beginning_n be_v very_o evident_a our_o bless_a lord_n when_o he_o begin_v with_o his_o ministry_n to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o gospel_n church_n what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o distinguish_v than_o his_o choose_n the_o select_a number_n of_o twelve_o as_o one_o superior_a order_n of_o minister_n and_o of_o seventy_o who_o he_o send_v forth_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o order_n inferior_a to_o the_o twelve_o though_o their_o general_a office_n and_o commission_n as_o preacher_n be_v both_o the_o same_o which_o make_v they_o of_o one_o body_n and_o society_n as_o such_o but_o of_o a_o different_a order_n and_o degree_n and_o these_o as_o plain_o and_o political_o distinguish_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o common_a disciple_n as_o any_o one_o political_a society_n or_o company_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v from_o another_o and_o thus_o they_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o with_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n take_v as_o a_o particular_a company_n and_o body_n of_o man_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o holy_a call_v separate_a and_o distinct_a from_o the_o common_a people_n and_o as_o such_o have_v a_o government_n of_o christ_n own_o institution_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o they_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o exact_a number_n of_o twelve_o or_o of_o seventy_o do_v at_o all_o concern_v we_o gentile_n but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o it_o common_a both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o what_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o the_o levite_n that_o the_o twelve_o be_v to_o the_o seventy_o yea_o and_o among_o the_o twelve_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o difference_n both_o of_o order_n and_o degree_n though_o peter_n be_v not_o the_o princeps_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la he_o be_v the_o primus_fw-la discipulorum_fw-la the_o seniour_n of_o that_o school_n or_o collegium_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o next_o in_o dignity_n under_o christ_n his_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o we_o find_v that_o peter_n be_v the_o person_n unto_o who_o christ_n do_v immediate_o direct_v all_o his_o speech_n that_o concern_v they_o in_o common_a that_o when_o the_o twelve_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o be_v mention_v if_o peter_n be_v one_o he_o be_v always_o name_v first_o yea_o and_o matthew_n in_o his_o catalogue_n do_v not_o only_o name_v he_o first_o but_o give_v he_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o praeses_fw-la neither_o though_o this_o be_v grant_v will_v it_o at_o all_o strengthen_v or_o favour_v the_o arrogant_a claim_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v peter_n successor_n for_o peter_n himself_o be_v call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n universal_a of_o which_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o head_n but_o with_o relation_n to_o that_o particular_a society_n or_o collegium_fw-la of_o which_o he_o be_v then_o a_o member_n for_o when_o the_o frame_n and_o oeconomy_n of_o that_o particular_a society_n be_v dissolve_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n peter_n be_v no_o more_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o primate_n or_o precedent_n than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o eleven_o be_v 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v always_o so_o and_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o this_o 1._o because_o christ_n have_v institute_v it_o by_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o example_n as_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v now_o say_v and_o what_o christ_n have_v once_o institute_v may_v not_o by_o man_n be_v abrogate_a or_o alter_v 2._o because_o there_o be_v perpetual_a need_n of_o it_o i_o need_v not_o descant_v upon_o this_o doleful_n experience_n tell_v we_o to_o our_o shame_n that_o there_o be_v no_o society_n or_o body_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v more_o need_n of_o the_o reins_o of_o government_n than_o the_o ministry_n have_v every_o company_n of_o physician_n surgeon_n merchant_n apothecary_n tailor_n draper_n shoemaker_n victualler_n vintner_n baker_n brick-layer_n etc._n etc._n need_v of_o a_o government_n peculiar_a to_o their_o respective_a company_n and_o profession_n in_o the_o best_a govern_a town_n and_o corporation_n i_o will_v i_o can_v say_v that_o minister_n have_v not_o much_o more_o who_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n be_v of_o sad_a consequence_n than_o any_o of_o they_o aforementioned_a if_o every_o minister_n as_o such_o be_v immediate_o under_o christ_n as_o to_o government_n which_o can_v be_v unless_o they_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v then_o be_v he_o accountable_a to_o none_o else_o but_o be_v absolute_a and_o independent_a in_o his_o office_n what_o grosser_n