have_v not_o be_v a_o apostle_n but_o the_o disciple_n do_v choose_v and_o then_o god_n choose_v also_o and_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v grant_v thus_o much_o to_o man_n in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a officer_n let_v man_n beware_v of_o abridge_n the_o people_n of_o this_o liberty_n in_o the_o case_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n or_o of_o make_v such_o a_o light_a matter_n as_o they_o do_v of_o the_o people_n election_n 2._o the_o second_o text_n allege_v for_o the_o people_n election_n be_v act_v 6._o 3._o concern_v the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n where_o the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n of_o choose_v be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o minister_n belong_v by_o divine_a right_n whole_o &_o sole_o unto_o the_o people_n against_o this_o they_o have_v two_o objection_n object_n 1._o the_o people_n have_v not_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o sole_a choice_n of_o the_o deacon_n but_o be_v herein_o guide_v direct_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o holy_a apostle_n they_o be_v limit_v to_o the_o number_n of_o seven_o and_o to_o the_o company_n out_o of_o which_o those_o seven_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o to_o certain_a qualification_n which_o must_v be_v in_o these_o seven_o as_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o if_o the_o brethren_n have_v fail_v in_o any_o of_o these_o particular_n the_o apostle_n will_v have_v refuse_v to_o have_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n refer_v the_o election_n whole_o and_o sole_o here_o to_o the_o people_n ast._n 6._o v._n 2._o then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o say_v v._n 3._o look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n v._o 5._o and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a the_o whole_a multitude_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v 2._o the_o apostle_n guide_v direct_v and_o limit_v the_o choice_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o people_n have_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n of_o choose_v the_o deacon_n 1._o because_o those_o direction_n and_o limitation_n be_v antecedaneous_a to_o the_o election_n even_o in_o order_n of_o time_n before_o it_o and_o therefore_o have_v no_o ingrediency_n into_o the_o election_n as_o any_o part_n thereof_o a_o judge_n of_o assize_n and_o a_o jury_n have_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n of_o determine_v case_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v law_n and_o rule_n prescribe_v beforehand_o by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o walk_v and_o which_o they_o be_v to_o observe_v in_o their_o determination_n a_o corporation_n have_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n to_o choose_v its_o officer_n mayor_n bailiff_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n and_o law_n to_o direct_v and_o limit_v they_o therein_o 2._o because_o the_o same_o rule_n direction_n and_o limitation_n be_v leave_v in_o holy_a writ_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o election_n to_o whosoever_o the_o power_n of_o choose_v do_v appertain_v and_o therefore_o if_o the_o apostle_n guide_v direct_a and_o limit_v the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n do_v hinder_v the_o people_n have_v it_o than_o also_o it_o do_v deny_v any_o on_o earth_n to_o have_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n of_o election_n for_o any_o that_o be_v elector_n be_v under_o the_o same_o obligation_n to_o walk_v by_o those_o rule_n in_o all_o substantial_o as_o much_o as_o the_o people_n than_o be_v only_o they_o receive_v the_o direction_n immediate_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o apostle_n other_o in_o age_n since_o receive_v they_o mediate_o or_o by_o the_o write_a word_n and_o the_o people_n may_v have_v recourse_n to_o that_o word_n for_o they_o now_o if_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o all_o other_o requisite_n to_o election_n belong_v to_o the_o major_a part_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n beside_o the_o prescribe_v of_o rule_n and_o limit_v to_o qualification_n in_o the_o choice_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o that_o we_o know_v of_o plead_v for_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o only_a law_n giver_n have_v prescribe_v these_o in_o his_o word_n already_o to_o who_o alone_o it_o belong_v it_o be_v a_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n of_o election_n according_a to_o those_o rule_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v contend_v for_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n he_o give_v such_o direction_n and_o limit_v to_o certain_a qualification_n in_o the_o constitute_n of_o either_o elder_n or_o deacon_n 1_o tim._n 3._o ver_fw-la 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n vigilant_a sober_a etc._n etc._n ver_fw-la 8._o likewise_o must_v the_o deacon_n be_v grave_a not_o double_o tongue_v not_o give_v to_o much_o wine_n etc._n etc._n so_o titus_n 1._o vers_n 6_o 7_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n as_o church_n officer_n as_o our_o brethren_n will_v have_v it_o then_o the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n of_o election_n belong_v to_o no_o body_n neither_o to_o the_o people_n nor_o the_o presbyter_n if_o a_o be_v guide_v direct_v and_o limit_v can_v hinder_v it_o for_o as_o the_o people_n be_v guide_v and_o limit_v 1_o act._n 6._o so_o then_o be_v the_o presbyter_n 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 1._o yea_o if_o those_o epistle_n be_v write_v unto_o timothy_n and_o titus_n with_o the_o reference_n unto_o ordination_n than_o this_o objection_n will_v prove_v that_o the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n of_o ordination_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o presbyter_n as_o much_o as_o that_o the_o power_n of_o election_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o church_n for_o then_o timothy_n and_o titus_n be_v guide_v and_o limit_v about_o ordination_n as_o well_o as_o the_o people_n be_v act_v 6._o about_o election_n 3._o if_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v refuse_v to_o have_v lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o if_o the_o brethren_n have_v fail_v in_o any_o of_o those_o particular_n yet_o at_o the_o utmost_a that_o can_v prove_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v want_v ordination_n it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o deny_v that_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o election_n belong_v to_o the_o people_n election_n be_v antecedent_n to_o and_o complete_a without_o ordination_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o act._n 6._o v._n 5._o they_o choose_v stephen_n there_o be_v election_n v._o 6._o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o there_o be_v ordination_n and_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o and_o in_o order_n of_o time_n consequential_a to_o election_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v refuse_v to_o ordain_v they_o that_o can_v not_o have_v deny_v the_o people_n to_o have_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n to_o elect_a they_o but_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v supposable_a that_o by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o people_n will_v have_v revoke_v their_o first_o and_o have_v make_v a_o second_o choice_n when_o they_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o have_v fail_v in_o the_o former_a and_o so_o may_v church_n do_v now_o by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o and_o in_o case_n the_o people_n have_v refuse_v to_o make_v a_o new_a choice_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v refuse_v to_o ordain_v those_o that_o be_v choose_v what_o the_o event_n will_v have_v be_v as_o that_o text_n do_v not_o so_o it_o be_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o present_a question_n to_o determine_v and_o how_o such_o a_o refusal_n to_o ordain_v those_o that_o be_v not_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o word_n do_v deny_v the_o people_n to_o have_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n to_o elect_a such_o as_o be_v qualify_v according_a to_o the_o word_n we_o see_v not_o and_o where_o such_o a_o fail_a be_v if_o the_o election_n be_v render_v frustraneous_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o gospel_n rule_v in_o choose_v rather_o than_o the_o want_n of_o ordination_n that_o do_v make_v it_o void_a beside_o whether_o such_o a_o election_n be_v not_o void_a without_o ordination_n and_o whether_o ordination_n be_v not_o frustrate_v without_o a_o precedent_a election_n see_v election_n be_v pre-required_n act._n 6._o be_v thing_n equal_o difficult_a to_o determine_v obj._n 2._o but_o suppose_v that_o the_o people_n have_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a choice_n of_o the_o deacon_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a choice_n of_o their_o minister_n for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n argumentum_fw-la a_o minori_fw-la ad_fw-la majus_fw-la non_fw-la valet_fw-la affirmative_a it_o be_v no_o good_a way_n of_o argue_v to_o say_v that_o because_o a_o man_n
