labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n much_o use_n have_v be_v make_v of_o this_o text_n to_o little_a purpose_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o mention_v any_o of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v see_v and_o read_v of_o it_o but_o give_v you_o as_o god_n have_v enable_v i_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o this_o scripture_n and_o let_v the_o unprejudiced_a reader_n judge_n and_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o it_o we_o will_v consider_v 1._o by_o who_o and_o to_o who_o this_o direction_n be_v give_v it_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n the_o great_a plant_a of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o who_o as_o a_o apostle_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o order_n and_o determine_v all_o the_o affair_n that_o concern_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o his_o own_o plant_n both_o this_o and_o the_o other_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o he_o to_o timothy_n who_o he_o leave_v as_o his_o substitute_n or_o surrogate_v with_o apostolical_a power_n under_o he_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n as_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n and_o to_o dispose_v of_o the_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n to_o such_o as_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o they_o and_o will_v best_o improve_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n benefit_n and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n it_o be_v that_o he_o leave_v titus_n in_o crete_n as_o his_o substitute_n or_o overseer_n in_o that_o island_n as_o appear_v tit._n 1.5_o so_o that_o this_o advice_n be_v not_o send_v to_o the_o people_n nor_o to_o the_o inferior_a presbyter_n who_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o it_o but_o to_o one_o in_o a_o high_a sphere_n of_o authority_n and_o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v order_v whether_o for_o distinction_n sake_n he_o be_v call_v evangelist_n or_o bishop_n or_o precedent_n or_o moderator_n the_o difference_n be_v but_o verbal_a 2._o what_o do_v the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o the_o double_a honour_n here_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o bid_v fair_a for_o the_o sense_n which_o will_v both_o come_v to_o one_o in_o the_o issue_n 1._o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o so_o we_o find_v the_o word_n sometime_o use_v in_o scripture_n as_o ver_fw-la 3._o of_o this_o chap._n matt._n 15.6_o act_n 28_o 10._o and_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o scripture_n seem_v to_o look_v this_o way_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n must_v be_v this_o let_v those_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n that_o best_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n in_o rule_v but_o especial_o in_o preach_v which_o be_v the_o more_o noble_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o their_o work_n have_v the_o great_a encouragement_n on_o this_o kind_n i_o e._n let_v not_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v then_o but_o small_a and_o uncertain_a be_v bestow_v promiscuous_o much_o less_o partial_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o so_o as_o may_v best_o subserve_v the_o church_n good_a government_n and_o the_o grand_a design_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 2._o the_o honour_n of_o authority_n and_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v the_o prime_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o five_o commandment_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n exod._n 20.12_o be_v the_o same_o with_o obey_v your_o parent_n eph._n 6.1_o and_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o heb._n 13.17_o and_o so_o be_v the_o word_n use_v heb._n 5.4_o no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n unto_o himself_o i._n e._n this_o office_n this_o dignity_n this_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v much_o more_o worthy_o and_o proper_o call_v honour_n than_o a_o rich_a worldly_a revenue_n or_o a_o fat_a benefice_n or_o bishopric_n thing_n unborn_a in_o those_o day_n which_o man_n too_o often_o abuse_v both_o to_o god_n dishonour_n and_o their_o own_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o double_a honour_n here_o intend_v as_o to_o i_o seem_v most_o probable_a at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v include_v as_o the_o most_o eminent_a part_n of_o it_o then_o the_o sense_n will_v be_v this_o let_v those_o presbyter_n or_o minister_n that_o appear_v on_o experience_n and_o trial_n to_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o government_n but_o especial_o with_o it_o a_o eminency_n of_o ability_n and_o diligence_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v make_v ruler_n and_o superintendent_o over_o the_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n let_v such_o be_v take_v into_o the_o collegium_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la regens_fw-la the_o regency_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o distinction_n of_o office_n but_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o officer_n that_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o direction_n for_o 3._o we_o must_v consider_v the_o person_n on_o who_o this_o double_a honour_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v or_o who_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v dignify_v as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v and_o these_o be_v elder_n describe_v 1._o in_o genere_fw-la by_o their_o office_n 2._o in_o specie_fw-la by_o their_o qualification_n 1._o by_o their_o general_a office_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o word_n always_o use_v to_o denote_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o gospel-church_n as_o act._n 11.30_o ch_n 14.23_o ch_n 15.2_o 6_o 22_o 23._o ch_z 16.4_o ch_n 20.17_o ch_n 21.18_o tit._n 1.5_o jam._n 5.14_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o ep._n john_n 1._o and_o epist_n 3.1_o 2._o by_o their_o special_a qualification_n which_o be_v double_a 1._o they_o much_o be_v such_o as_o rule_v well_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v another_o title_n peculiar_o give_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o well_o as_o to_o preach_v 2._o they_o must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o distinguish_v as_o i_o have_v say_v between_o two_o office_n but_o between_o the_o twofold_a qualification_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v a_o collegiate_n or_o presbyterial_a church_n many_o presbyter_n the_o talon_n of_o who_o gift_n lay_v diverse_o as_o we_o find_v it_o do_v in_o all_o other_o church_n some_o be_v fit_a for_o government_n other_o for_o preach_v some_o excel_v in_o one_o gift_n other_o in_o another_o now_o the_o apostle_n advise_v timothy_n how_o to_o make_v his_o choice_n of_o person_n for_o government_n in_o the_o presbytery_n who_o to_o prefer_v to_o and_o entrust_v with_o a_o double_a honour_n or_o high_a degree_n of_o dignity_n and_o power_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o sphere_n of_o government_n and_o tell_v he_o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o have_v behave_v themselves_o well_o in_o the_o pastoral_n government_n of_o their_o particular_a flock_n and_o congregation_n and_o especial_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v most_o eminent_a and_o laborious_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n whereby_o they_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o deacon_n 1_o tim_n 3.