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
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
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
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
mention_n of_o any_o ordinary_a elder_n distinct_a from_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v in_o that_o church_n for_o all_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o yet_o abide_v there_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o this_o time_n make_v only_o some_o occasional_a excursion_n unto_o other_o place_n be_v able_a to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v indeed_o mention_v as_o those_o who_o be_v well_o know_v in_o the_o church_n not_o long_o afterward_o chap._n 11.30_o but_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o the_o call_v or_o ordinary_a teaching-elders_a or_o pastor_n be_v not_o record_v that_o of_o deacon_n be_v so_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v concern_v it_o unto_o our_o purpose_n 1._o that_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o be_v of_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o that_o fullness_n of_o church-power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v furnish_v by_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o that_o they_o do_v not_o exert_v that_o authority_n but_o upon_o such_o reason_n of_o it_o as_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o the_o church_n which_o they_o declare_v v_o 2._o 3._o that_o the_o action_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o twelve_o in_o general_a without_o name_v any_o person_n who_o speak_v for_o the_o rest_n which_o render_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o romanist_n from_o the_o former_a place_n where_o peter_n be_v say_v to_o have_v speak_v unto_o the_o disciple_n whereon_o they_o will_v have_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o to_o have_v be_v by_o his_o concession_n and_o grant_n not_o of_o their_o own_o right_n altogether_o vain_a for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o much_o interest_v and_o concern_v in_o what_o be_v then_o speak_v by_o peter_n as_o they_o be_v at_o this_o time_n when_o the_o whole_a be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o twelve_o 4._o that_o the_o church_n be_v great_o multiply_v that_o time_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o conversion_n unto_o the_o faith_n record_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n it_o be_v probable_a indeed_o that_o many_o yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v return_v unto_o their_o own_o habitation_n for_o the_o next_o year_n there_o be_v church_n in_o all_o judea_n galilee_n and_o samaria_n chap._n 9.31_o and_o peter_n go_v about_o throughout_o all_o quarter_n to_o visit_v the_o saint_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o ver_fw-la 32._o of_o who_o conversion_n we_o read_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o fall_v out_o at_o jerusalem_n at_o pentecost_n but_o a_o great_a multitude_n they_o be_v v_o 1_o 2._o 5._o this_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o brethren_n v_o 3._o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n be_v congregat_v by_o the_o apostle_n v_o 2._o who_o will_v not_o ordain_v any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n 6._o they_o judge_v on_o the_o whole_a matter_n propose_v unto_o they_o and_o give_v their_o approbation_n thereof_o before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o v_o 5._o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n 7._o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v unto_o the_o office_n intend_v be_v declare_v by_o the_o apostle_n v_o 3._o of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n 8._o these_o quality_n the_o multitude_n be_v to_o judge_v upon_o and_o so_o absolute_o of_o the_o meetness_n of_o any_o for_o this_o office._n 9_o the_o choice_n be_v whole_o commit_v and_o leave_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o which_o of_o right_o do_v belong_v unto_o they_o look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o which_o they_o make_v use_v off_o choose_v they_o unto_o the_o office_n by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n v_o 5._o 10._o have_v thus_o choose_v they_o they_o present_v they_o as_o their_o choose_a officer_n unto_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v by_o they_o set_v apart_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n v_o 6._o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o more_o evident_a convince_a instance_n and_o example_n of_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n by_o the_o multitude_n or_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n than_o be_v give_v we_o herein_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n why_o this_o order_n and_o process_n shall_v be_v observe_v why_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o themselves_o nominate_v and_o appoint_v person_n who_o they_o see_v and_o know_v meet_v for_o this_o office_n to_o receive_v it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n which_o they_o will_v not_o abridge_v nor_o infringe_v so_o be_v it_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v chrysostom_n on_o the_o place_n and_o so_o it_o ought_v now_o to_o be_v but_o the_o usage_n begin_v then_o to_o decline_v it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o will_v consider_v how_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n treat_v that_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v so_o much_o now_o despise_v and_o utter_o exclude_v from_o all_o concern_n in_o church_n affair_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o servile_a subjection_n but_o they_o have_v in_o this_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o future_a order_n of_o the_o call_n of_o meet_a person_n to_o office_n in_o the_o church_n their_o interest_n power_n and_o privilege_n secure_v unto_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v never_o just_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o herein_o but_o only_o a_o record_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o manage_v church_n affair_n it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o i_o that_o any_o who_o will_v be_v think_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o office_n shall_v dare_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o example_n set_v before_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o prefer_v their_o own_o way_n and_o invention_n above_o it_o i_o shall_v ever_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v more_o safety_n in_o a_o strict_a adherence_n unto_o this_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o example_n than_o in_o a_o compliance_n with_o all_o the_o canon_n of_o council_n or_o church_n afterward_o the_o only_a objection_n usual_o insist_v on_o that_o be_v by_o bellarmine_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o election_n of_o deacon_n to_o manage_v the_o alm_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v somewhat_o of_o their_o temporal_n nothing_o can_v thence_o be_v conclude_v unto_o the_o right_n or_o way_n of_o call_v bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_n who_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n they_o may_v indeed_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v entrust_v with_o their_o purse_n or_o what_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v out_o of_o they_o but_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v their_o spiritual_a pastor_n nor_o to_o have_v the_o choice_n of_o they_o nothing_o can_v be_v weak_a than_o this_o pretence_n or_o evasion_n for_o 1._o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o call_v of_o person_n unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n in_o general_n whereof_o we_o have_v here_o a_o rule_n whereunto_o no_o exception_n be_v any_o way_n enter_v 2._o this_o can_v be_v fair_o plead_v by_o they_o who_o appoint_v deacon_n to_o preach_v baptise_v and_o officiate_v public_o in_o all_o holy_a thing_n except_v only_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n 3._o if_o the_o people_n be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o they_o who_o be_v of_o honest_a report_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v here_o require_v of_o they_o they_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v who_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v their_o pastor_n 4._o the_o argument_n hold_v strong_o on_o the_o other_o side_n namely_o that_o if_o it_o be_v right_a and_o equal_a if_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o apostolical_a practice_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v choose_v those_o who_o be_v to_o collect_v and_o distribute_v their_o charitable_a benevolence_n because_o of_o their_o concernment_n therein_o much_o more_o be_v they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o liberty_n right_o and_o privilege_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n unto_o who_o they_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o lord_n 3._o according_o they_o do_v use_v the_o same_o liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o elder_n act._n 14.23_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v say_v erasmus_n vatablus_n beza_n all_o our_o old_a english_a translation_n appoint_v ordain_v create_v elder_n by_o election_n or_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o disciple_n have_v pray_v with_o fast_n the_o whole_a
