order_n or_o degree_n which_o also_o as_o unto_o the_o scripture_n the_o most_o learned_a advocate_n of_o prelacy_n begin_v to_o grant_v 1._o the_o apostle_n describe_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n give_v this_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v so_o tit._n 1.5_o 6_o 7._o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n if_o any_o be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a he_o that_o will_v prove_v of_o what_o sort_n a_o presbyter_n that_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v so_o aught_o to_o be_v give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o such_o a_o bishop_n ought_v to_o be_v intend_v the_o same_o person_n and_o office_n by_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n or_o there_o be_v no_o congruity_n of_o speech_n or_o consequence_n of_o reason_n in_o what_o he_o assert_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o same_o person_n and_o the_o same_o office_n by_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v to_o destroy_v his_o argument_n and_o render_v the_o context_n of_o his_o discourse_n unintelligible_a he_o that_o will_v say_v that_o if_o you_o make_v a_o justice_n of_o peace_n or_o a_o constable_n he_o must_v be_v magnanimous_a liberal_a full_a of_o clemency_n and_o courage_n for_o so_o a_o king_n ought_v to_o be_v will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o argue_v very_o wise_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o argument_n here_o if_o by_o elder_n and_o bishop_n distinct_a order_n and_o office_n be_v intend_v 2._o there_o be_v many_o bishop_n in_o one_o city_n in_o one_o particular_a church_n phil._n 1.1_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v at_o philippi_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n that_o the_o church_n then_o at_o philippi_n be_v one_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v prove_v before_o but_o to_o have_v many_o bishop_n in_o the_o same_o church_n whereas_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o episcopacy_n plead_v for_o consist_v in_o the_o superiority_n of_o one_o over_o the_o presbyter_n of_o many_o church_n be_v absolute_o inconsistent_a such_o bishop_n whereof_o there_o may_v be_v many_o in_o the_o same_o church_n of_o the_o same_o order_n equal_a in_o power_n and_o dignity_n with_o respect_n unto_o office_n will_v easy_o be_v grant_v but_o then_o they_o be_v presbyter_n as_o well_o as_o bishop_n there_o will_v i_o fear_v be_v no_o end_n of_o this_o contest_v because_o of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n of_o some_o but_o that_o the_o identity_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n shall_v be_v more_o plain_o express_v can_v neither_o be_v expect_v nor_o desire_v 3._o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o miletus_n send_v to_o ephesus_n for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o that_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n as_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o undeniable_o demonstrate_v act._n 20.17_o 18._o unto_o these_o elder_n he_o say_v take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o bishop_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 28._o if_o elder_n and_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o same_o person_n have_v the_o same_o office_n the_o same_o function_n and_o the_o same_o duty_n and_o the_o same_o name_n it_o be_v impossible_a so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v express_v for_o these_o elder_n be_v they_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v bishop_n they_o be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o same_o church_n their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o the_o flock_n and_o to_o feed_v the_o church_n which_o comprise_v all_o the_o duty_n the_o whole_a function_n of_o elder_n and_o bishop_n which_o must_v therefore_o be_v the_o same_o this_o plain_a testimony_n can_v no_o way_n be_v evade_v by_o pretence_n and_o conjecture_n unwritten_a and_o uncertain_a the_o only_a answer_n unto_o it_o be_v it_o be_v indeed_o so_o then_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o afterward_o which_o some_o now_o betake_v themselves_o unto_o but_o these_o elder_n be_v either_o elder_n only_o and_o not_o bishop_n or_o bishop_n only_o and_o not_o elder_n or_o the_o same_o person_n be_v elder_n and_o bishop_n as_o be_v plain_o affirm_v in_o the_o word_n the_o latter_a be_v that_o which_o we_o plead_v if_o the_o first_o be_v assert_v then_o be_v there_o no_o bishop_n then_o at_o ephesus_n for_o these_o elder_n have_v the_o whole_a oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n if_o the_o second_o than_o be_v there_o no_o elder_n at_o all_o which_o be_v no_o good_a exposition_n of_o those_o word_n that_o paul_n call_v unto_o he_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o the_o apostle_n peter_n write_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v the_o flock_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d take_v the_o oversight_n or_o exercise_v the_o office_n and_o function_n of_o bishop_n over_o they_o and_o that_o not_o as_o lord_n but_o as_o ensample_n of_o humility_n obedience_n and_o holiness_n to_o the_o whole_a flock_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o those_o on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n and_o to_o superintend_v over_o it_o as_o those_o who_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v accountable_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n be_v bishop_n and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o bishop_n over_o they_o unto_o who_o this_o charge_n shall_v be_v principal_o commit_v but_o such_o according_a unto_o this_o apostle_n be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n wherefore_o those_o elder_n and_o bishop_n be_v the_o same_o and_o such_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v as_o those_o that_o do_v watch_v for_o and_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o soul_n heb._n 13.17_o 5._o the_o substance_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o instance_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v this_o those_o who_o name_n be_v the_o same_o equal_o common_a and_o applicable_a unto_o they_o all_o who_o function_n be_v the_o same_o who_o qualification_n and_o character_n be_v the_o same_o who_o duty_n account_v and_o reward_n be_v the_o same_o concern_v who_o there_o be_v in_o no_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o least_o mention_n of_o inequality_n disparity_n or_o preference_n in_o office_n among_o they_o they_o be_v essential_o and_o every_o way_n the_o same_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v modest_o be_v deny_v i_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o where_o a_o church_n be_v great_o increase_v so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o it_o for_o its_o instruction_n and_o rule_n that_o decency_n and_o order_n do_v require_v that_o one_o of_o they_o do_v in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o church_n affair_n preside_v to_o guide_v and_o direct_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n thereof_o so_o the_o presbyter_n at_o alexandria_n do_v choose_v one_o from_o among_o themselves_o that_o shall_v have_v the_o pre-eminence_n of_o a_o precedent_n among_o they_o whether_o the_o person_n that_o be_v so_o to_o preside_v be_v direct_v unto_o by_o be_v first_o convert_v or_o first_o ordain_v or_o on_o the_o account_n of_o age_n or_o of_o gift_n and_o ability_n whether_o he_o continue_v for_o a_o season_n only_o and_o then_o another_o be_v depute_v unto_o the_o same_o work_n or_o for_o his_o life_n be_v thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a to_o be_v determine_v according_a unto_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o reason_n and_o order_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v never_o oppose_v this_o order_n but_o rather_o desire_v to_o see_v it_o in_o practice_n namely_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v of_o such_o a_o extent_n as_o necessary_o to_o require_v many_o elder_n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o government_n for_o the_o better_a observation_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n the_o full_a representation_n of_o the_o authority_n commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o officer_n of_o his_o church_n the_o occasional_a instruction_n of_o the_o member_n in_o lesser_a assembly_n which_o as_o unto_o some_o end_n may_v be_v state_v also_o with_o the_o due_a attendance_n unto_o all_o other_o mean_n of_o edification_n and_o watch_v inspect_v warn_v admonish_a exhort_v and_o the_o like_a and_o that_o among_o these_o elder_n one_o shall_v be_v choose_v by_o themselves_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n not_o into_o a_o new_a order_n not_o into_o a_o degree_n of_o authority_n above_o his_o brethren_n but_o only_o unto_o his_o part_n of_o the_o common_a work_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n which_o require_v some_o kind_n of_o precedency_n hereby_o no_o new_a officer_n no_o new_a order_n of_o officer_n no_o new_a degree_n of_o power_n or_o
authority_n be_v constitute_v in_o the_o church_n only_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v cast_v into_o such_o a_o order_n as_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n do_v require_v but_o there_o be_v not_o any_o intimation_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o least_o imparity_n or_o inequality_n in_o order_n degree_n or_o authority_n among_o officer_n of_o the_o same_o sort_n whether_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a the_o apostle_n be_v all_o equal_a so_o be_v the_o evangelist_n so_o be_v elder_n or_o bishop_n and_o so_o be_v deacon_n also_o the_o scripture_n know_v no_o more_o of_o a_o archbishop_n such_o as_o all_o diocesan_n bishop_n be_v nor_o a_o archdeacon_n than_o of_o a_o arch-apostle_n or_o of_o a_o arch-evangelist_n or_o a_o arch-prophet_n howbeit_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o all_o their_o assembly_n they_o have_v one_o who_o do_v preside_v in_o the_o manner_n before_o describe_v which_o seem_v among_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o peter_n the_o brethren_n also_o of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v so_o multiply_v as_o that_o the_o constant_a meeting_n of_o they_o all_o in_o one_o place_n may_v not_o be_v absolute_o best_a for_o their_o edification_n howbeit_o that_o on_o all_o the_o solemn_a occasion_n of_o the_o church_n whereunto_o their_o consent_n be_v necessary_a they_o do_v of_o old_a and_o aught_o still_o to_o meet_v in_o the_o same_o place_n for_o advise_v consultation_n and_o consent_n as_o be_v prove_v before_o this_o be_v so_o full_o express_v and_o exemplify_v in_o the_o two_o great_a church_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o antioch_n act._n 15._o that_o it_o can_v be_v gainsay_v when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n send_v by_o the_o brethren_n or_o church_n at_o antioch_n v_o 1_o 3._o be_v come_v to_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n as_o the_o brethren_n be_v call_v in_o distinction_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n v_o 4._o so_o when_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n assemble_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o case_n propose_v unto_o they_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o brethren_n assemble_v with_o they_o v_o 6_o 12._o neither_o be_v they_o mute_a person_n mere_a auditor_n and_o spectator_n in_o the_o assembly_n but_o they_o concur_v both_o in_o the_o debate_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o question_n insomuch_o as_o they_o be_v express_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o advice_n give_v ver_fw-la 22_o 23._o and_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n return_v unto_o antioch_n the_o multitude_n unto_o who_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v direct_v come_v together_o about_o it_o ver_fw-la 23.30_o unless_o this_o be_v observe_v the_o primitive-church-state_n be_v overthrow_v but_o i_o shall_v return_v from_o this_o digression_n the_o first_o officer_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pastor_n a_o pastor_n be_v the_o elder_a that_o feed_v and_o rule_v the_o flock_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o that_o be_v who_o be_v its_o teacher_n and_o its_o bishop_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d feed_v take_v the_o oversight_n it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a design_n nor_o work_v to_o give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o person_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n nor_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o work_n with_o the_o quality_n or_o virtue_n to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n to_o handle_v they_o practical_o