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 church_n ecumenical_a to_o which_o the_o pope_n so_o arrogant_o and_o false_o lay_v a_o claim_n of_o supremacy_n or_o two_o the_o church_n national_a of_o which_o that_o eminent_a servant_n of_o christ_n mr._n baxter_n have_v give_v so_o rational_a and_o scriptural_a a_o account_n and_o which_o that_o i_o know_v be_v not_o by_o any_o one_o as_o yet_o answer_v or_o three_o the_o church_n provincial_a which_o be_v the_o constitution_n and_o union_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n within_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o province_n into_o one_o distinct_a political_a body_n or_o sacred_a polity_n under_o the_o general_a inspection_n and_o authority_n of_o one_o ecclesiastical_a head_n either_o single_a or_o collective_a or_o 4_o the_o presbyterial_a classical_a collegiate_n diocesan_n etc._n etc._n which_o i_o take_v as_o synonimous_a and_o include_v all_o the_o particular_a congregation_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o such_o a_o division_n or_o 5_o the_o congregational_a make_v up_o of_o one_o pastor_n with_o his_o people_n and_o necessary_a officer_n these_o be_v the_o distinction_n give_v according_a to_o the_o common_a division_n that_o have_v for_o order_n sake_n be_v make_v of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o only_a distinction_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o a_o little_a animadvert_v upon_o be_v this_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_v and_o shall_v speak_v to_o the_o last_o first_o the_o rule_v and_o herein_o shall_v answer_v these_o three_o question_n 1._o who_o they_o be_v they_o must_v be_v rule_v 2._o by_o who_o they_o must_v be_v rule_v 3._o by_o what_o law_n they_o must_v be_v rule_v q._n 1._o who_o they_o be_v that_o must_v be_v rule_v s._n the_o answer_n in_o general_a be_v what_o paul_n give_v loco_fw-la cit_fw-la rom._n 13.1_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o soul_n he_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o that_o political_a body_n civil_a or_o sacred_a whereunto_o he_o stand_v relate_v as_o a_o member_n and_o by_o 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
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
the_o teach_v and_o rule_v authority_n together_o and_o commit_v it_o in_o conjunction_n to_o the_o same_o hand_n but_o what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o let_v no_o man_n put_v asunder_o quest_n 3._o by_o what_o law_n must_v they_o be_v rule_v sol._n not_o by_o law_n of_o man_n devise_v which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o accommodate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o inclination_n and_o end_n but_o by_o the_o write_a law_n of_o his_o own_o prescription_n the_o oeconomy_n be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o so_o must_v the_o law_n be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v administer_v other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o the_o foundation_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v lay_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o whoever_o lay_v any_o other_o foundation_n in_o either_o of_o these_o entrenche_n on_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o his_o own_o 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he_o that_o must_v make_v and_o give_v the_o law_n and_o what_o these_o law_n be_v and_o where_o to_o be_v find_v i_o need_v not_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v his_o statute-book_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o 2._o the_o ruler_n if_o there_o be_v some_o to_o be_v rule_v there_o must_v be_v other_o to_o rule_n relata_fw-la se_fw-la simul_fw-la ponunt_fw-la &_o tollunt_fw-la &_o qui_fw-la novit_fw-la unum_fw-la relatorum_fw-la novit_fw-la &_o alterum_fw-la yet_o here_o it_o will_v be_v inquire_v who_o be_v those_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v i_o shall_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o regal_a power_n or_o how_o far_o it_o be_v christian_n it_o extend_v both_o over_o pastor_n and_o people_n not_o only_o as_o civil_a subject_n but_o as_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n for_o this_o to_o mr._n 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inferior_a note_n and_o more_o heterodox_n principles_n but_o from_o the_o learned_a calvin_n too_o and_o almost_o all_o that_o follow_v he_o for_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o find_v in_o scripture_n any_o such_o officer_n as_o a_o non-preaching_a roll_a elder_a appoint_v of_o christ_n or_o of_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n the_o one_o and_o only_a officer_n that_o christ_n