from_o he_o to_o treat_v with_o their_o fellow-creature_n in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o communicate_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o which_o by_o a_o just_a analogy_n may_v also_o be_v attribute_v to_o all_o succeed_a minister_n who_o be_v legal_o appoint_v to_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o minister_v to_o his_o people_n in_o sacred_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o respect_v the_o office_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n they_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v intend_v under_o this_o phrase_n will_v most_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o compare_v this_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n with_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o then_o consider_v the_o most_o genuine_a import_n and_o signification_n of_o they_o in_o col._n 2.2_o the_o apostle_n profess_v his_o ardent_a zeal_n and_o solicitude_n for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n at_o colossi_fw-la and_o laodicea_n insert_v this_o very_a expression_n into_o his_o prayer_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v unite_v with_o one_o accord_n into_o the_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n of_o which_o he_o affirm_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n that_o all_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o the_o same_o he_o call_v their_o faith_n in_o christ_n verse_n 5._o and_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n verse_n 6._o which_o phrase_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o exposition_n to_o explicate_v their_o sense_n and_o meaning_n than_o to_o signify_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o afterward_o confirm_v and_o perfect_v by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o parallel_n to_o which_o be_v that_o illustrious_a aphorism_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n which_o prescribe_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o piety_n and_o that_o this_o notion_n require_v so_o general_a a_o signification_n appear_v by_o the_o several_a branch_n enumerate_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o basis_n or_o foundation_n to_o support_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o common_a receive_v article_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o that_o man_n may_v not_o wander_v eternal_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o a_o everlasting_a blindness_n possess_v their_o soul_n it_o have_v please_v the_o infinite_o wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n to_o communicate_v to_o the_o world_n by_o divine_a revelation_n many_o sublime_a and_o mysterious_a point_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o observe_v in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v perpetuate_v to_o the_o world_n and_o secure_v from_o the_o corruption_n or_o invasion_n of_o enemy_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o commit_v they_o to_o write_v in_o the_o sacred_a record_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o by_o a_o especial_a providence_n be_v preserve_v entire_a to_o this_o very_a day_n in_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o latter_a be_v the_o only_a foundation_n lay_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o the_o catalogue_n of_o book_n contain_v therein_o the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o st._n paul_n say_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o know_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o so_o certain_o can_v not_o remain_v in_o unwritten_a tradition_n for_o than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v hide_v from_o the_o world_n rom._n 16.26_o and_o another_o apostle_n call_v it_o the_o faith_n once_o or_o at_o once_o deliver_v judas_n 3_o which_o direct_o oppose_v any_o innovation_n or_o introduction_n of_o doctrine_n into_o the_o gospel_n after_o its_o consummation_n by_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v a_o assertion_n of_o such_o catholic_n verity_n that_o all_o the_o writer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v constant_o acknowledge_v it_o till_o those_o few_o person_n in_o the_o late_a council_n of_o trent_n dare_v venture_v to_o reject_v the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o run_v counter_a with_o the_o best_a antiquity_n which_o be_v plain_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o incomparable_a industry_n and_o elaborate_a inquiry_n of_o the_o late_a reverend_a bishop_n of_o durham_n in_o his_o scholastical_a history_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o holy_a scripture_n so_o that_o though_o the_o write_n of_o apocryphical_a author_n may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o example_n of_o life_n and_o instruction_n of_o manner_n yet_o the_o governor_n of_o our_o church_n in_o compile_v her_o public_a liturgy_n have_v appoint_v no_o part_n of_o those_o book_n to_o be_v read_v but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o canonical_a scripture_n and_o always_o account_v their_o authority_n too_o weak_a to_o lay_v any_o foundation_n for_o or_o to_o establish_v any_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o saint_n jerome_n concern_v this_o matter_n who_o be_v also_o the_o most_o strenuous_a assertor_n of_o the_o certain_a and_o indubitate_a catalogue_n of_o holy_a writer_n for_o speak_v of_o the_o write_n of_o apocrypha_fw-la he_o say_v legit_fw-la quidem_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la sed_fw-la eas_fw-la inter_fw-la canonicas_fw-la non_fw-la recipit_fw-la and_o though_o we_o receive_v the_o name_n and_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o humane_a tradition_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o credit_n believe_v those_o copy_n which_o now_o we_o enjoy_v to_o be_v authentic_a and_o in_o all_o material_a part_n agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o primitive_a write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n yet_o we_o dare_v not_o receive_v the_o tradition_n of_o man_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n nay_o we_o utter_o reject_v such_o imposition_n as_o presumptuous_a and_o impudent_a and_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n if_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o comsummation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v consign_v and_o seal_v it_o up_o with_o a_o anathema_n rev._n 22.18_o 19_o itestifie_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o the_o church_n of_o england_n according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n have_v prescribe_v the_o same_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o utter_o disclaim_v all_o pretence_n of_o addition_n to_o or_o detraction_n from_o it_o as_o it_o be_v recite_v in_o the_o six_o article_n of_o our_o religion_n so_o that_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n