance_n and_o favour_n of_o public_a authority_n i_o say_v it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o they_o judge_v well_o for_o they_o with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o who_o outward_a state_n make_v the_o public_a avow_v of_o this_o duty_n indispensable_o necessary_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o may_v add_v it_o as_o my_o own_o thought_n though_o they_o be_v not_o my_o own_o alone_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o countenance_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o any_o church_n by_o the_o public_a magistracy_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n those_o who_o will_v faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o shall_v have_v need_n to_o be_v prepare_v for_o suffering_n to_o escape_v suffering_n and_o enjoy_v worldly_a advantage_n by_o sinful_a compliance_n or_o bear_v with_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n be_v no_o gospel_n direction_n 4._o conviction_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o way_n of_o deliverance_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o they_o that_o be_v adult_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 5._o unto_o this_o profession_n be_v require_v the_o constant_a performance_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n of_o religion_n 20._o both_o of_o piety_n in_o the_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o also_o of_o charity_n with_o respect_n unto_o other_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n 6._o a_o careful_a abstinence_n from_o all_o know_a sin_n giving_z scandal_n or_o offence_n either_o unto_o the_o world_n or_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god._n and_o the_o gospel_n require_v 1.10_o that_o this_o confession_n be_v make_v with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n against_o 1._o fear_v 2._o shame_n 3._o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o the_o opposition_n of_o all_o enemy_n whatever_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v none_o exclude_v from_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n state_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o 1._o gross_o ignorant_a or_o 2._o persecutor_n or_o reproacher_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a or_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o walk_v or_o 3._o idolater_n or_o 4._o man_n scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o omission_n of_o duty_n through_o vicious_a habit_n or_o inclination_n or_o 5._o such_o as_o will_v partake_v of_o gospel-privilege_n and_o ordinance_n yet_o open_o avow_v that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v who_o and_o the_o like_a the_o scripture_n rule_n be_v peremptory_a from_o such_o turn_n away_o and_o herein_o we_o be_v remote_a from_o exceed_v the_o example_n and_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o there_o be_v but_o few_o if_o any_o that_o arrive_v unto_o it_o their_o endeavour_n be_v to_o preach_v unto_o all_o they_o can_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o multitude_n that_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o if_o any_o do_v essay_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n their_o diligence_n in_o their_o examination_n and_o instruction_n their_o severe_a inquiry_n into_o their_o conversation_n their_o dispose_n of_o they_o for_o a_o long_a time_n into_o a_o state_n of_o expectation_n for_o their_o trial_n before_o their_o admittance_n be_v remarkable_a and_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n complain_v that_o their_o promiscuous_a admittance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o will_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o church_n membership_n which_o take_v place_n afterward_o ruin_v all_o the_o beauty_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n ascribe_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o proper_a subject_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n entitle_v they_o unto_o all_o the_o appellation_n of_o saint_n call_v sanctify_a that_o be_v visible_o and_o by_o profession_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o must_v be_v answer_v in_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o privilege_n if_o we_o do_v not_o whole_o neglect_v our_o only_a pattern_n by_o these_o thing_n although_o they_o shall_v any_o of_o they_o not_o be_v real_a live_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v
a_o head_n of_o spiritual_a and_o vital_a influence_n yet_o be_v they_o meet_v member_n of_o that_o body_n of_o christ_n unto_o which_o he_o be_v a_o head_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n as_o also_o meet_a to_o be_v esteem_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o none_o be_v exclude_v but_o such_o as_o concern_v who_o rule_n be_v give_v either_o to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o or_o to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o church_n society_n or_o be_v express_o exclude_v by_o god_n himself_o from_o any_o share_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o covenant_n psal._n 50.16_o 17._o divine_n of_o all_o sort_n do_v dispute_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o hypocrite_n and_o person_n unregenerate_a may_v be_v true_a member_n of_o visible_a church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n very_o easy_a to_o be_v prove_v nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o by_o who_o it_o be_v deny_v but_o the_o only_a question_n be_v that_o whereas_o undoubted_o profession_n be_v necessary_a unto_o all_o church_n communion_n whether_o if_o man_n do_v profess_v themselves_o hypocrite_n in_o state_n and_o unregenerate_a in_o mind_n that_o profession_n do_v sufficient_o qualify_v they_o for_o church_n communion_n and_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o double_a profession_n one_o by_o word_n the_o other_o by_o work_n as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v tit._n 1.16_o whether_o the_o latter_a be_v not_o as_o interpretative_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o state_n of_o man_n as_o the_o former_a other_o contest_v we_o have_v with_o none_o in_o this_o matter_n belarmine_n de_fw-fr eccles._n lib._n 3._o cap._n 2._o give_v a_o account_n out_o of_o augustine_n and_o that_o true_o from_o brevec_fw-fr collat._n col._n 3._o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o do_v say_v he_o consist_v of_o a_o soul_n and_o body_n the_o soul_n be_v the_o internal_a grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o body_n be_v the_o profession_n of_o they_o with_o the_o sacrament_n all_o true_a believer_n make_v profession_n belong_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o the_o church_n some_o as_o believe_v catechuman_n belong_v to_o the_o soul_n but_o not_o to_o the_o body_n other_o be_v of_o the_o body_n but_o not_o of_o the_o soul_n namely_o such_o as_o have_v no_o internal_a grace_n or_o true_a faith_n and_o they_o be_v like_o the_o hair_n or_o the_o nail_n or_o evil_a humour_n in_o the_o body_n and_o thereunto_o add_v that_o his_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n comprise_v this_o last_o sort_n only_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o shall_v define_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n constitute_v and_o make_v up_o of_o hair_n nail_n and_o ill_a humour_n and_o let_v other_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o have_v not_o such_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o that_o evangelical_n church_n at_o their_o first_o constitution_n be_v make_v up_o and_o do_v consist_v of_o such_o member_n as_o we_o have_v describe_v and_o no_o other_o nor_o be_v there_o one_o word_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n intimate_v any_o concession_n or_o permission_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v into_o his_o church_n those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v other_o have_v nothing_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o but_o possession_n which_o be_v malae_fw-la fidei_fw-la ill_o obtain_v and_o ill_o continue_v will_v afford_v they_o no_o real_a advantage_n when_o the_o time_n of_o trial_n shall_v come_v wherefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o man_n as_o i_o suppose_v be_v come_v unto_o that_o profligate_n sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v visible_o holy._n for_o if_o so_o they_o may_v affirm_v that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n make_v and_o grant_v to_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o who_o visible_o live_v and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o gospel_n and_o if_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v and_o be_v so_o at_o first_o when_o they_o be_v not_o so_o open_o and_o visible_o there_o be_v a_o declension_n from_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n and_o a_o sinful_a deviation_n in_o they_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ._n this_o original_a constitution_n of_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o member_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o we_o observe_v prefer_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n whilst_o persecution_n from_o without_o be_v continue_v and_o discipline_n preserve_v within_o i_o have_v in_o part_n declare_v before_o what_o great_a care_n and_o circumspection_n the_o church_n then_o use_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o into_o their_o fellowship_n and_o order_n and_o what_o trial_n they_o be_v to_o undergo_v before_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o it_o be_v know_v also_o with_o what_o severe_a discipline_n they_o watch_v over_o the_o faith_n walk_v conversation_n and_o manner_n of_o all_o their_o member_n indeed_o such_o be_v their_o care_n and_o diligence_n herein_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o leave_v in_o some_o church_n at_o present_a the_o least_o resemblance_n or_o appearance_n of_o what_o be_v their_o state_n and_o manner_n of_o rule_n wherefore_o some_o think_v it_o meet_v to_o ascend_v no_o high_o in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n than_o the_o time_n of_o the_o christian_a emperor_n when_o all_o thing_n begin_v to_o rush_v into_o the_o fatal_a apostasy_n which_o i_o shall_v here_o speak_v a_o little_a far_o unto_o for_o upon_o the_o roman_a emperor_n embrace_v christian_n religion_n whereby_o not_o only_o outward_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n be_v secure_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v countenance_v encourage_v honour_v and_o reward_v the_o rule_n care_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n relinquish_v and_o forsake_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n begin_v to_o think_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o its_o number_n find_v both_o their_o own_o power_n veneration_n and_o revenue_n increase_v thereby_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o whole_a city_n and_o province_n upon_o a_o bare_a outward_a profession_n be_v admit_v into_o church_n and_o then_o begin_v the_o outward_a court_n that_o be_v all_o that_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o outward_a worship_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v trample_v on_o by_o the_o gentile_n not_o keep_v any_o more_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o scripture_n rule_n which_o thenceforth_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v therein_o for_o this_o corruption_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o mean_n of_o introduce_v all_o that_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n order_n and_o rule_n which_o ensue_v and_o end_v in_o the_o great_a apostasy_n for_o whatever_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n especial_o these_o that_o consist_v in_o practice_n be_v accommodate_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o such_o they_o be_v as_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o superstitious_a rite_n to_o be_v mix_v with_o their_o worship_n as_o not_o understand_v the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a such_o as_o no_o interest_n in_o church_n order_n can_v be_v commit_v unto_o see_v they_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o bear_v any_o share_n in_o it_o such_o as_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o rule_n over_o they_o with_o grandeur_n and_o power_n like_v unto_o that_o among_o the_o gentile_n wherefore_o the_o accommodation_n of_o all_o church_n concern_v unto_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o corrupt_a member_n as_o church_n be_v fill_v with_o and_o at_o length_n make_v up_o of_o prove_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o order_n and_o beauty_n but_o so_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o in_o the_o protestant_a reformation_n of_o the_o church_n very_o little_a regard_n be_v have_v thereunto_o those_o great_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o be_v call_v unto_o that_o work_n do_v set_v themselves_o principal_o yea_o sole_o for_o the_o most_o part_n against_o the_o false_a doctrine_n and_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o judge_v that_o if_o they_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o people_n by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o truth_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n will_v be_v retrive_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n and_o primitive_a holiness_n be_v again_o reduce_v among_o they_o for_o they_o think_v it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o church_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o people_n with_o darkness_n and_o corrupt_v their_o conversation_n nor_o do_v they_o absolute_o judge_v amiss_o therein_o for_o although_o they_o be_v themselves_o at_o first_o introduce_v in_o compliance_n with_o the_o ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n
of_o the_o people_n yet_o they_o be_v suit_v to_o promote_v they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o countenance_v they_o which_o they_o do_v effectual_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o its_o member_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o attempt_v until_o calvin_n set_v up_o his_o discipline_n at_o geneva_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o clamour_n against_o he_o from_o that_o day_n to_o this_o in_o most_o other_o place_n church_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o continue_v the_o same_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o papacy_n and_o in_o many_o place_n as_o bad_a in_o their_o life_n as_o when_o they_o be_v papist_n but_o this_o method_n be_v design_v in_o the_o holy_a wise_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o progressive_a reformation_n as_o it_o have_v make_v a_o gradual_a progress_n into_o its_o decay_n for_o have_v the_o reformer_n in_o the_o first_o place_n set_v themselves_o to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v unmeet_a for_o its_o communion_n or_o to_o have_v gather_v out_o of_o they_o such_o as_o be_v meet_v member_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o its_o original_a institution_n it_o will_v through_o the_o paucity_n of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o can_v have_v comply_v with_o the_o design_n have_v great_o obstruct_v if_o not_o utter_o defeat_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o reformation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n this_o be_v that_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o which_o god_n have_v since_o make_v effectual_a in_o these_o nation_n especial_o and_o in_o other_o place_n to_o turn_v multitude_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o himself_o translate_n they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son._n hereby_o way_n be_v make_v for_o a_o necessary_a addition_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n if_o not_o to_o the_o close_n of_o it_o which_o can_v not_o at_o first_o be_v attain_v unto_o nor_o well_o attempt_v namely_o the_o reduction_n of_o church_n as_o unto_o their_o matter_n or_o the_o member_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o primitive_a institution_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v design_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v this_o only_a we_o desire_v no_o more_o to_o constitute_v church_n member_n and_o we_o can_v desire_v no_o less_o than_o what_o in_o judgement_n of_o charity_n may_v comply_v with_o the_o union_n that_o be_v between_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o eph._n 2.22_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o 2_o cor._n 11.1_o 18._o 1_o thess._n 1.1_o 2_o etc._n etc._n that_o may_v in_o the_o same_o judgement_n answer_v the_o way_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o add_v unto_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 2.47_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o receive_n of_o they_o be_v because_o he_o have_v receive_v they_o rom._n 14.1_o 2._o that_o may_v answer_v that_o profession_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o what_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o what_o god_n himself_o reveal_v matth._n 16.16_o and_o not_o such_o as_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o many_o church_n member_n be_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o that_o many_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v among_o they_o that_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v pass_v on_o the_o confession_n and_o profession_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n be_v charitative_a proceed_v on_o evidence_n of_o moral_a probability_n not_o determine_v the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v sundry_a measure_n of_o light_n knowledge_n experience_n and_o ability_n and_o readiness_n of_o mind_n in_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v all_o who_o circumstance_n be_v due_o to_o be_v consider_v with_o indulgence_n unto_o their_o weakness_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n will_v allow_v we_o any_o further_a latitude_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v it_o our_o present_a enquiry_n yet_o remain_v on_o these_o consideration_n be_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n with_o such_o church_n as_o be_v make_v up_o or_o compose_v of_o member_n visible_o unholy_a or_o such_o as_o comply_v not_o with_o the_o qualification_n that_o be_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n indispensable_o require_v to_o give_v unto_o any_o a_o regular_a entrance_n into_o the_o church_n with_o a_o participation_n of_o its_o privilege_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v that_o such_o church_n will_v reform_v themselves_o by_o any_o act_n duty_n or_o power_n of_o their_o own_o see_v the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v just_o suppose_v averse_a from_o and_o enemy_n unto_o any_o such_o work._n i_o answer_v therefore_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o communion_n with_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v absolute_o by_o edification_n no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o abide_v in_o or_o confine_v himself_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n any_o long_a than_o it_o be_v for_o his_o edification_n and_o this_o liberty_n be_v allow_v unto_o all_o person_n by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o allow_v a_o man_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o such_o a_o parish_n to_o be_v baptize_v in_o it_o and_o there_o educate_v yet_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o judge_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o parish_n be_v not_o useful_a unto_o his_o edification_n he_o may_v withdraw_v from_o all_o communion_n in_o that_o parish_n by_o the_o removal_n of_o his_o habitation_n it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o next_o door_n wherefore_o 2._o if_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o church_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o that_o 1._o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o overthrow_v all_o that_o communion_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o 2._o if_o the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n abound_v in_o such_o church_n be_v real_o obstructive_a of_o edification_n 3._o if_o the_o way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o member_n be_v dishonourable_a unto_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o give_v no_o representation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o doctrine_n 4._o if_o such_o church_n do_v not_o can_v not_o will_v not_o reform_v themselves_o then_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o present_a edification_n and_o the_o future_a salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n peaceable_o to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o to_o join_v in_o such_o other_o where_o all_o the_o end_n of_o church_n society_n may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v obtain_v man_n may_v not_o only_o do_v so_o because_o all_o obligation_n unto_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o such_o a_o end_n do_v cease_v when_o the_o mean_n be_v not_o suit_v thereunto_o but_o obstructive_a of_o its_o attainment_n but_o also_o the_o give_v of_o a_o testimony_n hereby_o against_o the_o declension_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n and_o the_o dishonour_n that_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v reflect_v on_o the_o gospel_n be_v necessary_a unto_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o acquit_v themselves_o as_o loyal_a subject_n unto_o their_o lord_n and_o king._n and_o it_o can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o evangelical_n church_n but_o that_o a_o relinquishment_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o unto_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v as_o just_a a_o cause_n of_o withdraw_a communion_n from_o they_o as_o their_o forsake_v the_o same_o rule_n in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v judge_v that_o sundry_a inconvenience_n will_v ensue_v on_o this_o assertion_n when_o any_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o practice_v according_a unto_o it_o but_o when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v be_v such_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n no_o inconvenience_n can_v ensue_v on_o the_o practice_n direct_v unto_o any_o way_n to_o be_v compare_v unto_o the_o mischief_n of_o oblige_a believer_n to_o abide_v always_o in_o such_o society_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o soul_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v yet_o inquire_v into_o that_o relate_v unto_o this_o part_n of_o the_o state_n of_o evangelical_n church_n as_o 1._o whether_o a_o church_n may_v not_o ought_v not_o to_o take_v under_o its_o conduct_n inspection_n and_o rule_n