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o place_n of_o high_a honour_n and_o trust_v from_o a_o deacon_n to_o a_o presbyter_n from_o a_o presbyter_n to_o a_o precedent_n preferment_n ought_v to_o be_v dispense_v according_a to_o every_o one_o qualification_n and_o merit_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n in_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v this_o direction_n about_o not_o at_o all_o countenance_v a_o non-preaching_a ruling_n lay-elder_n but_o discountenance_v a_o lordly_a lazy_a non-preaching_a bishop_n or_o superintendent_n that_o the_o preach_a elder_a or_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v so_o plain_o assert_v in_o scripture_n that_o i_o think_v can_v by_o any_o be_v deny_v but_o if_o this_o rule_v power_n be_v divide_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n between_o they_o and_o the_o people_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o people_n can_v any_o one_o give_v we_o a_o reason_n why_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n shall_v ever_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o direct_v we_o how_o the_o division_n of_o this_o rule_v power_n must_v be_v make_v what_o must_v be_v their_o part_n and_o what_o we_o how_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o the_o deacon_n for_o which_o they_o be_v careful_a to_o give_v the_o necessary_a rule_n yea_o and_o how_o they_o must_v be_v maintain_v too_o for_o to_o lay_v the_o burden_n of_o a_o office_n on_o a_o man_n and_o to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o his_o maintenance_n seem_v hard_a and_o not_o
say_v if_o i_o say_v any_o thing_n do_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o duty_n oblige_v i_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o burden_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o i_o and_o to_o discharge_v it_o with_o that_o sincerity_n and_o impartiality_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o be_v give_v i_o of_o god_n for_o his_o church_n service_n as_o do_v become_v one_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v find_v faithful_a i_o confess_v my_o heart_n can_v but_o shrink_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o enter_v into_o this_o rough_a and_o thorny_a province_n this_o seat_n of_o war_n where_o i_o see_v so_o many_o party_n engage_v and_o sword_n draw_v at_o one_o another_o god_n know_v and_o my_o brethren_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o my_o own_o seek_v nor_o be_o i_o come_v as_o a_o advocate_n of_o any_o of_o the_o contend_a party_n but_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o design_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o prosecution_n whereof_o i_o shall_v purposely_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a decline_v any_o use_n of_o the_o sentiment_n or_o suffrage_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v at_o sharp_n on_o this_o argument_n and_o confine_v myself_o to_o those_o oracle_n of_o the_o divine_o inspire_v and_o reveal_v truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n which_o at_o last_o we_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o if_o ever_o we_o be_v well_o determine_v the_o word_n that_o god_n this_o way_n put_v in_o my_o mouth_n that_o shall_v i_o speak_v as_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o give_v i_o understanding_n and_o utterance_n and_o let_v those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v consider_v before_o they_o censure_v shall_v i_o pretend_v to_o assume_v the_o whole_a question_n of_o church-government_n it_o will_v swell_v into_o a_o volume_n whereas_o i_o intend_v only_o this_o one_o short_a chapter_n for_o what_o i_o shall_v now_o say_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o therein_o as_o little_a as_o i_o can_v which_o yet_o to_o some_o perhaps_o may_v seem_v too_o much_o and_o to_o other_o too_o little_a i_o shall_v not_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o write_v a_o encomium_n of_o government_n either_o in_o general_n or_o particular_a which_o have_v be_v do_v by_o many_o other_o of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n whereof_o the_o whole_a rational_a world_n be_v experimental_o sensible_a but_o of_o government_n there_o be_v divers_a kind_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n both_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o it_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v be_v the_o ecclesiastical_a or_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o house_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n rom._n 13.1_o 2._o the_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d potestates_fw-la government_n that_o be_v among_o man_n be_v god_n ordinance_n though_o all_o the_o evil_a way_n of_o climb_v into_o it_o and_o maladministration_n of_o it_o or_o imprudent_a circumstance_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n but_o if_o all_o the_o power_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o god_n then_o have_v he_o not_o leave_v his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o peculiar_a kingdom_n without_o government_n but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o general_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a form_n of_o this_o government_n that_o be_v so_o and_o what_o that_o form_n be_v this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nodus_fw-la vindice_fw-la dignus_fw-la there_o be_v some_o that_o deny_v there_o be_v any_o form_n of_o church-government_n appoint_v of_o christ_n under_o the_o new-testament_n but_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v modify_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o human_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n but_o then_o such_o will_v do_v well_o to_o let_v we_o know_v when_o and_o where_o and_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v commit_v this_o power_n of_o legislation_n and_o establish_v the_o form_n of_o government_n to_o his_o church_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o circumstantial_o of_o government_n that_o be_v and_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o governor_n to_o be_v