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scripture_n apostle_n gospel_n prophet_n 2,224 5 6.4691 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A00283 A briefe and plaine declaration, concerning the desires of all those faithfull ministers, that haue and do seeke for the discipline and reformation of the Church of Englande which may serue for a iust apologie, against the false accusations and slaunders of their aduersaries. Fenner, Dudley, 1558?-1587, attributed name.; Fulke, William, 1538-1589, attributed name.; Travers, Walter, 1547 or 8-1635, attributed name. 1584 (1584) STC 10395; ESTC S111889 54,423 158

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archipresbyter_n archiepiscopus_fw-la archiepoimen_fw-la and_o such_o like_a do_v proper_o agree_v for_o as_o the_o apostle_n call_v our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o this_o place_n the_o chief_a pastor_n so_o in_o the_o second_o chapter_n the_o 25._o vers_fw-la he_o call_v he_o both_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n wherefore_o as_o he_o only_o be_v our_o chief_a pastor_n or_o archiepoiman_n 25._o so_o be_v he_o also_o our_o only_a archbyshoppe_n and_o that_o the_o name_n of_o archipresbyter_n or_o chief_a of_o elder_n pertain_v tono_fw-mi mortal_a man_n may_v be_v see_v by_o this_o place_n where_o saint_n peter_n that_o excellent_a and_o high_a apostle_n who_o if_o any_o man_n can_v may_v as_o well_o as_o any_o have_v challenge_v that_o name_n dare_v not_o call_v himself_o other_o than_o sunpresbyteros_n a_o fellow_n elder_a no_o not_o when_o he_o seek_v authority_n to_o himself_o by_o that_o name_n to_o be_v bold_a to_o exhort_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n but_o 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judas_n 15._o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n permit_v nevertheless_o the_o election_n unto_o god_n by_o cast_v of_o lot_n that_o the_o number_n may_v be_v full_a for_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o church_n but_o when_o herod_n have_v slay_v james_n the_o brother_n of_o john_n with_o the_o sword_n 2._o they_o choose_v no_o man_n to_o succeed_v in_o his_o place_n because_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n of_o god_n word_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o see_v it_o be_v expedient_a for_o the_o church_n afterward_o separate_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n which_o live_v at_o antioch_n 2._o as_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n to_o the_o work_n whereto_o he_o have_v call_v they_o the_o prophet_n be_v such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o singular_a gift_n of_o revelation_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n 12._o and_o apply_v they_o to_o the_o present_a use_n of_o the_o church_n 11._o of_o who_o some_o also_o do_v foreshewe_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v 10._o as_o agabus_n also_o there_o be_v in_o every_o city_n that_o prophesy_v to_o s._n paul_n as_o he_o pass_v by_o they_o that_o bond_n and_o affliction_n be_v prepare_v for_o he_o at_o jerusalem_n 23_o this_o office_n be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o be_v ordain_v for_o beautify_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o first_o publish_v thereof_o it_o cease_v with_o that_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o be_v a_o ordinary_a function_n of_o the_o church_n the_o evangelist_n be_v such_o as_o be_v stir_v up_o of_o god_n to_o assist_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n of_o general_a charge_n in_o plant_v the_o gospel_n and_o confirm_v the_o same_o by_o their_o preach_n but_o inferior_a in_o dignity_n to_o the_o apostle_n 5._o such_o be_v philip_n that_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o samaria_n whither_o peter_n and_o john_n be_v send_v by_o the_o apostle_n 14._o to_o confer_v unto_o
¶_o a_o brief_a and_o plain_a declaration_n concern_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o those_o faithful_a minister_n that_o have_v and_o do_v seek_v for_o the_o discipline_n and_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o just_a apology_n against_o the_o false_a accusation_n and_o slander_n of_o their_o adversary_n god_n be_v my_o defender_n at_o london_n print_v by_o robert_n waldegrave_n 1584._o a_o praeface_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n the_o holy_a prophet_n have_v oftentimes_o 10._o *_o but_o search_v when_o and_o at_o what_o time_n the_o foresee_a spirit_n of_o god_n declare_v unto_o they_o the_o manifold_a affliction_n and_o trouble_n of_o the_o church_n to_o come_v have_v thereupon_o enter_v into_o great_a lamentation_n for_o the_o same_o and_o have_v not_o only_o weep_v and_o fast_v themselves_o 4._o *_o but_o have_v compile_v for_o the_o church_n whole_a book_n of_o lamentation_n therein_o instruct_v they_o what_o way_n to_o take_v 2._o for_o appease_v the_o fierce_a wrath_n of_o god_n break_v out_o against_o they_o which_o duty_n in_o semblable_a manner_n shall_v now_o long_o ago_o have_v be_v do_v of_o we_o do_v not_o the_o hope_n we_o conceive_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o tempest_n confirm_v we_o in_o such_o expectation_n of_o her_o