of_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o have_v so_o learned_a and_o comprehend_v unless_o we_o look_v on_o truth_n as_o a_o pearl_n as_o that_o which_o be_v value_v at_o any_o rate_n buy_v with_o any_o price_n as_o that_o which_o be_v better_o than_o all_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v its_o preservation_n with_o that_o diligence_n which_o be_v require_v some_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o truth_n at_o a_o easy_a rate_n or_o to_o grow_v indifferent_a about_o it_o whereof_o we_o have_v multitude_n of_o example_n in_o the_o day_n wherein_o we_o live_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v instance_n of_o sundry_a important_a evangelical_n truth_n which_o our_o forefather_n in_o the_o faith_n contend_v for_o with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o seal_v with_o their_o blood_n which_o be_v now_o utter_o disregard_v and_o oppose_v by_o some_o who_o pretend_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o their_o profession_n if_o minister_n have_v not_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o power_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o a_o taste_n of_o its_o goodness_n the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o 3._o a_o conscientious_a care_n and_o fear_n of_o give_v countenance_n or_o encouragement_n unto_o novel_a opinion_n especial_o such_o as_o oppose_v any_o truth_n of_o who_o power_n and_o efficacy_n experience_n have_v be_v have_v among_o they_o that_o believe_v vain_a curiosity_n boldness_n in_o conjecture_n and_o readiness_n to_o vent_v their_o own_o conceit_n have_v cause_v no_o small_a trouble_n and_o damage_n unto_o the_o church_n 4._o learn_v and_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o discern_v and_o disprove_v the_o opposition_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o thereby_o to_o stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o convince_v gainsayers_a 5._o the_o solid_a confirmation_n of_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o whereunto_o all_o other_o be_v resolve_v in_o their_o teach_v and_o ministry_n man_n may_v and_o do_v ofttimes_o prejudice_v yea_o betray_v the_o truth_n by_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o plea_n for_o it_o 6._o a_o diligent_a watch_n over_o their_o own_o flock_n against_o the_o craft_n of_o seducer_n from_o without_o or_o the_o spring_a up_o of_o any_o bitter_a root_n of_o error_n among_o themselves_o 7._o a_o concurrent_a assistance_n with_o the_o elder_n and_o messenger_n of_o other_o church_n with_o who_o they_o be_v in_o communion_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o all_o profess_v whereof_o we_o must_v treat_v afterward_o more_o at_o large_a it_o be_v evident_a what_o learning_n labour_n study_v pain_n ability_n and_o exercise_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n be_v ordinary_o require_v unto_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o where_o man_n may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o church_n in_o other_o thing_n but_o be_v defective_a in_o these_o it_o become_v they_o to_o walk_v and_o act_n both_o circumspect_o and_o humble_o frequent_o desire_v and_o adhere_v unto_o the_o advice_n of_o they_o who_o god_n have_v entrust_v with_o more_o talent_n and_o great_a ability_n 5._o it_o belong_v unto_o their_o charge_n and_o office_n diligent_o to_o labour_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n unto_o god._n the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o conversion_n be_v leave_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o its_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o yea_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o preservation_n of_o church_n be_v the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v convert_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o church_n on_o the_o earth_n to_o enlarge_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n to_o diffuse_v the_o light_n and_o savour_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o the_o call_v of_o the_o elect_n or_o gather_v all_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n into_o his_o fold_n be_v thing_n that_o god_n design_n by_o his_o church_n in_o this_o world._n now_o the_o principal_a instrumental_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o be_v the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o this_o be_v commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a man_n may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n by_o their_o occasional_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n who_o be_v not_o call_v unto_o office_n for_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n itself_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n by_o whosoever_o it_o be_v administer_v and_o it_o have_v be_v effectual_a unto_o that_o end_n even_o in_o the_o necessary_a occasional_a teach_n of_o woman_n but_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n by_o they_o who_o be_v not_o state_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o phil._n 1.14_o 15_o 18._o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o but_o yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n as_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o first_o object_n of_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o world_n or_o the_o man_n of_o it_o for_o their_o conversion_n and_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o preach_a of_o all_o they_o unto_o who_o that_o work_n be_v commit_v by_o christ._n the_o work_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n have_v this_o order_n in_o it_o first_o they_o be_v to_o make_v disciple_n of_o man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o conversion_n and_o this_o be_v their_o principal_a work_n as_o paul_n testify_v 1_o cor._n 1.17_o and_o herein_o be_v they_o glorious_o instrumental_a in_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n over_o the_o second_o part_n of_o their_o work_n be_v to_o teach_v they_o that_o be_v convert_v or_o make_v disciple_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o do_v command_v they_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o part_n of_o their_o commission_n they_o gather_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n into_o church_n under_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o their_o own_o and_o although_o the_o work_n of_o these_o ordinary_a officer_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o yet_o the_o method_n of_o it_o be_v change_v in_o they_o for_o their_o first_o ordinary_a work_n be_v to_o conduct_v and_o teach_v all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o thing_n appoint_v by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o preach_v unto_o and_o watch_v over_o their_o particular_a flock_n unto_o who_o they_o do_v relate_v but_o they_o be_v not_o hereby_o discharge_v from_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o work_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n they_o be_v not_o indeed_o bind_v unto_o the_o method_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n yea_o they_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n ordinary_o exclude_v from_o it_o after_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n it_o be_v not_o his_o duty_n to_o leave_v that_o church_n and_o go_v up_o and_o down_o to_o preach_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o stranger_n it_o be_v not_o i_o say_v ordinary_o so_o for_o many_o case_n may_v fall_v out_o wherein_o the_o edification_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v to_o give_v way_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o call_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n but_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n there_o be_v many_o occasion_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n as_o 1._o when_o any_o that_o be_v unconvert_v do_v come_v into_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v there_o wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n whereof_o we_o have_v experience_n every_o day_n to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n preach_v unto_o one_o congregation_n shall_v preach_v to_o some_o of_o they_o namely_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o relate_v as_o a_o minister_n with_o ministerial_a authority_n and_o to_o other_o only_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v be_v that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v distinguish_v in_o his_o own_o conscience_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o colour_n of_o rule_n or_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o though_o pastor_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o whole_a office_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o whereof_o many_o can_v have_v the_o church_n only_o for_o their_o object_n be_v minister_n in_o office_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o so_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o be_v they_o minister_n of_o christ_n also_o and_o by_o he_o it_o be_v and_o not_o by_o the_o church_n that_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v so_o commit_v
〈◊〉_d catechist_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 4.15_o instructor_n of_o those_o that_o be_v young_a in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o whereof_o be_v eminent_a famous_a and_o useful_a and_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o church_n be_v great_a and_o numerous_a for_o whereas_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o be_v original_o commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n as_o belong_v entire_o unto_o his_o office_n the_o discharge_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v numerous_a be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o man_n or_o it_o may_v be_v more_o in_o the_o same_o office_n where_o all_o be_v oblige_v unto_o a_o especial_a attendance_n on_o one_o part_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n it_o please_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o appoint_v such_o as_o in_o distinct_a office_n shall_v be_v associate_v with_o they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o sundry_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n so_o be_v deacon_n ordain_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o interest_n in_o rule_n or_o right_o to_o teach_v so_o be_v as_o we_o shall_v prove_v elder_n ordain_v to_o assist_v and_o help_v in_o rule_n without_o any_o call_n to_o preach_v or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o be_v teacher_n appoint_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n and_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o rule_v or_o the_o administration_n of_o other_o ordinance_n and_o thus_o although_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n yet_o be_v supply_v with_o assistance_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v comfortable_o discharge_v by_o they_o and_o if_o this_o order_n be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n not_o only_o many_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v