himself_o make_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o his_o word_n the_o evangelical_n pastor_n who_o work_n be_v to_o feed_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o flock_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o add_v the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n as_o servant_n to_o they_o and_o help_v in_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o their_o work_n as_o may_v be_v see_v act._n 6._o begin_v and_o as_o moses_n do_v for_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o government_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o jethro_n exod._n 18.18_o etc._n etc._n which_o though_o it_o be_v apostolical_a yet_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v primary_o but_o only_o secundary_o jure_v divino_fw-la the_o scripture_n that_o be_v allege_v in_o favour_n of_o this_o ruling_n lay_v elder_a do_v not_o as_o i_o think_v prove_v any_o such_o conclusion_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v and_o leave_v all_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o such_o as_o can_v without_o prejudice_n weigh_v what_o i_o be_o now_o bold_a to_o offer_v one_o text_n we_o have_v rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o to_o which_o i_o have_v this_o exception_n if_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o rule_v be_v here_o mention_v as_o a_o distinct_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n then_o why_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o which_o we_o have_v these_o seven_o in_o this_o one_o scripture_n viz._n he_o that_o prophesi_v he_o that_o minister_v he_o that_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v he_o that_o give_v he_o that_o rule_v and_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n but_o if_o we_o go_v to_o work_v in_o this_o way_n how_o will_v office_n be_v multiply_v in_o the_o church_n beyond_o all_o that_o be_v ever_o intend_v or_o imagine_v and_o then_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 29_o 30._o where_o we_o have_v no_o less_o than_o nine_o mention_v among_o which_o we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o signify_v the_o rule_v lay-elder_n and_o so_o we_o will_v believe_v too_o can_v they_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n here_o mention_v be_v so_o many_o office_n in_o the_o church_n they_o insist_v very_o confident_o on_o these_o word_n of_o sanction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n have_v set_v and_o appoint_v but_o why_o this_o word_n which_o have_v undeniable_o a_o equal_a relation_n to_o all_o shall_v make_v or_o prove_v one_o to_o be_v a_o office_n and_o not_o another_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o depth_n that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o fathom_n here_o as_o i_o think_v the_o great_a mistake_n lie_v that_o gift_n and_o office_n be_v confound_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6._o very_o plain_o distinguish_v between_o gift_n administ_n ation_n and_o operation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 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their_o own_o shepherd_n ib._n pastor_n suos_fw-la uchementer_fw-la amant_fw-fr fr._n ib._n as_o if_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o need_n of_o he_o the_o bare_a mention_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o direct_v the_o spiritual_a mind_n to_o their_o due_a application_n i_o shall_v wave_v all_o manner_n of_o further_a enlargement_n here_o quest_n 3._o the_o three_o question_n be_v this_o who_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v with_o who_o this_o charge_n of_o our_o dear_a saviour_n be_v leave_v sol._n one_o will_v think_v the_o solution_n of_o such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v hard_o nor_o be_v it_o so_o in_o thesi_fw-la wherein_o the_o clear_a light_n both_o of_o scripture_n and_o of_o nature_n be_v so_o concur_v and_o convince_a and_o yet_o we_o find_v there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o thing_n wherein_o professor_n such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o factious_a principle_n of_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n be_v more_o uncharitable_o disagree_v in_o than_o in_o this_o how_o miserable_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o common_a enemy_n and_o the_o carnality_n pride_n and_o blind_a passion_n of_o professor_n be_v tear_v into_o rag_n of_o division_n and_o subdivision_n be_v too_o well_o know_v for_o i_o to_o inform_v you_o and_o of_o all_o these_o every_o party_n be_v magnify_v their_o own_o teacher_n as_o the_o only_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o ready_a to_o condemn_v