adapt_v pro_fw-la re_fw-la natâ_fw-la to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o govern_v but_o if_o the_o essential_o of_o government_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o will_n of_o man_n then_o be_v the_o church_n in_o a_o very_a ill_a case_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o as_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o a_o servant_n so_o christ_n much_o more_o as_o a_o son_n over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3._o begin_v but_o that_o he_o be_v so_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la in_o the_o business_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n as_o our_o redeemer_n be_v well_o enough_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v appoint_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o well_o as_o in_o genere_fw-la of_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o far_o agree_v there_o be_v yet_o divers_a opinion_n and_o party_n some_o be_v for_o this_o form_n of_o government_n other_o for_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o disagreement_n be_v common_o some_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o one_a a_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o point_n and_o the_o very_a mind_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o they_o charity_n oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o of_o most_o of_o the_o contend_a party_n that_o will_v ready_o and_o cheerful_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o opposer_n can_v they_o but_o overcome_v the_o reason_n which_o they_o think_v they_o have_v true_o and_o right_o draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v gross_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n enough_o among_o the_o contender_n of_o all_o side_n and_o these_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v most_o fierce_a and_o confident_a the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o itself_o but_o one_o and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o therefore_o our_o disagreement_n about_o it_o necessary_o conclude_v our_o ignorance_n or_o something_o worse_o on_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o 2._o the_o natural_a fondness_n that_o man_n have_v for_o their_o own_o way_n and_o lust_n though_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o world_n of_o so_o pure_a a_o nature_n or_o firm_a a_o texture_n or_o constitution_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v abuse_v to_o the_o service_n of_o base_a end_n and_o private_a interest_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o modes_n and_o form_n of_o government_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o more_o direct_o accommodate_v by_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o compiler_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o to_o such_o purpose_n and_o such_o be_v they_o especial_o that_o be_v of_o man_n devise_v and_o obtrude_a on_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o usurper_n be_v sure_a will_v always_o frame_v their_o law_n and_o method_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o design_n and_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o but_o private_a interest_n and_o design_n among_o the_o party_n concern_v that_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o man_n on_o this_o account_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o contention_n but_o much_o more_o must_v such_o as_o be_v act_v by_o principy_n of_o true_a conscience_n and_o integrity_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o protest_v against_o all_o such_o politic_a and_o carnal_a form_n of_o government_n 3._o the_o gross_a abuse_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o a_o good_a and_o well_o order_v government_n the_o pure_a and_o most_o durable_a metal_n if_o not_o well_o keep_v will_v in_o length_n of_o time_n grow_v foul_a and_o rusty_a and_o look_v very_a unlike_o itself_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v question_v and_o quarrel_v at_o and_o deny_v to_o be_v what_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v and_o the_o same_o fate_n be_v the_o best_a government_n in_o the_o world_n subject_n to_o as_o be_v the_o kingly_a government_n among_o the_o assyrian_n in_o the_o day_n of_o sardanapalus_n and_o among_o the_o roman_n in_o the_o day_n of_o tarqvinius_n superbus_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v of_o several_a other_o form_n of_o government_n among_o man_n the_o best_a and_o most_o sacred_a constitution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n by_o their_o abuse_n have_v fall_v under_o the_o odium_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o more_o inconsiderate_a part_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o lust_n after_o new_a thing_n and_o
priscilla_n and_o aquila_n of_o nymphas_n and_o philemon_n which_o be_v equivocal_o call_v church_n because_o some_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n do_v either_o occasional_o or_o stated_o assemble_v to_o worship_n god_n there_o or_o as_o other_o think_v because_o all_o of_o these_o family_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o so_o become_v church_n or_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v little_a to_o our_o present_a question_n beside_o these_o church_n thus_o plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o town_n and_o city_n do_v still_o retain_v their_o first_o name_n and_o singularity_n for_o one_o may_v always_o observe_v that_o where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o whole_a province_n or_o country_n it_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o different_a and_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n 1_o thes_n 2.14_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n 1_o cor._n 16.19_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n act._n 15.41_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n 1_o cor._n 16.1_o and_o gal._n 1.2_o and_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o because_o all_o these_o be_v large_a country_n in_o which_o be_v many_o great_a town_n and_o city_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_o plant_v and_o according_a to_o which_o they_o have_v their_o name_n and_o number_n but_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o town_n or_o city_n it_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 8.1_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 13.1_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o so_o when_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v speak_v of_o together_o they_o be_v the_o seven_o church_n according_a to_o the_o number_n and_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o great_a city_n of_o asia_n in_o which_o these_o church_n be_v plant_v but_o when_o write_v to_o single_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o this_o account_n never_o once_o