cease_v but_o such_o as_o have_v their_o chief_a use_n not_o for_o believer_n in_o the_o church_n but_o unbeliever_n out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o government_n be_v of_o perpetual_a necessary_a use_n in_o the_o church_n even_o as_o teacher_n and_o helper_n unless_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o anarchy_n be_v fit_a for_o a_o settle_a church-government_n object_n 3._o but_o why_o may_v not_o these_o governor_n be_v the_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v receive_v a_o ordinary_a power_n of_o government_n in_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o order_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v these_o government_n will_v not_o suffer_v that_o for_o here_o the_o apostle_n reckon_v five_o several_a rank_n the_o former_a express_o precedent_a in_o order_n before_o the_o other_o god_n say_v he_o have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n first_o apostles_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n which_o be_v a_o four_o rank_n then_o in_o the_o five_o place_n gift_n of_o heal_a and_o help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n now_o if_o by_o government_n have_v be_v mean_v pastor_n he_o will_v not_o have_v reckon_v they_o in_o a_o low_a order_n so_o far_o after_o teacher_n see_v they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o they_o object_n why_o but_o here_o help_n or_o deacon_n be_v set_v before_o government_n which_o argue_v the_o apostle_n do_v not_o regard_v to_o rank_v they_o in_o due_a order_n answ_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o word_n of_o order_n which_o the_o apostle_n use_v that_o he_o intend_v to_o reckon_v the_o four_o first_o sort_n in_o their_o due_a order_n and_o the_o five_o sort_n of_o they_o all_o in_o a_o latter_a order_n after_o the_o former_a though_o in_o a_o promiscuous_a manner_n without_o respect_n of_o order_n among_o themselves_o for_o so_o he_o say_v first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o they_o miracle_n then_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n as_o apostle_n be_v before_o prophet_n so_o be_v prophet_n before_o ordinary_a teacher_n the_o teacher_n before_o worker_n of_o miracle_n the_o miracle_n before_o they_o that_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o heal_a for_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_a follow_n after_o work_n of_o miracle_n with_o a_o note_n of_o order_n then._n but_o all_o those_o last_o four_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v reckon_v without_o respect_n of_o order_n among_o themselves_o what_o order_n be_v due_a to_o they_o be_v not_o express_v in_o this_o scripture_n though_o it_o be_v in_o some_o other_o at_o least_o for_o some_o of_o they_o but_o clear_v it_o be_v all_o these_o last_o four_o sort_n be_v reckon_v in_o order_n after_o the_o first_o four_o sort_n object_n 4._o but_o it_o may_v be_v the_o church_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v all_o these_o member_n be_v set_v be_v not_o mean_v every_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n answ_n it_o be_v true_a every_o particular_a church_n have_v not_o several_a apostle_n apart_o by_o themselves_o nor_o be_v it_o needful_a they_o shall_v after_o that_o church_n be_v once_o plant_v but_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v need_n of_o his_o own_o governor_n within_o itself_o or_o else_o we_o shall_v make_v one_o church_n subordinate_a to_o the_o government_n of_o another_o which_o be_v incompatible_a to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o lord_n have_v institute_v and_o ordain_v no_o particular_a church_n but_o the_o church_n of_o a_o congregation_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o ordinance_n unto_o which_o congregationall_a church_n he_o have_v also_o appoint_v the_o same_o sort_n of_o officer_n without_o preferment_n of_o one_o before_o another_o object_n 5._o for_o humane_a wisdom_n be_v pregnant_a and_o full_a of_o objection_n and_o exception_n against_o the_o way_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n may_v be_v say_v some_o these_o governor_n be_v no_o other_o but_o arbitrator_n which_o the_o apostle_n bid_v the_o corinthian_n set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o decide_n of_o difference_n among_o brethren_n 1._o cor._n 6.4_o but_o now_o since_o god_n have_v set_v up_o christian_a magistrate_n there_o be_v no_o more_o need_n of_o such_o arbiter_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o each_o church_n to_o compound_v their_o difference_n answ_n these_o arbiter_n in_o the_o church_n have_v not_o place_n or_o office_n of_o government_n but_o of_o counsel_n only_o to_o direct_v brethren_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n equity_n and_o inequitie_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o power_n of_o such_o arbitration_n any_o special_a gift_n for_o the_o apostle_n think_v every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n even_o the_o least_o capable_a enough_o of_o it_o and_o sufficient_a for_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o well_o say_v since_o god_n have_v set_v up_o christian_a magistrate_n there_o need_v no_o arbiter_n to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o church_n nor_o church_n governor_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o apostle_n make_v it_o a_o fault_n or_o defect_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o any_o of_o their_o member_n go_v to_o law_n at_o all_o for_o such_o suit_n as_o the_o least_o member_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o be_v call_v to_o hear_v the_o case_n may_v arbitrate_v and_o determine_v and_o he_o make_v it_o a_o further_a fault_n that_o they_o go_v to_o law_n under_o infidel_n now_o therefore_o say_v he_o there_o be_v utter_o a_o fault_n among_o you_o that_o brother_n go_v to_o law_n with_o brother_n and_o that_o under_o infidel_n ver_fw-la 6_o 7._o the_o former_a be_v a_o defect_n of_o brotherly_a love_n the_o latter_a be_v a_o neglect_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n and_o before_o infidel_n if_o brother_n go_v to_o law_n with_o brother_n before_o christian_a magistrate_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o fault_n be_v avoid_v but_o not_o the_o former_a neither_o may_v it_o be_v think_v as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o the_o benefit_n of_o christian_a magistracy_n take_v off_o the_o necessity_n of_o church-government_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v far_o distant_a from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o though_o one_o of_o they_o may_v need_v the_o help_n of_o the_o other_o when_o they_o go_v astray_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v right_o order_v and_o administer_v the_o one_o of_o they_o do_v not_o intercept_v but_o establish_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o other_o a_o three_o witness_n to_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n be_v that_o well_o know_v and_o much_o agitate_a text_n in_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o elder_n who_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n this_o text_n though_o it_o have_v be_v much_o vex_v and_o rack_v to_o look_v and_o speak_v another_o way_n yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o still_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o steadfast_a evidence_n to_o this_o office_n the_o most_o learned_a adversary_n of_o this_o ordinance_n will_v fasten_v four_o other_o interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n and_o each_o of_o they_o as_o they_o pretend_v more_o pertinent_a to_o the_o scope_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n word_n than_o this_o of_o roll_a elder_n 1._o say_v they_o by_o roll_a elder_n may_v be_v mean_v deacon_n for_o the_o apostle_n give_v timothy_n to_o understand_v what_o manner_n of_o person_n they_o be_v with_o who_o maintenance_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v have_v before_o inform_v he_o of_o widow_n now_o tell_v he_o the_o deacon_n also_o be_v to_o be_v maintain_v yea_o and_o with_o a_o double_a portion_n above_o they_o and_o either_o the_o deacon_n be_v not_o to_o be_v maintain_v at_o all_o at_o the_o church_n charge_n or_o else_o the_o apostle_n provide_v for_o their_o maintenance_n in_o this_o place_n or_o no_o where_o answ_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o man_n to_o be_v maintain_v at_o the_o church_n charge_n but_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o present_a poverty_n and_o necessity_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o office_n which_o call_v he_o off_o from_o the_o attendance_n to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o private_a family_n unto_o the_o public_a service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o former_a case_n if_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o deacon_n be_v in_o necessity_n they_o may_v be_v supply_v with_o some_o maintenance_n from_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o of_o the_o poor_a brethren_n and_o so_o though_o this_o text_n say_v nothing_o concern_v they_o yet_o other_o scripture_n take_v care_n for_o they_o for_o the_o deacon_n by_o the_o very_a institution_n of_o their_o office_n be_v to_o
layman_n but_o our_o roll_a elder_n we_o utter_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v layman_n as_o the_o word_n be_v common_o mean_v in_o this_o controversy_n but_o church-officer_n set_v apart_o to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n and_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n but_o if_o they_o be_v layman_n which_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o you_o see_v it_o be_v no_o strange_a or_o unheard_a of_o matter_n that_o church_n shall_v be_v bountiful_a to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o sundry_a sort_n of_o church_n ruler_n who_o be_v mere_o layman_n as_o their_o adversary_n misconceive_v these_o to_o be_v yea_o what_o be_v the_o many_o cloister_n of_o munks_n and_o friar_n and_o nun_n in_o the_o time_n of_o popery_n be_v they_o preacher_n of_o the_o word_n be_v they_o not_o layman_n &_o woman_n and_o yet_o do_v the_o church_n of_o those_o time_n grudge_v they_o their_o maintenance_n upon_o pretence_n of_o their_o laity_n but_o the_o world_n will_v love_v his_o own_o be_v there_o never_o so_o many_o idle_a drone_n or_o stately_a ruler_n of_o man_n own_o devise_v the_o church_n must_v supply_v they_o not_o only_o with_o maintenance_n but_o with_o magnificence_n but_o let_v the_o lord_n appoint_v roll_a elder_n according_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o assist_v his_o minister_n in_o the_o work_n of_o government_n that_o they_o may_v attend_v the_o more_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n if_o they_o shall_v expect_v from_o the_o church_n any_o maintenance_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n oh_o that_o seem_v a_o strange_a matter_n and_o unheard_a of_o from_o all_o antiquity_n till_o this_o present_a age_n the_o second_o reason_n why_o lie_v elder_n as_o they_o miscall_v they_o rule_v elder_n as_o we_o with_o paul_n call_v they_o be_v not_o mean_v in_o paul_n text_n be_v because_o paul_n mention_v the_o presbyter_n but_o once_o in_o all_o his_o epistle_n exclude_v all_o lay_v elder_n from_o that_o presbytery_n neglect_v not_o say_v he_o the_o grace_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n with_o imposition_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 2_o tim._n 4.14_o this_o christian_a presbytery_n give_v imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o ordain_v minister_n but_o lay_v elder_n have_v no_o right_a to_o impose_v hand_n to_o that_o purpose_n therefore_o layman_n be_v none_o of_o this_o presbytery_n for_o if_o the_o presbytery_n be_v take_v for_o