majesty_n and_o her_o most_o honourable_a counsel_n as_o that_o according_a to_o their_o clemency_n towards_o the_o poor_a minister_n and_o their_o family_n but_o most_o especial_o according_a to_o their_o holy_a and_o zealous_a care_n which_o ought_v to_o abound_v for_o the_o clean_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o canaanite_n and_o plant_v hedge_v prune_a and_o continual_a preserve_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o vineyard_n from_o fox_n yea_o little_a fox_n this_o civil_a war_n as_o a_o man_n may_v say_v of_o the_o church_n wherein_o so_o much_o of_o that_o blood_n 26._o *_o whereof_o paul_n speak_v be_v pour_v to_o the_o ground_n shall_v by_o their_o holy_a and_o just_a authority_n full_o be_v end_v now_o when_o as_o we_o at_o this_o time_n be_v subject_a almost_o unto_o all_o the_o affliction_n which_o can_v come_v unto_o a_o church_n bless_v of_o god_n with_o such_o a_o christian_n and_o happy_a regiment_n as_o to_o the_o profane_a scoff_v of_o the_o *_o 4_o hammonit_n at_o the_o building_n of_o the_o church_n 7._o as_o at_o a_o wall_n which_o a_o fox_n shall_v destroy_v to_o the_o conspiracy_n of_o the_o arraby_n and_o those_o of_o ashod_a to_o the_o false_a 6._o *_o charge_n of_o sedition_n contempt_n of_o all_o good_a law_n and_o proceed_n like_v to_o that_o of_o sanballat_n yea_o to_o the_o 12_o *_o prophet_n themselves_o undermine_v nay_o revile_v displace_v and_o grievouslye_o afflict_v the_o godly_a and_o learned_a ministry_n &_o so_o consequent_o plague_a the_o church_n with_o that_o plague_n whereby_o 9_o *_o the_o priest_n may_v mourn_v 13._o because_o there_o be_v no_o offering_n and_o the_o people_n perish_v even_o the_o young_a man_n with_o the_o famine_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v when_o i_o say_v we_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o these_o we_o can_v think_v of_o no_o way_n for_o reconcile_a the_o brethren_n at_o variance_n &_o after_o a_o most_o sure_a &_o holy_a union_n of_o both_o their_o force_n for_o a_o courageous_a set_n upon_o the_o common_a adversary_n than_o the_o certain_a peaceable_a and_o reasonable_a way_n follow_v which_o be_v that_o whereas_o both_o by_o book_n already_o write_v and_o by_o treatize_n latelye_a and_o now_o publish_v it_o may_v appear_v we_o seek_v that_o which_o at_o the_o least_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n have_v no_o small_a probability_n as_o we_o judge_v necessity_n of_o truth_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n it_o may_v please_v her_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n and_o their_o honour_n to_o appoint_v on_o both_o side_n the_o best_a learned_a most_o godly_a &_o moderate_a man_n to_o debate_v all_o difference_n of_o weight_n between_o they_o and_o us._n so_o that_o first_o upon_o sufficient_a consideration_n the_o question_n to_o be_v debate_v be_v without_o all_o ambiguity_n set_v down_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o side_n without_o all_o out-goynges_a short_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o writing_n each_o to_o other_o that_o after_o upon_o sufficient_a examination_n the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v continual_o confirm_v and_o resolve_v till_o either_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n one_o part_n yield_v unto_o the_o other_o or_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o those_o which_o gaynesay_v it_o do_v in_o equal_a judgement_n become_v manifest_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o contradiction_n and_o absurdity_n whereto_o they_o shall_v be_v dryven_v by_o the_o force_n of_o god_n word_n which_o way_n though_o it_o shall_v come_v naked_a unto_o we_o can_v not_o well_o be_v refuse_v but_o be_v rich_o attire_v with_o all_o robe_n and_o ornament_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v unto_o the_o synodical_a assembly_n for_o such_o conference_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v 7._o *_o much_o search_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o sufficient_a reason_n without_o all_o by_o matter_n quarrel_n evasion_n and_o colour_n whatsoever_o that_o there_o be_v much_o 32._o *_o order_n when_o the_o spirit_n of_o everye_o prophet_n shall_v be_v subject_a unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o other_o prophet_n &_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o be_v sufficient_o hear_v without_o stop_v of_o free_a &_o sufficient_a answer_n without_o lordly_a carry_v away_o of_o the_o matter_n with_o no_o substance_n of_o reason_n where_o no_o authority_n pregnancy_n of_o wit_n plausible_a persuasion_n of_o man_n wisdom_n shall_v turn_v the_o truth_n aside_o but_o all_o shall_v stand_v in_o the_o 4._o *_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o god_n spirit_n last_o that_o there_o be_v 33_o *_o peace_n without_o all_o bitterness_n revilinge_n suspicion_n charging_n of_o man_n dead_a &_o alive_a whereby_o affection_n be_v move_v judgement_n blind_v and_o man_n drive_v as_o with_o a_o mighty_a stream_n from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n when_o it_o come_v thus_o adorn_v we_o think_v that_o which_o we_o labour_v to_o procure_v to_o be_v so_o honourable_a 16._o *_o