such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o meet_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o full_a communion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o those_o who_o be_v complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n no_o doubt_v the_o church_n in_o its_o officer_n may_v and_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_a when_o it_o be_v neglect_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n as_o such_o and_o as_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o their_o family_n which_o without_o a_o inspection_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n they_o can_v do_v 2._o household_n be_v constant_o reckon_v unto_o the_o church_n when_o the_o head_n of_o the_o family_n be_v enter_v into_o covenant_n luk._n 19.9_o act._n 16.15_o rom._n 16.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o 2_o tim._n 4.19_o 3._o child_n to_o belong_v unto_o and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o their_o parent_n covenant_n not_o only_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o which_o give_v they_o right_o unto_o baptism_n but_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n covenant_n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_n unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a until_o they_o voluntary_o relinquish_v their_o claim_n unto_o they_o 4._o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n give_v they_o thereby_o a_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n put_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n what_o in_o they_o lie_v that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v meet_a member_n of_o it_o by_o a_o due_a watch_n over_o they_o and_o instruction_n of_o they_o 5._o though_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o its_o privilege_n be_v continue_v and_o preserve_v as_o of_o old_a by_o carnal_a generation_n yet_o because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n covenant_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n the_o advantage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o gracious_a education_n in_o such_o family_n and_o of_o conversion_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n ordinary_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o depend_v on_o the_o addition_n of_o member_n out_o of_o the_o family_n already_o incorporate_v in_o it_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o mamaluke_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n unto_o natural_a successor_n but_o it_o be_v continual_o make_v up_o of_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n incorporate_v into_o it_o nor_o like_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o roman_a common-weal_n which_o consist_v of_o man_n only_o be_v like_a to_o have_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o one_o age_n alone_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n consist_v 1._o in_o prayer_n for_o they_o 2._o catechetical_a instruction_n of_o they_o according_a unto_o their_o capacity_n 3._o advice_n to_o their_o parent_n concern_v they_o 4._o visit_v of_o they_o in_o the_o family_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 5._o encouragement_n of_o they_o or_o admonition_n according_a as_o there_o be_v occasion_n 6._o direction_n for_o a_o due_a preparation_n unto_o the_o join_n themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o full_a communion_n 7._o exclusion_n of_o they_o from_o a_o claim_n unto_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o especial_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o render_v themselves_o visible_o unmeet_a for_o they_o and_o unworthy_a of_o they_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n bring_v unconceivable_a prejudice_n unto_o church_n and_o if_o continue_v in_o will_v prove_v their_o ruin_n for_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v preserve_v propagate_v and_o continue_v at_o the_o easy_a rate_n of_o a_o constant_a supply_n by_o the_o carnal_a baptize_v posterity_n of_o those_o who_o do_v at_o any_o time_n just_o or_o unjust_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o be_v to_o prepare_v a_o meet_a supply_n of_o member_n by_o all_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n who_o administration_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o and_o beside_o one_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o family_n once_o gracious_o take_v thereinto_o the_o neglect_n therefore_o herein_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v watch_v against_o and_o it_o do_v arise_v 1._o from_o a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o most_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o 2._o from_o the_o paucity_n of_o officer_n in_o most_o church_n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v who_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o 3._o the_o want_n of_o a_o teacher_n or_o catechist_n in_o every_o church_n who_o shall_v attend_v only_o unto_o the_o instruction_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n 4._o want_v of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o parent_n and_o master_n 1._o in_o not_o value_v aright_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o have_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n under_o the_o inspection_n care_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o not_o instil_v into_o they_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o with_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n 3._o in_o not_o bring_v they_o due_o unto_o the_o church_n assembly_n 4._o in_o not_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v they_o unto_o a_o actual_a entrance_n into_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n 5._o in_o not_o advise_v with_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o 6._o especial_o by_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o that_o loose_a and_o careless_a kind_n of_o education_n in_o conformity_n unto_o the_o world_n which_o general_o prevail_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o of_o they_o on_o various_a account_n and_o occasion_n drop_v off_o here_o and_o there_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o relation_n thereunto_o without_o the_o least_o respect_n unto_o they_o or_o enquiry_n after_o they_o church_n be_v supply_v by_o such_o as_o be_v occasional_o convert_v in_o they_o where_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o the_o kind_n and_o number_n of_o their_o officer_n sufficient_a to_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o occasion_n of_o they_o where_o whole_a family_n in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o head_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v dedicate_v unto_o god_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a capacity_n of_o those_o whereof_o they_o do_v consist_v where_o the_o design_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o its_o own_o successive_a continuation_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o the_o family_n take_v thereinto_o where_o parent_n esteem_v themselves_o accountable_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o relation_n of_o their_o child_n thereunto_o there_o be_v provision_n for_o church_n order_n usefulness_n and_o beauty_n beyond_o what_o be_v usual_o to_o be_v observe_v 2._o the_o especial_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o admission_n of_o member_n in_o the_o time_n of_o great_a persecution_n may_v be_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a time_n the_o church_n be_v exceed_o careful_a not_o to_o admit_v into_o their_o society_n such_o as_o by_o who_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v unto_o the_o rage_n of_o their_o persecute_v adversary_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o care_n they_o can_v seldom_o avoid_v it_o but_o that_o when_o persecution_n grow_v severe_a some_o or_o other_o will_v fall_v from_o they_o either_o out_o of_o fear_n with_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n or_o by_o a_o discovery_n of_o their_o latent_fw-la hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n unto_o their_o great_a trial_n and_o distress_n however_o they_o be_v not_o so_o scrupulous_a herein_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o own_o safety_n as_o to_o exclude_v such_o as_o give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o their_o sincerity_n but_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n commit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o care_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o walk_v on_o such_o occasion_n wherefore_o 2._o on_o supposition_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n there_o or_o in_o any_o place_n as_o it_o be_v of_o old_a under_o first_o the_o pagan_a and_o afterward_o the_o antichristian_a tyranny_n the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v into_o its_o care_n and_o communion_n all_o such_o as_o 1._o flee_v from_o idol_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n against_o they_o with_o suffer_v 2._o make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o unto_o his_o person_n and_o office_n be_v 3._o free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o 4._o be_v willing_a to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n therein_o for_o in_o such_o a_o
right_n unto_o its_o exercise_n it_o be_v require_v moreover_o that_o he_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o his_o office_n in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o peculiar_a prayer_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o any_o unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o notion_n that_o can_v never_o be_v obliterated_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v in_o these_o thing_n nor_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o practice_n of_o what_o sort_n they_o have_v be_v among_o many_o we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o there_o have_v be_v less_o regard_n unto_o the_o other_o duty_n namely_o that_o these_o prayer_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o fast_v but_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o apostolical_a example_n act._n 14.23_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o work_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o one_o be_v to_o be_v so_o ordain_v it_o do_v belong_v unto_o extraordinary_a officer_n whilst_o they_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o the_o cessation_n of_o their_o office_n it_o be_v devolve_v on_o the_o ordinary_a state_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o i_o say_v in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o such_o officer_n before_o fix_v in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o any_o one_o be_v to_o be_v only_o ordain_v and_o in_o case_n there_o be_v none_o the_o assistance_n of_o pastor_n or_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v desire_v unto_o the_o conduct_n and_o regulation_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o authoritative_a influence_n of_o this_o ordination_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office_n or_o office-power_n whilst_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a and_o to_o belong_v essential_o unto_o the_o call_v unto_o office._n for_o when_o sundry_a duty_n as_o these_o of_o election_n and_o ordination_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v not_o for_o i_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o peculiar_a efficacy_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o see_v neither_o of_o they_o without_o the_o other_o have_v any_o at_o all_o hereunto_o be_v add_v as_o a_o external_n adjunct_n imposition_n of_o hand_n significant_a of_o the_o person_n so_o call_v to_o office_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o although_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_o prove_v that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ceremony_n be_v design_v unto_o continuance_n after_o a_o cessation_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o outward_a mean_n in_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o we_o do_v free_o grant_v it_o unto_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n provide_v that_o there_o be_v no_o apprehension_n of_o its_o be_v the_o sole_a authoritative_a conveyance_n of_o a_o successive_a flux_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o this_o may_v at_o present_a suffice_v as_o unto_o the_o call_v of_o meet_a person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o consequent_o any_o other_o office_n in_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n follow_v be_v essential_o necessary_a unto_o it_o so_o as_o that_o authority_n and_o right_o to_o feed_v and_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o officer_n of_o his_o house_n that_o may_v be_v give_v unto_o any_o one_o thereby_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o charter_n grant_v by_o he_o unto_o the_o church_n itself_o the_o first_o be_v that_o antecedent_o unto_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o such_o a_o person_n with_o respect_n unto_o office_n he_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o with_o grace_n and_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o office_n whereunto_o he_o be_v to_o be_v call_v this_o divine_a designation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v rest_v on_o the_o kingly_a office_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n where_o this_o be_v whole_o want_v it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n under_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a order_n or_o act_n to_o communicate_v pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a power_n unto_o any_o person_n whatever_o second_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o exploration_n or_o trial_n of_o those_o gift_n and_o ability_n as_o unto_o their_o accommodation_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o any_o person_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v a_o pastor_n or_o minister_n but_o although_o the_o right_a of_o judge_v herein_o belong_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o who_o else_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v for_o they_o or_o be_v entrust_v so_o to_o do_v yet_o be_v it_o their_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n to_o desire_v the_o assistance_n and_o guidance_n of_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n in_o other_o church_n three_o the_o first_o act_n of_o power_n commit_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o it_o be_v that_o election_n of_o a_o person_n qualify_v and_o try_v unto_o his_o office_n which_o we_o have_v now_o vindicate_v four_o there_o be_v require_v hereunto_o the_o solemn_a ordination_n inauguration_n dedication_n or_o set_v apart_o of_o the_o person_n so_o choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n this_o be_v that_o order_n which_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o direct_v unto_o and_o although_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o a_o defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v from_o unavoidable_a hindrance_n do_v disannul_v the_o call_n of_o a_o person_n to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o where_o they_o be_v not_o all_o due_o attend_v unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v neglect_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n infringe_v wherefore_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o all_o authority_n for_o office_n and_o of_o office_n itself_o sole_o by_o a_o flux_n of_o power_n from_o the_o first_o ordainer_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o pretend_a successor_n in_o all_o age_n under_o all_o the_o innumerable_a miscarriage_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a and_o have_v actual_o fall_v into_o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o the_o consent_n or_o call_v of_o the_o church_n by_o rule_n law_n and_o order_n foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n as_o shall_v be_v manifest_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a chap._n v._o the_o especial_a duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n we_o have_v declare_v the_o way_n whereby_o pastor_n be_v give_v unto_o and_o instate_v in_o the_o church_n that_o which_o shall_v ensue_v be_v a_o account_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office._n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o large_a discourse_n both_o among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o late_a i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o touch_v on_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o most_o necessary_a consideration_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o principal_a duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n by_o diligent_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n relate_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n pastor_n according_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v they_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n jer._n 3.15_o this_o be_v by_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o no_o otherwise_o this_o feed_v be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o so_o that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o or_o can_v or_o will_v not_o feed_v the_o flock_n be_v no_o pastor_n whatever_o outward_a call_n or_o work_v he_o may_v have_v in_o the_o church_n the_o care_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v to_o peter_n and_o in_o he_o unto_o all_o true_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o feed_v joh._n 21.15_o 16._o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o encumbrance_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n act._n 6._o their_o work_n be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o thereby_o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act._n 20._o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v every_o where_o give_v they_o
in_o charge_n this_o work_n and_o duty_n therefore_o as_o be_v say_v be_v essential_a unto_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n a_o man_n be_v a_o pastor_n unto_o they_o who_o he_o feed_v by_o pastoral_n teach_v and_o to_o no_o more_o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o so_o feed_v be_v no_o pastor_n nor_o be_v it_o require_v only_o that_o he_o preach_v now_o and_o then_o at_o his_o leisure_n but_o that_o he_o lay_v aside_o all_o other_o employment_n though_o lawful_a all_o other_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o such_o a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o they_o as_o will_v divert_v he_o from_o this_o work_n that_o he_o give_v himself_o unto_o it_o that_o he_o be_v in_o these_o thing_n labour_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o ability_n without_o this_o no_o man_n will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o comfortable_a account_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n at_o the_o last_o day_n there_o be_v indeed_o no_o more_o require_v of_o any_o man_n than_o god_n give_v he_o ability_n for_o weakness_n sickness_n bodily_a infirmity_n may_v disenable_a man_n from_o the_o actual_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o that_o assiduity_n and_o frequency_n which_o be_v require_v in_o ordinary_a case_n and_o some_o may_v through_o age_n or_o other_o incapacitate_v distemper_n be_v utter_o disable_v for_o it_o in_o which_o case_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o lay_v down_o and_o take_v a_o dismission_n from_o their_o office_n or_o if_o their_o disability_n be_v but_o partial_a provide_v a_o suitable_a supply_n that_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o prejudice_v but_o for_o man_n to_o pretend_v themselves_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v unable_a for_o or_o negligent_a of_o this_o work_n and_o duty_n be_v to_o live_v in_o open_a defiance_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o reproachful_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n cast_v upon_o laborious_a preach_a that_o be_v labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o discouragement_n give_v unto_o it_o with_o endeavour_n for_o its_o suppression_n in_o sundry_a instance_n yea_o some_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o declare_v that_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v be_v unnecessary_a in_o the_o church_n so_o to_o reduce_v all_o religion_n to_o the_o read_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o liturgy_n the_o next_o attempt_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v may_v be_v to_o exclude_v christ_n himself_o out_o of_o their_o religion_n which_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o necessity_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n make_v a_o entrance_n into_o yea_o a_o good_a progress_n towards_o sundry_a thing_n be_v require_v unto_o this_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o pastoral_n preach_v as_o 1._o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v declare_v unto_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n see_v act._n 20.27_o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o ephes._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n have_v a_o spiritual_a insight_n into_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o apostle_n pray_v that_o all_o believer_n may_v have_v so_o ephes._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o and_o if_o those_o that_o instruct_v they_o or_o shall_v so_o do_v have_v not_o some_o degree_n of_o eminency_n herein_o they_o can_v be_v useful_a to_o lead_v they_o on_o to_o perfection_n and_o the_o little_a care_n hereof_o or_o concernment_n herein_o be_v that_o which_o in_o our_o day_n have_v render_v the_o ministry_n of_o many_o fruitless_a and_o useless_a 2._o experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o preach_v in_o and_o upon_o their_o own_o soul_n without_o this_o they_o will_v themselves_o be_v lifeless_a and_o heartless_a in_o their_o own_o work_n and_o their_o labour_n for_o the_o most_o part_n unprofitable_a towards_o other_o it_o be_v to_o such_o man_n attend_v unto_o as_o a_o task_n for_o their_o advantage_n or_o as_o that_o which_o carry_v some_o satisfaction_n in_o it_o from_o ostentation_n and_o suppose_a reputation_n wherewith_o it_o be_v accompany_v but_o a_o man_n preach_v that_o sermon_n only_o well_o unto_o other_o which_o preach_v itself_o in_o his_o own_o soul._n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o feed_v on_o and_o thrive_v in_o the_o digestion_n of_o the_o food_n which_o he_o provide_v for_o other_o will_v scarce_o make_v it_o savoury_a unto_o they_o yea_o he_o know_v not_o but_o the_o food_n he_o have_v provide_v may_v be_v poison_n unless_o he_o have_v real_o taste_v of_o it_o himself_o if_o the_o word_n do_v not_o dwell_v with_o power_n in_o we_o it_o will_v not_o pass_v with_o power_n from_o we_o and_o no_o man_n live_v in_o a_o more_o woeful_a condition_n than_o those_o who_o real_o believe_v not_o themselves_o what_o they_o persuade_v other_o to_o believe_v continual_o the_o want_n of_o this_o experience_n of_o the_o power_n of_o gospel-truth_n on_o their_o own_o soul_n be_v that_o which_o give_v we_o so_o many_o lifeless_a sapless_a oration_n quaint_a in_o