principle_n of_o tyranny_n can_v there_o be_v than_o this_o what_o wide_a gate_n can_v there_o be_v open_v to_o the_o most_o licentious_a arbitrariness_n and_o in_o what_o a_o case_n then_o be_v the_o poor_a church_n this_o be_v to_o pull_v down_o one_o tyrant_n and_o to_o set_v up_o many_o thousand_o and_o to_o make_v every_o novice_n a_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n quest_n 2._o by_o who_o must_v they_o be_v rule_v sol._n not_o by_o themselves_o sure_a that_o be_v plain_a anarchy_n and_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o any_o form_n of_o political_n government_n which_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o will_v soon_o be_v weary_a of_o as_o in_o pensilvania_n they_o say_v they_o begin_v to_o be_v be_v they_o not_o in_o despite_n of_o their_o irrational_a principle_n preserve_v from_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o they_o by_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o government_n they_o here_o live_v under_o but_o they_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o the_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o and_o every_o one_o both_o pastor_n and_o people_n by_o their_o own_o immediate_a officer_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o heb._n 13.17_o and_o who_o be_v they_o who_o christ_n have_v set_v to_o rule_n and_o to_o govern_v in_o his_o house_n but_o those_o who_o he_o call_v his_o steward_n his_o minister_n into_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o government_n neither_o have_v he_o share_v the_o rule_v power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o between_o they_o and_o the_o people_n nor_o can_v it_o have_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o wisdom_n or_o the_o interest_n and_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n to_o have_v do_v it_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o not_o one_o but_o both_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 16.19_o that_o these_o be_v the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n appear_v by_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o word_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n give_v he_o neither_o be_v this_o power_n of_o government_n give_v to_o peter_n exclusive_o nor_o as_o a_o private_a disciple_n but_o as_o a_o public_a minister_n and_o public_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o he_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n in_o the_o same_o office_n for_o they_o and_o for_o their_o successor_n mat._n 18.18_o who_o be_v it_o that_o christ_n mean_v by_o the_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n lu._n 12.42_o be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v 1_o cor._n 4.1_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o tit._n 1.7_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o steward_n who_o his_o lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n so_o that_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v establish_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o minister_n on_o who_o he_o breathe_v the_o holy-ghost_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o and_o carry_v they_o through_o all_o the_o work_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a whereto_o he_o send_v they_o joh._n 20.22_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o general_n in_o who_o hand_n immediate_o under_o christ_n the_o govern_v power_n do_v lie_v not_o in_o the_o people_n but_o in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o alone_o be_v his_o steward_n and_o unto_o who_o at_o his_o departure_n he_o deliver_v the_o key_n of_o his_o house_n and_o of_o all_o the_o provision_n and_o treasure_n in_o it_o and_o who_o be_v sometime_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n call_v his_o ambassador_n or_o messenger_n sometime_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n sometime_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n sometime_o proestotes_n or_o ruler_n which_o be_v but_o several_a name_n and_o title_n give_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o know_v no_o point_n in_o scripture_n more_o plain_o assert_v than_o this_o viz._n that_o christ_n have_v join_v
say_v if_o i_o say_v any_o thing_n do_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o duty_n oblige_v i_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o burden_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o i_o and_o to_o discharge_v it_o with_o that_o sincerity_n and_o impartiality_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o be_v give_v i_o of_o god_n for_o his_o church_n service_n as_o do_v become_v one_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v find_v faithful_a i_o confess_v my_o heart_n can_v but_o shrink_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o enter_v into_o this_o rough_a and_o thorny_a province_n this_o seat_n of_o war_n where_o i_o see_v so_o many_o party_n engage_v and_o sword_n draw_v at_o one_o another_o god_n know_v and_o my_o brethren_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o my_o own_o