all_o thing_n as_o they_o see_v necessary_a which_o church_n they_o be_v wherefore_o if_o that_o will_v please_v they_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o skill_n for_o the_o management_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n according_a to_o the_o canon_n law_n with_o such_o other_o rule_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a as_o they_o have_v frame_v and_o in_o the_o legal_a proceed_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n as_o they_o be_v call_v there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v equal_a unto_o they_o or_o will_v contend_v with_o they_o 2._o it_o hence_o also_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v diligent_o endeavour_v the_o attain_n of_o and_o increase_n in_o this_o wisdom_n give_v evidence_n thereof_o on_o all_o occasion_n that_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o rule_n but_o hereunto_o so_o many_o thing_n do_v belong_v as_o can_v in_o this_o place_n be_v meet_o treat_v of_o somewhat_o that_o appertain_v to_o they_o shall_v afterward_o be_v consider_v chap._n iu._n the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o be_v essential_a with_o respect_n unto_o its_o nature_n and_o be_v or_o as_o it_o be_v organical_a with_o respect_n unto_o its_o order_n the_o constituent_a cause_n and_o part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o essence_n and_o be_v be_v its_o institution_n matter_n and_o form_n whereof_o we_o have_v treat_v it_o be_v order_n as_o it_o be_v organical_a be_v found_v in_o that_o communication_n of_o power_n unto_o it_o from_o christ_n which_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o organize_a of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o place_n or_o implant_n in_o it_o those_o officer_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o act_v and_o exercise_v his_o authority_n therein_o for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o exertion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v that_o be_v the_o officer_n of_o it_o not_o that_o all_o officer_n be_v call_v to_o rule_n but_o that_o none_o be_v call_v to_o rule_v that_o be_v not_o so_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o their_o work_n be_v distribute_v into_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n rom._n 12.6.7_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v authority_n to_o teach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o also_o of_o rule_v which_o be_v call_v a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n corrupt_o and_o some_o have_v only_a power_n for_o rule_n of_o which_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o in_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world._n those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v distinguish_v into_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o distinction_n between_o the_o elder_n themselves_o be_v not_o like_a that_o between_o elder_n and_o deacon_n which_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o whole_a kind_n or_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n but_o only_o with_o respect_n unto_o work_n and_o order_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v distinct_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v bishop_n or_o elder_n concern_v who_o there_o have_v be_v mighty_a contention_n in_o the_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o principle_n we_o have_v hitherto_o proceed_v on_o discharge_v we_o from_o any_o especial_a interest_n or_o concernment_n in_o this_o controversy_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o church_n of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a constitution_n none_o in_o be_v in_o the_o second_o or_o three_o century_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n the_o foundation_n of_o that_o contest_v which_o be_v about_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n in_o the_o same_o person_n over_o many_o church_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n indeed_o strife_n about_o power_n superiority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o among_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o scandal_n it_o start_v early_o in_o the_o church_n be_v extinguish_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o apostle_n 9.10_o rebuke_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o other_o yet_o through_o the_o pride_n ambition_n and_o avarice_n of_o man_n have_v grow_v to_o be_v the_o stain_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o church_n in_o most_o age_n for_o neither_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n forbid_v such_o ambitious_a designing_n nor_o the_o proposal_n of_o his_o own_o example_n in_o this_o particular_a case_n nor_o the_o experience_n of_o their_o own_o insufficiency_n for_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n have_v be_v able_a to_o restrain_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o covet_v after_o and_o contend_v for_o a_o prerogative_n in_o church-power_n over_o other_o for_o though_o this_o ambition_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n or_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v under_o a_o severe_a interdict_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yet_o when_o man_n like_a achan_n see_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o the_o goodly_a babylonish_n garment_n that_o they_o think_v to_o be_v in_o power_n domination_n and_o wealth_n they_o covet_v they_o and_o take_v they_o to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n if_o man_n will_v but_o a_o little_a serious_o consider_v what_o there_o be_v in_o that_o care_n of_o soul_n even_o of_o all_o they_o over_o who_o they_o pretend_v church-power_n rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n concern_v they_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v abate_v of_o their_o earnestness_n in_o contend_v for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o their_o cure_n the_o claim_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o consist_v in_o a_o rank_n of_o person_n distinct_a from_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n be_v manage_v with_o great_a variety_n it_o be_v not_o agree_v whether_o they_o be_v distinct_a in_o order_n above_o they_o or_o only_o as_o unto_o a_o certain_a degree_n among_o they_o of_o the_o same_o order_n it_o be_v not_o determine_v what_o do_v constitute_v that_o pretend_a distinct_a order_n nor_o wherein_o that_o degree_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o the_o same_o order_n do_v consist_v nor_o what_o basis_n it_o stand_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o agree_v whether_o this_o order_n of_o bishop_n have_v any_o church-power_n appropriate_v unto_o it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v act_v single_o by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o presbyter_n or_o how_o far_o that_o concurrence_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o act_n of_o church-order_n or_o power_n there_o be_v no_o bound_n or_o limit_n of_o the_o diocese_n which_o they_o claim_v the_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o as_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v peculiar_o relate_v derive_v either_o from_o divine_a institution_n or_o tradition_n or_o general_a rule_n of_o reason_n respect_v both_o or_o either_o of_o they_o or_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o gift_n and_o ability_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o wherein_o church-order_n or_o edification_n be_v concern_v those_o who_o plead_v for_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n will_v not_o proceed_v any_o far_a but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o superiority_n in_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n in_o order_n or_o degree_n but_o whether_o this_o must_v be_v over_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n only_o or_o in_o many_o distinct_a church_n whether_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o not_o only_o hinder_v they_o utter_o from_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n towards_o the_o most_o of_o