that_o therefore_o two_o elder_n associate_v may_v do_v the_o like_a second_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o suppose_v that_o these_o apostle_n when_o all_o together_o shall_v act_v with_o a_o inferior_a power_n to_o what_o they_o put_v forth_o in_o a_o like_a case_n alone_o if_o peter_n have_v be_v himself_o alone_o in_o a_o church_n new_o plant_v then_o and_o there_o he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v as_o a_o apostle_n because_o he_o alone_o govern_v and_o shall_v these_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v all_o in_o one_o and_o join_v all_o together_o in_o one_o act_n be_v yet_o suppose_v to_o fall_v low_a in_o their_o power_n under_o the_o formal_a exercise_n of_o it_o three_o if_o they_o have_v act_v as_o elder_n in_o a_o college_n they_o may_v miscarry_v as_o elder_n do_v and_o so_o the_o minor_a part_n of_o they_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o excommunication_n of_o the_o great_a and_o what_o power_n be_v there_o on_o earth_n to_o have_v excommunicate_v a_o apostle_n who_o hold_v his_o office_n immediate_o from_o christ_n and_o who_o whilst_o he_o be_v in_o that_o office_n have_v power_n over_o all_o church_n to_o the_o three_o viz._n that_o they_o in_o their_o proceed_n do_v join_v with_o other_o as_o in_o this_o choice_n of_o the_o deacon_n they_o do_v join_v with_o the_o multitude_n as_o also_o when_o they_o come_v to_o any_o other_o church_n they_o use_v to_o do_v neither_o do_v that_o argue_v that_o they_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n but_o as_o elder_n for_o first_o they_o join_v in_o act_n with_o other_o and_o join_v other_o with_o themselves_o wherein_o they_o yet_o act_v as_o apostle_n thus_o in_o write_v scripture_n they_o join_v other_o with_o they_o as_o paul_n join_v silvanus_n and_o timotheus_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n and_o not_o mere_o in_o the_o salutation_n for_o the_o expression_n run_v in_o their_o name_n also_o in_o that_o epistle_n and_o act._n 15._o the_o apostle_n elder_n yea_o and_o brethren_n join_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o the_o church_n but_o these_o as_o apostle_n therefore_o so_o call_v in_o distinction_n from_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o rest_n according_a to_o their_o several_a interest_n as_o the_o brethren_n do_v all_o according_a to_o their_o interest_n so_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o they_o so_o in_o ordain_v timothy_n the_o presbytery_n lay_v on_o hand_n yet_o they_o as_o a_o presbytery_n and_o paul_n as_o a_o apostle_n for_o else_o a_o presbytery_n have_v not_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v a_o evangelist_n yet_o second_o the_o apostle_n do_v where_o ever_o they_o come_v leave_v the_o elder_n and_o people_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o right_n belong_v to_o they_o although_o they_o join_v with_o they_o neither_o do_v therein_o lie_v their_o apostolical_a authority_n to_o do_v all_o alone_a for_o than_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o act_v as_o apostle_n in_o church_n paul_n alone_o excommunicate_v not_o that_o corinthian_a and_o yet_o as_o a_o apostle_n write_v to_o have_v it_o do_v by_o they_o for_o it_o be_v canonical_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o although_o that_o this_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n shall_v choose_v their_o deacon_n be_v a_o just_a example_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o church_n for_o if_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v present_a allow_v this_o interest_n to_o church_n than_o elder_n shall_v much_o more_o yet_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v by_o a_o apostolical_a power_n in_o these_o congregation_n can_v be_v draw_v into_o example_n for_o officer_n in_o that_o thing_n wherein_o their_o power_n apostolical_a lay_v which_o be_v to_o exercise_v act_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o several_a church_n neither_o fourthly_a will_v that_o help_v it_o that_o they_o exercise_v this_o government_n in_o these_o congregation_n suppose_v many_o as_o consider_v to_o be_v one_o church_n for_o if_o they_o act_v not_o as_o elder_n than_o the_o correlate_n to_o it_o namely_o church_n can_v not_o be_v consider_v as_o presbyterial_a reason_n against_o the_o four_o and_o last_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o branch_n viz._n that_o the_o elder_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n act._n 11._o ult._n act._n 15._o 4._o 6._o 22._o act._n 21._o 17_o 18._o first_o the_o argument_n from_o act_n 11._o ult._n lie_v thus_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o judea_n that_o receive_v alm_n verse_n 29_o 30._o compare_v therefore_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o government_n in_o this_o argument_n as_o the_o person_n be_v mistake_v so_o the_o act_n for_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v not_o mention_v but_o of_o judea_n as_o by_o compare_v verse_n 29_o 30._o it_o appear_v and_o by_o this_o it_o may_v be_v as_o well_o argue_v that_o the_o elder_n in_o judea_n meet_v for_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o that_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n see_v their_o alm_n be_v carry_v to_o the_o elder_n of_o judea_n as_o it_o be_v there_o say_v the_o receive_a alm_n which_o be_v the_o only_a act_n that_o be_v mention_v be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o government_n for_o deacon_n may_v meet_v to_o receive_v alm_n and_o yet_o meet_v not_o for_o act_n of_o government_n for_o that_o second_o place_n mention_v act_n 21._o 20._o where_o it_o be_v say_v paul_n come_v in_o to_o james_n