and_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o what_o be_v of_o this_o kind_n express_v in_o the_o rule_n and_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n do_v indispensable_o require_v be_v more_o exemplify_v in_o practice_n than_o it_o be_v but_o some_o thing_n relate_v unto_o this_o officer_n and_o his_o office_n that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v well_o state_v i_o shall_v treat_v concern_v the_o name_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o shepherd_n be_v metaphorical_a it_o be_v a_o denomination_n suit_v unto_o his_o work_n denote_v the_o same_o office_n and_o person_n with_o a_o bishop_n or_o elder_n speak_v of_o absolute_o without_o limitation_n unto_o either_o teach_v or_o rule_v 5.4_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v use_v or_o apply_v unto_o this_o office_n because_o it_o be_v more_o comprehensive_a of_o and_o instructive_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o than_o any_o other_o name_n whatever_o nay_o than_o all_o of_o they_o put_v together_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o metaphor_n or_o whence_o the_o church_n be_v call_v a_o flock_n and_o whence_o god_n term_v himself_o the_o shepherd_n of_o the_o flock_n whence_o the_o sheep_n of_o this_o flock_n be_v commit_v unto_o christ_n whereon_o he_o become_v the_o good_a shepherd_n that_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o shepherd_n what_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o man_n in_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o office_n and_o what_o their_o duty_n thereon_o be_v thing_n well_o worth_a the_o consideration_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o hireling_n yea_o wolf_n and_o dumb_a dog_n do_v in_o many_o place_n take_v on_o themselves_o to_o be_v shepherd_n of_o the_o flock_n by_o who_o it_o be_v devour_v and_o destroy_v whereas_o therefore_o this_o name_n or_o appellation_n be_v take_v from_o and_o include_v in_o it_o love_v care_n tenderness_n watchfulness_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o go_v before_o preserve_v feed_v defend_v the_o flock_n the_o sheep_n and_o the_o lamb_n the_o strong_a the_o weak_a and_o disease_a with_o accountableness_n as_o servant_n unto_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n it_o be_v general_o disuse_v in_o the_o church_n and_o those_o of_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n guide_n precedent_n elder_n which_o seem_v to_o include_v more_o of_o honour_n and_o authority_n be_v retain_v in_o common_a use_n that_o though_o one_o of_o they_o at_o last_o namely_o that_o of_o bishop_n with_o some_o elate_v composition_n and_o adjunct_n of_o power_n obtain_v the_o pre-eminence_n out_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o these_o composition_n and_o addition_n in_o arch-bishop_n metropolitan_o patriarch_n and_o the_o like_a break_v forth_o the_o cockatrice_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o pope_n but_o this_o name_n be_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n appropriate_v unto_o the_o principal_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o and_o under_o that_o name_n they_o be_v promise_v unto_o the_o church_n of_o old_a jerem._n 3.15_o and_o the_o work_n of_o these_o pastor_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n as_o it_o be_v constant_o require_v of_o they_o act._n 20.29_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o of_o pastoral_n feed_v there_o be_v two_o part_n 1._o teach_v or_o instruction_n 2._o rule_n or_o discipline_n unto_o these_o two_o head_n may_v all_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o shepherd_n towards_o his_o flock_n be_v reduce_v and_o both_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o term_n of_o feed_v 1_o chron._n 11.2_o chap._n 17.6_o jer._n 23.2_o mic._n 5.4_o chap._n 7.14_o zech._n 11.7_o act._n 20.28_o joh._n 21.14_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o he_o who_o be_v the_o pastor_n be_v the_o bishop_n the_o elder_a the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n these_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v may_v be_v distinct_a in_o several_a officer_n namely_o of_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n but_o to_o divide_v they_o in_o the_o same_o office_n of_o pastor_n that_o some_o pastor_n shall_v feed_v by_o teach_v only_o but_o have_v no_o right_a to_o rule_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o some_o shall_v attend_v in_o exercise_n unto_o rule_n only_o not_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o labour_v continual_o in_o feed_v the_o flock_n be_v almost_o to_o overthrow_v this_o office_n of_o christ_n designation_n and_o to_o set_v up_o two_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o of_o man_n own_o projection_n of_o the_o call_n of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n so_o many_o thing_n have_v be_v speak_v and_o write_v by_o other_o at_o large_a that_o i_o shall_v only_o insist_v and_o that_o very_o brief_o on_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o of_o the_o most_o important_a consideration_n or_o have_v be_v omit_v by_o other_o as_o 1._o unto_o the_o call_n of_o any_o person_n unto_o this_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v certain_a qualification_n previous_o require_v in_o he_o dispose_v and_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o that_o office._n the_o outward_a call_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v immediate_o but_o therein_o be_v require_v a_o obediential_a act_n of_o he_o also_o who_o be_v call_v neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v regular_a neither_o can_v the_o church_n act_n according_a to_o rule_n and_o order_n nor_o the_o person_n call_v act_n in_o such_o a_o due_a obedience_n unless_o there_o be_v in_o he_o some_o previous_a indication_n
if_o he_o have_v say_v pastor_n that_o be_v teacher_n if_o it_o be_v the_o latter_a than_o the_o name_n of_o teacher_n must_v be_v add_v as_o that_o which_o be_v better_o know_v than_o that_o of_o pastor_n and_o more_o expressive_a of_o the_o office_n intend_v it_o be_v declare_v who_o be_v mean_v by_o pastor_n in_o call_v they_o teacher_n or_o else_o the_o addition_n of_o the_o word_n be_v mere_o superfluous_a but_o this_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o name_n of_o pastor_n be_v more_o know_v as_o unto_o the_o indigitation_n of_o office-power_n and_o care_n and_o more_o appropriate_v thereunto_o than_o that_o of_o teacher_n which_o be_v both_o a_o common_a name_n not_o absolute_o appropriate_v unto_o office_n and_o respective_a of_o one_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o duty_n only_o 3._o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v in_o any_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o enumeration_n of_o church-officer_n either_o by_o their_o name_n as_o 1_o cor._n 12.25_o or_o by_o their_o work_n as_o rom._n 12.5_o 6_o 7._o or_o by_o the_o office_n themselves_o as_o phil._n 1.1_o of_o the_o same_o officer_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v express_v under_o various_a name_n which_o indeed_o must_v needs_o introduce_v confusion_n into_o such_o a_o enumeration_n it_o be_v true_a the_o same_o officer_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n call_v by_o several_a name_n as_o pastor_n bishop_n presbyter_n but_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v any_o where_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a officer_n as_o bishop_n and_o deacon_n be_v phil._n 1.1_o 4._o the_o word_n in_o their_o first_o notion_n be_v not_o synonymous_n for_o all_o pastor_n be_v teacher_n but_o all_o teacher_n be_v not_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o the_o latter_a can_v be_v exegetical_a of_o the_o former_a 3_o dly_z as_o these_o teacher_n be_v so_o call_v and_o name_v in_o contradistinction_n unto_o pastor_n in_o the_o same_o place_n so_o they_o have_v distinct_a office-works_a and_o duty_n assign_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o same_o place_n also_o rom._n 12.18_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n if_o they_o have_v especial_a work_n to_o attend_v unto_o distinct_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n then_o be_v their_o office_n distinct_o also_o for_o from_o one_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a obligation_n unto_o one_o sort_n of_o duty_n and_o to_o another_o sort_n from_o the_o other_o 4_o thly_a these_o teacher_n be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o a_o distinct_a office_n from_o that_o of_o prophet_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o so_o they_o be_v mention_v distinct_o in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 13.1_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n but_o in_o both_o place_n pastor_n be_v comprise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o prophet_n exhortation_n be_v a_o especial_a branch_n of_o prophecy_n rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o 5._o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a institution_n of_o maintenance_n for_o these_o teacher_n which_o argue_v a_o distinct_a office_n gal._n 6.6_o from_o all_o these_o consideration_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o teacher_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o pastor_n for_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o 1._o by_o their_o name_n declarative_a of_o the_o especial_a nature_n of_o their_o office._n 2._o by_o their_o peculiar_a work_n which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o teach_v by_o virtue_n of_o office._n 3_o by_o the_o distinct_a place_n in_o the_o church_n as_o peculiar_a officer_n in_o it_o distinct_a from_o prophet_n or_o pastor_n 4._o by_o the_o especial_a constitution_n of_o their_o necessary_a maintenance_n 5._o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o work_n to_o be_v distinct_o carry_v on_o in_o the_o church_n which_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o second_o opinion_n the_o three_o be_v that_o teacher_n be_v a_o distinct_a office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o such_o who_o office_n work_n and_o power_n be_v confine_v unto_o teach_v only_o so_o as_o that_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o rule_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o 1._o i_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o have_v ordinary_a catechist_n and_o teacher_n in_o assembly_n like_o school_n that_o be_v not_o call_v unto_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 2._o the_o name_n of_o a_o teacher_n neither_o in_o its_o native_a signification_n nor_o in_o its_o ordinary_a application_n as_o expressive_a of_o the_o work_n of_o this_o office_n do_v extend_v itself_o beyond_o or_o signify_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o mere_a power_n and_o duty_n of_o teach_v it_o be_v otherwise_o as_o unto_o the_o name_n of_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o overseer_n elder_n which_o as_o unto_o the_o two_o former_a their_o constant_a use_n in_o scripture_n suit_v unto_o their_o signification_n include_v the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o name_n of_o dignity_n and_o rule_n upon_o the_o proposal_n of_o church-officer_n under_o these_o name_n the_o whole_a of_o office-power_n and_o duty_n be_v apprehend_v as_o include_v in_o they_o but_o the_o name_n of_o a_o teacher_n especial_o as_o significant_a of_o that_o of_o rabbi_n among_o the_o jew_n carry_v along_o with_o it_o a_o confinement_n unto_o a_o especial_a work_n or_o duty_n 3._o i_o do_v judge_v it_o lawful_a for_o any_o church_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o scripture_n general_a rule_n and_o direction_n to_o choose_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o meet_a person_n unto_o the_o office_n work_n and_o duty_n of_o teacher_n without_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v practise_v by_o many_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o though_o not_o in_o due_a order_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o practice_n hereof_o due_o observe_v will_v lead_v we_o unto_o the_o original_a institution_n of_o this_o office._n but_o 4._o whereas_o a_o teacher_n mere_o as_o such_o have_v no_o right_a unto_o rule_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o ordinance_n no_o more_o than_o the_o doctor_n among_o the_o jew_n have_v right_a to_o offer_v sacrifice_n in_o the_o temple_n yet_o he_o who_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n may_v also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o elder_a and_o a_o teach_v elder_n have_v the_o power_n of_o all_o holy_a administration_n commit_v to_o he_o 5._o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n although_o he_o be_v a_o elder_a also_o be_v to_o attend_v peculiar_o unto_o that_o part_n of_o his_o work_n from_o whence_o he_o receive_v his_o denomination_n and_o so_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a