commission_n that_o christ_n give_v a_o pastoral_a relation_n or_o presbytership_n which_o be_v include_v in_o their_o apostleship_n and_o exercise_v towards_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n such_o presbyter-ship_n john_n and_o peter_n both_o have_v hence_o there_o remain_v no_o other_o successor_n jure_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n these_o be_v relative_a officer_n and_o be_v always_o in_o and_o to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n we_o know_v of_o no_o catholic_n visible_a church_n that_o any_o pastor_n be_v ordain_v to_o 1._o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o church_n as_o catholic_n visible_a 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o chimaera_n of_o some_o man_n brain_n it_o be_v not_o in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la for_o if_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v all_o the_o church_n that_o i_o see_v at_o a_o time_n i_o be_o not_o capable_a of_o see_v much_o more_o than_o what_o can_v assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o all_o the_o church_n actual_o in_o be_v how_o be_v they_o visible_a to_o i_o where_o can_v they_o be_v see_v in_o one_o place_n i_o may_v as_o well_o call_v all_o the_o city_n and_o corporation_n in_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n visible_a city_n or_o corporation_n which_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v nonsense_n beside_o if_o all_o organise_v church_n can_v be_v get_v together_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o saint_n militant_a much_o less_o of_o triumphant_a for_o many_o be_v no_o church_n member_n that_o be_v christ_n member_n and_o many_o visible_a member_n be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n where_o be_v any_o such_o church_n capable_a of_o communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o other_o organise_v visible_a church_n again_o to_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n constitute_v shall_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v such_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o officer_n to_o the_o mystical_a church_n christ_n be_v the_o mystical_a head_n and_o pastor_n he_o be_v call_v the_o chief_a bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.25_o hence_o the_o uncalled_a be_v his_o sheep_n as_o john_n 10.16_o but_o to_o all_o visible_a church_n christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o where_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v unless_o it_o please_v we_o to_o take_v he_o from_o rome_n to_o say_v that_o all_o individual_a pastor_n be_v pastor_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v either_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o as_o much_o pastoral_n power_n and_o charge_n in_o one_o church_n as_o in_o another_o and_o then_o they_o be_v indefinite_a pastor_n and_o therefore_o all_o pastor_n have_v mutual_a power_n in_o each_o other_o church_n and_o so_o john_n may_v come_v into_o thomas_n his_o church_n and_o exercise_v all_o part_n of_o jurisdiction_n there_o and_o thomas_n into_o john_n or_o a_o minister_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v a_o universal_a catholic_n power_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o so_o the_o power_n and_o charge_n which_o every_o ordinary_a pastor_n have_v be_v apostolic_a or_o last_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o take_v up_o a_o particular_a charge_n where_o he_o please_v with_o a_o non_fw-la obstante_fw-la to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n for_o if_o he_o have_v a_o office_n whereby_o he_o be_v equal_o and_o indisputable_o relate_v to_o all_o church_n it_o be_v at_o his_o liberty_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o office_n to_o take_v where_o he_o please_v but_o every_o church-officer_n under_o christ_n be_v a_o visible_a relate_v and_o the_o correlate_n must_v be_v such_o whence_o the_o church_n must_v be_v visible_a to_o which_o he_o be_v a_o officer_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v a_o man_n be_v a_o visible_a husband_n to_o a_o invisible_a wife_n the_o relate_v and_o correlate_n must_v be_v ejusdem_fw-la naturae_fw-la it_o be_v true_a christ_n be_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_a head_n but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o mystical_a nature_n for_o christ_n have_v substitute_v no_o mystical_a officer_n in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o mystical_a and_o external_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o latter_a be_v found_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o it_o as_o take_v its_o true_a spiritual_a original_a from_o it_o derive_v vital_a spirit_n from_o it_o by_o a_o mystical_a union_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o all_o external_a visible_a assembly_n minister_n ordinance_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n for_o call_v in_o the_o elect_n and_o the_o edify_v of_o they_o to_o that_o full_a measure_n of_o stature_n they_o be_v design_v unto_o but_o the_o different_a consideration_n lie_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o mystical_a church_n do_v never_o fail_v neither_o be_v diminish_v by_o any_o shock_n of_o temptation_n or_o suffer_v that_o in_o their_o visible_a profession_n any_o of_o they_o undergo_v whereas_o visible_a church_n be_v often_o break_v scatter_a yea_o unchurch_v and_o many_o member_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o final_a apostasy_n likewise_o christ_n mystical_a church_n be_v many_o time_n preserve_v in_o that_o state_n only_o or_o most_o when_o christ_n have_v not_o a_o visible_a organise_v church_n according_a to_o institution_n to_o be_v find_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o it_o be_v with_o his_o church_n often_o under_o the_o old_a testament-dispensation_n as_o in_o egypt_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o the_o ark_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o philistine_n in_o the_o day_n of_o manasseh_n and_o other_o wicked_a king_n and_o especial_o in_o babylon_n in_o such_o time_n the_o faithful_a one_o be_v preserve_v without_o the_o true_a sacrifice_n the_o teach_a priest_n and_o the_o law._n so_o have_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o divers_a place_n under_o the_o draconick_a heathen_a persecution_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o wilderness-state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o antichristian_a usurpation_n and_o false_a worship_n which_o mystical_a state_n be_v the_o place_n prepare_v of_o god_n to_o hide_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o from_o the_o dragon_n rage_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n again_o unto_o this_o mystical_a church_n be_v only_o essential_o necessary_a a_o mystical_a union_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n acceptation_n and_o covenant-undertaking_a of_o the_o son_n the_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n work_v true_a save_a faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o true_a member_n whereby_o as_o they_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a union_n so_o they_o have_v a_o spiritual_a communion_n though_o without_o those_o desirable_a enjoyment_n of_o external_a church_n privilege_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o be_v providential_o often_o hinder_v from_o visible_a church_n be_v but_o christ_n tent_n and_o tabernacle_n which_o he_o sometime_o set_v up_o and_o sometime_o take_v down_o and_o remove_v at_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o see_v best_o for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world._n but_o of_o these_o he_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n as_o to_o their_o foundadation_n matter_n constitution_n and_o order_n he_o give_v forth_o a_o exact_a pattern_n from_o mount_n zion_n as_o of_o that_o typical_a tabernacle_n from_o mount_n sinai_n of_o old._n the_o foundation_n part_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o corner_n stone_n eph._n ij_o 20_o matth._n xuj_o 18_o this_o profession_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o not_o the_o church_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o profession_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a individual_a person_n that_o make_v a_o organise_v visible_a church_n we_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v man_n and_o woman_n not_o doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n and_o these_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o practise_v holiness_n the_o member_n of_o church_n be_v always_o call_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n saint_n faithful_n believer_n they_o be_v such_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v every_o believer_n so_o as_o such_o but_o as_o a_o profess_v believer_n for_o a_o man_n must_v appear_v
to_o be_v fit_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n before_o he_o can_v challenge_v church_n privilege_n or_o they_o can_v be_v allow_v he_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o many_o profess_v believer_n that_o make_v a_o particular_a church_n for_o though_o they_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n without_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o combination_n explicit_a or_o at_o least_o implicit_a whereby_o they_o become_v by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n charter_n a_o spiritual_a corporation_n and_o be_v call_v a_o city_n household_n house_n be_v unite_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o bond_n not_o only_o by_o internal_a bond_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o external_a the_o bond_n of_o union_n must_v be_v visible_a as_o the_o house_n be_v by_o profession_n this_o be_v a_o society_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v power_n to_o to_o choose_v a_o pastor_n and_o other_o officer_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v hence_o a_o visible_a church_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o separate_a congregation_n separation_n be_v a_o proper_a and_o inseparable_a adjunct_n thereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o church_n membership_n 2_o cor._n vi_o 14_o be_v not_o unequal_o yoke_v together_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yoke_v with_o those_o of_o another_o kind_n the_o plough_v with_o a_o ox_n and_o ass_n together_o be_v forbid_v under_o the_o law_n with_o unbeliever_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n visible_a unbeliever_n of_o any_o sort_n or_o kind_n for_o what_o participation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v righteousness_n with_o vnrighteousness_n what_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d communion_n or_o fellowship_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n vers._n 13._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o harmony_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n man_n of_o corrupt_a life_n and_o conversation_n or_o what_o part_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o believer_n i._n e._n a_o visible_a believer_n with_o a_o vnbeliever_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v render_v infidel_n but_o it_o be_v do_v by_o our_o translator_n to_o put_v a_o blind_a upon_o this_o place_n as_o to_o its_o true_a intention_n and_o to_o countenance_v parish_n communion_n for_o why_o do_v they_o not_o here_o vers._n 14._o and_o every_o where_o else_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o infidel_n vers._n 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o consistency_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n church_n with_o idol_n etc._n etc._n i_o take_v this_o place_n to_o be_v a_o full_a proof_n of_o what_o be_v before_o speak_v that_o a_o gospel_n church_n be_v a_o company_n of_o faithful_a profess_v people_n walk_v together_o by_o mutual_a consent_n or_o confederation_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o subjection_n to_o and_o practice_n of_o all_o his_o gospel-precept_n and_o command_n whereby_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o person_n and_o thing_n manifest_o contrary_a or_o disagree_v thereunto_o hence_o as_o its_o separate_a from_o all_o such_o impurity_n that_o be_v without_o so_o christ_n have_v furnish_v it_o with_o sufficient_a power_n and_o mean_n to_o keep_v itself_o pure_a and_o therefore_o have_v provide_v ordinance_n and_o minister_n for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o the_o great_a end_n of_o church-edification_n can_v be_v obtain_v without_o purity_n be_v also_o maintain_v in_o doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n purity_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o order_n a_o disorderly_a society_n will_v corrupt_v within_o itself_o for_o by_o disorder_n it_o be_v divide_v by_o division_n the_o joint_n and_o band_n be_v break_v not_o only_o of_o love_n and_o affection_n but_o of_o visible_a conjunction_n so_o that_o root_n of_o bitterness_n and_o sensual_a separation_n arise_v many_o be_v defile_v it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o peace_n and_o agreement_n in_o a_o society_n that_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o gospel-order_n when_o man_n agree_v together_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o a_o false_a rule_n or_o in_o a_o supine_n and_o negligent_a observation_n of_o the_o true_a rule_n there_o may_v be_v a_o common_a connivance_n at_o each_o one_o to_o walk_v as_o he_o list_v but_o this_o be_v not_o order_n but_o disorder_n by_o consent_n beside_o a_o church_n may_v for_o the_o most_o part_n walk_v in_o order_n when_o there_o be_v breach_n and_o division_n some_o do_v agree_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n when_o other_o will_v deviate_v from_o it_o it_o be_v orderly_a to_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v those_o that_o walk_v not_o orderly_a though_o such_o just_a undertake_n seem_v sometime_o ground_n of_o disturbance_n and_o cause_n of_o convulsion_n in_o the_o whole_a body_n threaten_v even_o its_o break_n in_o piece_n but_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v do_v to_o preserve_v the_o whole_a the_o word_n translate_v order_n colos._n ij_o 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o military_a word_n it_o be_v the_o order_n of_o soldier_n in_o a_o band_n keep_v rank_a and_o file_n where_o every_o one_o keep_v his_o place_n follow_v his_o leader_n observe_v the_o word_n of_o command_n and_o his_o right-hand_n man._n hence_o the_o apostle_n joy_v to_o see_v their_o close_a order_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o the_o faith_n their_o firmness_n valour_n and_o resolution_n in_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o order_n in_o so_o do_v not_o only_o in_o watch_v as_o single_a professor_n but_o in_o march_v orderly_o together_o as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o comely_a than_o a_o church_n walk_v in_o order_n when_o every_o one_o keep_v his_o place_n know_v and_o practise_v his_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n each_o submit_v to_o the_o other_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n when_o the_o elder_n know_v their_o place_n and_o the_o people_n they_o christ_n have_v be_v more_o faithful_a than_o moses_n and_o therefore_o have_v not_o leave_v his_o church_n without_o sufficient_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o that_o order_n may_v be_v in_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v know_v and_o that_o by_o officer_n and_o people_n they_o that_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o rule_n or_o negligent_a in_o attend_v it_o or_o doubtful_a and_o therefore_o always_o contend_v about_o it_o will_v never_o walk_v according_a to_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o minister_n to_o study_v order_n well_o and_o acquaint_v the_o people_n with_o it_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v bewail_v that_o so_o few_o divine_n bend_v their_o study_n that_o way_n they_o content_v themselves_o only_o with_o study_v and_o preach_v the_o truth_n that_o concern_v faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o mere_a moral_a part_n of_o holiness_n but_o as_o to_o gospel-churche_n or_o institute_v worship_n they_o general_o in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n let_v it_o alone_o and_o administer_v sacrament_n as_o indefinite_o as_o they_o preach_v care_v not_o to_o stand_v relate_v to_o one_o people_n more_o than_o another_o any_o further_a than_o maintain_v by_o they_o likewise_o many_o good_a people_n be_v as_o great_a stranger_n to_o gospel_n church_n and_o order_n and_o as_o their_o minister_n have_v a_o great_a adversness_n to_o both_o and_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o schism_n and_o faction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o readiness_n of_o both_o to_o comply_v with_o rule_n of_o man_n for_o make_v church_n canon_n establish_v by_o humane_a law_n be_v carry_v away_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v the_o truth_n by_o corrupt_a erastian_n principle_n that_o christ_n have_v leave_v the_o church_n to_o be_v altogether_o guide_v and_o govern_v by_o law_n of_o magistratick_a sanction_n reformation_n from_o the_o gross_a idolatrous_a part_n of_o antichristianism_n be_v engage_v in_o with_o some_o heroic_a courage_n and_o resolution_n but_o the_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n of_o protestant_n to_o any_o further_a progress_n almost_o ever_o since_o be_v not_o a_o little_a to_o be_v lament_v many_o think_v it_o enough_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o house_n be_v lay_v in_o purity_n of_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o that_o be_v not_o rather_o write_v in_o the_o book_n than_o preach_v in_o pulpit_n at_o this_o day_n but_o how_o little_a do_v they_o care_v to_o set_v their_o hand_n to_o building_n the_o house_n sure_o a_o great_a matter_n be_v from_o that_o spiritual_a sloathfulness_n that_o many_o be_v fall_v under_o as_o likewise_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v under_o the_o great_a discouragement_n lay_v before_o they_o by_o the_o adversary_n of_o judah_n when_o they_o find_v the_o child_n of_o the_o spiritual_a captivity_n be_v about_o to_o build_v a_o gospel_n church_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o how_o long_o have_v this_o great_a work_n cease_v
such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o meet_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o full_a communion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o those_o who_o be_v complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n no_o doubt_v the_o church_n in_o its_o officer_n may_v and_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_a when_o it_o be_v neglect_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n as_o such_o and_o as_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o their_o family_n which_o without_o a_o inspection_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n they_o can_v do_v 2._o household_n be_v constant_o reckon_v unto_o the_o church_n when_o the_o head_n of_o the_o family_n be_v enter_v into_o covenant_n luk._n 19.9_o act._n 16.15_o rom._n 16.