word_n and_o dead_a as_o to_o power_n instead_o of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o let_v any_o say_v what_o they_o please_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o some_o man_n preach_v as_o well_o as_o other_o not_o preach_v have_v lose_v the_o credit_n of_o their_o ministry_n 3._o skill_n to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o and_o this_o consist_v in_o a_o practical_a wisdom_n upon_o a_o diligent_a attendance_n unto_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v real_a substantial_a and_o meet_a food_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o hearer_n to_o give_v unto_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o church_n that_o which_o be_v their_o proper_a portion_n and_o this_o require_v 4._o a_o prudent_a and_o diligent_a consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o any_o man_n be_v set_v as_o unto_o their_o strength_n or_o weakness_n their_o growth_n or_o defect_n in_o knowledge_n the_o measure_n of_o their_o attainment_n require_v either_o milk_n or_o strong_a meat_n their_o temptation_n and_o duty_n their_o spiritual_a decay_n or_o thriving_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o general_n but_o as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v with_o respect_n unto_o all_o the_o individual_a member_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o due_a regard_n unto_o these_o thing_n man_n preach_v at_o random_n uncertain_o fight_v like_o those_o that_o beat_v the_o air._n preach_v sermon_n not_o design_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v preach_v insist_v on_o general_a doctrine_n not_o level_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o auditory_a speak_v what_o man_n can_v without_o consideration_n of_o what_o they_o ought_v be_v thing_n that_o will_v make_v man_n weary_a of_o preach_v when_o their_o mind_n be_v not_o influence_v with_o outward_a advantage_n as_o much_o as_o make_v other_o weary_a in_o hear_v of_o they_o and_o 5._o all_o these_o in_o the_o whole_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v constant_o accompany_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o compassion_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n where_o these_o be_v not_o in_o vigorous_a exercise_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o preach_v the_o word_n give_v a_o demonstration_n of_o themselves_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o quicken_a form_n the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o preach_v be_v lose_v all_o these_o thing_n seem_v common_a obvious_a and_o universal_o acknowledge_v but_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o most_o for_o the_o want_n of_o they_o or_o from_o notable_a defect_n in_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v no_o less_o evident_o know_v and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o they_o which_o be_v all_o at_o present_a which_o i_o design_v be_v sufficient_a to_o evidence_n how_o great_a a_o necessity_n there_o be_v incumbent_n on_o all_o pastor_n of_o church_n to_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o be_v continual_o intent_n on_o this_o work_n to_o engage_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o stir_v up_o all_o their_o grace_n and_o gift_n unto_o constant_a exercise_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n and_o as_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a to_o stir_v up_o all_o minister_n unto_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o supply_n of_o divine_a aid_n and_o assistance_n for_o that_o work_n which_o in_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o can_v no_o way_n answer_v so_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o warn_v they_o of_o the_o avoidance_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o will_v give_v they_o a_o diversion_n or_o avocation_n from_o the_o constant_a
such_o case_n this_o remedy_n by_o the_o pastor_n lay_v down_o his_o office_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o otherwise_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o edification_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a where_o the_o church_n be_v whole_o negligent_a in_o its_o duty_n and_o persist_v in_o that_o negligence_n after_o admonition_n in_o provide_v according_a to_o their_o ability_n for_o the_o outward_a necessity_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o his_o family_n but_o this_o case_n can_v be_v determine_v without_o the_o consideration_n of_o many_o particular_a circumstance_n 6._o where_o all_o or_o many_o of_o these_o cause_n concur_v so_o as_o that_o a_o man_n can_v cheerful_o and_o comfortable_o go_v on_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n especial_o if_o he_o be_v press_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n through_o the_o church_n noncompliance_n with_o their_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v at_o present_a obstruct_a may_v be_v provide_v for_o in_o their_o own_o judgement_n after_o a_o due_a manner_n there_o be_v no_o such_o grievous_a yoke_n lay_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o any_o of_o his_o servant_n but_o that_o such_o a_o person_n may_v peaceable_o lay_v down_o his_o office_n in_o such_o a_o church_n and_o either_o abide_v in_o a_o private_a station_n or_o take_v the_o care_n of_o another_o church_n wherein_o he_o may_v discharge_v his_o office_n be_v yet_o of_o ability_n unto_o his_o own_o comfort_n and_o their_o edification_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o office_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n or_o a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o state_n condition_n and_o work_v of_o those_o call_v teacher_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes._n 4.11_o he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o antioch_n there_o be_v prophet_n and_o teacher_n act._n 13.1_o and_o their_o work_n be_v both_o describe_v and_o assign_v unto_o they_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o but_o the_o thought_n of_o learned_a man_n about_o those_o who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v teacher_n be_v very_o various_a nor_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n easy_a or_o obvious_a as_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o our_o enquiry_n if_o there_o be_v original_o a_o distinct_a office_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v lose_v for_o many_o age_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v always_o a_o shadow_n or_o appearance_n of_o it_o retain_v first_o in_o public_a catechist_n and_o then_o in_o doctor_n or_o professor_n of_o theology_n in_o the_o school_n belong_v unto_o any_o church_n but_o this_o as_o unto_o the_o title_n of_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n be_v but_o a_o late_a invention_n for_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o rise_v about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1135._o lotharius_n the_o emperor_n have_v find_v in_o italy_n a_o copy_n of_o the_o roman_a civil_a law_n and_o be_v great_o take_v with_o it_o he_o ordain_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v public_o teach_v and_o expound_v in_o the_o school_n this_o he_o begin_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o imerius_fw-la his_o chancellor_n at_o bononia_n and_o to_o give_v encouragement_n unto_o this_o employment_n they_o ordain_v that_o those_o who_o be_v the_o public_a professor_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v solemn_o create_v doctor_n of_o who_o bulgarus_fw-la hugolinus_n with_o other_o be_v the_o first_o not_o long_o after_o this_o rite_n of_o create_v doctor_n be_v borrow_v of_o the_o lawyer_n by_o divine_n who_o public_o teach_v divinity_n in_o their_o school_n and_o this_o imitation_n first_o take_v place_n in_o bononia_n paris_n and_o oxford_n but_o this_o name_n be_v since_o grow_v a_o title_n of_o honour_n to_o sundry_a sort_n of_o person_n whether_o unto_o any_o good_a use_n or_o purpose_n or_o no_o i_o know_v not_o but_o it_o be_v in_o use_n and_o not_o worth_a contend_v about_o especial_o if_o as_o unto_o some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v fair_o reconcileable_a unto_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 23.8_o but_o the_o custom_n of_o have_v in_o the_o church_n teacher_n that_o do_v public_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v far_o more_o ancient_a and_o of_o know_a usage_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n such_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n in_o their_o school_n wherein_o the_o famous_a panlaenus_n origen_n and_o clemens_n be_v teacher_n a_o imitation_n whereof_o be_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o the_o continuation_n of_o such_o a_o peculiar_a work_n and_o employment_n to_o be_v discharge_v in_o manner_n of_o a_o office_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o original_o there_o be_v such_o a_o distinct_a office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o although_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n they_o have_v institute_v sundry_a order_n of_o sacred_a officer_n borrow_v from_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n which_o have_v no_o resemblance_n unto_o any_o thing_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o sundry_a thing_n abase_v and_o corrupt_v by_o they_o in_o church-officer_n take_v their_o occasional_a rise_n from_o what_o be_v so_o mention_v there_o be_v four_o opinion_n concern_v those_o who_o be_v call_v by_o this_o name_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n 1._o some_z say_v that_o no_o office_n at_o all_o be_v denote_v by_o it_o it_o be_v only_o a_o general_a appellation_n of_o those_o that_o teach_v other_o whether_o constant_o or_o occasional_o such_o be_v the_o prophet_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o speak_v occasional_o and_o in_o their_o turn_n 1_o cor._n 14._o which_o be_v that_o which_o all_o may_v do_v who_o have_v ability_n for_o it_o v_o 5.24_o 25._o 2._o some_z say_v it_o be_v only_o another_o name_n for_o the_o same_o office_n with_o that_o of_o a_o pastor_n and_o so_o not_o to_o denote_v any_o distinct_a office_n of_o which_o mind_n hierom_n seem_v to_o be_v ephes._n 4._o 3._o other_o allow_v that_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a office_n whereunto_o some_o be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v only_o to_o teach_v and_o that_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n so_o the_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o rule_n and_o teach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacred_a mystery_n the_o teacher_n to_o teach_v or_o instruct_v only_o but_o not_o to_o rule_v nor_o dispense_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o rule_v elder_a to_o rule_v only_o and_o neither_o to_o preach_v nor_o administer_v sacrament_n which_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o order_n both_o useful_a and_o beautiful_a 4._o some_o judge_n that_o it_o be_v a_o distinct_a office_n but_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o kind_n with_o that_o of_o the_o pastor_n endow_v with_o all_o the_o same_o power_n but_o difference_v from_o it_o with_o respect_n unto_o gift_n and_o a_o peculiar_a kind_n of_o work_n allot_v unto_o it_o but_o this_o opinion_n have_v this_o seem_a disadvantage_n that_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v so_o small_a as_o not_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o distinct_a denomination_n of_o officer_n or_o to_o constitute_v a_o distinct_a office._n and_o it_o may_v be_v such_o a_o distinction_n in_o gift_n will_v seldom_o appear_v as_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v guide_v thereby_o in_o their_o choice_n of_o meet_a person_n unto_o distinct_a office_n but_o scripture-testimony_n and_o rule_n must_v take_v place_n and_o i_o shall_v brief_o examine_v all_o these_o opinion_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o any_o officer_n nor_o be_v a_o teacher_n as_o such_o any_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o general_a name_n for_o any_o that_o teach_v on_o any_o account_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o indeed_o know_v of_o any_o who_o have_v in_o particular_a contend_v for_o this_o opinion_n but_o i_o observe_v that_o very_o many_o expositor_n take_v no_o far_a notice_n of_o they_o but_o as_o such_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o first_o church_n not_o only_o some_o but_o all_o who_o have_v receive_v spiritual_a light_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n and_o utterance_n do_v teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n 1_o pet._n 5.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o hence_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n as_o celsus_n in_o particular_a object_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o old_a that_o they_o suffer_v sutler_n and_o weaver_n and_o cobbler_n to_o teach_v among_o they_o which_o they_o
21.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o on_o other_o account_n call_v bishop_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n guide_n but_o what_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n or_o what_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o otherwise_o act._n 20.17_o 18._o so_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o difference_n in_o age_n but_o be_v use_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ruler_n or_o governor_n whether_o in_o office_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a especial_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o call_v its_o elder_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o power_n or_o office_n intend_v by_o it_o be_v traduce_v to_o signify_v man_n in_o authority_n signeiores_fw-la eldermani_fw-la in_o all_o place_n 2._o church-power_n act_v in_o its_o rule_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o a_o expression_n derive_v from_o the_o key_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o office-power_n in_o the_o family_n of_o king_n isa._n 22.22_o and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o denote_v the_o communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o other_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o universal_o vest_v in_o himself_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n revel_v 3.7_o mat._n 16.19_o 3._o these_o key_n be_v usual_o refer_v unto_o two_o head_n namely_o the_o one_o of_o order_n the_o other_o of_o jurisdiction_n 4._o by_o the_o key_n of_o order_n the_o spiritual_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n doctrinal_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v intend_v 5._o by_o jurisdiction_n the_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o call_v or_o esteem_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n until_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o church-rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v deprave_v and_o change_v therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o or_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v unto_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o its_o rule_n it_o be_v expressive_a of_o and_o direct_v unto_o that_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a according_a unto_o the_o canon_n law_n by_o which_o all_o church-rule_n and_o order_n be_v destroy_v i_o do_v therefore_o at_o once_o dismiss_v all_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o of_o thing_n foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v as_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n about_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n but_o that_o these_o key_n do_v include_v the_o twofold_a distinct_a power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v free_o grant_v 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o that_o of_o rome_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a distribution_n make_v of_o these_o key_n unto_o some_o that_o be_v unto_o one_o special_a sort_n or_o order_n of_o man_n they_o be_v both_o grant_v both_o the_o key_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v unto_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o some_o other_o under_o various_a canonical_a restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o dean_n and_o arch-deacon_n unto_o some_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o order_n only_o without_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o jurisdiction_n or_o rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n which_o be_v the_o parochial_a minister_n or_o mere_a presbyter_n without_o any_o additional_a title_n or_o power_n as_o of_o commissary_n surrogate_v or_o the_o like_a and_o unto_o a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n almost_o plenipotent_a who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o key_n of_o order_n that_o be_v be_v never_o ordain_v separate_v dedicate_v unto_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o chancellor_n etc._n etc._n 7._o these_o chancellor_n be_v the_o only_a lay-elder_n that_o i_o know_v any_o where_o in_o any_o church_n that_o be_v person_n entrust_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o its_o censure_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v unto_o any_o church-office_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o laity_n or_o the_o people_n all_o church_n ruler_n by_o institution_n be_v elder_n to_o be_v a_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o ruler_n in_o it_o be_v all_o one_o wherefore_o these_o person_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o thus_o continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o people_n be_v lay-elder_n who_o i_o wonder_v how_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n come_v so_o serious_o to_o oppose_v see_v this_o order_n of_o man_n be_v own_v by_o none_o but_o themselves_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o know_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v who_o order_n be_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o be_v of_o any_o public_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v dispose_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o part_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o authoritative_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o even_o those_o who_o place_n the_o whole_a external_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v it_o as_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o church-power_n and_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v usual_o call_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n either_o appoint_v by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o that_o with_o cogent_a argument_n see_v grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la potestat_fw-la cap._n 8._o but_o this_o distribution_n mention_v of_o church-power_n be_v unscriptural_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o antiquity_n it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o two_o latter_a branch_n of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n doctrinal_o or_o ministerial_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n which_o give_v they_o this_o power_n not_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n or_o discipline_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v countenance_n unto_o and_o as_o by_o this_o mean_n those_o be_v abridge_v and_o deprive_v of_o their_o power_n to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o elder_n due_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n so_o in_o the_o three_o branch_n there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o church-power_n unto_o such_o as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v exclude_v from_o any_o interest_n therein_o the_o enormity_n of_o which_o constitution_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a insist_v upon_o but_o enquiry_n must_v be_v make_v what_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o herein_o and_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o pastoral_n feeding_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n all_o agree_v herein_o unless_o it_o be_v erastus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o who_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o but_o their_o argument_n lie_v not_o against_o rule_n in_o general_n which_o be_v brutish_a but_o only_o a_o rule_n by_o external_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o grant_v the_o general_a assertion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o rule_n for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o only_o they_o contend_v about_o the_o subject_n of_o power_n require_v thereunto_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o mutual_a voluntary_a confederation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n purity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n few_o of_o that_o opinion_n deny_v at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v oppose_v for_o to_o deny_v all_o rule_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o administration_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a power_n internal_o inherent_a in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a political_a