the_o company_n of_o elder_n none_o be_v of_o that_o company_n but_o such_o as_o may_v give_v imposition_n of_o hand_n or_o if_o presbytery_n be_v take_v for_o the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a than_o none_o may_v take_v that_o function_n on_o he_o but_o must_v receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o timothy_n do_v than_o layman_n which_o neither_o give_v nor_o receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v whole_o debar_v both_o from_o the_o degree_n and_o from_o the_o society_n of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o be_v in_o paul_n time_n our_o answer_n consist_v of_o three_o point_n first_o lay_v elder_n we_o disclaim_v but_o rule_v elder_n though_o not_o attend_v to_o preach_v as_o they_o have_v their_o election_n from_o the_o people_n who_o be_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n so_o be_v they_o ordain_v &_o set_v apart_o from_o among_o the_o people_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v the_o presbytery_n the_o company_n of_o elder_n for_o by_o presbytery_n we_o conceive_v can_v be_v there_o mean_v the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a for_o he_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o presbytery_n as_o lay_v on_o hand_n now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a but_o the_o company_n of_o elder_n that_o lie_v on_o hand_n answ_n 2._o when_o it_o be_v say_v no_o man_n can_v give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v all_o of_o they_o make_v a_o ready_a answer_n for_o we_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o that_o give_v shall_v always_o formal_o have_v beforehand_o receive_v that_o power_n which_o they_o give_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o virtual_o for_o instance_n a_o multitude_n of_o free_a people_n may_v elect_v and_o ordain_v a_o king_n over_o they_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o they_o have_v before_o hand_n receive_v kingly_a power_n it_o be_v enough_o they_o have_v a_o virtual_a power_n to_o set_v up_o and_o to_o submit_v unto_o any_o lawful_a form_n of_o government_n which_o they_o see_v good_a for_o themselves_o in_o the_o land_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o wit_n some_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n for_o all_o can_v not_o at_o once_o impose_v their_o hand_n upon_o the_o levite_n numb_a 8.10_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o levites_n themselves_o nor_o have_v receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n themselves_o and_o yet_o may_v nevertheless_o impose_v hand_n upon_o other_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o peter_n not_o as_o a_o apostle_n nor_o as_o a_o elder_a but_o as_o a_o profess_a believer_n in_o the_o name_n of_o believer_n and_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n mat._n 16.16_o to_o 19_o whereupon_o the_o bind_n and_o lose_v which_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n mat._n 18.17_o 18._o if_o then_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o church-power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o exercise_v their_o pastoral_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administer_a of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o elect_v such_o who_o god_n have_v furnish_v with_o gift_n among_o they_o unto_o such_o office_n as_o may_v dispense_v all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o they_o and_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n to_o dedicate_v they_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o his_o church_n now_o if_o the_o whole_a church_n have_v this_o power_n to_o impose_v hand_n upon_o their_o officer_n in_o their_o first_o ordination_n how_o can_v it_o seem_v a_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o thing_n or_o a_o absurd_a matter_n that_o roll_a elder_n shall_v together_o with_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n all_o of_o they_o make_v up_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n impose_v hand_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o ordain_v answ_n 3._o beside_o there_o be_v that_o conceive_v and_o that_o not_o improbable_o that_o in_o ancient_a time_n the_o child_n baptize_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o receive_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n nor_o into_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o all_o church_n liberty_n until_o that_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o to_o year_n do_v public_o before_o the_o church_n profess_v their_o faith_n and_o ratify_v the_o covenant_n make_v for_o they_o in_o baptism_n and_o so_o be_v confirm_v as_o they_o which_o be_v but_o a_o small_a remnant_n in_o comparison_n 300._o year_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o primitive_a persecution_n whereof_o we_o have_v few_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n extant_a write_v in_o that_o time_n those_o we_o have_v speak_v so_o of_o elder_n as_o do_v indifferent_o comprise_v as_o well_o rule_v elder_a as_o teach_v elder_n ignatius_n his_o presbyter_n who_o he_o style_v the_o court_n of_o god_n the_o combination_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n the_o holy_a assembly_n and_o counsellor_n and_o assessor_n of_o the_o bishop_n with_o all_o these_o epithet_n may_v as_o well_o agree_v to_o rule_v elder_n as_o to_o preacher_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o disdain_v to_o admit_v civil_a magistrate_n into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o god_n tabernacle_n psal_n 82.1_o and_o why_o not_o then_o the_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n for_o tertullian_n his_o elder_n who_o be_v precedent_n over_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o attain_v that_o honour_n not_o by_o bribe_n but_o by_o approve_a testimony_n apologetic_n chap._n 29._o what_o be_v there_o in_o his_o whole_a description_n of_o they_o but_o be_v compatible_a to_o rule_v elder_n as_o well_o as_o to_o preach_v yea_o cyprian_n who_o live_v in_o those_o ancient_a bloody_a but_o zealous_a time_n do_v express_o acknowledge_v elder_n that_o be_v not_o preacher_n for_o it_o evident_o appear_v in_o the_o five_o epistle_n of_o his_o four_o book_n that_o he_o ordain_v calinus_fw-la and_o ancellus_n to_o be_v presbyter_n of_o his_o church_n who_o be_v no_o preacher_n but_o reader_n only_o and_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v maintain_v sportulis_fw-la communibus_fw-la that_o be_v at_o the_o common_a charge_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o presbyter_n and_o to_o sit_v with_o himself_o in_o their_o grow_a year_n it_o appear_v also_o in_o
the_o rule_v elder_n have_v receive_v the_o key_n of_o christ_n house_n as_o his_o steward_n it_o do_v belong_v to_o their_o power_n 1._o to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o christ_n house_n or_o church_n that_o be_v to_o admit_v and_o receive_v all_o member_n and_o officer_n into_o place_n in_o the_o church_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o keep_v out_o the_o unworthy_a hence_o minister_n be_v say_v to_o be_v ordain_v and_o admit_v into_o office_n by_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o and_o if_o minister_n be_v admit_v through_o their_o hand_n into_o office_n in_o the_o church_n how_o much_o more_o private_a member_n after_o due_a trial_n 2._o if_o they_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o admit_v officer_n and_o other_o member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o keep_v out_o the_o unworthy_a shut_v the_o door_n against_o they_o then_o they_o have_v also_o power_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o fellow_n elder_n as_o in_o the_o former_a to_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n such_o as_o fall_v into_o scandalous_a offence_n within_o the_o church_n and_o do_v persist_v therein_o for_o ejusdem_fw-la porestatis_fw-la est_fw-la destituere_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la the_o same_o key_n that_o have_v power_n to_o open_v the_o door_n have_v power_n to_o shut_v it_o 3._o as_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o steward_n in_o a_o family_n so_o it_o be_v of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o none_o live_v inordinate_o without_o a_o calling_n or_o idle_o in_o a_o call_n but_o every_o one_o employ_v and_o set_v a_o work_n to_o his_o lord_n advantage_n 2_o thes_n 3.10_o 11_o 12._o 4._o as_o a_o steward_n in_o the_o family_n be_v not_o to_o suffer_v any_o member_n in_o the_o family_n to_o hinder_v his_o fellow_n in_o his_o lord_n work_v so_o neither_o aught_o the_o rule_v elder_a to_o suffer_v any_o to_o walk_v scandalous_o in_o the_o congregation_n for_o that_o hinder_v edification_n which_o be_v the_o work_n that_o each_o one_o in_o his_o place_n be_v to_o set_v forward_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o church-ruler_n be_v to_o attend_v to_o see_v it_o do_v according_o 5._o it_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_n office_n to_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o congregation_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v their_o trouble_n by_o keep_v out_o such_o complaint_n and_o other_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o yet_o ripe_a for_o the_o church_n cognizance_n and_o by_o order_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v to_o be_v present_v to_o they_o paul_n consult_v with_o the_o elder_n as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n before_o he_o present_v himself_o to_o the_o agitation_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 21.18_o to_o 24._o 6._o it_o belong_v to_o the_o rule_v elder_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o teacher_n to_o moderate_v the_o carriage_n of_o all_o matter_n in_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v as_o to_o call_v on_o stranger_n of_o other_o church_n or_o member_n to_o speak_v upon_o occasion_n act._n 13.15_o and_o such_o as_o may_v call_v man_n forth_o to_o speak_v may_v call_v for_o silence_n when_o speech_n be_v unseasonable_a 7._o those_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n who_o paul_n send_v for_o to_o wit_n both_o the_o teach_v and_o rule_v elder_n act_n 20.17_o those_o he_o command_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 28._o which_o impli_v they_o shall_v be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o rule_v but_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n though_o not_o by_o attend_v to_o a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n which_o be_v the_o pastor_n office_n nor_o by_o attend_v to_o a_o word_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o teacher_n office_n yet_o by_o attend_v to_o a_o word_n of_o admonition_n for_o the_o apostle_n make_v admonition_n the_o work_n of_o they_o that_o be_v over_o the_o church_n in_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes_n 5.12_o that_o be_v that_o rule_n over_o they_o the_o same_o word_n which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o rule_v elder_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o who_o he_o join_v with_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n in_o both_o place_n and_o indeed_o rule_v without_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n be_v dumb_a thus_o all_o elder_n be_v apt_a to_o teach_v according_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o 8._o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o office_n though_o it_o be_v not_o they_o alone_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o when_o they_o be_v send_v for_o and_o together_o with_o some_o counsel_n and_o admonition_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o to_o help_v forward_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n as_o jam._n 5.14_o 15_o 16._o we_o