dismiss_v this_o three_o opinion_n unto_o far_a consideration_n if_o there_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o it_o the_o four_o opinion_n i_o rather_o embrace_v than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o namely_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o a_o teacher_n be_v a_o distinct_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n his_o office_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o of_o the_o pastor_n though_o distinguish_v from_o it_o as_o unto_o degree_n both_o material_o and_o formal_o for_o 1._o they_o be_v join_v with_o pastor_n in_o the_o same_o order_n as_o their_o associate_n in_o office_n ephes._n 4.1_o so_o they_o be_v with_o prophet_n and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v 1_o cor._n 12.28_o act._n 13.1_o 2._o they_o have_v a_o peculiar_a work_n of_o the_o same_o general_a nature_n with_o that_o of_o pastor_n assign_v unto_o they_o rom._n 12.7_o be_v to_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o virtue_n of_o office_n they_o have_v the_o same_o office_n for_o substance_n with_o the_o pastor_n 3._o they_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o church_n act._n 13.1_o which_o comprise_v all_o sacred_a administration_n wherefore_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o that_o be_v speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v church-teacher_n with_o the_o various_a conjecture_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o writer_n about_o they_o i_o shall_v conclude_v my_o own_o thought_n in_o some_o few_o observation_n and_o then_o inquire_v into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o reference_n unto_o these_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o i_o say_v 1._o there_o may_v be_v teacher_n in_o a_o church_n call_v only_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v without_o any_o far_a interest_n in_o rule_n or_o right_o unto_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n such_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v who_o be_v mention_v gal._n 6.6_o they_o be_v there_o call_v peculiarly_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
〈◊〉_d catechist_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 4.15_o instructor_n of_o those_o that_o be_v young_a in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o whereof_o be_v eminent_a famous_a and_o useful_a and_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o church_n be_v great_a and_o numerous_a for_o whereas_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o be_v original_o commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n as_o belong_v entire_o unto_o his_o office_n the_o discharge_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v numerous_a be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o man_n or_o it_o may_v be_v more_o in_o the_o same_o office_n where_o all_o be_v oblige_v unto_o a_o especial_a attendance_n on_o one_o part_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n it_o please_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o appoint_v such_o as_o in_o distinct_a office_n shall_v be_v associate_v with_o they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o sundry_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n so_o be_v deacon_n ordain_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o interest_n in_o rule_n or_o right_o to_o teach_v so_o be_v as_o we_o shall_v prove_v elder_n ordain_v to_o assist_v and_o help_v in_o rule_n without_o any_o call_n to_o preach_v or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o be_v teacher_n appoint_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n and_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o rule_v or_o the_o administration_n of_o other_o ordinance_n and_o thus_o although_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n yet_o be_v supply_v with_o assistance_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v comfortable_o discharge_v by_o they_o and_o if_o this_o order_n be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n not_o only_o many_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v prevent_v but_o the_o order_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n great_o promote_v 2._o he_o who_o be_v peculiar_o call_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n with_o reference_n unto_o a_o distinction_n from_o a_o pastor_n may_v yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o elder_a also_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o teach_v elder_a and_o where_o there_o be_v in_o any_o officer_n a_o concurrence_n of_o both_o these_o a_o right_n unto_o rule_n as_o a_o elder_a and_o power_n to_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o same_o office_n and_o office-power_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o pastor_n 3._o on_o the_o forego_n supposition_n there_o yet_o remain_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n which_o as_o far_o as_o light_n may_v be_v take_v from_o their_o name_n and_o distinct_a asscription_n unto_o they_o consist_v material_o in_o the_o different_a gift_n which_o those_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o office_n have_v receive_v which_o the_o church_n in_o their_o call_n ought_v to_o have_v respect_n unto_o and_o formal_o in_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o those_o gift_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o assignation_n of_o their_o especial_a work_n unto_o they_o which_o themselves_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o upon_o what_o have_v be_v before_o discourse_v concern_v the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o whether_o there_o ought_v only_o to_o be_v one_o of_o each_o sort_n and_o i_o say_v 1._o take_v teacher_n in_o the_o three_o sense_n for_o those_o who_o be_v only_o so_o and_o have_v no_o far_o interest_n in_o office-power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o edification_n and_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v and_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o institution_n will_v prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o man_n preach_v constant_o who_o be_v in_o no_o office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o although_o i_o do_v grant_v that_o those_o who_o have_v once_o be_v regular_o or_o solemn_o set_v a_o part_n or_o ordain_v unto_o the_o ministry_n have_v the_o right_n of_o constant_a preach_a inherent_a in_o they_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o incumbent_a on_o they_o though_o they_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o those_o church_n wherein_o and_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v peculiar_o ordain_v yet_o for_o man_n to_o give_v themselves_o up_o constant_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o never_o be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o church_n thereunto_o i_o know_v not_o that_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n in_o the_o same_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14.22_o act._n 20.28_o phil._n 1.1_o tit._n 1.5_o but_o if_o there_o be_v sundry_a sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o pastor_n who_o peculiar_o feed_v the_o flock_n those_o teach_v elder_n of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v and_o those_o ruler_n concern_v who_o we_o shall_v treat_v in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o no_o determination_n of_o this_o enquiry_n can_v be_v take_v from_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o order_n very_o early_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o pastor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d praeses_fw-la quick_o call_v episcopus_fw-la by_o way_n of_o distinction_n with_o many_o elder_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o teach_v and_o deacon_n minister_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n whereby_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o its_o authority_n represent_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o each_o particular_a church_n there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n with_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n if_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o deviation_n from_o its_o first_o order_n by_o a_o occasional_a coalescency_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o by_o a_o new_a form_n of_o church_n never_o appoint_v by_o christ_n which_o come_v not_o in_o until_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n that_o give_v occasion_n to_o corrupt_v this_o order_n into_o a_o episcopal_a pre-eminence_n which_o degenerate_v more_o and_o more_o into_o confusion_n under_o the_o name_n of_o order_n and_o the_o absolute_a equality_n of_o many_o pastor_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n be_v liable_a unto_o many_o inconvenience_n if_o not_o diligent_o watch_v against_o 5._o wherefore_o let_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v unto_o its_o original_a constitution_n which_o be_v congregational_a and_o no_o other_o and_o i_o do_v judge_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v so_o early_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n namely_o of_o one_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o all_o holy_a administration_n with_o many_o elder_n teach_v or_o rule_v only_o do_v not_o so_o overthrow_v church-order_n as_o to_o render_v its_o rule_n or_o discipline_n useless_a 6._o but_o whereas_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o office_n or_o power_n intimate_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v where_o there_o be_v many_o teach_v elder_n in_o any_o church_n a_o equality_n in_o office_n and_o power_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v but_o yet_o this_o take_v not_o off_o from_o the_o due_a preference_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n nor_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o precedency_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o order_n in_o all_o church_n assembly_n nor_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n which_o gift_n age_n ability_n prudence_n and_o experience_n which_o may_v belong_v unto_o some_o according_a to_o rule_n may_v give_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o rule_v elder_n 1._o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n therein_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n all_o elder_n in_o office_n have_v rule_n and_o none_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n but_o elder_n as_o such_o rule_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o especial_a office_n be_v entrust_v with_o all_o church-power_n but_o therefore_o they_o be_v elder_n also_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o joh._n 1._o 3_o joh._n 1._o see_v act
commission_n that_o christ_n give_v a_o pastoral_a relation_n or_o presbytership_n which_o be_v include_v in_o their_o apostleship_n and_o exercise_v towards_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n such_o presbyter-ship_n john_n and_o peter_n both_o have_v hence_o there_o remain_v no_o other_o successor_n jure_v to_o the_o apostle_n but_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n these_o be_v relative_a officer_n and_o be_v always_o in_o and_o to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n we_o know_v of_o no_o catholic_n visible_a church_n that_o any_o pastor_n be_v ordain_v to_o 1._o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o church_n as_o catholic_n visible_a 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o chimaera_n of_o some_o man_n brain_n it_o be_v not_o in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la for_o if_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v all_o the_o church_n that_o i_o see_v at_o a_o time_n i_o be_o not_o capable_a of_o see_v much_o more_o than_o what_o can_v assemble_v in_o one_o place_n and_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o all_o the_o church_n actual_o in_o be_v how_o be_v they_o visible_a to_o i_o where_o can_v they_o be_v see_v in_o one_o place_n i_o may_v as_o well_o call_v all_o the_o city_n and_o corporation_n in_o the_o world_n the_o catholic_n visible_a city_n or_o corporation_n which_o all_o rational_a man_n will_v call_v nonsense_n beside_o if_o all_o organise_v church_n can_v be_v get_v together_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n in_o respect_n of_o saint_n militant_a much_o less_o of_o triumphant_a for_o many_o be_v no_o church_n member_n that_o be_v christ_n member_n and_o many_o visible_a member_n be_v no_o true_a member_n of_o christ_n jesus_n where_o be_v any_o such_o church_n capable_a of_o communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o no_o other_o organise_v visible_a church_n again_o to_o a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n constitute_v shall_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n for_o as_o the_o church_n be_v such_o be_v the_o pastor_n