fail_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v indifferent_o but_o industrious_o and_o for_o our_o instruction_n 2._o that_o church_n be_v thus_o reckon_v in_o the_o time_n of_o john_n when_o he_o be_v in_o patmos_n which_o be_v 64_o year_n after_o christ_n in_o all_o which_o time_n it_o be_v incredible_a that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o of_o these_o great_a city_n be_v no_o more_o than_o will_v make_v up_o one_o congregation_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o church_n plant_v in_o the_o country_n adjacent_a to_o these_o city_n and_o town_n yet_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v many_o convert_v and_o some_o congregation_n too_o in_o the_o country-village_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o great_a town_n and_o therefore_o that_o these_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n with_o that_o of_o the_o town_n or_o city_n hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o our_o admonition_n a_o church_n and_o a_o congregation_n be_v in_o the_o language_n and_o account_v of_o scripture_n two_o thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o unwarrantable_a to_o alter_v the_o first_o constitution_n or_o denomination_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o far_o as_o they_o go_v and_o therein_o a_o rule_n give_v we_o to_o do_v the_o like_a it_o be_v true_a the_o universal_a church_n be_v once_o but_o one_o single_a congregation_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o which_o all_o the_o other_o church_n spring_v as_o so_o many_o daughter_n on_o which_o account_n she_o be_v call_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o but_o when_o other_o church_n be_v form_v that_o at_o jerusalem_n be_v no_o more_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o only_o a_o integral_a part_n of_o it_o and_o coordinate_a with_o other_o church_n for_o its_o universality_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n but_o only_o a_o sperable_a adjunct_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v she_o propagate_v these_o church_n which_o afterward_o spring_v from_o she_o as_o she_o be_v universal_a but_o as_o she_o be_v a_o church_n and_o so_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o apostle_n plant_v be_v at_o first_o but_o single_a congregation_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o every_o single_a congregation_n be_v a_o church_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v the_o presbyterial_a synodal_n classical_a diocesan_n or_o collegiate_n church_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o deny_v to_o the_o congregational_a or_o as_o now_o they_o be_v call_v parochial_a church_n any_o thing_n either_o of_o name_n or_o of_o privilege_n that_o be_v their_o right_n but_o will_v call_v they_o for_o distinction_n sake_n pastoral_a church_n and_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v a_o power_n of_o govern_v themselves_o as_o such_o as_o every_o family_n have_v a_o power_n and_o right_a to_o govern_v itself_o and_o every_o troop_n and_o company_n in_o a_o army_n by_o their_o own_o proper_a officer_n within_o their_o own_o sphere_n and_o can_v be_v legal_o impose_v on_o by_o other_o family-master_n or_o other_o captain_n with_o who_o they_o be_v equal_a but_o what_o family_n be_v to_o corporation_n and_o these_o to_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o what_o troop_n and_o particular_a company_n be_v to_o regiment_n and_o these_o to_o army_n such_o be_v congregation_n to_o church_n that_o be_v presbyterial_a church_n and_o these_o to_o the_o universal_a i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a which_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o presbyterial_a which_o alone_o be_v that_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o church_n that_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o adult_a church_n that_o have_v power_n by_o its_o officer_n to_o propagate_v and_o constitute_v other_o church_n and_o congregation_n and_o to_o over-rule_v all_o the_o particular_a pastor_n of_o the_o charge_n and_o congregation_n that_o be_v within_o its_o bound_n and_o limit_n this_o presbyterial_a or_o collegiate_n rule_v church_n must_v consist_v of_o a_o pars_fw-la regens_fw-la and_o a_o pars_fw-la regenda_fw-la all_o can_v be_v ruler_n here_o nor_o equal_o interest_v in_o the_o power_n of_o government_n that_o be_v democracy_n and_o but_o one_o little_a remove_n from_o anarchy_n neither_o can_v the_o power_n rest_n in_o one_o single_a person_n that_o be_v absolute_a monarchy_n which_o be_v the_o common_a parent_n of_o tyranny_n but_o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o select_a number_n or_o collegium_fw-la of_o such_o of_o the_o presbyter_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v best_a qualify_v with_o age_n gravity_n experience_n learning_n piety_n and_o especial_o humility_n charity_n moderation_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n with_o a_o holy_a zeal_n and_o diligence_n which_o be_v the_o qualification_n the_o scripture_n in_o this_o case_n require_v and_o this_o company_n of_o rule_v presbyter_n in_o every_o such_o church_n must_v have_v one_o head_n or_o precedent_n which_o be_v the_o episcopus_fw-la episcoporum_fw-la or_o else_o it_o be_v a_o monster_n a_o heap_n of_o confusion_n and_o unororganize_v matter_n this_o head_n must_v be_v one_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o union_n nor_o consistency_n of_o the_o part_n nor_o attainment_n of_o its_o end_n this_o one_o head_n must_v be_v fix_v and_o constant_a and_o that_o in_o the_o same_o person_n till_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n to_o change_v else_o the_o government_n can_v be_v steady_a but_o be_v dissolve_v and_o break_v and_o consequent_o the_o church_n with_o all_o its_o particular_a congregation_n most_o dangerous_o expose_v and_o this_o be_v that_o government_n which_o be_v call_v aristocracy_n and_o may_v as_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o mix_v or_o limit_a monarchy_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o pattern_n give_v we_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o entrench_v upon_o the_o right_n or_o infringe_v the_o liberty_n or_o government_n of_o the_o church_n congregational_a that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a defence_n to_o it_o and_o as_o a_o strong_a wall_n about_o it_o it_o be_v true_a it_o may_v be_v abuse_v and_o what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o may_v not_o but_o to_o plead_v against_o any_o form_n of_o government_n only_o from_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o be_v cavil_v and_o not_o argument_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o conclude_v that_o the_o presbyterial_a and_o diocesan_n church_n in_o the_o essential_o of_o their_o constitution_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n though_o there_o be_v many_o word_n
