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
sacred_a office_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o institution_n be_v handle_v with_o the_o most_o awful_a solemnity_n and_o celebrate_v with_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o most_o religious_a adoration_n imaginable_a and_o when_o many_o stumble_v at_o this_o rock_n of_o offence_n and_o miscarry_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o wonderful_a thing_n represent_v therein_o be_v it_o not_o extreme_o necessary_a that_o man_n of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o gravity_n be_v consecrate_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o they_o may_v improve_v their_o time_n and_o ability_n for_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o then_o employ_v the_o talon_n of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n for_o the_o information_n and_o direction_n of_o other_o that_o man_n may_v not_o promiscuous_o intermeddle_v with_o those_o holy_a office_n nor_o any_o man_n after_o the_o strict_a distinction_n of_o pastor_n and_o people_n go_v astray_o through_o want_n of_o instruction_n and_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o understanding_n but_o because_o the_o subject_n of_o our_o present_a argument_n respect_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o to_o discourse_v only_o de_fw-fr jure_fw-la concern_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v insufficient_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o the_o master_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la determine_v concern_v the_o ministerial_a office_n the_o first_o remarkable_a instance_n that_o afford_v any_o light_n to_o this_o disquisition_n be_v the_o election_n and_o nomination_n of_o apostle_n record_v mark_v 3.13_o luk._n 6.13_o who_o commission_n be_v grant_v by_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n matth._n 10.1_o luk._n 9.1_o after_o this_o luk._n 10.1_o he_o call_v his_o seventy_o disciple_n to_o who_o he_o give_v commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n these_o be_v the_o only_a person_n which_o that_o supreme_a head_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v in_o person_n and_o to_o these_o he_o give_v commission_n to_o execute_v the_o ministerial_a office_n as_o their_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a function_n the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o the_o seventy-two_a disciple_n and_o that_o these_o sacred_a order_n may_v remain_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o first_o appear_v to_o a_o assembly_n of_o his_o apostle_n after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o breathe_v on_o they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thereby_o invest_v they_o with_o full_a authority_n to_o execute_v the_o pastoral_n office_n for_o the_o order_v and_o govern_v his_o church_n which_o his_o father_n have_v commit_v to_o he_o joh._n 20.21_o 22._o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o even_o so_o send_v i_o you_o which_o immediate_o before_o his_o ascension_n he_o again_o renew_v with_o a_o plain_a intimation_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o order_n and_o consequent_o the_o necessity_n of_o ordain_v man_n to_o succeed_v they_o in_o it_o till_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o that_o the_o apostle_n understand_v their_o master_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v apparent_a because_o as_o necessity_n require_v through_o the_o death_n of_o the_o present_a officer_n or_o the_o large_a grow_v and_o extent_n of_o the_o church_n they_o assemble_v together_o and_o exercise_v episcopal_a authority_n in_o ordain_v other_o to_o that_o holy_a employment_n thus_o they_o consecrate_a mathias_n though_o he_o be_v elect_v by_o god_n himself_o into_o the_o place_n of_o judas_n and_o he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o eleven_o apostle_n act_n 1.25_o and_o though_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o singular_a instance_n of_o a_o immediate_a miraculous_a call_n when_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n he_o be_v make_v a_o apostle_n yet_o he_o begin_v not_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n till_o ananias_n have_v put_v his_o hand_n on_o he_o and_o pray_v over_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 9.17_o and_o when_o the_o gentile_n have_v receive_v the_o gospel_n through_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o christian_n upon_o the_o prosecution_n of_o st._n stephen_n the_o apostle_n remain_v still_o at_o jerusalem_n send_v forth_o barnabas_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o antioch_n who_o find_v saul_n at_o tarsus_n join_v together_o and_o mighty_o confirm_v the_o believer_n there_o act_v 11._o and_o in_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n these_o two_o man_n be_v solemn_o ordain_v apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n by_o those_o apostolical_a person_n mention_v verse_n 1_o to_o all_o which_o agree_v that_o rule_n of_o the_o apostle_n comprise_v in_o the_o interrogation_n of_o st._n paul_n rom._n 10.15_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v i.e._n they_o have_v no_o authority_n and_o can_v expect_v no_o blessing_n upon_o their_o labour_n till_o they_o have_v a_o lawful_a commission_n to_o set_v they_o on_o work_n to_o which_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o primitive_a and_o all_o succeed_v church_n in_o christendom_n till_o some_o zealot_n of_o late_a have_v just_o confirm_v as_o all_o ecclesiastical_a history_n do_v full_o testify_v and_o thus_o st._n clemens_n contemporary_a with_o saint_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n have_v leave_v on_o record_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o apostle_n first_o ordain_v minister_n in_o church_n and_o give_v command_v that_o as_o any_o be_v remove_v by_o death_n the_o most_o deserve_a person_n shall_v be_v choose_v into_o their_o place_n and_o ordain_v to_o execute_v their_o office_n now_o certain_o the_o example_n and_o approbation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n