and_o officer_n to_o the_o mystical_a church_n christ_n be_v the_o mystical_a head_n and_o pastor_n he_o be_v call_v the_o chief_a bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.25_o hence_o the_o uncalled_a be_v his_o sheep_n as_o john_n 10.16_o but_o to_o all_o visible_a church_n christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o visible_a pastor_n or_o pastor_n and_o where_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v unless_o it_o please_v we_o to_o take_v he_o from_o rome_n to_o say_v that_o all_o individual_a pastor_n be_v pastor_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v either_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v invest_v with_o as_o much_o pastoral_n power_n and_o charge_n in_o one_o church_n as_o in_o another_o and_o then_o they_o be_v indefinite_a pastor_n and_o therefore_o all_o pastor_n have_v mutual_a power_n in_o each_o other_o church_n and_o so_o john_n may_v come_v into_o thomas_n his_o church_n and_o exercise_v all_o part_n of_o jurisdiction_n there_o and_o thomas_n into_o john_n or_o a_o minister_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v a_o universal_a catholic_n power_n over_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o so_o the_o power_n and_o charge_n which_o every_o ordinary_a pastor_n have_v be_v apostolic_a or_o last_o he_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o arbitrary_a power_n at_o least_o as_o to_o the_o take_v up_o a_o particular_a charge_n where_o he_o please_v with_o a_o non_fw-la obstante_fw-la to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o people_n for_o if_o he_o have_v a_o office_n whereby_o he_o be_v equal_o and_o indisputable_o relate_v to_o all_o church_n it_o be_v at_o his_o liberty_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o office_n to_o take_v where_o he_o please_v but_o every_o church-officer_n under_o christ_n be_v a_o visible_a relate_v and_o the_o correlate_n must_v be_v such_o whence_o the_o church_n must_v be_v visible_a to_o which_o he_o be_v a_o officer_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v a_o man_n be_v a_o visible_a husband_n to_o a_o invisible_a wife_n the_o relate_v and_o correlate_n must_v be_v ejusdem_fw-la naturae_fw-la it_o be_v true_a christ_n be_v relate_v to_o the_o church_n as_o mystical_a head_n but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o mystical_a nature_n for_o christ_n have_v substitute_v no_o mystical_a officer_n in_o his_o church_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o mystical_a and_o external_a visible_a church_n though_o the_o latter_a be_v found_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o it_o as_o take_v its_o true_a spiritual_a original_a from_o it_o derive_v vital_a spirit_n from_o it_o by_o a_o mystical_a union_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o all_o external_a visible_a assembly_n minister_n ordinance_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n for_o call_v in_o the_o elect_n and_o the_o edify_v of_o they_o to_o that_o full_a measure_n of_o stature_n they_o be_v design_v unto_o but_o the_o different_a consideration_n lie_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o mystical_a church_n do_v never_o fail_v neither_o be_v diminish_v by_o any_o shock_n of_o temptation_n or_o suffer_v that_o in_o their_o visible_a profession_n any_o of_o they_o undergo_v whereas_o visible_a church_n be_v often_o break_v scatter_a yea_o unchurch_v and_o many_o member_n fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o final_a apostasy_n likewise_o christ_n mystical_a church_n be_v many_o time_n preserve_v in_o that_o state_n only_o or_o most_o when_o christ_n have_v not_o a_o visible_a organise_v church_n according_a to_o institution_n to_o be_v find_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o it_o be_v with_o his_o church_n often_o under_o the_o old_a testament-dispensation_n as_o in_o egypt_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o the_o ark_n be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o philistine_n in_o the_o day_n of_o manasseh_n and_o other_o wicked_a king_n and_o especial_o in_o babylon_n in_o such_o time_n the_o faithful_a one_o be_v preserve_v without_o the_o true_a sacrifice_n the_o teach_a priest_n and_o the_o law._n so_o have_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o divers_a place_n under_o the_o draconick_a heathen_a persecution_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o wilderness-state_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o antichristian_a usurpation_n and_o false_a worship_n which_o mystical_a state_n be_v the_o place_n prepare_v of_o god_n to_o hide_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o from_o the_o dragon_n rage_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n again_o unto_o this_o mystical_a church_n be_v only_o essential_o necessary_a a_o mystical_a union_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o father_n acceptation_n and_o covenant-undertaking_a of_o the_o son_n the_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n work_v true_a save_a faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o true_a member_n whereby_o as_o they_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a union_n so_o they_o have_v a_o spiritual_a communion_n though_o without_o those_o desirable_a enjoyment_n of_o external_a church_n privilege_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o they_o be_v providential_o often_o hinder_v from_o visible_a church_n be_v but_o christ_n tent_n and_o tabernacle_n which_o he_o sometime_o set_v up_o and_o sometime_o take_v down_o and_o remove_v at_o his_o pleasure_n as_o he_o see_v best_o for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world._n but_o of_o these_o he_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n as_o to_o their_o foundadation_n matter_n constitution_n and_o order_n he_o give_v forth_o a_o exact_a pattern_n from_o mount_n zion_n as_o of_o that_o typical_a tabernacle_n from_o mount_n sinai_n of_o old._n the_o foundation_n part_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v the_o credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o corner_n stone_n eph._n ij_o 20_o matth._n xuj_o 18_o this_o profession_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o not_o the_o church_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o profession_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a individual_a person_n that_o make_v a_o organise_v visible_a church_n we_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n etc._n etc._n 2._o it_o be_v man_n and_o woman_n not_o doctrine_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o church_n and_o these_o profess_v the_o faith_n and_o practise_v holiness_n the_o member_n of_o church_n be_v always_o call_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n saint_n faithful_n believer_n they_o be_v such_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v every_o believer_n so_o as_o such_o but_o as_o a_o profess_v believer_n for_o a_o man_n must_v appear_v
some_o instance_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o office-duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v they_o be_v but_o some_o of_o they_o and_o those_o only_o propose_v not_o pursue_v and_o press_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o those_o particular_a duty_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n way_n of_o management_n motive_n and_o enforcement_n defect_n and_o cause_n of_o they_o which_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n these_o may_v suffice_v unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o we_o may_v derive_v from_o they_o the_o ensue_a brief_a consideration_n 1._o a_o due_a meditation_n and_o view_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o propose_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v the_o wise_a the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o the_o most_o diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n this_o will_v make_v they_o look_v well_o to_o their_o call_n and_o entrance_n into_o this_o office_n as_o that_o alone_a which_o will_v bear_v they_o out_o and_o justify_v they_o in_o the_o susception_n of_o it_o for_o no_o sense_n of_o insufficiency_n can_v utter_o discourage_v any_o in_o the_o undertake_n of_o a_o work_n which_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n call_v he_o unto_o for_o where_o he_o call_v to_o a_o duty_n he_o give_v competent_a strength_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o say_v under_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n he_o do_v say_v my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o you_o 2._o although_o all_o the_o thing_n mention_v do_v plain_o evident_o and_o undeniable_o belong_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n we_o find_v by_o the_o success_n that_o they_o be_v very_o little_o consider_v by_o the_o most_o that_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o the_o present_a ruin_n of_o religion_n as_o unto_o its_o power_n beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o all_o place_n arise_v principal_o from_o this_o cause_n that_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o undertake_v this_o office_n be_v neither_o in_o any_o measure_n fit_a for_o it_o nor_o do_v either_o conscientious_o attend_v unto_o or_o diligent_o perform_v the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o it_o ever_o be_v and_o every_o will_v be_v true_a in_o general_a like_o priest_n like_o people_n 3._o whereas_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o office_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o primitive_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v frequent_o propose_v unto_o we_o and_o many_o warning_n give_v we_o thereon_o in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o take_v it_o into_o due_a consideration_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o christ_n visitation_n he_o will_v proceed_v on_o such_o article_n as_o those_o here_o lay_v down_o and_o other_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o at_o all_o on_o those_o which_o be_v now_o inquire_v upon_o in_o our_o episcopal_a visitation_n and_o if_o they_o may_v be_v mind_v of_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o concern_v whilst_o they_o possess_v the_o place_n they_o hold_v in_o the_o church_n without_o offence_n i_o will_v advise_v they_o to_o conform_v their_o inquiry_n in_o their_o visitation_n unto_o those_o which_o they_o can_v but_o know_v the_o lord_n christ_n will_v make_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o visitation_n which_o do_v approach_v this_o i_o think_v but_o reasonable_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o give_v up_o their_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o confidence_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n continual_o to_o bear_v in_o mind_n what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v of_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n to_o take_v benefice_n to_o perform_v legal_a duty_n by_o themselves_o or_o other_o be_v not_o full_o compliant_a with_o what_o pastor_n of_o church_n be_v call_v unto_o 4._o it_o be_v manifest_a also_o from_o hence_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o this_o office_n and_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o it_o for_o any_o one_o man_n to_o undertake_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o pastor_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o especial_o if_o far_o distant_a from_o one_o another_o a_o evil_a this_o be_v like_o that_o of_o mathematical_a prognostication_n at_o rome_n always_o condemn_v and_o always_o retain_v but_o one_o view_n of_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o each_o pastor_n and_o of_o who_o diligent_a performance_n he_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v discard_v this_o practice_n from_o all_o approbation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o be_v sober_a however_o it_o be_v as_o good_a to_o have_v ten_o church_n at_o once_o as_o have_v but_o one_o never_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n towards_o it_o 5._o all_o church_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v the_o weight_n and_o burden_n that_o lie_v upon_o their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n that_o they_o may_v be_v constant_a in_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o they_o as_o also_o to_o provide_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v without_o trouble_n and_o care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n 6._o there_o be_v so_o many_o duty_n necessary_a unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n and_o those_o of_o such_o various_a sort_n and_o kind_n as_o to_o require_v various_a gift_n and_o ability_n unto_o their_o due_a performance_n it_o seem_v very_o difficult_a to_o find_v a_o concurrence_n of_o they_o in_o any_o own_o person_n in_o any_o considerable_a