prevent_v but_o the_o order_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n great_o promote_v 2._o he_o who_o be_v peculiar_o call_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n with_o reference_n unto_o a_o distinction_n from_o a_o pastor_n may_v yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o elder_a also_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o teach_v elder_a and_o where_o there_o be_v in_o any_o officer_n a_o concurrence_n of_o both_o these_o a_o right_n unto_o rule_n as_o a_o elder_a and_o power_n to_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o same_o office_n and_o office-power_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o pastor_n 3._o on_o the_o forego_n supposition_n there_o yet_o remain_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n which_o as_o far_o as_o light_n may_v be_v take_v from_o their_o name_n and_o distinct_a asscription_n unto_o they_o consist_v material_o in_o the_o different_a gift_n which_o those_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o office_n have_v receive_v which_o the_o church_n in_o their_o call_n ought_v to_o have_v respect_n unto_o and_o formal_o in_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o those_o gift_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o assignation_n of_o their_o especial_a work_n unto_o they_o which_o themselves_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o upon_o what_o have_v be_v before_o discourse_v concern_v the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o whether_o there_o ought_v only_o to_o be_v one_o of_o each_o sort_n and_o i_o say_v 1._o take_v teacher_n in_o the_o three_o sense_n for_o those_o who_o be_v only_o so_o and_o have_v no_o far_o interest_n in_o office-power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o edification_n and_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v and_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o institution_n will_v prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o man_n preach_v constant_o who_o be_v in_o no_o office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o although_o i_o do_v grant_v that_o those_o who_o have_v once_o be_v regular_o or_o solemn_o set_v a_o part_n or_o ordain_v unto_o the_o ministry_n have_v the_o right_n of_o constant_a preach_a inherent_a in_o they_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o incumbent_a on_o they_o though_o they_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o those_o church_n wherein_o and_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v peculiar_o ordain_v yet_o for_o man_n to_o give_v themselves_o up_o constant_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o never_o be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o church_n thereunto_o i_o know_v not_o that_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n in_o the_o same_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14.22_o act._n 20.28_o phil._n 1.1_o tit._n 1.5_o but_o if_o there_o be_v sundry_a sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o pastor_n who_o peculiar_o feed_v the_o flock_n those_o teach_v elder_n of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v and_o those_o ruler_n concern_v who_o we_o shall_v treat_v in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o no_o determination_n of_o this_o enquiry_n can_v be_v take_v from_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o order_n very_o early_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o pastor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d praeses_fw-la quick_o call_v episcopus_fw-la by_o way_n of_o distinction_n with_o many_o elder_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o teach_v and_o deacon_n minister_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n whereby_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o its_o authority_n represent_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o each_o particular_a church_n there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n with_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n if_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o deviation_n from_o its_o first_o order_n by_o a_o occasional_a coalescency_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o by_o a_o new_a form_n of_o church_n never_o appoint_v by_o christ_n which_o come_v not_o in_o until_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n that_o give_v occasion_n to_o corrupt_v this_o order_n into_o a_o episcopal_a pre-eminence_n which_o degenerate_v more_o and_o more_o into_o confusion_n under_o the_o name_n of_o order_n and_o the_o absolute_a equality_n of_o many_o pastor_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n be_v liable_a unto_o many_o inconvenience_n if_o not_o diligent_o watch_v against_o 5._o wherefore_o let_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v unto_o its_o original_a constitution_n which_o be_v congregational_a and_o no_o other_o and_o i_o do_v judge_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v so_o early_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n namely_o of_o one_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o all_o holy_a administration_n with_o many_o elder_n teach_v or_o rule_v only_o do_v not_o so_o overthrow_v church-order_n as_o to_o render_v its_o rule_n or_o discipline_n useless_a 6._o but_o whereas_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o office_n or_o power_n intimate_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v where_o there_o be_v many_o teach_v elder_n in_o any_o church_n a_o equality_n in_o office_n and_o power_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v but_o yet_o this_o take_v not_o off_o from_o the_o due_a preference_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n nor_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o precedency_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o order_n in_o all_o church_n assembly_n nor_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n which_o gift_n age_n ability_n prudence_n and_o experience_n which_o may_v belong_v unto_o some_o according_a to_o rule_n may_v give_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o rule_v elder_n 1._o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n therein_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n all_o elder_n in_o office_n have_v rule_n and_o none_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n but_o elder_n as_o such_o rule_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o especial_a office_n be_v entrust_v with_o all_o church-power_n but_o therefore_o they_o be_v elder_n also_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o joh._n 1._o 3_o joh._n 1._o see_v act
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v such_o prophecy_n as_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o give_v the_o proportion_n of_o faith._n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o any_o or_o both_o of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n but_o it_o belong_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o as_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o here_o by_o the_o apostle_n 2._o the_o gift_n speak_v of_o be_v in_o general_n refer_v unto_o all_o they_o who_o be_v intend_v now_o these_o be_v either_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o or_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o hence_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v that_o be_v all_o we_o that_o be_v concern_v herein_o this_o can_v be_v all_o of_o the_o church_n for_o all_o the_o church_n have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n nor_o can_v any_o distinction_n be_v make_v of_o who_o do_v receive_v they_o and_o who_o do_v not_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o office._n and_o therefore_o 3._o in_o the_o distribution_n which_o ensue_v of_o prophecy_n into_o exhort_v and_o teach_v and_o of_o ministry_n into_o show_v mercy_n rule_n and_o give_v have_v state_v these_o gift_n in_o general_n in_o the_o officer_n in_o general_a make_v distinct_a application_n of_o they_o unto_o distinct_a officer_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v he_o that_o rule_v 6._o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o office_n be_v intend_v and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o distinct_a office_n be_v so_o which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o place_n for_o 1._o the_o distributive_a particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o indicative_a article_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prefix_v unto_o each_o office_n in_o particular_a do_v show_v they_o distinct_a so_o far_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o as_o by_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whether_o they_o be_v distinguish_v in_o their_o nature_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n so_o by_o the_o article_n prefix_v to_o each_o of_o they_o in_o exercise_n they_o be_v distinguish_v in_o their_o subject_n 2._o the_o operation_n work_n and_o effect_n ascribe_v unto_o these_o gift_n require_v distinct_a office_n and_o function_n in_o their_o exercise_n and_o if_o the_o distribution_n be_v make_v unto_o all_o promiscuous_o without_o respect_n unto_o distinct_a office_n it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n whereas_o indeed_o here_o be_v a_o accurate_a order_n in_o all_o church_n administration_n represent_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v far_a evident_a that_o distinct_a office_n be_v intend_v 1._o from_o the_o comparison_n make_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n ver_fw-la 4._o all_o the_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n the_o eye_n have_v one_o the_o ear_n have_v another_o 2._o each_o of_o the_o duty_n mention_v and_o give_v in_o charge_n be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o distinct_a officer_n as_o be_v declare_v act._n 6._o 7._o in_o particular_a he_o that_o rule_v be_v a_o distinct_a officer_n a_o officer_n because_o rule_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n or_o office-power_n and_o he_o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o but_o say_v some_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v who_o he_o will_v that_o be_v the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n the_o teach_v elder_a