the_o sacred_a record_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o several_a content_n therein_o the_o various_a part_n thereof_o and_o no_o other_o write_n or_o tradition_n whatsoever_o be_v that_o depositum_fw-la commit_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o ministerial_a officer_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o preserve_v and_o improve_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o this_o purpose_n they_o be_v constitute_v steward_n of_o god_n and_o dispenser_n of_o holy_a mystery_n thus_o st._n paul_n affirm_v in_o general_a 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o god_n have_v give_v we_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o commit_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o peace_n that_o we_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n to_o pray_v man_n in_o christ_n stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a proclaim_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v appoint_v a_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o apostle_n and_o a_o teacher_n of_o the_o gentile_n 2_o tim._n 1.11_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o exhort_v timothy_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o he_o by_o the_o put_n on_o of_o his_o hand_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o and_o to_o keep_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o verse_n 6_o 13_o 14._o to_o which_o agree_v that_o description_n of_o a_o minister_n or_o precedent_n in_o sacred_a affair_n deliver_v by_o that_o mystical_a divine_a that_o he_o be_v the_o proper_a interpreter_n of_o divine_a theology_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o angel_n of_o almighty_n god_n be_v to_o learn_v from_o those_o divine_o inspire_v oracle_n and_o then_o to_o teach_v and_o explain_v they_o to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o commission_n of_o those_o apostolical_a person_n be_v restrain_v within_o the_o prescription_n of_o certain_a bound_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o go_v beyond_o the_o command_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a of_o their_o own_o mind_n have_v power_n to_o say_v nothing_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o what_o he_o communicate_v to_o they_o
this_o accout_n those_o public_a office_n be_v compose_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o hour_n of_o prayer_n appoint_v that_o the_o priest_n may_v almost_o continual_o be_v pray_v for_o the_o people_n according_a to_o which_o practice_n it_o be_v command_v by_o our_o church_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n offer_v up_o a_o morning_n and_o evening_n sacrifice_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o public_a service_n and_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n which_o in_o all_o cathedral_n church_n and_o collegiate_n chapel_n be_v due_o observe_v or_o as_o ambassador_n to_o treat_v with_o the_o people_n in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o their_o maker_n to_o they_o faithful_o explain_v the_o gospel_n in_o its_o true_a and_o prosper_v sense_n and_o frame_v their_o discourse_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n and_o capacity_n of_o their_o auditor_n that_o their_o understanding_n may_v be_v well_o inform_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o heart_n strong_o confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n to_o warn_v sinner_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n and_o to_o preach_v up_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o practical_a religion_n to_o present_v they_o with_o the_o most_o convince_a reason_n and_o powerful_a exhortation_n to_o a_o good_a life_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n may_v be_v incline_v to_o the_o love_n and_o their_o life_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o as_o universal_a piety_n hitherto_o may_v be_v refer_v that_o necessary_a office_n of_o catechise_v the_o christian_a youth_n by_o some_o short_a and_o familiar_a question_n concern_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o due_o perform_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n prevent_v that_o infidelity_n and_o profaneness_n so_o scandalous_a and_o offensive_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n even_o by_o those_o which_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o understanding_n for_o this_o purpose_n that_o admirable_a compendium_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o catechism_n of_o our_o church_n be_v command_v to_o be_v learn_v by_o every_o baptise_a person_n before_o he_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o bishop_n that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o faith_n before_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v still_o of_o large_a extent_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o and_o experience_n too_o true_o manifest_v what_o busy_a agent_n the_o emissary_n of_o satan_n be_v to_o disseminate_a the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n and_o to_o spread_v abroad_o most_o damnable_a error_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v they_o that_o creep_v into_o private_a house_n and_o lead_v captive_n silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o divers_a lust_n and_o those_o false_a teacher_n who_o be_v unruly_a and_o vain_a talker_n and_o deceiver_n call_v in_o question_n the_o most_o undeniable_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o lasciviousness_n who_o folly_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n and_o their_o mouth_n stop_v that_o they_o proceed_v no_o further_o which_o be_v certain_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o man_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n to_o convince_v and_o reclaim_v the_o gainsayer_n tit._n 1.5_o 9_o for_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o care_n and_o vigilance_n of_o minister_n who_o employment_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o soul_n and_o to_o endeavour_v their_o salvation_n may_v without_o affront_n to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v inferior_a to_o the_o pain_n and_o solicitude_n of_o those_o seducer_n who_o business_n be_v to_o tempt_v and_o entice_v man_n to_o sin_n and_o thereby_o to_o ascertain_v their_o eternal_a damnation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v undoubted_o their_o office_n by_o private_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n as_o well_o as_o by_o public_a to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n against_o the_o clamorous_a and_o impertinent_a cavil_n of_o malicious_a spirit_n and_o false_a apostel_n to_o study_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o unhappy_a person_n that_o be_v assault_v by_o they_o that_o they_o neither_o embrace_v the_o error_n of_o those_o man_n nor_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o to_o wrestle_v