have_v be_v the_o more_o large_a in_o clear_v the_o several_a sort_n of_o these_o elder_n which_o christ_n have_v ordain_v in_o his_o church_n because_o we_o find_v satan_n have_v be_v very_o busy_a to_o set_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n a_o work_n both_o to_o confound_v the_o several_a function_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o utter_o to_o abandon_v the_o office_n of_o a_o rule_v elder_a now_o for_o deacon_n which_o be_v the_o other_o ordinary_a officer_n ordain_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o perpetual_a service_n of_o the_o church_n all_o man_n do_v acknowledge_v they_o both_o to_o be_v institute_v express_o in_o the_o scripture_n act_n 6.2_o to_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o to_o 13._o and_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o age_n though_o not_o without_o sundry_a mixture_n of_o corruption_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v impertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n to_o prosecute_v who_o only_o intend_v to_o declare_v and_o clear_v our_o own_o practice_n and_o proceed_n deacon_n therefore_o we_o reserve_v in_o our_o church_n but_o without_o distinction_n of_o pre-eminence_n of_o some_o of_o they_o above_o other_o much_o less_o over_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n neither_o do_v we_o employ_v they_o about_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o about_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n think_v themselves_o unmeet_a both_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o serve_v table_n also_o and_o therefore_o the_o work_n which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o and_o which_o the_o deacon_n be_v elect_v and_o ordain_v to_o take_v up_o be_v the_o serve_v of_o table_n act._n 6.2_o to_o wit_n the_o serve_v of_o all_o those_o table_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o church_n to_o provide_v for_o which_o be_v the_o lord_n table_n the_o table_n of_o the_o minister_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o table_n of_o the_o poor_a brethren_n whether_o of_o their_o own_o body_n or_o stranger_n for_o the_o maintain_v whereof_o we_o do_v not_o appoint_v they_o to_o go_v up_o and_o down_o to_o collect_v the_o benevolence_n of_o able_a brethren_n but_o as_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o brethren_n bring_v and_o lay_v down_o at_o their_o foot_n act_n 4.35_o and_o thereby_o make_v distribution_n as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v of_o the_o church_n require_v so_o the_o deacon_n be_v ordain_v to_o take_v up_o and_o execute_v that_o part_n of_o the_o office_n which_o the_o apostle_n lay_v down_o they_o receive_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o brethren_n every_o lord_n day_n bring_v unto_o they_o and_o lay_v down_o before_o they_o or_o else_o bring_v unto_o they_o on_o the_o week_n day_n and_o distribute_v the_o same_o as_o the_o use_n and_o need_v of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v sect_n iii_o as_o for_o widow_n who_o paul_n speak_v of_o as_o vervant_n to_o the_o church_n 2_o tim._n 5.9_o 10._o we_o look_v at_o they_o as_o fit_a assistant_n to_o the_o deacon_n in_o minister_a to_o the_o sick_a poor_a brethren_n in_o sundry_a needful_a service_n which_o be_v not_o so_o fit_a for_o man_n to_o put_v their_o hand_n unto_o only_o we_o find_v it_o somewhat_o rare_a to_o find_v a_o woman_n of_o so_o great_a a_o age_n as_o the_o apostle_n describe_v to_o wit_n of_o threescore_o year_n and_o withal_o to_o be_v so_o hearty_a and_o healthy_a and_o strong_a as_o to_o be_v fit_a to_o undertake_v such_o a_o service_n sect_n iv_o have_v thus_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o officer_n we_o desire_v to_o supply_v each_o of_o our_o church_n withal_o we_o come_v now_o to_o declare_v in_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v choose_v and_o ordain_v unto_o their_o office_n when_o therefore_o any_o of_o the_o church_n be_v destitute_a of_o any_o of_o these_o officer_n the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o apostle_n advice_n in_o defect_n of_o deacon_n and_o so_o in_o defect_n of_o all_o other_o officer_n they_o look_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o such_o person_n as_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n qualify_v according_a to_o
of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n in_o the_o choose_n of_o a_o apostle_n the_o voice_n of_o people_n go_v as_o far_o as_o any_o humane_a suffrage_n can_v go_v of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o they_o choose_v two_o and_o present_v they_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o because_o and_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v call_v of_o god_n out_o of_o those_o two_o god_n choose_v one_o act._n 1.15.23.26_o act._n 14.23_o the_o apostle_n be_v say_v to_o have_v ordain_v elder_n by_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o people_n as_o the_o original_a word_n impli_v and_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o look_v out_o and_o choose_v seven_o deacon_n act._n 6.3.15_o the_o practice_n of_o succeed_a church_n for_o many_o year_n after_o be_v plain_a from_o cyprian_n word_n lib._n 1._o epist_n 4._o plebs_fw-la maxim_n potestatem_fw-la habet_fw-la vel_fw-la dignos_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la eligendi_fw-la vel_fw-la indignos_fw-la recusandi_fw-la object_n 2._o it_o be_v also_o demand_v by_o what_o warrant_n do_v a_o particular_a church_n depute_v such_o who_o be_v not_o presbyter_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o presbyter_n be_v it_o not_o more_o regular_a and_o orderly_a to_o repair_v to_o some_o bishop_n to_o receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n from_o he_o or_o as_o the_o presbyter_n in_o every_o church_n in_o crete_n receive_v imposition_n of_o hand_n from_o titus_n who_o be_v leave_v in_o crete_n with_o episcopal_a authority_n for_o that_o very_a end_n tit._n 1.5_o or_o rather_o than_o take_v imposition_n of_o hand_n from_o lay-man_n as_o they_o be_v call_v why_o do_v not_o the_o church_n rather_o entreat_v the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o own_o presbytery_n by_o the_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n ans_fw-fr the_o warrant_n by_o which_o each_o particular_a church_n do_v depute_v some_o of_o their_o own_o body_n though_o not_o presbyter_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o those_o who_o they_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v their_o presbyter_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o receive_v all_o fullness_n of_o power_n from_o the_o father_n have_v give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v the_o power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v bind_v and_o lose_v matth._n 16.19_o and_o this_o be_v give_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n meet_v together_o in_o his_o name_n mat._n 18.18_o whatsoever_o say_v christ_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a ministerial_a power_n of_o the_o key_n sect_n vii_o object_n 1._o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o first_o subject_n and_o receptacle_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n for_o though_o the_o church_n elect_v a_o pastor_n or_o other_o elder_a yet_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v from_o christ_n eph._n 4.8_o and_o so_o be_v his_o authority_n from_o christ_n also_o and_o if_o he_o have_v neither_o his_o office_n nor_o his_o authority_n from_o the_o church_n how_o can_v he_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o church_n answ_n 1._o though_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o general_n be_v immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o the_o authority_n from_o he_o also_o yet_o the_o application_n of_o this_o office_n and_o of_o this_o authority_n to_o this_o elect_a person_n be_v by_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n have_v sufficient_a and_o just_a warrant_n as_o to_o elect_v and_o call_v a_o presbyter_n unto_o office_n so_o to_o ordain_v he_o to_o it_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n they_o that_o have_v power_n to_o elect_v a_o king_n have_v power_n also_o to_o depute_v some_o in_o their_o name_n to_o set_v the_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n answ_n 2._o as_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o elder_n be_v not_o from_o the_o church_n but_o from_o christ_n so_o neither_o be_v their_o office_n and_o authority_n from_o the_o bishop_n nor_o from_o the_o presbytery_n nor_o from_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o presbytery_n if_o therefore_o that_o be_v a_o just_a impediment_n why_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o lay_v hand_n upon_o their_o elect_a pastor_n or_o elder_n because_o neither_o their_o office_n nor_o their_o authority_n be_v from_o the_o church_n than_o neither_o may_v the_o bishop_n nor_o the_o presbytery_n nor_o the_o classis_fw-la lie_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o because_o their_o office_n and_o authority_n be_v no_o more_o nor_o so_o much_o from_o they_o as_o from_o the_o church_n nor_o by_o this_o argument_n may_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o if_o they_o be_v present_a ordain_v officer_n because_o neither_o the_o office_n nor_o the_o authority_n be_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o from_o christ_n only_o neither_o will_v it_o follow_v from_o hence_o as_o some_o object_n that_o if_o the_o elder_n receive_v their_o ordination_n from_o the_o church_n than_o they_o shall_v execute_v their_o office_n in_o the_o church_n name_n or_o that_o then_o they_o may_v be_v more_o or_o less_o diligent_a in_o their_o office_n at_o the_o church_n appointment_n or_o that_o then_o the_o church_n have_v a_o lordlike_o power_n over_o they_o or_o that_o then_o the_o elder_n must_v receive_v their_o errand_n from_o the_o church_n as_o a_o ambassador_n do_v from_o he_o from_o who_o he_o receive_v his_o commission_n or_o that_o then_o the_o church_n in_o defect_n of_o all_o officer_n may_v perform_v all_o duty_n of_o their_o officer_n as_o to_o administer_v sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a none_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n will_v follow_v for_o 1._o most_o of_o these_o objection_n do_v strike_v as_o much_o against_o imposition_n of_o hand_n by_o bishop_n or_o presbyter_n 2._o though_o the_o elder_n do_v receive_v the_o application_n of_o their_o office_n and_o of_o their_o power_n by_o the_o church_n yet_o not_o from_o the_o church_n or_o if_o from_o the_o church_n ministerial_o only_a as_o instrument_n unto_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o can_v choose_v or_o ordain_v who_o they_o please_v to_o what_o office_n they_o please_v but_o who_o they_o see_v the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v prepare_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v choose_v and_o ordain_v to_o their_o hand_n nor_o may_v they_o enlarge_v or_o straiten_v the_o limit_n of_o his_o office_n who_o they_o do_v elect_v or_o ordain_v but_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v prescribe_v nor_o can_v they_o give_v he_o any_o errand_n but_o only_o a_o charge_n to_o look_v to_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n nor_o have_v they_o any_o more_o lordly_a power_n over_o he_o than_o he_o over_o they_o but_o both_o ministerial_a as_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n neither_o may_v they_o administer_v sacrament_n in_o defect_n of_o all_o officer_n because_o that_o by_o appointment_n from_o christ_n pertain_v only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v call_v by_o office_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n mat._n 28.19_o 20._o as_o for_o mutual_a