all_o other_o as_o hireling_n false_a teacher_n schismatical_a intruder_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o lamentation_n and_o let_v it_o be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n but_o can_v we_o return_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o our_o plain_a rule_n in_o this_o affair_n how_o easy_o may_v the_o case_n be_v bring_v to_o its_o due_a issue_n i_o know_v but_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o essential_o denominate_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n qualification_n and_o commission_n and_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v single_o sufficient_a i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o be_o now_o in_o a_o large_a field_n and_o in_o a_o ready_a way_n to_o be_v lose_v in_o controversy_n but_o that_o i_o have_v more_o practical_a and_o necessary_a work_n before_o i_o yet_o i_o beseech_v you_o bear_v with_o i_o while_o i_o explain_v myself_o a_o little_a on_o these_o two_o head_n and_o i_o will_v be_v very_o short_a the_o truth_n be_v common_o best_o see_v in_o a_o few_o plain_a word_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v qualification_n but_o what_o of_o special_a sanctify_a save_a grace_n this_o indeed_o be_v needful_a and_o most_o desirable_a and_o moral_o conducive_a to_o the_o happy_a and_o glorious_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n both_o as_o to_o ourselves_o and_o those_o that_o hear_v we_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o the_o sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la non_fw-la unto_o salvation_n but_o not_o so_o to_o ministerial_a qualification_n a_o man_n may_v be_v lawful_o a_o minister_n that_o be_v not_o spiritual_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o seal_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n be_v but_o a_o remnant_n as_o of_o any_o one_o of_o the_o other_o tribe_n those_o that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o far_o enough_o from_o moses_n spirit_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n own_v they_o in_o their_o office_n judas_n be_v a_o disciple_n and_o send_v forth_o with_o a_o commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n even_o by_o he_o who_o know_v he_o to_o be_v inward_o a_o devil_n and_o a_o traitor_n but_o this_o be_v no_o new_a doctrine_n nor_o needs_o any_o proof_n to_o one_o that_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a but_o the_o qualification_n here_o require_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v ministerial_a that_o whereby_o a_o person_n be_v competent_o fit_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o this_o sacred_a office_n orthodoxy_n in_o doctrine_n ability_n and_o aptness_n in_o at_o least_o the_o gift_n of_o preach_v and_o pray_v skill_n and_o moderation_n in_o rule_v etc._n etc._n and_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o ministerial_a gâ—â—s_n and_o save_v grace_n 〈…〉_o the_o particular_n of_o 〈…〉_o refer_v you_o to_o paul_n 〈…〉_o 1_o epist_n ch_n 3._o and_o to_z titus_n ch_z 1._o 2._o there_o must_v be_v commission_n no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n unto_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n heb._n 5.4_o no_o man_n take_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o man_n undertake_v accept_v or_o assume_v to_o himself_o and_o of_o himself_o that_o be_v no_o man_n aught_o or_o can_v without_o sin_n any_o way_n take_v or_o receive_v this_o honour_n or_o usurp_v this_o office_n but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n that_o be_v delegated_a and_o commission_v by_o god_n authority_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n appointment_n though_o not_o in_o that_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o aaron_n be_v unless_o in_o like_a extraordinary_a case_n yet_o by_o a_o power_n and_o dispensation_n legal_o and_o orderly_o derive_v from_o he_o through_o such_o hand_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o impower_v to_o this_o end_n qualification_n without_o commission_n make_v not_o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o he_o call_v a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n a_o sacrilegious_a intruder_n such_o as_o be_v corah_n and_o his_o complice_n and_o such_o as_o be_v too_o many_o in_o our_o day_n and_o commission_n without_o qualification_n make_v what_o the_o prophet_n call_v a_o idol-shepherd_n or_o dumb-dog_n a_o blind_a guide_n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o have_v right_a authoritative_o to_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o qualification_n or_o to_o convey_v commission_n to_o other_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o