requisite_n to_o those_o new_a officer_n be_v clear_o find_v in_o the_o text._n here_o be_v 1._o election_n in_o its_o proper_a place_n before_o ordination_n as_o it_o be_v act._n 6._o v._n 5_o 6._o the_o deacon_n be_v first_o choose_v and_o after_o that_o they_o pray_v and_o lay_v on_o hand_n so_o here_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n the_o people_n first_o choose_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n by_o suffrage_n or_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n and_o thus_o the_o native_a signification_n of_o that_o word_n be_v retain_v and_o the_o people_n privilege_n preserve_v to_o who_o the_o choose_n power_n do_v belong_v for_o by_o their_o own_o grant_n they_o can_v not_o be_v their_o minister_n their_o pastor_n their_o shepherd_n without_o their_o choose_n of_o they_o and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v make_v their_o pastor_n their_o elder_n for_o such_o be_v say_v to_o be_v create_v in_o every_o church_n therefore_o here_o be_v a_o appropriate_a of_o these_o elder_n to_o those_o church_n by_o their_o choose_n of_o they_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o apt_o express_v so_o undeniable_a a_o requisite_a to_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v treat_v of_o we_o wonder_v that_o any_o shall_v offer_v to_o vex_v and_o trouble_v the_o text_n by_o force_v a_o sense_n upon_o the_o word_n which_o the_o scripture_n know_v nothing_o of_o 2._o ordination_n which_o be_v hold_v forth_o by_o those_o word_n and_o have_v pray_v with_o fast_v and_o thus_o we_o have_v remove_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n allege_v for_o the_o people_n have_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n of_o election_n their_o second_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o power_n of_o election_n of_o minister_n do_v not_o by_o divine_a right_n belong_v whole_o and_o sole_o to_o the_o major_a part_n of_o every_o particular_a congregation_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o mischief_n that_o they_o say_v will_v inevitable_o flow_v from_o this_o assertion_n and_o four_o mischief_n they_o speak_v of_o obj._n 1_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o every_o one_o that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v a_o minister_n be_v first_o of_o all_o to_o be_v try_v and_o prove_v whether_o he_o be_v fit_a for_o so_o great_a a_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 10._o let_v these_o also_o be_v prove_v etc._n etc._n these_o also_o that_o be_v the_o deacon_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n the_o bishop_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o examine_v whether_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o teach_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v gainsayers_a now_o there_o be_v many_o congregation_n wherein_o the_o major_a part_n be_v very_o unfit_a to_o judge_v of_o ministerial_a ability_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n be_v in_o they_o they_o will_v set_v up_o idol-sheph_a d_n instead_o of_o able_a shepherd_n ans_fw-fr 1._o that_o person_n ought_v first_o to_o be_v prove_v whether_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o such_o a_o office_n before_o it_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o we_o grant_v i._n e._n a_o knowledge_n or_o good_a experience_n that_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v such_o officer_n shall_v have_v aught_o to_o be_v attain_v before_o election_n unto_o the_o office_n if_o they_o intend_v by_o it_o a_o formal_a examination_n imply_v the_o superiority_n of_o the_o examiner_n &_o the_o subjection_n of_o the_o examine_v the_o text_n do_v not_o witness_v that_o such_o a_o probation_n be_v require_v if_o a_o church_n by_o observation_n of_o a_o man_n conversation_n by_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n by_o its_o own_o familiar_a converse_v with_o he_o and_o other_o report_n of_o he_o have_v gain_v a_o knowledge_n or_o experience_n of_o his_o fitness_n for_o the_o work_n this_o be_v all_o the_o prove_v that_o can_v necessary_o be_v enforce_v hence_o 2._o it_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o church_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o qualification_n of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o v._n 3._o look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n this_o impli_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v so_o qualify_v or_o not_o else_o it_o have_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o put_v they_o upon_o look_v out_o such_o and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o judge_v of_o most_o of_o those_o qualification_n require_v to_o be_v in_o a_o elder_a 1_o tim._n 3._o as_o it_o be_v of_o those_o require_v in_o a_o deacon_n act._n 6._o the_o people_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v blameless_a the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n vigilant_a sober_a of_o good_a behaviour_n give_v to_o hospitality_n v._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o therefore_o only_o their_o ability_n to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o teach_v and_o able_a to_o convince_v gainsayers_a can_v be_v question_v and_o we_o have_v clear_a proof_n of_o a_o church_n prove_v deacon_n let_v our_o brethren_n show_v as_o clear_a proof_n for_o a_o presbytery_n prove_v elder_n 3._o we_o desire_v scripture_n ground_n to_o evidence_n that_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n consist_v of_o such_o member_n as_o the_o major_a part_n be_v unfit_a to_o judge_v of_o ministerial_a ability_n this_o we_o deny_v and_o they_o give_v we_o their_o bare_a word_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o this_o be_v unprove_v no_o such_o mischief_n as_o they_o suppose_v do_v ensue_v upon_o the_o people_n have_v the_o whole_a and_o sole_a power_n of_o choose_v 4._o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o know_v his_o voice_n joh._n 10._o v._n 4._o &_o v._o 5._o a_o stranger_n will_v they_o not_o follow_v but_o will_v flee_v from_o he_o and_o this_o import_v their_o have_a ability_n and_o liberty_n to_o judge_v what_o teacher_n they_o be_v to_o elect_n and_o what_o teacher_n they_o be_v to_o reject_v and_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v hearer_n be_v thus_o to_o judge_v of_o teacher_n sure_o this_o impli_v their_o fitness_n to_o prove_v they_o both_o whether_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o teach_v and_o able_a to_o convince_v gainsayers_a obj._n 2._o there_o be_v some_o congregation_n wherein_o the_o major_a part_n be_v wicked_a and_o if_o leave_v to_o themselves_o whole_o will_v choose_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v like_o themselves_o ans_fw-fr 1._o this_o will_v as_o well_o deny_v it_o to_o belong_v to_o the_o eldership_n as_o to_o the_o major_a part_n of_o a_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o wicked_a man_n who_o be_v ordain_v &_o so_o be_v according_a to_o our_o brethren_n principle_n make_v elder_n and_o if_o they_o associate_v be_v a_o wicked_a eldership_n and_o if_o leave_v to_o themselves_o will_v choose_v and_o ordain_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v like_o themselves_o sure_o our_o brethren_n can_v deny_v the_o election_n of_o pastor_n to_o a_o wicked_a congregation_n &_o yet_o grant_v it_o to_o a_o wicked_a eldership_n and_o if_o they_o say_v itbelonge_v only_o to_o a_o good_a eldership_n to_o act_v therein_o we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v it_o belong_v only_o to_o such_o a_o congregation_n the_o major_a part_n whereof_o be_v good_a 2._o we_o do_v not_o say_v the_o power_n of_o election_n of_o pastor_n do_v belong_v to_o such_o a_o congregation_n the_o major_a part_n whereof_o be_v wicked_a but_o to_o such_o a_o church_n the_o major_a part_n whereof_o be_v visible_o godly_a if_o the_o major_a part_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v wicked_a we_o suppose_v than_o it_o be_v no_o true_a church_n if_o once_o it_o be_v a_o church_n yet_o now_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o or_o be_v unchurch_v or_o else_o the_o minor_a &_o better_a part_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v the_o church_n by_o congregation_n sure_o they_o mean_v parish_n &_o our_o brethren_n know_v that_o though_o some_o pleader_n for_o the_o people_n power_n of_o election_n have_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v true_a church_n in_o some_o parish_n yet_o they_o never_o say_v that_o we_o can_v find_v that_o parish_n take_v collective_o be_v true_a church_n because_o the_o major_a part_n of_o many_o parish_n be_v wicked_a therefore_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n or_o that_o the_o power_n of_o election_n of_o officer_n do_v appertain_v to_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o parishioner_n we_o can_v find_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o have_v officer_n over_o they_o until_o they_o be_v a_o church_n and_o so_o be_v uncapable_a of_o elece_v they_o suppose_v a_o church_n or_o congregation_n suitable_a to_o presbyterian_a principle_n and_o then_o deny_v the_o election_n which_o be_v according_a to_o congregational_a principle_n to_o belong_v to_o it_o obj._n 3_o there_o be_v some_o wherein_o the_o major_a part_n posble_o may_v be_v heretical_a and_o will_v never_o consent_v to_o the_o election_n of_o a_o orthodox_n and_o sound_a minister_n ans_fw-fr 1._o the_o answer_n