instruction_n and_o admission_n election_n and_o ordination_n of_o officer_n open_v of_o the_o door_n of_o the_o church_n by_o admission_n of_o member_n and_o shut_v the_o same_o by_o church-censure_n these_o thing_n they_o may_v do_v if_o need_v be_v without_o officer_n yea_o and_o if_o all_o their_o officer_n be_v find_v culpable_a either_o in_o heretical_a doctrine_n or_o scandalous_a crime_n yet_o the_o church_n have_v lawful_a authority_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o they_o all_o for_o they_o that_o as_o a_o church_n may_v admonish_v archippus_n col._n 4.17_o may_v in_o case_n he_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o their_o admonition_n have_v proceed_v against_o he_o to_o excommunication_n and_o they_o that_o may_v so_o proceed_v against_o one_o of_o their_o officer_n may_v in_o like_a sort_n upon_o like_a ground_n proceed_v against_o they_o all_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o the_o church_n do_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o immediate_o from_o christ_n but_o from_o the_o presbyter_n and_o yet_o in_o such_o case_n our_o church_n be_v never_o wont_a to_o proceed_v but_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o other_o church_n as_o know_v that_o in_o such_o weighty_a case_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o counsellor_n there_o be_v safety_n and_o as_o the_o church_n do_v not_o choose_v any_o elder_n but_o in_o the_o presence_n and_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o other_o church_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o proceed_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o they_o but_o with_o the_o like_a grave_n and_o solemn_a assistance_n object_n 2._o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n immediate_o from_o christ_n joh._n 20.23_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n
2_o cor._n 8.1_o 2._o 2._o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n there_o be_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o put_v of_o any_o one_o bishop_n above_o his_o fellow_n except_o only_o the_o difference_n of_o rule_v and_o teach_v elder_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o those_o as_o they_o be_v not_o set_v over_o many_o church_n so_o neither_o be_v any_o of_o they_o set_v above_o his_o fellow_n only_o the_o preacher_n be_v allow_v more_o reverence_n and_o maintenance_n than_o the_o ruler_n if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v appoint_v some_o singular_a bishop_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o any_o transcendent_a and_o eminent_a office_n he_o will_v have_v appoint_v he_o also_o some_o eminent_a and_o transcendent_a proper_a work_n of_o his_o office_n but_o what_o shall_v that_o be_v shall_v it_o be_v ordination_n as_o hierome_n say_v speak_v of_o the_o bishop_n in_o his_o time_n quid_fw-la facit_fw-la episcopus_fw-la excepta_fw-la ordinatione_fw-la quod_fw-la presbyter_n non_fw-la facit_fw-la why_o that_o be_v a_o work_n of_o rule_n or_o shall_v it_o be_v hear_v accusation_n against_o elder_n and_o censure_v they_o according_o as_o 1_o tim._n 5.19_o 20_o why_o that_o be_v a_o work_n of_o rule_n also_o now_o the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v no_o act_n of_o rule_n nor_o any_o elder_n or_o bishop_n that_o do_v rule_n as_o worthy_a of_o great_a honour_n than_o such_o elder_n as_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o it_o be_v therefore_o apparent_o contradictory_n to_o the_o institution_n give_v by_o paul_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o set_v up_o any_o eminent_a or_o transcendent_a bishop_n in_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o rule_n or_o exercise_v of_o office_n of_o more_o honour_n and_o power_n then_o pertain_v to_o all_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o neither_o ordination_n nor_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v both_o of_o they_o act_n of_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o transcendent_a bishop_n but_o pertain_v indifferent_o to_o all_o the_o presbyter_n sect_n ix_o object_n but_o if_o no_o transcendent_a act_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o rule_n be_v reserve_v unto_o one_o bishop_n alone_o above_o other_o minister_n how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o rev._n 2.3_o each_o singular_a angel_n in_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v alone_o for_o all_o the_o fault_n that_o be_v find_v in_o his_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o angel_n why_o shall_v one_o angel_n alone_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o guilt_n of_o all_o those_o fault_n in_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o hand_n alone_o to_o redress_v and_o punish_v they_o answ_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n with_o john_n and_o find_v also_o in_o other_o scripture_n to_o use_v the_o name_n of_o angel_n not_o singular_o for_o one_o person_n but_o collective_o for_o a_o company_n administer_a the_o same_o work_n as_o the_o seven_o angel_n that_o sound_v the_o seven_o trumpet_n and_o the_o seven_o angel_n that_o pour_v out_o the_o seven_o vial_n be_v not_o seven_o singular_a person_n but_o seven_o company_n or_o sort_n of_o person_n perform_v that_o service_n and_o when_o david_n say_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n pitch_v his_o tent_n about_o they_o which_o fear_v he_o psal_n 34.7_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o one_o angel_n alone_o but_o of_o many_o of_o they_o for_o one_o alone_a can_v pitch_v his_o tent_n about_o all_o they_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o that_o john_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o revelation_n do_v not_o mean_a by_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n one_o singular_a person_n but_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n the_o whole_a presbytery_n of_o person_n more_o than_o one_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o speech_n unto_o they_o as_o unto_o many_o the_o devil_n say_v he_o shall_v cast_v some_o of_o you_o into_o prison_n rev._n 2.10_o some_o of_o you_o 〈◊〉_d gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o imply_v more_o than_o one_o and_o again_o in_o rev._n 2.24_o speak_v unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n but_o unto_o you_o plural_a you_o gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d you_o in_o the_o plural_a i_o say_v and_o unto_o the_o rest_n of_o thiatira_n which_o argue_v that_o the_o angel_n distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o than_o one_o person_n for_o he_o say_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o plural_a number_n object_n but_o now_o say_v some_o let_v it_o be_v so_o then_o if_o such_o eminent_a and_o transcendent_a bishop_n that_o be_v diocesan_n bishop_n who_o claim_v a_o peerless_a power_n in_o ordination_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o themselves_o alone_o have_v no_o foothold_a in_o the_o scripture_n then_o let_v they_o neither_o have_v name_n nor_o place_n portion_n right_a nor_o memorial_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o yet_o nevertheless_o the_o apostle_n be_v clear_a for_o a_o presbytery_n and_o acknowledge_v imposition_n of_o hand_n even_o upon_o timothy_n how_o much_o more_o upon_o other_o elder_n by_o the_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o answ_n we_o willing_o also_o acknowledge_v the_o same_o where_o god_n have_v furnish_v any_o church_n with_o a_o presbytery_n to_o they_o it_o pertain_v to_o ordain_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n any_o elder_n or_o deacon_n that_o shall_v be_v choose_v by_o office_n by_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o but_o if_o the_o church_n want_v a_o presbytery_n for_o want_v of_o elder_n they_o want_v a_o warrant_n to_o repair_v to_o the_o presbytery_n of_o another_o church_n to_o impose_v hand_n upon_o their_o elect_a elder_n our_o reason_n be_v reason_n 1_o first_o ordination_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v a_o work_n of_o church_n power_n as_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v now_o as_o no_o church_n have_v power_n over_o another_o but_o all_o of_o they_o stand_v in_o brotherly_a equality_n one_o towards_o another_o so_o the_o presbytery_n of_o one_o church_n have_v no_o power_n over_o the_o elder_n of_o another_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v all_o of_o they_o receive_v the_o same_o commission_n joh._n 20.23_o have_v none_o of_o they_o power_n over_o another_o so_o the_o church_n have_v receive_v all_o of_o they_o the_o same_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o have_v be_v show_v above_o they_o none_o of_o they_o have_v power_n over_o another_o and_o therefore_o no_o power_n of_o ordination_n of_o one_o another_o officer_n reason_n 2_o as_o every_o church_n have_v equal_o receive_v the_o same_o power_n of_o the_o key_n so_o ought_v they_o to_o maintain_v and_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o same_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n and_o liberty_n purchase_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n so_o at_o a_o less_o rate_n it_o may_v not_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o church_n christ_n by_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n have_v obtain_v all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n mat._n 28.18_o phil._n 2.8_o 9_o 10._o and_o look_v where_o he_o have_v communicate_v the_o same_o by_o his_o testament_n ratify_v in_o his_o blood_n there_o it_o ought_v to_o remain_v and_o not_o to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n whence_o it_o appear_v unlawful_a for_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o put_v over_o that_o power_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o christ_n out_o of_o their_o own_o hand_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v all_o of_o they_o equal_a power_n from_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o by_o common_a consent_n to_o have_v confer_v upon_o peter_n and_o paul_n james_n and_o john_n a_o transcendent_a government_n over_o they_o all_o if_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o be_v pillar_n as_o be_v say_v of_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n gal._n 2.9_o and_o so_o more_o eminent_a in_o gift_n then_o all_o their_o brethren_n it_o may_v put_v upon_o their_o brethren_n a_o expediency_n and_o sometime_o a_o necessity_n to_o call_v upon_o they_o for_o more_o counsel_n but_o not_o to_o call_v they_o to_o more_o authority_n in_o like_a sort_n if_o a_o church_n in_o a_o city_n and_o the_o officer_n thereof_o be_v of_o more_o eminent_a gift_n and_o grace_n than_o a_o church_n in_o a_o village_n it_o be_v a_o just_a occasion_n for_o the_o church_n in_o the_o village_n to_o listen_v the_o more_o after_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o city_n but_o not_o to_o submit_v the_o more_o unto_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o way_n of_o subjection_n and_o so_o it_o be_v true_a a_o classis_fw-la of_o the_o presbyter_n of_o many_o church_n may_v excel_v in_o more_o variety_n of_o all_o ability_n than_o the_o