they_o who_o they_o esteem_v their_o flock_n and_o necessitate_v they_o unto_o a_o rule_n by_o unscriptural_a church-officer_n law_n and_o power_n they_o suppose_v do_v not_o belong_v unto_o their_o cause_n whereas_o indeed_o the_o weight_n and_o moment_n of_o it_o do_v lie_v in_o and_o depend_v on_o these_o thing_n innumerable_a other_o uncertainty_n difference_n and_o variance_n there_o be_v about_o this_o singular_a episcopacy_n which_o we_o be_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o nor_o shall_v i_o insist_v on_o any_o of_o those_o which_o have_v be_v already_o mention_v but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o evangelical_n pastoral_n office_n which_o be_v now_o under_o consideration_n unto_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v before_o about_o the_o non_fw-fr institution_n of_o any_o church_n beyond_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v utter_o exclusive_a of_o all_o pretence_n of_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n i_o shall_v brief_o as_o in_o a_o diversion_n add_v the_o argument_n which_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v every_o way_n the_o same_o person_n in_o the_o same_o office_n have_v the_o same_o function_n without_o distinction_n in_o
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
order_n or_o degree_n which_o also_o as_o unto_o the_o scripture_n the_o most_o learned_a advocate_n of_o prelacy_n begin_v to_o grant_v 1._o the_o apostle_n describe_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n give_v this_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v so_o tit._n 1.5_o 6_o 7._o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n if_o any_o be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a he_o that_o will_v prove_v of_o what_o sort_n a_o presbyter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v so_o aught_o to_o be_v give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o such_o a_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v intend_v the_o same_o person_n and_o office_n by_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n or_o there_o be_v no_o congruity_n of_o speech_n or_o consequence_n of_o reason_n in_o what_o he_o assert_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o same_o person_n and_o the_o same_o office_n by_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v to_o destroy_v his_o argument_n and_o render_v the_o context_n of_o his_o discourse_n unintelligible_a he_o that_o will_v say_v that_o if_o you_o make_v a_o justice_n of_o peace_n or_o a_o constable_n he_o must_v be_v magnanimous_a liberal_a full_a of_o clemency_n and_o courage_n for_o so_o a_o king_n ought_v to_o be_v will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o argue_v very_o wise_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o argument_n here_o if_o by_o elder_n and_o bishop_n distinct_a order_n and_o office_n be_v intend_v 2._o there_o be_v many_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n in_o one_o particular_a church_n phil._n 1.1_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v at_o philippi_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n that_o the_o church_n then_o at_o philippi_n be_v one_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v prove_v before_o but_o to_o have_v many_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o church_n whereas_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o episcopacy_n plead_v for_o consist_v in_o the_o superiority_n of_o one_o over_o the_o presbyter_n of_o many_o church_n be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a such_o bishop_n whereof_o there_o may_v be_v many_o in_o the_o same_o church_n of_o the_o same_o order_n equal_a in_o power_n and_o dignity_n with_o respect_n unto_o office_n will_v easy_o be_v grant_v but_o then_o they_o be_v presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n there_o will_v i_o fear_v be_v no_o end_n of_o this_o contest_v because_o of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n of_o some_o but_o that_o the_o identity_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v more_o plain_o express_v can_v neither_o be_v expect_v nor_o desire_v 3._o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o miletus_n send_v to_o ephesus_n for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n as_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o undeniable_o demonstrate_v act._n 20.17_o 18._o unto_o these_o elder_n he_o say_v take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 28._o if_o elder_n and_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o same_o person_n have_v the_o same_o office_n the_o same_o function_n and_o the_o same_o duty_n and_o the_o same_o name_n it_o be_v impossible_a so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v express_v for_o these_o elder_n be_v they_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v bishop_n they_o be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o same_o church_n their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o the_o flock_n and_o to_o feed_v the_o church_n which_o comprise_v all_o the_o duty_n the_o whole_a function_n of_o elder_n and_o bishop_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v the_o same_o this_o plain_a testimony_n can_v no_o way_n be_v evade_v by_o pretence_n and_o conjecture_n unwritten_a and_o uncertain_a the_o only_a answer_n unto_o it_o be_v it_o be_v indeed_o so_o then_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o afterward_o which_o some_o now_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o but_o these_o elder_n be_v either_o elder_n only_o and_o not_o bishop_n or_o bishop_n only_o and_o not_o elder_n or_o the_o same_o person_n be_v elder_n and_o bishop_n as_o be_v plain_o affirm_v in_o the_o word_n the_o latter_a be_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v if_o the_o first_o be_v assert_v then_o be_v there_o no_o bishop_n then_o at_o ephesus_n for_o these_o elder_n have_v the_o whole_a oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n if_o the_o second_o than_o be_v there_o no_o elder_n at_o all_o which_o be_v no_o good_a exposition_n of_o those_o word_n that_o paul_n call_v unto_o he_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v the_o flock_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d take_v the_o oversight_n or_o exercise_v the_o office_n and_o function_n of_o bishop_n over_o they_o and_o that_o not_o as_o lord_n but_o as_o ensample_n of_o humility_n obedience_n and_o holiness_n to_o the_o whole_a flock_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o those_o on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o to_o superintend_v over_o it_o as_o those_o who_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v accountable_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bishop_n and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o bishop_n over_o they_o unto_o who_o this_o charge_n shall_v be_v principal_o commit_v but_o such_o according_a unto_o this_o apostle_n be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o those_o elder_n and_o bishop_n be_v the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v as_o those_o that_o do_v watch_v for_o and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o soul_n heb._n 13.17_o 5._o the_o substance_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o instance_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v this_o those_o who_o name_n be_v the_o same_o equal_o common_a and_o applicable_a unto_o they_o all_o who_o function_n be_v the_o same_o who_o qualification_n and_o character_n be_v the_o same_o who_o duty_n account_v and_o reward_n be_v the_o same_o concern_v who_o there_o be_v in_o no_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o least_o mention_n of_o inequality_n disparity_n or_o preference_n in_o office_n among_o they_o they_o be_v essential_o and_o every_o way_n the_o same_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v modest_o be_v deny_v i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o where_o a_o church_n be_v great_o increase_v so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o it_o for_o its_o instruction_n and_o rule_n