not_o only_o before_o god_n but_o also_o before_o man_n that_o none_o can_v judge_v otherwise_o of_o it_o then_o we_o do_v for_o if_o any_o shall_v object_v that_o the_o grave_a authority_n of_o archbishop_n &_o bishop_n shall_v receive_v a_o check_n while_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o they_o judge_v few_o young_a unlearned_a and_o not_o comparable_a to_o themselves_o or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o challenge_n not_o much_o unlike_o the_o papist_n or_o last_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o estate_n of_o government_n establish_v it_o may_v please_v their_o wisdom_n who_o be_v to_o be_v judge_n to_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v to_o answer_v unto_o these_o thing_n which_o if_o they_o have_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n his_o word_n contain_v the_o safe_a &_o best_a way_n in_o such_o case_n tend_v to_o the_o full_a quiet_v of_o all_o and_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o plague_n which_o be_v upon_o we_o and_o be_v like_o daily_o further_a to_o come_v even_o from_o the_o common_a adversary_n we_o may_v bold_o yet_o most_o humble_o upon_o our_o knee_n require_v they_o before_o god_n and_o all_o his_o elect_a angel_n no●_n to_o cast_v it_o away_o wherefore_o for_o the_o first_o let_v we_o grant_v the_o great_a difference_n which_o they_o make_v of_o year_n and_o learning_n yet_o the_o speech_n of_o elihu_n give_v they_o sufficient_a answer_n 8._o that_o this_o understanding_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o such_o outward_a respect_n but_o to_o the_o 22._o *_o revelation_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o to_o accept_v in_o such_o case_n the_o person_n of_o man_n or_o to_o give_v title_n be_v but_o to_o provoke_v god_n to_o destroy_v us._n yea_o let_v the_o memorable_a example_n of_o ver_fw-la *_o ezechias_n and_o the_o priest_n of_o 23._o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o counsel_n of_o *_o 1._o paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n and_o even_o of_o *_o etc._n peter_n in_o yield_v to_o the_o challenge_n of_o some_o not_o so_o well_o instruct_v move_v they_o who_o not_o only_o not_o refuse_v the_o levite_n &_o elder_n but_o accept_v the_o people_n in_o some_o manner_n to_o be_v hear_v to_o speak_v and_o to_o authorise_v their_o determination_n and_o writing_n at_o least_o let_v their_o own_o opinion_n that_o in_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n and_o deliverye_n of_o doctrine_n 389._o we_o be_v equal_a with_o they_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o refuse_v those_o who_o if_o they_o can_v strain_v their_o conscience_n to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o archbish._n article_n they_o will_v glad_o receive_v they_o to_o be_v the_o ambassador_n of_o jesus_n christ._n as_o for_o the_o fewne_n it_o may_v be_v if_o the_o ignorant_a minister_n the_o variety_n of_o other_o
and_o occasion_n be_v of_o small_a power_n to_o persuade_v any_o man_n and_o least_o of_o all_o the_o ignorant_a people_n let_v long_a experience_n the_o mistress_n of_o fool_n teach_v we_o if_o knowledge_n the_o instructor_n of_o wise_a man_n can_v move_v us._n how_o many_o papist_n convert_v how_o many_o ignorant_a instruct_v how_o many_o wicked_a reform_v be_v you_o able_a to_o show_v by_o this_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a ministry_n with_o all_o the_o help_n of_o read_v of_o for●all_a prayer_n and_o homily_n without_o ●eaching_v and_o apply_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o proper_a circumstance_n ●efore_o rehearse_v again_o who_o see_v ●ot_n but_o he_o that_o be_v so_o blind_a that_o he_o ●ill_v see_v nothing_o that_o these_o part_n of_o strue_a pastor_n duty_n which_o both_o the_o prophet_n ezechiel_n and_o zachary_n rehearse_v namely_o to_o strengthen_v the_o ●eake_a to_o heal_v the_o sick_a to_o bind_v the_o ●roken_a to_o seek_v the_o lose_v to_o bring_v ●ome_o that_o be_v carry_v away_o to_o cherish_v ●e_n young_a lamb_n to_o feed_v the_o strong_a ●eepe_n etc._n etc._n can_v be_v perform_v of_o ●y_a man_n by_o such_o mean_n as_o these_o but_o only_o by_o such_o one_o as_o be_v a_o godly_a and_o ●arned_a shepherd_n wherefore_o these_o ●oore_a help_n of_o prescript_n form_n of_o ●ading_v of_o prayer_n of_o homily_n and_o ●ch_v like_a when_o they_o be_v allege_v to_o maintain_v the_o ignorance_n of_o unskilful_a ●astors_n be_v call_v no_o better_a by_o the_o ●dgement_n of_o god_n but_o the_o instrument_n of_o foolish_a and_o idol_n sheap●eardes_n which_o have_v a_o certain_a pre●●nce_n of_o pastoral_a office_n but_o in_o effect_n be_v altogether_o unmeet_a for_o the_o same_o even_o as_o idiot_n and_o idol_n be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o able_a to_o do_v much_o hurt_n concern_v who_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pronounce_v this_o fearful_a sentence_n 14._o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a they_o shall_v both_o fall_v into_o the_o pit_n how_o long_o therefore_o shall_v we_o suffer_v the_o blind_a to_o lead_v the_o blind_a to_o the_o destruction_n of_o both_o let_v we_o therefore_o now_o at_o the_o length_n remove_v these_o blind_a guide_n and_o place_n