with_o god_n by_o their_o most_o fervent_a and_o importunate_a prayer_n till_o their_o people_n be_v deliver_v from_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o soul_n confirm_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n thus_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o have_v call_v together_o the_o elder_n at_o miletus_n commit_v to_o they_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n and_o warn_v they_o of_o false_a teacher_n that_o they_o faithful_o watch_v against_o their_o invasion_n lest_o they_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o acts._n 20.28_o 29_o 30_o 31._o add_v to_o all_o this_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o many_o which_o cry_v aloud_o for_o personal_a instruction_n the_o open_a profaneness_n of_o other_o which_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o most_o serious_a admonition_n and_o seasonable_a reprehension_n from_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o always_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o who_o according_a to_o their_o various_a condition_n require_v the_o most_o affectionate_a exhortation_n and_o convince_a argument_n to_o confirm_v their_o patience_n to_o increase_v their_o faith_n to_o quicken_v their_o hope_n to_o complete_a their_o repentance_n and_o to_o perfect_v their_o charity_n all_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v ordain_v as_o a_o perpetual_a office_n in_o the_o church_n james_n 5.14_o be_v any_o man_n sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a all_o which_o particular_n be_v brief_o recommend_v to_o the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o polycarp_n bishop_n of_o smyrna_n by_o ignatius_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n and_o comprehend_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o polycarp_n to_o the_o presbyter_n of_o philippi_n as_o their_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a office_n these_o be_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o minister_n office_n and_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n that_o by_o these_o spiritual_a ministries_n they_o may_v faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o the_o family_n and_o household_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n viz._n a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o office_n and_o if_o the_o solemnity_n of_o our_o ordination_n or_o the_o injunction_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n if_o the_o manifold_a advantage_n which_o our_o faithfulness_n will_v infallible_o effect_v or_o the_o severe_a account_n we_o must_v render_v to_o god_n concern_v our_o stewardship_n if_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o have_v any_o weight_n and_o importance_n in_o they_o they_o lay_v the_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o engage_v our_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o in_o our_o ordination_n we_o receive_v authority_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o explain_v the_o scripture_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o when_o we_o receive_v institution_n from_o our_o diocesan_n be_v strict_o enjoin_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o we_o be_v oppoint_v overseer_n and_o if_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n what_o variety_n of_o precept_n be_v then_o deliver_v by_o god_n himself_o there_o be_v neither_o a_o evangelist_n nor_o a_o apostle_n but_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n prescribe_v our_o duty_n and_o require_v our_o fidelity_n beside_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v extreme_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o people_n lie_v at_o stake_n and_o our_o own_o everlasting_a doom_n most_o certain_o depend_v upon_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n or_o wretched_a neglect_n of_o our_o office_n and_o employment_n for_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n exhort_v timothy_n to_o discharge_v his_o duty_n with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n i_o charge_v thou_o before_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a at_o his_o appear_v and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 5.21_o 2_o tim._n 4.1_o but_o because_o he_o that_o be_v unjust_a in_o his_o own_o affair_n will_v scarce_o be_v faithful_a in_o administer_a the_o good_n of_o other_o i_o mean_v if_o our_o conscience_n be_v loose_a and_o treacherous_a in_o order_v our_o own_o life_n we_o shall_v discover_v
person_n speak_v of_o who_o st._n paul_n do_v direct_o and_o immediate_o respect_n be_v those_o mention_v chap._n 3._o vers_fw-la 22._o paul_n apollo_n and_o cephas_n who_o be_v separate_v by_o the_o lord_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o appoint_v as_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o faith_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o corinthian_n but_o that_o this_o particular_a direction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n may_v be_v of_o large_a use_n and_o service_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o general_a it_o be_v most_o rational_a and_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o whole_a scope_n and_o tenure_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o affirm_v that_o all_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v consecrate_v to_o the_o same_o employment_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o office_n implicit_o include_v in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o as_o just_o style_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n be_v and_o if_o particular_a commission_n be_v necessary_a to_o constitute_v the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a order_n the_o negative_a hold_v as_o infallible_o true_a as_o the_o affirmative_a that_o no_o person_n may_v presume_v to_o administer_v any_o office_n appropriate_a to_o this_o sacred_a function_n but_o those_o who_o be_v legal_o call_v to_o and_o canonical_o invest_v with_o it_o for_o the_o gospel_n almost_o as_o oft_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v to_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o dispenser_n of_o it_o plain_o intimate_v that_o the_o master_n of_o our_o religion_n design_n a_o separation_n of_o person_n from_o secular_a employment_n to_o officiate_v in_o the_o ministry_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o 1_o cor._n 12._o the_o apostle_n resemble_v the_o church_n to_o a_o body_n which_o be_v constitute_v of_o several_a member_n and_o every_o one_o design_v to_o serve_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o foot_n can_v usurp_v the_o office_n of_o the_o head_n nor_o the_o arm_n exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o brain_n but_o every_o one_o discharge_v its_o proper_a function_n that_o there_o be_v no_o schism_n nor_o division_n in_o the_o body_n in_o proportion_n to_o which_o similitude_n the_o