a_o succession_n in_o this_o sacred_a office_n but_o those_o that_o be_v themselves_o both_o due_o qualify_v and_o commissionated_a and_o that_o too_o not_o single_o private_o or_o arbitrary_o but_o according_a to_o the_o rule_v give_v in_o this_o matter_n by_o and_o from_o our_o supreme_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n methinks_v this_o shall_v not_o amount_v to_o a_o question_n with_o any_o that_o have_v but_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o own_o their_o truth_n and_o authority_n or_o that_o have_v not_o abandon_v the_o conduct_n of_o common_a reason_n by_o who_o light_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v the_o equity_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o scripture_n direction_n in_o this_o case_n quest_n 4._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o question_n what_o the_o duty_n be_v that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o or_o what_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v by_o feed_v his_o lamb_n and_o his_o sheep_n sol._n the_o flock_n you_o see_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o lamb_n and_o the_o sheep_n so_o be_v the_o ministerial_a work_n that_o concern_v they_o feed_v and_o rule_n both_o which_o be_v equal_o and_o inseparable_o enjoin_v part_n of_o this_o work_n as_o appear_v in_o several_a very_o plain_a scripture_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v account_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n or_o they_o labour_v i._n e._n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v a_o text_n that_o have_v be_v sufficient_o vex_v by_o man_n of_o different_a sentiment_n and_o interest_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n we_o have_v from_o this_o scripture_n to_o infer_v two_o distinct_a order_n of_o rule_v and_o teach_v presbyter_n see_v what_o be_v mention_v here_o both_o of_o rule_v and_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v but_o the_o essential_a and_o require_v function_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sacred_a order_n and_o office_n than_o which_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v at_o present_a to_o look_v any_o further_a into_o any_o truth_n that_o be_v plain_o enough_o state_v in_o it_o or_o any_o question_n that_o have_v be_v vain_o enough_o start_v on_o it_o and_o with_o which_o there_o be_v several_a other_o scripture_n that_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o hypothesis_n 1_o thes_n 5.12_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o here_o be_v the_o same_o word_n apply_v to_o the_o same_o person_n and_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v over_o you_o or_o set_v and_o appoint_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o rule_v in_o his_o church_n and_o who_o they_o be_v but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
pour_v out_o upon_o he_o which_o none_o but_o the_o omnipotent_a can_v stand_v under_o and_o then_o how_o affectionate_o do_v he_o recommend_v they_o to_o his_o father_n chap._n 17._o leave_v his_o write_a word_n his_o seal_a ordinance_n and_o his_o ordain_v minister_n who_o he_o strict_o charge_v with_o they_o yea_o give_v his_o holy_a angel_n a_o charge_n concern_v they_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o sanctifier_n and_o a_o comforter_n to_o they_o go_v before_o to_o prepare_v a_o place_n for_o they_o negotiate_v all_o their_o affair_n as_o a_o faithful_a powerful_a and_o prevalent_a intercessor_n with_o the_o father_n in_o their_o name_n and_o nature_n and_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o will_v come_v again_o and_o in_o due_a time_n receive_v they_o into_o the_o eternal_a possession_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o joy_n with_o himself_o and_o the_o father_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n will_v in_o a_o invisible_a manner_n be_v with_o they_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o word_n lord_z what_o be_v oblivisci_fw-la be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d homo_fw-la mortalis_fw-la &_o miser_n rad._n secundum_fw-la euseb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oblivisci_fw-la enosh_n wretched_a worthless_a guilty_a sin-sinful_a man_n that_o so_o forget_v thou_o and_o deserve_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o forget_v of_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v so_o very_o mindful_a of_o he_o 3._o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n those_o that_o be_v due_o qualify_v and_o commission_v be_v the_o lord_n be_v depute_a shepherd_n they_o have_v both_o their_o ability_n and_o authority_n original_o and_o fundamental_o from_o he_o the_o only_a