degree_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o office_n itself_o shall_v be_v due_o discharge_v i_o answer_v 1._o the_o end_n both_o of_o the_o office_n and_o of_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o be_v the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n this_o therefore_o give_v they_o their_o measure_n where_o that_o be_v attain_v the_o office_n be_v due_o discharge_v though_o the_o gift_n whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v thereunto_o be_v not_o eminent_a 2._o where_o a_o man_n be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n and_o apply_v himself_o sincere_o unto_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o it_o if_o he_o be_v evident_o defective_a with_o respect_n to_o any_o especial_a duty_n or_o duty_n of_o it_o that_o defect_n be_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o call_v any_o other_o unto_o his_o assistance_n in_o office_n who_o be_v qualify_v to_o make_v that_o supply_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o like_a must_v be_v say_v concern_v such_o pastor_n as_o through_o age_n or_o bodily_a weakness_n be_v disable_v from_o attendance_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o still_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v provide_v for_o 7._o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n and_o what_o relation_n with_o respect_n unto_o communion_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v unto_o they_o who_o pastor_n be_v evident_o defective_a in_o or_o neglective_a of_o these_o thing_n so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o any_o competent_a measure_n attend_v unto_o and_o we_o may_v in_o particular_a instance_n in_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o of_o the_o pastoral_a duty_n before_o insist_v on_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v his_o flock_n or_o have_v any_o ability_n yet_o do_v not_o will_v not_o give_v himself_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n or_o not_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o edification_n and_o suppose_v the_o same_o person_n be_v open_o defective_a as_o unto_o a_o exemplary_a conversation_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a lay_v the_o stumble_a block_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o what_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o his_o ministry_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o constituent_a part_n as_o its_o ruler_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n real_o to_o confer_v the_o pastoral_a office_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o ordination_n whatever_o unto_o any_o who_o be_v open_o and_o evident_o destitute_a of_o all_o those_o previous_a qualification_n which_o the_o scripture_n require_v in_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office._n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o latitude_n to_o be_v allow_v
in_o judge_v of_o they_o in_o time_n of_o necessity_n and_o great_a penury_n of_o able_a teacher_n so_o that_o person_n in_o holy_a ministry_n design_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n but_o otherwise_o there_o be_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o pretend_a office._n 2._o where_o any_o such_o be_v admit_v through_o ignorance_n or_o mistake_n or_o the_o usurpation_n of_o undue_a power_n over_o church_n in_o impose_v minister_n on_o they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a nullity_n in_o their_o administration_n until_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o convict_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n but_o if_o on_o evidence_n hereof_o the_o people_n will_v voluntary_o adhere_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o vnchurch_n themselves_o 3._o where_o such_o person_n be_v by_o any_o mean_v place_v as_o pastor_n in_o or_o over_o any_o church_n and_o there_o be_v no_o way_n for_o the_o removal_n or_o reformation_n it_o be_v lawful_a unto_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o edification_n and_o salvation_n to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o to_o join_v with_o such_o as_o wherein_o edification_n be_v better_a provide_v for_o for_o whereas_o this_o be_v the_o sole_a end_n of_o church_n of_o all_o their_o office_n officer_n and_o administration_n it_o be_v the_o high_a folly_n to_o imagine_v that_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v or_o be_v oblige_v by_o his_o authority_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n without_o seek_v relief_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n wherein_o that_o end_n be_v utter_o overthrow_v 4._o where_o the_o generality_n of_o church_n in_o any_o kind_n of_o association_n be_v head_v by_o pastor_n defective_a in_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o matter_n declare_v there_o all_o public_a church-reformation_n be_v moral_o impossible_a and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n let_v church_n and_o churchman_n say_v what_o they_o please_v some_z few_o thing_n may_v yet_o be_v inquire_v into_o with_o reference_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n as_o 1._o whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v ordain_v a_o pastor_n or_o a_o minister_n without_o relation_n unto_o any_o particular_a church_n so_o as_o to_o be_v invest_v with_o office-power_n thereby_o it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v ordain_v a_o minister_n unto_o or_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o to_o convert_v infidel_n although_o he_o be_v not_o relate_v unto_o any_o particular_a flock_n or_o congregation_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a discuss_v sundry_a thing_n about_o the_o power_n and_o way_n of_o ordination_n which_o influence_n this_o controversy_n but_o only_o speak_v brief_o unto_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n endow_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n for_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n unto_o that_o work_n when_o he_o may_v be_v orderly_o call_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o providence_n of_o god._n for_o 1._o such_o a_o one_o have_v a_o call_n unto_o it_o material_o in_o the_o gift_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v warrant_v he_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o as_o he_o have_v occasion_n 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 14.12_o set_v apart_o unto_o a_o important_a work_n by_o prayer_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n and_o useful_a in_o church_n affair_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n act._n 13.12_o 2._o a_o public_a testimony_n unto_o the_o approbation_n of_o a_o person_n undertake_v the_o work_n of_o preach_v be_v necessary_a 1._o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o any_o of_o they_o as_o be_v occasion_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v the_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n 1_o cor._n 16.3_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 3_o joh._n 9_o 2._o unto_o the_o safety_n of_o they_o among_o who_o he_o may_v exercise_v his_o gift_n that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o false_a teacher_n or_o seducer_n nor_o will_v the_o primitive_a church_n allow_v nor_o be_v it_o allowable_a in_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n that_o any_o person_n not_o so_o testify_v unto_o not_o so_o send_v and_o warrant_v shall_v undertake_v constant_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 2._o such_o person_n so_o set_v apart_o and_o send_v may_v be_v esteem_v minister_n in_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n and_o may_v be_v useful_a in_o the_o call_n and_o plant_v of_o church_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v instate_v in_o the_o pastoral_n office._n this_o be_v original_o the_o work_n of_o evangelist_n which_o office_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n as_o shall_v be_v prove_v elsewhere_o the_o work_n may_v be_v supply_v by_o person_n of_o this_o sort_n 3._o no_o church_n whatever_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v man_n minister_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n since_o the_o cessation_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n and_o office_n the_o care_n of_o that_o work_n be_v devolve_v mere_o on_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v leave_v without_o the_o verge_n of_o church-institution_n god_n alone_o can_v send_v and_o warrant_v man_n for_o the_o undertake_n of_o that_o work._n nor_o can_v any_o man_n know_v or_o be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o call_n unto_o that_o work_n without_o some_o previous_a guidance_n of_o divine_a providence_n lead_v he_o thereunto_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n to_o diffuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o heathen_a and_o infidel_n among_o who_o or_o near_o unto_o who_o their_o habitation_n be_v cast_v and_o they_o have_v all_o manner_n of_o divine_a warranty_n for_o their_o so_o do_v as_o many_o worthy_a person_n have_v do_v effectual_o in_o new_a england_n and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a who_o may_v be_v cast_v among_o they_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o instruct_v they_o according_a unto_o his_o ability_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n to_o ordain_v a_o person_n unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o heathen_a antecedent_o unto_o any_o designation_n by_o divine_a providence_n thereunto_o 4._o no_o man_n can_v be_v proper_o or_o complete_o ordain_v unto_o the_o ministry_n but_o he_o be_v ordain_v unto_o a_o determinate_a office_n as_o a_o bishop_n a_o elder_a a_o pastor_n but_o this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v but_o he_o who_o be_v ordain_v in_o and_o unto_o a_o particular_a church_n for_o the_o contrary_a practice_n 1._o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o ordain_v no_o ordinary_a officer_n but_o in_o and_o unto_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v to_o be_v their_o proper_a charge_n and_o care_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o nor_o be_v there_o mention_n of_o any_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o such_o as_o be_v fix_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n where-unto_a they_o do_v relate_v act._n 20.28_o phil._n 1.1_o revel_v 2.3_o nor_o be_v any_o such_o practice_n know_v or_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o 2._o it_o be_v absolute_o forbid_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o all_o such_o ordination_n declare_v null_a so_o as_o not_o to_o communicate_v office-power_n or_o give_v any_o ministerial_a authority_n so_o it_o be_v express_o in_o the_o first_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o chalcedon_n and_o the_o council_n decree_v that_o all_o imposition_n of_o hand_n in_o such_o case_n be_v invalid_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n yea_o so_o exact_a and_o careful_a be_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n that_o if_o any_o one_o for_o any_o just_a cause_n as_o he_o judge_v himself_o do_v leave_v his_o particular_a church_n or_o charge_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o a_o bishop_n or_o to_o officiate_v occasional_o in_o that_o church_n or_o any_o where_o else_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o eustathius_n a_o bishop_n of_o pamphilia_n the_o good_a man_n find_v the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n very_o troublesome_a by_o reason_n of_o secular_a business_n that_o it_o be_v encumber_v withal_o and_o much_o opposition_n with_o reproach_n that_o befall_v he_o from_o the_o church_n itself_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n lay_v down_o and_o resign_v his_o charge_n the_o church_n choose_v one_o theodorus_n in_o his_o room_n but_o afterward_o he_o desire_v that_o though_o he_o have_v leave_v his_o charge_n he_o may_v retain_v the_o name_n title_n