in_o their_o steed_n faithful_a overseer_n that_o may_v lead_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n 13._o if_o the_o salt_n be_v unsavoury_a wherewith_o shall_v it_o be_v season_v it_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o tread_v down_o of_o man_n foot_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o seek_v politic_a shift_n to_o maintain_v the_o unsavoury_a salt_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n pronounce_v to_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n that_o it_o be_v the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n both_o to_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o teach_v his_o flock_n and_o that_o no_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o charge_n or_o retain_v if_o he_o be_v ●rept_v in_o no_o more_o than_o a_o blind_a man_n be_v to_o be_v suffer_v in_o a_o office_n which_o must_v be_v execute_v only_o with_o the_o sight_n or_o a_o humbe_n dog_n to_o give_v warning_n which_o can_v bark_v or_o a_o idol_n to_o have_v the_o place_n of_o a_o man_n or_o a_o fool_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n or_o a_o wolf_n of_o a_o shepherd_n or_o darkness_n in_o steed_n of_o light_n or_o salt_n that_o be_v unsavoury_a to_o season_v withal_o but_o while_o we_o entreat_v of_o teach_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n we_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v public_a preach_n when_o the_o congregation_n be_v assemble_v but_o also_o private_a exhortation_n reprehension_n consolation_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n within_o his_o charge_n so_o often_o as_o need_v shall_v require_v and_o that_o this_o also_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o faithful_a bishop_n s._n paul_n testify_v set_v before_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n the_o example_n of_o his_o diligence_n which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o follow_v 20._o you_o know_v say_v he_o from_o the_o first_o day_n that_o i_o come_v into_o asia_n after_o what_o manner_n i_o have_v be_v with_o you_o at_o all_o season_n serve_v the_o lord_n withal_o modesty_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o i_o keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a but_o have_v show_v you_o and_o teach_v you_o both_o open_o and_o throughout_o every_o house_n by_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o pastor_n must_v not_o only_o teach_v all_o his_o flock_n open_o but_o also_o he_o must_v instruct_v every_o family_n private_o whersoever_o he_o shall_v see_v it_o to_o be_v needful_a or_o expedient_a which_o duty_n can_v be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o read_a minister_n also_o in_o the_o 26._o vers_fw-la of_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o commend_v unto_o the_o elder_n a_o general_a care_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n 26._o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o say_v he_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a flock_n which_o care_n can_v not_o be_v well_o or_o at_o all_o undertake_v except_o they_o be_v diligent_a to_o teach_v both_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o their_o flock_n as_o need_n shall_v require_v which_o thing_n also_o he_o will_v they_o once_o again_o to_o observe_v in_o his_o example_n verse_n 31._o saying_n therefore_o watch_v you_o 31._o remember_v that_o by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n i_o cease_v not_o night_n and_o day_n exhort_v every_o one_o of_o you_o by_o these_o testimony_n it_o be_v evident_a to_o see_v what_o diligence_n the_o holy_a ghost_n require_v of_o pastor_n in_o teach_v both_o public_o and_o private_o as_o well_o general_o all_o their_o flock_n as_o particular_o everye_o one_o of_o they_o he_o therefore_o that_o be_v unapt_a to_o execute_v this_o part_n of_o a_o pastor_n duty_n be_v altogether_o unmeete_a to_o who_o governance_n of_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n shoule_fw-mi be_v commit_v in_o temporal_a affair_n no_o man_n will_v commit_v the_o least_o charge_n that_o can_v be_v to_o such_o person_n as_o he_o know_v to_o be_v altogether_o unmeete_a or_o unable_a to_o answer_v unto_o the_o charge_n and_o shall_v we_o continue_v as_o we_o have_v do_v hitherto_o to_o put_v they_o in_o trust_n with_o the_o great_a charge_n that_o can_v be_v the_o salvation_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o soul_n redeem_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n who_o we_o know_v certain_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v no_o part_n of_o a_o pastors_n duty_n sufficient_o god_n forbid_v that_o we_o shall_v still_o continue_v so_o light_o to_o esteem_v so_o waightye_a a_o matter_n as_o though_o we_o account_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o we_o be_v sanctify_v to_o be_v profane_a and_o will_v contumelious_o withstand_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o necessity_n you_o will_v answer_v have_v no_o law_n this_o necessity_n we_o have_v answer_v before_o to_o consist_v in_o 2._o point_n in_o lack_n of_o live_n and_o lack_v of_o learned_a man_n the_o first_o we_o have_v show_v aught_o to_o be_v no_o let_n no_o not_o of_o a_o