but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a 1._o he_o that_o say_v he_o that_o exhort_v and_o then_o add_v he_o that_o rule_v have_v distinguish_v before_o between_o prophecy_n whereunto_o exhortation_n do_v belong_v and_o ministry_n whereof_o rule_n be_v a_o part_n and_o prefix_v the_o prepositive_a indicative_a article_n to_o each_o of_o they_o do_v as_o plain_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o as_o can_v be_v do_v by_o word_n 2._o rule_n be_v the_o principal_a work_n of_o he_o that_o rule_v for_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o diligence_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o rule_n in_o contradistinction_n unto_o what_o be_v principal_o require_v in_o other_o administration_n but_o rule_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a work_n of_o the_o pastor_n require_v constant_a and_o continual_a attendance_n for_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v ordinary_o sufficient_a for_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o diligence_n and_o ability_n 8._o we_o have_v therefore_o in_o this_o context_n the_o beautiful_a order_n of_o thing_n in_o and_o of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o edification_n derive_v from_o distinct_a differ_v spiritual_a gift_n exercise_v in_o and_o by_o distinct_a officer_n unto_o their_o peculiar_a end_n the_o distinction_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o gift_n their_o use_n and_o end_n be_v provide_v for_o in_o distinct_a subject_n the_o mind_n of_o no_o one_o man_n at_o least_o ordinary_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o those_o differ_a gift_n in_o any_o eminent_a degree_n the_o person_n of_o no_o man_n be_v sufficient_a meet_v or_o able_a to_o exercise_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o office_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n especial_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o thereunto_o and_o those_o that_o rule_n to_o attend_v thereto_o with_o diligence_n so_o many_o distinct_a work_n duty_n and_o operation_n with_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o their_o discharge_n be_v inconsistent_a in_o the_o same_o subject_a all_o thing_n be_v here_o distribute_v into_o their_o proper_a order_n and_o tendency_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n every_o distinct_a gift_n require_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n unto_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v distribute_v unto_o peculiar_a officer_n unto_o who_o a_o especial_a work_n be_v assign_v to_o be_v discharge_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gift_n receive_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n no_o man_n alive_a be_v able_a to_o fix_v on_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o these_o distribution_n under_o some_o of_o the_o head_n of_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n find_v out_o any_o thing_n in_o these_o assignation_n of_o distinct_a duty_n unto_o distinct_a office_n that_o be_v superfluous_a redundant_fw-la or_o not_o direct_o necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n how_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v be_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o what_o care_n diligence_n circumspection_n prayer_n and_o wisdom_n suit_v unto_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o object_n of_o they_o can_v ever_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v all_o of_o they_o belong_v unto_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n or_o be_v discharge_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n let_v man_n advance_v any_o other_o church_n order_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o here_o declare_v so_o suit_v unto_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n operation_n and_o duty_n of_o diverse_a nature_n be_v distribute_v and_o assign_v to_o such_o distinct_a gift_n act_v in_o distinct_a office_n as_o render_v those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v meet_a and_o able_a for_o they_o so_o correspondent_a to_o all_o institution_n rule_n and_o example_n of_o church-order_n in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n so_o suit_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o nothing_o which_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o be_v omit_v nor_o any_o thing_n add_v above_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o it_o shall_v be_v cheerful_o embrace_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o different_a interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o this_o context_n of_o the_o apostle_n arise_v mere_o from_o the_o prejudicate_v apprehension_n that_o man_n have_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o rule_n for_o if_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v national_a or_o diocesan_n if_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v by_o arbitrary_a rule_n and_o canon_n from_o a_o authority_n exert_v itself_o in_o court_n ecclesiastical_a legal_a or_o illegal_a the_o order_n of_o thing_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v no_o way_n belong_v nor_o can_v be_v accommodate_v thereunto_o to_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v a_o full_a description_n and_o account_n in_o these_o word_n of_o all_o the_o office_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o they_o
have_v to_o do_v and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v to_o do_v it_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a and_o senseless_a unto_o they_o who_o have_v another_o idea_n of_o church-affair_n and_o rule_n conceive_v in_o their_o mind_n or_o receive_v by_o tradition_n and_o rivet_v by_o interest_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o what_o belong_v unto_o the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n beyond_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o reap_v the_o advantage_n that_o be_v obtain_v thereby_o can_v see_v any_o necessity_n of_o the_o distribution_n of_o these_o several_a work_n and_o duty_n unto_o several_a officer_n but_o suppose_v all_o may_v be_v do_v well_o enough_o by_o one_o or_o two_o in_o the_o same_o office._n wherefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o we_o treat_v brief_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a and_o what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o which_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n 9_o the_o exception_n which_o be_v usual_o put_v in_o unto_o this_o testimony_n have_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n from_o the_o text_n or_o context_n nor_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o nor_o confirmation_n 〈◊〉_d any_o other_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v therefore_o in_o vain_a to_o contend_v about_o they_o be_v such_o as_o any_o man_n may_v multiply_v at_o his_o pleasure_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o use_v by_o those_o who_o on_o other_o consideration_n be_v not_o willing_a that_o thing_n shall_v be_v as_o they_o be_v here_o declare_v to_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o we_o may_v take_v a_o brief_a specimen_fw-la of_o they_o some_o say_v it_o be_v gift_n absolute_o without_o respect_n unto_o distinct_a office_n that_o the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o which_o have_v be_v disprove_v from_o the_o text_n and_o context_n before_o some_o say_v that_o rule_n be_v include_v in_o the_o pastoral_n office_n so_o as_o that_o the_o pastor_n only_o be_v here_o intend_a but_o 1._o rule_n be_v not_o his_o principal_a work_n which_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n with_o diligence_n above_o other_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n 2._o the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n belong_v also_o to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o be_v there_o another_o office_n appoint_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n act._n 6._o 3._o he_o that_o rule_v be_v in_o this_o place_n express_o distinguish_v from_o he_o that_o exhort_v and_o he_o that_o teach_v some_o say_v that_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v he_o that_o rule_v his_o family_n but_o this_o be_v disprove_v by_o the_o analysis_n of_o the_o chapter_n before_o declare_v and_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o that_o have_v family_n and_o confine_v unto_o their_o family_n be_v ill_o place_v among_o those_o public_a duty_n which_o be_v design_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o be_v object_v that_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v here_o place_v after_o he_o that_o give_v that_o be_v the_o deacon_n i_o say_v then_o it_o can_v be_v the_o pastor_n that_o be_v intend_v if_o we_o may_v prescribe_v method_n of_o express_v himself_o unto_o the_o apostle_n but_o he_o use_v his_o liberty_n and_o do_v not_o oblige_v himself_o unto_o any_o order_n in_o the_o annumeration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n see_v 1_o cor._n 12.8_o 9_o 10_o 28._o and_o some_o other_o exception_n be_v insist_v on_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o importance_n which_o indeed_o deserve_v not_o our_o consideration_n 10._o there_o be_v the_o same_o evidence_n give_v unto_o the_o truth_n argue_v for_o in_o another_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o healing_n help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o testimony_n and_o its_o vindication_n in_o particular_a see_v many_o thing_n will_v be_v require_v thereunto_o which_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o already_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v brief_o observe_v concern_v it_o that_o there_o be_v here_o a_o annumeration_n of_o officer_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n both_o extraordinary_a for_o that_o season_n and_o ordinary_a for_o continuance_n be_v beyond_o exception_n unto_o they_o be_v add_v the_o present_a exercise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a gift_n as_o miracle_n healing_n tongue_n that_o by_o help_n the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n be_v intend_v most_o do_v agree_v because_o their_o original_a institution_n be_v as_o helper_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n government_n be_v governor_n or_o ruler_n the_o abstract_n for_o the_o