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o 2_o tim._n 4.19_o 3._o child_n to_o belong_v unto_o and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o their_o parent_n covenant_n not_o only_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o which_o give_v they_o right_o unto_o baptism_n but_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n covenant_n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_n unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a until_o they_o voluntary_o relinquish_v their_o claim_n unto_o they_o 4._o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n give_v they_o thereby_o a_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n put_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n what_o in_o they_o lie_v that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v meet_a member_n of_o it_o by_o a_o due_a watch_n over_o they_o and_o instruction_n of_o they_o 5._o though_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o its_o privilege_n be_v continue_v and_o preserve_v as_o of_o old_a by_o carnal_a generation_n yet_o because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n covenant_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n the_o advantage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o gracious_a education_n in_o such_o family_n and_o of_o conversion_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n ordinary_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o depend_v on_o the_o addition_n of_o member_n out_o of_o the_o family_n already_o incorporate_v in_o it_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o mamaluke_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n unto_o natural_a successor_n but_o it_o be_v continual_o make_v up_o of_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n incorporate_v into_o it_o nor_o like_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o roman_a common-weal_n which_o consist_v of_o man_n only_o be_v like_a to_o have_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o one_o age_n alone_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n consist_v 1._o in_o prayer_n for_o they_o 2._o catechetical_a instruction_n of_o they_o according_a unto_o their_o capacity_n 3._o advice_n to_o their_o parent_n concern_v they_o 4._o visit_v of_o they_o in_o the_o family_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 5._o encouragement_n of_o they_o or_o admonition_n according_a as_o there_o be_v occasion_n 6._o direction_n for_o a_o due_a preparation_n unto_o the_o join_n themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o full_a communion_n 7._o exclusion_n of_o they_o from_o a_o claim_n unto_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o especial_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o render_v themselves_o visible_o unmeet_a for_o they_o and_o unworthy_a of_o they_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n bring_v unconceivable_a prejudice_n unto_o church_n and_o if_o continue_v in_o will_v prove_v their_o ruin_n for_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v preserve_v propagate_v and_o continue_v at_o the_o easy_a rate_n of_o a_o constant_a supply_n by_o the_o carnal_a baptize_v posterity_n of_o those_o who_o do_v at_o any_o time_n just_o or_o unjust_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o be_v to_o prepare_v a_o meet_a supply_n of_o member_n by_o all_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n who_o administration_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o and_o beside_o one_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o family_n once_o gracious_o take_v thereinto_o the_o neglect_n therefore_o herein_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v watch_v against_o and_o it_o do_v arise_v 1._o from_o a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o most_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o 2._o from_o the_o paucity_n of_o officer_n in_o most_o church_n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v who_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o 3._o the_o want_n of_o a_o teacher_n or_o catechist_n in_o every_o church_n who_o shall_v attend_v only_o unto_o the_o instruction_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n 4._o want_v of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o parent_n and_o master_n 1._o in_o not_o value_v aright_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o have_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n under_o the_o inspection_n care_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o not_o instil_v into_o they_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o with_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n 3._o in_o not_o bring_v they_o due_o unto_o the_o church_n assembly_n 4._o in_o not_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v they_o unto_o a_o actual_a entrance_n into_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n 5._o in_o not_o advise_v with_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o 6._o especial_o by_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o that_o loose_a and_o careless_a kind_n of_o education_n in_o conformity_n unto_o the_o world_n which_o general_o prevail_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o of_o they_o on_o various_a account_n and_o occasion_n drop_v off_o here_o and_o there_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o relation_n thereunto_o without_o the_o least_o respect_n unto_o they_o or_o enquiry_n after_o they_o church_n be_v supply_v by_o such_o as_o be_v occasional_o convert_v in_o they_o where_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o the_o kind_n and_o number_n of_o their_o officer_n sufficient_a to_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o occasion_n of_o they_o where_o whole_a family_n in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o head_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v dedicate_v unto_o god_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a capacity_n of_o those_o whereof_o they_o do_v consist_v where_o the_o design_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o its_o own_o successive_a continuation_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o the_o family_n take_v thereinto_o where_o parent_n esteem_v themselves_o accountable_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o relation_n of_o their_o child_n thereunto_o there_o be_v provision_n for_o church_n order_n usefulness_n and_o beauty_n beyond_o what_o be_v usual_o to_o be_v observe_v 2._o the_o especial_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o admission_n of_o member_n in_o the_o time_n of_o great_a persecution_n may_v be_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a time_n the_o church_n be_v exceed_o careful_a not_o to_o admit_v into_o their_o society_n such_o as_o by_o who_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v unto_o the_o rage_n of_o their_o persecute_v adversary_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o care_n they_o can_v seldom_o avoid_v it_o but_o that_o when_o persecution_n grow_v severe_a some_o or_o other_o will_v fall_v from_o they_o either_o out_o of_o fear_n with_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n or_o by_o a_o discovery_n of_o their_o latent_fw-la hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n unto_o their_o great_a trial_n and_o distress_n however_o they_o be_v not_o so_o scrupulous_a herein_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o own_o safety_n as_o to_o exclude_v such_o as_o give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o their_o sincerity_n but_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n commit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o care_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o walk_v on_o such_o occasion_n wherefore_o 2._o on_o supposition_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n there_o or_o in_o any_o place_n as_o it_o be_v of_o old_a under_o first_o the_o pagan_a and_o afterward_o the_o antichristian_a tyranny_n the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v into_o its_o care_n and_o communion_n all_o such_o as_o 1._o flee_v from_o idol_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n against_o they_o with_o suffer_v 2._o make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o unto_o his_o person_n and_o office_n be_v 3._o free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o 4._o be_v willing_a to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n therein_o for_o in_o such_o a_o
season_n these_o thing_n be_v so_o full_a a_o indication_n of_o sincerity_n as_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n they_o render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n and_o if_o any_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n through_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o non_fw-la admission_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v on_o a_o conjunction_n in_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n or_o be_v otherwise_o expose_v unto_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n prejudicial_a unto_o their_o soul_n i_o know_v not_o how_o such_o a_o church_n can_v answer_v the_o refusal_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a and_o universal_a pastor_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n the_o way_n or_o mean_n whereby_o such_o person_n as_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n may_v become_v a_o church_n or_o enter_v into_o a_o church-state_n be_v by_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o solemn_a agreement_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v unto_o his_o disciple_n in_o such_o church_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n at_o present_a know_v not_o how_o they_o come_v so_o to_o be_v continue_v only_o in_o that_o state_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o father_n few_o there_o be_v who_o think_v that_o any_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o their_o own_o be_v require_v to_o enstate_v they_o in_o church_n order_n and_o relation_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o church_n and_o its_o first_o erection_n yet_o that_o that_o continuation_n may_v be_v regular_a it_o be_v require_v that_o its_o first_o congregate_a for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n be_v so_o as_o also_o that_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o be_v still_o continue_v wherefore_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o first_o gather_v must_v be_v inquire_v into_o the_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n plant_v or_o gather_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v particular_a church_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v these_o church_n do_v consist_v each_o of_o they_o of_o many_o member_n who_o be_v so_o member_n of_o one_o of_o they_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o member_n of_o another_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n and_o the_o enquiry_n be_v how_o those_o believer_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o other_o become_v to_o be_v a_o church_n and_o that_o distinct_a from_o all_o other_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v in_o general_a that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o the_o apostle_n who_o guide_v they_o in_o these_o affair_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o that_o other_o believer_n be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o his_o disciple_n shall_v be_v join_v in_o such_o society_n for_o the_o duty_n and_o end_n of_o they_o prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o himself_o have_v be_v prove_v sufficient_o before_o all_o that_o be_v disciple_v by_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n matth._n 28.20_o this_o can_v original_o be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o by_o their_o own_o actual_a express_a voluntary_a consent_n there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concur_v as_o remote_a cause_n or_o prerequisite_a condition_n unto_o this_o conjunction_n of_o believer_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v such_o be_v baptism_n profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n convenient_a cohabitation_n resort_v to_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o same_o place_n but_o neither_o any_o of_o these_o distinct_o or_o separately_z nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o conjunction_n be_v or_o can_v be_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v and_o yet_o no_o such_o church_n state_n ensue_v they_o can_v altogether_o engage_v unto_o those_o duty_n nor_o communicate_v those_o power_n which_o appertain_v unto_o this_o state._n be_v there_o no_o other_o order_n in_o particular_a church_n no_o other_o discipline_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o nor_o rule_n over_o they_o no_o other_o duty_n no_o other_o end_v assign_v unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v general_o own_v and_o practise_v in_o parochial_a assembly_n the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n within_o such_o a_o precinct_n of_o cohabitation_n determine_v by_o civil_a authority_n may_v constitute_v a_o church_n but_o if_o a_o church_n be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v entrust_v in_o itself_o with_o sundry_a power_n and_o privilege_n depend_v on_o sundry_a duty_n prescribe_v unto_o it_o if_o it_o constitute_v new_a relation_n between_o person_n that_o neither_o natural_o nor_o moral_o be_v before_o so_o relate_v as_o marriage_n do_v between_o husband_n and_o wife_n if_o it_o require_v new_a mutual_a duty_n and_o give_v new_a mutual_a right_n among_o themselves_o not_o require_v of_o they_o either_o as_o unto_o their_o matter_n or_o as_o unto_o their_o manner_n before_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o this_o state_n can_v arise_v from_o or_o have_v any_o other_o formal_a cause_n but_o the_o joint_a consent_n and_o virtual_a confederation_n of_o those_o concern_v unto_o these_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o can_v have_v any_o other_o foundation_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o resolve_v into_o the_o will_n of_o man_n bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n unto_o they_o by_o their_o voluntary_a consent_n i_o say_v unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n as_o their_o formal_a cause_n the_o supreme_a efficient_a cause_n of_o they_o all_o be_v the_o will_n law_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o society_n in_o all_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o mere_o natural_a such_o as_o between_o parent_n and_o child_n wherein_o the_o necessity_n of_o power_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v predetermine_v by_o a_o superior_a law_n even_o that_o of_o nature_n wherein_o powers_z privilege_n and_o mutual_a duty_n be_v establish_v as_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n nor_o after_o its_o first_o institution_n can_v any_o one_o be_v incorporate_v into_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o consent_n and_o engagement_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o it_o nor_o if_o the_o nature_n and_o duty_n of_o church_n be_v acknowledge_v can_v there_o be_v any_o contest_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o thing_n ensue_v be_v clear_a and_o evident_a 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o authority_n have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v this_o church_n state_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o 2._o that_o by_o his_o word_n or_o law_n he_o have_v grant_v power_n and_o privilege_n unto_o this_o church_n and_o prescribe_v duty_n unto_o all_o belong_v unto_o it_o wherein_z they_o can_v have_v no_o concernment_n who_o be_v not_o incorporate_v into_o such_o a_o church_n 3._o that_o therefore_o he_o do_v require_v and_o command_v all_o his_o disciple_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o such_o church_n relation_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v warrant_v they_o so_o to_o do_v by_o his_o word_n and_o command_n wherefore_o 4._o this_o join_n of_o themselves_o whereon_o depend_v all_o their_o interest_n in_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n all_o their_o obligation_n unto_o church_n duty_n be_v a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o 5._o herein_o do_v they_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o their_o officer_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o 6._o to_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v express_o to_o engage_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o command_v in_o the_o church_n as_o that_o phrase_n every_o where_o signify_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o 7._o this_o resignation_n of_o ourselves_o unto_o the_o will_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o express_a engagement_n make_v unto_o he_o of_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o covenant_n on_o our_o part_n and_o it_o have_v so_o on_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n annex_v unto_o this_o engagement_n on_o our_o part_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 8._o
church_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o church_n essential_a and_o homogeneal_a unto_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v all_o that_o church_n power_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o make_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n wherein_o he_o will_v dwell_v nor_o since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n possible_a for_o the_o congregate_a of_o any_o church_n than_o what_o do_v virtual_o include_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v mention_v 4._o but_o yet_o this_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a nor_o be_v the_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n attainable_a in_o this_o state._n for_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o thing_n in_o and_o unto_o it_o which_o in_o this_o state_n it_o can_v observe_v for_o he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o be_v exercise_v both_o in_o its_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n the_o thing_n before_o mention_v be_v all_o of_o they_o act_n of_o right_n and_o power_n but_o not_o of_o authority_n 5._o wherefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v office_n and_o appoint_v officer_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.13_o 14._o unto_o these_o be_v all_o church_n authority_n grant_v for_o all_o authority_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v that_o which_o give_v unto_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o authority_n 6._o therefore_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n before_o describe_v right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v by_o christ_n to_o call_v choose_v appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o person_n make_v meet_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o office_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o ordinary_a officer_n may_v be_v fix_v in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v far_o confirm_v afterward_o that_o which_o hereon_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n or_o by_o what_o act_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n the_o lord_n christ_n do_v communicate_v office-power_n and_o therewith_o the_o office_n itself_o unto_o any_o person_n whereon_o their_o authority_n be_v direct_o from_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o collation_n of_o this_o authority_n the_o act_n of_o christ_n herein_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o head_n 1._o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v the_o office_n themselves_o and_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n as_o also_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o limit_v the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o or_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o appoint_v any_o office_n or_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o they_o can_v have_v no_o church_n authority_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o that_o entire_o rise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n by_o christ_n himself_o and_o hence_o in_o the_o first_o place_n all_o the_o authority_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n proceed_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o for_o that_o which_o give_v be_v unto_o any_o thing_n give_v it_o also_o its_o essential_a property_n 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o its_o head_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n over_o it_o and_o care_n of_o it_o whereon_o the_o continuation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n do_v depend_v where_o ever_o he_o have_v a_o church_n call_v he_o furnish_v some_o person_n with_o such_o gift_n ability_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o office_n in_o the_o power_n work_n and_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v most_o unquestionable_o evident_a both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o in_o his_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v some_o especial_a ability_n and_o qualification_n require_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o church_n office._n wherefore_o where_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o communicate_v of_o these_o ability_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o by_o virtue_n of_o they_o church_n order_n may_v be_v observe_v church_n power_n exercise_v and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n administer_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o constitute_v officer_n than_o to_o erect_v or_o create_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o this_o collation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o office_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o any_o do_v not_o immediate_o constitute_v all_o those_o or_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n on_o who_o they_o be_v collate_v without_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n yet_o be_v it_o so_o prerequisite_a thereunto_o that_o no_o person_n not_o make_v partaker_n of_o they_o in_o the_o measure_n before_o mention_v can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a rite_n order_n or_o power_n be_v real_o vest_v in_o the_o ministry_n 3._o this_o communication_n of_o office-power_n on_o the_o part_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o person_n gift_v and_o qualify_v by_o himself_o aught_o to_o be_v actual_o admit_v into_o their_o office_n so_o as_o to_o administer_v the_o power_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o ordination_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o be_v efficacious_a unto_o this_o end_n of_o communicate_v office-power_n mere_o from_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o can_v have_v no_o causal_n influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o power_n for_o although_o sundry_a thing_n belong_v hereunto_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v that_o where_o one_o man_n be_v set_v over_o other_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o before_o he_o have_v no_o natural_a right_n unto_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o choice_n and_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n as_o that_o especial_a prayer_n be_v use_v in_o and_o about_o affair_n that_o need_v especial_a divine_a assistance_n and_o favour_n and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o circumstance_n of_o outward_a action_n herein_o not_o to_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o occasion_n yet_o nothing_o have_v any_o causal_a influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n by_o virtue_n hereof_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n do_v derive_v all_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o alone_o 4._o he_o have_v hereon_o give_v command_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o officer_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v so_o appoint_v so_o prepare_v or_o qualify_v so_o call_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o the_o limitation_n which_o himself_o also_o have_v give_v unto_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o officer_n for_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o thereon_o admit_v unto_o a_o unlimited_a power_n to_o be_v exercise_v at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o a_o lordly_a or_o despotical_a manner_n but_o their_o power_n be_v state_v bound_v limit_a and_o confine_v as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o its_o act_n its_o manner_n of_o administration_n its_o end_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o swell_a over_o these_o bank_n by_o ambition_n the_o break_n up_o of_o these_o bound_n by_o pride_n and_o love_n of_o domination_n by_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o power_n over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o outward_a concern_v exercise_v in_o a_o legal_a coercive_a lordly_a manner_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o church_n power_n in_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o but_o after_o that_o some_o man_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n prescribe_v and_o limit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n which_o be_v real_o exclusive_a of_o lordship_n dominion_n and_o all_o elation_n above_o their_o