and_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v present_a although_o we_o read_v that_o all_o the_o elder_n be_v present_a yet_o that_o they_o meet_v for_o act_n of_o presbyterial_a government_n appear_v not_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o meeting_n be_v paul_n entertainment_n who_o some_o of_o the_o brethren_n have_v receive_v at_o his_o first_o come_n verse_n 17._o and_o now_o the_o elder_n meet_v to_o receive_v he_o also_o a_o christian_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o respect_n due_a to_o so_o great_a and_o famous_a a_o apostle_n and_o paul_n go_v not_o as_o cite_v but_o to_o visit_v and_o salute_v they_o as_o vers._n 19_o second_o the_o act_n that_o pass_v be_v none_o of_o they_o presbyterial_a for_o paul_n give_v they_o a_o historical_a relation_n of_o what_o thing_n god_n have_v wrought_v by_o his_o ministry_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o relation_n be_v intend_v to_o provoke_v they_o as_o brethren_n and_o fellow-labourer_n to_o glorify_v god_n as_o ver._n 20._o be_v say_v they_o do_v and_o not_o to_o give_v they_o a_o account_n as_o to_o a_o consistory_n that_o meet_v for_o government_n such_o narration_n the_o apostle_n make_v even_o to_o whole_a church_n as_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n at_o antioch_n act._n 14._o 27._o when_o they_o have_v gather_v the_o whole_a church_n together_o which_o church_n be_v of_o no_o more_o than_o to_o meet_v in_o one_o assembly_n they_o rehearse_v in_o like_o manner_n as_o here_o all_o that_o god_n have_v do_v by_o they_o and_o how_o he_o have_v open_v a_o door_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o gentile_n neither_o will_v the_o advice_n they_o give_v to_o paul_n to_o prevent_v the_o scandal_n and_o offence_n the_o people_n will_v take_v at_o he_o argue_v authority_n much_o less_o government_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o act_n of_o government_n put_v forth_o over_o their_o own_o church_n if_o suppose_v many_o reason_n against_o the_o allege_v act._n 15._o for_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o presbyterial_a act_n of_o government_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v a_o meeting_n of_o elder_n for_o act_n of_o government_n than_o it_o be_v a_o presbyterial_a meeting_n for_o act_n of_o government_n but_o that_o it_o be_v no_o such_o meeting_n appear_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o it_o that_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v any_o bond_n in_o it_o but_o such_o as_o bound_v the_o church_n of_o antioch_n syria_n cilicia_n as_o much_o as_o jerusalem_n but_o this_o can_v be_v in_o any_o presbyterial_a meeting_n for_o act_n of_o government_n for_o such_o meeting_n have_v only_o authoritative_a power_n over_o their_o own_o church_n 2._o the_o scope_n and_o end_n of_o this_o meeting_n be_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o offend_a brethren_n of_o antioch_n and_o dogmatical_o to_o declare_v their_o judgement_n in_o a_o difficult_a case_n of_o conscience_n not_o to_o put_v forth_o any_o act_n of_o juridical_a power_n upon_o any_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o debate_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o of_o which_o more_o full_o afterward_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o peter_n reprove_v some_o of_o their_o own_o member_n present_a such_o as_o have_v teach_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n why_o tempt_v you_o god_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v not_o deliver_v as_o a_o act_n of_o government_n formal_o by_o any_o vote_n of_o the_o presbytery_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o discourse_n but_o it_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confirm_v the_o proposition_n if_o it_o be_v a_o synodical_a meeting_n presbyterial_a and_o synodical_a both_o it_o can_v
material_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o these_o apostle_n be_v in_o their_o several_a parish_n not_o only_o subordinate_a in_o their_o government_n to_o the_o common_a presbytery_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n but_o limit_v to_o lesser_a act_n of_o government_n for_o so_o the_o lesser_a eldership_n in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v confine_v only_o to_o examine_v and_o admonish_v and_o prepare_v for_o the_o great_a presbytery_n and_o therein_o not_o enable_v to_o ordain_v elder_n over_o the_o congregation_n or_o excommunicate_v a_o member_n peter_n and_o john_n join_v together_o be_v by_o this_o principle_n not_o enable_v to_o it_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v not_o suppose_v such_o a_o limit_a government_n in_o those_o several_a congregation_n here_o can_v be_v no_o pattern_n for_o the_o presbyterian_a government_n as_o it_o be_v practise_v or_o if_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o fix_v officer_n for_o teach_v only_o to_o one_o of_o those_o congregation_n and_o to_o have_v no_o government_n at_o all_o over_o it_o but_o to_o bring_v all_o to_o the_o common_a presbytery_n of_o apostle_n that_o be_v a_o great_a incongruity_n than_o the_o former_a for_o this_o cast_v they_o below_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o parish_n elder_n for_o unto_o they_o the_o great_a presbytery_n do_v allow_v some_o measure_n and_o part_n of_o the_o government_n but_o such_o a_o supposition_n will_v allow_v apostle_n none_o in_o their_o several_a congregation_n the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o that_o many_o congregation_n may_v be_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n sect._n 1._o by_o particular_a congregation_n either_o first_o a_o assembly_n of_o christian_n meet_v for_o