have_v to_o do_v and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v to_o do_v it_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a and_o senseless_a unto_o they_o who_o have_v another_o idea_n of_o church-affair_n and_o rule_n conceive_v in_o their_o mind_n or_o receive_v by_o tradition_n and_o rivet_v by_o interest_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o what_o belong_v unto_o the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n beyond_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o reap_v the_o advantage_n that_o be_v obtain_v thereby_o can_v see_v any_o necessity_n of_o the_o distribution_n of_o these_o several_a work_n and_o duty_n unto_o several_a officer_n but_o suppose_v all_o may_v be_v do_v well_o enough_o by_o one_o or_o two_o in_o the_o same_o office._n wherefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o we_o treat_v brief_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a and_o what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o which_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n 9_o the_o exception_n which_o be_v usual_o put_v in_o unto_o this_o testimony_n have_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n from_o the_o text_n or_o context_n nor_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o nor_o confirmation_n 〈◊〉_d any_o other_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v therefore_o in_o vain_a to_o contend_v about_o they_o be_v such_o as_o any_o man_n may_v multiply_v at_o his_o pleasure_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o use_v by_o those_o who_o on_o other_o consideration_n be_v not_o willing_a that_o thing_n shall_v be_v as_o they_o be_v here_o declare_v to_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o we_o may_v take_v a_o brief_a specimen_fw-la of_o they_o some_o say_v it_o be_v gift_n absolute_o without_o respect_n unto_o distinct_a office_n that_o the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o which_o have_v be_v disprove_v from_o the_o text_n and_o context_n before_o some_o say_v that_o rule_n be_v include_v in_o the_o pastoral_n office_n so_o as_o that_o the_o pastor_n only_o be_v here_o intend_a but_o 1._o rule_n be_v not_o his_o principal_a work_n which_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n with_o diligence_n above_o other_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n 2._o the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n belong_v also_o to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o be_v there_o another_o office_n appoint_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n act._n 6._o 3._o he_o that_o rule_v be_v in_o this_o place_n express_o distinguish_v from_o he_o that_o exhort_v and_o he_o that_o teach_v some_o say_v that_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v he_o that_o rule_v his_o family_n but_o this_o be_v disprove_v by_o the_o analysis_n of_o the_o chapter_n before_o declare_v and_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o that_o have_v family_n and_o confine_v unto_o their_o family_n be_v ill_o place_v among_o those_o public_a duty_n which_o be_v design_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o be_v object_v that_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v here_o place_v after_o he_o that_o give_v that_o be_v the_o deacon_n i_o say_v then_o it_o can_v be_v the_o pastor_n that_o be_v intend_v if_o we_o may_v prescribe_v method_n of_o express_v himself_o unto_o the_o apostle_n but_o he_o use_v his_o liberty_n and_o do_v not_o oblige_v himself_o unto_o any_o order_n in_o the_o annumeration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n see_v 1_o cor._n 12.8_o 9_o 10_o 28._o and_o some_o other_o exception_n be_v insist_v on_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o importance_n which_o indeed_o deserve_v not_o our_o consideration_n 10._o there_o be_v the_o same_o evidence_n give_v unto_o the_o truth_n argue_v for_o in_o another_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o healing_n help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o testimony_n and_o its_o vindication_n in_o particular_a see_v many_o thing_n will_v be_v require_v thereunto_o which_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o already_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v brief_o observe_v concern_v it_o that_o there_o be_v here_o a_o annumeration_n of_o officer_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n both_o extraordinary_a for_o that_o season_n and_o ordinary_a for_o continuance_n be_v beyond_o exception_n unto_o they_o be_v add_v the_o present_a exercise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a gift_n as_o miracle_n healing_n tongue_n that_o by_o help_n the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n be_v intend_v most_o do_v agree_v because_o their_o original_a institution_n be_v as_o helper_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n government_n be_v governor_n or_o ruler_n the_o abstract_n for_o the_o concrete_a that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v distinct_a from_o teacher_n such_o have_v god_n place_v in_o the_o church_n and_o such_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o gift_n not_o office_n be_v intend_v the_o gift_n of_o government_n or_o gift_n for_o government_n if_o so_o than_o these_o gift_n be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a if_o ordinary_a how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o miracle_n healing_n and_o tongue_n if_o extraordinary_a what_o extraordinary_a gift_n for_o government_n be_v then_o give_v distinct_a from_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o instance_n be_v any_o where_o give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n again_o if_o god_n have_v give_v gift_n for_o government_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o those_o give_v unto_o teacher_n and_o unto_o other_o person_n than_o the_o teacher_n then_o be_v there_o a_o distinct_a office_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v all_o we_o plead_v for_o 11._o the_o original_a order_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n have_v all_o church-power_n and_o church-office_n in_o themselves_o with_o authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o they_o everywhere_o on_o all_o occasion_n but_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o of_o the_o rule_n appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o it_o or_o over_o it_o they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v not_o ordinary_o exercise_v their_o power_n by_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o own_o person_n alone_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o first_o church_n consist_v of_o a_o small_a number_n the_o apostle_n act_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n or_o the_o fraternity_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v from_o act_n the_o first_o and_o when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n increase_v so_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n attend_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v towards_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o office_n they_o add_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n for_o the_o especial_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o church_n owe_v unto_o its_o poor_a member_n whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v no_o more_o personal_o attend_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o without_o a_o entrenchment_n on_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o than_o they_o can_v attend_v unto_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a they_o appoint_v elder_n to_o help_v and_o assist_v in_o that_o part_n of_o office-work_a as_o the_o deacon_n do_v in_o the_o other_o these_o elder_n be_v first_o mention_v act._n 11.30_o where_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o those_o which_o be_v well_o know_v and_o have_v now_o be_v of_o some_o time_n in_o the_o church_n afterward_o they_o be_v still_o mention_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o distinction_n from_o the_o church_n itself_o act_v 15.2_o 4_o 6_o 22._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 21.18_o now_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v teach_v elder_n that_o be_v such_o as_o have_v the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n commit_v to_o they_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o joh._n 1._o and_o these_o elder_n be_v constant_o distinguish_v from_o they_o which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o teach_v elder_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v make_v of_o they_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v or_o preach_v be_v no_o where_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o which_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n reserve_v to_o themselves_o act._n 6.2_o 3._o but_o they_o be_v every_o where_o introduce_v as_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o distinction_n from_o the_o church_n itself_o or_o the_o brethren_n of_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a that_o whilst_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o
judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o in_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n yea_o such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n witness_v that_o continue_v in_o without_o repentance_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n if_o the_o thing_n itself_o to_o be_v animadvert_v on_o be_v dubious_a or_o disputable_a whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o no_o especial_o such_o a_o sin_n either_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n or_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v or_o from_o other_o circumstance_n so_o as_o that_o the_o guilty_a person_n be_v not_o self-condemned_n nor_o be_v other_o full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o mind_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o excommunication_n in_o such_o case_n and_o if_o it_o be_v once_o allow_v to_o be_v apply_v towards_o any_o sin_n but_o such_o as_o be_v evident_a to_o be_v so_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n not_o only_o will_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v make_v difficult_a a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n unfit_a for_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o will_v leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o prostitute_v unto_o litigious_a brawl_n quarrel_n and_o difference_n wherein_o interest_n and_o partiality_n may_v take_v place_n which_o be_v to_o profane_v this_o divine_a institution_n but_o confine_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n if_o persist_v in_o and_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a from_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n proceed_v that_o horrible_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o excommunication_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o which_o for_o sundry_a age_n prevail_v in_o the_o world._n for_o as_o it_o be_v most_o apply_v unto_o thing_n holy_a just_a and_o good_a or_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o gospel_n duty_n as_o man_n owe_v to_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o be_v exercise_v with_o respect_n unto_o irregularity_n that_o be_v make_v such_o mere_o by_o the_o arbitrary_a constitution_n and_o law_n of_o man_n and_o that_o in_o case_n frivolous_a trifle_a and_o of_o no_o importance_n it_o be_v find_v necessary_a to_o be_v manage_v in_o and_o by_o such_o court_n such_o process_n such_o form_n of_o law_n such_o plead_n and_o intricacy_n of_o craft_n such_o a_o burden_n of_o cost_n and_o charge_n as_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o bewail_v or_o deride_v 2._o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o unto_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o sin_n unto_o the_o particular_a offender_n be_v confess_v or_o not_o deny_v or_o clear_o prove_v how_o far_o this_o be_v to_o extend_v and_o what_o ground_n of_o procedure_v there_o may_v be_v in_o report_n or_o fame_n concur_v with_o lead_v circumstance_n we_o shall_v inquire_v afterward_o and_o although_o in_o such_o case_n of_o public_a fame_n a_o good_a testimony_n from_o those_o of_o credit_n and_o repute_v in_o the_o church_n give_v unto_o the_o suppose_a guilty_a person_n be_v of_o use_n and_o sufficient_a in_o some_o case_n single_o to_o oppose_v unto_o public_a report_n yet_o to_o require_v a_o man_n to_o purge_v himself_o by_o other_o from_o any_o feign_a scandalous_a imputation_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a tyranny_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o require_v that_o the_o previous_a process_n in_o and_o by_o private_a and_o public_a admonition_n and_o that_o repeat_v with_o patient_a wait_v for_o the_o success_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v due_o premise_v whether_o this_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v afterward_o inquire_v into_o ordinary_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o to_o leave_v he_o without_o either_o provocation_n from_o the_o church_n or_o excuse_v in_o himself_o so_o suit_v to_o be_v expressive_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n towards_o sinner_n so_o requisite_a unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o their_o proceedure_n as_o that_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o will_v probable_o render_v the_o sentence_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a a_o cry_v out_o i_o admonish_v a_o first_o a_o second_o a_o three_o time_n and_o so_o to_o excommunication_n be_v a_o very_a absurd_a observation_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v censure_v as_o unto_o his_o profession_n of_o repentance_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o