probati_fw-la seniores_fw-la tertull._n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o justin_n martyr_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o be_v the_o word_n constant_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n rom._n 12.8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o rule_v 1_o thess._n 5.12_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v over_o they_o that_o be_v in_o place_n of_o rule_n 1_o tim._n 3.4_o 5_o 12._o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o family_n rule_n and_o government_n as_o it_o be_v also_o unto_o care_n and_o diligence_n about_o good_a work_n tit._n 3.8.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o whole_a presidency_n in_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o its_o rule_n translator_n agree_v in_o the_o read_n of_o these_o word_n so_o the_o hebrew_n of_o munster_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o well_o discharge_v their_o rule_n or_o conduct_n so_o the_o syriack_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o elder_n qui_fw-la bene_fw-la praesunt_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la vul_n lat._n seniori_fw-la che_fw-mi governano_n be_v ital._n all_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v the_o governor_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o be_v here_o intend_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o word_n most_o controvert_v all_o translator_n esteem_v it_o distinctive_a heb._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eminent_o syr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chief_o principal_o maxim_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o labour_v painful_o labour_n to_o weariness_n travail_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o office_n elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o rule_n well_o or_o discharge_v their_o presidency_n for_o rule_n in_o due_a manner_n be_v worthy_a or_o aught_o to_o be_v repute_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o of_o they_o who_o labour_n or_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o great_a labour_n and_o travail_v of_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o general_a concern_v these_o word_n 1._o this_o testimony_n relate_v direct_o unto_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n before_o lay_v down_o direct_v unto_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o these_o principle_n these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o unless_o they_o be_v overthrow_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o put_v in_o exception_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o or_o that_o word_n the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v suit_v unto_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o relate_v unto_o if_o we_o consider_v not_o what_o be_v speak_v here_o in_o consent_n with_o other_o scripture_n treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n we_o depart_v from_o all_o sober_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v a_o plain_a and_o obvious_a signification_n which_o at_o first_o view_n present_v itself_o unto_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o all_o men._n and_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a unto_o any_o other_o divine_a testimony_n or_o evident_a reason_n such_o a_o sense_n be_v constant_o to_o be_v embrace_v there_o be_v nothing_o here_o of_o any_o spiritual_a mystery_n but_o only_o a_o direction_n concern_v outward_a order_n in_o the_o church_n in_o such_o case_n the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n rational_o apprehend_v be_v all_o that_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o but_o on_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o this_o text_n that_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n a_o rational_a man_n who_o be_v unprejudiced_a who_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o controversy_n about_o rule_v elder_n can_v hardly_o avoid_v a_o apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n some_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o some_o who_o do_v not_o so_o do_v the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v interest_n and_o prejudice_n that_o first_o cause_v some_o learned_a man_n to_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o find_v out_o evasion_n from_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o testimony_n be_v so_o find_v out_o some_o other_o of_o mean_a ability_n have_v be_v entangle_v by_o they_o for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o new_a argument_n advance_v in_o this_o cause_n not_o one_o exception_n give_v in_o unto_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o but_o what_o be_v long_o since_o coin_v by_o papist_n and_o prelatist_n and_o manage_v with_o better_a colour_n than_o some_o now_o be_v able_a to_o lay_v on_o they_o who_o pretend_v unto_o the_o same_o judgement_n 3._o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o text._n there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o in_o every_o church_n with_o these_o elder_n the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v all_o these_o and_o only_o they_o do_v rule_n in_o it_o of_o these_o elder_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n for_o a_o description_n be_v give_v of_o one_o sort_n distinctive_a from_o the_o other_o and_o comparative_a with_o it_o the_o first_o sort_n do_v rule_n and_o also_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o these_o work_n be_v distinct_a and_o different_a be_v before_o declare_v yet_o as_o distinct_a work_n they_o be_v not_o incompatible_a but_o be_v commit_v unto_o the_o same_o person_n they_o be_v so_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v not_o elder_n only_o but_o moreover_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n unto_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o such_o there_o belong_v no_o rule_n although_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n the_o right_a of_o rule_n be_v inseparable_a from_o their_o office._n for_o all_o that_o be_v rightful_o call_v thereunto_o be_v elder_n also_o which_o give_v they_o a_o interest_n in_o rule_n they_o be_v elder_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o pastoral_n or_o teach_v authority_n but_o there_o be_v elder_n which_o be_v not_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n for_o there_o be_v some_o who_o rule_n well_o but_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v who_o be_v not_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n elder_n that_o rule_v well_o but_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v rule_v elder_n only_o and_o such_o be_v in_o the_o text._n the_o most_o learned_a of_o our_o protestant_a adversary_n in_o this_o case_n â—re_n erastus_n bilson_n sarravia_n downham_n scultetus_n mead_n grotius_n hamond_n who_o agree_v not_o at_o all_o among_o themselves_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n for_o 1._o their_o whole_a design_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o put_v in_o exception_n against_o the_o obvious_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n not_o fix_v on_o any_o determinate_a exposition_n of_o it_o themselves_o such_o as_o they_o will_v abide_v by_o in_o opposition_n unto_o any_o other_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n now_o this_o be_v most_o sophistical_a way_n of_o argue_v upon_o testimony_n and_o suit_v only_o to_o make_v controversy_n endless_a who_o wit_n be_v so_o barren_a as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v one_o exception_n or_o other_o against_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o evident_a testimony_n so_o the_o socinian_o deal_v with_o we_o in_o all_o the_o testimony_n we_o produce_v to_o prove_v the_o deity_n or_o satisfaction_n of_o christ._n they_o suppose_v it_o enough_o to_o evade_v their_o force_n if_o they_o can_v but_o pretend_v that_o the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o another_o sense_n although_o they_o will_v not_o abide_v by_o it_o that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v their_o sense_n for_o if_o they_o will_v do_v so_o when_o that_o be_v overthrow_v the_o truth_n will_v be_v establish_v but_o every_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v one_o determinate_a sense_n when_o this_o be_v contend_v about_o it_o be_v equal_a that_o those_o at_o difference_n do_v express_v their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o word_n which_o they_o will_v abide_v by_o when_o this_o be_v do_v let_v it_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o sense_n pretend_v unto_o do_v best_a comply_v with_o the_o signification_n and_o use_n of_o the_o word_n the_o context_n or_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n other_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith._n no_o such_o rule_n be_v attend_v unto_o in_o this_o case_n by_o our_o adversary_n they_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o oppose_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o will_v not_o fix_v upon_o any_o of_o their_o own_o which_o if_o it_o be_v disprove_v we_o ought_v to_o take_v place_n and_o hence_o 2._o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o agree_v among_o themselves_o scarce_o any_o two_o of_o they_o on_o what_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v any_o of_o they_o single_o well_o resolve_v what_o application_n to_o make_v of_o they_o nor_o unto_o what_o
parchment_n in_o particular_a and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n 2_o pet._n 2.9_o 10._o the_o lord_n know_v how_o to_o reserve_v the_o wicked_a to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v punish_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n especial_o those_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n who_o shall_v be_v single_v out_o to_o exemplary_a punishment_n it_o be_v but_o once_o more_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n namely_o act._n 26.3_o where_o it_o include_v a_o distinction_n in_o the_o thing_n under_o consideration_n whereas_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v principal_o use_v by_o this_o apostle_n in_o his_o write_n wherein_o it_o be_v distinctive_a and_o comparative_a of_o the_o thing_n and_o person_n that_o respect_n be_v have_v unto_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v here_o use_v in_o another_o sense_n or_o be_v otherwise_o apply_v unless_o they_o can_v prove_v from_o the_o context_n that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o peculiar_a interpretation_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o other_o author_n be_v concurrent_a with_o that_o of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n herodian_a lib._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o syrian_n be_v natural_o lover_n of_o fetival_n especial_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o antioch_n it_o be_v the_o same_o phrase_n of_o speech_n with_o that_o here_o use_v for_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o antioch_n be_v syrian_n but_o all_o the_o syrian_n dwell_v not_o at_o antioch_n there_o be_v a_o distinction_n and_o distribution_n make_v of_o the_o syrian_n into_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o be_v syrian_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v syrian_n dwell_v at_o antioch_n the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o country_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o all_o english_a man_n be_v stout_a and_o courageous_a especial_o the_o londoner_n he_o will_v both_o affirm_v the_o londoner_n to_o be_v englishman_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o countryman_n so_o all_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v elder_n but_o all_o elder_n do_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v it_o their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v these_o we_o call_v rule_v elder_n and_o as_o i_o judge_v right_o 4._o the_o sense_n which_o the_o word_n will_v give_v be_v so_o interpret_v as_o that_o a_o distinction_n of_o elder_n be_v not_o make_v in_o they_o be_v absurd_a the_o subject_n and_o predicate_v of_o the_o proposition_n be_v term_n convertible_a it_o must_v be_v so_o if_o the_o proposition_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o have_v a_o distinction_n in_o it_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n only_o it_o be_v say_v be_v here_o intend_v i_o ask_v who_o they_o be_v and_o of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v say_v the_o same_o with_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o the_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n intend_v be_v of_o another_o sort_n we_o obtain_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o as_o full_o as_o if_o two_o sort_n be_v allow_v who_o then_o be_v these_o elder_n these_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n these_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o not_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n yes_o it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v they_o and_o no_o other_o then_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o rule_n well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o if_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n then_o elder_n and_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v term_n convertible_a but_o elder_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v subject_a and_o predicate_v in_o this_o proposition_n wherefore_o there_o be_v few_o of_o any_o learning_n or_o judgement_n that_o make_v use_v of_o this_o evasion_n but_o allow_v a_o distinction_n to_o be_v make_v they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v as_o to_o work_n and_o employment_n and_o not_o as_o unto_o office._n those_o who_o in_o the_o disharge_n of_o their_o office_n as_o elder_n do_v so_o labour_v as_o be_v intend_v and_o include_v in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o denote_v a_o peculiar_a kind_n of_o work_n in_o the_o ministry_n yea_o say_v some_o this_o word_n denote_v the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n who_o be_v not_o confine_v unto_o any_o one_o place_n but_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o those_o of_o this_o mind_n do_v allow_v that_o two_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v intend_v in_o the_o word_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o better_a success_n in_o this_o their_o conjecture_n than_o the_o other_o have_v in_o the_o former_a answer_n 1._o i_o grant_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o use_v signify_v to_o labour_v with_o pain_n and_o diligence_n ad_fw-la ultimum_fw-la virium_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la fatigationem_fw-la unto_o the_o utmost_a of_o man_n strength_n and_o unto_o weariness_n but_o 2._o so_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o who_o ever_o do_v not_o so_o labour_n be_v negligent_a in_o his_o office_n and_o worthy_a of_o severe_a blame_v instead_o of_o double_a honour_n for_o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whence_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o labour_n of_o a_o minister_n and_o so_o of_o any_o minister_n in_o his_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 3.8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o one_o that_o be_v every_o one_o employ_v in_o the_o ministry_n whether_o to_o plant_v or_o to_o water_n to_o convert_v man_n or_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n shall_v receive_v his_o own_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o own_o labour_n he_o that_o do_v not_o strive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o ministry_n shall_v never_o receive_v a_o reward_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o his_o own_o labour_n and_o so_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o general_a word_n use_v to_o express_v the_o work_n of_o any_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whereon_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n joh._n 4.38_o i_o send_v you_o to_o reap_v that_o whereon_o you_o bestow_v no_o labour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d other_o have_v labour_v and_o you_o have_v enter_v into_o their_o labour_n that_o be_v of_o the_o prophet_n and_o john_n the_o baptist._n yea_o it_o be_v so_o unto_o the_o labour_n that_o woman_n may_v take_v in_o the_o serve_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 16.6_o salute_v mary_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o labour_v much_o which_o be_v more_o than_o simple_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vers._n 12._o salute_v tryphoena_n and_o tryphosa_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o labour_v in_o the_o lord._n vers._n 13._o salute_v the_o belove_a persis_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o labour_v much_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o wide_o from_o truth_n be_v it_o that_o this_o word_n shall_v signify_v a_o labour_n peculiar_a to_o some_o sort_n of_o minister_n which_o all_o be_v not_o in_o common_a oblige_v unto_o 3._o if_o the_o labour_n of_o evangelist_n or_o of_o they_o who_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v intend_v than_o it_o be_v so_o either_o because_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n or_o because_o it_o be_v constant_o use_v elsewhere_o to_o express_v that_o kind_n of_o labour_n but_o the_o contrary_a unto_o both_o of_o these_o be_v evident_a from_o all_o place_n wherein_o it_o be_v use_v so_o be_v it_o express_o apply_v to_o fix_a elder_n 1_o thess._n 5.12_o we_o exhort_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o that_o labour_n among_o you_o who_o be_v the_o ruler_n and_o instructer_n it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o this_o word_n express_v no_o more_o but_o what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a indispensable_a duty_n of_o every_o teach_v elder_a pastor_n or_o minister_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o than_o those_o elder_n that_o be_v pastor_n or_o teacher_n that_o do_v not_o perform_v and_o discharge_v it_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n nor_o will_v the_o apostle_n give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v any_o way_n remiss_a or_o negligent_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n see_v 1_o thess._n 5.12_o there_o be_v therefore_o two_o sort_n of_o duty_n confess_o here_o mention_v and_o command_v the_o first_o be_v rule_v well_o the_o other_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n suppose_v that_o both_o these_o ruling_n and_o teach_v be_v
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v such_o prophecy_n as_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o give_v the_o proportion_n of_o faith._n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o any_o or_o both_o of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n but_o it_o belong_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o as_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o here_o by_o the_o apostle_n 2._o the_o gift_n speak_v of_o be_v in_o general_n refer_v unto_o all_o they_o who_o be_v intend_v now_o these_o be_v either_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o or_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o hence_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v that_o be_v all_o we_o that_o be_v concern_v herein_o this_o can_v be_v all_o of_o the_o church_n for_o all_o the_o church_n have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n nor_o can_v any_o distinction_n be_v make_v of_o who_o do_v receive_v they_o and_o who_o do_v not_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o office._n and_o therefore_o 3._o in_o the_o distribution_n which_o ensue_v of_o prophecy_n into_o exhort_v and_o teach_v and_o of_o ministry_n into_o show_v mercy_n rule_n and_o give_v have_v state_v these_o gift_n in_o general_n in_o the_o officer_n in_o general_a make_v distinct_a application_n of_o they_o unto_o distinct_a officer_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v he_o that_o rule_v 6._o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o office_n be_v intend_v and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o distinct_a office_n be_v so_o which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o place_n for_o 1._o the_o distributive_a particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o indicative_a article_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prefix_v unto_o each_o office_n in_o particular_a do_v show_v they_o distinct_a so_o far_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o as_o by_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whether_o they_o be_v distinguish_v in_o their_o nature_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n so_o by_o the_o article_n prefix_v to_o each_o of_o they_o in_o exercise_n they_o be_v distinguish_v in_o their_o subject_n 2._o the_o operation_n work_n and_o effect_n ascribe_v unto_o these_o gift_n require_v distinct_a office_n and_o function_n in_o their_o exercise_n and_o if_o the_o distribution_n be_v make_v unto_o all_o promiscuous_o without_o respect_n unto_o distinct_a office_n it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n whereas_o indeed_o here_o be_v a_o accurate_a order_n in_o all_o church_n administration_n represent_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v far_a evident_a that_o distinct_a office_n be_v intend_v 1._o from_o the_o comparison_n make_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n ver_fw-la 4._o all_o the_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n the_o eye_n have_v one_o the_o ear_n have_v another_o 2._o each_o of_o the_o duty_n mention_v and_o give_v in_o charge_n be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o distinct_a officer_n as_o be_v declare_v act._n 6._o 7._o in_o particular_a he_o that_o rule_v be_v a_o distinct_a officer_n a_o officer_n because_o rule_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n or_o office-power_n and_o he_o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o but_o say_v some_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v who_o he_o will_v that_o be_v the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n the_o teach_v elder_a but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a 1._o he_o that_o say_v he_o that_o exhort_v and_o then_o add_v he_o that_o rule_v have_v distinguish_v before_o between_o prophecy_n whereunto_o exhortation_n do_v belong_v and_o ministry_n whereof_o rule_n be_v a_o part_n and_o prefix_v the_o prepositive_a indicative_a article_n to_o each_o of_o they_o do_v as_o plain_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o as_o can_v be_v do_v by_o word_n 2._o rule_n be_v the_o principal_a work_n of_o he_o that_o rule_v for_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o diligence_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o rule_n in_o contradistinction_n unto_o what_o be_v principal_o require_v in_o other_o administration_n but_o rule_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a work_n of_o the_o pastor_n require_v constant_a and_o continual_a attendance_n for_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v ordinary_o sufficient_a for_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o diligence_n and_o ability_n 8._o we_o have_v therefore_o in_o this_o context_n the_o beautiful_a order_n of_o thing_n in_o and_o of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o edification_n derive_v from_o distinct_a differ_v spiritual_a gift_n exercise_v in_o and_o by_o distinct_a officer_n unto_o their_o peculiar_a end_n the_o distinction_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o gift_n their_o use_n and_o end_n be_v provide_v for_o in_o distinct_a subject_n the_o mind_n of_o no_o one_o man_n at_o least_o ordinary_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o those_o differ_a gift_n in_o any_o eminent_a degree_n the_o person_n of_o no_o man_n be_v sufficient_a meet_v or_o able_a to_o exercise_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o office_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n especial_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o thereunto_o and_o those_o that_o rule_n to_o attend_v thereto_o with_o diligence_n so_o many_o distinct_a work_n duty_n and_o operation_n with_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o their_o discharge_n be_v inconsistent_a in_o the_o same_o subject_a all_o thing_n be_v here_o distribute_v into_o their_o proper_a order_n and_o tendency_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n every_o distinct_a gift_n require_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n unto_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v distribute_v unto_o peculiar_a officer_n unto_o who_o a_o especial_a work_n be_v assign_v to_o be_v discharge_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gift_n receive_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n no_o man_n alive_a be_v able_a to_o fix_v on_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o these_o distribution_n under_o some_o of_o the_o head_n of_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n find_v out_o any_o thing_n in_o these_o assignation_n of_o distinct_a duty_n unto_o distinct_a office_n that_o be_v superfluous_a redundant_fw-la or_o not_o direct_o necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n how_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v be_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o what_o care_n diligence_n circumspection_n prayer_n and_o wisdom_n suit_v unto_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o object_n of_o they_o can_v ever_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v all_o of_o they_o belong_v unto_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n or_o be_v discharge_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n let_v man_n advance_v any_o other_o church_n order_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o here_o declare_v so_o suit_v unto_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n operation_n and_o duty_n of_o diverse_a nature_n be_v distribute_v and_o assign_v to_o such_o distinct_a gift_n act_v in_o distinct_a office_n as_o render_v those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v meet_a and_o able_a for_o they_o so_o correspondent_a to_o all_o institution_n rule_n and_o example_n of_o church-order_n in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n so_o suit_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o nothing_o which_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o be_v omit_v nor_o any_o thing_n add_v above_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o it_o shall_v be_v cheerful_o embrace_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o different_a interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o this_o context_n of_o the_o apostle_n arise_v mere_o from_o the_o prejudicate_v apprehension_n that_o man_n have_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o rule_n for_o if_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v national_a or_o diocesan_n if_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v by_o arbitrary_a rule_n and_o canon_n from_o a_o authority_n exert_v itself_o in_o court_n ecclesiastical_a legal_a or_o illegal_a the_o order_n of_o thing_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v no_o way_n belong_v nor_o can_v be_v accommodate_v thereunto_o to_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v a_o full_a description_n and_o account_n in_o these_o word_n of_o all_o the_o office_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o they_o