worship_n only_o as_o to_o hear_v pray_v etc._n etc._n or_o second_o a_o assembly_n so_o furnish_v with_o officer_n as_o fit_v for_o discipline_n have_v a_o presbytery_n be_v mean_v in_o the_o latter_a sense_n which_o be_v that_o the_o proof_n be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v and_o that_o that_o be_v practise_v where_o this_o government_n be_v set_v up_o the_o proposition_n be_v equivalent_a to_o such_o a_o assertion_n as_o this_o many_o presbytery_n may_v be_v under_o one_o presbyterial_a government_n as_o thus_o many_o parochial_a presbytery_n may_v be_v under_o one_o classical_a many_o classical_a under_o one_o provincial_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o affirm_v that_o one_o presbytery_n may_v be_v over_o another_o as_o the_o bishop_n affirm_v that_o one_o presbyter_n may_v be_v over_o another_o this_o be_v evident_a if_o you_o assert_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n may_v be_v over_o a_o congregation_n that_o be_v compose_v of_o a_o presbytery_n and_o people_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v over_o a_o congregation_n if_o it_o be_v over_o the_o people_n only_o that_o be_v not_o over_o their_o presbytery_n also_o for_o then_o the_o presbytery_n will_v be_v independent_a and_o the_o people_n under_o two_o presbytery_n coordinate_a and_o not_o subordinate_a which_o stand_v not_o with_o common_a reason_n sect._n 2._o this_o then_o be_v the_o assertion_n it_o be_v thus_o argue_v against_o a_o presbytery_n over_o a_o presbytery_n or_o power_n over_o power_n necessary_o imply_v two_o sort_n of_o presbytery_n or_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n specifical_o distinct_a or_o at_o least_o more_o than_o numerical_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a vary_v not_o the_o kind_n in_o a_o physical_a or_o theological_a consideration_n but_o in_o a_o political_a it_o do_v he_o that_o have_v a_o great_a power_n than_o i_o have_v that_o be_v a_o power_n over_o my_o power_n a_o power_n to_o order_n direct_v or_o correct_v the_o power_n i_o have_v this_o man_n power_n and_o i_o differ_v as_o two_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o power_n and_o although_o this_o superior_a presbytery_n be_v make_v up_o of_o presbyter_n send_v as_o commissioner_n from_o the_o congregational_a or_o parochial_a presbytery_n yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o at_o all_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v thus_o distinct_a for_o some_o city_n and_o town_n corporate_a their_o officer_n be_v send_v up_o and_o sit_v as_o member_n of_o parliament_n yet_o this_o honourable_a house_n have_v a_o power_n distinct_a and_o superior_a to_o that_o which_o be_v in_o london_n or_o york_n though_o the_o superior_a presbytery_n be_v make_v up_o of_o presbyter_n from_o several_a congregation_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o make_v up_o of_o presbytery_n it_o have_v the_o person_n material_o consider_v but_o not_o that_o power_n formal_o consider_v for_o as_o while_o the_o parliament_n sit_v and_o certain_a burgess_n from_o burrough_n town_n sit_v as_o member_n in_o it_o these_o town_n notwithstanding_o still_o retain_v all_o the_o power_n those_o corporation_n be_v ever_o invest_v with_o so_o particular_a congregation_n whilst_o some_o of_o their_o elder_n sit_v in_o the_o classical_a presbytery_n have_v eldership_n or_o a_o presbytery_n still_o now_o that_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o scripture_n hold_v not_o forth_o two_o sort_n of_o presbytery_n thus_o specifical_o distinct_a may_v be_v thus_o argue_v sect._n 3._o first_o where_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o distinct_a sort_n in_o any_o kind_n there_o will_v be_v find_v either_o distinct_a and_o proper_a name_n and_o title_n or_o at_o least_o some_o adjunct_n or_o difference_n add_v to_o that_o which_o be_v common_a or_o general_a in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v presbyter_n over_o presbyter_n apostle_n be_v superior_a to_o prophet_n and_o prophet_n a_o distinct_a order_n from_o teacher_n therefore_o in_o 1_o corinth_n 12._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 heal_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v not_o only_o particular_a name_n and_o title_n but_o special_a note_n of_o distinction_n add_v {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o as_o in_o genesis_n 1._o where_o no_o distinction_n in_o name_n be_v give_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n of_o heaven_n be_v all_o call_v light_n yet_o there_o be_v term_n of_o difference_n add_v they_o be_v call_v first_o great_a light_n and_o then_o the_o great_a to_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o the_o lesser_a to_o rule_v the_o night_n throughout_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v this_o word_n {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o but_o in_o three_o place_n whereof_o there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o hold_v out_o the_o government_n in_o hand_n and_o in_o that_o place_n you_o have_v the_o naked_a word_n only_o without_o the_o addition_n of_o any_o such_o expression_n great_a lesser_a superior_a inferior_a or_o any_o kind_n of_o adjunct_n that_o can_v possible_o put_v a_o thought_n in_o we_o of_o more_o presbytery_n than_o one_o notwithstanding_o so_o useful_a be_v peculiar_a distinct_a name_n where_o there_o be_v distinct_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o administration_n as_o it_o be_v not_o omit_v by_o any_o church_n in_o their_o ordinance_n for_o government_n in_o scotland_n the_o low_a be_v term_v a_o consistory_n the_o next_o a_o classis_fw-la or_o presbytery_n the_o three_o a_o provincial_n