true_o catholic_n infallible_a and_o supreme_a shepherd_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o may_v without_o vanity_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n gal._n 1.1_o that_o we_o be_v the_o minister_n not_o of_o man_n nor_o by_o man_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n who_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a we_o be_v appoint_v of_o he_o to_o be_v in_o his_o stead_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o we_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o and_o to_o conduct_v we_o through_o both_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o work_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n suffer_v i_o now_o my_o dear_a brethren_n to_o make_v a_o few_o short_a remark_n on_o this_o head_n both_o for_o my_o own_o admonition_n and_o you_o 1._o these_o only_o be_v shepherd_n that_o be_v due_o qualify_v and_o call_v i_o send_v they_o not_o say_v the_o lord_n yet_o they_o prophesy_v a_o lie_n in_o my_o name_n that_o i_o may_v drive_v you_o out_o and_o that_o you_o may_v perish_v you_o and_o the_o prophet_n that_o prophecy_n unto_o you_o jer._n 27.15_o god_n never_o send_v a_o messenger_n without_o his_o errand_n whatever_o the_o qualification_n seem_v to_o be_v if_o the_o call_v be_v not_o of_o god_n be_v sure_a there_o be_v a_o lie_n of_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o in_o the_o prophecy_n for_o if_o god_n have_v no_o errand_n in_o it_o the_o devil_n have_v 2._o it_o be_v no_o contradiction_n nor_o solocism_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o be_v both_o a_o shepherd_n and_o a_o sheep_n nay_o nothing_o be_v more_o congruous_a he_o that_o be_v a_o captain_n have_v need_v to_o be_v a_o soldier_n yea_o one_o of_o the_o best_a of_o soldier_n our_o great_a shepherd_n be_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n and_o his_o depute_a shepherd_n shall_v not_o be_v goat_n nor_o wolf_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o other_o and_o himself_o a_o cast_n away_o what_o be_v there_o more_o shameful_a or_o more_o dreadful_a 3._o those_o that_o be_v shepherd_n but_o by_o deputation_n be_v sure_o must_v give_v a_o account_n the_o great_a proprietor_n will_v not_o be_v defraud_v of_o my_o hand_n do_v thou_o require_v it_o whether_o steal_v by_o day_n or_o steal_v by_o night_n gen._n 31_o 38._o what_o miscarry_v through_o the_o shepherd_n neglect_n the_o shepherd_n must_v account_v for_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o speak_v to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a from_o his_o way_n that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n ezek_n 33.8_o and_o of_o the_o great_a value_n the_o flock_n be_v the_o more_o severe_a will_v the_o account_n be_v 4._o shepherd_n must_v cum_fw-la ovibus_fw-la pernoctare_fw-la &_o excubias_fw-la agere_fw-la be_v the_o lord_n watchman_n while_o the_o shepherd_n be_v sleep_v the_o fox_n and_o the_o wolf_n be_v wake_v and_o walk_v o_o let_v not_o a_o night_n of_o security_n so_o soon_o eclipse_v our_o dawn_n from_o the_o night_n of_o our_o late_a adversity_n morning_n nap_n be_v sweet_a but_o in_o this_o case_n most_o dangerous_a our_o enemy_n know_v that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o slumber_v in_o a_o calm_a than_o in_o a_o storm_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a though_o sad_a to_o see_v what_o advantage_n he_o begin_v already_o to_o make_v of_o it_o how_o can_v we_o forget_v what_o a_o emphasis_n our_o dear_a lord_n have_v set_v on_o that_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d watch_v therefore_o mat._n 24.41_o chap._n 25.13_o chap._n 26.41_o mark_v 13.35_o and_o 37._o luke_n 21.36_o &_o alibi_fw-la on_o that_o miraculous_a deliverance_n at_o the_o read_v sea_n it_o be_v say_v then_o believe_v they_o his_o word_n they_o sing_v his_o praise_n they_o soon_o forget_v his_o work_n they_o wait_v not_o for_o his_o counsel_n psal_n 106.12_o 13._o be_v not_o the_o song_n of_o our_o deliverance_n yet_o in_o our_o mouth_n and_o a_o deliverance_n but_o begin_v as_o be_v that_o of_o they_o o_o let_v we_o not_o sing_v ourselves_o asleep_a 4._o it_o inform_v we_o how_o necessary_a the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v what_o become_v of_o a_o flock_n without_o a_o shepherd_n of_o a_o family_n without_o a_o steward_n of_o the_o blind_a without_o a_o guide_n of_o the_o infant_n without_o a_o nurse_n of_o the_o sick_a without_o a_o physician_n of_o a_o army_n without_o a_o officer_n of_o a_o city_n without_o a_o governor_n and_o a_o watch_n man_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o any_o of_o these_o be_v a_o church_n be_v it_o proper_a to_o call_v it_o a_o church_n