shall_v appoint_v in_o the_o same_o church_n many_o more_o teach_v elder_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o elder_n intend_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v add_v for_o a_o close_a of_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o be_v but_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o sacred_a order_n as_o some_o call_v they_o or_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a office_n as_o unto_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o person_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n much_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o chancellor_n official_o commissary_n and_o the_o like_a officer_n who_o be_v absolute_o lay-man_n and_o not_o at_o all_o in_o their_o holy_a order_n some_o will_v place_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o only_o rule_v elder_a as_o they_o suppose_v but_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n both_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a do_v both_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o their_o office_n lie_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o order_n and_o discipline_n which_o they_o can_v forgo_v without_o extreme_a confusion_n yea_o without_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o church_n and_o although_o some_o among_o we_o consider_v particular_a church_n only_o as_o small_a society_n may_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o office_n or_o officer_n for_o rule_n in_o they_o yet_o when_o such_o church_n consist_v of_o some_o thousand_o without_o any_o opportunity_n of_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a congregation_n as_o at_o charenton_n in_o france_n it_o be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o by_o two_o or_o three_o minister_n alone_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o have_v instance_n of_o ten_o twenty_o yea_o forty_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o institution_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n whereby_o each_o ten_o family_n be_v to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reformation_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o attend_v unto_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o call_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n chap._n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church-polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n have_v declare_v who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n something_o must_v be_v add_v concern_v the_o rule_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o hereof_o i_o have_v treat_v before_o in_o general_a that_o which_o i_o now_o design_n be_v what_o in_o particular_a respect_v they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o whereunto_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o there_o be_v power_n authority_n and_o rule_v grant_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o some_o person_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v democratical_a from_o the_o necessary_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o it_o in_o its_o exercise_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o whereas_o this_o consent_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n require_v that_o all_o they_o do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v voluntary_a as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v in_o dutiful_a compliance_n with_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o rule_n it_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o government_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v act_v and_o dispose_v in_o the_o church_n by_o suffrage_n or_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n the_o vote_n of_o the_o fraternity_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o authoritative_a but_o only_o declarative_a of_o consent_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n where_o the_o church_n be_v organical_a or_o in_o complete_a order_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o authority_n and_o rule_n institute_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v not_o liable_a unto_o dispute_n where_o there_o be_v bishop_n pastor_n elder_n guide_n ruler_n steward_n institute_v give_v grant_v call_v ordain_v and_o some_o to_o be_v rule_v sheep_n lamb_n brethren_n oblige_v by_o command_n to_o obey_v they_o follow_v they_o submit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n regard_v they_o as_o over_o they_o there_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o some_o person_n and_o that_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o in_o the_o practical_a part_n or_o exercise_n of_o rule_n due_a respect_n be_v not_o have_v unto_o their_o authority_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n when_o the_o people_n judge_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o such_o only_a and_o in_o they_o do_v the_o right_a of_o their_o use_n and_o exercise_n reside_v that_o their_o elder_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o dispose_n of_o church_n affair_n or_o in_o act_n of_o church_n power_n but_o only_o their_o own_o suffrage_n or_o what_o they_o can_v obtain_v by_o reason_v and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o authority_n in_o any_o thing_n a_o evil_a apt_a to_o grow_v in_o church_n it_o overthrow_v all_o that_o beautiful_a order_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n of_o this_o complaint_n that_o where_o the_o people_n have_v their_o due_a liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o assume_v that_o power_n unto_o themselves_o which_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o a_o evil_n attend_v with_o troublesome_a impertinency_n and_o disorder_n tend_v unto_o anarchy_n let_v they_o remember_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o upon_o the_o confinement_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o guide_n bishop_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n and_o enlarge_v their_o usurpation_n until_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o absolute_a tyranny_n wherefore_o no_o fear_n of_o consequent_n that_o may_v ensue_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n ignorance_n weakness_n lust_n corruption_n or_o secular_a interest_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o entice_v we_o unto_o the_o least_o alteration_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o any_o prudential_a provision_n of_o our_o own_o 3._o this_o authority_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v neither_o autocratical_a or_o sovereign_n nor_o nomothetical_a or_o legislative_a nor_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a but_o organical_a and_o ministerial_a only_o the_o endless_a controversy_n which_o have_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n about_o a_o autocratical_a and_o monarchical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n about_o power_n to_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o to_o kill_v and_o destroy_v they_o with_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n contrary_a to_o express_v command_n of_o scripture_n and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n isa._n 33.22_o jam._n 4.12_o mat._n 17.5_o chap._n 23.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o luke_n 22.25_o 26._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 25._o 4._o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v be_v mere_o ministerial_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v it_o free_a so_o in_o its_o nature_n it_o be_v spiritual_a pure_o and_o only_o so_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v express_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o for_o its_o object_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n whereunto_o it_o extend_v which_o no_o other_o humane_a power_n do_v nor_o do_v it_o reach_v those_o other_o concern_v of_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o political_a power_n its_o end_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a
these_o act_n of_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v there_o be_v no_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o unto_o authoritative_a rule_n but_o what_o be_v mere_o doctrinal_a there_o be_v in_o what_o it_o do_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n who_o they_o do_v receive_v or_o reject_v but_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o organical_a as_o there_o be_v elder_n or_o ruler_n instate_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a authority_n commit_v for_o those_o act_n of_o the_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v apply_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2_o dly_z the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o four_o head_n 1._o mutual_n intense_a peculiar_a love_n among_o themselves_o to_o be_v exercise_v continual_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o 2._o personal_a holiness_n in_o gracious_a moral_a obedience_n 3._o vsefulness_n towards_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n towards_o other_o church_n and_o all_o man_n absolute_o as_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v 4._o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n owe_v mutual_o unto_o each_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o place_n and_o order_n which_o they_o hold_v and_o possess_v in_o the_o body_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v church-rule_n to_o be_v exercise_v for_o they_o all_o belong_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o ends._n 3_o dly_z hereunto_o also_o belong_v the_o disposal_n of_o the_o outward_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o assembly_n and_o in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o that_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o disposal_n of_o time_n season_n place_n the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o church-assembly_n the_o regulation_n of_o speech_n and_o action_n the_o appointment_n of_o season_n for_o extraordinary_a duty_n according_a unto_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n from_o present_a circumstance_n be_v act_n of_o rule_n who_o right_a reside_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v we_o may_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o elder_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v place_v by_o christ_n for_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n for_o consider_v that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v before_o concern_v the_o pastoral_a office_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o have_v now_o be_v add_v concern_v its_o rule_n in_o general_a i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o any_o one_o man_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o ability_n as_o to_o suppose_v himself_o meet_v and_o able_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o both_o sort_n in_o the_o least_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v yea_o suppose_v more_o teaching-elders_a in_o every_o church_n than_o one_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o equal_o bind_v to_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v divert_v from_o that_o work_n by_o any_o inferior_a duty_n if_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o strength_n continual_o it_o will_v appear_v at_o length_n to_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o who_o peculiar_a office_n and_o duty_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o rule_n with_o diligence_n and_o the_o work_n of_o these_o elder_n consist_v in_o the_o thing_n ensue_v 1._o they_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o teach_v elder_n in_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o church-power_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n such_o be_v those_o before_o declare_v this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o both_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v join_v and_o do_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o one_o sort_n of_o they_o labour_v also_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n compose_v wherein_o reside_v all_o church-authority_n and_o in_o this_o conjunction_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n be_v every_o way_n equal_a determine_v all_o act_n of_o rule_n by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n this_o give_v order_n with_o a_o necessary_a representation_n of_o authority_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o its_o government_n 2._o they_o be_v in_o particular_a to_o attend_v unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o the_o rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v with_o a_o due_a care_n that_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n be_v due_o observe_v by_o and_o among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v whatever_o be_v pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_n whatever_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n unto_o it_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v foreign_a unto_o the_o gospel_n church-rule_n be_v a_o due_a care_n and_o provision_n that_o the_o institution_n law_n command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v due_o observe_v and_o nothing_o else_o and_o hereof_o as_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o elder_n we_o may_v give_v some_o instance_n as_o 1._o to_o watch_v diligent_o over_o the_o way_n walk_v and_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v blameless_a without_o offence_n useful_a exemplary_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n answer_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o profession_n which_o in_o the_o world_n they_o make_v thereof_o and_o upon_o the_o observation_n which_o they_o so_o make_v in_o the_o watch_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o instruct_v admonish_v charge_n exhort_v encourage_v comfort_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o this_o be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o with_o courage_n and_o diligence_n 2._o to_o watch_n against_o all_o rise_n or_o appearance_n of_o such_o difference_n and_o division_n on_o the_o account_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a as_o unto_o their_o name_n right_n and_o propriety_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o that_o love_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a manner_n to_o be_v find_v among_o his_o disciple_n this_o he_o call_v his_o own_o new_a command_n with_o respect_n unto_o his_o authority_n require_v it_o his_o example_n first_o illustrate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o peculiar_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o he_o reveal_v and_o teach_v wherefore_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o this_o law_n of_o love_n in_o itself_o and_o all_o its_o fruit_n with_o the_o prevention_n removal_n or_o condemnation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o be_v that_o in_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n do_v principal_o consist_v and_o consider_v the_o weakness_n the_o passion_n the_o temptation_n of_o man_n the_o mutual_a provocation_n and_o exasperation_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v out_o even_o among_o the_o best_a the_o influence_n that_o earthly_a occasion_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v upon_o their_o mind_n the_o frowardness_n sometime_o of_o man_n natural_a temper_n the_o attendance_n unto_o this_o one_o duty_n or_o part_n of_o rule_n require_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o and_o it_o be_v mere_o either_o the_o want_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o law_n and_o its_o fruit_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o disciple_n or_o a_o undervaluation_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n or_o inadvertency_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o its_o decay_n and_o of_o breech_n make_v in_o it_o or_o ignorance_n of_o the_o care_n and_o duty_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o preservation_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o work_n of_o a_o especial_a office_n be_v not_o require_v hereunto_o 3._o their_o duty_n be_v to_o warn_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o especial_a church-duty_n that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v negligent_a or_o want_v in_o they_o there_o be_v especial_a duty_n require_v respective_o of_o all_o church-member_n according_a unto_o the_o distinct_a
talent_n whether_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a which_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o be_v rich_a and_o some_o be_v poor_a some_o be_v old_a and_o some_o be_v young_a some_o in_o peace_n some_o in_o trouble_n some_o have_v receive_v more_o spiritual_a gift_n than_o other_o and_o have_v more_o opportunity_n for_o their_o exercise_n it_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o be_v admonish_v instruct_v and_o exhort_v to_o attend_v unto_o their_o respective_a duty_n not_o only_o public_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o personal_o as_o occasion_n do_v require_v according_a to_o the_o observation_n which_o those_o in_o rule_n do_v make_v of_o their_o forwardness_n or_o remissness_n in_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o instance_n man_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v that_o they_o contribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o other_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o ability_n that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n have_v entrust_v they_o withal_o and_o to_o admonish_v they_o that_o be_v defective_a herein_o in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o equality_n in_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.14_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o 4._o they_o be_v to_o watch_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o any_o church-disorder_n such_o as_o those_o that_o infest_a the_o church_n of_o corinth_n or_o any_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n with_o remissness_n as_o unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o which_o some_o be_v subject_a unto_o as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v heb._n 10.25_o on_o the_o constancy_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o this_o part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n the_o very_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v great_o depend_v the_o want_n hereof_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o all_o the_o trouble_n division_n and_o schism_n that_o in_o all_o age_n have_v invade_v and_o perplex_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o within_o themselves_o and_o from_o thence_o also_o have_v decay_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o order_n insensible_o prevail_v in_o many_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n first_o one_o grow_v remiss_a in_o attend_v unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o another_o first_o to_o one_o degree_n then_o to_o another_o until_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v infect_v a_o diligent_a watch_n over_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o beginning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n will_v either_o heal_v and_o recover_v they_o that_o offend_v or_o it_o will_v warn_v other_o and_o keep_v the_o church_n from_o be_v either_o corrupt_a or_o defile_v heb._n 3_o chap._n 12._o 5._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o also_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o such_o as_o who_o inward_a or_o outward_a condition_n do_v expose_v they_o unto_o more_o than_o ordinary_a trial_n in_o their_o sickness_n that_o be_v the_o poor_a the_o afflict_a the_o tempt_v in_o any_o kind_n this_o in_o general_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n a_o work_n of_o mercy_n but_o it_o be_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a church-duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o institution_n and_o one_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v all_o that_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a relief_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o and_o useful_a to_o they_o in_o their_o trouble_n and_o distress_n and_o if_o this_o duty_n be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v add_v much_o unto_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o our_o order_n and_o be_v a_o