presbytery_n of_o any_o one_o church_n yet_o that_o only_o reach_v to_o make_v their_o counsel_n the_o more_o weighty_a and_o acceptable_a but_o not_o to_o invest_v they_o with_o more_o rule_n or_o more_o authority_n three_o if_o a_o church_n shall_v send_v to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o another_o church_n for_o ordination_n of_o their_o elder_n they_o may_v as_o well_o repair_v and_o submit_v to_o they_o for_o censure_v of_o their_o offender_n and_o will_v not_o that_o be_v a_o manifest_a transgression_n of_o the_o royal_a law_n of_o church-government_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o if_o a_o brother_n see_v his_o brother_n fall_v into_o a_o scandal_n and_o after_o deal_v with_o he_o first_o himself_o alone_a and_o then_o with_o the_o conviction_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n find_v he_o to_o give_v no_o satisfaction_n at_o all_o whither_o shall_v the_o offend_a brother_n repair_v if_o to_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o brother_n offend_v be_v a_o member_n that_o be_v indeed_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n but_o what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o or_o what_o ground_n of_o repair_v to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o other_o church_n by_o what_o authority_n shall_v they_o proceed_v to_o censure_v the_o offender_n that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o another_o church_n indeed_o if_o a_o brother_n offend_v shall_v complain_v to_o the_o church_n whereof_o the_o offend_a brother_n be_v a_o member_n and_o the_o church_n neglect_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n through_o prejudice_n or_o partiality_n or_o other_o remissness_n it_o may_v then_o be_v lawful_a to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o brotherly_a love_n and_o brotherly_a communion_n which_o one_o church_n owe_v and_o bear_v to_o another_o the_o brother_n offend_v and_o not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o proceed_n of_o his_o own_o church_n against_o the_o offence_n may_v then_o repair_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n and_o crave_v their_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o approve_v upon_o good_a inquiry_n the_o proceed_n of_o their_o sister-church_n they_o may_v admonish_v the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n touch_v what_o they_o judge_v amiss_o but_o if_o the_o elder_n harken_v not_o unto_o they_o the_o elder_n who_o admonish_v they_o be_v unsatisfied_a may_v acquaint_v their_o own_o church_n with_o the_o offence_n of_o their_o neighbour_n church_n and_o then_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o their_o own_o church_n they_o may_v admonish_v they_o thereof_o by_o letter_n and_o messenger_n send_v to_o they_o to_o that_o purpose_n if_o yet_o the_o church_n admonish_v harken_v not_o unto_o they_o the_o church_n offend_v may_n and_o aught_o to_o acquaint_v their_o neighbour_n church_n therewithal_o who_o may_v join_v with_o they_o either_o in_o convince_a the_o offend_a church_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o so_o prevail_v with_o they_o unto_o reformation_n or_o else_o if_o they_o persist_v in_o obstinacy_n they_o may_v from_o thenceforth_o withdraw_v all_o continuance_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n with_o they_o till_o they_o acknowledge_v their_o transgression_n which_o be_v as_o far_o as_o church_n may_v go_v in_o a_o churchway_n in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n of_o a_o neighbour-church_n in_o any_o offence_n and_o so_o far_o they_o may_v go_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o rule_n mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o look_v what_o rule_n a_o brother_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o seek_v to_o heal_v the_o offence_n of_o a_o brother_n the_o same_o rule_n may_v and_o aught_o a_o sister-church_n to_o attend_v unto_o in_o seek_v to_o heal_v a_o offend_a sister-church_n and_o look_v as_o paul_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o same_o equal_a power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o peter_z reprove_v peter_n open_o when_o he_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v gal._n 2.11_o so_o one_o church_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o same_o equal_a power_n of_o the_o key_n with_o another_o may_v reprove_v another_o church_n open_o when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v and_o look_v by_o what_o power_n they_o may_v reprove_v they_o by_o the_o same_o they_o may_v proceed_v to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o if_o they_o harken_v not_o to_o their_o reproof_n according_a to_o god_n but_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v a_o brother_n offend_v to_o complain_v to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o another_o church_n till_o he_o see_v no_o hope_n of_o removal_n of_o the_o offence_n by_o his_o own_o church_n at_o home_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o addition_n of_o member_n to_o the_o church_n sect_n i._o the_o church_n be_v thus_o gather_v and_o furnish_v with_o such_o officer_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v look_v as_o in_o the_o first_o primitive_a church_n the_o lord_n add_v to_o they_o daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act_v 2.47_o so_o do_v we_o admit_v and_o receive_v from_o the_o lord_n such_o as_o he_o send_v and_o add_v to_o we_o the_o first_o and_o low_a number_n of_o a_o church_n to_o which_o the_o other_o member_n be_v add_v be_v not_o express_o limit_v in_o the_o word_n only_o it_o be_v not_o so_o low_a as_o some_o have_v conceive_v to_o consist_v only_o of_o two_o or_o three_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n of_o that_o place_n mat._n 18.20_o where_o a_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n be_v make_v to_o two_o or_o three_o to_o conceive_v it_o make_v to_o the_o low_a number_n of_o a_o church-body_n for_o those_o two_o or_o three_o be_v not_o consider_v there_o as_o a_o church-body_n but_o as_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o witness_n to_o join_v with_o a_o brother_n offend_v in_o convince_a and_o admonish_v the_o brother_n that_o give_v the_o offence_n against_o who_o if_o he_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o they_o they_o be_v then_o further_o to_o proceed_v and_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n which_o argue_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o a_o church_n but_o a_o small_a company_n agree_v in_o a_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n either_o to_o heal_v a_o offend_a brother_n by_o their_o own_o admonition_n or_o to_o witness_v against_o he_o before_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o they_o have_v a_o special_a promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n with_o they_o in_o the_o duty_n lest_o they_o may_v think_v such_o a_o labour_n of_o love_n undertake_v in_o vain_a but_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a number_n than_o two_o or_o three_o see_v these_o two_o or_o three_o be_v to_o refer_v the_o person_n and_o the_o cause_n to_o a_o great_a body_n than_o themselves_o for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o domestical_a church_n in_o adam_n and_o eve_n at_o the_o beginning_n yet_o such_o a_o church_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o a_o great_a number_n the_o very_a officer_n of_o a_o church_n complete_o furnish_v be_v no_o less_o than_o four_o a_o pastor_n a_o teacher_n a_o elder_a a_o deacon_n and_o therefore_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n have_v need_v to_o be_v of_o a_o great_a number_n than_o so_o and_o though_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o church_n may_v consist_v without_o the_o integrity_n of_o all_o his_o member_n as_o a_o lame_a man_n that_o want_v some_o of_o his_o member_n may_v have_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o man_n yet_o under_o seven_o a_o church_n can_v hardly_o consist_v of_o so_o many_o member_n as_o do_v perform_v any_o part_n of_o a_o church-body_n to_o such_o a_o body_n how_o many_o member_n may_v be_v add_v be_v not_o limit_v express_o in_o the_o word_n only_o it_o be_v provide_v in_o the_o word_n that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o that_o all_o may_v meet_v in_o one_o congregation_n that_o all_o may_v hear_v and_o all_o may_v be_v edify_v for_o as_o have_v be_v note_v above_o the_o apostle_n so_o describe_v the_o whole_a church_n as_o meeting_n in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 14.23_o but_o if_o all_o can_v hear_v all_o can_v be_v edify_v beside_o the_o apostle_n require_v that_o when_o the_o church_n meet_v together_o for_o the_o celebrate_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o shall_v tarry_v one_o for_o another_o 1_o cor._n 11.33_o which_o argue_v the_o church_n endue_v with_o only_a ordinary_a officer_n shall_v consist_v of_o no_o great_a number_n than_o that_o all_o may_v partake_v together_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o one_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o such_o parish_n as_o consist_v of_o 15000._o though_o they_o be_v all_o fit_a material_n for_o church-fellowship_n yet_o aught_o to_o be_v divide_v into_o many_o church_n as_o too_o large_a for_o one_o when_o the_o hive_n be_v too_o full_a bee_n swarm_v into_o a_o new_a hive_n so_o shall_v such_o excessive_a number_n of_o christian_n issue_n forth_o into_o more_o church_n whence_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o error_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o limitation_n or_o distinction_n of_o parish_n mean_v of_o church_n jure_fw-la divino_fw-la for_o though_o
and_o my_o spirit_n with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n where_o paul_n say_v in_o the_o verse_n forego_v that_o he_o have_v judge_v already_o that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v do_v not_o argue_v that_o now_o the_o church_n be_v at_o hand_n he_o take_v the_o power_n of_o judge_v the_o cause_n whole_o unto_o himself_o and_o the_o publication_n and_o declaration_n of_o it_o only_o in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o he_o have_v see_v already_o evident_a cause_n to_o judge_v the_o party_n worthy_a to_o be_v cast_v out_o but_o direct_v they_o to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o the_o power_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o that_o action_n as_o 1._o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o the_o principal_a power_n of_o all_o church-censure_n rest_v 2._o when_o they_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n be_v gather_v together_o not_o the_o bishop_n nor_o the_o presbyter_n alone_o 3._o and_o paul_n spirit_n with_o they_o to_o wit_n so_o much_o of_o apostolical_a authority_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o church_n and_o present_a with_o it_o in_o such_o case_n 4._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o they_o in_o this_o action_n which_o hold_v forth_o their_o authority_n 5._o when_o the_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v humble_v under_o this_o censure_n paul_n beseech_v they_o to_o forgive_v he_o to_o comfort_v he_o to_o confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o now_o they_o who_o have_v power_n of_o forgive_a a_o offender_n have_v power_n also_o of_o bind_v he_o under_o wrath_n ejusdem_fw-la potestatis_fw-la etc._n etc._n ligare_fw-la etc._n etc._n &_o solvere_fw-la object_n 1._o all_o this_o argue_v no_o more_o but_o that_o some_o in_o the_o church_n have_v this_o power_n to_o wit_n the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n answ_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o word_n in_o the_o text_n that_o attribute_v any_o power_n to_o the_o presbytery_n apart_o or_o singular_o above_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o the_o reproof_n be_v direct_v to_o they_o all_o for_o not_o mourn_v and_o take_v the_o offence_n to_o heart_n that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o ver_fw-la 1.2_o so_o be_v commandment_n direct_v to_o they_o all_o when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o to_o proceed_v unto_o the_o cast_n of_o he_o out_o in_o like_a sort_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n he_o exhort_v they_o all_o again_o put_v away_o therefore_o say_v he_o from_o among_o you_o that_o wicked_a person_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o