that_o decency_n and_o order_n do_v require_v that_o one_o of_o they_o do_v in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o church_n affair_n preside_v to_o guide_v and_o direct_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n thereof_o so_o the_o presbyter_n at_o alexandria_n do_v choose_v one_o from_o among_o themselves_o that_o shall_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o a_o precedent_n among_o they_o whether_o the_o person_n that_o be_v so_o to_o preside_v be_v direct_v unto_o by_o be_v first_o convert_v or_o first_o ordain_v or_o on_o the_o account_n of_o age_n or_o of_o gift_n and_o ability_n whether_o he_o continue_v for_o a_o season_n only_o and_o then_o another_o be_v depute_v unto_o the_o same_o work_n or_o for_o his_o life_n be_v thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a to_o be_v determine_v according_a unto_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o reason_n and_o order_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v never_o oppose_v this_o order_n but_o rather_o desire_v to_o see_v it_o in_o practice_n namely_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o such_o a_o extent_n as_o necessary_o to_o require_v many_o elder_n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o government_n for_o the_o better_a observation_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n the_o full_a representation_n of_o the_o authority_n commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o officer_n of_o his_o church_n the_o occasional_a instruction_n of_o the_o member_n in_o lesser_a assembly_n which_o as_o unto_o some_o end_n may_v be_v state_v also_o with_o the_o due_a attendance_n unto_o all_o other_o mean_n of_o edification_n and_o watch_v inspect_v warn_v admonish_a exhort_v and_o the_o like_a and_o that_o among_o these_o elder_n one_o shall_v be_v choose_v by_o themselves_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n not_o into_o a_o new_a order_n not_o into_o a_o degree_n of_o authority_n above_o his_o brethren_n but_o only_o unto_o his_o part_n of_o the_o common_a work_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n which_o require_v some_o kind_n of_o precedency_n hereby_o no_o new_a officer_n no_o new_a order_n of_o officer_n no_o new_a degree_n of_o power_n or_o
discharge_v of_o this_o office._n many_o have_v be_v the_o contest_v about_o these_o thing_n occasion_v by_o the_o ignorance_n and_o disorderly_a affection_n of_o some_o person_n i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v the_o truth_n herein_o with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o call_v itself_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_a 1._o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o office._n he_o give_v it_o appoint_v it_o erect_v it_o in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o as_o he_o give_v appoint_v ordain_v a_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o apostleship_n so_o he_o ordain_v appoint_a and_o give_v the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastorship_n or_o teach_v they_o have_v both_o the_o same_o divine_a original_a 2._o he_o appoint_v this_o office_n for_o continuance_n or_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n ephes._n 4.13_o matth._n 28.19_o and_o therefore_o he_o take_v order_n by_o his_o apostle_n that_o for_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o office_n pastor_n elder_n or_o bishop_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o ordain_v unto_o the_o care_n and_o discharge_v of_o it_o in_o all_o church_n which_o be_v do_v by_o they_o according_o act._n 14.22_o 23._o chap._n 20.28_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o tit._n 1.5_o wherein_o he_o give_v rule_n unto_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o prescribe_v they_o their_o duty_n 3._o on_o this_o office_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n act._n 20.28_o col._n 4.17_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o rev._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n hereon_o a_o double_a necessity_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o office_n do_v depend_v first_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o precept_n or_o command_n of_o it_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o obedience_n which_o it_o owe_v to_o christ_n and_o second_o of_o its_o be_v the_o principal_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o towards_o his_o church_n wherefore_o although_o he_o can_v himself_o feed_v his_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o outward_a institute_v mean_n of_o edification_n yet_o where_o this_o office_n fail_v through_o its_o neglect_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n confusion_n and_o destruction_n that_o will_v ensue_v thereon_o no_o promise_n of_o feed_v or_o edification_n 4._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v command_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o obedience_n unto_o those_o who_o enjoy_v and_o exercise_v this_o office_n among_o they_o now_o all_o these_o command_n be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a nor_o can_v any_o obedience_n be_v yield_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o their_o observance_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o this_o office._n and_o the_o church_n lose_v as_o much_o in_o grace_n and_o privilege_n as_o it_o lose_v in_o command_n for_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n do_v grace_n in_o its_o exercise_n consist_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 5._o this_o office_n be_v accompany_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o none_o can_v take_v or_o assume_v to_o themselves_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n whether_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a which_o be_v not_o either_o found_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o collate_v by_o divine_a ordination_n be_v usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n no_o man_n can_v of_o himself_o take_v either_o sword._n to_o invade_v a_o office_n which_o include_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o be_v to_o disturb_v all_o right_n natural_a divine_a and_o civil_a that_o such_o a_o authority_n be_v include_v in_o this_o office_n be_v evident_a 1._o from_o the_o name_n ascribe_v unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v vest_v as_o pastor_n bishop_n elder_n ruler_n all_o of_o they_o require_v of_o it_o 2._o from_o the_o work_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v feed_v by_o rule_n and_o teach_v 3._o from_o the_o execution_n of_o church-power_n in_o discipline_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n commit_v unto_o they_o 4._o from_o the_o command_n give_v for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o which_o respect_n authority_n 5._o from_o their_o appointment_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o exert_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v do_v no_o other_o way_n 6._o christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o the_o call_n of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o but_o if_o man_n may_v enter_v upon_o it_o and_o discharge_v it_o without_o any_o such_o call_v that_o rule_n with_o the_o way_n of_o the_o call_v prescribe_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a affront_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n than_o to_o act_v in_o it_o in_o neglect_n of_o or_o opposition_n unto_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o it_o 7._o there_o be_v a_o accountable_a trust_n commit_v unto_o those_o who_o undertake_v this_o office._n the_o whole_a flock_n the_o ministry_n itself_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o they_o all_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o col._n 4.17_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o 2_o tim._n 2.2_o 16_o 23._o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o heb._n 13.17_o they_o who_o must_v give_v a_o account_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o wicked_a or_o foolish_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o intrude_v himself_o