concrete_a that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v distinct_a from_o teacher_n such_o have_v god_n place_v in_o the_o church_n and_o such_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o gift_n not_o office_n be_v intend_v the_o gift_n of_o government_n or_o gift_n for_o government_n if_o so_o than_o these_o gift_n be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a if_o ordinary_a how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o miracle_n healing_n and_o tongue_n if_o extraordinary_a what_o extraordinary_a gift_n for_o government_n be_v then_o give_v distinct_a from_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o instance_n be_v any_o where_o give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n again_o if_o god_n have_v give_v gift_n for_o government_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o those_o give_v unto_o teacher_n and_o unto_o other_o person_n than_o the_o teacher_n then_o be_v there_o a_o distinct_a office_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v all_o we_o plead_v for_o 11._o the_o original_a order_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n have_v all_o church-power_n and_o church-office_n in_o themselves_o with_o authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o they_o everywhere_o on_o all_o occasion_n but_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o of_o the_o rule_n appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o it_o or_o over_o it_o they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v not_o ordinary_o exercise_v their_o power_n by_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o own_o person_n alone_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o first_o church_n consist_v of_o a_o small_a number_n the_o apostle_n act_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n or_o the_o fraternity_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v from_o act_n the_o first_o and_o when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n increase_v so_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n attend_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v towards_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o office_n they_o add_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n for_o the_o especial_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o church_n owe_v unto_o its_o poor_a member_n whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v no_o more_o personal_o attend_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o without_o a_o entrenchment_n on_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o than_o they_o can_v attend_v unto_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a they_o appoint_v elder_n to_o help_v and_o assist_v in_o that_o part_n of_o office-work_a as_o the_o deacon_n do_v in_o the_o other_o these_o elder_n be_v first_o mention_v act._n 11.30_o where_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o those_o which_o be_v well_o know_v and_o have_v now_o be_v of_o some_o time_n in_o the_o church_n afterward_o they_o be_v still_o mention_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o distinction_n from_o the_o church_n itself_o act_v 15.2_o 4_o 6_o 22._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 21.18_o now_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v teach_v elder_n that_o be_v such_o as_o have_v the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n commit_v to_o they_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o joh._n 1._o and_o these_o elder_n be_v constant_o distinguish_v from_o they_o which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o teach_v elder_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v make_v of_o they_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v or_o preach_v be_v no_o where_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o which_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n reserve_v to_o themselves_o act._n 6.2_o 3._o but_o they_o be_v every_o where_o introduce_v as_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o distinction_n from_o the_o church_n itself_o or_o the_o brethren_n of_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a that_o whilst_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o
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
may_v be_v and_o ofttimes_o be_v but_o one_o teaching-eld_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n in_o a_o church_n upon_o his_o death_n or_o removal_n it_o be_v the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o these_o elder_n to_o preserve_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o unity_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o its_o assembly_n to_o prevent_v irregularity_n in_o any_o person_n or_o party_n among_o they_o to_o go_v before_o to_o direct_v and_o guide_v the_o church_n in_o the_o call_n and_o choice_n of_o some_o other_o meet_a person_n or_o person_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o decease_a or_o remove_v these_o few_o instance_n have_v i_o give_v of_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_v elder_n they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o such_o as_o deserve_v a_o great_a enlargement_n in_o their_o declaration_n and_o confirmation_n than_o i_o can_v here_o afford_v unto_o they_o and_o sundry_a thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n and_o synod_n but_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v be_v sufficient_a unto_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o it_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o all_o the_o thing_n insist_v on_o do_v undoubted_o and_o unquestionable_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o they_o that_o be_v liable_a unto_o any_o just_a exception_n from_o they_o by_o who_o all_o church_n order_n be_v not_o despise_v wherefore_o where_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v defective_a as_o unto_o its_o own_o edification_n and_o where_o this_o defect_n be_v great_a in_o many_o of_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o beauty_n no_o glory_n no_o order_n in_o any_o church_n but_o only_o a_o outward_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o they_o and_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v belong_v unto_o the_o duty_n of_o these_o elder_n there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n nor_o confirmation_n but_o that_o they_o all_o undoubted_o and_o unquestionable_o belong_v unto_o that_o rule_n and_o order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n and_o which_o the_o scripture_n testify_v unto_o both_o in_o general_a and_o particular_a for_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o vain_a apprehension_n to_o suppose_v that_o one_o or_o two_o teach_v officer_n in_o a_o church_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n to_o labour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o preach_v in_o and_o out_o of_o season_n that_o be_v at_o all_o time_n on_o all_o opportunity_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v gainsayers_a by_o word_n and_o write_v plead_v for_o the_o truth_n to_o assist_v and_o guide_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o under_o their_o temptation_n and_o desertion_n with_o sundry_a other_o duty_n in_o part_n speak_v to_o before_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o attend_v with_o diligence_n unto_o all_o these_o thing_n that_o do_v evident_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o church_n at_o this_o day_n do_v live_v on_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o pastor_n which_o they_o great_o value_v and_o be_v very_o little_a sensible_a of_o the_o wisdom_n goodness_n love_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o unto_o their_o edification_n and_o the_o supply_n which_o many_o have_v make_v hitherto_o herein_o by_o person_n either_o unacquainted_a with_o their_o duty_n or_o insensible_a of_o their_o own_o authority_n or_o cold_a if_o not_o negligent_a in_o their_o work_n do_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o government_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v lose_v in_o most_o church_n and_o it_o be_v both_o vain_o and_o presumptuous_o plead_v to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o order_n that_o some_o church_n do_v walk_v in_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o be_v edify_v without_o it_o supply_v some_o defect_n by_o the_o prudent_a aid_n of_o some_o member_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o preference_n of_o our_o own_o wisdom_n unto_o the_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n or_o at_o best_a a_o unwillingness_n to_o make_v a_o venture_n on_o the_o warranty_n of_o his_o rule_n for_o fear_v of_o some_o disadvantage_n that_o may_v ensue_v thereon_o 3._o whereas_o sundry_a of_o the_o duty_n beforementioned_a be_v as_o unto_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o require_v of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o several_a station_n without_o any_o especial_a obligation_n to_o attend_v unto_o they_o with_o diligence_n to_o look_v after_o they_o or_o power_n to_o exercise_n any_o authority_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o they_o to_o leave_v they_o from_o under_o the_o office-care_n of_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o let_v in_o confusson_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o church_n and_o gradual_o to_o remove_v the_o whole_a advantage_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o many_o church_n already_o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o neither_o the_o purity_n nor_o the_o order_n nor_o the_o beauty_n or_o glory_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n nor_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o majesty_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o government_n of_o they_o can_v be_v long_o preserve_v without_o a_o multiplication_n of_o elder_n in_o they_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o respective_a member_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o guidance_n and_o for_o want_v hereof_o have_v church_n of_o old_a and_o of_o late_a either_o degenerate_v into_o anarchy_n and_o confusion_n their_o self_n rule_n be_v manage_v with_o vain_a dispute_n and_o jangle_n unto_o their_o division_n and_o ruin_n or_o