church_n right_o constitute_v have_v in_o it_o the_o power_n of_o a_o whole_a church_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o part_n &_o whatever_o our_o brethren_n deny_v we_o in_o our_o congregation_n yet_o may_v they_o obtain_v a_o concession_n for_o a_o national_a church-constitution_n we_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v be_v therein_o independent_a and_o not_o allow_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o of_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o impose_v a_o form_n of_o order_n or_o government_n upon_o they_o wherein_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v act_v in_o all_o church-work_n not_o as_o a_o part_n but_o a_o whole_a which_o they_o can_v not_o regular_o do_v if_o but_o a_o part_n of_o a_o catholic_n church_n 2._o every_o whole_a be_v real_o distinct_a from_o every_o part_n and_o from_o all_o its_o part_n collective_o consider_v they_o be_v constitute_v that_o be_v constitute_v but_o where_o that_o church_n be_v which_o be_v real_o distinct_a from_o all_o particular_a church_n or_o wherefore_o it_o be_v we_o profess_v we_o know_v not_o 3._o there_o be_v no_o universal_a visible_a meeting_n to_o worship_n god_n ergo_fw-la no_o universal_a visible_a church_n the_o synagogical_a meeting_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o meeting_n of_o several_a part_n of_o that_o church_n and_o there_o never_o be_v in_o they_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o it_o can_v be_v style_v a_o national_a church_n unless_o it_o be_v from_o a_o national_a meeting_n statis_fw-la temporibus_fw-la the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v never_o use_v either_o in_o a_o civil_a sense_n as_o act._n 19_o 32_o 41._o or_o a_o sacred_a sense_n but_o propter_fw-la conventum_fw-la either_o in_o fieri_fw-la or_o in_fw-la facto_fw-la esse_fw-la because_o the_o person_n be_v meet_v or_o under_o engagement_n to_o meet_v together_o yea_o the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a however_o disperse_v and_o scatter_v upon_o the_o earth_n yet_o do_v as_o a_o invisible_a church_n meet_v invisible_o and_o in_o spsrit_n to_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o worship_n require_v of_o such_o a_o church_n we_o be_v confident_a whatever_o it_o be_v be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d assemble_v together_o be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o that_o denomination_n which_o be_v coetus_fw-la convocatus_fw-la or_o the_o congregation_n as_o it_o be_v every_o where_o coeundo_fw-la coetus_fw-la à _fw-la coeundo_fw-la translate_v by_o mr._n tindal_n in_o his_o translation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 4._o there_o be_v no_o distinct_a officer_n appoint_v for_o such_o a_o distinct_a church_n ergo_fw-la there_o be_v no_o such_o church_n diocesan_n bishop_n provincial_a arch-bishop_n national_a patriarch_n universal_a pope_n will_v sure_o have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o diocesan_n provincial_a national_a or_o universal_a church_n be_v find_v there_o 5._o there_o be_v no_o church_n great_a than_o that_o which_o have_v the_o power_n to_o hear_v and_o determine_v upon_o offence_n commit_v in_o the_o church_n but_o that_o church_n be_v particular_a mat._n 18._o 17._o we_o know_v dissent_v party_n lay_v claim_v to_o this_o text_n on_o both_o side_n we_o say_v but_o this_o if_o it_o mean_v the_o congregation_n it_o exclude_v all_o other_o if_o it_o mean_v the_o any_o other_o it_o exclude_v the_o congregation_n which_o be_v unscriptural_a irrational_a absurd_a obj._n if_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o some_o may_v judge_v that_o although_o church_n do_v not_o meet_v in_o their_o member_n actual_o yet_o they_o may_v meet_v in_o their_o representative_n which_o be_v meet_v may_v be_v call_v the_o classical_a provincial_a national_a universal_a church_n answ_n we_o answer_v each_o of_o we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o zuinglius_fw-la to_o a_o like_a argument_n representativam_fw-la credo_fw-la veram_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la credo_fw-la i._n e._n that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v a_o representative_a i_o believe_v but_o i_o believe_v not_o that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a church_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o holy_a company_n a_o company_n of_o saint_n rom_n 1._o 7._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 2._o say_v therefore_o to_o be_v in_o god_n the_o father_n and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o thes_n 1._o 1._o 1._o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n yea_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 12._o imply_v nearness_n of_o relation_n unto_o he_o but_o none_o visible_o relate_v unto_o satan_n as_o the_o visible_o uncalled_a be_v can_v be_v respect_v as_o visible_o relate_v unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n therefore_o not_o of_o his_o kingdom_n body_n church_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o visibility_n of_o that_o which_o constitute_v a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n declare_v a_o man_n meet_v to_o be_v receive_v unto_o communion_n in_o the_o visible_a but_o the_o heavenly_a call_n constitute_v a_o member_n of_o the_o invisible_a church_n ergo_fw-la the_o visibility_n of_o that_o call_n declare_v a_o man_n meet_v to_o be_v receive_v unto_o communion_n in_o the_o visible_a the_o member_n whereof_o be_v saint_n by_o call_v no_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o institution_n but_o be_v church_n of_o saint_n by_o constitution_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 33._o 3._o every_o body_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v first_o in_o its_o essential_a state_n before_o it_o can_v be_v determine_v such_o a_o body_n in_o its_o integral_n or_o organical_a state_n as_o man_n be_v compound_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o so_o constitute_v a_o essential_a whole_a who_o have_v further_o more_o eye_n and_o ear_n hand_n and_o foot_n part_n and_o member_n which_o put_v he_o under_o another_o notion_n yet_o can_v all_o his_o part_n and_o member_n which_o be_v integral_a complete_a he_o in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o man_n univocal_o if_o he_o be_v deficient_a in_o any_o part_n which_o be_v essential_a so_o be_v every_o aggregate_v in_o form_v a_o flock_n of_o sheep_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o be_v form_v and_o none_o not_o sheep_n can_v be_v number_v to_o such_o a_o flock_n in_o form_v a_o church_n of_o saint_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o member_n to_o be_v form_v and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d saint_n visible_o can_v be_v number_v to_o such_o a_o church_n invisible_a unbeliever_n may_v as_o well_o belong_v to_o the_o invisible_a church_n as_o visible_a unbeliever_n to_o that_o which_o be_v visible_a we_o forbear_v multiply_v argument_n for_o further_a proof_n because_o we_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o general_a as_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o saintship_n the_o whole_a strife_n be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o visibility_n and_o about_o the_o rule_n for_o the_o judgement_n thereof_o which_o some_o mistake_n have_v their_o charity_n so_o large_a as_o to_o embosome_v nation_n of_o man_n separatim_fw-la &_o conjunctim_fw-la as_o saint_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o bare_a dogmatical_a faith_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v not_o contradict_v with_o enormous_a scandal_n reckon_v it_o among_o the_o error_n of_o preface_n jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la regim_fw-la eccles_n preface_n the_o independent_o that_o they_o affirm_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n must_v be_v to_o the_o utmost_a judgement_n of_o discern_v such_o as_o have_v true_a grace_n real_a saint_n concern_v therefore_o a_o judgement_n of_o visible_a saintship_n we_o be_v thus_o mind_v according_a to_o rule_v 1._o error_n of_o judgement_n overturning_a the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o grace_n &_o saintship_n tit._n 3._o 10_o 11._o 2._o error_n of_o life_n everturning_a the_o foundation_n of_o holiness_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o grace_n and_o saintship_n gal._n 5_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 24._o and_o thus_o far_o we_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n will_v walk_v with_o we_o 3._o total_a ignorance_n of_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o grace_n and_o saintship_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o we_o ask_v our_o brethren_n what_o rule_n they_o will_v walk_v by_o in_o apply_v comfort_n to_o particular_a soul_n if_o they_o will_v not_o inquire_v after_o truth_n of_o grace_n what_o experience_n of_o sin_n burden_n what_o experience_n of_o christ_n relief_n yea_o further_o we_o will_v know_v what_o reason_n they_o have_v to_o justify_v a_o practice_n of_o inquire_v after_o truth_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o condemn_v we_o for_o the_o same_o practice_n in_o order_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o 1650._o vindication_n of_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o ministry_n print_v 1650._o saint_n who_o write_v thus_o he_o that_o will_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n must_v examine_v himself_o 1._o in_o general_n whether_o he_o be_v worthy_a to_o come_v etc._n etc._n 2._o in_o particular_a whether_o he_o have_v true_a faith_n in_o christ_n without_o which_o he_o can_v worthy_o eat_v this_o