into_o a_o trust_n which_o be_v not_o commit_v unto_o he_o they_o be_v brand_v as_o profligate_o wicked_a who_o attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n among_o man_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o impudent_a falsification_n and_o what_o shall_v he_o be_v esteem_v who_o intrude_v himself_o into_o the_o high_a trust_n that_o any_o creature_n be_v capable_a off_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o its_o discharge_n at_o the_o last_o day_n without_o any_o divine_a call_n or_o warranty_n 8._o there_o be_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o office_n especial_a promise_n grant_v and_o annex_v of_o present_a assistance_n and_o future_a eternal_a reward_n matth._n 28.19_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o either_o these_o promise_n belong_v unto_o they_o who_o take_v this_o office_n on_o themselves_o without_o any_o call_n or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v not_o then_o have_v they_o neither_o any_o especial_a assistance_n in_o their_o work_n nor_o can_v expect_v any_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o than_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v obtain_v the_o benefit_n of_o divine_a promise_n without_o any_o divine_a designation_n 9_o the_o general_a force_n of_o the_o rule_n heb._n 5.4_o include_v a_o prohibition_n of_o undertake_v any_o sacred_a office_n without_o a_o divine_a call_n and_o so_o the_o instance_n of_o such_o prohibition_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o unto_o the_o duty_n annex_v unto_o a_o office_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o vzziah_n invade_v the_o priesthood_n or_o of_o take_v a_o ministerial_a office_n without_o call_n or_o mission_n as_o jerem._n 27.9_o 14_o 15._o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o order_n of_o god_n institution_n may_v be_v plead_v in_o this_o case_n 10._o whoever_o therefore_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o pastoral_a office_n without_o a_o lawful_a outward_a call_n do_v take_v unto_o himself_o power_n and_o authority_n without_o any_o divine_a warranty_n which_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n interest_n himself_n in_o a_o accountable_a trust_n no_o way_n commit_v unto_o he_o have_v no_o promise_n of_o assistance_n in_o or_o reward_n for_o his_o work_n but_o engage_v in_o that_o which_o be_v destructive_a of_o all_o church-order_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o church_n itself_o 11._o yet_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v annex_v unto_o this_o assertion_n by_o way_n of_o limitation_n as_o 1._o many_o thing_n perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o office_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o other_o not_o call_v to_o office_n in_o a_o way_n of_o charity_n such_o be_v the_o moral_a duty_n of_o exhort_v admonish_a comfort_a instruct_v and_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o one_o another_o 2._o spiritual_a gift_n may_v be_v exercise_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o without_o office-power_n where_o order_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o but_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o
office_n be_v vain_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o it_o be_v much_o neglect_v 2._o to_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o attend_v unto_o the_o especial_a case_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o to_o look_v on_o they_o as_o unnecessary_a diversion_n whereas_o a_o due_a application_n unto_o they_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n to_o discountenance_v to_o discourage_v any_o from_o seek_v relief_n in_o perplexity_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o carry_v it_o towards_o they_o with_o a_o seem_a moroseness_n and_o unconcernedness_n be_v to_o turn_v that_o which_o be_v lame_a out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o push_v the_o disease_a and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o express_v the_o care_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o flock_n isa._n 40.11_o yea_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o hearken_v after_o they_o who_o may_v be_v so_o exercise_v to_o seek_v they_o out_o to_o give_v they_o their_o counsel_n and_o direction_n on_o all_o occasion_n 3._o to_o bear_v patient_o and_o tender_o with_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n dulness_n slowness_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v satisfaction_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v impertinency_n in_o they_o that_o be_v so_o tempt_v these_o thing_n will_v abound_v among_o they_o partly_o from_o their_o natural_a infirmity_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o perhaps_o froward_a but_o especial_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o temptation_n which_o be_v suit_v to_o disorder_n and_o disquiet_v their_o mind_n to_o fill_v they_o with_o perplex_a thought_n and_o to_o make_v they_o jealous_a of_o every_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v spiritual_o concern_v and_o if_o much_o patience_n meekness_n and_o condescension_n be_v not_o exercise_v towards_o they_o they_o be_v quick_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o whole_a pastoral_n office_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n or_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o more_o importance_n nor_o wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v more_o concern_v nor_o more_o eminent_o suit_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o than_o this_o be_v but_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o work_n or_o duty_n which_o because_o of_o the_o reason_n mention_v must_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o humility_n patience_n self-denial_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n with_o experience_n with_o wearisome_a diversion_n from_o other_o occasion_n those_o who_o have_v get_v of_o old_a the_o conduct_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o their_o management_n turn_v this_o whole_a part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n into_o a_o engine_n they_o call_v articular_a confession_n whereby_o they_o wrest_v the_o conscience_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o promotion_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n wealth_n authority_n and_o ofttimes_o to_o worse_a end_n 7._o a_o compassionate_a suffering_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o their_o trial_n and_o trouble_n whether_o internal_a or_o external_a belong_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o render_v they_o more_o like_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n who_o to_o represent_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v their_o principal_a duty_n the_o view_n and_o consideration_n by_o faith_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o compassion_n with_o his_o suffer_a member_n be_v the_o principal_a spring_n of_o consolation_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o distress_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o mind_n herein_o ought_v according_a to_o their_o measure_n to_o be_v in_o all_o that_o have_v the_o pastoral_n office_n commit_v unto_o they_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o himself_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o 2_o cor._n 11.29_o and_o unless_o this_o compassion_n and_o goodness_n do_v run_v through_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a office_n man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v evangelical_n shepherd_n nor_o the_o sheep_n say_v in_o any_o sense_n to_o be_v their_o own_o for_o those_o who_o pretend_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o live_v it_o may_v be_v in_o wealth_n and_o pleasure_n regardless_o of_o the_o suffering_n and_o temptation_n of_o their_o flock_n or_o of_o the_o poor_a of_o it_o or_o relate_v unto_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v not_o answerable_a unto_o the_o institution_n of_o their_o office_n nor_o to_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n