that_o by_o a_o judicial_a power_n to_o wit_n as_o under_o christ_n do_v not_o you_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v within_o ver_fw-la 12._o and_o lest_o this_o judgement_n shall_v be_v restrain_v to_o the_o presbyter_n only_o he_o magnify_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o saint_n take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o stretch_v their_o judicature_n in_o some_o case_n even_o to_o civil_a matter_n also_o know_v you_o not_o say_v he_o that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n yea_o the_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 3._o and_o thereupon_o he_o incourage_v they_o to_o betrust_v the_o decide_n of_o any_o civil_a cause_n depend_v between_o brethren_n to_o the_o judicature_n of_o the_o mean_a brother_n in_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 4._o rather_o then_o to_o fly_v sudden_o unto_o civil_a magistrate_n especial_o among_o the_o heathen_a object_n 2._o but_o if_o the_o power_n of_o judicature_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o with_o the_o presbytery_n than_o all_o the_o multitude_n shall_v be_v make_v governor_n and_o who_o then_o shall_v be_v govern_v answ_n the_o multitude_n of_o brethren_n be_v govern_v by_o the_o elder_n so_o long_o as_o they_o rule_v aright_o to_o wit_n while_o they_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n and_o voice_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v wont_a to_o hear_v joh._n 10.4_o but_o in_o case_n the_o officer_n do_v err_v and_o commit_v offence_n they_o shall_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o brethren_n though_o otherwise_o the_o brethren_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n heb._n 13.17_o object_n 3._o a_o democraticall_a government_n may_v do_v well_o in_o athens_n a_o city_n fruitful_a of_o pregnant_a wit_n but_o will_v soon_o degenerate_a to_o a_o anarchy_n a_o popular_a tumult_n among_o rude_a common_a people_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v unworthy_a the_o spirit_n of_o so_o godly_a learn_v a_o man_n as_o make_v this_o objection_n to_o prefer_v athens_n before_o jerusalem_n pregnant_a wit_n before_o sanctify_a heart_n answ_n 2._o though_o the_o government_n be_v democraticall_a as_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o tumultuous_a disorder_n where_o not_o the_o will_n of_o each_o man_n bear_v the_o sway_n but_o the_o voice_n of_o christ_n alone_o be_v hear_v who_o be_v the_o head_n and_o wise_a monarch_n of_o the_o church_n object_n if_o it_o be_v say_v tumult_n and_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n can_v be_v avoid_v where_o the_o multitude_n have_v all_o of_o they_o not_o only_o leave_v but_o power_n to_o speak_v and_o one_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v the_o word_n out_o of_o the_o other_o mouth_n and_o one_o of_o they_o to_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o will_v not_o this_o make_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n a_o confluence_n of_o cyclops_n answ_n all_o such_o disorder_n be_v easy_o and_o timely_o prevent_v by_o the_o elder_n who_o have_v power_n from_o christ_n to_o restrain_v any_o man_n speech_n while_o another_o be_v speak_v and_o to_o cut_v off_o any_o mean_v speech_n that_o grow_v either_o impertinent_a or_o intemperate_a the_o elder_n have_v receive_v in_o special_a manner_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n they_o have_v power_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o speech_n and_o silence_n in_o which_o respect_n the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o democraticall_a but_o as_o the_o best_a government_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a temper_n in_o respect_n of_o christ_n who_o voice_n only_o must_v be_v hear_v and_o his_o rule_n keep_v it_o be_v a_o monarchy_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o people_n power_n in_o choose_v officer_n and_o joint_a power_n with_o the_o officer_n in_o admit_v member_n in_o censure_v offender_n it_o be_v a_o democracy_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o officer_n instruction_n and_o reproof_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o public_a ministry_n and_o in_o order_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o assembly_n it_o be_v a_o aristocracy_n what_o be_v find_v good_a in_o any_o civil_a government_n be_v in_o church-government_n and_o what_o be_v find_v evil_a be_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n safe_o avoid_v and_o prevent_v but_o that_o we_o may_v more_o distinct_o declare_v ourselves_o wherein_n lie_v the_o difference_n of_o their_o mutual_a authority_n both_o of_o the_o church_n over_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o elder_n over_o the_o church_n we_o conceive_v the_o church_n exercise_v several_a act_n of_o authority_n over_o their_o elder_n to_o wit_n in_o three_o case_n 1._o in_o call_v and_o elect_v they_o to_o office_n and_o in_o ordain_v they_o also_o thereunto_o in_o defect_n of_o their_o presbytery_n 2._o in_o send_v they_o forth_o upon_o the_o public_a service_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v forth_o choose_v minister_n with_o letter_n of_o instruction_n to_o antioch_n and_o other_o church_n act_n 15.22_o now_o the_o ambassador_n be_v not_o great_a than_o he_o that_o send_v he_o but_o usual_o inferior_a job_n 13.16_o 3._o in_o case_n of_o offence_n give_v by_o any_o elder_n or_o by_o the_o whole_a eldership_n together_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o require_v satisfaction_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o give_v due_a satisfaction_n to_o proceed_v to_o censure_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o offence_n for_o we_o see_v when_o some_o of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n take_v offence_n against_o peter_n for_o communicate_v with_o the_o gentile_n and_o contend_v with_o he_o about_o it_o peter_n condescend_v to_o give_v ample_a and_o due_a account_n of_o his_o action_n to_o the_o fatisfaction_n of_o they_o all_o act_v 11.2_o to_o 8._o if_o admonition_n and_o in_o some_o case_n excommunication_n be_v ordinance_n of_o god_n sanctify_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n go_v astray_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a injury_n to_o the_o elder_n to_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o such_o wholesome_a medicine_n when_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o soul_n shall_v come_v to_o stand_v in_o need_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v a_o rule_v case_n cujus_fw-la est_fw-la instituere_fw-la ejus_fw-la est_fw-la destituere_fw-la if_o plebs_fw-la obsequens_fw-la praeceptis_fw-la dominicis_fw-la &_o ipsa_fw-la
be_v ready_a to_o send_v and_o commend_v such_o of_o their_o member_n as_o their selve_o may_v spare_v and_o be_v fit_a for_o office_n but_o not_o call_v to_o office_n among_o themselves_o to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o brethren_n sect_n vi_o a_o six_o way_n of_o communion_n among_o our_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o admonition_n as_o it_o one_o church_n shall_v be_v credible_o give_v to_o understand_v of_o some_o scandal_n arise_v in_o another_o church_n whether_o by_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o in_o manner_n and_o upon_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquiry_n the_o report_n be_v find_v true_a the_o church_n hear_v thereof_o send_v letter_n or_o messenger_n or_o both_o unto_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n where_o such_o offence_n be_v find_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o take_v a_o speedy_a and_o diligent_a course_n for_o the_o redress_n thereof_o but_o if_o the_o elder_n of_o that_o church_n shall_v be_v remiss_a therein_o or_o be_v faulty_a themselves_o they_o then_o certify_v the_o whole_a church_n thereof_o to_o call_v upon_o their_o officer_n as_o paul_n send_v to_o the_o church_n of_o coloss_n to_o call_v upon_o archippus_n to_o take_v diligent_a heed_n to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n col._n 4.17_o if_o the_o church_n hear_v they_o the_o scandal_n be_v remove_v if_o it_o hear_v they_o not_o the_o church_n offend_v herewith_o take_v in_o the_o help_n of_o two_o or_o three_o church_n more_o to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o exhortation_n or_o admonition_n it_o still_o the_o church_n where_o the_o offence_n lie_v persi_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o their_o brethren_n either_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v refer_v to_o a_o congregation_n of_o many_o or_o all_o the_o church_n together_o if_o need_n shall_v require_v or_o else_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v evident_a and_o weighty_a and_o of_o ill_a though_o not_o general_a consequence_n the_o church_n offend_v with_o they_o will_v as_o just_o they_o may_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o so_o forbear_v all_o such_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a brotherly_a communion_n with_o they_o which_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v wont_a to_o walk_v in_o one_o towards_o another_o we_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v put_v to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o this_o duty_n towards_o any_o of_o our_o church_n the_o lord_n hitherto_o so_o far_o prevent_v with_o his_o grace_n that_o no_o church_n have_v stand_v out_o so_o long_o in_o maintain_v any_o offence_n find_v among_o they_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o fall_v out_o which_o god_n forbid_v we_o look_v at_o it_o as_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v faithful_a one_o church_n to_o another_o in_o like_a sort_n as_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o church_n be_v call_v to_o be_v faithful_a one_o towards_o another_o do_v not_o church_n enjoy_v brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o as_o well_o as_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o church_n the_o church_n in_o the_o canticle_n take_v care_n not_o only_o for_o her_o own_o member_n but_o for_o her_o little_a sister_n which_o have_v no_o breast_n cant._n 8.8_o and_o will_v she_o have_v take_v no_o care_n of_o have_v her_o breast_n heal_v if_o her_o breast_n have_v be_v distemper_v and_o give_v corrupt_a milk_n the_o apostle_n have_v a_o public_a care_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n of_o all_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 11.28_o and_o be_v the_o public_a spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o love_v dead_a with_o they_o aught_o not_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o have_v a_o care_n and_o watchful_a eye_n over_o the_o public_a good_a of_o one_o another_o though_o not_o virtute_fw-la officii_fw-la yet_o intuitu_fw-la charitatis_fw-la sect_n vii_o the_o seven_o and_o last_o way_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n be_v by_o way_n of_o propagation_n or_o multiplication_n of_o church_n though_o this_o be_v a_o peculiar_a eminency_n of_o the_o apostolic_a calling_n for_o they_o in_o their_o lifetime_n to_o travel_v into_o all_o nation_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o beget_v disciple_n to_o gather_v they_o into_o church-estate_n and_o so_o to_o plant_v church_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v yet_o that_o which_o they_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v reserve_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o prosecute_v and_o carry_v along_o according_a to_o their_o measure_n throughout_o all_o generation_n and_o in_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n which_o be_v immediate_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v also_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o