if_o believer_n without_o officer_n may_v not_o ordain_v than_o no_o more_o may_v any_o officer_n for_o one_o be_v as_o much_o warrant_v as_o the_o other_o and_o so_o ordination_n be_v unattainable_a that_o no_o officer_n on_o earth_n be_v authorize_v or_o appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o ordain_v in_o such_o a_o case_n any_o more_o than_o believer_n without_o officer_n we_o prove_v because_o such_o officer_n must_v be_v authorize_v or_o appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o ordain_v either_o by_o general_a gospel_n rule_v which_o speak_v nothing_o of_o ordination_n itself_o but_o only_o of_o such_o act_n as_o it_o consist_v of_o and_o who_o may_v perform_v these_o and_o those_o general_a rule_n will_v warrant_v believer_n and_o authorise_v they_o to_o ordain_v as_o much_o as_o officer_n for_o believer_n may_v use_v prayer_n upon_o special_a occasion_n without_o officer_n and_o be_v as_o well_o allow_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o thereunto_o as_o any_o officer_n or_o else_o such_o officer_n must_v be_v warrant_v to_o ordain_v in_o such_o case_n by_o the_o special_a rule_n and_o example_n which_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o gospel_n about_o ordination_n and_o these_o do_v not_o limit_v ordination_n to_o officer_n in_o case_n a_o church_n have_v no_o officer_n in_o it_o nor_o warrant_v they_o to_o ordain_v any_o more_o than_o believer_n without_o officer_n for_o either_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n to_o who_o the_o rule_n be_v give_v about_o ordination_n and_o who_o act_v therein_o and_o so_o those_o church_n where_o they_o ordain_v be_v not_o without_o officer_n for_o they_o be_v officer_n in_o all_o church_n where_o they_o come_v or_o else_o they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a call_n to_o ordain_v and_o so_o they_o will_v not_o warrant_v any_o ordinary_a officer_n without_o a_o extraordinary_a call_n to_o ordain_v any_o more_o than_o believer_n without_o officer_n there_o be_v not_o one_o precept_n for_o nor_o precedent_n or_o example_n of_o any_o ordinary_a officer_n act_v in_o ordination_n out_o of_o the_o particular_a church_n he_o be_v over_o upon_o any_o ordinary_a call_v in_o any_o one_o text_n that_o ordination_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o examine_v the_o several_a place_n that_o speak_v about_o it_o in_o act._n 6._o 2_o 3_o 5_o 6._o either_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n alone_o who_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n be_v the_o person_n ordain_v or_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o disciple_n together_o v._o 3._o who_o we_o may_v appoint_v we_o i._o e._n as_o some_o think_v you_o and_o we_o as_o we_o do_v often_o include_v the_o person_n speak_v to_o as_o well_o as_o the_o person_n speak_v as_o eph._n 2._o 5._o when_o we_o i._o e._n you_o and_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n v._o 10._o we_o i._o e._n you_o and_o we_o apostle_n be_v his_o workmanship_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o people_n to_o ordain_v however_o the_o apostle_n be_v officer_n in_o that_o church_n in_o act._n 13._o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o person_n ordain_v be_v prophet_n and_o teacher_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o ordinary_a prophet_n such_o as_o 1_o cor._n 14._o than_o it_o prove_v that_o such_o as_o be_v no_o officer_n may_v act_v with_o officer_n in_o ordination_n if_o they_o be_v extraordinary_a prophet_n so_o may_v the_o teacher_n be_v also_o for_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n who_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n be_v reckon_v up_o as_o some_o of_o the_o prophet_n or_o teacher_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n v._o 1._o and_o see_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v ordinary_a teacher_n and_o if_o they_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n v._o 1._o hence_o this_o place_n do_v not_o evidence_n that_o it_o belong_v to_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o ordain_v in_o a_o church_n that_o have_v no_o officer_n of_o its_o own_o and_o our_o brethren_n themselves_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v by_o the_o immediate_a appointment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v separate_v i_o etc._n etc._n and_o v._o 4._o and_o they_o add_v further_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a thing_n and_o therefore_o not_o sufficient_a to_o ground_v a_o ordinary_a practice_n upon_o so_o that_o from_o their_o own_o word_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o call_v be_v extraordinary_a and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o warrant_v such_o person_n to_o ordain_v who_o have_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a call_n thereunto_o in_o act._n 14._o 23._o our_o brethren_n say_v the_o person_n that_o do_v ordain_v be_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n who_o be_v extraordinary_a officer_n as_o for_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 22._o the_o person_n speak_v to_o be_v timothy_n who_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a officer_n a_o evangelist_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 5._o as_o for_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o paul_n be_v a_o apostle_n as_o for_o tit._n 1._o 5._o he_o be_v a_o evangelist_n also_o as_o our_o brethren_n grant_v because_o he_o be_v send_v from_o place_n to_o place_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 6._o 16_o 23._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 10._o and_o be_v to_o ordain_v as_o paul_n appoint_v he_o as_o for_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o we_o see_v nothing_o from_o the_o word_n to_o convince_v we_o that_o any_o one_o in_o that_o presbytery_n be_v a_o ordinary_a officer_n and_o though_o it_o be_v usual_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a presbytery_n yet_o we_o much_o question_v it_o and_o whereas_o it_o be_v often_o urge_v to_o show_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o ordinary_a presbytery_n in_o these_o day_n for_o the_o manage_v of_o church-affair_n and_o some_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v want_v in_o many_o church_n because_o there_o be_v but_o one_o presbyter_n no_o presbytery_n to_o all_o such_o plea_n we_o say_v it_o be_v a_o mercy_n the_o lord_n have_v afford_v a_o presbytery_n or_o diverse_a presbyter_n to_o some_o church_n but_o suppose_v a_o church_n as_o corinth_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n have_v fix_v or_o eight_o presbyter_n these_o it_o will_v easy_o be_v grant_v do_v make_v a_o sufficient_a presbytery_n to_o act_v in_o church-affair_n but_o if_o the_o lord_n add_v six_o or_o eight_o presbyter_n more_o to_o the_o former_a number_n it_o be_v a_o mercy_n yet_o no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v want_v when_o they_o be_v but_o six_o or_o eight_o in_o all_o nor_o no_o new_a power_n be_v give_v by_o such_o a_o addition_n as_o make_v the_o number_n twelve_o or_o sixteen_o but_o only_o more_o person_n be_v afford_v for_o assistance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o that_o power_n which_o before_o few_o have_v so_o if_o there_o be_v put_v one_o elder_a in_o a_o church_n the_o presbyterial_a power_n reside_v in_o he_o and_o so_o no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v want_v then_o and_o if_o the_o lord_n add_v more_o presbyter_n that_o there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n in_o a_o church_n no_o new_a power_n be_v give_v by_o such_o a_o addition_n for_o if_o these_o act_n in_o a_o unite_a way_n as_o a_o presbytery_n they_o be_v but_o presbyterial_a act_n which_o be_v put_v forth_o and_o so_o they_o be_v if_o a_o single_a presbyter_n put_v forth_o the_o same_o act_n and_o therefore_o here_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n that_o we_o can_v find_v where_o there_o be_v a_o presbytery_n more_o person_n use_v that_o power_n which_o one_o alone_a may_v use_v and_o as_o one_o that_o lay_v hand_n on_o timothy_n and_o so_o join_v with_o other_o presbyter_n in_o the_o very_a same_o act_n that_o this_o presbytery_n be_v say_v to_o perform_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a officer_n viz._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 6._o so_o may_v all_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o presbytery_n be_v as_o well_o as_o one_o it_o may_v consist_v only_o of_o extraordinary_a officer_n and_o yet_o apt_o be_v call_v a_o presbytery_n for_o they_o be_v presbyter_n if_o the_o apostle_n only_o ordain_v deacon_n act._n 6._o yet_o they_o may_v be_v call_v a_o presbytery_n or_o else_o that_o will_v evidence_n that_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o a_o presbytery_n only_o to_o ordain_v and_o why_o may_v not_o that_o be_v call_v a_o presbytery_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 14._o though_o it_o consist_v only_o of_o extraordinary_a officer_n as_o well_o as_o that_o company_n act._n 6._o and_o the_o word_n presbytery_n be_v no_o where_o else_o find_v but_o in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o intend_v any_o ecclesiastical_a assembly_n of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o fair_o admit_v of_o such_o a_o interpretation_n in_o this_o place_n hence_o our_o brethren_n be_v whole_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o a_o rule_n for_o their_o presbytery_n however_o our_o brethren_n say_v that_o those_o word_n by_o prophecy_n do_v signify_v the_o 167._o jus_fw-la divin_n min._n p._n 167._o move_a cause_n and_o that_o which_o encourage_v paul_n with_o the_o presbytery_n to_o