therein_o 8._o care_v of_o the_o poor_a and_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a be_v part_n of_o this_o duty_n common_o know_v though_o common_o neglect_v 9_o the_o principal_a care_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o second_o general_a head_n of_o the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o this_o office_n whereunto_o many_o thing_n in_o particular_a do_v belong_v but_o because_o i_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o distinct_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o it_o 10._o there_o be_v a_o communion_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o profession_n in_o any_o nation_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v the_o principal_a care_n hereof_o unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n of_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o letter_n of_o mutual_a advice_n of_o congratulation_n or_o consolation_n or_o in_o testimony_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o office_n in_o they_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o convening_n in_o synod_n for_o consultation_n of_o their_o joint_a concernment_n which_o thing_n make_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o 11._o that_o wherewith_o i_o shall_v close_v these_o few_o instance_n of_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n and_o duty_n be_v that_o without_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v neither_o be_v useful_a unto_o man_n nor_o be_v accept_v with_o the_o great_a shepherd_n christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o be_v a_o humble_a holy_a exemplary_a conversation_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n with_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o with_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o do_v profess_v do_v undeniable_o prove_v this_o duty_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o indispensable_a in_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o fill_v up_o a_o volume_n with_o ancient_a example_n unto_o this_o purpose_n with_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o first_o writer_n among_o christian_n with_o example_n of_o public_a and_o private_a miscarriage_n herein_o with_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o the_o ruin_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o most_o nation_n where_o it_o have_v be_v profess_v and_o so_o of_o the_o nation_n themselves_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o ambition_n pride_n luxury_n uncleanness_n profaneness_n and_o otherways_o vicious_a conversation_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v call_v the_o clergy_n and_o in_o daily_a observation_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o whatever_o else_o be_v do_v in_o church_n if_o the_o pastor_n of_o they_o or_o those_o who_o be_v so_o esteem_v be_v not_o exemplary_a in_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o holiness_n religion_n will_v not_o be_v carry_v on_o and_o improve_v among_o the_o people_n if_o person_n light_n or_o profane_a in_o their_o habit_n garb_n and_o converse_v corrupt_v in_o their_o communication_n unsavoury_a and_o barren_a as_o unto_o spiritual_a discourse_n if_o such_o as_o be_v covetous_a oppressive_a and_o contentious_a such_o as_o be_v negligent_a in_o holy_a duty_n in_o their_o own_o family_n and_o so_o can_v stir_v up_o other_o unto_o diligence_n therein_o much_o more_o if_o such_o as_o be_v open_o sensual_a vicious_a and_o debauch_a be_v admit_v into_o this_o office_n we_o may_v take_v our_o leave_n of_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n to_o handle_v this_o property_n or_o adjunct_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n it_o be_v necessary_a distinct_o to_o consider_v and_o explain_v all_o the_o qualification_n assign_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o necessary_a unto_o bishop_n and_o elder_n evidence_v as_o previous_o necessary_a unto_o the_o orderly_o call_v of_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o tit._n 2.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o which_o be_v a_o work_n not_o consistent_a with_o my_o present_a design_n to_o engage_v in_o these_o be_v
judgement_n who_o have_v most_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o common_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o all_o place_n 13._o and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o begin_v to_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o more_o but_o one_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_a in_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v its_o rule_n in_o its_o self_n other_o elder_n for_o rule_n be_v unnecessary_a this_o be_v a_o novel_a opinion_n contradictory_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o contrary_n 1._o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o first_o church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v as_o our_o rule_n constant_o express_v and_o declare_v that_o many_o elder_n be_v appoint_v by_o they_o in_o every_o church_n act._n 11.30_o chap._n 14.23_o chap._n 15.2_o 4_o 6_o 22._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o phil._n 1.1_o tit._n 1.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o mention_n in_o antiquity_n of_o any_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o more_o elder_n than_o one_o nor_o do_v that_o church_n answer_v the_o original_a pattern_n where_o it_o be_v otherwise_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_a in_o a_o church_n there_o can_v be_v a_o eldership_n or_o presbytery_n as_o there_o can_v be_v a_o senate_n where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o senator_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 3._o the_o continuation_n of_o every_o church_n in_o its_o original_a state_n and_o constitution_n be_v since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a office_n and_o power_n commit_v to_o the_o care_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o hereunto_o the_o call_v and_o ordain_v of_o ordinary_a officer_n pastor_n ruler_n elder_n teacher_n do_v belong_v and_o therein_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v both_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o solemn_a set_n of_o they_o apart_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v concur_v but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_n only_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o his_o death_n or_o removal_n this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n must_v either_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o people_n or_o be_v supply_v by_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n or_o be_v whole_o omit_v all_o which_o be_v irregular_a and_o that_o church-order_n be_v defective_a which_o want_v the_o symbol_n of_o authoritative_a ordination_n 4._o it_o be_v difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a on_o a_o supposition_n of_o one_o elder_a only_o in_o a_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n from_o be_v prelatical_a or_o popular_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o object_v unto_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o diocesan_n bishop_n than_o that_o they_o will_v every_o one_o be_v bishop_n in_o their_o own_o parish_n and_o unto_o their_o own_o people_n all_o such_o pretence_n be_v exclude_v on_o our_o principle_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o the_o same_o church_n in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o other_o church_n in_o association_n but_o practical_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_a one_o of_o the_o extreme_n can_v be_v hardly_o avoid_v if_o he_o rule_v by_o himself_o without_o the_o previous_a advice_n in_o some_o case_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subsequent_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v a_o eye_n of_o unwarrantable_a prelacy_n in_o it_o if_o every_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v original_o transact_v dispose_a order_v by_o the_o whole_a society_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_a will_v quick_o