that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o now_o sir_n you_o see_v here_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o much_o large_a discourse_n than_o time_n or_o strength_n will_v at_o present_a bear_n i_o shall_v contract_v myself_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o circle_n as_o i_o be_o able_a that_o i_o may_v not_o too_o far_o transgress_v the_o bound_n assign_v i_o cap._n ii_o the_o doctrinal_a proposition_n state_v and_o clear_v this_o practical_a text_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o pregnant_a of_o practical_a doctrine_n which_o may_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a branch_n but_o he_o that_o study_v brevity_n must_v avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a division_n i_o shall_v offer_v but_o these_o three_o proposition_n i._o that_o believer_n be_v christ_n own_o mystical_a flock_n and_o he_o their_o great_a shepherd_n prop._n ii_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v they_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o his_o mystical_a flock_n prop._n iii_o that_o a_o minister_n want_v of_o care_n and_o concern_v for_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o indication_n of_o the_o want_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n himself_o either_o of_o these_o single_o will_v fill_v up_o more_o time_n than_o be_v allot_v i_o for_o this_o action_n the_o second_o proposition_n be_v that_o wherein_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o text_n seem_v to_o run_v and_o unto_o which_o both_o the_o other_o will_n without_o force_v come_v in_o to_o its_o improvement_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o for_o the_o basis_n and_o bind_v of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v they_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o rule_n of_o his_o mystical_a flock_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v these_o four_o question_n 1._o what_o this_o flock_n be_v concern_v which_o this_o charge_n be_v give_v or_o who_o they_o be_v who_o our_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v by_o his_o lamb_n and_o his_o sheep_n 2._o why_o these_o name_n of_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n be_v give_v they_o 3._o who_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v with_o who_o this_o charge_n be_v leave_v 4._o what_o the_o duty_n be_v that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o or_o what_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v by_o feed_v they_o and_o then_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o some_o useful_a inference_n both_o to_o minister_n and_o people_n quest_n 1._o what_o this_o flock_n be_v concern_v which_o this_o charge_n be_v give_v or_o who_o our_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v by_o his_o lamb_n and_o his_o sheep_n sol._n the_o question_n need_v not_o many_o word_n the_o general_a sense_n of_o this_o common_a scriptural_a metaphor_n be_v obvious_a but_o that_o which_o make_v the_o question_n be_v that_o distinguish_v if_o it_o be_v here_o a_o distinguish_a relative_n my_o sheep_n mat._n 25.32_o 33._o we_o have_v there_o all_o the_o world_n divide_v into_o two_o sort_n sheep_n and_o goat_n i._n e._n believer_n and_o unbeliever_n wherefore_o by_o sheep_n in_o that_o scripture_n and_o with_o who_o the_o lamb_n be_v also_o include_v be_v oppose_v to_o the_o goat_n we_o may_v understand_v no_o other_o than_o true_a believer_n the_o sound_n and_o sincere_a part_n of_o professor_n which_o be_v no_o large_a than_o the_o church_n invisible_a these_o indeed_o be_v his_o sheep_n in_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a sense_n but_o that_o the_o word_n in_o the_o text_n must_v not_o be_v so_o restrain_v be_v certain_a because_o our_o commission_n will_v then_o be_v unintelligible_a and_o lose_v its_o end_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v assure_v who_o be_v the_o sheep_n and_o who_o the_o goat_n till_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n determine_v and_o reveal_v it_o who_o then_o be_v my_o lamb_n and_o my_o sheep_n if_o i_o may_v expound_v my_o text_n by_o that_o of_o matth._n 28.19_o the_o question_n will_v well-nigh_o be_v answer_v go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n that_o teach_v here_o be_v the_o same_o with_o feed_v in_o the_o text_n i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v all_o nation_n i._n e._n those_o of_o all_o and_o of_o any_o nation_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o you_o and_o that_o all_o nation_n be_v his_o both_o as_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n i_o hope_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o then_o how_o be_v all_o nation_n call_v his_o sheep_n and_o his_o lamb_n i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o all_o nation_n be_v those_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o will_v receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o which_o sort_n christ_n have_v have_v some_o in_o all_o nation_n beside_o many_o of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o actual_o his_o sheep_n be_v potential_o and_o elective_o so_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o command_n seem_v to_o run_v thus_o feed_v all_o those_o both_o young_a and_o old_a that_o will_v be_v feed_v by_o you_o of_o what_o nation_n or_o country_n or_o place_v soever_o they_o be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o actual_o my_o sheep_n may_v be_v make_v so_o and_o then_o care_v and_o provide_v for_o as_o such_o this_o be_v the_o general_n call_v of_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n joh._n 7.37_o and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o joh._n 6.37_o all_o that_o will_n may_v and_o must_v be_v feed_v but_o yet_o not_o all_o alike_o as_o there_o be_v babe_n and_o strong_a man_n in_o god_n house_n so_o there_o be_v milk_n and_o strong_a meat_n that_o which_o will_v cherish_v one_o will_v choke_v another_o all_o ordinance_n may_v not_o be_v indifferent_o administer_v unto_o all_o in_o the_o old_a temple_n there_o be_v the_o inner_a and_o the_o outer_a court_n so_o there_o be_v in_o the_o new_a but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n may_v be_v recognise_v in_o a_o more_o proper_a place_n this_o little_a may_v now_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v on_o this_o first_o question_n quest_n 2._o why_o be_v these_o name_n of_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n give_v they_o sol._n we_o find_v it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n delight_v much_o in_o be_v it_o expedient_a it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o illustrate_v the_o analogy_n in_o many_o particular_n but_o that_o it_o become_v not_o the_o present_a occasion_n i_o shall_v but_o suggest_v these_o two_o general_a reason_n 1._o to_o mind_v we_o what_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o 