else_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o domination_n of_o some_o prelatical_a teacher_n to_o rule_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n which_o prove_v the_o bane_n and_o poison_n of_o all_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o they_o will_v and_o must_v do_v so_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o order_n for_o the_o future_a chap._n ix_o of_o deacon_n the_o original_a institution_n nature_n and_o use_v of_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o well_o know_v as_o that_o we_o need_v not_o much_o insist_v upon_o they_o nor_o shall_v i_o treat_v of_o the_o name_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o any_o kind_n of_o ministry_n civil_a or_o sacred_a but_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o that_o especial_a work_n for_o which_o this_o office_n be_v ordain_v the_o remote_a foundation_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n the_o poor_a you_o have_v always_o with_o you_o joh._n 12.8_o he_o do_v not_o only_o foretell_v that_o such_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n but_o recommend_v the_o care_n of_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n deut._n 15.11_o for_o the_o poor_a shall_v never_o cease_v out_o of_o the_o land_n therefore_o i_o command_v thou_o say_v thou_o shall_v open_v thy_o hand_n wide_a unto_o thy_o brother_n to_o thy_o poor_a and_o to_o thy_o needy_a this_o legal_a institution_n found_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o authority_n transferr_v and_o translate_v unto_o the_o use_n of_o gospel_n church_n among_o his_o disciple_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o at_o the_o same_o instant_a hypocrisy_n and_o avarice_n begin_v to_o attempt_v their_o advantage_n on_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o afterward_o effect_v unto_o their_o safety_n for_o on_o the_o pretence_n hereof_o judas_n immediate_o condemn_v a_o eminent_a duty_n towards_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n as_o contain_v a_o cost_n in_o it_o which_o may_v have_v be_v better_o lay_v out_o in_o provision_n for_o the_o poor_a the_o ointment_n pour_v on_o our_o saviour_n he_o think_v may_v have_v be_v sell_v for_o three_o hundred_o penny_n it_o may_v be_v about_o forty_o or_o fifty_o pound_n and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a but_o this_o he_o say_v not_o that_o he_o care_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o because_o he_o be_v a_o thief_n and_o have_v the_o bag_n out_o of_o which_o he_o can_v have_v make_v a_o good_a prey_n unto_o himself_o joh._n 12.6_o and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o although_o judas_n malicious_o begin_v this_o murmur_a yet_o at_o last_o some_o of_o the_o other_o disciple_n be_v
unto_o a_o present_a exercise_n by_o such_o circumstance_n as_o nature_n and_o providence_n do_v suggest_v the_o care_n also_o of_o the_o whole_a work_n be_v as_o be_v say_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n only_o the_o ordinary_a execution_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o deacon_n nor_o be_v this_o a_o temporary_a institution_n for_o that_o season_n and_o so_o the_o officer_n appoint_v extraordinary_a but_o be_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o generation_n for_o 1._o the_o work_n itself_o as_o a_o distinct_a work_n of_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n be_v never_o to_o cease_v it_o be_v to_o abide_v for_o ever_o the_o poor_a you_o shall_v have_v always_o with_o you_o 2._o the_o reason_n of_o its_o institution_n be_v perpetual_a namely_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o themselves_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o pray_v preach_a and_o this_o ministration_n 3._o they_o be_v afterward_o not_o only_o in_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n reckon_v among_o the_o fix_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o 4._o direction_n be_v give_v for_o their_o continuation_n in_o all_o church_n with_o a_o prescription_n of_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o call_v into_o this_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 10_o 11._o 5._o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n be_v direct_v and_o a_o office_n commit_v unto_o they_o let_v they_o be_v first_o prove_v then_o let_v they_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n 6._o a_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n be_v annex_v unto_o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o this_o office_n vers._n 13._o hence_o those_o who_o afterward_o utter_o pervert_v all_o church_n order_n take_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o care_n of_o the_o deacon_n that_o work_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o for_o which_o end_v alone_o their_o office_n be_v institute_v in_o the_o church_n assign_v other_o work_n unto_o they_o whereunto_o they_o be_v not_o call_v nor_o appoint_v yet_o think_v meet_v to_o continue_v the_o name_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o a_o office_n because_o of_o the_o evident_a institution_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o continuation_n and_o whereas_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v swell_v with_o pride_n and_o ambition_n in_o the_o church_n no_o sort_n of_o its_o officer_n content_v themselves_o with_o their_o primitive_a institution_n but_o strive_v by_o various_a degree_n to_o somewhat_o in_o name_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v high_a and_o aloft_n there_o arise_v from_o the_o name_n of_o this_o office_n the_o meteor_n of_o a_o archdeacon_n with_o strange_a power_n and_o authority_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o age_n but_o this_o belong_v unto_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n whereunto_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n but_o some_o think_v it_o not_o inconvenient_a even_o to_o sport_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o church_n order_n and_o constitution_n this_o office_n of_o deacon_n be_v a_o office_n of_o service_n which_o give_v not_o any_o authority_n or_o power_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v a_o office_n it_o give_v authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o special_a work_n of_o it_o under_o a_o general_a notion_n of_o authority_n that_o be_v a_o right_a to_o attend_v unto_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o but_o this_o right_n be_v confine_v unto_o the_o particular_a church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v they_o to_o make_v their_o collection_n and_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v they_o to_o administer_v extraordinary_a collection_n from_o or_o for_o other_o church_n be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o dispose_v by_o the_o elder_n act_n 11.30_o whereas_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o office_n be_v in_o general_a to_o free_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n from_o avocation_n by_o outward_a thing_n such_o as_o wherein_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v it_o belong_v unto_o the_o deacon_n not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o to_o manage_v all_o other_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n such_o as_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o place_n of_o the_o church-assembly_n of_o the_o element_n for_o the_o sacrament_n of_o keep_v collect_v and_o dispose_v of_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o its_o officer_n and_o incidency_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n or_o persecution_n hereon_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o attend_v the_o elder_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o they_o and_o receive_v direction_n from_o they_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n until_o the_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n of_o the_o superior_a clergy_n enclose_v all_o alm_n and_o donation_n unto_o themselves_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n whereof_o be_v excellent_o describe_v and_o trace_v by_o paulus_n sharpius_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o matter_n beneficiary_a that_o maintenance_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o be_v to_o distribute_v be_v to_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o voluntary_a contribution_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v make_v ordinary_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2._o and_o this_o contribution_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v 1._o in_o a_o way_n of_o bounty_n not_o spare_o 2_o cor._n 9.5_o 6_o 7._o 2._o in_o a_o way_n of_o equality_n as_o unto_o man_n ability_n 2_o cor._n 8.13_o 14._o 3._o with_o respect_n unto_o present_a success_n and_o thrive_a in_o affair_n whereof_o a_o portion_n be_v due_a to_o god_n as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o 1_o cor._n 16.2_o 4._o with_o willingness_n and_o freedom_n 2_o cor._n 8.12_o chap._n 7._o wherefore_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o deacon_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n 1._o to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o the_o present_a necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a 2._o to_o stir_v up_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o free_a contribution_n according_a unto_o their_o ability_n 3._o to_o admonish_v those_o that_o be_v negligent_a herein_o who_o give_v not_o according_a to_o their_o porportion_n and_o to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n with_o those_o who_o persist_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a unto_o who_o the_o contribution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v minister_v belong_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o office._n as_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v poor_a indeed_o and_o do_v not_o pretend_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v for_o advantage_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o poverty_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o relation_n and_o circumstance_n that_o they_o may_v have_v suitable_a supply_n 3._o that_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o walk_v according_a unto_o rule_n 4._o in_o particular_a