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
edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n whereunto_o it_o be_v design_v wherefore_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v constitute_v his_o church_n in_o such_o a_o state_n and_o order_n as_o wherein_o none_o of_o they_o be_v able_a of_o themselves_o always_o and_o in_o all_o instance_n to_o attain_v all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n and_o he_o do_v it_o for_o this_o end_n that_o whereas_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n be_v animate_v by_o one_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o union_n between_o all_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v every_o one_o of_o they_o may_v act_n the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o preservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a herein_o then_o we_o acknowledge_v lie_v the_o great_a difference_n which_o we_o have_v with_o other_o about_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n we_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o mutual_a communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o order_n though_o not_o of_o gift_n and_o usefulness_n be_v the_o only_a way_n appoint_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o attain_v the_o general_a end_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o peace_n other_o way_n and_o mean_n have_v be_v find_v out_o in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o end_n which_o we_o must_v speak_v unto_o immediate_o wherefore_o it_o behove_v we_o to_o use_v some_o diligence_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o cause_n nature_n and_o use_v of_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o it_o must_v be_v moreover_o premise_v that_o whereas_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v radical_o and_o essential_o the_o same_o among_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o as_o unto_o the_o ordinary_a actual_a exercise_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v confine_v and_o limit_v by_o divine_a providence_n unto_o such_o church_n as_o the_o natural_a mean_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o duty_n may_v extend_v unto_o that_o be_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v plant_v within_o such_o line_n of_o communication_n such_o precinct_n or_o boundary_n of_o place_n and_o country_n as_o may_v not_o render_v the_o mutual_a performance_n of_o such_o duty_n insuperable_o difficult_a yet_o be_v not_o the_o world_n itself_o so_o wide_o but_o that_o all_o place_n be_v make_v pervious_a by_o navigation_n this_o communion_n of_o church_n may_v be_v visible_o profess_v and_o in_o some_o instance_n practise_v among_o all_o church_n from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o going-down_a of_o the_o same_o where_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v among_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n do_v consist_v which_o be_v utter_o overthrow_v by_o the_o most_o vehement_a pretence_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o it_o as_o those_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n wherefore_o such_o a_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v after_o as_o from_o which_o no_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o can_v be_v exclude_v in_o who_o actual_a exercise_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o all_o to_o live_v and_o whereby_o the_o general_a end_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n may_v be_v attain_v this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a catholicism_n of_o the_o church_n which_o whoever_o depart_v from_o or_o substitute_n any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o under_o that_o name_n destroy_v its_o whole_a nature_n and_o disturb_v the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a harmony_n that_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n however_o therefore_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o right_n of_o particular_a church_n yet_o our_o real_a controversy_n with_o most_o in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o the_o be_v union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n which_o be_v various_o pervert_v by_o many_o and_o separate_v it_o into_o party_n and_o confine_v it_o to_o rule_n measure_n and_o canon_n of_o their_o own_o find_v out_o and_o establishment_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o belong_v neither_o to_o the_o internal_a nor_o external_a form_n of_o that_o catholic_n church_n who_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o believe_v and_o who_o union_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v and_o whoever_o give_v any_o description_n of_o or_o limitation_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n beside_o what_o consist_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n intend_v do_v utter_o overthrow_v it_o and_o therein_o a_o article_n of_o our_o faith._n but_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n can_v be_v due_o apprehend_v unless_o we_o inquire_v and_o determine_v wherein_o their_o union_n do_v consist_v for_o communion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o union_n that_o receive_v both_o its_o nature_n and_o power_n from_o it_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o for_o of_o what_o nature_n soever_o the_o union_n of_o thing_n distinct_a in_o themselves_o be_v of_o the_o same_o be_v the_o communion_n that_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o person_n of_o the_o pope_n as_o he_o be_v pope_n be_v the_o head_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o church_n union_n nor_o be_v there_o allow_v any_o union_n of_o particular_a church_n with_o christ_n or_o among_o themselves_o but_o in_o and_o through_o he_o a_o universal_a subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o authority_n be_v the_o original_a spring_n of_o all_o church_n union_n among_o they_o and_o if_o any_o one_o soul_n fail_v herein_o if_o as_o unto_o thing_n of_o faith_n and_o divine_a worship_n he_o do_v not_o depend_v on_o the_o pope_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n unto_o he_o he_o be_v repute_v a_o stranger_n and_o forâ—â—â—ner_n unto_o the_o catholic_n church_n yea_o they_o affirm_v that_o be_v a_o man_n never_o so_o willing_a for_o and_o desirous_a of_o a_o interest_n in_o christ_n he_o can_v have_v it_o but_o by_o the_o pope_n the_o communion_n of_o church_n congenial_a and_o suit_v unto_o this_o union_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o exercise_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o various_a contignation_n of_o order_n or_o the_o erection_n of_o one_o story_n of_o church_n interest_n upon_o another_o until_o we_o come_v to_o the_o idol_n place_v on_o the_o top_n of_o this_o babel_n so_o be_v this_o communion_n carry_v on_o from_o the_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o low_a rubbish_n of_o ecclesiastical_a order_n unto_o diocesan_n of_o they_o to_o metropolitan_n of_o they_o to_o patriarch_n or_o cardinal_n of_o they_o to_o the_o pope_n or_o a_o ascent_n be_v make_v from_o diocesan_n synod_n by_o provincial_n and_o national_a to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v ecumenical_a who_o head_n be_v the_o pope_n yet_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v far_o observe_v to_o clear_v this_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n as_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o ascent_n of_o church-order_n or_o power_n by_o a_o vital_a act_n of_o communion_n from_o the_o low_a degree_n order_n or_o consociation_n and_o by_o they_o to_o the_o pope_n as_o though_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o church-power_n from_o they_o but_o all_o the_o plenitude_n of_o it_o be_v original_o vest_v in_o he_o by_o these_o several_a order_n and_o degree_n he_o communicate_v of_o it_o unto_o all_o church_n as_o the_o life_n of_o their_o conjunction_n and_o communion_n 2._o that_o no_o man_n be_v so_o joint_v in_o this_o order_n so_o compact_v in_o this_o body_n but_o that_o he_o be_v also_o personal_o and_o immediate_o subject_a to_o the_o pope_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o unto_o his_o whole_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v he_o formal_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v that_o be_v antichrist_n and_o the_o church-state_n arise_v from_o its_o union_n unto_o he_o hold_v he_o as_o its_o head_n subsist_v in_o a_o communion_n by_o virtue_n of_o power_n receive_v through_o various_a order_n and_o constitution_n from_o he_o to_o be_v anti-christian_n for_o he_o and_o it_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o and_o in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o the_o head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o the_o church_n state_n thereon_o depend_v this_o we_o have_v describe_v ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o etc._n etc._n as_o also_o col._n 2.19_o where_o there_o be_v a_o rejection_n of_o they_o who_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o church_n catholic_n take_v from_o its_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o dependence_n on_o he_o not_o hold_v the_o head_n etc._n etc._n when_o man_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v wilful_o blind_a or_o when_o the_o power_n of_o
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
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