synod_n the_o four_o a_o general_n assembly_n the_o french_a in_o these_o term_n consistory_n and_o colloquel_n and_o synod_n so_o in_o the_o episcopal_a republic_n there_o be_v the_o like_a variety_n sect._n 4._o second_o as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o nothing_o in_o any_o title_n or_o name_n to_o distinguish_v no_o more_o can_v we_o thence_o discover_v any_o sort_n of_o government_n different_a in_o nature_n for_o trial_n of_o this_o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o parochial_a or_o consistorian_a presbytery_n for_o one_o sort_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n we_o call_v classical_a what_o scripture_n give_v light_n by_o any_o kind_n of_o reason_v to_o warrant_v the_o set_n up_o one_o of_o those_o above_o or_o over_o the_o other_o do_v you_o read_v anywhere_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n first_o presbytery_n secondary_o class_n than_o consistory_n or_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n direct_v a_o different_a composition_n or_o constitution_n in_o these_o sect._n 5._o first_o for_o the_o materiale_fw-la the_o person_n that_o these_o presbytery_n be_v make_v up_o of_o be_v the_o same_o the_o consistory_n have_v gift_v man_n set_v apart_o to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o classical_a presbytery_n be_v no_o otherwise_o qualify_v nor_o indeed_o do_v the_o scripture_n require_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o presbyteration_n to_o qualify_v man_n for_o any_o sort_n if_o there_o be_v sort_n of_o presbytery_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o presbyter_n in_o the_o one_o then_o in_o the_o other_o this_o alter_v not_o the_o state_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o if_o the_o number_n be_v competent_a that_o be_v so_o many_o as_o two_o or_o three_o may_v agree_v matth._n 18._o it_o suffice_v the_o
of_o stone_n it_o be_v true_a each_o stone_n be_v not_o a_o heap_n of_o stone_n but_o each_o stone_n be_v a_o stone_n in_o that_o heap_n so_o this_o company_n of_o elder_n must_v be_v suppose_v both_o a_o presbytery_n and_o also_o elder_n to_o this_o whole_a people_n and_o every_o member_n of_o they_o which_o be_v far_o prove_v thus_o 1._o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v the_o people_n look_v at_o they_o and_o honour_v they_o as_o elder_n in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_v as_o well_o as_o in_o preach_v and_o especial_o wherein_o the_o most_o and_o chief_a of_o roll_a lie_n and_o wherein_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o rule_n be_v see_v they_o rule_v most_o and_o best_a when_o meet_v in_o this_o common_a presbytery_n upon_o that_o relation_n we_o be_v to_o honour_v they_o as_o perform_v this_o rule_n and_o under_o that_o relation_n they_o must_v be_v say_v to_o perform_v it_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n tim._n epist._n 1._o chap._n 5._o ver._n 17._o and_o beside_o otherwise_o we_o destroy_v the_o relation_n of_o elder_n quâ_fw-la elder_n in_o the_o high_a act_n of_o govern_v which_o be_v exercise_v only_o in_o a_o presbytery_n 2._o the_o new_a testament_n do_v indifferent_o and_o promiscuous_o use_v the_o word_n presbytery_n and_o the_o word_n elder_n of_o the_o same_o person_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o same_o people_n and_o therefore_o to_o who_o these_o elder_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o presbytery_n they_o must_v bear_v the_o relation_n of_o elder_n matthew_n chap._n 21._o 23._o those_o that_o be_v call_v elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v call_v luke_n 22._o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o {non-roman}_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o people_n so_o as_o if_o they_o relate_v as_o a_o presbytery_n to_o the_o people_n to_o the_o same_o people_n they_o relate_v as_o elder_n second_o for_o that_o distinction_n of_o their_o be_v elder_n only_o in_o a_o community_n to_o all_o those_o congregation_n as_o one_o church_n in_fw-la sensu_fw-la aggregato_fw-la but_o not_o in_fw-la sensu_fw-la diviso_fw-la to_o every_o person_n thereof_o as_o be_v instance_v in_o burgess_n etc._n etc._n first_o this_o church_n as_o it_o be_v totum_fw-la aggregatum_fw-la be_v but_o a_o abstract_a notion_n but_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o a_o presbytery_n fall_v upon_o person_n in_o particular_a and_o every_o member_n of_o that_o church_n if_o therefore_o they_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o presbytery_n to_o that_o church_n it_o must_v be_v that_o they_o be_v elder_n to_o every_o person_n therein_o again_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v where_o we_o be_v namely_o upon_o what_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o so_o the_o proposition_n run_v and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v those_o differ_a relation_n of_o elder_n which_o from_o those_o similitude_n in_o commonwealth_n army_n and_o the_o university_n be_v give_v it_o be_v necessary_a the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v hold_v it_o forth_o by_o like_o differ_a name_n and_o respect_n or_o by_o differ_v charge_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o this_o relation_n oblige_v they_o to_o this_o duty_n and_o this_o other_o relation_n to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o do_v be_v therefore_o to_o we_o a_o fiction_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a appear_v from_o the_o instance_n themselves_o as_o in_o that_o of_o the_o tribe_n there_o be_v general_a elder_n of_o all_o the_o tribe_n and_o there_o be_v and_o perhaps_o some_o of_o they_o the_o same_o man_n that_o be_v