2._o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v 1._o to_o mind_v we_o what_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o the_o sheep_n as_o one_o observe_v be_v of_o all_o cattle_n the_o most_o silly_a sacr._n franz_n histor_n animal_n sacr._n fearful_a weak_a and_o unprovided_a for_o self-defence_n none_o so_o subject_a to_o disease_n and_o to_o be_v infect_v of_o one_o another_o nor_o any_o other_o creature_n more_o apt_a to_o go_v astray_o or_o so_o unapt_a to_o return_v without_o the_o help_n and_o care_n of_o the_o shepherd_n no_o other_o kind_n of_o perfect_a animal_n so_o unable_a to_o subsist_v and_o to_o preserve_v its_o species_n in_o the_o earth_n without_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o man_n as_o be_v the_o poor_a sheep_n therefore_o no_o other_o metaphor_n more_o proper_a to_o express_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o without_o the_o wisdom_n power_n providence_n faithfulness_n love_n and_o all-sufficiency_n of_o our_o heavenly_a shepherd_n the_o lord_z jesus_n christ_n must_v inevitable_o and_o eternal_o perish_v 2._o it_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o sheep_n you_o know_v be_v that_o creature_n which_o be_v of_o old_a in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n dedicate_v to_o god_n and_o offer_v to_o he_o in_o sacrifice_n and_o make_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n our_o great_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n the_o first_o offer_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o find_v honour_v with_o his_o acceptance_n be_v that_o of_o abel_n of_o the_o firstling_n of_o his_o flock_n gen._n 4.4_o beside_o the_o sheep_n be_v a_o creature_n not_o only_o ceremonial_o clean_a but_o be_v natural_o cleanly_a and_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o mire_n and_o dirt_n as_o the_o sow_n it_o be_v a_o meek_a innocent_a patient_a creature_n and_o use_v as_o a_o common_a emblem_n of_o patience_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o profitable_a of_o cattle_n of_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a they_o have_v a_o natural_a instinct_n of_o vehement_a love_n and_o regard_v for_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o that_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o admonish_v you_o so_o heb._n 13.7_o those_o that_o rule_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o that_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o ver_fw-la 17._o they_o be_v say_v to_o watch_n for_o soul_n which_o as_o it_o may_v imply_v other_o work_n so_o it_o must_v import_v preach_v the_o word_n in_o which_o sense_n the_o word_n be_v ordinary_o use_v in_o scripture_n and_o here_o the_o ruler_n and_o the_o watchman_n be_v the_o same_o many_o other_o text_n there_o be_v that_o free_o offer_v to_o avouch_v this_o truth_n but_o these_o be_v enough_o to_o prove_v what_o i_o aim_v at_o that_o the_o work_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n be_v both_o to_o teach_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o govern_v be_v not_o worthy_a to_o teach_v they_o but_o to_o obviate_v any_o scandalous_a reflection_n that_o ignorance_n or_o envy_n may_v make_v on_o this_o position_n and_o claim_v of_o our_o govern_n power_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o church_n we_o hearty_o declare_v our_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o those_o popith_n tenet_n and_o pretension_n which_o be_v any_o way_n derogatory_n to_o the_o just_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o civil_a government_n under_o which_o we_o live_v and_o unto_o which_o we_o profess_v our_o cheerful_a and_o constant_a obedience_n both_o as_o man_n and_o as_o christian_n our_o spiritual_a government_n of_o god_n spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o our_o respective_a charge_n be_v no_o more_o prejudicial_a to_o that_o of_o temporal_a state_n and_o kingdom_n than_o be_v the_o despotical_a which_o be_v the_o natural_a right_n of_o every_o family_n yea_o so_o far_o from_o prejudicial_a that_o it_o be_v accumulative_a both_o of_o their_o honour_n and_o security_n as_o the_o experience_n both_o of_o the_o primitive_a and_o of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n have_v unquestionable_o prove_v and_o which_o may_v in_o many_o particular_a instance_n be_v it_o necessay_v be_v demonstrate_v from_o what_o have_v be_v now_o thus_o brief_o say_v i_o conclude_v this_o question_n that_o feed_v my_o lamb_n and_o my_o sheep_n imply_v these_o two_o thing_n teach_v they_o and_o rule_v they_o wherein_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n be_v include_v but_o to_o tell_v you_o how_o they_o must_v be_v teach_v and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v rule_v will_v need_v much_o more_o time_n than_o be_v here_o allot_v i_o or_o be_v now_o convenient_a for_o i_o to_o take_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o main_a of_o my_o errand_n to_o you_o something_o must_v be_v speak_v to_o it_o as_o time_n and_o strength_n will_v serve_v in_o the_o applicatory_a part_n to_o which_o i_o now_o proceed_v cap._n iii_o the_o doctrine_n improve_v by_o way_n of_o instruction_n this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v useful_a more_o way_n than_o i_o shall_v be_v able_a now_o to_o apply_v it_o yet_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o suggest_v some_o of_o the_o more_o necessary_a thing_n under_o these_o three_o general_a head_n instruction_n exhortation_n encouragement_n 1._o by_o way_n of_o instruction_n and_o that_o in_o these_o eight_o particular_n 1._o in_o the_o right_n and_o propriety_n that_o christ_n have_v in_o his_o church_n they_o be_v his_o own_o sheep_n joh._n 10.3.4_o no_o shepherd_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v or_o can_v have_v that_o absolute_a undefeasible_a supreme_a independent_a and_o natural_a propriety_n in_o his_o flock_n as_o christ_n have_v in_o he_o they_o be_v his_o both_o as_o god_n and_o as_o redeemer_n he_o by_o right_n of_o creation_n donation_n purchase_n regeneration_n and_o their_o own_o voluntary_a choice_n and_o self-dedication_n his_o portion_n his_o inheritance_n his_o peculiar_a treasure_n nothing_o be_v near_a nothing_o dear_a to_o he_o than_o they_o his_o mark_n and_o his_o name_n be_v upon_o they_o his_o spirit_n his_o nature_n his_o image_n his_o glory_n shine_v in_o they_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o his_o claim_n to_o they_o and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v distinguish_v and_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n joh._n 15.19_o and_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o caution_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 3._o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rule_v but_o not_o domineer_a govern_v but_o not_o tyrannize_a more_o regio_fw-la imperantes_fw-la as_o deputy_n and_o ruler_n in_o trust_n not_o