without_o a_o teacher_n and_o a_o ruler_n the_o devil_n be_v aware_a of_o this_o and_o very_o well_o know_v where_o the_o stress_n of_o his_o interest_n lie_v if_o he_o can_v but_o effectual_o smite_v the_o shepherd_n the_o sheep_n be_v his_o own_o therefore_o like_o the_o king_n of_o syria_n he_o command_v his_o captain_n and_o legion_n to_o fight_v neither_o with_o small_a nor_o great_a save_v only_o with_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n 1_o king_n 22.31_o and_o hence_o be_v all_o his_o intrigue_n and_o attempt_n by_o force_n and_o fraud_n to_o disgrace_v discourage_v divide_v or_o corrupt_v and_o any_o way_n to_o destroy_v the_o purity_n and_o the_o power_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a the_o be_v of_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o promise_n and_o that_o power_n and_o faithfulness_n that_o have_v and_o will_v always_o make_v it_o good_a matt._n 16.18_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v it_o may_v have_v be_v write_v long_o ago_o on_o the_o universal_a ruin_n of_o god_n zion_n this_o be_v once_o the_o church_n of_o god._n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o be_v on_o our_o side_n now_o may_v israel_n say_v then_o they_o have_v swallow_v we_o up_o quick_a psal_n 124._o beg_v but_o o_o how_o sottish_o unsensible_a be_v the_o most_o of_o man_n even_o of_o those_o that_o be_v call_v christian_n what_o a_o blessing_n and_o privilege_n the_o gospel_n ministry_n be_v yea_o be_v it_o not_o a_o burden_n with_o too_o many_o thou_o have_v be_v weary_a of_o i_o o_o israel_n isa_n 43.22_o some_o on_o one_o account_n and_o some_o on_o another_o be_v ready_a to_o look_v on_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o encumbrance_n a_o unnecessary_a charge_n which_o may_v better_o be_v spare_v and_o to_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o judas_n frugality_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v this_o waste_n have_v i_o not_o many_o other_o thing_n yet_o to_o speak_v to_o how_o ready_o will_v my_o pen_n run_v beyond_o the_o bound_n assign_v it_o in_o comment_v on_o the_o inestimable_a usefulness_n of_o this_o glorious_a blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o shameful_a atheistical_a heaven-tempting_a ingratitude_n of_o those_o that_o be_v weary_a of_o it_o o_o that_o a_o wanton_a wrangle_a self-willed_a gospel-glutted_n generation_n may_v not_o after_o all_o that_o the_o god_n of_o patience_n have_v do_v for_o we_o provoke_v he_o to_o testify_v against_o we_o that_o he_o be_v as_o weary_a of_o we_o as_o
not_o gather_v wild_a gourd_n instead_o of_o wholesome_a herb_n for_o the_o pot_n mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o soul_n be_v concern_v be_v of_o very_o evil_a consequence_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v feed_v with_o plain_a food_n the_o plain_a food_n so_o that_o it_o be_v wholesome_a clean_a and_o due_o prepare_v be_v the_o most_o healthy_a and_o nourish_a the_o true_a substantial_a household-bread_n be_v fit_a for_o the_o household_n of_o god_n not_o airy_a notion_n nor_o doubtful_a question_n of_o polemical_a or_o state_n divinity_n which_o foment_n faction_n and_o vain_a jangle_n and_o fill_v our_o auditor_n with_o wind_n and_o ash_n how_o jealous_a be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n lest_o any_o shall_v spoil_v they_o through_o philosophy_n col._n 2.8_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v but_o little_o behold_v to_o school_n divinity_n which_o have_v prove_v but_o as_o a_o garment_n of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a or_o as_o a_o ox_n and_o a_o ass_n in_o god_n plough_n alas_o my_o brethren_n our_o poor_a auditor_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o can_v digest_v these_o quaint_a term_n and_o critical_a distinction_n they_o be_v husk_n and_o stone_n to_o they_o and_o not_o bread_n that_o which_o may_v nourish_v or_o at_o least_o please_v we_o will_v choke_v they_o what_o may_v be_v orthodox_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o our_o sublime_a sense_n may_v be_v heterodox_n and_o worse_o to_o they_o because_o they_o can_v reach_v it_o and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n among_o other_o why_o our_o lord_n choose_v not_o his_o apostle_n out_o of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o from_o among_o the_o fisher_n boat_n and_o poor_a mechanic_n that_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v not_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o airy_a cloud_n of_o vain_a philosophy_n neither_o do_v the_o affect_a curiosity_n of_o florid_n entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n become_v our_o sacred_a function_n these_o be_v