the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o neither_o precept_n nor_o precedent_n for_o the_o necessary_a subordination_n of_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o any_o society_n of_o man_n without_o itself_o for_o any_o act_n of_o church-government_n as_o this_o be_v by_o our_o brethren_n suppose_v to_o be_v it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o church_n to_o be_v without_o any_o officer_n either_o by_o the_o death_n or_o removal_n etc._n etc._n of_o those_o that_o be_v seat_v in_o they_o and_o if_o they_o can_v attain_v officer_n without_o some_o officer_n of_o other_o church_n put_v forth_o act_n of_o government_n and_o jurisdiction_n to_o make_v officer_n for_o they_o that_o will_v imply_v a_o necessary_a subordination_n of_o church_n to_o other_o society_n without_o they_o which_o be_v not_o where_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o gospel_n rule_v to_o warrant_v any_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o put_v forth_o any_o act_n of_o government_n or_o any_o presbyterial_a act_n proper_o so_o call_v towards_o any_o person_n without_o those_o particular_a congregation_n where_o they_o be_v fix_v as_o officer_n let_v our_o brethren_n produce_v any_o such_o gospel_n rule_n to_o justify_v their_o act_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n as_o presbyter_n as_o officer_n towards_o any_o beyond_o their_o particular_a church_n over_o which_o they_o be_v make_v overseer_n they_o be_v officer_n wherever_o they_o act_n but_o they_o do_v not_o act_v as_o presbyter_n to_o any_o out_o of_o their_o particular_a congregation_n if_o 40._o or_o 100_o mayor_n bailiff_n or_o constable_n meet_v together_o they_o may_v be_v call_v mayor_n bailiff_n or_o constable_n but_o can_v act_v united_o in_o any_o act_n of_o such_o office_n though_o they_o be_v officer_n and_o have_v a_o lawful_a authority_n to_o act_v single_o every_o one_o within_o his_o own_o precinct_n yet_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o act_v together_o as_o such_o officer_n all_o the_o mayor_n have_v not_o power_n to_o act_v together_o as_o mayor_n to_o any_o one_o corporation_n all_o those_o constable_n have_v not_o power_n to_o act_v together_o as_o constable_n so_o minister_n have_v a_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o act_v as_o officer_n as_o presbyter_n in_o their_o own_o congregation_n but_o if_o a_o hundred_o of_o they_o meet_v they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o act_v together_o as_o presbyter_n as_o officer_n to_o any_o one_o congregation_n it_o be_v not_o not_o enough_o that_o they_o be_v all_o officer_n of_o christ_n to_o warrant_v their_o act_n together_o as_o officer_n but_o they_o must_v be_v commissionated_a by_o christ_n to_o act_v in_o combination_n and_o together_o as_o a_o presbytery_n or_o else_o they_o can_v justify_v their_o act_n there_o be_v no_o scripture_n warrant_v for_o any_o other_o presbytery_n but_o that_o only_a which_o be_v within_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n to_o justify_v a_o presbytery_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n in_o put_v forth_o any_o act_n as_o a_o presbytery_n towards_o any_o but_o the_o member_n of_o that_o particular_a congregation_n where_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o therefore_o some_o believer_n may_v as_o lawful_o ordain_v as_o any_o presbyter_n in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o power_n as_o presbyter_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o their_o particular_a congregation_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o act_v as_o elder_n in_o ordain_v then_o why_o may_v not_o believer_n ordain_v without_o officer_n divers_a of_o mr._n collings_n argument_n against_o hear_v of_o man_n not_o ordain_v we_o may_v use_v here_o and_o they_o will_v conclude_v much_o more_o strong_o against_o call_v in_o officer_n of_o several_a church_n and_o their_o act_n in_o combination_n or_o together_o as_o a_o presbytery_n in_o ordain_v officer_n for_o a_o church_n which_o be_v without_o officer_n such_o a_o company_n of_o officer_n have_v no_o promise_n make_v to_o they_o in_o act_v as_o a_o presbytery_n nor_o the_o people_n in_o call_v they_o in_o for_o that_o end_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v pray_v in_o faith_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o they_o therein_o according_a to_o his_o three_o argument_n ordain_v officer_n be_v institute_v worship_n and_o officer_n of_o divers_a church_n be_v be_v not_o warrant_v either_o by_o scripture_n precept_n or_o precedent_n to_o become_v a_o presbytery_n and_o as_o a_o presbytery_n to_o ordain_v and_o therefore_o by_o his_o four_o argument_n it_o be_v sinful_a it_o be_v to_o run_v out_o of_o god_n blessing_n for_o there_o be_v no_o promise_n make_v by_o god_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o run_v upon_o temptation_n because_o a_o presbytery_n of_o officer_n of_o divers_a church_n be_v no_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o god_n appointment_n and_o therefore_o to_o practise_v that_o way_n be_v sinful_a and_o unlawful_a by_o his_o six_o argument_n it_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n for_o such_o a_o presbytery_n be_v encourage_v in_o ordain_v and_o so_o in_o sin_v they_o have_v no_o warrant_n as_o a_o presbytery_n to_o ordain_v by_o man_n come_n to_o be_v ordain_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v sinful_a by_o his_o seven_o argument_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v see_v what_o inconvenience_n the_o assert_v ordination_n to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o a_o presbytery_n as_o such_o draw_v along_o with_o it_o but_o if_o ordination_n be_v no_o act_n of_o government_n no_o act_n peculiar_a to_o a_o presbytery_n as_o such_o which_o as_o we_o conceive_v it_o be_v not_o than_o a_o presbytery_n may_v ordain_v where_o a_o church_n have_v one_o and_o either_o some_o believer_n without_o officer_n may_v ordain_v or_o the_o officer_n of_o other_o church_n may_v be_v call_v in_o to_o ordain_v not_o as_o a_o presbytery_n but_o as_o person_n meet_v and_o able_a to_o do_v such_o act_n as_o ordination_n consist_v of_o in_o case_n a_o church_n have_v no_o officer_n arg._n 3._o if_o some_o believer_n who_o be_v no_o officer_n may_v public_o preach_v then_o in_o a_o church_n that_o have_v no_o officer_n they_o may_v lawful_o or_o warranable_o ordain_v without_o officer_n for_o there_o be_v no_o scripture-light_n to_o evidence_n that_o ordination_n be_v so_o great_a a_o work_n as_o preach_v or_o that_o it_o be_v more_o limit_v or_o restrain_v to_o officer_n then_o preach_v be_v but_o some_o believer_n i._n e._n such_o as_o be_v gift_v who_o be_v no_o officer_n may_v public_o preach_v as_o we_o have_v large_o prove_v ergo_fw-la some_o believer_n in_o a_o church_n that_o have_v no_o officer_n may_v lawful_o and_o warrantable_o ordain_v without_o officer_n arg._n 4._o if_o some_o believer_n may_v with_o christ_n allowance_n act_n in_o other_o special_a public_a church-work_n than_o also_o in_o a_o church_n that_o have_v no_o officer_n they_o may_v ordain_v unless_o some_o special_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v against_o their_o ordain_v more_o than_o against_o their_o do_v those_o work_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o limit_n and_o particularize_v all_o the_o service_n they_o may_v act_v in_o but_o some_o believer_n may_v with_o christ_n allowance_n act_n in_o other_o special_a public_a church-work_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o special_a reason_n give_v against_o their_o ordain_v more_o than_o against_o their_o do_v those_o other_o work_v ergo_fw-la in_o a_o church_n that_o have_v no_o officer_n they_o may_v ordain_v the_o minor_a we_o prove_v from_o act._n 15._o 2._o they_o determine_v that_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n and_o certain_a other_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n unto_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n about_o this_o question_n a_o church_n than_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v call_v and_o depute_v not_o only_o officer_n but_o other_o of_o their_o member_n to_o act_v in_o special_a public_a service_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o necessity_n require_v and_o this_o deputation_n be_v to_o act_v in_o a_o public_a assembly_n as_o the_o chapter_n show_v and_o will_v our_o brethren_n say_v that_o those_o may_v act_v in_o a_o synod_n who_o may_v not_o act_v in_o ordination_n nay_o the_o brethren_n act_v in_o that_o synod_n v._o 22._o then_o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o send_v choose_v man_n of_o their_o own_o company_n to_o antioch_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v power_n by_o a_o occasional_a choice_n to_o authorise_v some_o believer_n to_o act_v in_o special_a public_a business_n appertain_v to_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o brethren_n act_v in_o make_v the_o very_a decree_n itself_o v._o 23._o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n and_o brethren_n send_v greeting_n etc._n etc._n the_o decree_n run_v in_o the_o brethren_n name_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o officer_n name_n as_o the_o title_n show_v and_o therefore_o either_o our_o brethren_n must_v say_v that_o some_o believer_n may_v ordain_v or_o else_o that_o man_n may_v act_v in_o make_v decree_n in_o