abide_n reserve_v with_o relief_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o outward_a condition_n expose_v they_o to_o strait_n and_o sorrow_n in_o such_o a_o season_n i_o add_v hereunto_o as_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n the_o visitation_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v unto_o restraint_n and_o imprisonment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o profession_n adherence_n unto_o church-assembly_n or_o the_o discharge_v of_o any_o pastoral_n or_o office-duty_n in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o case_n wherewith_o we_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a nor_o be_v like_o so_o to_o be_v some_o look_n on_o this_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o yet_o enjoy_v their_o liberty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o their_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n will_v allow_v they_o provide_v their_o discharge_n of_o it_o be_v useful_a unto_o those_o who_o they_o visit_v and_o inoffensive_a unto_o other_o but_o this_o duty_n diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o elder_n represent_v therein_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n yea_o of_o christ_n himself_o unto_o his_o prisoner_n be_v a_o great_a spring_n of_o relief_n and_o comfort_n unto_o they_o and_o by_o the_o elder_n may_v the_o church_n be_v acquaint_v what_o yet_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n on_o their_o account_n the_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n herein_o be_v most_o eminent_a 6._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o office_n to_o advise_v with_o and_o give_v direction_n unto_o the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o make_n provision_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v principal_o executive_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o inquisition_n into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n with_o the_o warn_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o liberality_n for_o their_o supply_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n 7._o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o through_o suffer_v persecution_n and_o affliction_n that_o the_o poor_a be_v multiply_v among_o they_o so_o as_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v not_o able_a to_o provide_v for_o their_o relief_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n if_o any_o supply_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o love_n and_o bounty_n of_o other_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v deposit_v with_o these_o elder_n and_o dispose_v according_a to_o their_o advice_n with_o that_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 11.30_o 8._o it_o be_v also_o their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o peculiar_a inspection_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n their_o way_n and_o their_o walk_n to_o acquaint_v the_o pastor_n or_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o direction_n in_o the_o present_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n he_o who_o make_v it_o not_o his_o business_n to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o minister_v unto_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o to_o their_o knowledge_n their_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n their_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n and_o apply_v not_o himself_o in_o his_o ministry_n to_o search_v out_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a unto_o their_o edification_n he_o fight_v uncertain_o in_o his_o whole_a work_n as_o a_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n but_o whereas_o their_o obligation_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n confine_v they_o much_o unto_o a_o retirement_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o time_n they_o can_v by_o themselves_o obtain_v that_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o whole_a flock_n but_o that_o other_o may_v great_o assist_v therein_o from_o their_o daily_a inspection_n converse_n and_o observation_n 9_o and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o meet_v and_o consult_v with_o the_o teaching-elders_a about_o such_o thing_n of_o importance_n as_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o consent_n and_o compliance_n hence_o nothing_o crude_a or_o indigested_a nothing_o unsuit_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n will_v at_o any_o time_n be_v propose_v therein_o so_o to_o give_v occasion_n unto_o contest_v or_o jangle_n dispute_v contrary_a unto_o order_n or_o decency_n but_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o gravity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n 10._o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o any_o diotrephes_n in_o office_n or_o without_o it_o 11._o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n to_o consult_v together_o with_o the_o other_o elder_n concern_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o present_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o their_o preservation_n from_o violence_n according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ._n 12._o whereas_o there_o
may_v be_v and_o ofttimes_o be_v but_o one_o teaching-eld_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n in_o a_o church_n upon_o his_o death_n or_o removal_n it_o be_v the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o these_o elder_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o its_o assembly_n to_o prevent_v irregularity_n in_o any_o person_n or_o party_n among_o they_o to_o go_v before_o to_o direct_v and_o guide_v the_o church_n in_o the_o call_n and_o choice_n of_o some_o other_o meet_a person_n or_o person_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o decease_a or_o remove_v these_o few_o instance_n have_v i_o give_v of_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_v elder_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o such_o as_o deserve_v a_o great_a enlargement_n in_o their_o declaration_n and_o confirmation_n than_o i_o can_v here_o afford_v unto_o they_o and_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n and_o synod_n but_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v be_v sufficient_a unto_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o all_o the_o thing_n insist_v on_o do_v undoubted_o and_o unquestionable_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o they_o that_o be_v liable_a unto_o any_o just_a exception_n from_o they_o by_o who_o all_o church_n order_n be_v not_o despise_v wherefore_o where_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v defective_a as_o unto_o its_o own_o edification_n and_o where_o this_o defect_n be_v great_a in_o many_o of_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o beauty_n no_o glory_n no_o order_n in_o any_o church_n but_o only_o a_o outward_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v belong_v unto_o the_o duty_n of_o these_o elder_n there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n nor_o confirmation_n but_o that_o they_o all_o undoubted_o and_o unquestionable_o belong_v unto_o that_o rule_n and_o order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n and_o which_o the_o scripture_n testify_v unto_o both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a for_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o vain_a apprehension_n to_o suppose_v that_o one_o or_o two_o teach_v officer_n in_o a_o church_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n to_o labour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o preach_v in_o and_o out_o of_o season_n that_o be_v at_o all_o time_n on_o all_o opportunity_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v gainsayers_a by_o word_n and_o write_v plead_v for_o the_o truth_n to_o assist_v and_o guide_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o under_o their_o temptation_n and_o desertion_n with_o sundry_a other_o duty_n in_o part_n speak_v to_o before_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o attend_v with_o diligence_n unto_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o do_v evident_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o church_n at_o this_o day_n do_v live_v on_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o pastor_n which_o they_o great_o value_v and_o be_v very_o little_a sensible_a of_o the_o wisdom_n goodness_n love_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o unto_o their_o edification_n and_o the_o supply_n which_o many_o have_v make_v hitherto_o herein_o by_o person_n either_o unacquainted_a with_o their_o duty_n or_o insensible_a of_o their_o own_o authority_n or_o cold_a if_o not_o negligent_a in_o their_o work_n do_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v lose_v in_o most_o church_n and_o it_o be_v both_o vain_o and_o presumptuous_o plead_v to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o order_n that_o some_o church_n do_v walk_v in_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o be_v edify_v without_o it_o supply_v some_o defect_n by_o the_o prudent_a aid_n of_o some_o member_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o preference_n of_o our_o own_o wisdom_n unto_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n or_o at_o best_a a_o unwillingness_n to_o make_v a_o venture_n on_o the_o warranty_n of_o his_o rule_n for_o fear_v of_o some_o disadvantage_n that_o may_v ensue_v thereon_o 3._o whereas_o sundry_a of_o the_o duty_n beforementioned_a be_v as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o require_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a station_n without_o any_o especial_a obligation_n to_o attend_v unto_o they_o with_o diligence_n to_o look_v after_o they_o or_o power_n to_o exercise_n any_o authority_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o they_o to_o leave_v they_o from_o under_o the_o office-care_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o let_v in_o confusson_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n and_o gradual_o to_o remove_v the_o whole_a advantage_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o many_o church_n already_o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o neither_o the_o purity_n nor_o the_o order_n nor_o the_o beauty_n or_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o majesty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o government_n of_o they_o can_v be_v long_o preserve_v without_o a_o multiplication_n of_o elder_n in_o they_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o respective_a member_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o guidance_n and_o for_o want_v hereof_o have_v church_n of_o old_a and_o of_o late_a either_o degenerate_v into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n their_o self_n rule_n be_v manage_v with_o vain_a dispute_n and_o jangle_n unto_o their_o division_n and_o ruin_n or_o else_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o domination_n of_o some_o prelatical_a teacher_n to_o rule_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n which_o prove_v the_o bane_n and_o poison_n of_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o they_o will_v and_o must_v do_v so_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o order_n for_o the_o future_a chap._n ix_o of_o deacon_n the_o original_a institution_n nature_n and_o use_v of_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o that_o we_o need_v not_o much_o insist_v upon_o they_o nor_o shall_v i_o treat_v of_o the_o name_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o any_o kind_n of_o ministry_n civil_a or_o sacred_a but_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o that_o especial_a work_n for_o which_o this_o office_n be_v ordain_v the_o remote_a foundation_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n the_o poor_a you_o have_v always_o with_o you_o joh._n 12.8_o he_o do_v not_o only_o foretell_v that_o such_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n but_o recommend_v the_o care_n of_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n 15.11_o for_o the_o poor_a shall_v never_o cease_v out_o of_o the_o land_n therefore_o i_o command_v thou_o say_v thou_o shall_v open_v thy_o hand_n wide_a unto_o thy_o brother_n to_o thy_o poor_a and_o to_o thy_o needy_a this_o legal_a institution_n found_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o authority_n transferr_v and_o translate_v unto_o the_o use_n of_o gospel_n church_n among_o his_o disciple_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o at_o the_o same_o instant_a hypocrisy_n and_o avarice_n begin_v to_o attempt_v their_o advantage_n on_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o afterward_o effect_v unto_o their_o safety_n for_o on_o the_o pretence_n hereof_o judas_n immediate_o condemn_v a_o eminent_a duty_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o contain_v a_o cost_n in_o it_o which_o may_v have_v be_v better_o lay_v out_o in_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a the_o ointment_n pour_v on_o our_o saviour_n he_o think_v may_v have_v be_v sell_v for_o three_o hundred_o penny_n it_o may_v be_v about_o forty_o or_o fifty_o pound_n and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a but_o this_o he_o say_v not_o that_o he_o care_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o thief_n and_o have_v the_o bag_n out_o of_o which_o he_o can_v have_v make_v a_o good_a prey_n unto_o himself_o joh._n 12.6_o and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o although_o judas_n malicious_o begin_v this_o murmur_a yet_o at_o last_o some_o of_o the_o other_o disciple_n be_v
too_o credulous_a of_o his_o insinuation_n see_v the_o other_o evangelist_n ascribe_v it_o to_o they_o also_o but_o the_o same_o pretence_n on_o the_o same_o ground_n in_o follow_v age_n be_v turn_v unto_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o covetousness_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world._n for_o under_o this_o pretence_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a the_o thief_n who_o have_v get_v the_o bag_n that_o be_v the_o rule_v part_n of_o the_o clergy_n with_o the_o priest_n friar_n and_o monk_n who_o serve_v they_o allow_v man_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o important_a duty_n of_o religion_n towards_o christ_n himself_o so_o as_o that_o they_o will_v give_v all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o the_o poor_a not_o that_o they_o care_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o because_o they_o be_v thief_n and_o have_v the_o bag_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wealth_n of_o the_o nation_n profess_v christian_a religion_n this_o be_v their_o compliance_n with_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o equal_o make_v use_v of_o in_o other_o thing_n this_o foundation_n of_o their_o office_n be_v far_o raise_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o poor_a many_o of_o they_o who_o first_o receive_v it_o be_v of_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o testify_v the_o poor_a be_v evangelize_v matth._n 11.5_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o poor_a jam._n 2.5_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o provision_n for_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a grace_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n and_o this_o way_n become_v the_o original_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v make_v manifest_a thereby_o that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o worldly_a design_n or_o advantage_n god_n also_o declare_v therein_o of_o how_o little_a esteem_n with_o he_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n be_v and_o also_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o rich_a in_o their_o supply_n the_o only_a way_n whereby_o they_o may_v glorify_v god_n with_o their_o substance_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o all_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o will_v wise_o consider_v how_o eminent_a be_v this_o grace_n how_o excellent_a be_v this_o duty_n of_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o poor_a how_o much_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v concern_v herein_o for_o whereas_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o ordinary_a work_n to_o be_v perform_v transient_o and_o curious_o scarce_o deserve_v any_o of_o the_o time_n which_o be_v allot_v unto_o the_o church_n public_a service_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v indeed_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a duty_n of_o christian_a society_n wherein_o the_o principal_a exercise_n of_o the_o second_o evangelical_n grace_n namely_o love_n do_v consist_v the_o care_n of_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o poor_a be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n a_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v natural_o incumbent_a on_o they_o who_o be_v the_o first_o only_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o apostle_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n act._n 6._o the_o whole_a work_n and_o care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v attend_v unto_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o in_o any_o manner_n whereas_o therefore_o they_o give_v themselves_o according_a to_o their_o duty_n most_o unto_o those_o part_n of_o their_o work_n which_o be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a than_o the_o other_o namely_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n there_o be_v such_o a_o defect_n in_o this_o other_o part_n of_o ministration_n unto_o the_o poor_a as_o must_v unavoidable_o accompany_v the_o act_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o able_a to_o apply_v itself_o constant_o unto_o thing_n of_o diverse_a nature_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o hereon_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v quick_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o be_v express_v their_o resentment_n of_o a_o neglect_n in_o somewhat_o a_o undue_a order_n there_o be_v a_o murmur_a about_o it_o ver._n 1._o the_o apostle_n hereon_o declare_v that_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n namely_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o constant_o to_o attend_v unto_o afterward_o indeed_o man_n begin_v to_o think_v that_o they_o can_v do_v all_o in_o the_o church_n themselves_o but_o it_o be_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o do_v nothing_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o whereas_o the_o apostle_n choose_v as_o their_o duty_n the_o work_n of_o prayer_n and_o preach_v as_o that_o which_o they_o will_v and_o ought_v entire_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o work_n will_v deposit_v the_o care_n of_o other_o thing_n on_o other_o hand_n they_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o successor_n unto_o they_o who_o lie_v aside_o that_o work_n which_o they_o determine_v to_o belong_v unto_o they_o principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o apply_v themselves_o unto_o any_o thing_n else_o whatever_a yet_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n hereon_o utter_o forgo_v the_o care_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v original_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v not_o divest_v themselves_o whole_o of_o it_o but_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o provide_v such_o assistance_n in_o the_o work_n as_o that_o for_o the_o future_a it_o may_v require_v no_o more_o of_o their_o time_n or_o pain_n but_o what_o they_o shall_v spare_v from_o their_o principal_a employment_n and_o the_o same_o care_n be_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o do_v not_o interfere_v with_o their_o principal_a work_n and_o duty_n from_o which_o those_o who_o understand_v it_o aright_o can_v spare_v but_o little_a of_o their_o time_n and_o strength_n hereon_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n under_o who_o infallible_a guidance_n they_o be_v in_o all_o the_o general_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n institute_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o necessary_a and_o important_a duty_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o can_v not_o attend_v unto_o themselves_o and_o whereas_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n commit_v the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a unto_o the_o disciple_n there_o be_v now_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o what_o way_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o will_v have_v they_o provide_v for_o and_o it_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o a_o new_a office_n and_o not_o a_o present_a supply_n in_o a_o work_n of_o business_n which_o they_o design_v for_o the_o limitation_n of_o a_o especial_a ecclesiastical_a work_n with_o the_o designation_n of_o person_n unto_o that_o work_n with_o authority_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o set_v over_o this_o business_n with_o a_o separation_n unto_o it_o do_v complete_o constitute_v a_o office_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o require_v thereunto_o but_o whereas_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o concur_v and_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o ministration_n unto_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o church_n 1._o the_o love_n charity_n bounty_n and_o benevolence_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o contribution_n unto_o that_o ministration_n 2._o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o and_o 3._o the_o actual_a exercise_n and_o application_n of_o it_o the_o last_o only_o belong_v unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n and_o neither_o of_o the_o first_o be_v discharge_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o be_v both_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o its_o moral_a part_n enforce_v by_o many_o especial_a command_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o nothing_o can_v absolve_v man_n from_o their_o obligation_n thereunto_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v to_o excite_v direct_a and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o grace_n and_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n therein_o incumbent_a on_o they_o nor_o be_v any_o man_n by_o the_o entrust_v a_o due_a proportion_n of_o his_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o deacon_n for_o its_o distribution_n absolve_v thereby_o from_o his_o own_o personal_a discharge_n of_o it_o also_o for_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n require_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o receive_v peculiar_a obligation_n