order_n or_o degree_n which_o also_o as_o unto_o the_o scripture_n the_o most_o learned_a advocate_n of_o prelacy_n begin_v to_o grant_v 1._o the_o apostle_n describe_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n give_v this_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v so_o tit._n 1.5_o 6_o 7._o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n if_o any_o be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a he_o that_o will_v prove_v of_o what_o sort_n a_o presbyter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v so_o aught_o to_o be_v give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o such_o a_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v intend_v the_o same_o person_n and_o office_n by_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n or_o there_o be_v no_o congruity_n of_o speech_n or_o consequence_n of_o reason_n in_o what_o he_o assert_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o same_o person_n and_o the_o same_o office_n by_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v to_o destroy_v his_o argument_n and_o render_v the_o context_n of_o his_o discourse_n unintelligible_a he_o that_o will_v say_v that_o if_o you_o make_v a_o justice_n of_o peace_n or_o a_o constable_n he_o must_v be_v magnanimous_a liberal_a full_a of_o clemency_n and_o courage_n for_o so_o a_o king_n ought_v to_o be_v will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o argue_v very_o wise_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o argument_n here_o if_o by_o elder_n and_o bishop_n distinct_a order_n and_o office_n be_v intend_v 2._o there_o be_v many_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n in_o one_o particular_a church_n phil._n 1.1_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v at_o philippi_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n that_o the_o church_n then_o at_o philippi_n be_v one_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v prove_v before_o but_o to_o have_v many_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o church_n whereas_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o episcopacy_n plead_v for_o consist_v in_o the_o superiority_n of_o one_o over_o the_o presbyter_n of_o many_o church_n be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a such_o bishop_n whereof_o there_o may_v be_v many_o in_o the_o same_o church_n of_o the_o same_o order_n equal_a in_o power_n and_o dignity_n with_o respect_n unto_o office_n will_v easy_o be_v grant_v but_o then_o they_o be_v presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n there_o will_v i_o fear_v be_v no_o end_n of_o this_o contest_v because_o of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n of_o some_o but_o that_o the_o identity_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v more_o plain_o express_v can_v neither_o be_v expect_v nor_o desire_v 3._o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o miletus_n send_v to_o ephesus_n for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n as_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o undeniable_o demonstrate_v act._n 20.17_o 18._o unto_o these_o elder_n he_o say_v take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 28._o if_o elder_n and_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o same_o person_n have_v the_o same_o office_n the_o same_o function_n and_o the_o same_o duty_n and_o the_o same_o name_n it_o be_v impossible_a so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v express_v for_o these_o elder_n be_v they_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v bishop_n they_o be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o same_o church_n their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o the_o flock_n and_o to_o feed_v the_o church_n which_o comprise_v all_o the_o duty_n the_o whole_a function_n of_o elder_n and_o bishop_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v the_o same_o this_o plain_a testimony_n can_v no_o way_n be_v evade_v by_o pretence_n and_o conjecture_n unwritten_a and_o uncertain_a the_o only_a answer_n unto_o it_o be_v it_o be_v indeed_o so_o then_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o afterward_o which_o some_o now_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o but_o these_o elder_n be_v either_o elder_n only_o and_o not_o bishop_n or_o bishop_n only_o and_o not_o elder_n or_o the_o same_o person_n be_v elder_n and_o bishop_n as_o be_v plain_o affirm_v in_o the_o word_n the_o latter_a be_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v if_o the_o first_o be_v assert_v then_o be_v there_o no_o bishop_n then_o at_o ephesus_n for_o these_o elder_n have_v the_o whole_a oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n if_o the_o second_o than_o be_v there_o no_o elder_n at_o all_o which_o be_v no_o good_a exposition_n of_o those_o word_n that_o paul_n call_v unto_o he_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v the_o flock_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d take_v the_o oversight_n or_o exercise_v the_o office_n and_o function_n of_o bishop_n over_o they_o and_o that_o not_o as_o lord_n but_o as_o ensample_n of_o humility_n obedience_n and_o holiness_n to_o the_o whole_a flock_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o those_o on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o to_o superintend_v over_o it_o as_o those_o who_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v accountable_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bishop_n and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o bishop_n over_o they_o unto_o who_o this_o charge_n shall_v be_v principal_o commit_v but_o such_o according_a unto_o this_o apostle_n be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o those_o elder_n and_o bishop_n be_v the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v as_o those_o that_o do_v watch_v for_o and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o soul_n heb._n 13.17_o 5._o the_o substance_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o instance_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v this_o those_o who_o name_n be_v the_o same_o equal_o common_a and_o applicable_a unto_o they_o all_o who_o function_n be_v the_o same_o who_o qualification_n and_o character_n be_v the_o same_o who_o duty_n account_v and_o reward_n be_v the_o same_o concern_v who_o there_o be_v in_o no_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o least_o mention_n of_o inequality_n disparity_n or_o preference_n in_o office_n among_o they_o they_o be_v essential_o and_o every_o way_n the_o same_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v modest_o be_v deny_v i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o where_o a_o church_n be_v great_o increase_v so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o it_o for_o its_o instruction_n and_o rule_n that_o decency_n and_o order_n do_v require_v that_o one_o of_o they_o do_v in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o church_n affair_n preside_v to_o guide_v and_o direct_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n thereof_o so_o the_o presbyter_n at_o alexandria_n do_v choose_v one_o from_o among_o themselves_o that_o shall_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o a_o precedent_n among_o they_o whether_o the_o person_n that_o be_v so_o to_o preside_v be_v direct_v unto_o by_o be_v first_o convert_v or_o first_o ordain_v or_o on_o the_o account_n of_o age_n or_o of_o gift_n and_o ability_n whether_o he_o continue_v for_o a_o season_n only_o and_o then_o another_o be_v depute_v unto_o the_o same_o work_n or_o for_o his_o life_n be_v thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a to_o be_v determine_v according_a unto_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o reason_n and_o order_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v never_o oppose_v this_o order_n but_o rather_o desire_v to_o see_v it_o in_o practice_n namely_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o such_o a_o extent_n as_o necessary_o to_o require_v many_o elder_n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o government_n for_o the_o better_a observation_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n the_o full_a representation_n of_o the_o authority_n commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o officer_n of_o his_o church_n the_o occasional_a instruction_n of_o the_o member_n in_o lesser_a assembly_n which_o as_o unto_o some_o end_n may_v be_v state_v also_o with_o the_o due_a attendance_n unto_o all_o other_o mean_n of_o edification_n and_o watch_v inspect_v warn_v admonish_a exhort_v and_o the_o like_a and_o that_o among_o these_o elder_n one_o shall_v be_v choose_v by_o themselves_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n not_o into_o a_o new_a order_n not_o into_o a_o degree_n of_o authority_n above_o his_o brethren_n but_o only_o unto_o his_o part_n of_o the_o common_a work_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n which_o require_v some_o kind_n of_o precedency_n hereby_o no_o new_a officer_n no_o new_a order_n of_o officer_n no_o new_a degree_n of_o power_n or_o
authority_n be_v constitute_v in_o the_o church_n only_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v cast_v into_o such_o a_o order_n as_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n do_v require_v but_o there_o be_v not_o any_o intimation_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o least_o imparity_n or_o inequality_n in_o order_n degree_n or_o authority_n among_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o sort_n whether_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a the_o apostle_n be_v all_o equal_a so_o be_v the_o evangelist_n so_o be_v elder_n or_o bishop_n and_o so_o be_v deacon_n also_o the_o scripture_n know_v no_o more_o of_o a_o archbishop_n such_o as_o all_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v nor_o a_o archdeacon_n than_o of_o a_o arch-apostle_n or_o of_o a_o arch-evangelist_n or_o a_o arch-prophet_n howbeit_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o all_o their_o assembly_n they_o have_v one_o who_o do_v preside_v in_o the_o manner_n before_o describe_v which_o seem_v among_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o peter_n the_o brethren_n also_o of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v so_o multiply_v as_o that_o the_o constant_a meeting_n of_o they_o all_o in_o one_o place_n may_v not_o be_v absolute_o best_a for_o their_o edification_n howbeit_o that_o on_o all_o the_o solemn_a occasion_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o their_o consent_n be_v necessary_a they_o do_v of_o old_a and_o aught_o still_o to_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o advise_v consultation_n and_o consent_n as_o be_v prove_v before_o this_o be_v so_o full_o express_v and_o exemplify_v in_o the_o two_o great_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n act._n 15._o that_o it_o can_v be_v gainsay_v when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n send_v by_o the_o brethren_n or_o church_n at_o antioch_n v_o 1_o 3._o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o brethren_n be_v call_v in_o distinction_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n v_o 4._o so_o when_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n assemble_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o case_n propose_v unto_o they_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o brethren_n assemble_v with_o they_o v_o 6_o 12._o neither_o be_v they_o mute_a person_n mere_a auditor_n and_o spectator_n in_o the_o assembly_n but_o they_o concur_v both_o in_o the_o debate_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n insomuch_o as_o they_o be_v express_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o advice_n give_v ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o and_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n return_v unto_o antioch_n the_o multitude_n unto_o who_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v direct_v come_v together_o about_o it_o ver_fw-la 23.30_o unless_o this_o be_v observe_v the_o primitive-church-state_n be_v overthrow_v but_o i_o shall_v return_v from_o this_o digression_n the_o first_o officer_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pastor_n a_o pastor_n be_v the_o elder_a that_o feed_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o that_o be_v who_o be_v its_o teacher_n and_o its_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d feed_v take_v the_o oversight_n it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a design_n nor_o work_v to_o give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o person_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n nor_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o work_n with_o the_o quality_n or_o virtue_n to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n to_o handle_v they_o practical_o and_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o what_o be_v of_o this_o kind_n express_v in_o the_o rule_n and_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n do_v indispensable_o require_v be_v more_o exemplify_v in_o practice_n than_o it_o be_v but_o some_o thing_n relate_v unto_o this_o officer_n and_o his_o office_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v well_o state_v i_o shall_v treat_v concern_v the_o name_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o shepherd_n be_v metaphorical_a it_o be_v a_o denomination_n suit_v unto_o his_o work_n denote_v the_o same_o office_n and_o person_n with_o a_o bishop_n or_o elder_n speak_v of_o absolute_o without_o limitation_n unto_o either_o teach_v or_o rule_v 5.4_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v use_v or_o apply_v unto_o this_o office_n because_o it_o be_v more_o comprehensive_a of_o and_o instructive_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o than_o any_o other_o name_n whatever_o nay_o than_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o metaphor_n or_o whence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o flock_n and_o whence_o god_n term_v himself_o the_o shepherd_n of_o the_o flock_n whence_o the_o sheep_n of_o this_o flock_n be_v commit_v unto_o christ_n whereon_o he_o become_v the_o good_a shepherd_n that_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o shepherd_n what_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o man_n in_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o office_n and_o what_o their_o duty_n thereon_o be_v thing_n well_o worth_a the_o consideration_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o hireling_n yea_o wolf_n and_o dumb_a dog_n do_v in_o many_o place_n take_v on_o themselves_o to_o be_v shepherd_n of_o the_o flock_n by_o who_o it_o be_v devour_v and_o destroy_v whereas_o therefore_o this_o name_n or_o appellation_n be_v take_v from_o and_o include_v in_o it_o love_v care_n tenderness_n watchfulness_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o go_v before_o preserve_v feed_v defend_v the_o flock_n the_o sheep_n and_o the_o lamb_n the_o strong_a the_o weak_a and_o disease_a with_o accountableness_n as_o servant_n unto_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n it_o be_v general_o disuse_v in_o the_o church_n and_o those_o of_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n guide_n precedent_n elder_n which_o seem_v to_o include_v more_o of_o honour_n and_o authority_n be_v retain_v in_o common_a use_n that_o though_o one_o of_o they_o at_o last_o namely_o that_o of_o bishop_n with_o some_o elate_v composition_n and_o adjunct_n of_o power_n obtain_v the_o pre-eminence_n out_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o these_o composition_n and_o addition_n in_o arch-bishop_n metropolitan_o patriarch_n and_o the_o like_a break_v forth_o the_o cockatrice_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o pope_n but_o this_o name_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n appropriate_v unto_o the_o principal_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o and_o under_o that_o name_n they_o be_v promise_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o old_a jerem._n 3.15_o and_o the_o work_n of_o these_o pastor_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n as_o it_o be_v constant_o require_v of_o they_o act._n 20.29_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o of_o pastoral_n feed_v there_o be_v two_o part_n 1._o teach_v or_o instruction_n 2._o rule_n or_o discipline_n unto_o these_o two_o head_n may_v all_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o shepherd_n towards_o his_o flock_n be_v reduce_v and_o both_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o term_n of_o feed_v 1_o chron._n 11.2_o chap._n 17.6_o jer._n 23.2_o mic._n 5.4_o chap._n 7.14_o zech._n 11.7_o act._n 20.28_o joh._n 21.14_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o he_o who_o be_v the_o pastor_n be_v the_o bishop_n the_o elder_a the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n these_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v may_v be_v distinct_a in_o several_a officer_n namely_o of_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n but_o to_o divide_v they_o in_o the_o same_o office_n of_o pastor_n that_o some_o pastor_n shall_v feed_v by_o teach_v only_o but_o have_v no_o right_a to_o rule_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o some_o shall_v attend_v in_o exercise_n unto_o rule_n only_o not_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o labour_v continual_o in_o feed_v the_o flock_n be_v almost_o to_o overthrow_v this_o office_n of_o christ_n designation_n and_o to_o set_v up_o two_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o of_o man_n own_o projection_n of_o the_o call_n of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n so_o many_o thing_n have_v be_v speak_v and_o write_v by_o other_o at_o large_a that_o i_o shall_v only_o insist_v and_o that_o very_o brief_o on_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o of_o the_o most_o important_a consideration_n or_o have_v be_v omit_v by_o other_o as_o 1._o unto_o the_o call_n of_o any_o person_n unto_o this_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v certain_a qualification_n previous_o require_v in_o he_o dispose_v and_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o that_o office._n the_o outward_a call_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v immediate_o but_o therein_o be_v require_v a_o obediential_a act_n of_o he_o also_o who_o be_v call_v neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v regular_a neither_o can_v the_o church_n act_n according_a to_o rule_n and_o order_n nor_o the_o person_n call_v act_n in_o such_o a_o due_a obedience_n unless_o there_o be_v in_o he_o some_o previous_a indication_n