state_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o which_o every_o the_o mean_a christian_n be_v a_o member_n in_o particular_a but_o every_o member_n can_v dispose_v and_o regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n do_v all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n do_v all_o interpret_v verse_n 29.30_o shall_v the_o foot_n say_v unless_o i_o be_o head_n i_o will_v not_o be_v of_o the_o body_n or_o the_o ear_n say_v because_o i_o be_o not_o the_o eye_n i_o be_o not_o sufficient_o honour_v if_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v a_o eye_n where_o be_v the_o hear_n and_o if_o every_o member_n be_v the_o head_n where_o be_v the_o body_n but_o god_n have_v set_v the_o member_n every_o one_o in_o the_o body_n as_o it_o have_v please_v he_o verse_n 16_o 17_o 18._o first_o apostles_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n verse_n 28._o and_o that_o this_o distinction_n shall_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v confident_o conffirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o wherein_o he_o declare_v that_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n therein_o mention_v to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n which_o phrase_n must_v of_o necessity_n denote_v their_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n till_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_n be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o state_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n perfect_o complete_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n st._n paul_n justify_v his_o special_a designation_n to_o the_o apostleship_n 1_o tim._n 2.7_o and_o st._n peter_n exhort_v his_o presbyter_n to_o continual_a diligence_n in_o their_o employment_n as_o their_o proper_a and_o necessary_a duty_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o and_o indeed_o if_o we_o search_v into_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o world_n or_o consider_v the_o account_n which_o modern_a historian_n have_v private_o collect_v and_o public_o present_v to_o we_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o faithful_a among_o they_o do_v confident_o assure_v we_o that_o never_o any_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o governor_n thereof_o solemn_o appoint_v a_o separation_n of_o person_n who_o constant_a employment_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o solemnize_v and_o celebrate_v the_o mystery_n thereof_o and_o moses_n in_o transcribe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n and_o under_o the_o admistration_n of_o the_o law_n have_v record_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o custom_n in_o those_o several_a form_n of_o church-government_n thus_o enoch_n and_o noah_n be_v preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o the_o old_a world_n abraham_n and_o the_o succeed_a patriarch_n be_v king_n and_o priest_n in_o their_o respective_a family_n and_o due_o administer_v the_o affair_n of_o religion_n to_o their_o several_a charge_n and_o when_o god_n erect_v his_o theocratical_a government_n over_o the_o jew_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o own_o people_n he_o command_v aaron_n and_o his_o son_n to_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o priest_n office_n that_o they_o may_v wait_v at_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o minister_n to_o the_o people_n in_o holy_a thing_n which_o be_v appoint_v a_o statute_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o for_o evermore_o exod._n 28.1_o 43._o and_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v deny_v this_o honour_n and_o no_o such_o custom_n observe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o strange_a innovation_n must_v be_v ground_v upon_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o reason_n either_o that_o it_o contain_v matter_n of_o less_o value_n and_o concernment_n to_o christian_n than_o the_o religion_n of_o other_o nation_n to_o the_o proselyte_n of_o it_o or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v so_o plain_a easy_a in_o all_o and_o every_o particular_a doctrine_n that_o the_o mean_a understanding_n can_v comprehend_v their_o most_o intimous_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o most_o illiterate_a to_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o judgement_n concern_v they_o these_o be_v the_o fair_a pretence_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o necessary_a distinction_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n yet_o their_o weakness_n be_v apparent_a at_o the_o first_o view_n and_o their_o absurdity_n so_o gross_a that_o it_o may_v palpable_o be_v feel_v for_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_v this_o reproach_n and_o contempt_n that_o it_o contain_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n for_o man_n to_o know_v such_o as_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o that_o incomparable_a method_n contrive_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n comprehend_v matter_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o propound_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o practical_a religion_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o require_v and_o most_o reasonable_a for_o mankind_n to_o observe_v in_o all_o which_o respect_v it_o infinite_o transcend_v all_o the_o platform_n of_o religion_n entertain_v in_o the_o world_n and_o even_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o and_o though_o those_o practical_a point_n which_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n be_v extreme_o suitable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o deliver_v with_o the_o great_a perspicuity_n and_o clearness_n imaginable_a yet_o it_o discourse_v concern_v point_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o great_a depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n which_o be_v altogether_o inconceiveable_a and_o incomprehensible_a and_o do_v exceed_v the_o apprehension_n of_o any_o create_v be_v such_o be_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o other_o doctrine_n of_o like_a affinity_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a so_o wrest_v as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o what_o can_v be_v speak_v of_o such_o infinite_a importance_n what_o can_v be_v deliver_v of_o so_o tremendous_a consequence_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o