unto_o a_o present_a exercise_n by_o such_o circumstance_n as_o nature_n and_o providence_n do_v suggest_v the_o care_n also_o of_o the_o whole_a work_n be_v as_o be_v say_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n only_o the_o ordinary_a execution_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o deacon_n nor_o be_v this_o a_o temporary_a institution_n for_o that_o season_n and_o so_o the_o officer_n appoint_v extraordinary_a but_o be_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o generation_n for_o 1._o the_o work_n itself_o as_o a_o distinct_a work_n of_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n be_v never_o to_o cease_v it_o be_v to_o abide_v for_o ever_o the_o poor_a you_o shall_v have_v always_o with_o you_o 2._o the_o reason_n of_o its_o institution_n be_v perpetual_a namely_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o themselves_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o pray_v preach_a and_o this_o ministration_n 3._o they_o be_v afterward_o not_o only_o in_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n reckon_v among_o the_o fix_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o 4._o direction_n be_v give_v for_o their_o continuation_n in_o all_o church_n with_o a_o prescription_n of_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o call_v into_o this_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 10_o 11._o 5._o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n be_v direct_v and_o a_o office_n commit_v unto_o they_o let_v they_o be_v first_o prove_v then_o let_v they_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n 6._o a_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n be_v annex_v unto_o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o this_o office_n vers._n 13._o hence_o those_o who_o afterward_o utter_o pervert_v all_o church_n order_n take_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o care_n of_o the_o deacon_n that_o work_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o for_o which_o end_v alone_o their_o office_n be_v institute_v in_o the_o church_n assign_v other_o work_n unto_o they_o whereunto_o they_o be_v not_o call_v nor_o appoint_v yet_o think_v meet_v to_o continue_v the_o name_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o a_o office_n because_o of_o the_o evident_a institution_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o continuation_n and_o whereas_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v swell_v with_o pride_n and_o ambition_n in_o the_o church_n no_o sort_n of_o its_o officer_n content_v themselves_o with_o their_o primitive_a institution_n but_o strive_v by_o various_a degree_n to_o somewhat_o in_o name_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v high_a and_o aloft_n there_o arise_v from_o the_o name_n of_o this_o office_n the_o meteor_n of_o a_o archdeacon_n with_o strange_a power_n and_o authority_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o age_n but_o this_o belong_v unto_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n whereunto_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n but_o some_o think_v it_o not_o inconvenient_a even_o to_o sport_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o church_n order_n and_o constitution_n this_o office_n of_o deacon_n be_v a_o office_n of_o service_n which_o give_v not_o any_o authority_n or_o power_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v a_o office_n it_o give_v authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o special_a work_n of_o it_o under_o a_o general_a notion_n of_o authority_n that_o be_v a_o right_a to_o attend_v unto_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o but_o this_o right_n be_v confine_v unto_o the_o particular_a church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v they_o to_o make_v their_o collection_n and_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v they_o to_o administer_v extraordinary_a collection_n from_o or_o for_o other_o church_n be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o dispose_v by_o the_o elder_n act_n 11.30_o whereas_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o office_n be_v in_o general_a to_o free_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n from_o avocation_n by_o outward_a thing_n such_o as_o wherein_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v it_o belong_v unto_o the_o deacon_n not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o to_o manage_v all_o other_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n such_o as_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o place_n of_o the_o church-assembly_n of_o the_o element_n for_o the_o sacrament_n of_o keep_v collect_v and_o dispose_v of_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o its_o officer_n and_o incidency_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n or_o persecution_n hereon_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o attend_v the_o elder_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o they_o and_o receive_v direction_n from_o they_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n until_o the_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n of_o the_o superior_a clergy_n enclose_v all_o alm_n and_o donation_n unto_o themselves_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n whereof_o be_v excellent_o describe_v and_o trace_v by_o paulus_n sharpius_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o matter_n beneficiary_a that_o maintenance_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o be_v to_o distribute_v be_v to_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o voluntary_a contribution_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v make_v ordinary_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2._o and_o this_o contribution_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v 1._o in_o a_o way_n of_o bounty_n not_o spare_o 2_o cor._n 9.5_o 6_o 7._o 2._o in_o a_o way_n of_o equality_n as_o unto_o man_n ability_n 2_o cor._n 8.13_o 14._o 3._o with_o respect_n unto_o present_a success_n and_o thrive_a in_o affair_n whereof_o a_o portion_n be_v due_a to_o god_n as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o 1_o cor._n 16.2_o 4._o with_o willingness_n and_o freedom_n 2_o cor._n 8.12_o chap._n 7._o wherefore_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o deacon_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n 1._o to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o the_o present_a necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a 2._o to_o stir_v up_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o free_a contribution_n according_a unto_o their_o ability_n 3._o to_o admonish_v those_o that_o be_v negligent_a herein_o who_o give_v not_o according_a to_o their_o porportion_n and_o to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n with_o those_o who_o persist_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a unto_o who_o the_o contribution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v minister_v belong_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o office._n as_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v poor_a indeed_o and_o do_v not_o pretend_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v for_o advantage_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o poverty_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o relation_n and_o circumstance_n that_o they_o may_v have_v suitable_a supply_n 3._o that_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o walk_v according_a unto_o rule_n 4._o in_o particular_a that_o they_o work_v and_o labour_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n for_o he_o that_o will_v not_o labour_n must_v not_o eat_v at_o the_o public_a charge_n 5._o to_o comfort_n counsel_n and_o exhort_v they_o unto_o patience_n submission_n contentment_n with_o their_o condition_n and_o thankfulness_n all_o which_o may_v be_v enlarge_v and_o confirm_v but_o that_o they_o be_v obvious_a the_o qualification_n of_o person_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n be_v distinct_o lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o upon_o the_o trial_n knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o qualification_n their_o call_n to_o this_o office_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o a_o separation_n unto_o it_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n act._n 6.3_o 5_o 6._o and_o the_o adjunct_n of_o their_o ministration_n be_v 1._o mercy_n to_o represent_v the_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n towards_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n rom._n 12.8_o 2._o cheerfulness_n to_o relieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v against_o thought_n of_o be_v troublesome_a and_o burdensome_a to_o other_o 3._o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n by_o which_o they_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o great_a boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o inquire_v into_o some_o few_o thing_n relate_v unto_o this_o office_n and_o those_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o as_o 1._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o affirm_v
the_o present_a offence_n and_o scandal_n may_v be_v provide_v against_o by_o a_o act_n of_o rectoral_a prudence_n in_o cause_v the_o offend_a person_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o a_o season_n v._o it_o be_v inquire_v five_o whether_o such_o as_o voluntary_o causeless_o and_o disorderly_o do_v leave_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n though_o not_o guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a immorality_n maâ—_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v answ._n 1._o where_o person_n be_v esteem_v member_n of_o church_n by_o external_a cause_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o by_o parochial_a cohabitation_n they_o may_v remove_v from_o one_o church_n unto_o another_o by_o the_o removal_n of_o their_o habitation_n according_a unto_o their_o own_o discretion_n for_o such_o cohabitation_n be_v the_o only_a formal_a cause_n of_o any_o relation_n to_o such_o a_o church_n in_o particular_a upon_o the_o cease_n of_o that_o cause_n the_o relation_n cease_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n 2._o where_o person_n be_v member_n of_o church_n by_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o express_v personal_a consent_n causeless_a departure_n from_o they_o be_v a_o evil_a liable_a unto_o many_o aggrevation_n 3._o but_o whereas_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v edification_n there_o may_v be_v many_o just_a and_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o a_o person_n may_v remove_v himself_o from_o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o one_o church_n unto_o that_o of_o another_o and_o of_o these_o reason_n he_o himself_o be_v judge_v on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n nor_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o deny_v unto_o any_o such_o person_n their_o liberty_n desire_v peaceable_o and_o according_a unto_o order_n 4._o it_o be_v declare_v before_o that_o where_o any_o person_n guilty_a of_o and_o under_o admonition_n for_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n their_o so_o do_v be_v no_o impediment_n unto_o a_o far_o procedure_v against_o they_o 5._o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o we_o church_n or_o those_o who_o be_v so_o esteem_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o far_o differ_v in_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o that_o they_o have_v not_o entire_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o if_o a_o man_n leave_v a_o church_n of_o one_o sort_n to_o join_v with_o one_o of_o another_o as_o suppose_v he_o leave_v a_o select_a congregation_n to_o join_v in_o a_o parochial_a church_n constant_o and_o total_o he_o may_v be_v just_o excommunicate_v for_o so_o do_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o do_v belong_v answ._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o if_o any_o man_n leave_v the_o communion_n of_o parochial_a assembly_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o a_o select_a congregation_n those_o who_o have_v power_n over_o those_o parish_n will_v make_v no_o question_n whether_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v he_o or_o no_o in_o their_o way_n but_o 2._o suppose_v person_n so_o depart_v from_o particular_a congregation_n 1._o to_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n 2._o that_o they_o depart_v quiet_o without_o attempt_v disorder_n or_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o they_o do_v actual_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o some_o church_n who_o constitution_n principles_n and_o worship_n they_o do_v approve_v whereby_o their_o visible_a profession_n be_v preserve_v the_o church_n may_v not_o just_o proceed_v unto_o their_o excommunication_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o declare_v that_o such_o person_n have_v on_o their_o own_o accord_n forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o under_o its_o watch_n or_o care_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n further_o oblige_v towards_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o christian_a duty_n in_o general_n 6._o as_o for_o those_o who_o departure_n be_v as_o voluntary_a and_o causeless_o so_o accompany_v with_o other_o evil_n such_o as_o be_v revile_n reproach_n and_o false_a accusation_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o such_o case_n they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o as_o obstinate_a offender_n vi_o the_o six_o enquiry_n be_v what_o time_n be_v to_o be_v give_v after_o solemn_a admonition_n before_o actual_a excommunication_n answ._n 1._o the_o manner_n of_o some_o to_o run_v over_o the_o word_n i_o admonish_v you_o a_o first_o second_o and_o third_z time_n so_o immediate_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v that_o wherein_o man_n be_v great_o to_o be_v pity_v for_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o take_v on_o themselves_o to_o act_n order_n and_o dispose_v of_o that_o we_o ascribe_v it_o not_o unto_o worse_a and_o more_o evil_a cause_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v a_o considerable_a season_n or_o space_n of_o time_n between_o solemn_a admonition_n and_o excommunication_n for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o former_a be_v the_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o offender_n nor_o do_v its_o efficacy_n thereunto_o depend_v on_o or_o consist_v in_o the_o actual_a give_v of_o it_o but_o as_o other_o moral_a cause_n which_o may_v work_v gradual_o upon_o occasional_a advantage_n want_v of_o light_n some_o present_a exasperation_n and_o temptation_n may_v seem_v to_o frustrate_v a_o present_a admonition_n when_o they_o do_v but_o suspend_v its_o present_a efficacy_n which_o it_o may_v afterward_o obtain_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o offender_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o church_n admonition_n that_o be_v intend_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o abide_v in_o prayer_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n and_o herein_o the_o case_n may_v possible_o require_v some_o long_a time_n to_o be_v spend_v 4._o no_o present_a appearance_n of_o obstinacy_n or_o impenitence_n under_o admonition_n which_o be_v usual_o plead_v shall_v cause_v a_o immediate_a proceedure_n unto_o excommunication_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o distinct_a institution_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o wherein_o the_o former_a be_v to_o be_v allow_v its_o proper_a season_n for_o its_o use_n and_o efficacy_n 2._o it_o do_v not_o represent_v the_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o love_n which_o hope_v all_o thing_n bear_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n 4._o all_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o sinner_n by_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o so_o as_o to_o defer_v the_o ultimate_a sentence_n nulla_fw-la unquam_fw-la de_fw-la morte_fw-la hominis_fw-la cunctatio_fw-la long_fw-mi est_fw-la 5._o if_o new_a sin_n be_v add_v of_o the_o same_o or_o any_o other_o kind_n unto_o former_a scandal_n whilst_o person_n be_v under_o admonition_n it_o be_v a_o indication_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o proceedure_n vii_o it_o may_v be_v far_o inquire_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o false_a opinion_n about_o they_o answ._n 1._o the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_o and_o positive_o state_v rev._n 2.2_o 6_o 15_o 16_o 20._o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o tit._n 3.10_o 11._o and_o other_o place_n that_o it_o need_v no_o far_a determination_n wherefore_o 2._o if_o the_o error_n intend_v be_v about_o or_o against_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o that_o they_o that_o hold_v they_o can_v hold_v the_o head_n but_o real_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n no_o pretend_a usefulness_n of_o such_o person_n no_o peaceableness_n as_o unto_o outward_a deportment_n which_o man_n guilty_a of_o such_o abomination_n will_v frequent_o cover_v themselves_o withal_o can_v countenance_v the_o church_n in_o forbear_v after_o due_a admonition_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o their_o communion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_a the_o danger_n that_o be_v from_o it_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o from_o a_o gangrene_n in_o any_o member_n unto_o the_o body_n the_o indignation_n of_o christ_n express_v against_o such_o pernicious_a doctrine_n the_o opposition_n of_o they_o to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o rock_n which_o in_o most_o of_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o render_v a_o church_n altogether_o inexcusable_a who_o omit_v their_o duty_n herein_o 3._o false_a opinion_n in_o lesser_a thing_n when_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o christian_a practice_n be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o a_o church_n and_o sundry_a rule_n be_v give_v unto_o this_o end_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o rom._n 14.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n phil._n 3.15_o 16._o howbeit_o in_o that_o low_a ebb_n of_o grace_n love_n and_o prudence_n which_o we_o
their_o judgement_n absolute_o in_o any_o case_n and_o in_o many_o their_o determination_n may_v be_v so_o doubtful_a as_o not_o to_o affect_v the_o conscience_n of_o he_o who_o be_v censure_v but_o such_o a_o person_n be_v not_o only_o a_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a church_n but_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n also_o it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o judge_v as_o unto_o his_o interest_n therein_o if_o he_o do_v desire_v it_o and_o this_o can_v no_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o such_o synod_n as_o we_o shall_v immediate_o describe_v 6._o synod_n be_v consecrate_a unto_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o guidance_n of_o the_o first_o church_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n which_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n as_o be_v give_v by_o they_o under_o the_o infallible_a conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act._n 15._o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v far_o unto_o immediate_o have_v see_v the_o original_a of_o church_n synod_n or_o their_o formal_a cause_n we_o consider_v also_o their_o material_a cause_n or_o the_o subject_a matter_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o or_o determine_v in_o they_o and_o this_o in_o general_n be_v every_o thing_n wherein_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v communion_n among_o themselves_o when_o any_o thing_n fall_v out_o among_o they_o which_o otherwise_o will_v disturb_v that_o communion_n and_o hereof_o some_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v 1._o church_n have_v mutual_a communion_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o faith._n if_o any_o doubt_n or_o difference_n do_v arise_v about_o it_o any_o opinion_n be_v advance_v contrary_a unto_o it_o either_o in_o any_o particular_a church_n which_o they_o can_v determine_v among_o themselves_o or_o among_o sundry_a church_n the_o last_o outward_a mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n among_o they_o and_o of_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o condemnation_n of_o error_n and_o opinion_n contrary_a unto_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n be_v by_o these_o synod_n or_o council_n the_o care_n hereof_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o first_o place_n commit_v unto_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o be_v at_o large_a before_o declare_v but_o in_o case_n through_o the_o subtlety_n prevalency_n and_o interest_n of_o those_o by_o who_o damnable_a doctrine_n be_v broach_v the_o church_n itself_o whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v not_o able_a to_o rebuke_v and_o suppress_v they_o nor_o to_o maintain_v its_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n or_o that_o by_o suffer_v such_o thing_n in_o one_o church_n other_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v infect_v or_o defile_v this_o be_v the_o last_o external_a refuge_n that_o be_v leave_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o same_o faith._n we_o have_v multiply_v example_n hereof_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n before_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o these_o synod_n into_o superstition_n and_o domination_n such_o be_v eminent_o that_o gather_v at_o antioch_n for_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o heresy_n of_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la the_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v so_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o order_n peace_n and_o unity_n wherein_o every_o particular_a church_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o itself_o and_o among_o its_o own_o member_n there_o be_v schism_n division_n strife_n and_o contention_n in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o apostolical_a plant_n and_o water_v so_o there_o be_v at_o antioch_n and_o afterward_o at_o corinth_n as_o also_o of_o some_o of_o the_o church_n in_o galatia_n the_o duty_n of_o remedy_v and_o heal_v these_o division_n and_o difference_n from_o what_o cause_n soever_o they_o arise_v be_v first_o incumbent_n on_o each_o particular_a member_n in_o every_o such_o church_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v give_v in_o charge_n by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o if_o every_o one_o of_o they_o do_v perform_v their_o duty_n in_o love_n a_o end_n will_v be_v put_v unto_o all_o strife_n in_o case_n of_o failure_n therein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v charge_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o power_n authority_n and_o wisdom_n to_o rebuke_v and_o compose_v such_o difference_n but_o in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o able_a so_o to_o do_v as_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n than_o a_o assembly_n of_o other_o church_n walk_v in_o actual_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n wherein_o the_o difference_n be_v arisen_a and_o thereon_o concern_v in_o their_o prosperity_n and_o edification_n by_o their_o messenger_n and_o delegate_n be_v the_o last_o outward_a mean_n for_o its_o composure_n 3._o where_o there_o have_v be_v