seek_v nor_o be_o i_o come_v as_o a_o advocate_n of_o any_o of_o the_o contend_a party_n but_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o design_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o prosecution_n whereof_o i_o shall_v purposely_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a decline_v any_o use_n of_o the_o sentiment_n or_o suffrage_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v at_o sharp_n on_o this_o argument_n and_o confine_v myself_o to_o those_o oracle_n of_o the_o divine_o inspire_v and_o reveal_v truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n which_o at_o last_o we_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o if_o ever_o we_o be_v well_o determine_v the_o word_n that_o god_n this_o way_n put_v in_o my_o mouth_n that_o shall_v i_o speak_v as_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o give_v i_o understanding_n and_o utterance_n and_o let_v those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v consider_v before_o they_o censure_v shall_v i_o pretend_v to_o assume_v the_o whole_a question_n of_o church-government_n it_o will_v swell_v into_o a_o volume_n whereas_o i_o intend_v only_o this_o one_o short_a chapter_n for_o what_o i_o shall_v now_o say_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o therein_o as_o little_a as_o i_o can_v which_o yet_o to_o some_o perhaps_o may_v seem_v too_o much_o and_o to_o other_o too_o little_a i_o shall_v not_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o write_v a_o encomium_n of_o government_n either_o in_o general_n or_o particular_a which_o have_v be_v do_v by_o many_o other_o of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n whereof_o the_o whole_a rational_a world_n be_v experimental_o sensible_a but_o of_o government_n there_o be_v divers_a kind_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n both_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o it_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v be_v the_o ecclesiastical_a or_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o house_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n rom._n 13.1_o 2._o the_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d potestates_fw-la government_n that_o be_v among_o man_n be_v god_n ordinance_n though_o all_o the_o evil_a way_n of_o climb_v into_o it_o and_o maladministration_n of_o it_o or_o imprudent_a circumstance_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n but_o if_o all_o the_o power_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o god_n then_o have_v he_o not_o leave_v his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o peculiar_a kingdom_n without_o government_n but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o general_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a form_n of_o this_o government_n that_o be_v so_o and_o what_o that_o form_n be_v this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nodus_fw-la vindice_fw-la dignus_fw-la there_o be_v some_o that_o deny_v there_o be_v any_o form_n of_o church-government_n appoint_v of_o christ_n under_o the_o new-testament_n but_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v modify_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o human_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n but_o then_o such_o will_v do_v well_o to_o let_v we_o know_v when_o and_o where_o and_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v commit_v this_o power_n of_o legislation_n and_o establish_v the_o form_n of_o government_n to_o his_o church_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o circumstantial_o of_o government_n that_o be_v and_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o governor_n to_o be_v adapt_v pro_fw-la re_fw-la natâ_fw-la to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o govern_v but_o if_o the_o essential_o of_o government_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o will_n of_o man_n then_o be_v the_o church_n in_o a_o very_a ill_a case_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o as_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o a_o servant_n so_o christ_n much_o more_o as_o a_o son_n over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3._o begin_v but_o that_o he_o be_v so_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la in_o the_o business_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n as_o our_o redeemer_n be_v well_o enough_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v appoint_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o well_o as_o in_o genere_fw-la of_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o far_o agree_v there_o be_v yet_o divers_a opinion_n and_o party_n some_o be_v for_o this_o form_n of_o government_n other_o for_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o disagreement_n be_v common_o some_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o one_a a_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o point_n and_o the_o very_a mind_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o they_o charity_n oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o