thing_n too_o carnal_a to_o be_v blessed_v with_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n it_o be_v true_a a_o genuine_a elegance_n of_o speech_n and_o readiness_n of_o utterance_n be_v a_o gift_n that_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v but_o the_o more_o it_o be_v or_o seem_v to_o be_v affect_v or_o study_v the_o more_o it_o look_v like_o a_o vain_a pomp_n of_o word_n and_o lose_v both_o its_o value_n and_o efficacy_n 3._o their_o food_n must_v be_v suitable_a and_o seasonable_a else_o it_o will_v breed_v a_o nauseam_fw-la flatulent_a crudity_n and_o surfeit_n herein_o be_v see_v very_o much_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o a_o steward_n to_o give_v to_o the_o household_n their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n mat._n 24.45_o with_o what_o strength_n of_o argument_n do_v paul_n clothe_v this_o advice_n of_o he_o to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 2.15_o study_v to_o show_v thyself_o approve_v unto_o god_n a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n apt_o and_o seasonable_o apply_v to_o every_o one_o his_o portion_n a_o word_n fit_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d super_fw-la rotis_fw-la suis_fw-la rotunde_v rempestive_a &_o quibus_fw-la modis_fw-la dici_fw-la debet_fw-la with_o the_o prudent_a observation_n of_o present_a circumstance_n be_v like_a apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o lovely_a or_o acceptable_a this_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n as_o one_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o gospel_n ministry_n isa_n 50.4_o the_o lord_n god_n have_v give_v i_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a that_o i_o know_v how_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a a_o heal_a word_n to_o the_o break_a in_o heart_n a_o word_n of_o instruction_n to_o the_o ingnorant_a of_o conviction_n to_o the_o secure_a of_o confutation_n to_o seducer_n of_o reduction_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o seduce_a and_o weak_a and_o of_o terror_n to_o the_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a and_o to_o all_o these_o so_o seasonable_o suitable_o and_o prudent_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v the_o cast_n of_o pearl_n before_o swine_n to_o this_o end_n a_o pastor_n must_v study_v man_n and_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o book_n and_o notion_n must_v know_v and_o observe_v and_o suit_n himself_o to_o the_o state_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o the_o particular_a temper_n of_o those_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v of_o some_o have_v compassion_n make_v a_o difference_n and_o other_o save_v with_o fear_n pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n hate_v even_o the_o garment_n spot_v by_o the_o flesh_n jud._n 22.23_o what_o will_v heal_v one_o will_v but_o exasperate_v another_o and_o what_o will_v inflame_v one_o will_v but_o awaken_v another_o and_o what_o will_v be_v hearken_v to_o at_o one_o time_n will_v be_v reject_v at_o another_o herein_o be_v need_n of_o your_o wisdom_n fidelity_n patience_n and_o indefatigable_a industry_n 4._o their_o food_n must_v be_v gentle_o cleanse_v and_o heal_v like_o the_o leave_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o nation_n rev._n 22.2_o the_o lord_z know_v the_o flock_n be_v feeble_a and_o sickly_a daily_o liable_a to_o a_o thousand_o disease_n and_o disaster_n whenever_o we_o walk_v among_o they_o we_o hear_v their_o complaint_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o we_o see_v to_o our_o grief_n the_o evident_a symptom_n of_o the_o foul_a and_o dangerous_a disease_n they_o lie_v under_o and_o hardly_o sense_n enough_o to_o complain_v their_o food_n must_v be_v medicinal_a as_o well_o as_o nourish_v we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v physician_n as_o well_o as_o shepherd_n yea_o all_o the_o shepherd_n of_o christ_n send_v be_v so_o man_n will_v not_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o their_o flock_n to_o such_o as_o can_v only_o drive_v they_o and_o fleece_v they_o but_o to_o such_o as_o understand_v what_o be_v healthy_a and_o best_a for_o they_o and_o what_o their_o common_a malady_n be_v and_o how_o to_o cure_v they_o and_o be_v not_o christ_n as_o tender_v of_o his_o flock_n as_o man_n be_v of_o they_o see_v ezek._n 34._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la there_o you_o may_v read_v what_o god_n say_v in_o this_o case_n both_o of_o his_o shepherd_n and_o of_o his_o sheep_n the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v you_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v but_o with_o force_n and_o with_o cruelty_n