hour_n if_o the_o other_o want_n can_v so_o soon_o be_v supply_v and_o both_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v provide_v for_o in_o time_n or_o else_o we_o testify_v before_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n that_o they_o which_o neglect_n or_o with_o stand_v this_o provision_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o they_o that_o perisse_v through_o the_o desaulte_n of_o teach_v in_o the_o whole_a realm_n the_o lack_n of_o live_n may_v be_v supply_v either_o by_o restore_v the_o sacrilege_n of_o abbey_n as_o impropriation_n of_o benefice_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o devide_v the_o supersluity_n of_o some_o place_n that_o have_v to_o much_o unto_o they_o that_o have_v too_o little_a or_o by_o any_o other_o godly_a mean_n that_o may_v be_v thought_n meet_v to_o these_o godly_a and_o wise_a governor_n that_o by_o duty_n ought_v and_o by_o authority_n may_v do_v it_o the_o lack_n of_o learned_a preacher_n must_v be_v so_o far_o forth_o supply_v as_o it_o may_v present_o by_o encourage_v and_o exhort_v so_o many_o as_o be_v able_a to_o take_v that_o charge_n in_o hand_n by_o overseeing_a the_o reader_n &_o scholar_n in_o divinity_n in_o the_o university_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n the_o one_o in_o teach_v pure_o the_o other_o in_o learning_n diligent_o by_o thrust_v out_o these_o unprofitable_a head_n of_o college_n and_o other_o drone_n bee_n which_o either_o be_v unable_a or_o unwilling_a to_o set_v forward_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n in_o their_o several_a huose_n &_o place_v diligent_a and_o learned_a governor_n &_o student_n in_o their_o place_n &_o
we_o find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n certain_a officer_n appoint_v for_o government_n we_o be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o that_o charge_n belong_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v such_o and_o that_o do_v s._n paul_n plain_o declare_v where_o he_o put_v a_o difference_n of_o the_o several_a office_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o name_v governor_n for_o one_o 1._o cor._n 28._o 29._o 29_o and_o rom._n 12._o 8._o 8._o let_v he_o that_o rule_v do_v it_o with_o diligence_n therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o every_o church_n a_o consistory_n or_o segnorye_n of_o elder_n or_o governor_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o hear_v examination_n and_o determine_v of_o all_o matter_n pertain_v to_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o that_o congregation_n which_o authority_n of_o they_o nevertheless_o ought_v to_o be_v moderate_v that_o their_o judgement_n may_v be_v right_o account_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o holy_a church_n which_o thing_n consist_v in_o these_o two_o point_n first_o that_o the_o elder_n be_v elect_v and_o choose_v by_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n man_n of_o godliness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o who_o the_o whole_a church_n repose_v such_o confidence_n that_o they_o commit_v unto_o they_o their_o authority_n in_o hear_v &_o determine_v such_o matter_n as_o without_o horrible_a confusion_n they_o can_v perform_v themselves_o and_o hereto_o also_o may_v be_v refer_v that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o election_n of_o pastor_n that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n do_v ordain_v by_o election_n of_o the_o congregation_n elder_n unto_o many_o church_n act_n 14._o 23._o 23._o because_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v common_a to_o both_o to_o pastor_n and_o governor_n and_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o comprehend_v both_o at_o once_o as_o it_o appear_v manifest_o by_o s._n paul_n 1._o tim._n 5._o 7._o 7._o those_o elder_n that_o govern_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 of_o which_o testimony_n we_o learn_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n which_o meddle_v not_o with_o teach_v but_o be_v occupy_v altogether_o in_o govern_v second_o that_o the_o elder_n which_o labour_n in_o teach_v otherwise_o call_v pastor_n be_v join_v also_o in_o government_n with_o they_o which_o teach_v not_o and_o thirdlye_o that_o the_o name_n of_o elder_a comprehend_v both_o sort_n of_o elder_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o place_n before_o allege_v for_o election_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o lead_v we_o to_o think_v that_o the_o elder_n for_o government_n be_v as_o well_o understand_v as_o the_o other_o for_o doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o after_o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o congregation_n by_o election_n 23._o as_o have_v set_v the_o church_n in_o perfect_a order_n which_o can_v not_o be_v except_o they_o have_v establish_v discipline_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n they_o commit_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o they_o believe_v the_o second_o point_n for_o moderation_n of_o the_o elder_n authority_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o their_o sentence_n may_v be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n be_v this_o