that_o they_o work_v and_o labour_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n for_o he_o that_o will_v not_o labour_n must_v not_o eat_v at_o the_o public_a charge_n 5._o to_o comfort_n counsel_n and_o exhort_v they_o unto_o patience_n submission_n contentment_n with_o their_o condition_n and_o thankfulness_n all_o which_o may_v be_v enlarge_v and_o confirm_v but_o that_o they_o be_v obvious_a the_o qualification_n of_o person_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n be_v distinct_o lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o upon_o the_o trial_n knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o qualification_n their_o call_n to_o this_o office_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o a_o separation_n unto_o it_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n act._n 6.3_o 5_o 6._o and_o the_o adjunct_n of_o their_o ministration_n be_v 1._o mercy_n to_o represent_v the_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n towards_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n rom._n 12.8_o 2._o cheerfulness_n to_o relieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v against_o thought_n of_o be_v troublesome_a and_o burdensome_a to_o other_o 3._o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n by_o which_o they_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o great_a boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o inquire_v into_o some_o few_o thing_n relate_v unto_o this_o office_n and_o those_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o as_o 1._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o affirm_v
preserve_v in_o its_o purity_n according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n but_o that_o which_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n towards_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v express_v 1_o cor._n 5.1_o 2_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 1._o he_o declare_v the_o sin_n whereof_o the_o person_n charge_v be_v guilty_a with_o the_o ignominy_n and_o scandal_n of_o it_o ver._n 1._o 2._o he_o blame_v the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o gild_n and_o scandal_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o have_v proceed_v to_o his_o removal_n or_o expulsion_n out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v take_v away_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o they_o ver._n 2._o 3._o he_o declare_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o take_v away_o or_o remove_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o actual_o effect_v by_o that_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o he_o ver._n 3._o 4._o he_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o excision_n 1._o the_o supreme_a efficient_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n institute_v this_o ordinance_n in_o his_o church_n give_v right_o and_o power_n unto_o it_o for_o its_o administration_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o with_o his_o power_n 2._o the_o declarative_a cause_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o sentence_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o authoritative_a declaration_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n with_o my_o spirit_n 3._o the_o instrumental_a ministerial_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o church_n do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o ver._n 4._o and_o thereby_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n that_o you_o may_v be_v a_o new_a lump_n ver._n 7._o whence_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v say_v to_o be_v inflict_v by_o many_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o that_o be_v all_o those_o who_o on_o his_o repentance_n be_v oblige_v to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v he_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n ver._n 7._o 5._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n be_v the_o deliver_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ver._n 5._o not_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o body_n by_o death_n but_o the_o through_o mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n whereby_o he_o be_v short_o afterward_o recover_v and_o restore_v into_o his_o former_a condition_n the_o whole_a of_o what_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v here_o exemplify_v as_o 1._o the_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v a_o scandalous_a sin_n unrepented_a of_o 2._o the_o preparation_n for_o its_o execution_n which_o be_v the_o church_n sense_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n with_o humiliation_n for_o it_o 3._o the_o warranty_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n wherein_o his_o authority_n be_v engage_v 4._o the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o it_o by_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 5._o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o the_o end_n of_o it_o 1._o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n its_o purge_n and_o vindication_n 2._o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o person_n excommunicate_v his_o repentance_n reformation_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v usual_o reply_v hereunto_o that_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o apostolical_a power_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v draw_v by_o we_o into_o example_n for_o he_o himself_o both_o determine_v the_o case_n and_o assert_v his_o presence_n in_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o his_o authority_n to_o be_v necessary_a unto_o what_o be_v do_v beside_o it_o be_v a_o delivery_n of_o the_o man_n to_o satan_n that_o be_v into_o his_o power_n to_o be_v afflict_v and_o cruciate_v by_o he_o to_o be_v terrify_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o punish_v in_o his_o body_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v unto_o death_n such_o be_v the_o delivery_n of_o a_o man_n to_o satan_n by_o the_o apostle_n mention_v here_o and_o 1_o tim._n 1.9_o 20._o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o power_n in_o any_o church_n at_o present_a to_o deliver_v a_o offender_n unto_o satan_n nor_o any_o appear_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o pretence_n wherefore_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n which_o belong_v not_o unto_o church_n at_o present_a i_o answer_v 1._o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o any_o church_n whether_o present_a or_o absent_a by_o their_o own_o authority_n do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o nor_o their_o power_n act_v in_o subordination_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o guidance_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o this_o place_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o exert_n of_o any_o apostolical_a power_n intimate_v the_o church_n itself_o be_v charge_v with_o its_o duty_n and_o direct_v to_o exercise_v its_o authority_n in_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o offender_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o case_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v fall_v into_o a_o scandalous_a sin_n unto_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n give_v offence_n unto_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a rule_n found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n confirm_v here_o and_o elsewhere_o by_o express_v divine_a command_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v reject_v from_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n until_o he_o give_v satisfaction_n by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n 3._o it_o be_v that_o without_o which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v preserve_v in_o its_o purity_n nor_o its_o be_v be_v continue_v as_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n do_v manifest_a 4._o the_o judgement_n both_o of_o the_o fact_n and_o right_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o church_n itself_o whence_o it_o be_v afterward_o high_o commend_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o its_o duty_n herein_o 2_o cor._n 2._o in_o brief_a it_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a order_n that_o be_v here_o prescribe_v as_o without_o the_o observance_n whereof_o no_o church_n can_v long_o subsist_v 5._o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n about_o the_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n for_o 1._o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o hereon_o the_o offender_n be_v deliver_v so_o into_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o be_v cruciate_v agitate_a and_o at_o length_n kill_v as_o some_o imagine_v nor_o can_v any_o instance_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n though_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o who_o upon_o their_o rejection_n out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v enrage_v unto_o a_o opposition_n against_o it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o simon_n magus_n marcian_n and_o other_o 2._o yea_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n include_v in_o their_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n as_o be_v pretend_v for_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o man_n humiliation_n recovery_n and_o salvation_n as_o be_v express_o affirm_v in_o the_o text_n and_o this_o effect_n be_v actual_o have_v for_o the_o man_n be_v heal_v and_o restore_v wherefore_o this_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o exciting_a of_o save_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n adapt_v unto_o the_o case_n of_o fall_v by_o scandalous_a sin_n peculiar_o effectual_a above_o any_o other_o gospel_n ordinance_n now_o this_o can_v be_v such_o a_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n as_o that_o pretend_a which_o can_v have_v no_o other_o end_n but_o destruction_n and_o death_n 3._o this_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n be_v no_o more_o but_o the_o cast_n of_o a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n so_o give_v he_o up_o as_o unto_o his_o outward_a condition_n into_o the_o state_n of_o heathen_n and_o publican_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n for_o he_o who_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o according_a unto_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v not_o only_o debar_v from_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o visible_o and_o regular_o devest_v of_o all_o present_a right_n to_o they_o and_o interest_n in_o they_o he_o belong_v unto_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n the_o gather_n of_o man_n by_o conversion_n into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o turn_n of_o they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n act._n 26.18_o a_o delivery_n from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o a_o translation_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n col._n 1.13_o wherefore_o after_o a_o