any_o male_a administration_n of_o discipline_n whereby_o any_o member_n of_o a_o church_n have_v be_v injure_v as_o suppose_v they_o be_v undue_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n of_o some_o diotrephes_n or_o that_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n make_v a_o party_n and_o faction_n to_o depose_v their_o elder_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n when_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n give_v they_o advice_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v necessary_a from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o the_o interest_n the_o person_n injure_v have_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n who_o edification_n be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o church-administrations_a that_o the_o proceed_n of_o such_o a_o church_n be_v renew_v by_o a_o synod_n and_o a_o remedy_n provide_v in_o the_o case_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v leave_v without_o relief_n which_o be_v undue_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o diotrephes_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ordinary_a way_n hereof_o but_o only_o by_o synod_n but_o this_o case_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v speak_v unto_o afterward_o 4._o the_o same_o be_v the_o case_n with_o respect_n unto_o worship_n as_o also_o of_o manner_n and_o conversation_n if_o it_o be_v report_v or_o know_v by_o credible_a testimony_n that_o any_o church_n have_v admit_v into_o the_o exercise_n of_o divine_a worship_n any_o thing_n superstitious_a or_o vain_a or_o if_o the_o member_n of_o it_o walk_v like_o those_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 3.18_o 19_o unto_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n itself_o not_o endeavour_v its_o own_o reformation_n and_o repentance_n other_o church_n walk_v in_o communion_n therewith_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o common_a interest_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o more_o private_a way_n for_o its_o reduction_n as_o opportunity_n and_o duty_n may_v suggest_v unto_o their_o elder_n aught_o to_o assemble_v in_o a_o synod_n for_o advice_n either_o as_o to_o the_o use_n of_o far_a mean_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o a_o church_n or_o to_o withhold_v communion_n from_o it_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n in_o its_o evil_a way_n the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o this_o part_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o gospel_n worship_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o gospel_n obedience_n in_o its_o power_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o decay_n and_o apostasy_n of_o they_o all_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o negligence_n instead_o of_o be_v helpful_a one_o to_o another_o for_o their_o mutual_a recovery_n and_o the_o revival_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v they_o gradual_o infect_v one_o another_o according_a as_o they_o fall_v into_o their_o decay_n and_o countenance_v one_o another_o by_o their_o example_n unto_o a_o continuance_n in_o such_o disorder_n the_o image_n which_o in_o late_a age_n be_v set_v up_o hereof_o in_o diocesan_n and_o metropolitical_a visitation_n and_o those_o of_o lesser_a district_n under_o officer_n of_o anti-christian_n name_n have_v be_v useful_a rather_o unto_o destruction_n than_o edification_n but_o so_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o most_o thing_n concern_v church-order_n worship_n and_o discipline_n the_o power_n and_o spirituality_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v lose_v a_o machine_n have_v be_v frame_v to_o make_v a_o appearance_n and_o representation_n of_o they_o to_o divert_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o inquire_v after_o the_o primitive_a institution_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o experience_n of_o their_o efficacy_n consider_v what_o we_o have_v learn_v in_o these_o late_a age_n by_o woeful_a experience_n of_o what_o have_v fall_v out_o former_o among_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o unto_o their_o degeneracy_n from_o gospel_n worship_n and_o holiness_n with_o the_o abound_v of_o temptation_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v and_o the_o spiritual_a decay_n that_o all_o church_n be_v prone_a unto_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o if_o those_o church_n which_o do_v walk_v in_o express_a
arrive_v unto_o those_o which_o they_o call_v general_a under_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o pope_n who_o senate_n they_o be_v but_o these_o thing_n have_v no_o countenance_n give_v they_o by_o any_o divine_a institution_n apostolical_a example_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a product_n of_o secular_a interest_n work_v itself_o in_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n since_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n nation_n have_v be_v cast_v into_o distinct_a civil_a government_n of_o their_o own_o who_o sovereignty_n be_v in_o themselves_o by_o the_o event_n of_o war_n and_o counsel_n thereon_o emergent_a unto_o each_o of_o these_o it_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o church-state_n accommodate_v as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o church_n of_o scotland_n the_o church_n of_o france_n and_o the_o like_a who_o original_a and_o be_v depend_v on_o the_o first_o event_n of_o war_n in_o that_o dissolution_n unto_o these_o new_a church-state_n who_o be_v bound_n and_o limit_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o absolute_o by_o those_o of_o the_o civil_a government_n which_o they_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v think_v meet_v that_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n shall_v be_v accommodate_v but_o in_o what_o way_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v there_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o agreement_n but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o consider_v the_o difference_n that_o be_v about_o it_o which_o be_v know_v unto_o this_o nation_n on_o a_o dear_a account_n yet_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o whereas_o it_o be_v eminent_o useful_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n that_o all_o the_o church_n profess_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o same_o supreme_a civil_a government_n shall_v hold_v constant_a actual_a communion_n among_o themselves_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o it_o before_o mention_v i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v any_o abridgement_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o particular_a church_n or_o interfere_v with_o any_o of_o their_o right_n which_o they_o hold_v by_o divine_a institution_n if_o through_o more_o constant_a lesser_a synod_n for_o advice_n there_o be_v a_o communication_n of_o their_o mutual_a concern_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v great_a until_o if_o occasion_n require_v and_o it_o be_v expedient_a there_o be_v a_o general_a assembly_n of_o they_o all_o to_o advise_v about_o any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v all_o concern_v but_o this_o be_v grant_v only_o with_o these_o limitation_n 1._o that_o the_o right_n of_o particular_a church_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o free_a election_n of_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o all_o these_o synod_n 2._o that_o they_o assume_v no_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n over_o church_n or_o person_n in_o thing_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a 3._o that_o none_o be_v immediate_o concern_v in_o this_o proper_a synodal_n power_n or_o authority_n which_o what_o it_o be_v we_o shall_v inquire_v who_o be_v not_o present_a in_o they_o by_o their_o own_o delegate_n for_o that_o kind_n of_o synod_n which_o some_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la which_o be_v a_o convention_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o sundry_a parochial_a church_n distinguish_v for_o presential_a communion_n ordinary_o in_o some_o act_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o office-power_n it_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o particular_a church_n by_o a_o combination_n of_o they_o into_o one_o who_o original_a distinction_n be_v only_o in_o the_o civil_a limit_n of_o their_o cohabitation_n which_o probable_o may_v be_v do_v sometime_o and_o in_o some_o place_n unto_o edification_n 4._o the_o person_n of_o who_o all_o sort_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v to_o consist_v must_v be_v inquire_v into_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o mere_a humane_a prudential_a constitution_n that_o have_v long_a obtain_v in_o the_o church_n than_o that_o those_o shall_v be_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o and_o whereas_o after_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o ☞_o have_v no_o record_n of_o any_o synod_n of_o more_o church_n than_o one_o until_o after_o the_o distinction_n be_v make_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n they_o be_v make_v up_o of_o both_o sort_n of_o they_o but_o afterward_o those_o who_o be_v peculiar_o call_v bishop_n enclose_v this_o right_n unto_o themselves_o on_o what_o ground_n god_n know_v there_o be_v no_o one_o tittle_n in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o give_v they_o countenance_v therein_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v affirm_v that_o no_o person_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o office_n mere_o have_v right_o to_o be_v member_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n as_o such_o neither_o be_v there_o either_o example_n or_o reason_n to_o give_v colour_n unto_o any_o such_o pretence_n farther_o be_v no_o office-power_n to_o be_v exert_v in_o such_o synod_n as_o such_o neither_o conjunct_o by_o all_o the_o member_n of_o they_o nor_o single_o by_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n bishop_n pastor_n elder_n may_v be_v present_a in_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v present_a in_o they_o be_v meet_a for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o to_o be_v but_o mere_o as_o such_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o the_o care_n oversight_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v the_o flock_n among_o they_o distinct_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o for_o that_o they_o be_v instruct_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office._n but_o as_o unto_o their_o conjunction_n in_o synod_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a act_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o commit_v unto_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o peculiar_a right_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office._n if_o it_o be_v so_o without_o respect_n unto_o the_o power_n of_o the_o magistrate_n in_o call_v they_o or_o of_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v they_o than_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o all_o for_o that_o which_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o as_o such_o by_o virtue_n of_o office_n belong_v equal_o unto_o all_o and_o if_o it_o belong_v unto_o all_o than_o it_o belong_v unto_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n only_o as_o for_o instance_n bishop_n or_o unto_o all_o of_o all_o sort_n as_o for_o instance_n presbyter_n also_o if_o it_o be_v state_v in_o the_o latter_a way_n than_o every_o presbyter_n as_o such_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n have_v right_o and_o power_n to_o be_v present_a in_o all_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n equal_a with_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n for_o although_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o his_o office_n be_v not_o equal_a unto_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o also_o that_o this_o right_n do_v equal_o belong_v unto_o his_o office._n if_o the_o former_a be_v avow_v namely_o that_o this_o right_n belong_v unto_o bishop_n only_o such_o as_o be_v plead_v for_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n as_o such_o then_o 1._o i_o desire_v that_o any_o tolerable_a proof_n of_o the_o confinement_n of_o this_o right_n unto_o such_o a_o office_n be_v produce_v either_o from_o the_o scripture_n or_o reason_n or_o the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n which_o as_o yet_o i_o have_v never_o see_v 2._o i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v that_o a_o false_a presumption_n hereof_o be_v one_o principal_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o introduce_v tyranny_n into_o the_o church_n and_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o their_o liberty_n concern_v the_o composition_n that_o be_v make_v herein_o that_o some_o shall_v convene_v in_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n by_o their_o own_o personal_a right_n and_o in_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o other_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o delegation_n from_o some_o of_o their_o own_o order_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a political_a constitution_n which_o i_o shall_v immediate_o speak_v unto_o it_o be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n example_n or_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o society_n in_o union_n or_o communion_n that_o will_v lead_v we_o any_o far_a than_o this_o that_o such_o synod_n be_v to_o be_v compose_v and_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v choose_v and_o delegated_a by_o those_o church_n respective_o who_o do_v act_n and_o exert_v their_o communion_n in_o such_o assembly_n so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o first_o example_n of_o they_o act._n 15._o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n choose_v and_o send_v messenger_n of_o their_o own_o number_n to_o advise_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n at_o which_o consultation_n the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n also_o be_v present_a and_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n it_o be_v on_o other_o account_n that_o they_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o history_n
of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o voluntary_a convention_n of_o the_o officer_n or_o elder_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n with_o some_o other_o of_o neighbour_a church_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o difference_n or_o heresy_n among_o they_o in_o and_o from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a there_o be_v assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o other_o call_v together_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n to_o advise_v about_o matter_n of_o faith._n in_o after_o age_n those_o which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o italy_n germany_n france_n and_o england_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n advise_v about_o thing_n civil_a and_o political_a as_o well_o as_o sacred_a and_o religious_a especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o mutual_a contest_v between_o pope_n and_o prince_n in_o they_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v lose_v and_o bury_v and_o all_o religion_n almost_o destroy_v thus_o this_o laudable_a practice_n of_o church_n act_v their_o mutual_a communion_n by_o meeting_n in_o synod_n or_o assembly_n by_o their_o delegate_n or_o messenger_n to_o advise_v about_o thing_n of_o their_o common_a concernment_n and_o joint_a edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o countenance_v by_o primitive_a apostolical_a example_n be_v turn_v by_o the_o design_v interest_n and_o ambition_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o all_o church-power_n in_o such_o synod_n and_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o power_n give_v unto_o no_o church_n nor_o all_o of_o they_o together_o as_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o instance_n innumerable_a and_o whereas_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o noise_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v fill_v so_o many_o volume_n with_o their_o act_n and_o do_n yet_o some_o of_o they_o who_o under_o the_o pope_n will_v place_v all_o religion_n in_o they_o do_v grant_n and_o contend_v that_o they_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n so_o bellarmine_n affirm_v pighius_fw-la to_o have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr coelest_n hierarch_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 1._o but_o for_o his_o part_n he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a by_o virtue_n of_o that_o word_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o matth._n 18._o de_fw-fr council_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o superstructure_n pretend_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o of_o these_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o principal_n for_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a care_n of_o public_a edification_n incumbent_a on_o they_o which_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v on_o all_o just_a occasion_n they_o be_v presume_v just_o to_o know_v best_a the_o state_n of_o their_o own_o church_n and_o to_o be_v best_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n under_o consideration_n and_o they_o do_v better_o represent_v the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o be_v send_v than_o any_o private_a brethren_n can_v do_v and_o so_o receive_v that_o respect_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o also_o they_o be_v most_o meet_a to_o report_v and_o recommend_v the_o synodal_n determination_n unto_o their_o church_n and_o a_o contrary_a practice_n will_v quick_o introduce_v confusion_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o alone_o shall_v be_v so_o send_v or_o delegated_a by_o the_o church_n but_o many_o have_v other_o join_v with_o they_o and_o have_v so_o until_o prelatical_a usurpation_n overturn_v their_o liberty_n so_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n send_v from_o antioch_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n whatever_o be_v impudent_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a concur_v in_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n there_o make_v 5._o that_o which_o be_v term_v the_o call_n of_o these_o synod_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v to_o meet_v together_o by_o their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n for_o the_o end_n before_o declare_v i_o no_o way_n deny_v but_o that_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v convene_v by_o his_o authority_n the_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o minister_n with_o such_o other_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v meet_a within_o his_o own_o territory_n yea_o and_o receive_v into_o his_o convention_n meet_v man_n out_o of_o the_o territory_n of_o other_o by_o their_o consent_n to_o advise_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o give_v he_o advice_n about_o such_o concernment_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o dominion_n and_o regulate_v himself_o according_o it_o have_v be_v practise_v with_o good_a success_n and_o may_v be_v with_o bad_a also_o and_o i_o do_v deny_v that_o church_n have_v power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o convene_v themselves_o in_o synod_n to_o exercise_v any_o exterior_a jurisdiction_n that_o shall_v affect_v the_o person_n of_o his_o subject_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v allow_v but_o whereas_o the_o synod_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o any_o civil_a affair_n wherein_o the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v outward_o concern_v have_v no_o jurisdiction_n in_o any_o kind_n can_v make_v no_o determination_n but_o only_o doctrinal_a declaration_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o their_o call_n beyond_o their_o own_o consent_n but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v meet_v in_o external_a peace_n by_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o when_o they_o can_v obtain_v they_o must_v deport_v themselves_o as_o in_o case_n of_o other_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n 6._o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o synod_n in_o what_o measure_n extent_n and_o number_n soever_o they_o be_v assemble_v for_o although_o this_o may_v be_v easy_o collect_v from_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v concern_v their_o original_a nature_n cause_n use_v and_o end_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o because_o of_o the_o many_o difference_n that_o be_v about_o it_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a power_n ascribe_v unto_o synod_n the_o first_o be_v declarative_a consist_v in_o a_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o be_v constitutive_a appoint_v and_o ordain_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v and_o observe_v by_o and_o upon_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o three_o executive_a in_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n towards_o person_n and_o church_n the_o person_n who_o the_o authority_n plead_v may_v affect_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v their_o proper_a representative_n present_v in_o such_o synod_n who_o be_v direct_o concern_v in_o its_o conciliary_a determination_n 2._o such_o as_o have_v no_o such_o representative_n in_o they_o who_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o concern_v but_o in_o the_o doctrine_n material_o consider_v declare_v in_o they_o wherefore_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o church_n receive_v comply_v with_o or_o obey_v the_o determination_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n must_v be_v either_o 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n give_v unto_o those_o determination_n by_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o scripture_n or_o 2._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n itself_o affect_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o those_o concern_v in_o the_o first_o way_n wherein_o the_o assent_n and_o obedience_n of_o church_n be_v resolve_v ultimate_o into_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v thereof_o not_o only_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v own_v but_o there_o be_v a_o authoritative_a proposal_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o if_o due_o seek_v and_o regard_v whence_o great_a respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o decree_n respect_v either_o 1._o the_o thing_n or_o doctrine_n declare_v and_o be_v recommendatory_a of_o they_o on_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n or_o 2._o person_n to_o censure_n excommunicate_a or_o punish_v those_o who_o receive_v they_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o just_a power_n of_o synod_n may_v be_v positive_o and_o negative_o declare_v in_o the_o two_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n