that_o when_o the_o consistory_n have_v travel_v in_o examine_v of_o cause_n pertain_v to_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o agree_v what_o judgement_n ought_v to_o pass_v upon_o the_o matter_n they_o propound_v it_o to_o the_o whole_a multitude_n that_o it_o may_v be_v confirm_v by_o their_o consent_n whereof_o s._n paul_n speak_v touch_v the_o execution_n of_o excommunication_n because_o the_o fact_n be_v manifest_a when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o with_o my_o spirit_n 4._o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o with_o the_o power_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n now_o therefore_o to●_n prove_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consistory_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n for_o govern_v of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o commandment_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n touch_v he_o that_o despise_v pryvate_a admonition_n 17._o if_o he_o hear_v not_o they_o tell_v the_o congregation_n if_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o congregation_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a &_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v upon_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n in_o which_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n this_o word_n congregation_n be_v not_o so_o large_o take_v as_o in_o other_o place_n for_o the_o whole_a multitude_n but_o for_o the_o choose_a assembly_n of_o elder_n for_o our_o saviour_n christ_n in_o that_o word_n allude_v unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o elder_n that_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o call_v but_o corruptlie_o of_o a_o greek_a word_n synedrion_n which_o signify_v a_o counsel_n or_o consistory_n sanedrin_n which_o have_v the_o hear_n and_o determine_v of_o all_o difficult_a and_o weighty_a matter_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o like_a whereof_o he_o will_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o his_o church_n for_o administration_n of_o government_n for_o see_v it_o be_v first_o institute_v by_o god_n for_o government_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o old_a law_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o out_o of_o num._n 11._o 6._o 6._o although_o it_o be_v shameful_o abuse_v by_o the_o wicked_a jew_n our_o saviour_n christ_n translate_v it_o into_o his_o church_n also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n do_v most_o apt_o agree_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v governor_n in_o the_o church_n now_o even_o as_o it_o do_v to_o the_o ancient_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o the_o pastor_n seem_v to_o have_v borrow_v the_o name_n of_o elder_n special_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o government_n the_o name_n of_o this_o consistory_n also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v to_o be_v agreeable_a with_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n whereof_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v 18._o tell_v the_o congregation_n or_o assembly_n s_o paul_n 1._o tim._n 4._o 14._o 14._o despise_v not_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v give_v thou_o through_o prophecy_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n of_o the_o eldership_n where_o the_o greek_a word_n be_v presbyterion_n the_o assembly_n or_o consistorye_n of_o the_o elder_n which_o word_n be_v use_v also_o by_o saint_n luke_n in_o his_o gospel_n speak_v of_o the_o consistory_n of_o the_o jewish_a elder_n luke_n 22._o 66._o 66._o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v day_n the_o whole_a eldership_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n come_v together_o both_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o their_o counsel_n in_o which_o say_v their_o counsel_n synedrion_n be_v call_v presbyterion_n also_o saint_n paul_n act._n 20._o 5._o 5._o that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o persecutor_n of_o christian_n take_v witness_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a consistory_n of_o elder_n use_v the_o same_o word_n presbyterion_n by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n by_o this_o word_n ecclesia_fw-la in_o that_o place_n mean_v a_o consistory_n or_o assembly_n of_o elder_n who_o authority_n he_o do_v ratify_v with_o such_o power_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v bind_v or_o loose_v by_o they_o on_o earth_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o with_o hearty_a prayer_n the_o lord_n will_v bring_v it_o to_o pass_v yea_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o as_o precedent_n of_o their_o counsel_n to_o direct_v their_o consultation_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o own_o church_n therefore_o in_o every_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o consistory_n of_o elder_n or_o governor_n which_o with_o the_o pastor_n may_v take_v charge_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n and_o good_a order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n and_o the_o advauncement_n of_o true_a virtue_n these_o if_o they_o govern_v well_o as_o saint_n