as_o lord_n and_o king_n non_fw-fr regnum_fw-la sed_fw-la cura_fw-la presbyteris_fw-la commissa_fw-la est_fw-la beccause_n they_o be_v not_o you_o but_o god_n heritage_n his_o clergy_n whether_o minister_n or_o people_n for_o the_o word_n in_o the_o use_n as_o well_o as_o derivation_n of_o it_o reach_v both_o church-tyranny_n be_v a_o encroachment_n upon_o christ_n peculiar_a right_n to_o rule_v with_o a_o lordly_a grandeur_n with_o rigour_n or_o arbitrariness_n to_o monopolise_v the_o power_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o equal_o distribute_v be_v very_o injurious_a not_o only_o to_o the_o flock_n but_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o it_o and_o who_o servant_n and_o steward_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v and_o which_o be_v a_o guilt_n that_o the_o proud_a he_o upon_o earth_n will_v not_o have_v the_o hardiness_n to_o own_o before_o his_o judge_n another_o day_n 2._o in_o the_o tender_a affection_n and_o care_n he_o have_v for_o they_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o endear_v a_o thing_n to_o we_o than_o propriety_n that_o which_o be_v our_o own_o we_o love_v though_o it_o be_v not_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v nor_o as_o we_o wish_v yet_o because_o it_o be_v our_o own_o and_o those_o that_o do_v otherwise_o be_v just_o reckon_v among_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o natural_a affection_n and_o worse_o than_o infidel_n but_o shall_v i_o begin_v to_o tell_v you_o what_o dearness_n of_o affection_n the_o lord_n jsus_n christ_n have_v for_o his_o poor_a little_a flock_n where_o shall_v i_o end_v eternity_n will_v be_v little_a enough_o with_o admiration_n and_o praise_n to_o recount_v the_o glorious_a soul-ravishing_a instance_n of_o this_o love_n he_o love_v they_o so_o as_o to_o leave_v the_o eternal_a throne_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o sweet_a repose_n he_o have_v from_o everlasting_a in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n for_o they_o so_o as_o to_o humble_a and_o abase_v himself_o to_o the_o vile_a rag_n of_o our_o humane_a nature_n to_o the_o misery_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o indigent_a life_n to_o the_o proud_a scorn_n and_o blasphemous_a indignity_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o horrid_o ungrateful_a world_n to_o the_o foul_a temptation_n and_o buffet_n of_o satan_n to_o the_o imputation_n of_o sin_n the_o only_a thing_n so_o abhorrent_n to_o his_o pure_a and_o sinless_a nature_n to_o the_o bondage_n obedience_n and_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o he_o never_o in_o the_o least_o for_o himself_o deserve_v and_o which_o to_o any_o one_o else_o will_v have_v be_v utter_o unsupportable_a to_o the_o most_o ignâ—â—â—inious_a torturous_a and_o accurse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o the_o power_n of_o death_n his_o own_o servant_n and_o common_a executioner_n for_o a_o time_n and_o all_o this_o his_o love_n to_o they_o overcome_v and_o sweeten_v to_o he_o yea_o and_o have_v love_v they_o he_o love_v they_o still_o and_o will_v love_v they_o to_o the_o end_n yea_o without_o end_n and_o therefore_o delight_v to_o speak_v of_o they_o always_o with_o some_o intimation_n of_o their_o dearness_n to_o he_o as_o his_o friend_n his_o brethren_n his_o child_n his_o lamb_n his_o spouse_n his_o member_n etc._n etc._n for_o all_o which_o i_o have_v no_o need_n to_o quote_v you_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o be_v his_o love_n to_o they_o so_o be_v his_o care_n of_o and_o provision_n for_o they_o when_o he_o see_v it_o expedient_a for_o they_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o as_o to_o his_o bodily_a presence_n and_o to_o leave_v they_o here_o in_o a_o militant_a state_n expose_v to_o the_o rage_n of_o he_o and_o their_o enemy_n both_o temporal_a and_o infernal_a to_o be_v hate_v and_o tempt_v and_o persecute_v to_o the_o death_n for_o his_o sake_n o_o how_o do_v his_o soul_n pity_v they_o with_o what_o compassion_n do_v he_o embrace_v they_o and_o seal_v his_o unchangeable_a love_n to_o they_o what_o a_o stream_n of_o endear_n affection_n and_o care_n do_v there_o run_v through_o his_o part_a discourse_n with_o they_o joh._n 14.15_o and_o 16._o how_o sweet_o do_v he_o counsel_v and_o comfort_v they_o there_o and_o be_v so_o concern_v for_o they_o that_o he_o seem_v to_o take_v no_o care_n for_o himself_o though_o he_o know_v that_o dreadful_a hour_n be_v now_o come_v wherein_o that_o wrath_n must_v be_v
the_o teach_v and_o rule_v authority_n together_o and_o commit_v it_o in_o conjunction_n to_o the_o same_o hand_n but_o what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o let_v no_o man_n put_v asunder_o quest_n 3._o by_o what_o law_n must_v they_o be_v rule_v sol._n not_o by_o law_n of_o man_n devise_v which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o accommodate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o inclination_n and_o end_n but_o by_o the_o write_a law_n of_o his_o own_o prescription_n the_o oeconomy_n be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o so_o must_v the_o law_n be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v administer_v other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o the_o foundation_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v lay_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o whoever_o lay_v any_o other_o foundation_n in_o either_o of_o these_o entrenche_n on_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o his_o own_o peril_n though_o in_o the_o necessary_a circumstantial_o of_o all_o these_o humane_a prudence_n and_o authority_n have_v a_o determine_a power_n for_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o to_o its_o destruction_n or_o disturbance_n i_o say_v the_o necessary_a circumstantial_o but_o unnecessary_o to_o multiply_v circumstantial_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o indifferent_n and_o on_o pretence_n of_o decency_n or_o authority_n be_v a_o very_a unacceptable_a and_o offensive_a piece_n of_o superstition_n and_o to_o impose_v they_o as_o the_o indispensible_a term_n of_o communion_n on_o such_o as_o be_v not_o satisfy_v about_o they_o be_v not_o the_o least_o instance_n of_o church-tyranny_n church_n officer_n be_v but_o christ_n deputy_n and_o not_o lord_n of_o god_n heritage_n and_o therefore_o must_v rule_v by_o christ_n law_n for_o he_o be_v our_o judge_n our_o lawgiver_n and_o our_o king_n isa_n 33.22_o our_o power_n be_v but_o to_o execute_v it_o be_v he_o that_o must_v make_v and_o give_v the_o law_n and_o what_o these_o law_n be_v and_o where_o to_o be_v find_v i_o need_v not_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v his_o statute-book_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o 2._o the_o ruler_n if_o there_o be_v some_o to_o be_v rule_v there_o must_v be_v other_o to_o rule_n relata_fw-la se_fw-la simul_fw-la ponunt_fw-la &_o