case_n dubious_a and_o disputable_a wherein_o right_o and_o wrong_n be_v not_o easy_o determinable_a unto_o all_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v admit_v when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o testimony_n and_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o two_o witness_n at_o the_o least_o 2._o all_z prejudices_fw-la all_o partiality_n all_o provocation_n all_o haste_n and_o precipitation_n be_v most_o careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v in_o this_o administration_n for_o the_o judgement_n be_v the_o lord_n wherefore_o 3._o we_o be_v continual_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o tend_v unto_o this_o sentence_n and_o eminent_o in_o the_o sentence_n itself_o to_o charge_v our_o conscience_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o will_v do_v himself_o in_o the_o case_n consider_v his_o love_n grace_n mercy_n and_o patience_n with_o instance_n of_o his_o condescension_n which_o he_o give_v we_o in_o this_o world._n 4._o there_o be_v also_o require_v of_o we_o herein_o a_o constant_a remembrance_n that_o we_o also_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o liable_a to_o temptation_n which_o may_v restrain_v and_o keep_v in_o awe_n that_o forwardness_n and_o confidence_n which_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o manifest_v in_o such_o case_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n a_o watchful_a eye_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v over_o the_o method_n of_o satan_n who_o by_o all_o mean_n seek_v to_o pervert_v this_o ordinance_n unto_o the_o destruction_n of_o man_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o their_o edification_n and_o too_o often_o prevail_v in_o that_o design_n and_o if_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o management_n and_o pursuit_n of_o this_o ordinance_n he_o get_v advantage_n to_o pervert_v it_o unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o any_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o that_o church_n in_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v careful_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n therein_o wherefore_o 1._o as_o excommunication_n by_o a_o curse_a noise_n and_o clamour_v with_o bell_n book_n and_o candle_n such_o as_o we_o have_v instance_n of_o in_o some_o papal_a council_n be_v a_o horrible_a anti-christian_n abomination_n so_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o undue_a representation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o authority_n for_o person_n open_o guilty_a of_o profaneness_n in_o sin_v to_o excommunicate_v they_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o all_o christian_a obedience_n 3._o all_o excommunication_n be_v evangelical_o null_a where_o there_o be_v want_v a_o evangelical_n frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v administer_v and_o there_o be_v present_v a_o anti-evangelical_a order_n in_o its_o administration_n 4._o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o after_o all_o the_o contest_v and_o dispute_v about_o this_o excommunication_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o noise_n that_o it_o have_v make_v the_o horrible_a abuse_n that_o it_o have_v be_v put_v unto_o the_o wrest_n of_o all_o church-order_n and_o rule_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o a_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o it_o with_o the_o needless_a opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o its_o institution_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o nothing_o belong_v unto_o it_o nothing_o require_v unto_o its_o administration_n wherein_o man_n outward_a interest_n be_v at_o all_o concern_v and_o which_o the_o small_a number_n of_o sincere_a christian_n in_o any_o church-society_n may_v not_o perform_v and_o discharge_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n it_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o have_v traverse_v these_o thing_n into_o such_o a_o state_n and_o posture_n as_o be_v unintelligible_a unto_o spiritual_a wisdom_n unpracticable_a in_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o ruinous_a unto_o all_o evangelical_n order_n and_o discipline_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n church_n so_o appoint_v and_o establish_v in_o order_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v aught_o to_o hold_v communion_n among_o themselves_o or_o with_o each_o other_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o order_n for_o these_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o yea_o the_o general_a end_n of_o they_o be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n consider_v antecedent_o unto_o their_o institution_n in_o particular_a this_o end_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o general_a or_o the_o church_n catholic_n the_o promotion_n hereof_o be_v commit_v joint_o and_o several_o unto_o all_o particular_a church_n wherefore_o with_o respect_n hereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o mutual_a communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v their_o consent_n endeavour_n and_o conjunction_n in_o and_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o therein_o their_o own_o as_o they_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o this_o communion_n be_v incumbent_n on_o every_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n equal_o and_o the_o duty_n and_o act_n of_o it_o in_o all_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o disparity_n between_o they_o or_o subordination_n among_o they_o as_o shall_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o act_n of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n so_o as_o that_o the_o act_n of_o some_o shall_v be_v act_n of_o authority_n and_o those_o of_o other_o act_n of_o obedience_n or_o subjection_n where_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v at_o rome_n or_o egubium_n in_o a_o city_n or_o a_o village_n the_o communion_n of_o they_o all_o be_v mutual_a the_o act_n of_o it_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n however_o one_o church_n may_v have_v more_o advantage_n to_o be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a therein_o than_o another_o and_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o advantage_n be_v that_o which_o wrought_v effectual_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o disorder_n which_o at_o length_n destroy_v the_o catholic_n church_n with_o all_o church-communion_n whatever_o for_o some_o church_n especial_o that_o of_o rome_n have_v many_o advantage_n in_o gift_n ability_n number_n and_o reputation_n above_o many_o above_o most_o church_n for_o usefulness_n in_o their_o mutual_a communion_n the_o guide_n of_o it_o insensible_o turn_v and_o pervert_v the_o address_n make_v unto_o they_o the_o advises_n and_o assistance_n desire_v of_o they_o in_o way_n of_o communion_n or_o their_o pretence_n of_o such_o address_n and_o desire_n into_o a_o usurpation_n first_o of_o a_o primacy_n of_o honour_n then_o of_o order_n then_o of_o supremacy_n and_o jurisdiction_n unto_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o all_o church-order_n and_o communion_n and_o at_o length_n of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o state_v and_o subsist_v in_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v all_o church_n on_o their_o first_o institution_n quick_o find_v themselves_o indigent_a and_o want_v though_o not_o as_o unto_o their_o be_v power_n and_o order_n yet_o as_o unto_o their_o well-being_n with_o their_o preservation_n in_o truth_n and_o order_n upon_o extraordinary_a occurrence_n as_o also_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o usefulness_n and_o serviceableness_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o further_a the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n the_o care_n hereof_o and_o the_o make_v provision_n for_o this_o defect_n be_v commit_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n during_o their_o life_n which_o paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 11.28_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n for_o what_o be_v only_o a_o press_a care_n and_o burden_n unto_o they_o be_v afterward_o contend_v for_o by_o other_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o dignity_n and_o power_n the_o pretence_n of_o it_o in_o one_o especial_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o curse_a domination_n under_o the_o style_n and_o title_n of_o servus_n servorum_fw-la dei._n but_o if_o a_o thousand_o pretence_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o supply_a church_n defect_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o any_o other_o order_n way_n or_o means_n beside_o this_o of_o the_o equal_a communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o they_o will_v be_v all_o find_v destitute_a of_o any_o countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n primitive_a antiquity_n the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o church_n yea_o of_o christian_a religion_n itself_o yet_o the_o pretence_n hereof_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o all_o that_o disposal_n of_o church_n into_o several_a story_n of_o subordination_n with_o a_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o which_o now_o prevail_v in_o the_o world._n but_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o such_o imagination_n until_o it_o be_v prove_v either_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v the_o mutual_a communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o union_n and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o