head_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a tribe_n but_o as_o this_o be_v a_o differ_a relation_n and_o respect_n in_o the_o same_o or_o diverse_a person_n so_o they_o have_v name_n and_o title_n of_o difference_n and_o distinction_n for_o the_o head_n general_a as_o we_o may_v call_v they_o be_v call_v elder_n of_o the_o people_n the_o particular_a elder_n of_o particular_a 33._o tribe_n be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o distinction_n from_o they_o elder_n of_o such_o city_n family_n etc._n etc._n and_o there_o be_v as_o distinct_a law_n give_v in_o such_o case_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o several_a tribe_n do_v such_o and_o such_o particular_n in_o their_o tribe_n respective_o and_o the_o general_a elder_n have_v reserve_v case_n of_o blasphemy_n etc._n etc._n set_v down_o by_o the_o law_n so_o in_o that_o instance_n of_o the_o head_n of_o college_n and_o head_n of_o the_o university_n there_o be_v as_o a_o differ_a so_o a_o distinguish_a character_n the_o name_n be_v change_v the_o particular_a body_n be_v call_v college_n the_o general_a body_n the_o university_n and_o their_o several_a special_a relation_n to_o their_o college_n be_v express_v by_o the_o title_n of_o master_n of_o such_o and_o such_o college_n and_o the_o other_o by_o the_o title_n of_o head_n to_o the_o university_n yea_o and_o according_o there_o be_v differ_v statute_n the_o local_a statute_n for_o each_o college_n a_o part_n or_o for_o college_n as_o college_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o master_n in_o their_o special_a relation_n and_o there_o be_v statute_n for_o the_o university_n and_o their_o duty_n as_o head_n thereof_o and_o this_o distinction_n and_o difference_n be_v necessary_a if_o there_o be_v this_o differ_a relation_n but_o for_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n if_o we_o come_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o find_v out_o these_o several_a jurisdiction_n and_o relation_n of_o elder_n therein_o we_o still_o read_v but_o simple_o and_o single_o elder_n and_o church_n as_o relative_n no_o such_o note_n of_o distinction_n and_o also_o speak_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n to_o the_o people_n and_o people_n to_o elder_n it_o speak_v simular_o and_o univocal_o so_o as_o whoever_o will_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v elder_n all_o those_o duty_n fall_v upon_o they_o let_v they_o distinguish_v how_o they_o can_v and_o to_o confirm_v this_o the_o instance_n in_o the_o minor_a serve_v and_o where_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o distinguish_v we_o be_v not_o to_o distinguish_v and_o if_o the_o elder_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v elder_n to_o that_o church_n both_o in_o sensu_fw-la diviso_fw-la and_o every_o member_n thereof_o and_o also_o in_o sensu_fw-la composito_fw-la in_o their_o presbytery_n unto_o the_o whole_a than_o those_o general_a elder_n must_v bear_v the_o like_a relation_n to_o that_o classical_a church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o else_o the_o difference_n be_v so_o vast_a and_o the_o consequent_a difference_n of_o duty_n thereupon_o depend_v such_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a a_o distinction_n shall_v have_v be_v make_v in_o scripture_n that_o each_o may_v know_v their_o duty_n if_o all_o the_o record_n law_n and_o rule_v case_n of_o this_o kingdom_n shall_v in_o set_v down_o the_o ordinary_a government_n thereof_o have_v make_v mention_n only_o and_o single_o of_o burgess_n as_o the_o ruler_n and_o of_o corporation_n as_o the_o correlate_n to_o they_o and_o use_v no_o other_o distinguish_a word_n and_o there_o be_v undeniable_o burgess_n of_o every_o incorporate_v town_n continue_v from_o antiquity_n if_o any_o will_v afterwards_o pretend_v that_o this_o word_n corporation_n be_v intend_v by_o our_o ancestor_n to_o import_v a_o association_n or_o community_n of_o many_o of_o these_o corporation_n into_o one_o shire_n and_o that_o by_o burgess_n of_o those_o corporation_n be_v mean_v a_o community_n of_o all_o those_o burgess_n in_o one_o body_n for_o government_n and_o so_o pretend_v the_o same_o name_n without_o distinction_n and_o say_v they_o be_v also_o mean_v yea_o and_o further_o if_o the_o law_n and_o charter_n concerning_o such_o burgess_n in_o each_o corporation_n the_o duty_n give_v they_o in_o charge_n by_o the_o law_n in_o their_o relation_n to_o their_o corporation_n do_v run_v without_o any_o distinction_n of_o what_o the_o burgess_n in_o the_o suppose_a great_a corporation_n shall_v do_v in_o that_o relation_n and_o community_n from_o what_o the_o same_o burgess_n in_o their_o lesser_a corporation_n in_o a_o more_o proper_a relation_n yea_o and_o if_o the_o duty_n set_v down_o in_o those_o law_n mutual_o between_o corporation_n and_o those_o burgess_n shall_v argue_v a_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o government_n of_o burgess_n over_o many_o corporation_n in_o common_a as_o the_o minor_a here_o show_v it_o to_o be_v in_o our_o case_n but_o all_o natural_o fall_v in_o with_o that_o of_o burgess_n over_o single_a corporation_n in_o this_o case_n to_o say_v that_o therefore_o this_o kingdom_n do_v hold_v forth_o there_o may_v not_o be_v that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n thereof_o such_o a_o government_n of_o the_o burgess_n of_o corporation_n over_o many_o be_v not_o this_o a_o right_a way_n of_o argue_v to_o overthrow_v such_o a_o pretence_n and_o if_o in_o answer_n to_o such_o argument_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v