be_v not_o only_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n but_o a_o just_a authority_n to_o regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o pattern_n to_o the_o world_n end_n so_o that_o i_o may_v lawful_o assume_v my_o design_a proposition_n and_o confident_o deliver_v it_o as_o a_o just_a and_o regular_a conclusion_n that_o whatever_o person_n have_v be_v successive_o ordain_v into_o or_o at_o present_a invest_v with_o the_o sacred_a order_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n from_o regular_a bishop_n and_o their_o presbyter_n such_o man_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n be_v to_o all_o intent_n all_o purpose_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o most_o proper_o steward_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o all_o other_o person_n whatever_o be_v their_o natural_a ability_n their_o supernatural_a grace_n their_o acquire_v part_n or_o their_o great_a experience_n in_o church-affair_n have_v lot_n or_o portion_n as_o agent_n in_o these_o matter_n till_o they_o receive_v commission_n from_o good_a authority_n and_o which_o be_v more_o considerable_a do_v wilful_o cast_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n whilst_o they_o reject_v and_o disow_v his_o lawful_a minister_n which_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o that_o most_o ancient_a father_n st._n ignatius_n 50._o epist_n ad_fw-la trall_n p._n 50._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a reason_n that_o that_o bless_a martyr_n call_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o philadelphia_n with_o such_o zeal_n and_o importunity_n 43._o epist_n ad_fw-la philad_n p._n 43._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o shall_v we_o then_o think_v of_o the_o insolence_n of_o those_o man_n who_o sacrilegious_o usurp_v the_o ministerial_a authority_n be_v neither_o send_v by_o man_n nor_o as_o they_o pretend_v call_v by_o god_n i_o mean_v those_o illiterate_a but_o conceit_a mechanic_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o some_o civil_a call_v as_o the_o business_n and_o employment_n o_o their_o life_n presume_v to_o be_v master_n of_o divinity_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o divine_a knowledge_n be_v in_o this_o latter_a and_o decline_a age_n of_o the_o world_n convey_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n through_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v expose_v by_o christ_n without_o any_o guardian_n to_o the_o open_a world_n to_o be_v prostitute_v to_o and_o desecrate_v by_o any_o the_o most_o common_a or_o unsanctified_a person_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n may_v be_v fulfil_v and_o to_o illustrate_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o new_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n god_n do_v communicate_v extraordinary_a gift_n even_o to_o mean_v and_o ordinary_a person_n who_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v extraregular_o prophesy_v or_o interepret_v or_o speak_v with_o tongue_n act_n 2.17_o for_o so_o it_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n joel_n 2.28_o but_o as_o they_o be_v but_o few_o beside_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o god_n dispense_v those_o miraculous_a gift_n so_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o assume_v the_o ministerial_a office_n nor_o presume_v to_o execute_v any_o part_n thereof_o but_o only_o alter_v the_o inspire_v
ad_fw-la clerum_fw-la a_o visitation_n sermon_n preach_v at_o beckonsfield_n in_o the_o county_n of_o buck_n april_n the_o 9_o the_o 1678._o by_o john_n james_n a._n m._n rector_n of_o latimer_n in_o the_o county_n of_o buck_n london_n print_v by_o t.h._n for_o r._n chiswel_o at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1678._o imprimatur_fw-la geo._n thorp_n r_o mo_z in_o c.p.d._n domino_fw-la gulielmo_n archiep._n cant._n a_o sacris_fw-la domesticis_fw-la may_v 31._o 1678._o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n moreover_o it_o be_v require_v in_o steward_n that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a saint_n paul_n have_v plant_v christianity_n among_o the_o corinthian_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o city_n of_o corinth_n and_o other_o adjacent_a province_n in_o the_o country_n of_o greece_n after_o the_o space_n of_o eighteen_o month_n he_o depart_v from_o those_o region_n and_o take_v his_o journey_n into_o asia_n where_o he_o alsodeliver_v what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o instruct_v the_o people_n both_o public_o in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o private_o in_o their_o house_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n immediate_o after_o his_o departure_n apollo_n be_v by_o priscilla_n and_o aquila_n sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o his_o come_n to_o ephesus_n be_v by_o they_o recommend_v and_o send_v to_o the_o brethren_n at_o achaia_n where_o he_o bold_o deliver_v and_o diligent_o teach_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n confirm_v those_o who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o by_o argument_n unanswerable_a confute_v the_o most_o obstinate_a jew_n and_o put_v to_o silence_n public_o in_o the_o synagogue_n the_o most_o subtle_a and_o shrewd_a disputant_n among_o they_o act_v 18._o vers_fw-la 24_o etc._n etc._n but_o though_o paul_n have_v plant_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o convert_v many_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v proselyte_n to_o it_o and_o apollo_n after_o he_o have_v water_v those_o convert_v in_o contribute_v his_o utmost_a assistance_n to_o settle_v and_o establish_v they_o on_o the_o foundation_n which_o paul_n have_v lay_v though_o god_n himself_o have_v give_v increase_n in_o make_v their_o labour_n effectual_a by_o the_o bless_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o obtain_v those_o great_a end_n he_o design_v in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o wit_n the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o soul_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n yet_o in_o a_o