by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o none_o to_o diminish_v aught_o of_o what_o he_o bid_v they_o speak_v for_o though_o they_o enjoy_v under_o christ_n the_o great_a pre-eminence_n imaginable_a in_o relious_a affair_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o detract_v from_o or_o add_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o preach_v up_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n this_o st._n paul_n profess_v of_o himself_o 1_o cor._n 2.1_o to_o 7._o and_o both_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n do_v serious_o protest_v that_o whatever_o they_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o all_o the_o main_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o doctrine_n they_o receive_v it_o from_o christ_n in_o person_n or_o by_o revelation_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o we_o may_v well_o believe_v consider_v those_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o speak_v it_o be_v high_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o their_o successor_n shall_v have_v great_a liberty_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o especial_o at_o such_o a_o vast_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n indeed_o it_o may_v be_v deserve_o account_v a_o miracle_n not_o the_o least_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v sovereign_a lord_n over_o man_n conscience_n or_o have_v absolute_a dominion_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n if_o our_o ambassage_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o unlimited_a nature_n like_o the_o command_n which_o tiberius_n give_v drusus_n upon_o a_o certain_a expedition_n nullis_fw-la certis_fw-la mandatis_fw-la exre_fw-la consulturum_fw-la that_o every_o man_n may_v have_v the_o power_n of_o a_o plenipotentiary_n and_o deliver_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n when_o every_o tittle_n of_o our_o errand_n be_v comprise_v by_o god_n ratiâ—ed_v and_o confirm_v fâ—om_n heaven_n and_o explicit_o contain_v in_o the_o grand_a charter_n of_o our_o commission_n the_o record_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o as_o the_o civil_a law_n adjudge_v those_o ambassador_n guilty_a of_o high_a treason_n who_o transcend_v the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o both_o modern_a and_o ancient_a history_n record_n that_o such_o presumption_n have_v receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n the_o apostle_n always_o account_v it_o a_o sacrilege_n most_o horrid_a and_o inexcusable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o master_n and_o load_v that_o person_n with_o a_o most_o dreadful_a anathema_n who_o shall_v presume_v to_o broach_v his_o own_o invention_n and_o to_o intermingle_v they_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n gal._n 1.8_o 9_o if_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n preach_v any_o other_o doctrine_n then_o that_o you_o have_v already_o receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o apostolical_a constitution_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o very_a day_n for_o in_o reference_n to_o that_o text_n be_v that_o gloss_n of_o st._n austin_n maledictus_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la quidpiam_fw-la praedicat_fw-la praeterquam_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o scripture_n legis_fw-la and_o evangelii_n recepimus_fw-la and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a what_o just_a indignation_n may_v the_o master_n of_o our_o religion_n conceive_v against_o the_o presumption_n and_o boldness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o advance_v the_o pope_n into_o his_o tribunal_n and_o ascribe_v a_o like_a power_n might_n and_o dominion_n to_o he_o as_o to_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n for_o though_o christ_n alone_o can_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n though_o that_o pretend_a vicar_n of_o christ_n be_v style_v the_o minister_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o canon_n and_o decree_n subscribe_v himself_o episcopus_fw-la &_o servus_n servorum_fw-la dei_fw-la yet_o dare_v he_o proud_o usurp_v the_o most_o proper_a office_n of_o his_o master_n and_o bold_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o head_n of_o the_o church_n for_o he_o as_o they_o confident_o boast_v have_v receive_v full_a authority_n from_o christ_n to_o deliver_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o decide_v all_o controversy_n in_o religion_n who_o according_a to_o they_o be_v certain_o infallible_a when_o he_o act_n as_o head_n of_o the_o church_n who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v continual_o attend_v in_o council_n lawful_o summon_v and_o in_o his_o consistory_n assist_v he_o to_o judge_n infallible_o of_o spiritual_a affair_n he_o have_v supremacy_n over_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v dispense_v with_o divine_a law_n dissolve_v man_n obligation_n of_o obedience_n to_o they_o and_o secure_v their_o person_n from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o for_o their_o disobedience_n they_o just_o deserve_v he_o can_v constitute_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o impose_v his_o definition_n on_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o credential_n necessary_a to_o man_n salvation_n the_o key_n of_o heaven_n be_v deliver_v to_o he_o for_o though_o chrit_v alone_a open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v rev._n 3.7_o yet_o by_o succession_n to_o st._n peter_n he_o dare_v sit_v and_o reign_v as_o universal_a sovereign_n by_o his_o papal_a authority_n determine_v the_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o death_n and_o according_a to_o man_n observation_n of_o they_o adjudge_v they_o to_o the_o one_o or_o other_o as_o if_o he_o that_o reign_v in_o heaven_n above_o and_o rule_n on_o earth_n beneath_o have_v cease_v to_o execute_v his_o kingly_a office_n over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v derive_v it_o to_o st._n peter_n as_o his_o immediate_a successor_n and_o to_o the_o pope_n as_o universal_a vicar_n that_o these_o be_v indeed_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o not_o the_o slanderous_a suggestion_n of_o protestant_n be_v apparent_o manifest_a not_o only_o from_o the_o write_n of_o their_o private_a doctor_n but_o from_o the_o decretal_n of_o their_o general_a council_n and_o the_o most_o solemn_a bull_n of_o several_a pope_n in_o which_o they_o have_v act_v so_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o have_v exercise_v authority_n over_o christ_n himself_o and_o by_o their_o tradition_n make_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n of_o no_o effect_n witness_v that_o decree_n concern_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o four_o session_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n celebrate_v under_o paul_n the_o three_o wherein_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o book_n of_o apocrypha_fw-la and_o all_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v equal_o the_o dictate_v of_o god_n spirit_n with_o the_o most_o canonical_a scripture_n sit_v synodus_fw-la libros_fw-la scriptos_fw-la &_o sine_fw-la sc_fw-la traditiones_fw-la tanquam_fw-la velore_fw-la tenus_fw-la a_o christo_fw-la vel_fw-la a_o spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la dictatas_fw-la pari_fw-la pietatis_fw-la affectu_fw-la ac_fw-la reverentiâ_fw-la suscipit_fw-la ac_fw-la veneratur_fw-la