now_o if_o they_o be_v elder_n in_o common_a because_o a_o presbytery_n as_o be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o first_o argument_n than_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v argue_v a_o presbytery_n only_o because_o they_o be_v elder_n in_o common_a for_o than_o the_o argument_n run_v in_fw-la circulo_fw-la and_o the_o chief_a and_o first_o reason_n of_o their_o be_v elder_n for_o no_o other_o be_v mention_v be_v according_o hold_v forth_o in_o their_o be_v elder_n to_o that_o church_n in_o common_a whereas_o according_a to_o presbyterial_a principle_n there_o be_v a_o primary_a relation_n of_o elder_n quà _fw-la elder_n to_o their_o particular_a fix_a congregation_n reason_n against_o the_o three_o proof_n of_o the_o second_o branch_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v the_o ordinary_a act_n of_o presbyter_n as_o presbyter_n in_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v prove_v a_o presbyterial_a government_n in_o that_o church_n before_o the_o dispersion_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o whole_a depend_v upon_o this_o proposition_n for_o though_o before_o the_o dispersion_n there_o have_v be_v many_o congregation_n yet_o not_o under_o elder_n but_o apostle_n now_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o substance_n of_o ministerial_a act_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n who_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o in_o other_o ordinary_a minister_n but_o first_o though_o for_o the_o act_n of_o ministerial_a power_n it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o apostle_n and_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o power_n which_o be_v the_o point_n in_o question_n therein_o the_o apostle_n jurisdiction_n over_o many_o congregation_n be_v not_o the_o pattern_n of_o presbyterial_a elder_n over_o many_o for_o the_o apostle_n power_n be_v universal_a over_o all_o church_n and_o upon_o that_o be_v found_v their_o power_n over_o those_o congregation_n suppose_v many_o and_o episcopacy_n may_v as_o strong_o argue_v and_o infer_v that_o because_o in_o crete_n by_o apostolical_a warrant_n one_o man_n titus_n do_v ordain_v elder_n etc._n etc._n that_o therefore_o there_o may_v be_v one_o man_n a_o bishop_n that_o have_v power_n to_o ordain_v etc._n etc._n in_o and_o over_o several_a church_n and_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v strong_a from_o the_o instance_n of_o a_o evangelist_n for_o episcopal_a power_n then_o this_o of_o apostolical_a government_n for_o the_o presbyterial_a by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v the_o more_o inferior_a office_n but_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v more_o immediate_a and_o transcendent_a and_o so_o the_o power_n of_o a_o evangelist_n be_v near_a to_o a_o ordinary_a succession_n and_o it_o will_v as_o well_o follow_v that_o any_o one_o presbyter_n alone_o may_v govern_v many_o congregation_n because_o one_o of_o these_o apostle_n may_v as_o that_o because_o the_o apostle_n do_v govern_v these_o joint_o that_o therefore_o many_o presbyter_n over_o several_a congregation_n may_v second_o each_o of_o these_o apostle_n as_o he_o have_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o apostolical_a commission_n the_o power_n of_o they_o all_o so_o he_o have_v relation_n of_o ministry_n unto_o all_o these_o suppose_a congregation_n unto_o every_o person_n thereof_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o duty_n of_o preach_v to_o they_o admonish_v they_o etc._n etc._n but_o thus_o in_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n over_o many_o congregation_n fix_v and_o their_o pastor_n and_o elder_n fix_v to_o they_o the_o several_a elder_n be_v deny_v to_o have_v the_o relation_n of_o elder_n to_o each_o congregation_n but_o make_v up_o only_o a_o eldership_n in_o common_a as_o unite_v over_o all_o these_o but_o the_o apostle_n here_o have_v the_o relation_n to_o both_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o apostolical_a frame_n be_v make_v a_o pattern_n than_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o these_o congregation_n be_v direct_o and_o immediate_o elder_n to_o each_o congregation_n and_o every_o member_n of_o they_o and_o not_o only_o of_o a_o common_a presbytery_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n be_v if_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o those_o act_n of_o government_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o that_o church_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o ordinary_a act_n such_o as_o presbyter_n perform_v and_o that_o therefore_o answerable_o their_o person_n themselves_o be_v in_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o elder_n because_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o only_o apostle_n but_o elder_n also_o as_o john_n epistle_n 2._o verse_n 1._o and_o peter_n epist._n 1._o chap._n 5._o verse_n 1._o and_o therefore_o might_n and_o do_v act_n as_o elder_n in_o ordinary_a act_n of_o church_n government_n and_o be_v therefore_o therein_o to_o be_v look_v at_o as_o a_o just_a pattern_n to_o we_o and_o to_o have_v rule_v these_o congregation_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o college_n or_o body_n of_o elder_n unite_v conedscend_v so_o to_o act_v as_o common_a presbyter_n take_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n as_o acts._n 6._o as_o likewise_o they_o do_v in_o every_o church_n where_o they_o come_v join_v with_o the_o eldership_n thereof_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o as_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o may_v give_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o a_o ordinary_a presbytery_n especial_o see_v that_o what_o they_o thus_o do_v they_o do_v as_o a_o unite_a body_n to_o many_o congregation_n consider_v as_o one_o church_n