of_o most_o of_o the_o contend_a party_n that_o will_v ready_o and_o cheerful_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o opposer_n can_v they_o but_o overcome_v the_o reason_n which_o they_o think_v they_o have_v true_o and_o right_o draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v gross_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n enough_o among_o the_o contender_n of_o all_o side_n and_o these_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v most_o fierce_a and_o confident_a the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o itself_o but_o one_o and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o therefore_o our_o disagreement_n about_o it_o necessary_o conclude_v our_o ignorance_n or_o something_o worse_o on_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o 2._o the_o natural_a fondness_n that_o man_n have_v for_o their_o own_o way_n and_o lust_n though_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o world_n of_o so_o pure_a a_o nature_n or_o firm_a a_o texture_n or_o constitution_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v abuse_v to_o the_o service_n of_o base_a end_n and_o private_a interest_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o modes_n and_o form_n of_o government_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o more_o direct_o accommodate_v by_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o compiler_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o to_o such_o purpose_n and_o such_o be_v they_o especial_o that_o be_v of_o man_n devise_v and_o obtrude_a on_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o usurper_n be_v sure_a will_v always_o frame_v their_o law_n and_o method_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o design_n and_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o but_o private_a interest_n and_o design_n among_o the_o party_n concern_v that_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o man_n on_o this_o account_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o contention_n but_o much_o more_o must_v such_o as_o be_v act_v by_o principy_n of_o true_a conscience_n and_o integrity_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o protest_v against_o all_o such_o politic_a and_o carnal_a form_n of_o government_n 3._o the_o gross_a abuse_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o a_o good_a and_o well_o order_v government_n the_o pure_a and_o most_o durable_a metal_n if_o not_o well_o keep_v will_v in_o length_n of_o time_n grow_v foul_a and_o rusty_a and_o look_v very_a unlike_o itself_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v question_v and_o quarrel_v at_o and_o deny_v to_o be_v what_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v and_o the_o same_o fate_n be_v the_o best_a government_n in_o the_o world_n subject_n to_o as_o be_v the_o kingly_a government_n among_o the_o assyrian_n in_o the_o day_n of_o sardanapalus_n and_o among_o the_o roman_n in_o the_o day_n of_o tarqvinius_n superbus_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v of_o several_a other_o form_n of_o government_n among_o man_n the_o best_a and_o most_o sacred_a constitution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n by_o their_o abuse_n have_v fall_v under_o the_o odium_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o more_o inconsiderate_a part_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o lust_n after_o new_a thing_n and_o
know_v not_o how_o to_o restore_v the_o old_a to_o their_o original_a rectitude_n as_o befall_v the_o theocracy_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n 1_o sam._n 8.5_o and_o 7._o but_o be_v the_o argument_n good_a from_o the_o abuse_n of_o a_o thing_n against_o the_o use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o argue_v ourselves_o into_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n in_o nature_n now_o if_o we_o will_v right_o understand_v what_o that_o form_n of_o government_n be_v that_o christ_n have_v choose_v for_o his_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v consider_v what_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o government_n be_v or_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o it_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v the_o church_n which_o be_v vox_fw-la ambigua_fw-la but_o we_o must_v distinguish_v nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a for_o i_o to_o take_v notice_n here_o of_o all_o the_o distinction_n the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o or_o that_o have_v be_v by_o some_o other_o impose_v on_o it_o as_o 1._o the_o 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which_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v comprehend_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lawless_a and_o disobedient_a for_o who_o the_o bridle_n and_o the_o rod_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v and_o so_o both_o ruler_n and_o rule_v be_v equal_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n though_o not_o the_o same_o law_n of_o government_n but_o according_a to_o the_o different_a