be_v these_o gift_n office_n and_o officer_n be_v grant_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.12_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n call_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n they_o do_v in_o and_o by_o their_o choice_n of_o they_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n according_a unto_o all_o the_o power_n and_o duty_n wherewith_o they_o be_v by_o he_o entrust_v and_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v 3._o it_o be_v require_v that_o person_n so_o choose_v so_o submit_v unto_o be_v so_o solemn_o separate_v dedicate_v unto_o and_o confirm_v in_o their_o office_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o this_o be_v consonant_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o direct_v unto_o a_o solemnity_n in_o the_o susception_n of_o public_a officer_n whence_o proceed_v the_o coronation_n of_o king_n which_o give_v they_o not_o their_o title_n but_o solemn_o proclaim_v it_o which_o on_o many_o account_n be_v unto_o the_o advantage_n of_o government_n so_o it_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o case_n by_o especial_a institution_n but_o hereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v far_o immediate_o this_o order_n of_o call_v man_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n namely_o by_o their_o previous_a qualification_n for_o the_o ministry_n whereby_o a_o general_a designation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v be_v make_v by_o christ_n himself_o the_o orderly_a choice_n or_o election_n of_o he_o in_o a_o voluntary_a subjection_n unto_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n itself_o follow_v with_o solemn_a ordination_n or_o set_v apart_o unto_o the_o office_n and_o discharge_n of_o it_o by_o prayer_n with_o fast_v all_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v and_o institution_n of_o christ_n whereunto_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n and_o privilege_n be_v by_o law-constitution_n annex_v be_v suit_v unto_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o nature_n of_o gospel_n society_n in_o order_n or_o church_n the_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o power_n commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o confirm_v by_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o example_n herein_o we_o rest_v without_o any_o further_a dispute_n or_o limit_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n unto_o any_o one_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n of_o it_o all_o the_o three_o thing_n mention_v be_v essential_a thereunto_o and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v utter_o neglect_v where_o they_o be_v neither_o formal_o nor_o virtual_o there_o be_v no_o lawful_a regular_a call_n unto_o the_o ministry_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n this_o order_n be_v a_o long_a time_n observe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n inviolate_a and_o the_o footstep_n of_o it_o may_v be_v trace_v through_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n although_o it_o first_o gradual_o decay_v then_o be_v pervert_v and_o corrupt_v until_o it_o issue_v as_o in_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o a_o pageant_n and_o show_n instead_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o approbation_n of_o spiritual_a endowment_n previous_o necessary_a unto_o the_o call_v of_o any_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o pedantic_a examination_n of_o the_o bishop_n domestic_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o in_o themselves_o the_o election_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o people_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o mock-shew_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n a_o deacon_n call_v out_o that_o if_o any_o have_v objection_n against_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v they_o shall_v come_v forth_o and_o speak_v whereunto_o another_o cry_n out_o of_o a_o corner_n by_o compact_n he_o be_v learned_a and_o worthy_a and_o ordination_n be_v esteem_v to_o consist_v only_o in_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o imposition_n of_o hand_n with_o some_o other_o ceremony_n annex_v thereunto_o whereby_o without_o any_o other_o ☞_o consideration_n there_o ensue_v a_o flux_n of_o power_n from_o the_o ordainer_n unto_o the_o ordain_v but_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o some_o few_o instance_n of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o own_o pastor_n may_v be_v touch_v on_o in_o our_o passage_n clem._n epist._n ad_fw-la corinth_n affirm_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o appoint_v approve_a person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o or_o with_o the_o consent_n or_o choice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o enact_v by_o common_a consent_n which_o make_v it_o somewhat_o strange_a that_o a_o learned_a man_n shall_v think_v that_o the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n in_o election_n be_v exclude_v in_o this_o very_a place_n by_o clemens_n from_o what_o be_v assign_v unto_o the_o apostle_n in_o ordination_n ignat_fw-la epist_n ad_fw-la philadelph_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d write_v to_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n it_o become_v you_o as_o a_o church_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v or_o ordain_v a_o bishop_n tertull_a apol_n president_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la honorem_fw-la istum_fw-la non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la adepti_fw-la the_o elder_n come_v unto_o their_o honour_n or_o office_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v by_o their_o suffrage_n in_o their_o election_n origen_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o last_o book_n against_o celsus_n discourse_v express_o of_o the_o call_v and_o constitution_n of_o church_n or_o city_n of_o god_n speak_v of_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o they_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d choose_v to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o church_n which_o they_o do_v rule_n the_o testimony_n give_v by_o cyprian_a in_o sundry_a place_n unto_o this_o right_n of_o the_o people_n especial_o in_o epist._n 68_o unto_o the_o elder_n and_o people_n of_o some_o church_n in_o spain_n be_v so_o know_v so_o frequent_o urge_v and_o except_v against_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n as_o that_o it_o be_v no_o way_n needful_a to_o insist_v again_o upon_o it_o some_o few_o thing_n i_o shall_v only_o observe_v concern_v and_o out_o of_o that_o epistle_n as_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o single_a epistle_n of_o his_o own_o more_o ordinary_a occasion_n but_o a_o determination_n upon_o a_o weighty_a question_n make_v by_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o who_o name_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o cyprian_a it_o be_v write_v and_o send_v unto_o the_o church_n who_o have_v crave_v their_o advice_n 2._o he_o do_v not_o only_o assert_v the_o right_n of_o the_o people_n to_o choose_v worthy_a person_n to_o be_v their_o bishop_n and_o reject_v those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a but_o also_o industrious_o prove_v it_o so_o to_o be_v their_o right_n by_o divine_a institution_n and_o appointment_n 3._o he_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n if_o they_o neglect_v the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o their_o right_n and_o power_n in_o reject_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o unworthy_a pastor_n and_o choose_v other_o in_o their_o room_n 4._o he_o affirm_v that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n not_o only_o of_o the_o church_n of_o africa_n but_o of_o those_o in_o most_o of_o the_o other_o province_n of_o the_o empire_n some_o passage_n in_o his_o discourse_n wherein_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v assert_v i_o shall_v transcribe_v in_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o epistle_n nec_fw-la sibi_fw-la plebs_fw-la blandiatur_fw-la quasi_fw-la immunis_fw-la esse_fw-la a_o contagio_fw-la delicti_fw-la possit_fw-la cum_fw-la sacerdote_fw-la peccatore_fw-la communicans_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la injustum_fw-la &_o illicitum_fw-la praepositi_fw-la svi_fw-la episcopatum_fw-la consensum_fw-la suum_fw-la commodans_fw-la propter_fw-la quod_fw-la plebs_fw-la obsequens_fw-la praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la &_o deum_fw-la metuens_fw-la a_o peccatore_fw-la praeposito_fw-la separare_fw-la se_fw-la debet_fw-la nec_fw-la se_fw-la ad_fw-la sacrilegi_fw-la sacerdotis_fw-la sacrificia_fw-la miscere_fw-la quando_fw-la ipsa_fw-la maxim_n habeat_fw-la potestatem_fw-la vel_fw-la eligendi_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o ipsum_fw-la videmus_fw-la de_fw-la divina_fw-la authoritate_fw-la descendere_fw-la for_o this_o cause_n the_o people_n obedient_a to_o the_o command_v of_o our_o lord_n and_o fear_v god_n aught_o to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o a_o wicked_a bishop_n nor_o mix_v themselves_o with_o the_o worship_n of_o a_o sacrilegious_a priest._n for_o they_o principal_o have_v the_o power_n of_o choose_v the_o worthy_a priest_n and_o reject_v the_o unworthy_a which_o come_v from_o divine_a authority_n or_o appointment_n as_o he_o prove_v from_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v more_o full_o represent_v the_o truth_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o he_o assign_v unto_o the_o people_n a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o separate_n
depend_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n hence_o the_o first_o duty_n of_o a_o church_n without_o officer_n be_v to_o obtain_v they_o according_a to_o rule_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o complete_a administration_n without_o a_o antecedent_n complete_n of_o order_n be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n the_o practice_n therefore_o propose_v be_v irregular_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v two_o fold_n as_o essential_a as_o organical_a the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o essential_a and_o its_o power_n thence_o arise_v be_v first_o for_o its_o preservation_n second_o for_o its_o perfection_n 1._o for_o its_o preservation_n in_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n 2._o for_o its_o perfection_n in_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n no_o part_n of_o this_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o essential_o consider_v can_v be_v delegated_a but_o must_v be_v act_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o can_v delegate_v power_n to_o some_o to_o admit_v member_n so_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o can_v delegate_v power_n to_o any_o to_o elect_a officer_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o a_o church_n essential_o the_o reason_n be_v thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o essence_n of_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o it_o formal_o as_o such_o and_o so_o can_v be_v transfer_v the_o church_n therefore_o can_v delegate_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n inquire_v after_o shall_v it_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o power_n of_o order_n as_o the_o church_n be_v essential_o consider_v which_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o if_o the_o church_n may_v delegate_v or_o substitute_v other_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o ordinance_n whatsoever_o without_o elder_n or_o pastor_n than_o it_o may_v perfect_v the_o saint_n and_o complete_a the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o they_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o and_o second_o it_o will_v render_v the_o ministry_n only_o convenient_a and_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o order_n as_o organical_a be_v the_o adequate_a subject_n of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o not_o as_o essential_a because_o as_o essential_a it_o never_o do_v nor_o can_v enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n namely_o the_o ministry_n in_o particular_a whereby_o it_o be_v constitute_v organical_a yet_o on_o this_o supposition_n the_o church_n as_o essential_o consider_v be_v the_o sole_a adequate_a subject_n of_o all_o ordinance_n though_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a object_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n but_o that_o be_v various_a for_o instance_n 1._o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n its_o first_o object_n be_v the_o world_n for_o conversion_n its_o next_o professor_n for_o edification_n 2._o baptism_n it_o be_v only_a object_n be_v neither_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o professor_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reckon_v to_o they_o by_o god_n appointment_n that_o be_v their_o infant_n seed_n 3._o the_o supper_n its_o object_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n only_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o institution_n one_o special_a end_n of_o it_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n thereon_o depend_v ordinance_n whereof_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n and_o the_o only_a object_n can_v be_v administer_v authoritative_o but_o by_o officer_n only_o 1._o because_o none_o but_o christ_n steward_n have_v authority_n in_o and_o towards_o his_o house_n as_o such_o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o matth._n 24.25_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o office-authority_n to_o represent_v christ_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o to_o feed_v the_o whole_a flock_n thereby_o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o practice_n among_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o walk_v in_o order_n neither_o in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o in_o all_o antiquity_n but_o it_o be_v object_v by_o those_o who_o allow_v this_o practice_n that_o if_o the_o church_n may_v appoint_v or_o send_v a_o person_n forth_o to_o preach_v or_o appoint_v a_o brother_n to_o preach_v unto_o themselves_o then_o they_o may_v appoint_v he_o to_o administer_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o supper_n answ._n here_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o supposition_n the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o body_n of_o it_o can_v send_v out_o any_o brother_n authoritative_o to_o preach_v two_o thing_n be_v require_v thereunto_o collation_n of_o gift_n and_o communication_n of_o office_n neither_o of_o which_o the_o church_n under_o that_o consideration_n can_v do_v to_o one_o that_o be_v send_v forth_o but_o where_o god_n give_v gift_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o a_o call_v by_o his_o providence_n the_o church_n only_o comply_v therewith_o not_o in_o communicate_v authority_n to_o the_o person_n but_o in_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o his_o work._n the_o same_o be_v the_o case_n in_o desire_v a_o brother_n to_o teach_v among_o they_o the_o duty_n be_v moral_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o gift_n and_o call_v be_v from_o god_n alone_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o exercise_n be_v only_o administer_v by_o the_o church_n it_o be_v far_a add_v by_o the_o same_o person_n that_o if_o a_o brother_n or_o one_o who_o be_v a_o disciple_n only_o may_v baptise_v than_o he_o may_v also_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v desire_v of_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o supposition_n be_v not_o grant_v nor_o prove_v but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o difference_n between_o these_o ordinance_n the_o object_n of_o one_o be_v professor_n as_o such_o at_o large_a the_o object_n of_o the_o other_o be_v professor_n as_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o return_v 4._o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n receive_v and_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o defend_v it_o against_o all_o opposition_n this_o be_v one_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n one_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v commit_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n unto_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n frequent_o and_o emphatical_o repeat_v the_o charge_n of_o it_o unto_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o unto_o all_o to_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v 1_o epist._n 1.1_o 3_o 4._o chap._n 4.6_o 7_o 16._o chap._n 6.20_o 2_o epist._n 1.14_o 22._o chap._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o the_o same_o he_o give_v in_o charge_n unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20.28_o 29_o 30._o what_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n be_v commit_v unto_o his_o trust_n 1_o tim._n 1.11_o be_v true_a of_o all_o pastor_n of_o church_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n and_o call_v and_o they_o shall_v all_o aim_n at_o the_o account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o his_o ministry_n herein_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n 2_o tim._n 3.7_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v so_o principal_o in_o its_o ministry_n and_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o of_o the_o pernicious_a heresy_n and_o error_n that_o have_v infest_a and_o ruin_v the_o church_n those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n entire_a in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o have_v many_o of_o they_o speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o bishop_n presbyter_n public_a teacher_n have_v be_v the_o ringleader_n in_o heresy_n wherefore_o this_o duty_n especial_o at_o this_o time_n when_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v on_o all_o side_n impugn_a from_o all_o sort_n of_o adversary_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n to_o be_v attend_v unto_o sundry_a thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o as_o 1._o a_o clear_a sound_v comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o the_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n attain_v by_o all_o mean_v useful_a and_o common_o prescribe_v unto_o that_o end_n especial_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o illumination_n and_o understanding_n man_n can_v preserve_v that_o for_o other_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o themselves_o truth_n may_v be_v lose_v by_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o by_o wickedness_n and_o the_o defect_n herein_o in_o many_o be_v deplorable_a 2._o love_n
21.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o on_o other_o account_n call_v bishop_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n guide_n but_o what_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n or_o what_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o otherwise_o act._n 20.17_o 18._o so_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o difference_n in_o age_n but_o be_v use_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ruler_n or_o governor_n whether_o in_o office_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a especial_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o call_v its_o elder_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o power_n or_o office_n intend_v by_o it_o be_v traduce_v to_o signify_v man_n in_o authority_n signeiores_fw-la eldermani_fw-la in_o all_o place_n 2._o church-power_n act_v in_o its_o rule_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o a_o expression_n derive_v from_o the_o key_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o office-power_n in_o the_o family_n of_o king_n isa._n 22.22_o and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o denote_v the_o communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o other_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o universal_o vest_v in_o himself_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n revel_v 3.7_o mat._n 16.19_o 3._o these_o key_n be_v usual_o refer_v unto_o two_o head_n namely_o the_o one_o of_o order_n the_o other_o of_o jurisdiction_n 4._o by_o the_o key_n of_o order_n the_o spiritual_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n doctrinal_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v intend_v 5._o by_o jurisdiction_n the_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o call_v or_o esteem_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n until_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o church-rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v deprave_v and_o change_v therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o or_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v unto_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o its_o rule_n it_o be_v expressive_a of_o and_o direct_v unto_o that_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a according_a unto_o the_o canon_n law_n by_o which_o all_o church-rule_n and_o order_n be_v destroy_v i_o do_v therefore_o at_o once_o dismiss_v all_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o of_o thing_n foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v as_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n about_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n but_o that_o these_o key_n do_v include_v the_o twofold_a distinct_a power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v free_o grant_v 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o that_o of_o rome_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a distribution_n make_v of_o these_o key_n unto_o some_o that_o be_v unto_o one_o special_a sort_n or_o order_n of_o man_n they_o be_v both_o grant_v both_o the_o key_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v unto_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o some_o other_o under_o various_a canonical_a restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o dean_n and_o arch-deacon_n unto_o some_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o order_n only_o without_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o jurisdiction_n or_o rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n which_o be_v the_o parochial_a minister_n or_o mere_a presbyter_n without_o any_o additional_a title_n or_o power_n as_o of_o commissary_n surrogate_v or_o the_o like_a and_o unto_o a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n almost_o plenipotent_a who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o key_n of_o order_n that_o be_v be_v never_o ordain_v separate_v dedicate_v unto_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o chancellor_n etc._n etc._n 7._o these_o chancellor_n be_v the_o only_a lay-elder_n that_o i_o know_v any_o where_o in_o any_o church_n that_o be_v person_n entrust_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o its_o censure_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v unto_o any_o church-office_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o laity_n or_o the_o people_n all_o church_n ruler_n by_o institution_n be_v elder_n to_o be_v a_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o ruler_n in_o it_o be_v all_o one_o wherefore_o these_o person_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o thus_o continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o people_n be_v lay-elder_n who_o i_o wonder_v how_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n come_v so_o serious_o to_o oppose_v see_v this_o order_n of_o man_n be_v own_v by_o none_o but_o themselves_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o know_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v who_o order_n be_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o be_v of_o any_o public_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v dispose_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o part_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o authoritative_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o even_o those_o who_o place_n the_o whole_a external_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v it_o as_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o church-power_n and_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v usual_o call_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n either_o appoint_v by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o that_o with_o cogent_a argument_n see_v grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la potestat_fw-la cap._n 8._o but_o this_o distribution_n mention_v of_o church-power_n be_v unscriptural_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o antiquity_n it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o two_o latter_a branch_n of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n doctrinal_o or_o ministerial_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n which_o give_v they_o this_o power_n not_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n or_o discipline_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v countenance_n unto_o and_o as_o by_o this_o mean_n those_o be_v abridge_v and_o deprive_v of_o their_o power_n to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o elder_n due_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n so_o in_o the_o three_o branch_n there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o church-power_n unto_o such_o as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v exclude_v from_o any_o interest_n therein_o the_o enormity_n of_o which_o constitution_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a insist_v upon_o but_o enquiry_n must_v be_v make_v what_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o herein_o and_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o pastoral_n feeding_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n all_o agree_v herein_o unless_o it_o be_v erastus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o who_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o but_o their_o argument_n lie_v not_o against_o rule_n in_o general_n which_o be_v brutish_a but_o only_o a_o rule_n by_o external_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o grant_v the_o general_a assertion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o rule_n for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o only_o they_o contend_v about_o the_o subject_n of_o power_n require_v thereunto_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o mutual_a voluntary_a confederation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n purity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n few_o of_o that_o opinion_n deny_v at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v oppose_v for_o to_o deny_v all_o rule_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o administration_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a power_n internal_o inherent_a in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a political_a