it_o be_v answer_v to_o the_o first_o that_o although_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v elder_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o call_v virtual_o not_o formal_o and_o but_o because_o apostleship_n contain_v all_o office_n in_o it_o so_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n but_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o they_o be_v apostle_n and_o therefore_o john_n in_o that_o very_a epistle_n where_o he_o style_v himself_o a_o elder_n he_o yet_o write_v canonical_a scripture_n as_o a_o apostle_n and_o take_v on_o he_o to_o threaten_v diotrephes_n as_o a_o apostle_n to_o remember_v he_o which_o as_o a_o formal_a elder_n he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v and_o sure_o those_o office_n which_o christ_n distinguish_v ephesian_n 4._o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o same_o person_n be_v not_o formal_o both_o though_o virtual_o he_o may_v be_v all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o that_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v say_v to_o act_v as_o apostle_n their_o preach_n be_v call_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n their_o bring_v their_o money_n to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o officer_n of_o that_o church_n be_v to_o they_o not_o as_o elder_n but_o as_o apostle_n they_o lay_v it_o down_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n yea_o in_o that_o act_n of_o ordain_v the_o seven_o deacon_n it_o be_v say_v they_o set_v they_o afore_o the_o apostle_n chap._n 6._o verse_n 6._o and_o they_o lay_v on_o their_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o distinguish_v and_o say_v that_o the_o man_n be_v apostle_n but_o the_o power_n they_o act_v by_o be_v as_o elder_n when_o the_o name_n of_o a_o apostle_n import_v the_o office_n yea_o in_o that_o very_a act_n of_o government_n about_o deacon_n they_o must_v needs_o act_v as_o apostle_n for_o they_o do_v not_o simple_o ordain_v the_o man_n but_o do_v anew_o by_o virtue_n of_o apostolical_a authority_n institute_v the_o office_n of_o deacon_n by_o declare_v christ_n mind_n which_o none_o but_o apostle_n can_v immediate_o and_o at_o first_o have_v do_v so_o as_o the_o same_o person_n in_o this_o same_o act_n instance_v in_o must_v act_v partly_o as_o apostle_n and_o partly_o as_o elder_n and_o by_o what_o infallible_a rule_n shall_v we_o distinguish_v to_o the_o second_o viz._n that_o they_o act_v here_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o joint_a body_n or_o in_fw-la collegio_fw-la over_o these_o many_o congregation_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o a_o association_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o eldership_n over_o many_o be_v not_o argue_v from_o hence_o for_o first_o they_o have_v all_o single_o the_o same_o power_n which_o they_o exercise_v joint_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v exercise_v it_o joint_o here_o to_o that_o end_n to_o give_v a_o pattern_n for_o eldership_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o prove_v they_o exercise_v it_o together_o because_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o be_v together_o and_o it_o be_v fit_a none_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v exclude_v but_o it_o depend_v not_o upon_o this_o union_n of_o all_o in_o a_o body_n as_o act_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o presbytery_n do_v as_o parliamentary_a power_n be_v not_o the_o result_n of_o parliament_n man_n but_o as_o assemble_v in_o parliament_n yea_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o jurisdiction_n thence_o arise_v not_o so_o here_o our_o apostle_n may_v have_v do_v that_o which_o all_o here_o do_v yea_o may_v it_o not_o be_v say_v that_o because_o two_o apostle_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n act_n 14._o as_o join_v in_o the_o same_o act_n and_o so_o act_v not_o as_o apostle_n but_o joint_o
honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o be_v to_o all_o parliamentary_a purpose_n as_o much_o a_o house_n when_o but_o two_o or_o three_o above_o forty_o as_o when_o four_o hundred_o nor_o do_v this_o always_o fall_v out_o that_o all_o classical_a presbytery_n have_v a_o great_a number_n than_o some_o parochial_a scripture_n have_v determine_v neither_o how_o few_o will_v constitute_v a_o classical_a presbytery_n nor_o how_o many_o may_v be_v in_o a_o parochial_a practice_v many_o time_n make_v they_o equal_a sect._n 6._o second_o now_o for_o the_o formale_fw-la the_o unite_n of_o this_o matter_n into_o a_o consessus_fw-la or_o caetus_fw-la presbyter_n become_v unite_v into_o a_o presbytery_n in_o the_o classical_a by_o have_v pastoral_a charge_n in_o such_o a_o division_n whosoever_o come_v so_o to_o be_v dispose_v of_o he_o be_v no_o soon_o pastor_n to_o such_o a_o parish_n but_o he_o be_v eo_fw-la nomine_fw-la member_n of_o such_o a_o classis_fw-la the_o presbyter_n of_o a_o parochial_a presbytery_n be_v as_o near_o unite_v and_o more_o they_o be_v unite_v in_o the_o choice_n and_o call_v of_o the_o same_o congregation_n they_o govern_v and_o unite_v in_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n over_o the_o same_o people_n so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o fellow_n governor_n but_o fellow_n labourer_n in_o the_o same_o vineyard_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o just_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o distinction_n or_o difference_n between_o presbytery_n and_o presbytery_n in_o respect_n either_o of_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o form_n sect._n 7._o three_o nor_o three_o do_v we_o find_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n make_v