capacity_n order_n and_o relation_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o church_n though_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o rule_v can_v be_v the_o same_o sub_fw-la codem_fw-la respectu_fw-la yet_o in_o divers_a respect_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o those_o that_o be_v ruler_n of_o some_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o other_o so_o than_o the_o rule_v part_n of_o which_o i_o be_o first_o to_o speak_v be_v twofold_a the_o clergy_n and_o the_o laity_n or_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o duplicity_n of_o the_o government_n to_o which_o as_o church-member_n they_o stand_v relate_v which_o be_v either_o general_a and_o common_a or_o special_a and_o proper_a the_o ruler_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n as_o those_o of_o army_n and_o commonwealth_n or_o kingdom_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d man_n under_o authority_n and_o the_o law_n of_o a_o polity_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o as_o such_o as_o well_o as_o the_o people_n who_o they_o govern_v by_o the_o law_n that_o be_v fit_v for_o they_o i_o say_v under_o authority_n and_o that_o not_o only_o and_o immediate_o unto_o christ_n but_o also_o unto_o man_n even_o such_o as_o christ_n the_o supreme_a legislator_n and_o lord_n have_v commissioned_n to_o rule_v for_o and_o under_o he_o in_o his_o church_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v be_v one_o great_a mistake_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o a_o thousand_o more_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v and_o hold_v their_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n only_o from_o christ_n in_o capite_fw-la so_o as_o to_o conclude_v a_o equality_n and_o co-ordination_a of_o pastor_n it_o be_v true_a the_o general_a patent_n and_o grant_v of_o the_o office_n be_v original_o and_o immediate_o from_o christ_n but_o the_o particular_a distribution_n of_o commission_n be_v not_o so_o but_o from_o such_o hand_n as_o be_v entrust_v and_o authorize_v by_o he_o to_o bestow_v it_o on_o other_o and_o unto_o who_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o aught_o to_o be_v accountable_a for_o their_o well_n or_o maladministration_n of_o it_o all_o those_o that_o be_v due_o qualify_v and_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n be_v equal_o minister_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n one_o be_v not_o more_o a_o minister_n than_o another_o nor_o mere_o as_o such_o have_v they_o great_a power_n one_o than_o another_o as_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v equal_o man_n god_n creature_n and_o partaker_n of_o human_a nature_n but_o from_o hence_o to_o deny_v a_o subordination_n of_o one_o to_o another_o in_o point_n of_o government_n be_v to_o pluck_v up_o all_o government_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o root_n and_o turn_v the_o whole_a creation_n into_o anarchy_n and_o worse_o than_o its_o first_o tohn_fw-ge vebohu_fw-mi which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o mad_a principle_n that_o ever_o be_v suggest_v to_o the_o rational_a nature_n by_o that_o grand_a author_n of_o confusion_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o clergy_n as_o for_o distinction_n they_o be_v common_o call_v be_v a_o particular_a distinct_a company_n and_o society_n of_o man_n as_o the_o people_n or_o laity_n be_v another_o and_o so_o they_o ever_o be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v account_v by_o god_n own_o appointment_n both_o under_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o regulate_v army_n and_o other_o secular_a government_n in_o the_o world_n the_o officer_n be_v a_o separate_a political_a body_n and_o community_n of_o themselves_o distinct_a from_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o so_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v their_o proper_a polity_n and_o government_n as_o such_o a_o government_n peculiar_a and_o distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o common_a people_n and_o which_o be_v call_v hierarchy_n only_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o it_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o always_o must_v be_v so_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o prove_v 1._o that_o it_o have_v be_v ever_o so_o since_o christ_n have_v have_v a_o church_n upon_o the_o earth_n i_o say_v a_o church_n organical_o constitute_v and_o political_o govern_v such_o be_v the_o jew_n under_o that_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o the_o minister_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v a_o distinct_a body_n yea_o and_o to_o avoid_v confusion_n a_o distinct_a tribe_n purposely_o so_o choose_v of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a polity_n and_o government_n of_o god_n own_o appoint_v and_o that_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o caution_n and_o particularity_n even_o to_o very_a minute_n circumstance_n in_o all_o the_o order_n degree_n and_o course_n of_o their_o consecration_n and_o