judgement_n who_o have_v most_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o common_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o all_o place_n 13._o and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o begin_v to_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o more_o but_o one_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_a in_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v its_o rule_n in_o its_o self_n other_o elder_n for_o rule_n be_v unnecessary_a this_o be_v a_o novel_a opinion_n contradictory_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o contrary_n 1._o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o first_o church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v as_o our_o rule_n constant_o express_v and_o declare_v that_o many_o elder_n be_v appoint_v by_o they_o in_o every_o church_n act._n 11.30_o chap._n 14.23_o chap._n 15.2_o 4_o 6_o 22._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o phil._n 1.1_o tit._n 1.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o mention_n in_o antiquity_n of_o any_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o more_o elder_n than_o one_o nor_o do_v that_o church_n answer_v the_o original_a pattern_n where_o it_o be_v otherwise_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_a in_o a_o church_n there_o can_v be_v a_o eldership_n or_o presbytery_n as_o there_o can_v be_v a_o senate_n where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o senator_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 3._o the_o continuation_n of_o every_o church_n in_o its_o original_a state_n and_o constitution_n be_v since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a office_n and_o power_n commit_v to_o the_o care_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o hereunto_o the_o call_v and_o ordain_v of_o ordinary_a officer_n pastor_n ruler_n elder_n teacher_n do_v belong_v and_o therein_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v both_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o solemn_a set_n of_o they_o apart_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v concur_v but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_n only_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o his_o death_n or_o removal_n this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n must_v either_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o people_n or_o be_v supply_v by_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n or_o be_v whole_o omit_v all_o which_o be_v irregular_a and_o that_o church-order_n be_v defective_a which_o want_v the_o symbol_n of_o authoritative_a ordination_n 4._o it_o be_v difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a on_o a_o supposition_n of_o one_o elder_a only_o in_o a_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n from_o be_v prelatical_a or_o popular_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o object_v unto_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o diocesan_n bishop_n than_o that_o they_o will_v every_o one_o be_v bishop_n in_o their_o own_o parish_n and_o unto_o their_o own_o people_n all_o such_o pretence_n be_v exclude_v on_o our_o principle_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o the_o same_o church_n in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o other_o church_n in_o association_n but_o practical_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_a one_o of_o the_o extreme_n can_v be_v hardly_o avoid_v if_o he_o rule_v by_o himself_o without_o the_o previous_a advice_n in_o some_o case_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subsequent_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v a_o eye_n of_o unwarrantable_a prelacy_n in_o it_o if_o every_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v original_o transact_v dispose_a order_v by_o the_o whole_a society_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_a will_v quick_o be_v insignificant_a and_o he_o will_v be_v little_o more_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n than_o any_o other_o brother_n of_o the_o society_n but_o all_o these_o inconvenience_n be_v prevent_v by_o the_o fix_v of_o many_o elder_n in_o each_o church_n which_o may_v maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o free_a the_o church_n from_o the_o despotical_a rule_n of_o any_o diotrâ—phes_n but_o in_o case_n there_o be_v but_o one_o in_o any_o church_n unless_o he_o have_v wisdom_n to_o maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o eldership_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o act_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n but_o confusion_n 5._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v require_v that_o in_o every_o church_n consist_v in_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o member_n there_o shall_v be_v more_o elder_n than_o one._n when_o god_n first_o appoint_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o assign_v unto_o every_o ten_o person_n or_o family_n a_o distinct_a ruler_n deut._n 1.15_o for_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o walk_n or_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o rule_n be_v eminent_a as_o unto_o the_o holiness_n that_o it_o require_v above_o all_o other_o rule_n of_o moral_a conversation_n whatever_o and_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n great_a accuracy_n and_o circumspection_n require_v in_o their_o walk_n after_o it_o and_o according_a unto_o it_o the_o order_n also_o and_o decency_n which_o be_v require_v in_o all_o church-assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o exact_a care_n and_o inspection_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v attend_v unto_o and_o discharge_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n in_o any_o church_n by_o one_o elder_a be_v for_o they_o only_o to_o suppose_v who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o and_o although_o there_o may_v be_v a_o appearance_n for_o a_o season_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o such_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o therein_o a_o due_a compliance_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v no_o present_a beauty_n nor_o will_v be_v of_o any_o long_a continuance_n these_o consideration_n as_o also_o those_o that_o follow_v may_v seem_v jejune_n and_o contemptible_a unto_o such_o as_o have_v another_o frame_n of_o church-rule_n and_o order_n draw_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o interest_n a_o government_n vest_v in_o some_o few_o person_n with_o title_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o legal_a power_n exercise_v in_o court_n with_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n by_o the_o method_n and_o process_n of_o canon_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n be_v that_o which_o they_o suppose_v do_v better_a become_v the_o grandeur_n of_o church-ruler_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n than_o these_o creep_v elder_n with_o their_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o our_o present_a enquiry_n after_o these_o thing_n be_v only_o in_o and_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v neither_o shadow_n nor_o appearance_n of_o any_o of_o these_o practice_n i_o beg_v their_o pardon_n if_o at_o present_a i_o consider_v they_o not_o 10._o we_o shall_v now_o make_v application_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n i_o say_v then_o 1._o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o work_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o pastoral_n feed_v 2._o whereas_o this_o work_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o with_o diligence_n which_o include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o he_o that_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n with_o all_o those_o duty_n that_o accompany_v it_o be_v a_o full_a employment_n for_o any_o man_n and_o so_o consequent_o his_o principal_n and_o proper_a work_n which_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o be_v remiss_a in_o by_o attend_v on_o another_o with_o diligence_n and_o 4._o whereas_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n that_o both_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v may_v be_v constant_o attend_v unto_o 5._o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n distinct_a work_n do_v require_v distinct_a office_n for_o their_o discharge_n all_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v already_o our_o enquiry_n hereon_o be_v whether_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n have_v not_o distinguish_v this_o office_n of_o elder_n into_o those_o two_o sort_n namely_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o teach_v and_o rule_n also_o and_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o which_o we_o affirm_v the_o testimony_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v confirm_v be_v general_o know_v and_o plead_v i_o shall_v insist_v on_o some_o of_o they_o only_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n if_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o conflict_n withal_o but_o prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n and_o this_o be_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v praesum_fw-la praesidio_fw-la to_o preside_v to_o rule_v president_n
talent_n whether_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a which_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o be_v rich_a and_o some_o be_v poor_a some_o be_v old_a and_o some_o be_v young_a some_o in_o peace_n some_o in_o trouble_n some_o have_v receive_v more_o spiritual_a gift_n than_o other_o and_o have_v more_o opportunity_n for_o their_o exercise_n it_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o be_v admonish_v instruct_v and_o exhort_v to_o attend_v unto_o their_o respective_a duty_n not_o only_o public_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o personal_o as_o occasion_n do_v require_v according_a to_o the_o observation_n which_o those_o in_o rule_n do_v make_v of_o their_o forwardness_n or_o remissness_n in_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o instance_n man_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v that_o they_o contribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o other_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o ability_n that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n have_v entrust_v they_o withal_o and_o to_o admonish_v they_o that_o be_v defective_a herein_o in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o equality_n in_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.14_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o 4._o they_o be_v to_o watch_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o any_o church-disorder_n such_o as_o those_o that_o infest_a the_o church_n of_o corinth_n or_o any_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n with_o remissness_n as_o unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o which_o some_o be_v subject_a unto_o as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v heb._n 10.25_o on_o the_o constancy_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o this_o part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n the_o very_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v great_o depend_v the_o want_n hereof_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o all_o the_o trouble_n division_n and_o schism_n that_o in_o all_o age_n have_v invade_v and_o perplex_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o within_o themselves_o and_o from_o thence_o also_o have_v decay_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o order_n insensible_o prevail_v in_o many_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n first_o one_o grow_v remiss_a in_o attend_v unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o another_o first_o to_o one_o degree_n then_o to_o another_o until_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v infect_v a_o diligent_a watch_n over_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o beginning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n will_v either_o heal_v and_o recover_v they_o that_o offend_v or_o it_o will_v warn_v other_o and_o keep_v the_o church_n from_o be_v either_o corrupt_a or_o defile_v heb._n 3_o chap._n 12._o 5._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o also_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o such_o as_o who_o inward_a or_o outward_a condition_n do_v expose_v they_o unto_o more_o than_o ordinary_a trial_n in_o their_o sickness_n that_o be_v the_o poor_a the_o afflict_a the_o tempt_v in_o any_o kind_n this_o in_o general_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n a_o work_n of_o mercy_n but_o it_o be_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a church-duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o institution_n and_o one_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v all_o that_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a relief_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o and_o useful_a to_o they_o in_o their_o trouble_n and_o distress_n and_o if_o this_o duty_n be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v add_v much_o unto_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o our_o order_n and_o be_v a_o abide_n reserve_v with_o relief_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o outward_a condition_n expose_v they_o to_o strait_n and_o sorrow_n in_o such_o a_o season_n i_o add_v hereunto_o as_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n the_o visitation_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v unto_o restraint_n and_o imprisonment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o profession_n adherence_n unto_o church-assembly_n or_o the_o discharge_v of_o any_o pastoral_n or_o office-duty_n in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o case_n wherewith_o we_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a nor_o be_v like_o so_o to_o be_v some_o look_n on_o this_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o yet_o enjoy_v their_o liberty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o their_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n will_v allow_v they_o provide_v their_o discharge_n of_o it_o be_v useful_a unto_o those_o who_o they_o visit_v and_o inoffensive_a unto_o other_o but_o this_o duty_n diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o elder_n represent_v therein_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n yea_o of_o christ_n himself_o unto_o his_o prisoner_n be_v a_o great_a spring_n of_o relief_n and_o comfort_n unto_o they_o and_o by_o the_o elder_n may_v the_o church_n be_v acquaint_v what_o yet_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n on_o their_o account_n the_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n herein_o be_v most_o eminent_a 6._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o office_n to_o advise_v with_o and_o give_v direction_n unto_o the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o make_n provision_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v principal_o executive_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o inquisition_n into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n with_o the_o warn_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o liberality_n for_o their_o supply_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n 7._o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o through_o suffer_v persecution_n and_o affliction_n that_o the_o poor_a be_v multiply_v among_o they_o so_o as_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v not_o able_a to_o provide_v for_o their_o relief_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n if_o any_o supply_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o love_n and_o bounty_n of_o other_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v deposit_v with_o these_o elder_n and_o dispose_v according_a to_o their_o advice_n with_o that_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 11.30_o 8._o it_o be_v also_o their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o peculiar_a inspection_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n their_o way_n and_o their_o walk_n to_o acquaint_v the_o pastor_n or_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o direction_n in_o the_o present_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n he_o who_o make_v it_o not_o his_o business_n to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o minister_v unto_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o to_o their_o knowledge_n their_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n their_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n and_o apply_v not_o himself_o in_o his_o ministry_n to_o search_v out_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a unto_o their_o edification_n he_o fight_v uncertain_o in_o his_o whole_a work_n as_o a_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n but_o whereas_o their_o obligation_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n confine_v they_o much_o unto_o a_o retirement_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o time_n they_o can_v by_o themselves_o obtain_v that_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o whole_a flock_n but_o that_o other_o may_v great_o assist_v therein_o from_o their_o daily_a inspection_n converse_n and_o observation_n 9_o and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o meet_v and_o consult_v with_o the_o teaching-elders_a about_o such_o thing_n of_o importance_n as_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o consent_n and_o compliance_n hence_o nothing_o crude_a or_o indigested_a nothing_o unsuit_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n will_v at_o any_o time_n be_v propose_v therein_o so_o to_o give_v occasion_n unto_o contest_v or_o jangle_n dispute_v contrary_a unto_o order_n or_o decency_n but_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o gravity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n 10._o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o any_o diotrephes_n in_o office_n or_o without_o it_o 11._o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n to_o consult_v together_o with_o the_o other_o elder_n concern_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o present_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o their_o preservation_n from_o violence_n according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ._n 12._o whereas_o there_o