si_fw-mi quis_fw-la autem_fw-la sciens_fw-la &_o prudens_fw-la contempscrit_fw-fr anathema_n sit_v and_o as_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o prescribe_v rule_n for_o the_o regulate_v of_o manner_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v embrace_v with_o the_o like_a affection_n of_o piety_n and_o receive_v with_o the_o same_o religious_a reverence_n under_o peril_n of_o the_o most_o dreadful_a anathema_n and_o now_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o and_o sober_a considerate_a man_n whether_o such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o become_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n or_o not_o rather_o high_o derogatory_n to_o the_o dignity_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o majesty_n as_o be_v palpable_o erroneous_a and_o horrid_o blasphemous_a if_o try_v by_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v the_o only_a canon_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a manner_n we_o have_v hitherto_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o text_n which_o be_v natural_o contain_v in_o the_o two_o former_a particular_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o person_n lawful_o consecrate_a into_o their_o spiritual_a office_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n now_o both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o precede_v discourse_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o method_n propound_v require_v our_o consideration_n concern_v the_o last_o particular_a which_o contain_v two_o practical_a inference_n deduce_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n one_o respect_v the_o man_n to_o who_o these_o person_n be_v employ_v as_o minister_n and_o steward_n let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o the_o other_o relate_n to_o the_o person_n themselves_o to_o who_o this_o office_n be_v commit_v moreover_o it_o be_v require_v in_o steward_n
that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a both_o which_o be_v a_o complete_a and_o necessary_a application_n to_o our_o present_a discourse_n and_o require_v our_o most_o serious_a consideration_n first_o concern_v the_o man_n to_o who_o these_o person_n be_v employ_v as_o minister_n and_o steward_n the_o apostle_n deliver_v this_o exhortation_n let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o which_o word_n will_v easy_o admit_v of_o a_o double_a exposition_n and_o thereby_o present_a the_o laity_n with_o a_o twofold_a duty_n concern_v their_o respect_n and_o carriage_n to_o the_o clergy_n first_o that_o they_o set_v no_o great_a value_n upon_o they_o second_o that_o they_o account_v so_o worthy_o of_o they_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o gospel_n first_o that_o man_n set_v no_o great_a value_n upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o what_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n require_v they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n not_o minister_n of_o their_o people_n conscience_n they_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o god_n not_o lord_n over_o any_o man_n faith_n it_o be_v therefore_o unreasonable_a for_o man_n to_o terminate_v their_o glory_n in_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o that_o dispense_v the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n and_o a_o pride_n not_o much_o inferior_a to_o that_o of_o herod_n for_o these_o to_o take_v such_o honour_n to_o themselves_o it_o be_v this_o ostentation_n in_o the_o people_n and_o this_o ambition_n among_o some_o of_o the_o clergy_n that_o occasion_v those_o schism_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n when_o the_o christian_a convert_v in_o the_o region_n of_o achaia_n adhere_v so_o implicit_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o minister_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v the_o faith_n that_o they_o slight_v and_o disregard_v the_o preach_a of_o other_o whilst_o they_o magnify_v the_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o apostle_n as_o man_n shall_v adore_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o conceive_v the_o apostle_n so_o sharp_o reprove_v their_o erroneous_a conceit_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 13_o 14._o be_v paul_n crucify_v for_o you_o or_o be_v you_o baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o paul_n i_o thank_v god_n i_o baptise_a none_n of_o you_o that_o man_n may_v not_o glory_v in_o my_o name_n or_o else_o because_o of_o those_o gift_n and_o excellency_n which_o they_o apprehend_v more_o eminent_a in_o one_o apostle_n than_o in_o another_o every_o one_o as_o his_o fancy_n direct_v admire_v either_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n one_o extol_v the_o powerful_a plainness_n of_o paul_n who_o discourse_n be_v sharp_a as_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o his_o argument_n nervous_a and_o weighty_a the_o weapon_n of_o who_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n another_o applaud_v the_o fullness_n of_o apollo_n as_o one_o that_o can_v entertain_v their_o mind_n with_o a_o ample_a variety_n of_o heavenly_a rhetoric_n can_v expatiate_v upon_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n as_o if_o he_o see_v the_o gate_n of_o that_o jerusalem_n open_a and_o christ_n jesus_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o enlarge_v upon_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n as_o if_o he_o hear_v the_o languish_a cry_n and_o see_v the_o insupportable_a misery_n of_o the_o damn_a a_o three_o admire_v the_o solidity_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o cephas_n who_o can_v explain_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o unriddle_v the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o life_n the_o depth_n of_o divinity_n he_o be_v able_a to_o fathom_n and_o to_o render_v the_o most_o difficult_a point_n plain_a and_o intelligible_a so_o much_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n possess_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o corinthian_n that_o they_o forget_v the_o lord_n their_o redeemer_n and_o refuse_v not_o to_o glory_v in_o man_n whilst_o they_o neglect_v to_o render_v unto_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o attribute_v it_o to_o the_o industry_n and_o endeavour_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o steward_n and_o vassal_n as_o if_o those_o who_o be_v at_o best_a but_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o god_n have_v be_v the_o sole_a author_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o can_v infallible_o finish_v their_o salvation_n but_o the_o apostle_n so_o extreme_o dislike_v the_o weakness_n and_o vanity_n of_o those_o person_n that_o notwithstanding_o their_o splendid_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o glorious_a ostentation_n in_o their_o respective_a minister_n he_o confident_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v spiritual_o