to_o timothy_n as_o well_o as_o that_o about_o ordination_n 1_o tim._n 2_o ver_fw-la 9_o 11._o in_o like_a manner_n also_o that_o woman_n adorn_v themselves_o in_o modest_a apparel_n let_v the_o woman_n learn_v in_o silence_n with_o all_o subjection_n this_o charge_n be_v give_v to_o timothy_n also_o as_o well_o as_o that_o about_o ordination_n and_o yet_o the_o thing_n give_v in_o charge_n be_v to_o be_v act_v by_o woman_n not_o by_o church_n officer_n but_o timothy_n be_v to_o give_v forth_o direction_n unto_o woman_n to_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o write_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n who_o be_v church-officer_n about_o ordination_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o work_n of_o ordination_n belong_v to_o minister_n and_o not_o to_o the_o people_n for_o in_o the_o very_a same_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n write_v to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n about_o other_o matter_n which_o undoubted_o be_v to_o be_v act_v by_o the_o people_n and_o can_v be_v restrain_v to_o church-officer_n it_o be_v also_o considerable_a that_o it_o be_v say_v tit._n 3._o v._n 15._o grace_n be_v with_o you_o all_o and_o therefore_o more_o than_o titus_n or_o church-officer_n even_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o those_o place_n where_o titus_n be_v be_v write_v to_o and_o tit._n 2._o v._n 15._o these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v 1_o tim._n 4._o v._n 6._o if_o thou_o put_v the_o brethren_n in_o remembrance_n of_o these_o thing_n thou_o shall_v be_v a_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o direct_v these_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n &_o titus_n who_o be_v church-officer_n rather_o than_o to_o church_n be_v not_o to_o restrain_v the_o act_n of_o those_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n unto_o church-officer_n but_o to_o excite_v timothy_n and_o titus_n to_o a_o exhort_v and_o put_v such_o in_o remembrance_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o do_v they_o and_o what_o be_v write_v about_o ordination_n may_v be_v act_v by_o the_o people_n as_o well_o as_o other_o matter_n in_o the_o epistle_n and_o the_o write_n of_o they_o to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n will_v not_o forbid_v the_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o if_o no_o other_o special_a reason_n can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n unto_o other_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o ordain_v and_o what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o these_o qualification_n which_o be_v require_v to_o be_v in_o officer_n and_o we_o find_v that_o they_o be_v to_o regulate_v the_o people_n election_n as_o well_o as_o ordination_n act._n 6._o 3_o 5._o some_o thing_n be_v write_v to_o they_o as_o evangelist_n other_o to_o they_o either_o as_o christian_n or_o as_o officer_n to_o give_v direction_n about_o the_o act_n of_o they_o &_o be_v to_o be_v act_v by_o christian_n who_o be_v no_o officer_n let_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o rule_n about_o ordination_n be_v to_o be_v put_v in_o practice_n by_o officer_n only_o they_o may_v hold_v forth_o that_o some_o officer_n may_v ordain_v and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o hold_v forth_o that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o ordain_v object_n 4._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o ordition_n it_o be_v a_o potestative_a and_o authoritative_a 186._o jus_fw-la divin_n min._n p._n 186._o mission_n it_o be_v a_o eminent_a act_n of_o jurisdiction_n not_o only_o confirm_v a_o minister_n in_o that_o office_n which_o he_o have_v before_o by_o election_n but_o convey_v the_o very_a office-power_n of_o preach_v and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v the_o essential_o of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o belong_v to_o officer_n and_o not_o to_o private_a person_n the_o scripture_n do_v accurate_o distinguish_v between_o church-ruler_n and_o private_a believer_n heb._n 13._o 17_o 24._o 1_o thess_n 5._o 12._o private_a person_n can_v with_o no_o more_o lawfulness_n convey_v power_n to_o another_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n than_o they_o can_v themselves_o lawful_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n church-power_n be_v first_o seat_v in_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o from_o he_o commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o they_o to_o church-officer_n and_o they_o alone_a who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o the_o apostle_n can_v derive_v and_o transmit_v it_o to_o the_o other_o minister_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr 1._o we_o deny_v that_o ordination_n be_v a_o potestative_a and_o authoritative_a mission_n we_o have_v show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o mission_n and_o ordination_n 2._o we_o deny_v that_o ordination_n be_v any_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n at_o all_o much_o less_o be_v it_o a_o eminent_a act_n of_o jurisdiction_n they_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o people_n may_v not_o ordain_v because_o ordination_n say_v they_o be_v a_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o act_n they_o have_v not_o prove_v and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n fall_v of_o itself_o what_o they_o have_v add_v be_v far_o from_o prove_v it_o as_o appeareth_z by_o what_o follow_v 3._o we_o deny_v that_o ordination_n convey_v the_o office-power_n of_o preach_v and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n or_o that_o it_o give_v the_o essential_o of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o denial_n we_o give_v before_o 4._o if_o ordination_n do_v convey_v office-power_n or_o give_v the_o essential_o of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o prove_v into_o be_v a_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o the_o freeman_n of_o a_o corporation_n to_o convey_v office_n power_n or_o to_o give_v the_o essential_o of_o a_o call_n to_o office_n to_o their_o bailiff_n and_o other_o officer_n and_o yet_o the_o freeman_n be_v no_o officer_n nor_o can_v be_v say_v to_o put_v forth_o a_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n herein_o and_o as_o it_o be_v without_o scripture-proof_n that_o if_o private_a person_n may_v convey_v power_n to_o other_o to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n than_o they_o may_v administer_v the_o sacrament_n themselves_o so_o it_o be_v against_o the_o very_a rule_n observe_v in_o civil_a society_n where_o it_o be_v ordinary_a for_o such_o to_o have_v a_o lawful_a power_n to_o give_v the_o essential_o unto_o the_o call_n to_o office_n who_o have_v no_o power_n to_o execute_v the_o place_n of_o those_o officer_n which_o they_o make_v but_o aught_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o that_o power_n so_o communicate_v in_o civil_a corporation_n the_o officer_n be_v as_o clear_o distinguish_v from_o the_o people_n govern_v as_o in_o church-affair_n they_o can_v be_v and_o yet_o the_o person_n govern_v convey_v the_o power_n to_o the_o governor_n and_o this_o without_o any_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n by_o voluntary_a subjection_n and_o so_o in_o church-matter_n the_o people_n convey_v office-power_n not_o by_o a_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n but_o by_o voluntary_a subjection_n or_o promise_a reverence_n submission_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o lord_n to_o such_o person_n in_o thing_n wherein_o they_o act_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o place_n and_o the_o perscription_n give_v unto_o officer_n by_o jesus_n christ_n all_o church-power_n be_v first_o seat_v in_o christ_n the_o head_n and_o some_o be_v from_o he_o commit_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o some_o power_n also_o be_v commit_v to_o other_o church-officer_n but_o that_o the_o derivation_n of_o it_o be_v by_o ordination_n or_o by_o any_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n be_v not_o prove_v and_o therefore_o the_o argument_n be_v of_o no_o force_n against_o the_o people_n act_v in_o ordination_n our_o brethren_n tell_v we_o of_o some_o that_o renounce_v and_o disclaim_v all_o ordination_n from_o minister_n as_o unwarrantable_a and_o antichristian_a and_o take_v it_o up_o from_o the_o people_n as_o the_o only_a way_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o these_o be_v of_o who_o they_o speak_v we_o know_v not_o if_o some_o have_v renounce_v ordination_n by_o bishop_n usurp_a power_n above_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o other_o have_v assert_v that_o the_o people_n may_v ordain_v in_o case_n a_o church_n have_v no_o officer_n in_o it_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o hereby_o either_o renounce_v ordination_n itself_o or_o all_o ordination_n by_o minister_n one_o of_o which_o they_o must_v intend_v by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o say_v be_v renounce_v and_o hence_o they_o be_v far_o from_o run_v upon_o the_o evil_n which_o our_o brethren_n mention_v or_o plunge_v themselves_o into_o such_o a_o inextricable_a difficulty_n as_o to_o renounce_v all_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o turn_v seeker_n and_o therefore_o these_o objection_n concern_v not_o we_o and_o now_o from_o all_o the_o premise_n we_o shall_v conclude_v until_o we_o receive_v further_a light_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v witness_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o call_n to_o office_n to_o consist_v in_o election_n and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n the_o people_n may_v ordain_v their_o own_o officer_n and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v furnish_v with_o preach_v gift_n and_o grace_n may_v exercise_v they_o public_o without_o ordination_n finis_fw-la