all_o natural_a and_o humane_a right_n in_o the_o world._n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la man_n be_v now_o compel_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n and_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o according_o but_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v divest_v of_o their_o natural_a liberty_n they_o know_v not_o how_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o shall_v be_v teach_v that_o by_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n they_o must_v come_v under_o a_o new_a tenure_n of_o their_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o society_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o court_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o wise_a man_n in_o church_n as_o now_o there_o be_v think_v to_o be_v but_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o among_o other_o also_o christian_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v of_o they_o and_o belong_v unto_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n immediate_o hereon_o all_o the_o right_n liberty_n privilege_n possession_n which_o they_o enjoy_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o just_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n in_o civil_a government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v come_v to_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v subject_a unto_o the_o especial_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o society_n which_o they_o be_v adjudge_v to_o belong_v unto_o for_o upon_o expulsion_n out_o of_o that_o society_n by_o excommunication_n according_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o it_o have_v frame_v unto_o itself_o all_o their_o right_n and_o title_n and_o liberty_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v forfeit_v and_o expose_v to_o ruin_n some_o indeed_o do_v earnest_o and_o learned_o contend_v that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v sovereign_a king_n and_o prince_n and_o that_o if_o he_o do_v they_o make_v no_o forfeiture_n of_o life_n or_o dignity_n thereby_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o they_o do_v so_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o deal_v with_o other_o poor_a man_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o if_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v excommunicate_v immediate_o he_o lose_v the_o free_a tenure_n of_o his_o life_n liberty_n and_o good_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o land_n and_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o gaol_n without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n so_o that_o by_o this_o artifice_n all_o man_n hold_v their_o natural_a and_o civil_a right_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n society_n whereto_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v and_o as_o this_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o property_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o be_v so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o value_v so_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v destructive_a of_o all_o order_n and_o liberty_n but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v wise_a enough_o not_o to_o employ_v this_o engine_n unto_o great_a man_n and_o man_n in_o power_n who_o may_v yet_o deserve_v excommunication_n as_o well_o as_o some_o of_o their_o poor_a neighbour_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v think_v to_o give_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o but_o those_o that_o be_v poor_a helpless_a and_o friendless_a shall_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o excommunication_n be_v drive_v from_o their_o house_n cast_v into_o prison_n and_o keep_v there_o until_o they_o and_o their_o family_n starve_v and_o perish_v and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o we_o be_v behold_v unto_o the_o greatness_n authority_n and_o wealth_n of_o many_o who_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n care_v not_o to_o conflict_n withal_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v not_o actual_o bring_v under_o this_o new_a tenure_n of_o their_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n which_o on_o this_o presumption_n they_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o and_o all_o this_o evil_n arise_v from_o the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o this_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o all_o society_n apparent_a unto_o all_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o namely_o that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n in_o or_o over_o any_o thing_n right_o privilege_n or_o advantage_n but_o what_o man_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o society_n their_o rule_n and_o law_n whereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v but_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v not_o the_o life_n the_o liberty_n the_o house_n and_o possession_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n they_o receive_v they_o not_o from_o the_o church_n and_o a_o man_n will_v certain_o think_v that_o the_o church_n can_v not_o take_v they_o away_o yea_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o order_n upon_o the_o good_a nature_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n who_o judge_v it_o best_o neither_o to_o exert_v their_o power_n nor_o act_v their_o principle_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o whereas_o they_o esteem_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n to_o belong_v unto_o their_o church_n if_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n excommunicate_v all_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o all_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o according_a to_o their_o own_o law_n and_o canon_n both_o which_o a_o man_n will_v think_v they_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n unto_o and_o in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o sentence_n send_v out_o the_o capias_fw-la for_o they_o all_o i_o very_o much_o question_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o will_v go_v to_o prison_n or_o no_o and_o then_o in_o what_o a_o fine_a case_n will_v this_o government_n be_v and_o if_o they_o shall_v all_o go_v to_o gaol_n i_o be_o persuade_v the_o king_n will_v be_v in_o a_o ill_a state_n to_o defend_v his_o realm_n against_o his_o enemy_n 3._o every_o society_n have_v this_o power_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v incorporate_v in_o it_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o not_o towards_o other_o for_o whence_o shall_v they_o have_v such_o a_o power_n or_o who_o shall_v commit_v it_o unto_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o be_v cast_v out_o from_o those_o privilege_n which_o they_o never_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o nor_o a_o right_n unto_o the_o apostle_n rule_n hold_v in_o this_o case_n especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o church_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o and_o as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v without_o who_o be_v not_o right_o incorporate_v into_o that_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v eject_v out_o of_o it_o a_o power_n of_o excommunication_n at_o random_n towards_o all_o that_o those_o who_o exercise_v it_o can_v extend_v force_n unto_o have_v no_o foundation_n either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a in_o any_o corporation_n to_o disfranchise_v such_o as_o never_o belong_v unto_o it_o who_o be_v never_o member_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o only_a reason_n or_o cause_n for_o the_o expulsion_n of_o any_o person_n out_o of_o such_o a_o society_n be_v a_o wilful_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n who_o observance_n he_o have_v engage_v unto_o upon_o his_o entrance_n into_o it_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v require_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o man_n interest_n in_o any_o right_a or_o privilege_n but_o what_o he_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o perform_v in_o his_o admittance_n into_o it_o and_o if_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o every_o church-society_n be_v that_o man_n observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v none_o can_v be_v just_o eject_v out_o of_o that_o society_n but_o upon_o a_o wilful_a disobedience_n unto_o his_o command_n and_o therefore_o ☞_o the_o cast_n of_o man_n out_o of_o church_n communion_n on_o light_n and_o trivial_a occasion_n or_o for_o any_o reason_n or_o cause_n whatever_o but_o such_o as_o essential_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereon_o the_o church_n do_v original_o coalesce_v into_o a_o society_n be_v contrary_a unto_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o thus_o far_o i_o say_v be_v every_o lawful_a confederate_a society_n enable_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o remove_v from_o its_o communion_n and_o from_o a_o participation_n in_o its_o right_n and_o privilege_n any_o of_o its_o number_n who_o will_v not_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o its_o coalescency_n and_o constitution_n whereas_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o man_n walk_v together_o in_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o institution_n without_o give_v offence_n unto_o one_o another_o or_o those_o that_o be_v without_o by_o any_o sinful_a miscarriage_n and_o do_v abide_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o any_o one_o
church_n and_o be_v therefore_o no_o long_o under_o their_o watch_n or_o care_n but_o be_v leave_v unto_o himself_o and_o the_o world._n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a with_o they_o who_o own_v no_o act_n of_o office-power_n or_o authority_n in_o excommunication_n but_o esteem_v it_o only_o a_o note_a cessation_n of_o communion_n which_o destroy_v a_o principal_a branch_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n wherefore_o 2._o where_o the_o offence_n be_v plain_a open_a scandalous_a persist_v in_o where_o admonition_n be_v despise_v or_o not_o comply_v with_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n against_o such_o a_o person_n notwithstanding_o his_o voluntary_a departure_n for_o 1._o no_o man_n be_v to_o make_v a_o advantage_n unto_o himself_o or_o to_o be_v free_v from_o any_o disadvantage_n censure_n or_o spiritual_a penalty_n by_o his_o own_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v the_o voluntary_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o person_n under_o admonition_n for_o scandalous_a offence_n 2._o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o church_n both_o as_o unto_o the_o discharge_v of_o its_o duty_n and_o the_o vindication_n of_o its_o honour_n as_o also_o from_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n it_o will_v receive_v by_o those_o duty_n of_o humiliation_n mourn_v and_o prayer_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o he_o who_o so_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o 1._o the_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o ordinance_n be_v his_o correction_n not_o his_o destruction_n and_o may_v be_v effectual_a unto_o his_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v follow_v with_o sharp_a admonition_n and_o prayer_n which_o in_o due_a time_n may_v reach_v the_o most_o profligate_v sinner_n 4._o it_o become_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o order_n of_o any_o society_n entrust_v with_o authority_n for_o its_o own_o preservation_n as_o the_o church_n be_v by_o christ_n himself_o to_o suffer_v person_n obnoxious_a unto_o censure_n by_o the_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o that_o society_n to_o cast_v off_o all_o respect_n unto_o it_o to_o break_v their_o order_n and_o relation_n without_o animadvert_v thereon_o according_a to_o the_o authority_n wherewith_o they_o be_v entrust_v to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o expose_v their_o order_n unto_o contempt_n and_o proclaim_v a_o diffidence_n in_o their_o own_o authority_n for_o the_o spiritual_a punishment_n of_o offender_n 5._o one_o end_n of_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o power_n and_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o give_v testimony_n unto_o the_o future_a final_a judgement_n of_o christ_n against_o impenitent_a sinner_n which_o none_o of_o they_o can_v run_v away_o from_o nor_o escape_v iii_o a_o three_o enquiry_n may_v be_v whether_o in_o case_n of_o any_o great_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n the_o church_n may_v proceed_v unto_o excommunication_n without_o any_o previous_a admonition_n answ._n 1._o person_n may_v be_v false_o accuse_v of_o and_o charge_v with_o great_a sin_n the_o great_a of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o a_o lesser_a degree_n and_o that_o both_o by_o particular_a testimony_n and_o public_a report_n as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o which_o daily_a experience_n confirm_v wherefore_o all_o haste_n and_o precipitation_n like_o that_o of_o david_n in_o judge_v the_o case_n of_o mephibosheth_n be_v careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v though_o they_o be_v press_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o notoriety_n of_o the_o sin._n 2._o there_o be_v no_o individual_a actual_a sin_n but_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o great_a aggravation_n or_o alleviation_n from_o its_o circumstance_n these_o the_o church_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o and_o to_o obtain_v a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v they_o may_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o sin_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n or_o after_o a_o goodly_a sort_n which_o be_v essential_a unto_o the_o right_a administration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n 3._o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o personal_a conference_n with_o the_o offender_n who_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o speak_v for_o himself_o this_o conference_n in_o case_n guilt_n be_v discover_v can_v but_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o admonition_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v to_o proceed_v as_o in_o case_n of_o previous_a solemn_a admonition_n in_o the_o order_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o shall_v be_v immediate_o declare_v iu._n four_o whether_o on_o the_o first_o knowledge_n of_o a_o offence_n or_o scandalous_a sin_n if_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o the_o offend_a party_n be_v penitent_a and_o willing_a to_o declare_v his_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n may_v the_o church_n proceed_v unto_o his_o excommunication_n in_o case_n the_o sin_n be_v great_a and_o notorious_a answ._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o a_o orderly_a progress_n as_o unto_o more_o private_a sin_n a_o compliance_n by_o repentance_n with_o the_o first_o or_o second_o admonition_n do_v put_v a_o stop_n unto_o all_o further_a ecclesiastical_a proceedure_v 2._o but_o whereas_o the_o enquiry_n be_v make_v concern_v sin_n either_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o in_o their_o circumstance_n great_a and_o of_o disreputation_n unto_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v if_o repentance_n be_v evidence_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o proportionable_a unto_o the_o offence_n in_o its_o outward_a demonstration_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o judge_v in_o charity_n that_o the_o person_n sin_v be_v pardon_v and_o accept_v with_o christ_n as_o all_o sincere_o penitent_a sinner_n be_v undoubted_o the_o church_n can_v proceed_v unto_o the_o excommunication_n of_o such_o a_o offender_n for_o 1._o it_o will_v be_v public_o to_o reject_v they_o who_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o christ_n do_v receive_v this_o nothing_o can_v warrant_v they_o to_o do_v yea_o so_o to_o do_v be_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o against_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o authority_n against_o his_o mind_n and_o will._n yea_o such_o a_o sentence_n will_v destroy_v itself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o declaration_n that_o christ_n do_v disapprove_v they_o who_o he_o do_v approve_v 2._o their_o so_o do_v will_v make_v a_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o for_o whereas_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o representation_n that_o be_v make_v therein_o of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v to_o evidence_n that_o all_o sincere_o penitent_a sinner_n that_o repent_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v pardon_v and_o accept_v by_o the_o rejection_n of_o such_o a_o person_n in_o the_o face_n of_o his_o sincere_a repentance_n there_o be_v a_o open_a contradiction_n thereunto_o especial_o it_o will_v give_v a_o undue_a sense_n of_o the_o heart_n mind_n and_o will_v of_o christ_n towards_o repent_v sinner_n such_o as_o may_v be_v dangerous_a unto_o the_o faith_n of_o believer_n so_o far_o as_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v doctrinal_a for_o such_o it_o be_v and_o declarative_a of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n according_a unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n the_o image_n therefore_o of_o this_o excommunication_n which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o some_o church_n wherein_o the_o sentence_n of_o it_o be_v denounce_v without_o any_o regard_n unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o his_o acceptance_n or_o disapprobation_n of_o those_o who_o they_o excommunicate_v be_v a_o teacher_n of_o lie_n 3._o such_o a_o proceedure_n be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o sentence_n for_o it_o be_v corrective_a and_o instructive_a not_o proper_o punish_v and_o vindictive_a the_o sole_a end_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n whereunto_o it_o have_v its_o efficacy_n from_o divine_a institution_n be_v the_o humiliation_n repentance_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o sinner_n and_o if_o this_o be_v attain_v before_o the_o infliction_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o it_o have_v another_o end_n also_o namely_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o vindication_n of_o its_o honour_n and_o reputation_n wherein_o it_o suffer_v by_o the_o scandalous_a offence_n of_o any_o of_o its_o member_n whereunto_o i_o say_v 1._o no_o church_n be_v or_o can_v be_v make_v impure_a by_o they_o who_o christ_n have_v purge_v as_o he_o do_v all_o those_o who_o be_v true_o penitent_a 2._o it_o be_v no_o dishonour_n unto_o any_o church_n to_o have_v sinner_n in_o it_o who_o have_v evidence_v sincere_a repentance_n 3._o