eminent_a in_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v but_o carnal_a man_n and_o nothing_o superior_a to_o the_o most_o imperfect_a christian_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o after_o which_o reprehension_n he_o subjoin_v a_o most_o seasonable_a admonition_n to_o instruct_v the_o corinthian_n and_o all_o christian_a professor_n with_o that_o just_a measure_n of_o honour_n and_o respect_n which_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v entertain_v withal_o that_o they_o be_v servant_n of_o god_n and_o minister_n attend_v in_o the_o church_n for_o man_n salvation_n but_o their_o ability_n be_v neither_o the_o endowment_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o mere_a advantage_n of_o education_n and_o industry_n but_o all_o their_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n who_o distribute_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o therefore_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n conversion_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o edification_n in_o it_o and_o salvation_n by_o reason_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v attribute_v to_o god_n as_o the_o principal_a efficient_a cause_n who_o both_o prevent_v his_o minister_n in_o all_o their_o undertake_n and_o bless_v their_o labour_n with_o good_a success_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n verse_n 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o be_v excellent_o illustrate_v by_o the_o paraphrase_n of_o the_o learned_a doctor_n hammond_n and_o the_o marginal_a annotation_n of_o junius_n and_o tremelius_fw-la yet_o as_o if_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v not_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o no_o great_a danger_n by_o the_o fond_a dotage_n and_o vainglorious_a ostentation_n of_o schismatical_a and_o carnal_a spirit_n with_o what_o confidence_n and_o vigour_n have_v the_o division_n of_o the_o corinthian_n be_v frequent_o renew_v and_o reinforce_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n as_o if_o they_o be_v entail_v to_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o be_v inseparable_a companion_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o alas_o most_o woeful_a experience_n too_o plain_o manifest_v that_o those_o who_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o lay_v the_o great_a claim_n to_o a_o interest_n in_o he_o most_o wicked_o arrogate_v that_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o majesty_n to_o those_o instrument_n who_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n with_o themselves_o for_o how_o common_a be_v it_o for_o christian_n to_o separate_v and_o stand_v at_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a distance_n from_o their_o fellow-christians_a and_o when_o they_o have_v adopt_v themselves_o into_o this_o or_o that_o party_n to_o cry_v up_o their_o faction_n as_o the_o only_a true_a religion_n to_o confine_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n within_o the_o wall_n they_o assemble_v and_o to_o look_v with_o reproach_n contempt_n and_o scorn_n upon_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v as_o schismatical_a in_o the_o church_n and_o disobedient_a to_o governor_n as_o themselves_o so_o wretched_o do_v man_n abuse_v their_o own_o conscience_n with_o the_o vizor_n of_o a_o hypocrital_a zeal_n and_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o singular_a piety_n dishonour_v the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o adhere_v to_o their_o teacher_n more_o than_o christ_n adore_v their_o person_n though_o never_o so_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a as_o if_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v drop_v down_o among_o they_o like_o the_o image_n of_o diana_n among_o the_o ephesian_n and_o implicit_o assent_v to_o whatever_o they_o deliver_v though_o never_o so_o ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a as_o if_o the_o god_n be_v come_v down_o to_o they_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n or_o at_o least_o they_o speak_v the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god_n of_o these_o man_n the_o apostle_n long_o since_o prophesy_v 2_o tim._n 4.3_o 4._o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v man_n heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n who_o shall_v turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v turn_v unto_o fable_n but_o my_o brethren_n these_o thing_n ought_v not_o so_o to_o be_v there_o be_v one_o only_a lawgiver_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o constitute_a another_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o nazianzen_n and_o extreme_o pertinent_a to_o our_o present_a judgement_n 30._o orat._n 30._o i_o
civil_a power_n have_v prescribe_v in_o particular_a most_o contrary_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 5.17.18_o that_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n for_o the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o reward_n and_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o 1_o cor._n 9.14_o that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o refuse_v to_o attend_v to_o his_o ambassage_n though_o of_o divine_a authority_n and_o neglect_v to_o consider_v the_o grand_a importance_n of_o it_o though_o he_o speak_v the_o very_a oracle_n of_o god_n and_o discourse_n to_o they_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n such_o as_o scorn_v to_o endure_v the_o reproof_n of_o their_o minister_n though_o never_o so_o just_a and_o necessary_a and_o be_v enrage_v at_o his_o reprehension_n though_o usher_v with_o meekness_n wisdom_n and_o gravity_n who_o affection_n be_v so_o corrupt_a and_o their_o spirit_n so_o haughty_a that_o they_o become_v his_o enemy_n because_o he_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n and_o if_o the_o power_n of_o their_o hand_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o passion_n of_o their_o heart_n will_v parallel_v the_o oppression_n of_o ahab_n the_o impiety_n of_o jehoiakim_n or_o the_o cruelty_n of_o herod_n et_fw-la alia_fw-la insunt_fw-la stolida_fw-la &_o vana_fw-la vel_fw-la si_fw-la molliùs_fw-la acciperes_fw-la miseranda_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la invidiam_fw-la ista_fw-la verum_fw-la conciliandae_fw-la misericordiae_fw-la refero_fw-la which_o epiphonema_v of_o the_o historian_n may_v be_v expoun_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n unto_o the_o world_n to_o angel_n and_o to_o man_n we_o be_v fool_n for_o christ_n sake_n be_v despise_v and_o revile_v i_o speak_v not_o these_o thing_n to_o shame_v our_o enemy_n but_o as_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n to_o warn_v and_o remember_v they_o 1_o cor._n 4._o â—9_n etc._n etc._n father_n forgive_v they_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v they_o consider_v not_o what_o reproach_n and_o affront_n they_o cast_v upon_o thy_o son_n our_o master_n when_o they_o contemn_v