ministration_n i_o will_v think_v it_o needless_a for_o i_o to_o spend_v time_n to_o demonstrate_v those_o that_o have_v any_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o that_o church_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o and_o this_o be_v both_o the_o beauty_n and_o the_o strength_n and_o security_n of_o that_o church_n the_o hedge_n that_o god_n make_v about_o his_o vineyard_n and_o as_o they_o be_v a_o distinct_a body_n as_o clergy_n separate_v from_o all_o the_o other_o tribe_n so_o they_o have_v their_o proper_a government_n and_o oeconomy_n the_o priest_n of_o the_o house_n of_o aaron_n the_o ruler_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o levite_n the_o rule_v and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o under_o the_o gospel_n too_o from_o the_o
very_o honourable_a to_o he_o who_o servant_n he_o pretend_v to_o be_v especial_o consider_v that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v and_o foresee_v how_o tender_a all_o man_n natural_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o honour_n and_o maintenance_n and_o of_o what_o mischievous_a consequence_n the_o leave_v such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o undetermined_a will_v be_v that_o it_o will_v involve_v the_o church_n in_o endless_a strife_n and_o quarrel_n and_o confusion_n but_o will_v the_o lay-elder_n lie_v his_o claim_n to_o a_o maintenance_n from_o that_o word_n in_o the_o text_n viz._n double_a honour_n take_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n let_v he_o then_o read_v on_o the_o next_o verse_n there_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_v the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n and_o the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o reward_n the_o first_o of_o these_o scripture_n you_o have_v deut._n 25.4_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o 1_o cor._n 9.9_o and_o you_o may_v see_v how_o he_o there_o apply_v it_o only_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n those_o that_o sow_v unto_o the_o people_n spiritual_a thing_n v._n 11._o that_o minister_n about_o holy_a thing_n and_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n v._n 13._o the_o other_o scripture_n you_o have_v matth._n 10.10_o the_o workman_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o meat_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o word_n to_o the_o twelve_o when_o he_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n here_o be_v never_o a_o word_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_a in_o all_o this_o nor_o any_o provision_n make_v for_o he_o and_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o precedent_a verse_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o rule_v non_n preach_v elder_a intend_v in_o it_o but_o the_o double_a honour_n be_v for_o those_o that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o lord_n harvest_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o these_o be_v the_o only_a person_n speak_v of_o in_o that_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o so_o then_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n be_v their_o pastor_n who_o be_v to_o rule_v every_o one_o over_o his_o own_o particular_a flock_n or_o congregation_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o soul_n who_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o their_o government_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o ministerial_a work_n have_v warrant_v from_o scripture_n to_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v deacon_n under_o they_o and_o other_o necessary_a servile_a officer_n who_o derive_v their_o power_n immediate_o from_o their_o pastor_n be_v accountable_a to_o he_o and_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v dispose_v by_o he_o in_o case_n of_o maladministration_n as_o every_o captain_n in_o a_o army_n every_o mayor_n in_o a_o corporation_n every_o master_n in_o a_o family_n have_v the_o proper_a power_n over_o their_o own_o company_n burrough_n and_o family_n and_o all_o the_o inferior_a officer_n in_o they_o to_o dispose_v and_o govern_v they_o for_o their_o good_a according_a to_o the_o know_a and_o common_a law_n of_o that_o superior_a government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v and_o unto_o which_o they_o themselves_o be_v accountable_a 2._o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n i_o be_o very_o apprehensive_a that_o this_o be_v a_o tender_a point_n wherein_o i_o even_o tremble_v to_o think_v that_o i_o must_v be_v either_o sinful_o silent_a or_o declare_v my_o dissent_n from_o so_o many_o of_o my_o dear_a brethren_n who_o i_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o orthodox_n learned_a pious_a and_o with_o who_o i_o dare_v not_o compare_v myself_o but_o i_o have_v say_v and_o o_o that_o daisy_n and_o doleful_a experience_n do_v not_o proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o the_o grief_n of_o some_o and_o the_o shame_n of_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o company_n or_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v