contra_fw-la the_o name_n of_o a_o son_n do_v imply_v a_o father_n to_o be_v the_o other_o relative_n and_o so_o for_o other_o relation_n now_o the_o name_n and_o title_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v unto_o officer_n have_v such_o reference_n unto_o a_o church_n as_o they_o do_v aloud_o proclaim_v that_o officer_n and_o church_n be_v the_o relative_n and_o not_o officer_n and_o employment_n if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v to_o who_o be_v they_o officer_n the_o answer_n must_v be_v to_o a_o church_n officer_n be_v call_v pastor_n and_o that_o intimate_v that_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o some_o flock_n they_o be_v call_v teacher_n and_o that_o speak_v they_o to_o be_v relate_v to_o some_o who_o be_v learner_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o office_n be_v not_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o employment_n of_o the_o ministry_n but_o to_o a_o church_n one_o special_a end_n of_o which_o relation_n be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n therein_o chap._n ii_o wherein_o be_v prove_v that_o officer_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o and_o that_o they_o be_v no_o officer_n to_o a_o church_n universal_a quest_n 2._o what_o church_n have_v office_n relation_n to_o or_o whether_o officer_n stand_v in_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v officer_n of_o a_o universal_a church_n answ_n we_o affirm_v that_o officer_n stand_v in_o relation_n as_o officer_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o and_o we_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v officer_n to_o a_o church_n universal_a our_o brethren_n at_o last_o grant_v a_o relation_n between_o officer_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n page_n 143._o and_o 151._o and_o it_o be_v prove_v from_o act._n 20._o 28._o we_o shall_v here_o hint_n a_o few_o word_n chief_o to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o officer_n to_o a_o universal_a church_n and_o than_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o relation_n be_v between_o the_o officer_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n only_o we_o deny_v pastor_n or_o teacher_n to_o be_v officer_n to_o a_o universal_a church_n argum._n 1._o because_o we_o can_v find_v no_o scripture-warrant_a for_o any_o universal-visible-political-church_n the_o gospel_n know_v no_o such_o catholic_n or_o universal_a church_n that_o we_o can_v any_o where_n find_v argum._n 2._o because_o the_o title_n give_v unto_o officer_n do_v speak_v their_o office_n to_o be_v limit_v unto_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o do_v forbid_v or_o deny_v their_o bear_v any_o office-relation_n to_o a_o church_n universal_a in_o those_o scripture_n where_o our_o brethren_n say_v there_o be_v a_o enumeration_n of_o officer_n and_o so_o where_o it_o be_v most_o needful_a that_o their_o proper_a name_n and_o title_n shall_v be_v give_v they_o yet_o there_o those_o officer_n which_o be_v still_o continue_v be_v call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n 1._o cor._n 12._o ver_fw-la 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 and_o ephes_n 4._o ver_fw-la 11._o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o also_o where_o the_o qualification_n of_o such_o officer_n be_v lay_v down_o and_o so_o the_o proper_a title_n be_v necessary_a that_o it_o may_v ever_o be_v know_v what_o officer_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o qualify_v there_o they_o be_v call_v bishop_n which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o overseer_n as_o act._n 20._o 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy-ghost_n have_v make_v you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d bishop_n or_o overseer_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 1_o 2._o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n vigilant_a sober_a tit._n 1._o v._n 7._o for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n these_o title_n be_v give_v upon_o such_o special_a occasion_n unto_o officer_n they_o must_v undeniable_o be_v such_o name_n and_o title_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o they_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v officer_n it_o be_v a_o impeachment_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy-spirit_n to_o say_v that_o then_o it_o do_v impose_v such_o name_n upon_o they_o as_o they_o may_v lose_v before_o they_o lose_v their_o office_n we_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n will_v not_o say_v that_o any_o be_v preaching-officer_n who_o be_v neither_o pastor_n teacher_n nor_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n now_o we_o argue_v thus_o major_a proposit_n that_o church_n only_o that_o be_v a_o man_n flock_n do_v or_o can_v he_o bear_v the_o relation_n or_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n to_o that_o church_n only_o that_o be_v commit_v to_o one_o charge_n for_o teach_v do_v or_o can_v he_o bear_v the_o relation_n or_o office_n of_o a_o teacher_n to_o that_o church_n only_o that_o be_v commit_v to_o a_o man_n oversight_n do_v or_o can_v he_o bear_v the_o relation_n or_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n to_o all_o this_o appear_v from_o those_o relative_n name_n you_o may_v as_o well_o say_v a_o man_n be_v a_o father_n to_o that_o which_o be_v none_o of_o his_o child_n or_o a_o master_n to_o he_o who_o be_v none_o of_o his_o servant_n as_o you_o may_v say_v a_o man_n be_v a_o pastor_n to_o any_o that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o flock_n or_o a_o teacher_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o commit_v to_o he_o to_o be_v teach_v or_o a_o bishop_n and_o overseer_n to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o under_o his_o oversight_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n cease_v to_o have_v a_o flock_n than_o he_o must_v needs_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o pastor_n if_o he_o cease_v to_o have_v a_o church_n to_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o than_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o reacher_n by_o office_n if_o he_o cease_v to_o have_v any_o to_o be_v oversee_v by_o he_o than_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n minor_n propos_fw-fr but_o only_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o man_n flock_n or_o be_v commit_v to_o a_o man_n for_o teach_v and_o oversight_n and_o not_o the_o universal_a church_n concl._n ergo_fw-la a_o man_n bear_v the_o relation_n or_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n a_o teacher_n or_o a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n only_o to_o a_o particular_a and_o not_o to_o a_o universal_a church_n that_o only_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o man_n flock_n or_o be_v commit_v to_o a_o man_n for_o teach_v and_o oversight_n and_o not_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o suppose_v our_o brethren_n can_v deny_v for_o in_o their_o jus_fw-la divinum_fw-la page_n 143._o they_o have_v these_o word_n though_o we_o believe_v that_o every_o minister_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n yet_o we_o be_v far_o from_o think_v that_o he_o be_v actual_o a_o universal_a minister_n the_o apostle_n have_v the_o actual_a care_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a commit_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v to_o any_o particular_a charge_n but_o be_v minister_n alike_o of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o with_o ordinary_a minister_n they_o be_v fix_v to_o their_o particular_a congregation_n where_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o divine_a right_n to_o reside_v etc._n etc._n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o brethren_n ordinary_a officer_n such_o as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v have_v only_o the_o care_n of_o particular_a church_n commit_v to_o they_o their_o actual_a power_n be_v limit_v by_o divine_a right_n to_o these_o and_o not_o extend_v to_o the_o universal_a church_n they_o have_v no_o actual_a power_n to_o perform_v ministerial_a office_n or_o administer_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o church_n without_o a_o special_a call_n but_o only_o in_o those_o particular_a church_n where_o they_o be_v fix_v and_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v a_o man_n flock_n or_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o for_o teach_v and_o oversight_n and_o not_o the_o universal_a church_n we_o prove_v thus_o because_o every_o pastor_n teacher_n or_o overseer_n be_v express_o command_v by_o christ_n actual_o to_o feed_v teach_v and_o oversee_v all_v the_o flock_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o or_o they_o act._n 20._o vers_fw-la 28._o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o not_o only_o some_o but_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o the_o which_o the_o holy-spirit_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n all_o that_o flock_n or_o church_n over_o which_o the_o holy-spirit_n have_v make_v any_o man_n a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n he_o be_v command_v actual_o to_o feed_v and_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o universal_a church_n so_o as_o he_o sin_v if_o he_o do_v not_o ergo_fw-la the_o universal_a church_n be_v not_o that_o flock_n or_o church_n over_o which_o the_o holy-spirit_n have_v make_v any_o man_n a_o bishop_n or_o