tollunt_fw-la &_o qui_fw-la novit_fw-la unum_fw-la relatorum_fw-la novit_fw-la &_o alterum_fw-la yet_o here_o it_o will_v be_v inquire_v who_o be_v those_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v i_o shall_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o regal_a power_n or_o how_o far_o it_o be_v christian_n it_o extend_v both_o over_o pastor_n and_o people_n not_o only_o as_o civil_a subject_n but_o as_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n for_o this_o to_o mr._n baxter_n of_o national_a church_n and_o to_o other_o that_o have_v write_v of_o it_o it_o be_v foreign_a to_o my_o present_a text._n but_o as_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v two_o distinct_a political_a body_n so_o there_o must_v be_v two_o distinct_a form_n of_o government_n proper_a to_o each_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v 1._o of_o the_o people_n these_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o not_o to_o rule_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i_o know_v this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o that_o can_v bad_o bear_v it_o nor_o will_v i_o thus_o displease_v they_o can_v i_o help_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v faithful_a those_o that_o be_v for_o a_o democracy_n seem_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n as_o they_o be_v numb_a 16.3_o who_o gather_v themselves_o together_o against_o moses_n and_o against_o aaron_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o see_v all_o the_o congregation_n be_v holy_a every_o one_o of_o they_o wherefore_o then_o lift_v you_o up_o yourselves_o above_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o tribe_n of_o reuben_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o strange_a but_o great_a pity_n it_o be_v that_o any_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n shall_v conspire_v with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o can_v consent_v to_o such_o a_o usurpation_n and_o be_v innocent_a and_o true_a to_o the_o trust_n commit_v to_o he_o let_v those_o that_o be_v for_o the_o people_n rule_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n show_v we_o when_o and_o where_o the_o key_n of_o government_n or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v put_v into_o any_o of_o their_o hand_n where_o do_v our_o lord_n make_v they_o partner_n with_o we_o in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n or_o what_o part_n of_o the_o govern_v office_n and_o work_n be_v it_o that_o he_o assign_v to_o they_o herein_o i_o be_o sorry_a that_o i_o must_v dissent_v not_o only_o from_o man_n of_o a_o inferior_a note_n and_o more_o heterodox_n principles_n but_o from_o the_o learned_a calvin_n too_o and_o almost_o all_o that_o follow_v he_o for_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o find_v in_o scripture_n any_o such_o officer_n as_o a_o non-preaching_a roll_a elder_a appoint_v of_o christ_n or_o of_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n the_o one_o and_o only_a officer_n that_o christ_n himself_o make_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o his_o word_n the_o evangelical_n pastor_n who_o work_n be_v to_o feed_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o flock_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o add_v the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n as_o servant_n to_o they_o and_o help_v in_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o their_o work_n as_o may_v be_v see_v act._n 6._o begin_v and_o as_o moses_n do_v for_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o government_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o jethro_n exod._n 18.18_o etc._n etc._n which_o though_o it_o be_v apostolical_a yet_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v primary_o but_o only_o secundary_o jure_v divino_fw-la the_o scripture_n that_o be_v allege_v in_o favour_n of_o this_o ruling_n lay_v elder_a do_v not_o as_o i_o think_v prove_v any_o such_o conclusion_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v and_o leave_v all_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o such_o as_o can_v without_o prejudice_n weigh_v what_o i_o be_o now_o bold_a to_o offer_v one_o text_n we_o have_v rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o to_o which_o i_o have_v this_o exception_n if_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o rule_v be_v here_o mention_v as_o a_o distinct_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n then_o why_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o which_o we_o have_v these_o seven_o in_o this_o one_o scripture_n viz._n he_o that_o prophesi_v he_o that_o minister_v he_o that_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v he_o that_o give_v he_o that_o rule_v and_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n but_o if_o we_o go_v to_o work_v in_o this_o way_n how_o will_v office_n be_v multiply_v in_o the_o church_n beyond_o all_o that_o be_v ever_o intend_v or_o imagine_v and_o then_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 29_o 30._o where_o we_o have_v no_o less_o than_o nine_o mention_v among_o which_o we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o signify_v the_o rule_v lay-elder_n and_o so_o we_o will_v believe_v too_o can_v they_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n here_o mention_v be_v so_o many_o office_n in_o the_o church_n they_o insist_v very_o confident_o on_o these_o word_n of_o sanction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n have_v set_v and_o appoint_v but_o why_o this_o word_n which_o have_v undeniable_o a_o equal_a relation_n to_o all_o shall_v make_v or_o prove_v one_o to_o be_v a_o office_n and_o not_o another_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o depth_n that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o fathom_n here_o as_o i_o think_v the_o great_a mistake_n lie_v that_o gift_n and_o office_n be_v confound_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6._o very_o plain_o distinguish_v between_o gift_n administ_n ation_n and_o operation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o by_o gift_n be_v mean_v the_o ability_n bestow_v upon_o the_o office_n or_o administration_n in_o order_n to_o the_o operation_n or_o effect_n of_o they_o to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o forementioned_a scripture_n we_o find_v a_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n but_o gift_n and_o office_n be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o there_o be_v one_o scripture_n more_o which_o have_v be_v already_o quote_v on_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o seem_v to_o speak_v more_o full_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o to_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o preach_v and_o rule_v elder_n viz._n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v account_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o