they_o as_o from_o different_a employment_n or_o function_n to_o differ_v first_o we_o pretend_v and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o proposition_n the_o one_o be_v superior_a the_o other_o inferior_a but_o how_o can_v you_o say_v the_o scripture_n have_v make_v this_o difference_n when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n speak_v this_o way_n in_o any_o place_n presbyterian_a writer_n themselves_o in_o some_o expression_n seem_v to_o take_v away_o utter_o such_o difference_n as_o this_o in_o one_o place_n you_o shall_v read_v the_o classis_fw-la can_v do_v nothing_o renitente_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la but_o it_o be_v null_a and_o invalid_a thus_o the_o assertion_n for_o discipline_n and_o avouch_v zepperus_n zanchy_n and_o other_o as_o of_o this_o opinion_n the_o congregation_n though_o but_o minima_fw-la ecclesiola_n yet_o may_v reform_v that_o be_v suspend_v excommunicate_a etc._n etc._n renitentibus_fw-la correspondentiis_fw-la so_o voetius_fw-la in_o his_o thesis_n and_o desperata_fw-la causa_fw-la papatus_fw-la lib._n 2._o sect._n 2._o c._n 12._o sure_o according_a to_o what_o these_o reverend_a divine_n have_v express_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v say_v which_o of_o these_o presbytery_n have_v the_o great_a or_o superior_a power_n sect._n 8._o second_o the_o employment_n or_o work_n of_o a_o presbytery_n be_v to_o ordain_v excommunicate_a suspend_v admit_v member_n appoint_v time_n for_o worship_n and_o the_o like_a the_o classical_a presbytery_n reserve_v ordination_n and_o excommunication_n to_o themselves_o but_o the_o other_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o parochial_a presbytery_n thus_o some_o presbyterian_n divide_v the_o work_n other_o possible_o otherwise_o but_o how_o can_v we_o affirm_v any_o such_o designment_n from_o the_o scripture_n if_o you_o have_v not_o two_o sort_n either_o in_o name_n or_o nature_n to_o be_v find_v there_o and_o none_o of_o these_o act_n or_o administration_n but_o may_v be_v do_v by_o that_o one_o the_o scripture_n mention_v which_o doubtless_o they_o may_v see_v ordination_n seem_v to_o be_v specify_v in_o the_o text_n if_o the_o great_a then_o doubtless_o the_o lesser_a the_o pastor_n in_o one_o place_n be_v say_v to_o exhort_v in_o another_o to_o comfort_v in_o another_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a this_o will_v not_o warrant_v distinct_a sort_n of_o pastor_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n we_o must_v interpret_v all_o these_o several_a administration_n to_o belong_v to_o that_o one_o sect._n 9_o it_o be_v not_o find_v a_o easy_a work_n in_o this_o assembly_n to_o find_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n teach_v and_o rule_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o scripture_n have_v say_v of_o these_o and_o in_o some_o place_n so_o plain_a as_o if_o of_o purpose_n to_o distinguish_v they_o if_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o matter_n by_o scripture_n light_a to_o hold_v forth_o two_o sort_n of_o presbyter_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o two_o sort_n of_o presbytery_n especial_o see_v as_o it_o be_v general_o grant_v and_o this_o by_o the_o presbyterian_n themselves_o that_o for_o above_o fifty_o year_n after_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n there_o be_v but_o one_o kind_n of_o presbytery_n sect._n 10._o it_o have_v be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o state_n to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o their_o judicature_n evident_a and_o distinct_a and_o as_o free_a from_o controversy_n as_o may_v be_v if_o law_n and_o ordinance_n about_o matter_n of_o mâ—um_fw-la and_o â—uum_fw-la and_o such_o inferior_a claim_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o evident_a the_o authority_n of_o these_o court_n will_v be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o relieve_v wrong_n and_o injury_n through_o such_o mistake_n but_o controversy_n and_o clash_n about_o these_o high_a and_o public_a interest_n be_v no_o other_o in_o the_o issue_n then_o the_o divide_n of_o a_o kingdom_n within_o itself_o be_v man_n wise_a in_o his_o generation_n than_o jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v our_o lawgiver_n the_o government_n be_v lay_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n he_o be_v the_o wonderful_a counsellor_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n and_o therefore_o sure_o though_o other_o matter_n of_o practice_n and_o duty_n shall_v have_v obscurity_n in_o the_o rule_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a he_o have_v order_v authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n with_o the_o officer_n and_o office_n for_o the_o manage_n of_o it_o so_o evident_a as_o not_o to_o put_v we_o to_o search_v in_o a_o dark_a corner_n for_o direction_n we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v clear_a in_o our_o rule_n when_o we_o be_v thus_o enforce_v out_o of_o one_o word_n and_o but_o once_o use_v to_o raise_v so_o many_o throne_n or_o form_n of_o government_n especial_o it_o be_v foresee_v by_o christ_n that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o nothing_o occasion_n more_o bitter_a contention_n than_o that_o lust_a which_o be_v in_o we_o to_o have_v authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o other_o sic_fw-la subscribitur_fw-la tho._n goodwin_n philip_n nye_n jer._n burroughes_n sidrach_n sympson_n william_n bridge_n william_n greenhill_n william_n carter_n concordat_fw-la cum_fw-la originali_fw-la adoniram_n byfield_n scriba_fw-la matth._n 21._o 33._o beza_n in_o 2_o cor._n â—_z â—3_n steph._n budeus_n euâ—â—ath_n mede_n diatribe_n