short_a time_n the_o heat_n of_o their_o devotion_n begin_v to_o be_v abate_v or_o rather_o to_o be_v misemploy_v upon_o improper_a object_n for_o those_o which_o have_v enroll_v themselves_o into_o the_o same_o society_n profess_v and_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o so_o become_v member_n of_o the_o same_o mystical_a body_n break_v forth_o into_o furious_a contention_n &_o animosity_n against_o each_o other_o render_v most_o miserable_o and_o most_o cruel_o tear_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o piece_n in_o its_o very_a infancy_n for_o through_o the_o enmity_n of_o those_o impure_a gnostic_n against_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o judaize_v christian_n against_o many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o most_o lamentable_a schism_n and_o faction_n break_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n which_o like_a flame_n of_o fire_n be_v ready_a to_o consume_v and_o burn_v it_o down_o to_o the_o ground_n error_n and_o heresy_n be_v scatter_v abroad_o and_o greedy_o receive_v by_o too_o many_o among_o they_o which_o like_o ill_a weed_n soon_o grow_v up_o and_o bring_v forth_o most_o unwholesome_a fruit_n in_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n this_o sad_a news_n no_o soon_o come_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o our_o apostle_n but_o it_o sink_v heavy_o down_o upon_o his_o soul_n and_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n of_o sorrow_n upon_o his_o mind_n therefore_o to_o redress_v these_o mischief_n and_o if_o possible_a to_o settle_v the_o distraction_n and_o division_n of_o corinth_n he_o present_o compose_v and_o direct_v this_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n there_o and_o to_o all_o other_o christian_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n inhabit_v the_o region_n of_o achaia_n in_o which_o after_o a_o religious_a and_o most_o affectionate_a salutation_n to_o procure_v from_o they_o a_o favourable_a audience_n and_o a_o candid_a entertainment_n of_o what_o he_o deliver_v from_o v._o 1._o to_o v._o 9_o he_o most_o earnest_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o unity_n in_o doctrine_n and_o brotherly_a communion_n one_o among_o another_o vers_fw-la 10_o 11._o and_o then_o lay_v open_a before_o their_o eye_n the_o grievousness_n of_o their_o schism_n he_o charge_v they_o bold_o with_o it_o to_o their_o very_a face_n vers_fw-la 11_o 12_o 13._o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v but_o one_o and_o christ_n jesus_n the_o only_a author_n of_o it_o that_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o be_v such_o that_o though_o it_o be_v not_o usher_v into_o the_o world_n with_o sublimity_n of_o speech_n and_o the_o ornament_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o be_v style_v the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v and_o by_o the_o learned_a scribe_n and_o wise_a disputer_n of_o the_o world_n be_v reject_v with_o pride_n and_o insolence_n yet_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o so_o far_o excel_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o destroy_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o confound_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_a and_o noble_a chap._n 1.2_o that_o as_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o divine_a institution_n so_o he_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a foundation_n for_o man_n to_o lay_v the_o superstructure_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o salvation_n upon_o and_o according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o st._n peter_n act_v 4.12_o the_o only_a name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v and_o consequent_o that_o thoso_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n or_o authority_n to_o command_v their_o conscience_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o fellow-labourer_n together_o with_o god_n steward_n in_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o as_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o show_v they_o their_o respective_a and_o just_a esteem_n but_o not_o to_o transcend_v its_o prescribe_a limit_n and_o bound_n so_o it_o be_v require_v these_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o office_n and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o so_o sacred_a a_o function_n which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o prevalent_a mean_n to_o repair_v the_o breach_n and_o cure_v the_o division_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o the_o immediate_a design_n of_o the_o word_n in_o my_o text._n let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o etc._n etc._n that_o my_o discourse_n may_v be_v full_a and_o comprehensive_a proportionable_a to_o the_o just_a design_n and_o import_v of_o these_o word_n and_o serviceable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o present_a occasion_n and_o future_a necessity_n of_o this_o assembly_n three_o thing_n necessary_o require_v our_o consideration_n first_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v employ_v under_o the_o pronoun_n us._n second_o the_o matter_n predicate_v of_o or_o attribute_v to_o these_o person_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n both_o which_o particular_n join_v together_o make_v up_o a_o entire_a proposition_n that_o the_o person_n intend_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n three_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 as_o of_o the_o other_o relate_v to_o the_o person_n themselves_o to_o who_o their_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 first_o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n employ_v under_o the_o pronoun_n Ê‹s_o the_o person_n here_o intend_v be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n and_o a_o just_a determination_n of_o this_o particular_a the_o most_o regular_a and_o orderly_a method_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o undertake_n and_o progress_n of_o our_o present_a employment_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o
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