all_o the_o church_n in_o that_o fullness_n of_o measure_n which_o the_o establishment_n and_o enlargement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n do_v require_v if_o then_o any_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n shall_v come_v in_o process_n of_o time_n to_o be_v so_o far_o multiply_v as_o that_o like_a bee_n when_o the_o hive_n be_v too_o full_a they_o be_v necessary_o occasion_v to_o swarm_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o case_n when_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o minister_n can_v reach_v to_o all_o in_o such_o or_o in_o the_o like_a case_n the_o church_n surcharge_v with_o multitude_n may_v send_v forth_o sundry_a of_o their_o member_n fit_a for_o the_o purpose_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o church-estate_n among_o themselves_o or_o if_o a_o number_n of_o godly_a christian_n shall_v come_v over_o into_o a_o country_n where_o they_o find_v the_o church_n so_o full_a that_o they_o can_v with_o conveniency_n join_v with_o they_o the_o church_n may_v comfortable_o encourage_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o holy_a covenant_n among_o themselves_o they_o may_v also_o commend_v both_o unto_o the_o one_o company_n and_o unto_o the_o other_o such_o able_a gift_a man_n who_o they_o may_v fit_o choose_v to_o be_v minister_n and_o officer_n to_o they_o and_o both_o then_o when_o they_o enter_v into_o covenant_n and_o gather_v into_o church-estate_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o beginning_n as_o also_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o choose_v and_o ordain_v church-officer_n among_o themselves_o the_o church_n already_o establish_v aught_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o help_v they_o with_o their_o presence_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n so_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v find_v requisite_a for_o the_o propagation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o multiplication_n of_o church_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o have_v we_o give_v unto_o all_o our_o holy_a brethren_n throughout_o the_o church_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n a_o just_a and_o true_a account_n of_o all_o our_o proceed_n in_o church-affaire_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o way_n and_o order_n among_o ourselves_o if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o rule_n in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o go_v astray_o it_o be_v our_o humble_a and_o earnest_a request_n unto_o all_o our_o godly_a learned_a brethren_n that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v erranti_fw-la comiter_fw-la monstrare_fw-la viam_fw-la but_o if_o the_o way_n we_o walk_v in_o be_v find_v upon_o serious_a and_o mature_a consideration_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v let_v all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n be_v entreat_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n not_o to_o judge_v or_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n before_o his_o people_n but_o rather_o seek_v how_o to_o address_v themselves_o and_o to_o call_v on_o other_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o straight_a step_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o grace_n till_o we_o shall_v all_o come_v to_o meet_v he_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o glory_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n in_o the_o congregation_n in_o england_n sect_n i._o we_o take_v not_o upon_o we_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o prescribe_v unto_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n man_n of_o their_o church_n and_o eminent_a light_n in_o the_o world_n what_o course_n to_o take_v in_o pursue_v and_o perfect_v the_o great_a work_n of_o reformation_n in_o england_n nay_o we_o know_v our_o own_o tenuity_n the_o store_n of_o business_n enough_o which_o we_o have_v to_o attend_v unto_o near_a home_n nevertheless_o as_o we_o can_v cease_v to_o pray_v for_o and_o seek_v their_o good_a as_o our_o own_o so_o we_o can_v but_o rejoice_v with_o they_o to_o behold_v that_o open_a door_n which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o they_o and_o with_o that_o all_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o far_o enlarge_v towards_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o wave_n as_o we_o hear_v his_o hand_n be_v enlarge_v towards_o they_o only_o be_v absent_a in_o body_n but_o present_a in_o
bishop_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o good_a old_a bishop_n valerius_n be_v hardly_o speak_v of_o for_o suffer_v augustine_n a_o presbyter_n though_o a_o learned_a presbyter_n to_o preach_v before_o he_o which_o be_v say_v never_o any_o african_a bishop_n have_v allow_v before_o he_o now_o whence_o shall_v such_o a_o offence_n as_o be_v take_v against_o valerius_n arise_v but_o from_o translate_n the_o silence_n of_o rule_v elder_n from_o preach_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n unto_o those_o presbyter_n also_o who_o be_v call_v oft_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n free_o and_o diligent_o as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n themselves_o but_o when_o through_o corruption_n of_o time_n bishop_n claim_v to_o themselves_o the_o principal_n pastoral_a cure_n of_o soul_n than_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o offensive_a matter_n that_o teach_v elder_n shall_v preach_v before_o they_o as_o before_o it_o be_v unwonted_a for_o rule_v elder_n to_o preach_v before_o the_o teach_v ordinary_o object_n but_o there_o remain_v one_o objection_n or_o two_o which_o some_o learned_a and_o prudent_a man_n have_v make_v against_o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n object_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o office_n of_o ruling_n elder_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a institution_n and_o no_o footstep_n leave_v of_o it_o in_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o these_o many_o hundred_o year_n popery_n itself_o though_o it_o corrupt_v all_o ordinance_n yet_o retain_v some_o footstep_n of_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n though_o much_o pervert_v from_o the_o first_o institution_n but_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n at_o all_o of_o those_o rule_v elder_n extant_a in_o any_o church_n but_o those_o of_o genevah_n and_o such_o as_o have_v follow_v their_o pattern_n for_o though_o some_o tell_v we_o of_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o england_n who_o assist_v the_o preacher_n in_o the_o govern_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o rule_v elder_n for_o these_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n be_v appoint_v not_o for_o assistance_n to_o the_o minister_n in_o govern_v the_o church_n but_o for_o other_o purpose_n as_o churchwarden_n for_o keep_v the_o church_n stock_n and_o lay_v it_o out_o upon_o necessary_a repair_v of_o the_o place_n of_o god_n worship_n call_v the_o church_n and_o the_o vestry_n be_v a_o company_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o rich_a parishioner_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v churchwarden_n be_v exercise_v in_o audit_v the_o account_n of_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o collector_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o though_o now_o and_o then_o they_o be_v take_v up_o in_o admonish_v a_o unruly_a neighbour_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o not_o by_o authority_n as_o ruler_n but_o by_o christian_a discretion_n and_o charity_n answ_n we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o churchwarden_n and_o vestry_n man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o rule_v elder_n for_o though_o they_o be_v both_o choose_v by_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o choice_n the_o qualification_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o attend_v to_o nor_o be_v they_o so_o ordain_v either_o with_o the_o like_a holy_a solemnity_n or_o invest_v with_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o spiritual_a power_n nor_o allow_v to_o continue_v for_o life_n as_o rule_v elder_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o yet_o such_o as_o they_o be_v we_o may_v see_v in_o they_o some_o footstep_n and_o remnant_n and_o as_o it_o be_v rudera_fw-la of_o that_o holy_a and_o ancient_a ordinance_n so_o much_o as_o be_v escape_v out_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o antichristian_a apostasy_n for_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o chancellor_n commissary_n and_o official_o who_o be_v mere_a lay_v elder_n and_o yet_o administer_v church-government_n not_o in_o one_o church_n only_o but_o in_o many_o score_n of_o church_n what_o other_o thing_n sound_v the_o very_a name_n of_o churchwarden_n guardiani_n ecclesiae_fw-la but_o church-guardian_n or_o church-ruler_n and_o what_o be_v the_o company_n of_o vestryman_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o consistory_n second_o though_o by_o the_o sophistry_n of_o satan_n and_o of_o his_o vicar_n the_o man_n of_o sin_n a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o care_n be_v transform_v from_o order_v the_o spiritual_a body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o material_a church_n or_o temple_n yet_o what_o power_n of_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o any_o congregation_n beside_o preach_v the_o word_n the_o churchwarden_n and_o vestery_n man_n do_v assist_v the_o minister_n in_o manage_v the_o same_o they_o observe_v all_o scandalous_a disorder_n that_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o church-minister_n or_o people_n they_o admonish_v the_o offender_n and_o though_o they_o be_v over-ruler_n to_o present_v all_o disorder_n to_o the_o cathedral_n church_n and_o the_o officer_n thereof_o which_o of_o right_n they_o shall_v complain_v of_o when_o the_o offender_n be_v incorrigible_a only_o to_o their_o own_o congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o usual_a thing_n for_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n to_o return_v such_o offender_n have_v first_o pay_v they_o their_o fee_n to_o the_o minister_n and_o churchwarden_n to_o make_v acknowledgement_n of_o their_o offence_n before_o they_o and_o to_o profess_v their_o amendment_n of_o which_o also_o they_o must_v bring_v a_o certificate_n under_o the_o minister_n and_o churchwarden_n hand_n yea_o of_o our_o knowledge_n there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a privilege_a church_n in_o england_n exempt_v from_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n where_o the_o churchwarden_n and_o minister_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o congregation_n do_v transact_v all_o that_o government_n which_o in_o other_o church_n the_o bishop_n and_o his_o officer_n do_v invade_v and_o usurp_v as_o to_o admonish_v offender_n to_o enjoin_v acknowledgement_n of_o scandalous_a offence_n and_o to_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o repress_v idleness_n drunkenness_n swear_v sabbath-breaking_a and_o the_o like_a disorder_n with_o better_a success_n than_o other_o town_n can_v do_v who_o have_v the_o help_n of_o major_n and_o justice_n but_o not_o so_o much_o spiritual_a power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o that_o power_n which_o be_v still_o leave_v in_o some_o church_n unto_o their_o minister_n and_o guardian_n or_o ruler_n it_o may_v not_o obscure_o appear_v that_o ancient_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o among_o themselves_o before_o one_o church_n begin_v to_o lord_n it_o over_o another_o object_n the_o other_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o rule_v elder_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o