the_o present_a offence_n and_o scandal_n may_v be_v provide_v against_o by_o a_o act_n of_o rectoral_a prudence_n in_o cause_v the_o offend_a person_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o a_o season_n v._o it_o be_v inquire_v five_o whether_o such_o as_o voluntary_o causeless_o and_o disorderly_o do_v leave_v the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n though_o not_o guilty_a of_o any_o scandalous_a immorality_n maâ—_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v answ._n 1._o where_o person_n be_v esteem_v member_n of_o church_n by_o external_a cause_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o by_o parochial_a cohabitation_n they_o may_v remove_v from_o one_o church_n unto_o another_o by_o the_o removal_n of_o their_o habitation_n according_a unto_o their_o own_o discretion_n for_o such_o cohabitation_n be_v the_o only_a formal_a cause_n of_o any_o relation_n to_o such_o a_o church_n in_o particular_a upon_o the_o cease_n of_o that_o cause_n the_o relation_n cease_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n 2._o where_o person_n be_v member_n of_o church_n by_o mutual_a confederation_n or_o express_v personal_a consent_n causeless_a departure_n from_o they_o be_v a_o evil_a liable_a unto_o many_o aggrevation_n 3._o but_o whereas_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v edification_n there_o may_v be_v many_o just_a and_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o a_o person_n may_v remove_v himself_o from_o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o one_o church_n unto_o that_o of_o another_o and_o of_o these_o reason_n he_o himself_o be_v judge_v on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n nor_o ought_v the_o church_n to_o deny_v unto_o any_o such_o person_n their_o liberty_n desire_v peaceable_o and_o according_a unto_o order_n 4._o it_o be_v declare_v before_o that_o where_o any_o person_n guilty_a of_o and_o under_o admonition_n for_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n their_o so_o do_v be_v no_o impediment_n unto_o a_o far_o procedure_v against_o they_o 5._o whereas_o there_o be_v among_o we_o church_n or_o those_o who_o be_v so_o esteem_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n so_o far_o differ_v in_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o that_o they_o have_v not_o entire_a communion_n with_o one_o another_o in_o all_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o if_o a_o man_n leave_v a_o church_n of_o one_o sort_n to_o join_v with_o one_o of_o another_o as_o suppose_v he_o leave_v a_o select_a congregation_n to_o join_v in_o a_o parochial_a church_n constant_o and_o total_o he_o may_v be_v just_o excommunicate_v for_o so_o do_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o do_v belong_v answ._n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o if_o any_o man_n leave_v the_o communion_n of_o parochial_a assembly_n to_o join_v himself_o unto_o a_o select_a congregation_n those_o who_o have_v power_n over_o those_o parish_n will_v make_v no_o question_n whether_o they_o shall_v excommunicate_v he_o or_o no_o in_o their_o way_n but_o 2._o suppose_v person_n so_o depart_v from_o particular_a congregation_n 1._o to_o be_v free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n 2._o that_o they_o depart_v quiet_o without_o attempt_v disorder_n or_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o they_o do_v actual_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o some_o church_n who_o constitution_n principles_n and_o worship_n they_o do_v approve_v whereby_o their_o visible_a profession_n be_v preserve_v the_o church_n may_v not_o just_o proceed_v unto_o their_o excommunication_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o declare_v that_o such_o person_n have_v on_o their_o own_o accord_n forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v no_o more_o under_o its_o watch_n or_o care_n neither_o be_v the_o church_n further_o oblige_v towards_o they_o but_o as_o unto_o christian_a duty_n in_o general_n 6._o as_o for_o those_o who_o departure_n be_v as_o voluntary_a and_o causeless_o so_o accompany_v with_o other_o evil_n such_o as_o be_v revile_n reproach_n and_o false_a accusation_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o such_o case_n they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o as_o obstinate_a offender_n vi_o the_o six_o enquiry_n be_v what_o time_n be_v to_o be_v give_v after_o solemn_a admonition_n before_o actual_a excommunication_n answ._n 1._o the_o manner_n of_o some_o to_o run_v over_o the_o word_n i_o admonish_v you_o a_o first_o second_o and_o third_z time_n so_o immediate_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n be_v that_o wherein_o man_n be_v great_o to_o be_v pity_v for_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o take_v on_o themselves_o to_o act_n order_n and_o dispose_v of_o that_o we_o ascribe_v it_o not_o unto_o worse_a and_o more_o evil_a cause_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v a_o considerable_a season_n or_o space_n of_o time_n between_o solemn_a admonition_n and_o excommunication_n for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o former_a be_v the_o repentance_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o offender_n nor_o do_v its_o efficacy_n thereunto_o depend_v on_o or_o consist_v in_o the_o actual_a give_v of_o it_o but_o as_o other_o moral_a cause_n which_o may_v work_v gradual_o upon_o occasional_a advantage_n want_v of_o light_n some_o present_a exasperation_n and_o temptation_n may_v seem_v to_o frustrate_v a_o present_a admonition_n when_o they_o do_v but_o suspend_v its_o present_a efficacy_n which_o it_o may_v afterward_o obtain_v on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o offender_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o church_n admonition_n that_o be_v intend_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o abide_v in_o prayer_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n and_o herein_o the_o case_n may_v possible_o require_v some_o long_a time_n to_o be_v spend_v 4._o no_o present_a appearance_n of_o obstinacy_n or_o impenitence_n under_o admonition_n which_o be_v usual_o plead_v shall_v cause_v a_o immediate_a proceedure_n unto_o excommunication_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o distinct_a institution_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o wherein_o the_o former_a be_v to_o be_v allow_v its_o proper_a season_n for_o its_o use_n and_o efficacy_n 2._o it_o do_v not_o represent_v the_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o 3._o it_o be_v not_o suit_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o love_n which_o hope_v all_o thing_n bear_v all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n 4._o all_o ground_n of_o hope_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o sinner_n by_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o so_o as_o to_o defer_v the_o ultimate_a sentence_n nulla_fw-la unquam_fw-la de_fw-la morte_fw-la hominis_fw-la cunctatio_fw-la long_fw-mi est_fw-la 5._o if_o new_a sin_n be_v add_v of_o the_o same_o or_o any_o other_o kind_n unto_o former_a scandal_n whilst_o person_n be_v under_o admonition_n it_o be_v a_o indication_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o proceedure_n vii_o it_o may_v be_v far_o inquire_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v excommunicate_v for_o error_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o false_a opinion_n about_o they_o answ._n 1._o the_o case_n be_v so_o plain_o and_o positive_o state_v rev._n 2.2_o 6_o 15_o 16_o 20._o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o tit._n 3.10_o 11._o and_o other_o place_n that_o it_o need_v no_o far_a determination_n wherefore_o 2._o if_o the_o error_n intend_v be_v about_o or_o against_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o that_o they_o that_o hold_v they_o can_v hold_v the_o head_n but_o real_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n no_o pretend_a usefulness_n of_o such_o person_n no_o peaceableness_n as_o unto_o outward_a deportment_n which_o man_n guilty_a of_o such_o abomination_n will_v frequent_o cover_v themselves_o withal_o can_v countenance_v the_o church_n in_o forbear_v after_o due_a admonition_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o their_o communion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o evil_a the_o danger_n that_o be_v from_o it_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o from_o a_o gangrene_n in_o any_o member_n unto_o the_o body_n the_o indignation_n of_o christ_n express_v against_o such_o pernicious_a doctrine_n the_o opposition_n of_o they_o to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o rock_n which_o in_o most_o of_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o render_v a_o church_n altogether_o inexcusable_a who_o omit_v their_o duty_n herein_o 3._o false_a opinion_n in_o lesser_a thing_n when_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o christian_a practice_n be_v not_o immediate_o concern_v may_v be_v tolerate_v in_o a_o church_n and_o sundry_a rule_n be_v give_v unto_o this_o end_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o rom._n 14.1_o 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n phil._n 3.15_o 16._o howbeit_o in_o that_o low_a ebb_n of_o grace_n love_n and_o prudence_n which_o we_o
the_o strong_a delusion_n that_o begin_v to_o abate_v shall_v expire_v they_o will_v easy_o see_v the_o direct_a opposition_n that_o be_v between_o these_o two_o head_n and_o two_o church_n namely_o christ_n and_o the_o pope_n the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o all_o the_o evasion_n and_o distinction_n that_o be_v invent_v to_o countenance_v this_o anti-christianism_a as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a head_n one_o of_o internal_a influence_n of_o grace_n which_o christ_n be_v and_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o the_o other_o of_o rule_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o pope_n be_v but_o this_o also_o be_v twofold_a supreme_a and_o remote_a or_o immediate_a and_o subordinate_a the_o first_o be_v christ_n the_o latter_a be_v the_o pope_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o far_o a_o twofold_a head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o one_o invisible_a which_o be_v christ_n the_o other_o visible_a which_o be_v the_o pope_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o gross_a and_o horrible_a figment_n of_o a_o twofold_a head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o any_o sense_n which_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n foreign_a to_o antiquity_n whereof_o never_o one_o word_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o church_n for_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n deform_v the_o beautiful_a spouse_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o monster_n we_o will_v allow_v at_o present_a that_o the_o pope_n be_v only_o the_o immediate_a visible_a subordinate_a head_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o authority_n to_o their_o church_n which_o be_v what_o they_o plead_v for_o then_o i_o say_v that_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o head_n be_v his_o body_n that_o it_o hold_v he_o as_o its_o head_n that_o it_o be_v compact_v together_o by_o the_o officer_n and_o order_n that_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o receive_v all_o their_o influence_n of_o church-power_n and_o order_n from_o he_o which_o though_o he_o communicate_v not_o by_o a_o internal_a influence_n of_o grace_n and_o gift_n alas_o poor_a wretch_n yet_o he_o do_v it_o by_o officer_n office_n order_n and_o law_n so_o give_v union_n and_o communion_n unto_o the_o whole_a body_n by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o every_o joint_n and_o part_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n under_o he_o for_o its_o union_n communion_n and_o edification_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o anti-christ_n and_o the_o anti-christian_n church-state_n as_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n ready_a to_o maintain_v let_v any_o man_n take_v a_o due_a prospect_n of_o this_o head_n and_o this_o body_n as_o relate_v and_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o own_o rule_n constitution_n and_o law_n act_v in_o worldly_a pomp_n splendour_n and_o power_n with_o horrid_a bloody_a cruelty_n against_o all_o that_o oppose_v it_o and_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o open_a view_n of_o all_o the_o scriptural_a lineament_n of_o the_o apostate_n anti-christian_n state_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v again_o this_o assign_v of_o the_o original_n of_o all_o church_n order_n union_n and_o communion_n unto_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n invest_v he_o therewith_o as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n constitute_v he_o thereby_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n thereon_o his_o body_n as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o he_o be_v its_o head_n so_o as_o that_o from_o he_o all_o power_n of_o order_n and_o for_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n shall_v be_v derive_v return_v all_o in_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o do_v set_v up_o a_o visible_a conspicuous_a anti-christian_n church_n state_n in_o opposition_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o with_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o deal_v not_o at_o present_a there_o be_v a_o pretence_n unto_o a_o â—nion_n of_o church_n not_o derive_v from_o the_o papal_a headship_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o the_o canonical_a subjection_n of_o particular_a church_n unto_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o of_o such_o bishop_n to_o metropolitan_o which_o though_o the_o facto_fw-la it_o be_v at_o present_a terminate_v and_o state_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o nation_n yet_o de_fw-fr jure_v it_o aught_o to_o be_v extend_v unto_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n according_a unto_o this_o principle_n the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v in_o that_o order_n whereby_o particular_a church_n be_v distribute_v into_o deanery_n archdeaconries_a exempt_a peculiar_o under_o official_o diocese_n province_n under_o metropolitan_o and_o so_o by_o or_o without_o patriarch_n to_o avoid_v the_o rock_n of_o the_o papacy_n issue_v in_o a_o general-council_n as_o i_o suppose_v but_o 1._o to_o confine_v the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n hereunto_o be_v at_o present_a absolute_o destructive_a both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o communion_n for_o all_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o be_v by_o a_o coalescency_n extend_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v provincial_a or_o national_a have_v both_o political_o and_o ecclesiastical_o such_o bound_n fix_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o can_v pass_v to_o carry_v on_o communion_n unto_o and_o with_o the_o church_n as_o catholic_n by_o any_o act_n and_o duty_n belong_v unto_o their_o order_n and_o hereby_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v utter_o lose_v for_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o do_v always_o equal_o exist_v and_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o be_v always_o equal_o in_o exercise_n and_o can_v consist_v in_o nothing_o but_o what_o do_v so_o exist_v and_o be_v so_o exercise_v wherever_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o order_n 2._o we_o inquire_v at_o present_a after_o such_o a_o union_n as_o give_v particular_a church_n communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o this_o order_n do_v not_o but_o absolute_o overthrow_v it_o leave_v nothing_o unto_o they_o but_o subjection_n to_o officer_n set_v over_o they_o who_o be_v not_o of_o they_o according_a to_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o appointment_n which_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n 3._o this_o order_n itself_o the_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o pretend_a union_n have_v no_o divine_a institution_n especial_o as_o to_o its_o extent_n unto_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o intimation_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n or_o actual_a exercise_n no_o man_n can_v declare_v what_o be_v the_o original_a or_o centre_n of_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v deduce_v and_o wherein_o it_o rest_v have_v remove_v these_o pretence_n out_o of_o our_o way_n we_o may_v easy_o discern_v wherein_o the_o union_n and_o consequent_o the_o communion_n of_o â—ll_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v and_o in_o the_o due_a observation_n whereof_o all_o that_o church-order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o do_v accept_v be_v preserve_v i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a union_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o that_o which_o give_v form_n life_n and_o be_v unto_o the_o church_n catholic_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o what_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o be_v particular_a and_o this_o be_v that_o they_o have_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n and_o father_n one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n one_o faith_n and_o one_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n or_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n one_o regeneration_n one_o baptism_n one_o bread_n and_o wine_n unite_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o one_o spirit_n through_o the_o bond_n of_o faith_n and_o love._n this_o description_n with_o what_o be_v suit_v thereunto_o and_o explanatory_n of_o it_o be_v all_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o constitute_a form_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o what_o church_n soever_o fail_v in_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o this_o description_n or_o any_o of_o they_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o have_v either_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n two_o thing_n concur_v unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n of_o church_n 1._o their_o union_n or_o relation_n unto_o christ._n 2._o that_o which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o original_a and_o spring_n of_o this_o union_n and_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v unite_v unto_o he_o as_o its_o head_n beside_o which_o with_o or_o under_o which_o it_o have_v none_o this_o relation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o christ_n as_o its_o head_n the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o cause_n of_o its_o union_n ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o col._n 2.19_o the_o place_n before_o quote_v hereby_o it_o be_v also_o in_o god_n the_o father_n 2_o thes._n 1.1_o or_o have_v god_n as_o its_o father_n
of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n design_v the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v by_o such_o qualification_n as_o may_v render_v he_o meet_v and_o able_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n and_o work._n for_o ordinary_a vocation_n be_v not_o a_o collation_n of_o gracious_a spiritual_a ability_n suit_v and_o make_v man_n meet_v for_o the_o pastoral_n office_n but_o it_o be_v the_o communication_n of_o right_n and_o power_n for_o the_o regular_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o gift_n and_o ability_n receive_v antecedent_o unto_o that_o call_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o office_n itself_o do_v consist_v and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o these_o qualification_n and_o endowment_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o we_o may_v learn_v they_o in_o their_o great_a example_n and_o pattern_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o good_a shepherd_n who_o the_o sheep_n be_v the_o shepherd_z and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n do_v design_n in_o the_o undertake_n and_o exercise_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n to_o give_v a_o type_n and_o example_n unto_o all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o same_o office_n under_o he_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o conformity_n unto_o he_o herein_o no_o man_n can_v assure_v his_o own_o conscience_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v or_o can_v be_v lawful_o call_v unto_o this_o office._n the_o qualification_n of_o christ_n unto_o and_o the_o gracious_a quality_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o soul_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o four_o head_n 1._o that_o furniture_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o he_o in_o a_o unmeasurable_a fullness_n whereby_o he_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office._n this_o be_v express_v with_o respect_n unto_o his_o undertake_n of_o it_o isa._n 11.2_o 3._o chap._n 61.1_o 2_o 3._o luk._n 4.14_o herein_o be_v he_o anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n heb._n 1.9_o but_o this_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o a_o certain_a measure_n require_v in_o all_o who_o be_v call_v or_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n ephes._n 4.1_o that_o there_o be_v spiritual_a power_n gift_n and_o ability_n require_v unto_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n i_o have_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o another_o treatise_n as_o also_o what_o they_o be_v and_o where_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o spiritual_a ability_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n as_o in_o prayer_n preach_v and_o the_o like_a no_o outward_a call_n or_o order_n can_v constitute_v any_o man_n a_o evangelical_n pastor_n as_o unto_o particular_a person_n i_o will_v not_o contend_v as_o unto_o a_o absolute_a nullity_n in_o the_o office_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o deficiency_n in_o spiritual_a gift_n unless_o it_o be_v gross_a and_o such_o as_o render_v they_o utter_o useless_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n i_o only_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n and_o manner_n be_v call_v or_o set_v apart_o unto_o this_o office_n in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o some_o indication_n of_o god_n designation_n of_o he_o thereunto_o by_o his_o furniture_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n understanding_n and_o utterance_n for_o prayer_n and_o preach_v with_o other_o ministerial_a duty_n in_o some_o competent_a measure_n 2._o compassion_n and_o love_n to_o the_o flock_n be_v glorious_o eminent_a in_o this_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n after_o other_o evidence_n hereof_o he_o give_v they_o that_o signal_n confirmation_n in_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o they_o this_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n he_o insist_o upon_o himself_o joh._n 10._o and_o herein_o also_o his_o example_n ought_v to_o lie_v continual_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office._n their_o entrance_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o love_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o if_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o animate_v with_o love_n unto_o their_o flock_n wolf_n or_o hireling_n or_o thief_n they_o may_v be_v but_o shepherd_n they_o be_v not_o neither_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n more_o lose_v or_o deface_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o by_o any_o mean_n than_o by_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v among_o the_o most_o of_o a_o inconformity_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o love_n unto_o the_o flock_n alas_o it_o be_v scarce_o once_o think_v of_o among_o the_o most_o of_o they_o who_o in_o various_a degree_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o pastoral_n office_n where_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o what_o evidence_n be_v give_v of_o it_o in_o any_o kind_n it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o instead_o of_o lay_v down_o their_o own_o life_n for_o they_o do_v not_o by_o innumerable_a way_n destroy_v their_o soul_n 3._o there_o be_v and_o be_v in_o this_o great_a shepherd_n a_o continual_a watchfulness_n over_o the_o whole_a flock_n to_o keep_v it_o to_o preserve_v it_o to_o feed_v to_o lead_v and_o cherish_v it_o to_o purify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o until_o it_o be_v present_v unspotted_a unto_o god._n he_o do_v never_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_n he_o water_v his_o vineyard_n every_o moment_n keep_v it_o night_n and_o day_n that_o none_o may_v hurt_v it_o lose_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o see_v is._n 40.11_o i_o speak_v not_o distinct_o of_o previous_a qualification_n unto_o a_o outward_a call_v only_o but_o with_o a_o