be_v insignificant_a and_o he_o will_v be_v little_o more_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n than_o any_o other_o brother_n of_o the_o society_n but_o all_o these_o inconvenience_n be_v prevent_v by_o the_o fix_v of_o many_o elder_n in_o each_o church_n which_o may_v maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o free_a the_o church_n from_o the_o despotical_a rule_n of_o any_o diotrâ—phes_n but_o in_o case_n there_o be_v but_o one_o in_o any_o church_n unless_o he_o have_v wisdom_n to_o maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o eldership_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o act_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n but_o confusion_n 5._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v require_v that_o in_o every_o church_n consist_v in_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o member_n there_o shall_v be_v more_o elder_n than_o one._n when_o god_n first_o appoint_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o assign_v unto_o every_o ten_o person_n or_o family_n a_o distinct_a ruler_n deut._n 1.15_o for_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o walk_n or_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o rule_n be_v eminent_a as_o unto_o the_o holiness_n that_o it_o require_v above_o all_o other_o rule_n of_o moral_a conversation_n whatever_o and_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n great_a accuracy_n and_o circumspection_n require_v in_o their_o walk_n after_o it_o and_o according_a unto_o it_o the_o order_n also_o and_o decency_n which_o be_v require_v in_o all_o church-assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o exact_a care_n and_o inspection_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v attend_v unto_o and_o discharge_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n in_o any_o church_n by_o one_o elder_a be_v for_o they_o only_o to_o suppose_v who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o and_o although_o there_o may_v be_v a_o appearance_n for_o a_o season_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o such_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o therein_o a_o due_a compliance_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v no_o present_a beauty_n nor_o will_v be_v of_o any_o long_a continuance_n these_o consideration_n as_o also_o those_o that_o follow_v may_v seem_v jejune_n and_o contemptible_a unto_o such_o as_o have_v another_o frame_n of_o church-rule_n and_o order_n draw_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o interest_n a_o government_n vest_v in_o some_o few_o person_n with_o title_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o legal_a power_n exercise_v in_o court_n with_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n by_o the_o method_n and_o process_n of_o canon_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n be_v that_o which_o they_o suppose_v do_v better_a become_v the_o grandeur_n of_o church-ruler_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n than_o these_o creep_v elder_n with_o their_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o our_o present_a enquiry_n after_o these_o thing_n be_v only_o in_o and_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v neither_o shadow_n nor_o appearance_n of_o any_o of_o these_o practice_n i_o beg_v their_o pardon_n if_o at_o present_a i_o consider_v they_o not_o 10._o we_o shall_v now_o make_v application_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n i_o say_v then_o 1._o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o work_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o pastoral_n feed_v 2._o whereas_o this_o work_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o with_o diligence_n which_o include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o he_o that_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n with_o all_o those_o duty_n that_o accompany_v it_o be_v a_o full_a employment_n for_o any_o man_n and_o so_o consequent_o his_o principal_n and_o proper_a work_n which_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o be_v remiss_a in_o by_o attend_v on_o another_o with_o diligence_n and_o 4._o whereas_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n that_o both_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v may_v be_v constant_o attend_v unto_o 5._o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n distinct_a work_n do_v require_v distinct_a office_n for_o their_o discharge_n all_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v already_o our_o enquiry_n hereon_o be_v whether_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n have_v not_o distinguish_v this_o office_n of_o elder_n into_o those_o two_o sort_n namely_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o teach_v and_o rule_n also_o and_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o which_o we_o affirm_v the_o testimony_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v confirm_v be_v general_o know_v and_o plead_v i_o shall_v insist_v on_o some_o of_o they_o only_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n if_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o conflict_n withal_o but_o prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n and_o this_o be_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v praesum_fw-la praesidio_fw-la to_o preside_v to_o rule_v president_n
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
authority_n be_v constitute_v in_o the_o church_n only_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v cast_v into_o such_o a_o order_n as_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n do_v require_v but_o there_o be_v not_o any_o intimation_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o least_o imparity_n or_o inequality_n in_o order_n degree_n or_o authority_n among_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o sort_n whether_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a the_o apostle_n be_v all_o equal_a so_o be_v the_o evangelist_n so_o be_v elder_n or_o bishop_n and_o so_o be_v deacon_n also_o the_o scripture_n know_v no_o more_o of_o a_o archbishop_n such_o as_o all_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v nor_o a_o archdeacon_n than_o of_o a_o arch-apostle_n or_o of_o a_o arch-evangelist_n or_o a_o arch-prophet_n howbeit_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o all_o their_o assembly_n they_o have_v one_o who_o do_v preside_v in_o the_o manner_n before_o describe_v which_o seem_v among_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o peter_n the_o brethren_n also_o of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v so_o multiply_v as_o that_o the_o constant_a meeting_n of_o they_o all_o in_o one_o place_n may_v not_o be_v absolute_o best_a for_o their_o edification_n howbeit_o that_o on_o all_o the_o solemn_a occasion_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o their_o consent_n be_v necessary_a they_o do_v of_o old_a and_o aught_o still_o to_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o advise_v consultation_n and_o consent_n as_o be_v prove_v before_o this_o be_v so_o full_o express_v and_o exemplify_v in_o the_o two_o great_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n act._n 15._o that_o it_o can_v be_v gainsay_v when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n send_v by_o the_o brethren_n or_o church_n at_o antioch_n v_o 1_o 3._o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o brethren_n be_v call_v in_o distinction_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n v_o 4._o so_o when_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n assemble_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o case_n propose_v unto_o they_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o brethren_n assemble_v with_o they_o v_o 6_o 12._o neither_o be_v they_o mute_a person_n mere_a auditor_n and_o spectator_n in_o the_o assembly_n but_o they_o concur_v both_o in_o the_o debate_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n insomuch_o as_o they_o be_v express_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o advice_n give_v ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o