perilous_a consequence_n to_o set_v up_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o authority_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o yet_o the_o word_n have_v no_o where_o set_v forth_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n of_o their_o authority_n answ_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v clear_o enough_o limit_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o ruling_n elder_n call_v and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o rule_n for_o since_o all_o ecclesiastical_a power_n be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n not_o of_o the_o sword_n matth._n 16.19_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n joh._n 18.36_o it_o be_v plain_a no_o church-governour_n may_v take_v up_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n to_o wit_n civil_a jurisdiction_n without_o usurpation_n the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n be_v princely_a lordly_a but_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v only_o stewardly_a and_o ministerial_a for_o so_o it_o be_v say_v the_o key_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n to_o eliakim_n isa_n 22.22_o and_o he_o be_v over_o the_o house_n ver._n 15._o which_o phrase_n of_o be_v over_o the_o house_n be_v translate_v proper_o gen._n 43.19_o steward_z of_o the_o house_n see_v then_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v spiritnall_a and_o not_o worldly_a and_o the_o government_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o lordly_a but_o steward_o and_o ministerial_a evident_a it_o be_v that_o these_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n may_v only_o attend_v to_o work_n of_o spiritual_a and_o ministerial_a rule_n and_o further_o because_o such_o act_n of_o spiritual_a rule_n as_o be_v dispense_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n the_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o call_v to_o attend_v unto_o but_o that_o work_n be_v leave_v unto_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n therefore_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o what_o act_v soever_o of_o spiritual_a rule_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v commit_v to_o his_o church_n over_o and_o above_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n all_o such_o act_n of_o rule_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o rule_v elder_n and_o none_o but_o such_o to_o instance_n then_o in_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n office_n
some_o public_a offence_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o as_o have_v be_v already_o open_v sure_o though_o this_o three_o reason_n reach_v not_o infant_n yet_o the_o two_o former_a do_v and_o prevent_v as_o their_o parent_n of_o just_a claim_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o they_o of_o due_a right_n of_o baptism_n with_o we_o for_o neither_o have_v we_o power_n over_o they_o neither_o have_v they_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v dismiss_v from_o the_o church_n where_o they_o be_v baptize_v and_o recommend_v to_o none_o against_o this_o sundry_a thing_n be_v object_v and_o such_o as_o seem_v of_o much_o weight_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n have_v be_v administer_v to_o some_o who_o be_v no_o member_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n and_o therefore_o why_o not_o to_o the_o child_n of_o non-member_n as_o philip_n baptize_v the_o eunuch_n act_v 8.37_o 38._o and_o peter_n baptize_v cornelius_n and_o his_o household_n act_v 10.47_o 48._o paul_n baptize_v lydia_n and_o her_o household_n the_o gaoler_n and_o his_o household_n act_v 16.15.33_o to_o which_o we_o answer_v three_o thing_n *_o *_o first_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o unlimited_a power_n and_o may_v baptize_v believer_n profess_v the_o faith_n and_o their_o seed_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v but_o the_o power_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v limit_v to_o their_o own_o particular_a visible_a church_n which_o have_v call_v they_o to_o minister_v unto_o they_o *_o *_o second_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n baptize_v any_o but_o such_o as_o either_o be_v member_n of_o some_o visible_a church_n before_o they_o preach_v to_o they_o or_o else_o they_o gather_v they_o into_o a_o visible_a church_n estate_n before_o they_o baptize_v they_o *_o *_o the_o eunuch_n in_o act_n 8._o be_v a_o proselyte_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o text_n say_v he_o come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n for_o to_o worship_n act_v 8.27_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n object_n that_o his_o membership_n at_o jerusalem_n will_v not_o entitle_v he_o to_o baptism_n see_v baptism_n be_v a_o sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o of_o the_o jewish_a *_o *_o for_o whatsoever_o member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o believe_v in_o christ_n as_o the_o messiah_n and_o profess_v that_o faith_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o baptism_n for_o such_o they_o be_v who_o john_n baptize_v mat._n 3.6_o and_o christ_n disciple_n joh._n 4.2_o yea_o all_o the_o israelite_n be_v baptize_v in_o the_o cloud_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n 1_o cor._n 10.2_o *_o *_o as_o for_o lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o both_o their_o family_n they_o live_v together_o in_o the_o same_o city_n of_o philippi_n act._n 16.12_o where_o be_v a_o company_n also_o of_o other_o brethren_n ver_fw-la 4._o and_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o doubtless_o be_v when_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o act_v 16._o he_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o a_o church_n know_v you_o philippian_n say_v he_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o church_n communicate_v with_o i_o as_o concern_v give_v and_o receive_v but_o you_o only_o phil._n 4.15_o which_o evident_o hold_v they_o forth_o as_o a_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o that_o paul_n do_v first_o gather_v the_o brethren_n there_o into_o a_o church_n when_o he_o baptize_v lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n and_o other_o there_o and_o indeed_o the_o commission_n which_o christ_n give_v his_o apostle_n hold_v it_o forth_o that_o they_o be_v by_o preach_v to_o make_v disciple_n before_o they_o baptize_v they_o and_o their_o child_n mat._n 28.19_o now_o a_o disciple_n as_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n impli_v be_v a_o scholar_n in_o christ_n school_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v direct_v to_o make_v disciple_n before_o they_o do_v baptize_v they_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n but_o also_o to_o gather_v they_o as_o disciple_n or_o scholar_n into_o a_o school_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n be_v every_o particular_a visible_a christian_a church_n wherein_o some_o be_v teacher_n some_o be_v disciple_n or_o scholar_n and_o his_o discipline_n be_v exercise_v among_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o apostle_n will_v baptize_v any_o that_o be_v apply_v to_o they_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n before_o they_o have_v teach_v they_o the_o covenant_n itself_o and_o enter_v they_o into_o it_o in_o which_o regard_n we_o can_v easy_o think_v that_o when_o peter_n baptize_v cornelius_n and_o his_o family_n he_o do_v only_o perceive_v they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o evident_o profess_v the_o same_o in_o new_a tongue_n act_n 10.45_o 46_o 47._o but_o that_o he_o do_v also_o gather_v they_o into_o one_o body_n direct_v they_o to_o the_o spiritual_a use_n of_o the_o new_o receive_v gift_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o baptize_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o of_o one_o another_o in_o his_o name_n three_o we_o answer_v as_o the_o apostle_n be_v transcendent_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o receive_v transcendent_a power_n to_o administer_v their_o work_n as_o the_o father_n send_v christ_n so_o christ_n send_v they_o job_n 20.21_o to_o wit_n cum_fw-la amplitudine_fw-la &_o plenitudine_fw-la potestatis_fw-la with_o all_o fullness_n of_o power_n so_o that_o any_o one_o apostle_n receive_v both_o the_o gift_n and_o power_n of_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n any_o apostle_n may_v do_v the_o work_n not_o only_o of_o a_o apostle_n but_o of_o a_o prophet_n of_o a_o evangelist_n of_o a_o pastor_n of_o a_o teacher_n of_o a_o deacon_n 1.1_o rev._n 1.1_o they_o do_v foretell_v as_o prophet_n thing_n to_o come_v act_v 27.22_o they_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o not_o only_o to_o plant_v church_n but_o to_o water_v church_n as_o evangelist_n act_n 15.41_o they_o as_o pastor_n feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n with_o wholesome_a word_n of_o exhortation_n 2.7_o 1_o tim._n 2.7_o joh._n 21.25_o they_o as_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o teach_v they_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o as_o elder_n rule_v the_o church_n not_o as_o lord_n but_o as_o example_n to_o the_o flock_n and_o as_o deacon_n they_o receive_v the_o oblation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o distribute_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n yea_o 4.35_o act_n 4.35_o though_o when_o the_o apostle_n come_v where_o church_n be_v plant_v they_o do_v put_v forth_o no_o act_n of_o transcendent_a authority_n but_o do_v all_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o church_n they_o may_v do_v any_o act_n which_o any_o church_n and_o all_o the_o officer_n thereof_o may_v do_v together_o as_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v they_o may_v in_o such_o a_o case_n impose_v hand_n alone_o so_o paul_n may_v set_v apart_o timothy_n to_o some_o special_a office_n 2_o tim._n 1.6_o they_o may_v alone_o deliver_v unto_o satan_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o they_o alone_o may_v baptize_v in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o presence_n and_o the_o power_n and_o fellowship_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o do_v comprehend_v as_o much_o as_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n together_o *_o *_o their_o act_n therefore_o in_o such_o transcendent_a case_n be_v not_o pattern_n nor_o precedent_n for_o we_o but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v to_o move_v in_o our_o own_o line_n and_o to_o act_v only_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o the_o presence_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v object_v again_o that_o child_n of_o excommunicate_v person_n such_o as_o be_v cast_v out_o be_v not_o hold_v as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v yet_o right_a unto_o baptism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v of_o we_o to_o deny_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o child_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o member_n that_o child_n of_o excommunicate_v person_n have_v right_a to_o baptism_n they_o prove_v by_o sundry_a argument_n 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divers_a sort_n of_o member_n some_o be_v member_n not_o actual_o but_o in_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n as_o paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n 2._o some_o be_v member_n only_o in_o show_n and_o appearance_n as_o hypocrite_n which_o be_v as_o wooden_a leg_n fasten_v to_o the_o body_n 3._o some_o be_v lively_a member_n knit_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n to_o the_o brethren_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n 4._o some_o be_v decay_v member_n which_o though_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n &_o