obstinacy_n on_o the_o other_o be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o love_n and_o compassion_n there_o be_v few_o who_o be_v so_o profligate_o wicked_a but_o that_o when_o the_o sin_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v be_v evident_o such_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n and_o when_o it_o be_v just_o prove_v against_o they_o they_o will_v make_v some_o profession_n of_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n whether_o this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o in_o most_o case_n it_o be_v to_o suspend_v the_o present_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n or_o quite_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o upon_o consideration_n of_o present_a circumstance_n and_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o own_o edification_n only_o this_o rule_n must_v be_v continual_o observe_v that_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o haste_n or_o undue_a precipitation_n herein_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v in_o all_o these_o case_n as_o the_o bane_n of_o church-rule_n and_o order_n again_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v consider_v and_o hereunto_o be_v require_v 1._o prayer_n without_o which_o it_o can_v no_o way_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o administration_n of_o any_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o prayer_n be_v a_o horrible_a profanation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n hereof_o in_o any_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o excommunicate_v other_o be_v a_o open_a proclamation_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o their_o act_n and_o sentence_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o without_o any_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n without_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n thereby_o engage_v his_o presence_n and_o authority_n in_o what_o they_o do_v be_v that_o principal_o which_o have_v set_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o mankind_n at_o liberty_n from_o any_o concernment_n in_o this_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o whence_o those_o that_o administer_v it_o expect_v no_o other_o success_n of_o what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o they_o can_v give_v it_o by_o outward_a force_n and_o where_o this_o fail_v excommunication_n be_v quick_o lay_v aside_o as_o it_o be_v when_o the_o pope_n threaten_v the_o canton_n of_o the_o swisser_n that_o if_o they_o comply_v not_o with_o some_o of_o his_o imposition_n he_o will_v excommunicate_v they_o whereon_o they_o send_v he_o word_n they_o will_v not_o be_v excommunicate_v which_o end_v the_o matter_n wherefore_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v direct_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o ask_v assistance_n by_o prayer_n when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o matth._n 18.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o the_o apostle_n direct_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v unto_o this_o sentence_n when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o call_v on_o his_o name_n in_o brief_a without_o prayer_n neither_o be_v the_o ordinance_n itself_o sanctify_v unto_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o meet_a to_o administer_v it_o nor_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n either_o own_v or_o engage_v nor_o divine_a assistance_n attain_v neither_o be_v what_o be_v do_v any_o more_o excommunication_n than_o any_o rash_a curse_n be_v so_o that_o many_o proceed_v inordinate_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o men._n and_o the_o prayer_n require_v herein_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v previous_a for_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o mistake_n when_o man_n act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o engage_v his_o authority_n in_o what_o he_o will_v not_o own_o and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o best_a of_o church_n be_v liable_a
case_n dubious_a and_o disputable_a wherein_o right_o and_o wrong_n be_v not_o easy_o determinable_a unto_o all_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v admit_v when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o testimony_n and_o be_v not_o prove_v by_o two_o witness_n at_o the_o least_o 2._o all_z prejudices_fw-la all_o partiality_n all_o provocation_n all_o haste_n and_o precipitation_n be_v most_o careful_o to_o be_v avoid_v in_o this_o administration_n for_o the_o judgement_n be_v the_o lord_n wherefore_o 3._o we_o be_v continual_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o tend_v unto_o this_o sentence_n and_o eminent_o in_o the_o sentence_n itself_o to_o charge_v our_o conscience_n with_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o will_v do_v himself_o in_o the_o case_n consider_v his_o love_n grace_n mercy_n and_o patience_n with_o instance_n of_o his_o condescension_n which_o he_o give_v we_o in_o this_o world._n 4._o there_o be_v also_o require_v of_o we_o herein_o a_o constant_a remembrance_n that_o we_o also_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o liable_a to_o temptation_n which_o may_v restrain_v and_o keep_v in_o awe_n that_o forwardness_n and_o confidence_n which_o some_o be_v apt_a to_o manifest_v in_o such_o case_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n a_o watchful_a eye_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v over_o the_o method_n of_o satan_n who_o by_o all_o mean_n seek_v to_o pervert_v this_o ordinance_n unto_o the_o destruction_n of_o man_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o their_o edification_n and_o too_o often_o prevail_v in_o that_o design_n and_o if_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o management_n and_o pursuit_n of_o this_o ordinance_n he_o get_v advantage_n to_o pervert_v it_o unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o any_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o that_o church_n in_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v careful_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n therein_o wherefore_o 1._o as_o excommunication_n by_o a_o curse_a noise_n and_o clamour_v with_o bell_n book_n and_o candle_n such_o as_o we_o have_v instance_n of_o in_o some_o papal_a council_n be_v a_o horrible_a anti-christian_n abomination_n so_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o undue_a representation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o authority_n for_o person_n open_o guilty_a of_o profaneness_n in_o sin_v to_o excommunicate_v they_o who_o be_v blameless_a in_o all_o christian_a obedience_n 3._o all_o excommunication_n be_v evangelical_o null_a where_o there_o be_v want_v a_o evangelical_n frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v administer_v and_o there_o be_v present_v a_o anti-evangelical_a order_n in_o its_o administration_n 4._o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o after_o all_o the_o contest_v and_o dispute_v about_o this_o excommunication_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o noise_n that_o it_o have_v make_v the_o horrible_a abuse_n that_o it_o have_v be_v put_v unto_o the_o wrest_n of_o all_o church-order_n and_o rule_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o a_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o it_o with_o the_o needless_a opposition_n that_o have_v be_v make_v against_o its_o institution_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o nothing_o belong_v unto_o it_o nothing_o require_v unto_o its_o administration_n wherein_o man_n outward_a interest_n be_v at_o all_o concern_v and_o which_o the_o small_a number_n of_o sincere_a christian_n in_o any_o church-society_n may_v not_o perform_v and_o discharge_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n it_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o have_v traverse_v these_o thing_n into_o such_o a_o state_n and_o posture_n as_o be_v unintelligible_a unto_o spiritual_a wisdom_n unpracticable_a in_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o ruinous_a unto_o all_o evangelical_n order_n and_o discipline_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n church_n so_o appoint_v and_o establish_v in_o order_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v aught_o to_o hold_v communion_n among_o themselves_o or_o with_o each_o other_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o order_n for_o these_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o yea_o the_o general_a end_n of_o they_o be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n consider_v antecedent_o unto_o their_o institution_n in_o particular_a this_o end_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o general_a or_o the_o church_n catholic_n the_o promotion_n hereof_o be_v commit_v joint_o and_o several_o unto_o all_o particular_a church_n wherefore_o with_o respect_n hereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v unto_o mutual_a communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v their_o consent_n endeavour_n and_o conjunction_n in_o and_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o therein_o their_o own_o as_o they_o be_v part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o this_o communion_n be_v incumbent_n on_o every_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n equal_o and_o the_o duty_n and_o act_n of_o it_o in_o all_o of_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o disparity_n between_o they_o or_o subordination_n among_o they_o as_o shall_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o act_n of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n so_o as_o that_o the_o act_n of_o some_o shall_v be_v act_n of_o authority_n and_o those_o of_o other_o act_n of_o obedience_n or_o subjection_n where_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v at_o rome_n or_o egubium_n in_o a_o city_n or_o a_o village_n the_o communion_n of_o they_o all_o be_v mutual_a the_o act_n of_o it_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n however_o one_o church_n may_v have_v more_o advantage_n to_o be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a therein_o than_o another_o and_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o advantage_n be_v that_o which_o wrought_v effectual_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o disorder_n which_o at_o length_n destroy_v the_o catholic_n church_n with_o all_o church-communion_n whatever_o for_o some_o church_n especial_o that_o of_o rome_n have_v many_o advantage_n in_o gift_n ability_n number_n and_o reputation_n above_o many_o above_o most_o church_n for_o usefulness_n in_o their_o mutual_a communion_n the_o guide_n of_o it_o insensible_o turn_v and_o pervert_v the_o address_n make_v unto_o they_o the_o advises_n and_o assistance_n desire_v of_o they_o in_o way_n of_o communion_n or_o their_o pretence_n of_o such_o address_n and_o desire_n into_o a_o usurpation_n first_o of_o a_o primacy_n of_o honour_n then_o of_o order_n then_o of_o supremacy_n and_o jurisdiction_n unto_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o all_o church-order_n and_o communion_n and_o at_o length_n of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o state_v and_o subsist_v in_o particular_a church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v all_o church_n on_o their_o first_o institution_n quick_o find_v themselves_o indigent_a and_o want_v though_o not_o as_o unto_o their_o be_v power_n and_o order_n yet_o as_o unto_o their_o well-being_n with_o their_o preservation_n in_o truth_n and_o order_n upon_o extraordinary_a occurrence_n as_o also_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o usefulness_n and_o serviceableness_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o further_a the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n the_o care_n hereof_o and_o the_o make_v provision_n for_o this_o defect_n be_v commit_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o apostle_n during_o their_o life_n which_o paul_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2_o cor._n 11.28_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n for_o what_o be_v only_o a_o press_a care_n and_o burden_n unto_o they_o be_v afterward_o contend_v for_o by_o other_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o dignity_n and_o power_n the_o pretence_n of_o it_o in_o one_o especial_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o curse_a domination_n under_o the_o style_n and_o title_n of_o servus_n servorum_fw-la dei._n but_o if_o a_o thousand_o pretence_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o supply_a church_n defect_n after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o any_o other_o order_n way_n or_o means_n beside_o this_o of_o the_o equal_a communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o they_o will_v be_v all_o find_v destitute_a of_o any_o countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n primitive_a antiquity_n the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o church_n yea_o of_o christian_a religion_n itself_o yet_o the_o pretence_n hereof_o be_v the_o sole_a foundation_n of_o all_o that_o disposal_n of_o church_n into_o several_a story_n of_o subordination_n with_o a_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o which_o now_o prevail_v in_o the_o world._n but_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o such_o imagination_n until_o it_o be_v prove_v either_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v the_o mutual_a communion_n of_o church_n among_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o union_n and_o furtherance_n of_o the_o