more_o need_n of_o the_o strict_a government_n than_o the_o man_n of_o our_o function_n without_o which_o we_o be_v of_o all_o mankind_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o most_o miserable_a and_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o forelorne_a case_n of_o any_o of_o god_n creature_n upon_o earth_n but_o certain_o he_o that_o have_v so_o provide_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o own_o mystical_a kingdom_n wherein_o so_o much_o of_o his_o special_a interest_n lie_v without_o such_o a_o government_n as_o be_v every_o way_n adequate_a to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o concern_v of_o it_o he_o that_o have_v take_v such_o care_n to_o enclose_v and_o fence_v out_o the_o wild_a commons_o of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o design_v to_o leave_v his_o own_o garden_n uninclose_v nor_o his_o vineyard_n without_o a_o hedge_n about_o it_o and_o a_o wine-press_n and_o a_o tower_n in_o it_o how_o weak_a and_o insatisfactory_a be_v this_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o brethren_n to_o one_o another_o that_o we_o have_v our_o commission_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o he_o though_o not_o immediate_o from_o he_o which_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v so_o will_v alter_v the_o case_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a legislator_n that_o we_o have_v our_o bibles_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o therein_o the_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o our_o administration_n both_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n the_o law_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v both_o ourselves_o and_o the_o church_n that_o we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n that_o our_o office_n and_o work_n be_v sacred_a and_o divine_a of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n alas_o will_v all_o this_o make_v we_o infallible_a or_o absolute_a and_o independent_a exempt_v from_o all_o law_n and_o bond_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n be_v we_o make_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o rule_v and_o not_o to_o be_v rule_v o_o that_o man_n will_v consider_v the_o dismal_a consequent_n of_o such_o a_o hypothesis_n which_o i_o delight_v not_o now_o to_o aggravate_v but_o if_o there_o must_v be_v a_o government_n among_o pastor_n consider_v as_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o the_o people_n then_o it_o will_v be_v say_v there_o can_v be_v a_o equality_n the_o notion_n of_o co-ordination_a of_o pastor_n and_o church_n be_v subvert_v this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o government_n but_o let_v wise_a man_n consider_v what_o that_o be_v that_o must_v needs_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o level_a principle_n and_o yet_o government_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o equality_n and_o co-ordination_a of_o pastor_n or_o church_n as_o such_o or_o per_fw-la se_fw-la but_o only_a secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la or_o in_o respect_n of_o order_n e._n g._n all_o the_o captain_n in_o a_o army_n as_o captains_z be_v equal_a so_o be_v all_o the_o colonel_n and_o all_o the_o other_o officer_n that_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n but_o between_o a_o captain_n and_o a_o colonel_n there_o be_v a_o inequality_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o well_o regimented_a army_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n cant_v 6.10_o and_o it_o be_v suppose_v too_o that_o this_o subordination_n of_o pastor_n and_o church_n will_v conclude_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o supreme_a papal_a head_n and_o governor_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o great_a stumbling-block_n the_o plain_a sense_n whereof_o be_v but_o this_o that_o if_o every_o minister_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o pope_n over_o his_o own_o congregation_n than_o there_o must_v be_v one_o pope_n over_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o pastor_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n both_o which_o extreme_n be_v equal_o wide_a from_o the_o truth_n and_o perhaps_o equal_o pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n but_o to_o defend_v the_o truth_n from_o both_o the_o horn_n of_o this_o dilemma_n we_o will_v examine_v what_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o a_o church_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n plant_v be_v reckon_v by_o the_o great_a town_n or_o city_n which_o they_o choose_v to_o begin_v to_o gather_v their_o church_n in_o as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o name_n that_o be_v give_v they_o and_o by_o compare_v act._n 14.23_o with_o tit._n 1.5_o where_o the_o ordinary_a elder_n in_o every_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v any_o organical_a church_n of_o the_o apostle_n sound_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o town_n or_o city_n in_o which_o it_o be_v beside_o those_o domestic_a church_n of_o