and_o dishonour_v we_o his_o immediate_a servant_n which_o yet_o our_o lord_n have_v express_o signify_v luk._n 10.16_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o the_o people_n in_o our_o several_a charge_n may_v this_o petition_n be_v insert_v into_o our_o daily_a litany_n that_o they_o will_v cheerful_o ascend_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v instruction_n will_v attend_v with_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n to_o our_o word_n of_o exhortation_n will_v impartial_o examine_v and_o serious_o consider_v the_o rational_a importance_n of_o our_o doctrine_n and_o admonition_n and_o either_o friend_o inform_v we_o if_o any_o error_n or_o corruption_n fall_v from_o we_o or_o if_o we_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o christ_n and_o lie_v not_o faithful_o believe_v and_o sincere_o obey_v we_o but_o whether_o man_n will_v hear_v or_o whether_o they_o will_v forbear_v let_v we_o remember_v the_o vocation_n whereto_o we_o be_v call_v that_o arm_v ourselves_o with_o the_o resolution_n of_o st._n paul_n 20.24_o acts._n 20.24_o that_o their_o bond_n nor_o affliction_n shall_v move_v we_o neither_o will_v we_o count_v our_o life_n dear_a unto_o we_o so_o that_o we_o may_v finish_v our_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o the_o ministry_n we_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n etc._n 2_o cor._n 6.4_o etc._n etc._n we_o may_v attain_v the_o christian_a simplicity_n and_o courage_n of_o that_o bless_a apostle_n and_o approve_v ourselves_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o good_a steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o second_o inference_n deliver_v in_o the_o text_n and_o respect_v the_o person_n who_o be_v the_o minister_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o be_v faithful_a in_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n commit_v to_o they_o moreover_o it_o be_v require_v in_o steward_n that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a the_o just_a design_n of_o which_o exhortation_n will_v be_v full_o answer_v by_o they_o if_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o these_o two_o qualification_n first_o a_o good_a understanding_n of_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n second_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o first_o a_o good_a understanding_n of_o their_o office_n and_o employment_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v find_v faithful_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n be_v faithful_a in_o their_o stewardship_n who_o intellectual_n be_v natural_o defective_a or_o their_o understanding_n though_o capable_a of_o improvement_n yet_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n how_o can_v they_o discharge_v the_o office_n of_o teacher_n that_o have_v need_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n or_o how_o can_v those_o person_n instruct_v their_o people_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v novice_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o know_v not_o those_o canon_n by_o which_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o then_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n to_o preserve_v it_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a or_o be_v able_a by_o so_o und_fw-ge doctrine_n to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n it_o be_v our_o saviour_n observation_n if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a they_o shall_v both_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n so_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v themselves_o sufficient_o instruct_v that_o they_o may_v communicate_v to_o other_o in_o all_o spiritual_a knowledge_n and_o as_o the_o lacedaemonian_n call_v the_o governor_n of_o their_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o frame_v the_o disposition_n and_o fashion_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o subject_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o repective_a community_n and_o the_o wise_a athenian_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n give_v their_o ruler_n the_o same_o denomination_n and_o style_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o they_o constitute_v good_a and_o wholesome_a law_n for_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o people_n and_o use_v most_o prevalent_a mean_n to_o have_v they_o observe_v so_o god_n that_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o his_o people_n have_v give_v the_o like_a appellation_n to_o the_o deputy_n in_o his_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o spiritual_a affair_n as_o seer_n prophet_n overseer_n and_o steward_n that_o from_o the_o signification_n of_o their_o name_n they_o may_v be_v put_v in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o their_o mouth_n what_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n in_o general_n be_v have_v be_v already_o discourse_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o depositum_fw-la commit_v to_o his_o charge_n and_o for_o whole_a service_n it_o shall_v be_v employ_v the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n concern_v man_n salvation_n be_v faithful_o deliver_v and_o explain_v as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o particular_a office_n wherein_o this_o general_a duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o those_o short_a instruction_n recommend_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o ordination_n to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o as_o opportunity_n serve_v and_o necessity_n require_v they_o administer_v those_o sacred_a rite_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 25._o mat._n 28.19_o 1._o cor._n 11.24_o 25._o by_o baptise_v such_o as_o be_v due_o dispose_v for_o that_o solemn_a ordinance_n and_o distribute_v the_o holy_a communion_n to_o those_o pious_a and_o humble_a soul_n that_o be_v religious_o dispose_v to_o celebrate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o that_o sacred_a institution_n and_o into_o their_o hand_n i_o s._n sc_n be_v put_v who_o be_v command_v to_o solemnize_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v public_a either_o as_o priest_n to_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n of_o lord_n to_o intercede_v with_o his_o majesty_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o present_v in_o their_o stead_n prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o this_o st._n paul_n give_v in_o charge_n to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2._o and_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o great_a apostle_n so_o frequent_o insert_v his_o petition_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o his_o belove_a convert_v protest_v that_o he_o shall_v sin_v against_o god_n if_o he_o neglect_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o resolve_v never_o to_o omit_v so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n and_o upon_o