mixture_n of_o those_o quality_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o office._n and_o herein_o also_o be_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o be_v our_o example_n and_o hereunto_o do_v belong_v 1_o constant_a prayer_n for_o the_o flock_n 2._o diligence_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n with_o wisdom_n as_o unto_o time_n season_n the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o general_n their_o light_a knowledge_n way_n walk_v ignorance_n temptation_n trial_n defection_n weakness_n of_o all_o sort_n growth_n and_o decay_n etc._n etc._n 3._o personal_a admonition_n exhortation_n consolation_n instruction_n as_o their_o particular_a case_n do_v require_v 4._o all_o with_o a_o design_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o evil_a and_o to_o present_v they_o without_o blame_n before_o christ_n jesus_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o these_o and_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n present_v themselves_o with_o some_o earnestness_n unto_o my_o mind_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a discharge_n myself_o of_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o hope_v a_o more_o convenient_a place_n and_o season_n to_o give_v they_o a_o large_a treat_v and_o somewhat_o yet_o far_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n 4._o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o whole_a ministry_n and_o in_o all_o the_o end_n of_o it_o have_v its_o continual_a residence_n in_o the_o holy_a soul_n of_o the_o great_a shepherd_n hence_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o a_o expression_n intimate_v that_o it_o be_v inexpressible_a the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o this_o also_o must_v accompany_v the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n or_o it_o will_v find_v no_o acceptance_n with_o he_o and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o a_o dead_a faithless_a fruitless_a ministry_n 5._o as_o he_o be_v absolute_o in_o himself_o holy_a harmless_a undefiled_a separate_a from_o sinner_n so_o a_o conformity_n unto_o he_o in_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o in_o some_o degree_n of_o eminency_n above_o other_o be_v require_v in_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office._n again_o none_o can_v or_o may_v take_v this_o office_n upon_o he_o or_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o which_o be_v peculiarly_a its_o own_o with_o authority_n but_o he_o who_o be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o thereunto_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o continuation_n of_o all_o church-order_n and_o power_n of_o the_o regular_a administration_n of_o all_o sacred_a ordinance_n yea_o of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v organical_a depend_v on_o this_o assertion_n some_o deny_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o it_o as_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n some_o judge_n that_o person_n neither_o call_v nor_o set_v apart_o unto_o this_o office_n may_v discharge_v all_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o it_o some_o that_o a_o temporary_a delegation_n of_o power_n unto_o any_o by_o the_o church_n be_v all_o the_o warranty_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o undertake_n and_o
that_o the_o deacon_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 3.13_o do_v purchase_n or_o procure_v unto_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o step_n a_o degree_n a_o seat_n a_o little_a exalt_v and_o metaphorical_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o denote_v dignity_n and_o authority_n this_o good_a degree_n which_o deacon_n may_v obtain_v be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o most_o the_o office_n of_o presbytery_n this_o they_o shall_v be_v promote_v unto_o in_o the_o church_n from_o deacon_n they_o shall_v be_v make_v presbyter_n i_o can_v comply_v with_o this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o 1._o the_o office_n of_o presbytery_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a work_n no_o where_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a degree_n 2._o the_o difference_n between_o a_o deacon_n and_o a_o presbyter_n be_v not_o in_o degree_n but_o in_o order_n a_o deacon_n make_v a_o presbyter_n be_v not_o advance_v unto_o a_o further_a degree_n in_o his_o own_o order_n but_o leave_v it_o for_o another_o 3._o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v not_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o the_o office_n of_o the_o presbytery_n but_o a_o hindrance_n of_o it_o for_o it_o lie_v whole_o in_o the_o provide_v and_o disposal_n of_o earthly_a thing_n in_o a_o serve_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o private_a of_o the_o poor_a but_o preparation_n for_o the_o ministry_n consist_v in_o a_o man_n giving_z himself_o unto_o study_n prayer_n and_o meditation_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v my_o conjecture_n on_o the_o word_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v respect_n unto_o church-order_n with_o decency_n therein_o in_o both_o these_o expression_n shall_v purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v of_o the_o same_o signification_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o seat_n raise_v in_o a_o assembly_n to_o hear_v or_o speak_v so_o say_v the_o schol._n on_o sophoc_n oed._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o place_n where_o the_o assembly_n or_o church_n meet_v be_v divide_v round_o about_o with_o seat_n in_o degree_n some_o above_o other_o where_o all_o that_o meet_v might_n without_o trouble_n hear_v he_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n as_o they_o sit_v and_o countenance_n be_v give_v hereunto_o by_o what_o be_v observe_v concern_v the_o custom_n of_o sit_v in_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n so_o ambrose_n traditio_fw-la est_fw-la synagogae_fw-la ut_fw-la sedentes_fw-la disputarent_fw-la siniores_fw-la dignitate_fw-la in_o cathedris_fw-la subsequentes_fw-la in_o subselliis_fw-la novissimi_fw-la in_o pavimento_fw-la it_o be_v the_o tradition_n or_o order_n of_o the_o synogogue_n that_o the_o elder_n in_o dignity_n or_o office_n shall_v discourse_v sit_v in_o chair_n the_o next_o order_n on_o form_n or_o bench_n and_o the_o last_o on_o the_o floor_n so_o speak_v philo_n before_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o we_o meet_v in_o sacred_a place_n place_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o young_a sort_n according_a to_o their_o quality_n sit_v in_o order_n under_o the_o elder_n and_o this_o james_n the_o apostle_n have_v respect_n unto_o in_o the_o primitive_a assembly_n of_o the_o christian_a jew_n for_o reprove_v their_o partiality_n in_o accept_v of_o man_n person_n prefer_v the_o rich_a immoderate_o before_o the_o poor_a he_o instance_v in_o their_o dispose_n of_o they_o unto_o seat_n in_o their_o assembly_n they_o say_v unto_o the_o rich_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sit_v thou_o here_o in_o a_o good_a place_n that_o be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o best_a degree_n and_o to_o the_o poor_a stand_v thou_o there_o on_o the_o floor_n or_o sit_v at_o my_o footstool_n without_o respect_n unto_o those_o other_o qualification_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v wherefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v respect_n unto_o church-assembly_n and_o the_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o intend_v may_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o a_o place_n of_o some_o eminency_n in_o the_o church-assembly_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o such_o deacon_n where_o with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n they_o may_v assist_v in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n if_o any_o shall_v rather_o think_v that_o both_o of_o the_o expression_n do_v signify_v a_o increase_n in_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a consequence_n of_o man_n faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o office_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o many_o deacon_n of_o old_a be_v eminent_a unto_o martyrdom_n i_o shall_v not_o contend_v against_o it_o 2._o whereas_o there_o be_v qualification_n express_o require_v in_o the_o wife_n of_o deacon_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v grave_a not_o slanderer_n sober_a faithful_a in_o all_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 3.12_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v before_o their_o call_n to_o office_n suppose_v that_o any_o of_o they_o do_v fall_v from_o the_o faith_n as_o become_a papist_n socinian_o or_o quaker_n whether_o their_o husband_n may_v be_v continue_v in_o their_o office_n ans._n 1._o he_o who_o in_o his_o own_o person_n faithful_o discharge_v his_o office_n may_v be_v continue_v therein_o yea_o though_o his_o wife_n shall_v be_v actual_o excommunicate_v out_o of_o the_o church_n every_o one_o of_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o lord_n he_o reject_v we_o not_o for_o what_o we_o can_v remedy_v the_o sin_v person_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o judgement_n 2._o such_o a_o one_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n as_o a_o husband_n that_o as_o little_a offence_n as_o possible_a may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n by_o his_o wife_n when_o she_o lose_v the_o qualification_n of_o not_o be_v a_o slanderer_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o such_o apostate_n 3._o may_v a_o deacon_n be_v dismiss_v from_o his_o office_n whole_o after_o he_o have_v be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o it_o by_o prayer_n ans._n 1._o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o office_n be_v only_o the_o convenience_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o accommodation_n the_o continuation_n of_o man_n in_o this_o office_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o they_o and_o if_o the_o church_n at_o any_o time_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o or_o that_o person_n they_o may_v upon_o his_o desire_n discharge_v he_o of_o his_o office._n 2._o thing_n may_v so_o fall_v out_o with_o man_n as_o unto_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n with_o respect_n unto_o either_o their_o person_n in_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o infirmity_n or_o their_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a any_o long_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o this_o office_n in_o which_o case_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v release_v 3._o a_o man_n may_v be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o a_o work_n and_o duty_n by_o prayer_n for_o a_o limit_a season_n suppose_v for_o a_o year_n only_o wherefore_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o a_o man_n on_o just_a reason_n may_v be_v dismiss_v at_o any_o time_n from_o his_o office_n though_o he_o be_v so_o set_v apart_o unto_o it_o 4._o a_o deacon_n by_o unfaithfulness_n and_o other_o offence_n may_v forfeit_v his_o office_n and_o be_v just_o exclude_v from_o it_o lose_v all_o his_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o on_o just_a reason_n may_v be_v dismiss_v whole_o from_o it_o 5._o for_o any_o one_o to_o desert_n his_o office_n ☜_o through_o forwardness_n covetousness_n sloth_n or_o negligence_n be_v a_o offence_n and_o scandal_n which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o 6._o he_o who_o desire_v a_o dismission_n from_o his_o office_n aught_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o hold_v may_v be_v due_o supply_v and_o love_v continue_v between_o he_o and_o the_o church_n 4._o how_o many_o deacon_n may_v there_o be_v in_o one_o congregation_n ans._n as_o many_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o ministry_n and_o they_o may_v be_v at_o all_o time_n increase_v as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v and_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v so_o many_o as_o that_o none_o of_o the_o poor_a be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n nor_o the_o work_n be_v make_v burdensome_a unto_o themselves_o 5._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o deacon_n towards_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n whereas_o the_o care_n of_o
attendance_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o when_o man_n undertake_v the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o either_o judge_n it_o not_o their_o duty_n to_o preach_v or_o be_v not_o able_a so_o to_o do_v or_o attempt_v it_o only_o at_o some_o solemn_a season_n or_o attend_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o task_n require_v of_o they_o without_o that_o wisdom_n skill_n diligence_n care_n prudence_n zeal_n and_o compassion_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o the_o glory_n and_o use_v of_o the_o ministry_n will_v be_v utter_o destroy_v 2._o the_o second_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n towards_o his_o flock_n be_v continual_a fervent_a prayer_n for_o they_o 1.11_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v or_o do_v preach_v to_o they_o as_o he_o ought_v nor_o perform_v any_o other_o duty_n of_o his_o pastoral_n office._n from_o hence_o may_v any_o man_n take_v the_o best_a measure_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n towards_o his_o flock_n he_o that_o do_v constant_o diligent_o fervent_o pray_v for_o they_o will_v have_v a_o testimony_n in_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o other_o pastoral_n duty_n nor_o can_v he_o voluntary_o omit_v or_o neglect_v any_o of_o they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v negligent_a herein_o be_v their_o pain_n labour_n and_o travel_v in_o other_o duty_n never_o so_o great_a they_o may_v be_v influence_v from_o other_o reason_n and_o so_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n in_o this_o constant_a prayer_n for_o the_o church_n which_o be_v so_o incumbent_a on_o all_o pastor_n as_o that_o whatever_o be_v do_v without_o it_o be_v of_o no_o esteem_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o jesus_n christ_n respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v 1._o unto_o the_o success_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o all_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o it_o among_o they_o these_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o improvement_n and_o strengthen_n of_o all_o their_o grace_n the_o direction_n of_o all_o their_o duty_n their_o edification_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o the_o entire_a conduct_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n therefore_o and_o not_o to_o follow_v it_o with_o constant_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o its_o success_n be_v to_o disbelieve_v its_o use_n neglect_v its_o end_n and_o to_o cast_v away_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o random_n 2._o unto_o the_o temptation_n that_o the_o church_n be_v general_o expose_v unto_o these_o great_o vary_v according_a unto_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o thing_n the_o temptation_n in_o general_a that_o accompany_v a_o state_n of_o outward_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o those_o that_o attend_v a_o time_n of_o trouble_n persecution_n distress_n and_o poverty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o unto_o other_o occasion_n and_o circumstance_n these_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n ought_v diligent_o to_o consider_v look_v on_o they_o as_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n whereby_o church_n have_v be_v ruin_v and_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o lose_v for_o ever_o with_o respect_n unto_o they_o therefore_o ought_v their_o prayer_n for_o the_o church_n to_o be_v fervent_a 3._o unto_o the_o especial_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o member_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o they_o there_o may_v be_v of_o they_o who_o be_v spiritual_o sick_a and_o disease_a tempt_v afflict_a bemisted_a wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n surprise_v in_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n disconsolate_a and_o trouble_v in_o spirit_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o all_o aught_o to_o abide_v with_o they_o and_o to_o be_v continual_o call_v over_o in_o their_o daily_a pastoral_n supplication_n 4._o unto_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n with_o all_o the_o bless_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n of_o it_o this_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v life_n and_o power_n unto_o all_o church_n assembly_n without_o which_o all_o outward_a order_n and_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o they_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n now_o this_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o church_n be_v by_o his_o spirit_n accompany_v all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n with_o a_o gracious_a divine_a efficacy_n evidence_v itself_o by_o bless_a operation_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o congregation_n this_o be_v pastor_n of_o church_n continual_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o they_o will_v do_v so_o who_o understand_v that_o all_o the_o success_n of_o their_o labour_n and_o all_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o church_n with_o god_n in_o their_o duty_n do_v depend_v hereon_o 5._o to_o their_o preservation_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o fruitfulness_n with_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o all_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o this_o pastoral_n office_n do_v well_o consider_v and_o understand_v how_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n do_v consist_v in_o their_o continual_a fervent_a prayer_n for_o their_o flock_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o only_o institute_v way_n whereby_o they_o may_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n bless_v their_o congregation_n so_o will_v they_o find_v their_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o and_o by_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o more_o and_o more_o fill_v with_o love_n and_o engage_v with_o diligence_n unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n and_o excite_v unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o where_o any_o be_v negligent_a herein_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n which_o they_o perform_v towards_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v influence_v with_o false_a consideration_n and_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 3._o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o house_n of_o christ._n for_o unto_o they_o the_o authoritative_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v whereunto_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v annex_v for_o their_o principal_a end_n be_v the_o peculiar_a confirmation_n and_o application_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o herein_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o 1._o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o their_o administration_n unto_o the_o church_n edification_n especial_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o frequency_n be_v enjoin_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n to_o consider_v all_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o their_o administration_n as_o unto_o time_n place_n frequency_n order_n and_o decency_n 2._o to_o keep_v severe_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n the_o gradual_a introduction_n of_o uninstituted_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n into_o the_o church-celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n end_v at_o length_n in_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass._n herein_o then_o alone_z and_o not_o in_o bow_v cringe_v and_o vestment_n lie_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o these_o administration_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v compliant_a with_o and_o expressive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n do_v in_o they_o but_o in_o express_a obedience_n unto_o his_o authority_n i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 3._o to_o take_v care_n that_o these_o holy_a thing_n be_v administer_v only_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v meet_v and_o worthy_a according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n those_o who_o impose_v on_o pastor_n the_o promiscuous_a administration_n of_o these_o divine_a ordinance_n or_o the_o application_n of_o the_o seal_n unto_o all_o without_o difference_n do_v deprive_v they_o of_o one_o half_a of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o duty_n but_o here_o it_o be_v inquire_v by_o some_o whether_o in_o case_n a_o church_n have_v no_o pastor_n at_o present_a or_o a_o teach_v elder_a with_o pastoral_n power_n whether_o it_o may_v not_o delegate_v and_o appoint_v the_o administration_n of_o these_o especial_a ordinance_n unto_o some_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o or_o that_o season_n who_o be_v meet_o qualify_v for_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o they_o which_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o i_o shall_v examine_v 1._o no_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o order_n without_o teach_v officer_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 28._o a_o church_n not_o complete_a in_o order_n can_v be_v complete_a in_o administration_n because_o the_o power_n of_o administration_n depend_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o order_n proportionable_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n