paul_n do_v testify_v be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n both_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a to_o godly_a man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o good_a governor_n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v discipline_n that_o discipline_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n to_o keep_v man_n in_o awe_n from_o offend_v and_o to_o bring_v offender_n to_o repentance_n to_o avoid_v the_o infection_n of_o sin_n within_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reproach_n that_o grow_v by_o neglect_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n among_o they_o that_o be_v without_o the_o church_n we_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o stand_v long_o in_o prove_v the_o matter_n of_o itself_o be_v so_o apparent_a and_o have_v such_o plentiful_a testimony_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o especial_o let_v the_o reason_n of_o saint_n paul_n 5._o 1._o cor._n 5._o
gentile_n and_o lest_o you_o shall_v understand_v the_o multitude_n in_o that_o place_n for_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o 22._o verse_n then_o it_o please_v the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o choose_v certain_a man_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o scripture_n we_o learn_v that_o the_o synod_n consist_v principal_o of_o pastor_n elder_n teacher_n and_o man_n of_o wisdom_n judgement_n and_o gravity_n as_o it_o be_v of_o necessary_a regent_n for_o although_o the_o whole_a multitude_n come_v together_o yet_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n come_v together_o to_o inquire_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o controversy_n the_o multitude_n hear_v and_o for_o their_o better_a instruction_n and_o modesty_n submit_v their_o consent_n unto_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n all_o man_n reason_n be_v hear_v for_o there_o be_v great_a disputation_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n prevail_v good_a order_n be_v observe_v so_o after_o the_o matter_n be_v thorough_o discuss_v by_o the_o godly_a argument_n allege_v by_o peter_n and_o barnabas_n &_o paul_n the_o controversy_n be_v conclude_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o james_n to_o who_o that_o prerogative_n be_v grant_v not_o of_o singular_a authority_n but_o for_o order_n sake_n and_o this_o place_n do_v admonish_v we_o to_o entreat_v some_o what_o of_o the_o preeminence_n of_o one_o elder_a or_o pastor_n above_o the_o rest_n we_o confess_v that_o in_o every_o assembly_n or_o company_n some_o one_o of_o necessity_n must_v have_v this_o prerogative_n to_o order_n and_o dispose_v the_o same_o with_o reason_n or_o else_o great_a confusion_n be_v like_a to_o follow_v but_o this_o preeminence_n be_v only_o of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o authority_n as_o to_o propound_v matter_n to_o be_v decide_v to_o gather_v the_o reason_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o so_o to_o conclude_v etc._n etc._n as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n james_n do_v of_o who_o also_o we_o read_v that_o he_o have_v this_o preeminence_n act._n 21._o 18_o 18._o etc._n etc._n and_o we_o may_v gather_v the_o same_o gal._n 2._o 9_o 12._o 12._o not_o that_o james_n have_v great_a authority_n in_o his_o apostleship_n than_o peter_n or_o paul_n or_o john_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n but_o because_o he_o be_v choose_v of_o the_o rest_n to_o have_v prerogative_n of_o order_n which_o some_o one_o must_v have_v in_o everye_o assembly_n and_o such_o be_v the_o prerogative_n at_o the_o first_o which_o be_v grant_v sometime_o to_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n &_o sometime_o to_o some_o other_o bishop_n to_o be_v precedent_n or_o prolocutor_n in_o the_o general_a counsel_n be_v choose_v thereto_o for_o the_o time_n by_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n as_o the_o prolocutor_n be_v choose_v in_o our_o convocation_n that_o be_v call_v with_o parliament_n therefore_o as_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n for_o our_o prolocutor_n in_o our_o convocation_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v a_o controller_n of_o the_o whole_a synod_n &_o to_o challenge_v that_o office_n to_o he_o and_o to_o his_o heir_n for_o ever_o so_o unreasonable_a be_v the_o authority_n that_o the_o pope_n claim_v over_o general_a counsel_n one_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v by_o consent_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o prolocutor_n or_o moderator_n of_o order_n but_o not_o of_o authority_n in_o every_o assembly_n who_o prerogative_n must_v so_o be_v temper_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n tyranny_n be_v avoid_v which_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n easy_o creep_v in_o upon_o proud_a nature_n to_o who_o if_o you_o grant_v a_o inch_n they_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v a_o ell_n according_a to_o the_o proverb_n but_o let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n which_o consist_v in_o decide_v &_o determine_v such_o matter_n as_o can_v otherwise_o in_o particular_a church_n be_v conclude_v