and_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n return_v unto_o antioch_n the_o multitude_n unto_o who_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v direct_v come_v together_o about_o it_o ver_fw-la 23.30_o unless_o this_o be_v observe_v the_o primitive-church-state_n be_v overthrow_v but_o i_o shall_v return_v from_o this_o digression_n the_o first_o officer_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pastor_n a_o pastor_n be_v the_o elder_a that_o feed_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o that_o be_v who_o be_v its_o teacher_n and_o its_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d feed_v take_v the_o oversight_n it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a design_n nor_o work_v to_o give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o person_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n nor_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o work_n with_o the_o quality_n or_o virtue_n to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n to_o handle_v they_o practical_o and_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o what_o be_v of_o this_o kind_n express_v in_o the_o rule_n and_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n do_v indispensable_o require_v be_v more_o exemplify_v in_o practice_n than_o it_o be_v but_o some_o thing_n relate_v unto_o this_o officer_n and_o his_o office_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v well_o state_v i_o shall_v treat_v concern_v the_o name_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o shepherd_n be_v metaphorical_a it_o be_v a_o denomination_n suit_v unto_o his_o work_n denote_v the_o same_o office_n and_o person_n with_o a_o bishop_n or_o elder_n speak_v of_o absolute_o without_o limitation_n unto_o either_o teach_v or_o rule_v 5.4_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v use_v or_o apply_v unto_o this_o office_n because_o it_o be_v more_o comprehensive_a of_o and_o instructive_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o than_o any_o other_o name_n whatever_o nay_o than_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o metaphor_n or_o whence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o flock_n and_o whence_o god_n term_v himself_o the_o shepherd_n of_o the_o flock_n whence_o the_o sheep_n of_o this_o flock_n be_v commit_v unto_o christ_n whereon_o he_o become_v the_o good_a shepherd_n that_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o shepherd_n what_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o man_n in_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o office_n and_o what_o their_o duty_n thereon_o be_v thing_n well_o worth_a the_o consideration_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o hireling_n yea_o wolf_n and_o dumb_a dog_n do_v in_o many_o place_n take_v on_o themselves_o to_o be_v shepherd_n of_o the_o flock_n by_o who_o it_o be_v devour_v and_o destroy_v whereas_o therefore_o this_o name_n or_o appellation_n be_v take_v from_o and_o include_v in_o it_o love_v care_n tenderness_n watchfulness_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o go_v before_o preserve_v feed_v defend_v the_o flock_n the_o sheep_n and_o the_o lamb_n the_o strong_a the_o weak_a and_o disease_a with_o accountableness_n as_o servant_n unto_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n it_o be_v general_o disuse_v in_o the_o church_n and_o those_o of_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n guide_n precedent_n elder_n which_o seem_v to_o include_v more_o of_o honour_n and_o authority_n be_v retain_v in_o common_a use_n that_o though_o one_o of_o they_o at_o last_o namely_o that_o of_o bishop_n with_o some_o elate_v composition_n and_o adjunct_n of_o power_n obtain_v the_o pre-eminence_n out_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o these_o composition_n and_o addition_n in_o arch-bishop_n metropolitan_o patriarch_n and_o the_o like_a break_v forth_o the_o cockatrice_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o pope_n but_o this_o name_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n appropriate_v unto_o the_o principal_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o and_o under_o that_o name_n they_o be_v promise_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o old_a jerem._n 3.15_o and_o the_o work_n of_o these_o pastor_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n as_o it_o be_v constant_o require_v of_o they_o act._n 20.29_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o of_o pastoral_n feed_v there_o be_v two_o part_n 1._o teach_v or_o instruction_n 2._o rule_n or_o discipline_n unto_o these_o two_o head_n may_v all_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o shepherd_n towards_o his_o flock_n be_v reduce_v and_o both_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o term_n of_o feed_v 1_o chron._n 11.2_o chap._n 17.6_o jer._n 23.2_o mic._n 5.4_o chap._n 7.14_o zech._n 11.7_o act._n 20.28_o joh._n 21.14_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o he_o who_o be_v the_o pastor_n be_v the_o bishop_n the_o elder_a the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n these_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v may_v be_v distinct_a in_o several_a officer_n namely_o of_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n but_o to_o divide_v they_o in_o the_o same_o office_n of_o pastor_n that_o some_o pastor_n shall_v feed_v by_o teach_v only_o but_o have_v no_o right_a to_o rule_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o some_o shall_v attend_v in_o exercise_n unto_o rule_n only_o not_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o labour_v continual_o in_o feed_v the_o flock_n be_v almost_o to_o overthrow_v this_o office_n of_o christ_n designation_n and_o to_o set_v up_o two_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o of_o man_n own_o projection_n of_o the_o call_n of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n so_o many_o thing_n have_v be_v speak_v and_o write_v by_o other_o at_o large_a that_o i_o shall_v only_o insist_v and_o that_o very_o brief_o on_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o of_o the_o most_o important_a consideration_n or_o have_v be_v omit_v by_o other_o as_o 1._o unto_o the_o call_n of_o any_o person_n unto_o this_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v certain_a qualification_n previous_o require_v in_o he_o dispose_v and_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o that_o office._n the_o outward_a call_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v immediate_o but_o therein_o be_v require_v a_o obediential_a act_n of_o he_o also_o who_o be_v call_v neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v regular_a neither_o can_v the_o church_n act_n according_a to_o rule_n and_o order_n nor_o the_o person_n call_v act_n in_o such_o a_o due_a obedience_n unless_o there_o be_v in_o he_o some_o previous_a indication_n
if_o he_o have_v say_v pastor_n that_o be_v teacher_n if_o it_o be_v the_o latter_a than_o the_o name_n of_o teacher_n must_v be_v add_v as_o that_o which_o be_v better_o know_v than_o that_o of_o pastor_n and_o more_o expressive_a of_o the_o office_n intend_v it_o be_v declare_v who_o be_v mean_v by_o pastor_n in_o call_v they_o teacher_n or_o else_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o word_n be_v mere_o superfluous_a but_o this_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o name_n of_o pastor_n be_v more_o know_v as_o unto_o the_o indigitation_n of_o office-power_n and_o care_n and_o more_o appropriate_v thereunto_o than_o that_o of_o teacher_n which_o be_v both_o a_o common_a name_n not_o absolute_o appropriate_v unto_o office_n and_o respective_a of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o duty_n only_o 3._o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v in_o any_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o enumeration_n of_o church-officer_n either_o by_o their_o name_n as_o 1_o cor._n 12.25_o or_o by_o their_o work_n as_o rom._n 12.5_o 6_o 7._o or_o by_o the_o office_n themselves_o as_o phil._n 1.1_o of_o the_o same_o officer_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v