from_o the_o scripture_n in_o doctrine_n or_o give_v counsel_n as_o unto_o practice_n synodical_o unto_o they_o who_o proper_a representative_n be_v present_a in_o it_o who_o decree_n and_o determination_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o submit_v unto_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o necessity_n as_o recommend_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o promise_a presence_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o be_v suitable_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o example_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n act._n 15._o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o and_o after_o such_o synod_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o church_n concern_v humble_o to_o consider_v and_o weigh_v 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o from_o the_o manner_n cause_n and_o end_n of_o their_o assemble_v and_o from_o their_o deportment_n therein_o 2._o what_o regard_n in_o their_o constitution_n and_o determination_n there_o have_v be_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o have_v have_v its_o due_a pre-eminence_n 3._o how_o all_o their_o determination_n have_v be_v educe_v from_o its_o truth_n and_o be_v confirm_v by_o its_o authority_n without_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o judgement_n with_o respect_n unto_o these_o thing_n none_o can_v be_v oblige_v by_o any_o synodical_a determination_n see_v without_o they_o and_o on_o the_o want_n of_o they_o many_o assembly_n of_o bishop_n who_o have_v have_v the_o outward_a appearance_n and_o title_n of_o synod_n or_o council_n have_v be_v den_n of_o thief_n robber_n idolater_n manage_v their_o synodical_a affair_n with_o fury_n wrath_n horrible_a craft_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n unto_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o church_n such_o be_v the_o second_o ephesine_n the_o second_o at_o nice_a and_o that_o at_o trent_n and_o other_o not_o a_o few_o hence_o nothing_o be_v more_o to_o be_v fear_v especial_o in_o a_o state_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o it_o be_v decline_v in_o faith_n worship_n and_o holiness_n than_o synod_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o convention_n where_o these_o thing_n be_v absent_a for_o they_o have_v already_o be_v the_o principal_a mean_n of_o lead_v on_o and_o justify_v all_o the_o apostasy_n which_o church_n have_v fall_v into_o for_o never_o be_v there_o yet_o synod_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o confirm_v all_o the_o error_n and_o superstition_n which_o have_v in_o common_a practice_n enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o open_v a_o door_n to_o a_o progress_n in_o they_o nor_o be_v ever_o the_o pretence_n of_o any_o of_o they_o for_o outward_a reformation_n of_o any_o use_n or_o signification_n 2._o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n determine_v article_n of_o faith_n constitute_v order_n and_o decree_n for_o the_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o appointment_n to_o be_v submit_v unto_o and_o obey_v on_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o authority_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o excommunication_n and_o the_o trouble_n by_o custom_n and_o tyranny_n thereto_o annex_v or_o act_v in_o a_o way_n of_o jurisdiction_n over_o church_n or_o person_n be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n for_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v plead_v but_o prescription_n from_o the_o four_o century_n of_o the_o church_n when_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o fatal_a apostasy_n become_v visible_a the_o proof_n of_o both_o these_o assertion_n depend_v on_o what_o be_v before_o declare_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o use_n of_o these_o synod_n for_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v evince_v no_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n can_v be_v ascribe_v unto_o they_o but_o that_o here_o allow_v yet_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v far_o illustrate_v by_o some_o brief_a consideration_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o synod_n record_v act._n 15._o 1._o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n which_o they_o can_v not_o compose_v among_o themselves_o because_o those_o who_o cause_v the_o difference_n pretend_a authority_n from_o the_o apostle_n as_o be_v evident_a v._n 1._o and_o 14._o 2._o the_o mean_n of_o its_o convention_n be_v the_o desire_n and_o voluntary_a reference_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n make_v by_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n where_o the_o difference_n be_v unto_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n whence_o as_o it_o be_v pretend_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o difference_n arise_v unto_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n to_o be_v consult_v of_o with_o their_o own_o messenger_n 3._o the_o person_n constitute_v the_o synod_n be_v the_o apostle_n elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o messenger_n of_o that_o antioch_n with_o who_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v join_v in_o the_o same_o delegation_n 4._o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n be_v debate_v as_o unto_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n concern_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n on_o james_n proposal_n the_o determination_n be_v make_v 5._o there_o be_v nothing_o impose_v a_o new_a on_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n only_a direction_n be_v give_v in_o one_o particular_a instance_n as_o unto_o duty_n necessary_a on_o many_o account_n unto_o the_o gentile_a convert_v namely_o to_o abstain_v from_o fornication_n and_o from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o such_o instance_n of_o its_o practice_n as_o whereon_o scandal_n will_v ensue_v which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o christian_n even_o before_o this_o determination_n and_o be_v so_o still_o in_o many_o other_o instance_n beside_o those_o mention_v in_o the_o decree_n only_o it_o be_v now_o declare_v unto_o they_o 6._o the_o ground_n whereon_o the_o synod_n propose_v the_o reception_n of_o and_o compliance_n with_o its_o decree_n be_v four_o 1._o that_o what_o they_o have_v determine_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o mind_n they_o know_v either_o by_o inspiration_n or_o immediate_a revelation_n make_v unto_o themselves_o or_o by_o what_o be_v write_v or_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o on_o all_o other_o occasion_n they_o allege_v as_o what_o be_v the_o word_n and_o speak_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v this_o latter_a way_n namely_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o be_v intend_v however_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v propose_v or_o confirm_v in_o synod_n but_o what_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n either_o by_o immediate_a inspiration_n or_o by_o scripture_n revelation_n 2._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o assembly_n as_o convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o presence_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o it_o please_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o we_o 3._o that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v determine_v be_v necessary_a that_o be_v antecedent_o so_o unto_o that_o determination_n namely_o the_o abstain_v from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a in_o case_n of_o scandal_n 4._o from_o the_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o mutual_a communion_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_a church_n do_v thus_o say_v they_o you_o shall_v do_v well_o which_o be_v all_o the_o sanction_n of_o their_o decree_n manifest_v that_o it_o be_v doctrinal_a not_o authoritative_a in_o way_n of_o jurisdiction_n 7._o the_o doctrinal_a abridgement_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o gentile_a christian_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n they_o call_v the_o impose_v of_o no_o other_o burden_n in_o opposition_n unto_o what_o they_o reject_v namely_o the_o impose_v a_o yoke_n of_o ceremony_n upon_o they_o v_o 10._o so_o as_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n be_v that_o they_o will_v lay_v no_o burden_n on_o they_o at_o all_o but_o only_o advise_v they_o unto_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o avoidance_n of_o scandal_n for_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v impose_v any_o yoke_n or_o lay_v any_o burden_n on_o the_o disciple_n but_o only_o the_o yoke_n and_o burden_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o commission_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o a_o synod_n convene_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o several_a church_n concern_v in_o mutual_a communion_n may_v declare_v and_o determine_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o decree_v the_o observation_n of_o thing_n true_a and_o necessary_a because_o reveal_v and_o appoint_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v own_a and_o observe_v on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o and_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o the_o synod_n itself_o finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 16._o line_n 31._o for_o to_o read_v do_v p._n 23._o l._n 34._o r._n state_n p._n 27_o l._n 2._o r._n believer_n be_v p._n 31._o l._n 11._o r._n mat._n 20._o p._n 40._o l._n 23._o r._n if_o so_o be_v p._n 41._o l._n 25._o r._n we_o inquire_v not_o p._n 47._o l._n ult_n r._n these_o p._n 53._o l._n 6._o ephes._n 4.7_o p._n 71._o l._n 33._o r._n light._n p._n 72._o l._n 8._o r._n mere_a p._n 103_o l._n 33._o r._n auricular_a p._n 112._o l._n 29._o r._n conc._n p_o 117._o l._n 9_o after_o public_o add_v read._n p._n 119._o l._n 22_o r._n their_o mix_a p._n 129._o l._n 5._o for_o 18_o r._n 28._o p._n 132._o l._n 9_o for_o 9_o r._n 3._o p._n 141._o l._n 30._o read_v over_o you_o p._n 147._o l._n 25._o for_o 39_o r._n 38._o p._n 168._o l._n 20._o for_o 24._o r._n 21._o p._n 186._o l._n 20._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 192._o l._n 14._o r._n will_v full_o p_o 205._o l._n 35_o r._n this_o p._n 228._o l._n 21_o r._n do_v p._n 244._o l._n 9_o r._n furnace_n p_o 256._o l._n 15._o r._n probable_a psal._n 15.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o psal._n 24.3_o 4._o psal._n 93_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 8.23_o ephes._n 5.27_o 2_o tim._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o ezek._n 22.26_o joh._n 3.3_o tit._n 3.3_o 4_o 5._o joh._n 3.5_o act._n 2.38_o 1_o pet._n 3.21_o phil._n 3_o 18_o 19_o tit._n 1.15_o 16._o act._n 15.8_o revel_v 2.23_o act._n 8.13_o 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o 2_o thes._n 3.6_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o rom._n 9.6_o 7._o tit._n 1.16_o mat._n 18.16_o 17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o rom._n 10.10_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o chap._n 9.13_o matth._n 10.32_o 33._o luke_n 9.16_o 2_o tim._n 2.12_o rom._n 15.9_o joh._n 12.42_o 1_o joh._n 4.2_o 3_o 15._o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o matth._n 10.37_o 38_o 39_o mar._n 8.34_o 38._o luke_n 9.23_o phil._n 3.18_o act._n 4.10_o 11_o 20._o act._n 24.14_o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 10.32_o phil._n 1.10_o ☞_o ☞_o matth._n 18.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o chap._n 23.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o luke_n 22.24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o 2_o joh._n 9.10_o act._n 20.18_o 29._o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 3._o cant._n 1.7_o jerem._n 13.17_o chap._n 23.2_o ezek._n 34.3_o gen._n 49.24_o psal._n 23.1_o psal._n 80.1_o joh._n 10.11_o 14_o 16._o heb._n 13.20_o 1_o pet._n 2.25_o chap._n 5.4_o ☜_o ☞_o jam_fw-la 5.16_o joh._n 17.20_o exod._n 32.11_o deut._n 9.18_o levit._fw-la 16.24_o 1_o sam._n 12.23_o 2_o cor._n 13.7_o 9_o ephes._n 1.15_o 16_o 17._o ch._n 3.14_o phil._n 1.4_o col._n 1.3_o 2_o thess._n 1.11_o ☞_o ☜_o ☞_o ☞_o ☜_o ☞_o