either_o because_o they_o concern_v the_o common_a state_n of_o all_o church_n or_o because_o they_o lack_v sufficient_a authority_n in_o some_o one_o church_n first_o therefore_o the_o lawful_a synod_n have_v to_o consider_v if_o any_o controversy_n of_o doctrine_n do_v arise_v that_o it_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o controversy_n of_o bind_v the_o gentile_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n second_o it_o have_v to_o determine_v of_o the_o use_n of_o the_o ceremony_n not_o of_o will_n without_o reason_n or_o ground_n of_o scripture_n but_o upon_o necessary_a cause_n of_o avoid_v offence_n and_o similitude_n of_o superstition_n of_o bear_v with_o the_o weak_a of_o order_n and_o comeliness_n and_o edification_n so_o do_v the_o synod_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n command_v for_o a_o time_n abstinency_n from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n otherwise_o lawful_a in_o itself_o for_o offence_n sake_n and_o for_o avoid_v of_o all_o pollution_n of_o idolatry_n act._n 6._o 20._o 29._o 29_o and_o forbear_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o abstinency_n from_o eat_v of_o blood_n &_o of_o strangle_a which_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n before_o moses_n time_n to_o teach_v that_o childish_a age_n of_o god_n people_n to_o abstain_v from_o cruelty_n as_o in_o gen._n 9_o 4._o 4._o such_o ceremonial_a constitution_n be_v but_o temporal_a and_o so_o long_o be_v to_o be_v retain_v as_o the_o cause_n continue_v for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v so_o that_o if_o weakness_n cease_v or_o be_v turn_v to_o obstinacy_n they_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v retain_v also_o for_o order_n and_o comeliness_n and_o best_a edification_n the_o synod_n have_v to_o determine_v what_o shall_v be_v observe_v in_o particular_a charge_n as_o of_o the_o time_n place_n and_o form_n of_o preach_v and_o pray_v and_o administer_a of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v what_o order_n comeliness_n and_o edification_n require_v according_a to_o god_n word_n but_o they_o that_o be_v teacher_n and_o preacher_n of_o the_o same_o unto_o all_o other_o for_o it_o be_v absurd_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v teach_v by_o such_o in_o these_o small_a thing_n as_o aught_o to_o learn_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o all_o matter_n this_o authority_n therefore_o can_v be_v grant_v unto_o any_o civil_a christian_a magistrate_n that_o without_o consent_n of_o the_o learned_a pastor_n and_o elder_n yea_o against_o their_o consent_n of_o who_o as_o in_o some_o respect_n he_o be_v a_o feel_a member_n he_o may_v lawful_o make_v ceremonial_a constitution_n whereby_o the_o church_n must_v be_v govern_v in_o mere_a ecclesiastical_a matter_n it_o be_v ou●e_v of_o all_o controversye_n that_o before_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a magistrate_n for_o we_o will_v not_o speak_v of_o sergius_n paulus_n proconsull_n of_o cyprus_n because_o he_o be_v but_o a_o lievetenaunt_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n this_o authority_n be_v proper_a unto_o the_o synod_n which_o authority_n we_o know_v to_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n by_o our_o savioure_n christ_n practise_v by_o his_o apostle_n continue_v by_o their_o successor_n three_o hundred_o year_n before_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a emperor_n for_o we_o receive_v not_o philip_n for_o a_o christian_a emperor_n and_o long_a time_n after_o there_o be_v christian_a emperor_n even_o as_o long_o as_o any_o purity_n continue_v in_o religion_n until_o both_o emperor_n and_o synod_n be_v thrust_v out_o of_o all_o lawful_a authority_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antichrist_n but_o we_o find_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n this_o authority_n grant_v by_o christ_n to_o civil_a magistrate_n which_o in_o his_o and_o his_o apostle_n time_n be_v not_o nor_o any_o promise_n that_o when_o they_o be_v the_o synod_n shall_v resign_v it_o unto_o they_o therefore_o it_o remain_v that_o it_o be_v show_v by_o they_o that_o defend_v that_o this_o absolute_a authority_n be_v in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o what_o spirit_n or_o revelation_n or_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o we_o know_v not_o for_o we_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o learn_v how_o this_o authority_n be_v translate_v from_o the_o church_n in_o which_o it_o be_v once_o lawfullye_o vest_v unto_o the_o civil_a christian_a magistrate_n therefore_o until_o this_o may_v be_v show_v by_o sufficient_a warrant_v of_o god_n holy_a word_n we_o hold_v that_o the_o synod_n of_o everye_o province_n have_v authority_n to_o decree_v concern_v ceremonial_a order_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o some_o may_v be_v general_a to_o all_o congregation_n some_o particular_a to_o certain_a church_n for_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o place_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o one_o perfection_n so_o it_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_a that_o they_o be_v like_a in_o all_o thing_n the_o