express_v under_o various_a name_n which_o indeed_o must_v needs_o introduce_v confusion_n into_o such_o a_o enumeration_n it_o be_v true_a the_o same_o officer_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n call_v by_o several_a name_n as_o pastor_n bishop_n presbyter_n but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v any_o where_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a officer_n as_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v phil._n 1.1_o 4._o the_o word_n in_o their_o first_o notion_n be_v not_o synonymous_n for_o all_o pastor_n be_v teacher_n but_o all_o teacher_n be_v not_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v exegetical_a of_o the_o former_a 3_o dly_z as_o these_o teacher_n be_v so_o call_v and_o name_v in_o contradistinction_n unto_o pastor_n in_o the_o same_o place_n so_o they_o have_v distinct_a office-works_a and_o duty_n assign_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o same_o place_n also_o rom._n 12.18_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n if_o they_o have_v especial_a work_n to_o attend_v unto_o distinct_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n then_o be_v their_o office_n distinct_o also_o for_o from_o one_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a obligation_n unto_o one_o sort_n of_o duty_n and_o to_o another_o sort_n from_o the_o other_o 4_o thly_a these_o teacher_n be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o a_o distinct_a office_n from_o that_o of_o prophet_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o so_o they_o be_v mention_v distinct_o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 13.1_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n but_o in_o both_o place_n pastor_n be_v comprise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o prophet_n exhortation_n be_v a_o especial_a branch_n of_o prophecy_n rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o 5._o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a institution_n of_o maintenance_n for_o these_o teacher_n which_o argue_v a_o distinct_a office_n gal._n 6.6_o from_o all_o these_o consideration_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o teacher_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o pastor_n for_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o 1._o by_o their_o name_n declarative_a of_o the_o especial_a nature_n of_o their_o office._n 2._o by_o their_o peculiar_a work_n which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o teach_v by_o virtue_n of_o office._n 3_o by_o the_o distinct_a place_n in_o the_o church_n as_o peculiar_a officer_n in_o it_o distinct_a from_o prophet_n or_o pastor_n 4._o by_o the_o especial_a constitution_n of_o their_o necessary_a maintenance_n 5._o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o work_n to_o be_v distinct_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o second_o opinion_n the_o three_o be_v that_o teacher_n be_v a_o distinct_a office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o such_o who_o office_n work_n and_o power_n be_v confine_v unto_o teach_v only_o so_o as_o that_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o rule_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o 1._o i_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o have_v ordinary_a catechist_n and_o teacher_n in_o assembly_n like_o school_n that_o be_v not_o call_v unto_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 2._o the_o name_n of_o a_o teacher_n neither_o in_o its_o native_a signification_n nor_o in_o its_o ordinary_a application_n as_o expressive_a of_o the_o work_n of_o this_o office_n do_v extend_v itself_o beyond_o or_o signify_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o mere_a power_n and_o duty_n of_o teach_v it_o be_v otherwise_o as_o unto_o the_o name_n of_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o overseer_n elder_n which_o as_o unto_o the_o two_o former_a their_o constant_a use_n in_o scripture_n suit_v unto_o their_o signification_n include_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o name_n of_o dignity_n and_o rule_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o church-officer_n under_o these_o name_n the_o whole_a of_o office-power_n and_o duty_n be_v apprehend_v as_o include_v in_o they_o but_o the_o name_n of_o a_o teacher_n especial_o as_o significant_a of_o that_o of_o rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o confinement_n unto_o a_o especial_a work_n or_o duty_n 3._o i_o do_v judge_v it_o lawful_a for_o any_o church_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o scripture_n general_a rule_n and_o direction_n to_o choose_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o meet_a person_n unto_o the_o office_n work_n and_o duty_n of_o teacher_n without_o a_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 holy_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v practise_v by_o many_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o not_o in_o due_a order_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o practice_n hereof_o due_o observe_v will_v lead_v we_o unto_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o this_o office._n but_o 4._o whereas_o a_o teacher_n mere_o as_o such_o have_v no_o right_a unto_o rule_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o ordinance_n no_o more_o than_o the_o doctor_n among_o the_o jew_n have_v right_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n in_o the_o temple_n yet_o he_o who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n may_v also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o elder_a and_o a_o teach_v elder_n have_v the_o power_n of_o all_o holy_a administration_n commit_v to_o he_o 5._o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n although_o he_o be_v a_o elder_a also_o be_v to_o attend_v peculiar_o unto_o that_o part_n of_o his_o work_n from_o whence_o he_o receive_v his_o denomination_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a dismiss_v this_o three_o opinion_n unto_o far_a consideration_n if_o there_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o it_o the_o four_o opinion_n i_o rather_o embrace_v than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o namely_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o a_o teacher_n be_v a_o distinct_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n his_o office_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o of_o the_o pastor_n though_o distinguish_v from_o it_o as_o unto_o degree_n both_o material_o and_o formal_o for_o 1._o they_o be_v join_v with_o pastor_n in_o the_o same_o order_n as_o their_o associate_n in_o office_n ephes._n 4.1_o so_o they_o be_v with_o prophet_n and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v 1_o cor._n 12.28_o act._n 13.1_o 2._o they_o have_v a_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o same_o general_a nature_n with_o that_o of_o pastor_n assign_v unto_o they_o rom._n 12.7_o be_v to_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o virtue_n of_o office_n they_o have_v the_o same_o office_n for_o substance_n with_o the_o pastor_n 3._o they_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o church_n act._n 13.1_o which_o comprise_v all_o sacred_a administration_n wherefore_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o that_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v church-teacher_n with_o the_o various_a conjecture_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o writer_n about_o they_o i_o shall_v conclude_v my_o own_o thought_n in_o some_o few_o observation_n and_o then_o inquire_v into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o reference_n unto_o these_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o i_o say_v 1._o there_o may_v be_v teacher_n in_o a_o church_n call_v only_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v without_o any_o far_a interest_n in_o rule_n or_o right_o unto_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n such_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v who_o be_v mention_v gal._n 6.6_o they_o be_v there_o call_v peculiarly_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d