overseer_n if_o they_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o universal_a church_n than_o their_o power_n be_v as_o extensive_a and_o large_a as_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o they_o must_v not_o fix_v and_o abide_v with_o any_o particular_a church_n for_o that_o will_v hinder_v the_o feed_n all_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o they_o must_v travel_v all_o the_o world_n over_o that_o they_o may_v feed_v all_o the_o flock_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o particular_a officer_n shall_v feed_v his_o particular_a church_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n also_o and_o therefore_o all_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v against_o this_o command_n if_o that_o be_v the_o flock_n intend_v the_o same_o argument_n hold_v as_o well_o for_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o they_o be_v the_o same_o officer_n under_o different_a name_n the_o pastor_n work_n be_v to_o feed_v all_o the_o flock_n and_o he_o be_v plain_o intend_v in_o that_o text._n and_o all_o that_o church_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o any_o man_n for_o teach_v he_o be_v command_v to_o teach_v and_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a in_o his_o trust_n if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o and_o see_v it_o can_v be_v the_o universal_a church_n hence_o undeniable_o it_o be_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o be_v a_o man_n flock_n or_o that_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o for_o teach_v and_o oversight_n the_o argument_n may_v run_v thus_o that_o church_n only_o that_o a_o man_n be_v a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n to_o do_v he_o stand_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o officer_n to_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o officer_n do_v evidence_n this_o but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o a_o man_n be_v a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n to_o act._n 20._o 28._o and_o not_o a_o universal_a church_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v only_o a_o particular_a church_n that_o a_o man_n do_v stand_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o a_o officer_n to_o und_fw-ge not_o a_o universal_a church_n object_n if_o any_o shall_v object_v and_o say_v if_o a_o man_n for_o a_o time_n be_v destitute_a of_o a_o place_n or_o be_v fix_v to_o no_o particular_a church_n yet_o preach_v constant_o in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o may_v not_o that_o name_n of_o office_n a_o teacher_n be_v proper_o apply_v to_o he_o see_v he_o do_v reach_v and_o some_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o ans_fw-fr 1._o in_o a_o general_a sense_n he_o may_v be_v call_v a_o teacher_n if_o any_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o but_o if_o the_o word_n teacher_n be_v take_v in_o a_o special_a sense_n to_o express_v office_n in_o that_o sense_n we_o deny_v he_o may_v be_v call_v a_o teacher_n man_n be_v not_o teacher_n by_o office_n to_o all_o that_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o as_o for_o example_n our_o brethren_n often_o urge_v it_o that_o ordinary_a teacher_n by_o office_n must_v be_v scent_n rom._n 10._o 15._o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v sont_fw-fr &_o the_o word_n for_o send_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o in_o a_o general_a sense_n they_o must_v say_v that_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v apostle_n because_o apostle_n signify_v one_o send_v yet_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v not_o apostle_n by_o office_n the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o in_o this_o special_a sense_n the_o name_n of_o apostles_n be_v to_o be_v deny_v they_o so_o they_o be_v not_o teacher_n by_o office_n to_o all_o that_o they_o may_v preach_v to_o and_o may_v be_v teach_v by_o they_o if_o a_o man_n preach_v to_o heathen_n and_o indian_n though_o they_o retain_v heathenish_a principle_n still_o and_o will_v not_o receive_v instruction_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o teach_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v teach_v and_o such_o as_o stumble_v at_o the_o word_n be_v say_v to_o be_v teach_v matth._n 13._o ver_fw-la 54._o he_o i._n e._n jesus_n teach_v they_o and_o yet_o ver_fw-la 57_o they_o be_v offend_v in_o he_o but_o a_o man_n be_v not_o a_o teacher_n by_o office_n unto_o such_o hearhen_n indian_n and_o opposer_n for_o without_o some_o knowledge_n or_o profession_n of_o christ_n our_o brethren_n will_v not_o account_v they_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o if_o they_o will_v say_v they_o stand_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o officer_n to_o such_o than_o they_o must_v assert_v that_o they_o have_v a_o treble_a relation_n as_o officer_n one_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n another_o to_o a_o universal_a church_n and_o a_o three_o to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o heathen_n and_o indian_n who_o be_v of_o no_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o else_o they_o must_v say_v that_o they_o preach_v as_o officer_n to_o those_o they_o be_v no_o officer_n to_o and_o it_o will_v hardly_o be_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v officer_n to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n 2._o only_o that_o church_n which_o a_o man_n be_v set_v over_o have_v take_v the_o charge_n of_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o for_o teach_v be_v he_o a_o teacher_n by_o office_n unto_o if_o he_o preach_v in_o a_o hundred_o place_n and_o thousand_o receive_v instruction_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n be_v teach_v by_o he_o yet_o we_o deny_v that_o he_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o any_o of_o these_o as_o a_o teacher_n by_o office_n unless_o as_o a_o church_n they_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o for_o teach_v for_o it_o be_v set_v over_o take_v the_o charge_n of_o and_o the_o commit_v a_o church_n to_o the_o care_n of_o such_o a_o person_n for_o such_o and_o such_o end_n which_o give_v be_v to_o office_n or_o make_v one_o a_o officer_n it_o be_v the_o commit_n of_o a_o flock_n to_o such_o a_o person_n for_o feed_v or_o his_o take_a charge_n of_o it_o that_o only_o make_v he_o a_o pastor_n it_o be_v the_o set_v one_o over_o a_o flock_n or_o church_n for_o oversight_n that_o only_o make_v he_o a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n and_o hence_o act._n 20._o ver_fw-la 28._o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy-ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n they_o be_v limit_v in_o their_o oversight_n unto_o the_o particular_a flock_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o of_o their_o office_n be_v express_v by_o their_o be_v over_o the_o flock_n for_o that_o end_n for_o this_o see_v more_o in_o our_o description_n of_o office_n in_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o it_o and_o in_o our_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o election_n give_v the_o essence_n to_o the_o call_v to_o office_n chap._n iii_o wherein_o be_v give_v a_o description_n of_o office_n and_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o some_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o the_o whole_a precedent_n discourse_n from_o all_o which_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o we_o may_v gather_v this_o description_n of_o office_n office_n be_v a_o spiritual_a relation_n between_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o person_n right_o be_v what_o office_n be_v qualify_v found_v upon_o a_o special_a and_o regular_a call_n or_o more_o particular_o office_n be_v a_o spiritual_a relation_n arise_v upon_o a_o regular_a election_n on_o the_o church_n part_n and_o acceptation_n on_o his_o part_n who_o be_v elect_v by_o which_o the_o lord_n commit_v a_o particular_a church_n to_o his_o charge_n or_o set_v he_o over_o it_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o employment_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o these_o description_n there_o be_v 1._o the_o general_a nature_n of_o office_n it_o be_v a_o relation_n and_o for_o its_o property_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o natural_a and_o civil_a relation_n the_o relative_a name_n by_o which_o the_o gospel_n express_v office_n as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n do_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o relation_n 2._o the_o term_n of_o the_o relation_n the_o relate_v and_o the_o correlate_n the_o relate_v be_v a_o person_n right_o qualify_v i._n e._n qualify_v according_a to_o gospel_n rule_v 1_o tim._n 3._o v._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o a_o bishop_n must_v blameless_a the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n vigilant_a sober_a of_o good_a behaviour_n give_v to_o hospitality_n apt_a to_o teach_v etc._n etc._n tit._n 1._o ver_fw-la 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o correlate_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n act._n 20._o 17._o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 14._o 23._o rev._n 2._o 1._o unto_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ver_fw-la 8_o 12_o 18._o rev._n 3._o ver_fw-la 1_o 7_o 14._o they_o be_v officer_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o civil_a society_n or_o assembly_n and_o to_o particular_a church_n as_o the_o distinguish_a each_o from_o other_o show_v