have_v you_o rule_v they_o v._n 4._o therefore_o i_o be_o against_o the_o shepherd_n and_o i_o will_v require_v my_o flock_n at_o their_o hand_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o cease_v from_o feed_v the_o flock_n v._n 10._o o_o my_o brethren_n the_o charge_v of_o our_o lord_n flock_n be_v tremendous_o great_a and_o weighty_a immortal_a soul_n be_v of_o a_o inestimable_a value_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lamentable_a breach_n and_o spiritual_a disease_n of_o all_o kind_n that_o be_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o great_a displeasure_n that_o be_v signify_v from_o heaven_n against_o they_o how_o can_v it_o but_o kindle_v our_o compassion_n and_o quicken_v our_o zeal_n not_o only_o to_o bewail_v the_o hurt_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n but_o to_o apply_v all_o those_o proper_a remedy_n that_o lie_v within_o our_o respective_a capacity_n and_o humble_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n to_o make_v all_o our_o medicine_n and_o method_n successful_a but_o in_o dangerous_a and_o complicate_v case_n how_o wary_a and_o very_a watchful_a must_v that_o physician_n be_v that_o make_v conscience_n of_o shed_v blood_n heal_v without_o cleanse_v will_v but_o make_v they_o the_o more_o rot_a and_o cleanse_v without_o heal_v will_v exasperate_v the_o ill_a humour_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o one_o disease_n into_o another_o and_o perhaps_o worse_o but_o i_o design_v not_o and_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o to_o multiply_v word_n to_o you_o my_o brethren_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v advice_n in_o this_o case_n from_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o and_o all_o this_o must_v be_v do_v 1._o impartial_o both_o as_o to_o person_n and_o thing_n a_o allow_a partiality_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o sincerity_n and_o as_o great_a a_o stuble_a block_n in_o some_o case_n as_o we_o can_v lay_v before_o the_o foot_n of_o those_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o stumble_v i_o know_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o walk_v upright_o on_o so_o uneven_a a_o ground_n as_o we_o have_v now_o a_o long_a time_n be_v tread_v and_o can_v but_o doleful_o resent_v the_o temptation_n that_o too_o many_o be_v expose_v to_o through_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o
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
to_o minister_n and_o that_o on_o a_o double_a account_n 1._o in_o that_o god_n have_v account_v we_o faithful_a and_o put_v we_o into_o the_o ministry_n and_o call_v we_o unto_o this_o heavenly_a work_n than_o which_o there_o be_v none_o great_a none_o sweet_a in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v take_v we_o so_o near_o to_o he_o and_o entrust_v we_o with_o the_o bread_n of_o his_o family_n the_o care_n of_o his_o child_n and_o all_o the_o precious_a jewel_n of_o his_o house_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n o_o what_o a_o honour_n be_v this_o that_o poor_a despise_a unworthy_a we_o shall_v be_v call_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n only_o but_o the_o steward_n the_o ambassador_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o most_o high_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v take_v into_o so_o near_a a_o relation_n to_o he_o make_v the_o keeper_n of_o his_o counsel_n his_o treasurer_n his_o orator_n and_o intercessor_n the_o depute_a governor_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n be_v this_o what_o a_o happiness_n what_o a_o privilege_n be_v it_o there_o be_v some_o of_o we_o who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v have_v never_o be_v sincere_o and_o save_o serious_a have_v not_o our_o holy_a call_v give_v we_o the_o bless_a occasion_n how_o have_v we_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o dirty_a business_n and_o care_n and_o snare_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o the_o lord_n set_v his_o merciful_a eye_n upon_o we_o and_o choose_v we_o to_o walk_v with_o he_o what_o be_v we_o better_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n what_o have_v he_o foresee_v in_o any_o of_o we_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v this_o difference_n bless_a be_v christ_n jesus_n our_o dear_a lord_n for_o this_o be_v it_o hard_o yet_o it_o be_v happy_a work_n i_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n than_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o wickedness_n rather_o a_o porter_n there_o than_o a_o potentate_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o church_n be_v god_n 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