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
right_n unto_o its_o exercise_n it_o be_v require_v moreover_o that_o he_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o his_o office_n in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o peculiar_a prayer_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o any_o unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o notion_n that_o can_v never_o be_v obliterated_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v in_o these_o thing_n nor_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o practice_n of_o what_o sort_n they_o have_v be_v among_o many_o we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o there_o have_v be_v less_o regard_n unto_o the_o other_o duty_n namely_o that_o these_o prayer_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o fast_v but_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o apostolical_a example_n act._n 14.23_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o work_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o one_o be_v to_o be_v so_o ordain_v it_o do_v belong_v unto_o extraordinary_a officer_n whilst_o they_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o the_o cessation_n of_o their_o office_n it_o be_v devolve_v on_o the_o ordinary_a state_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o i_o say_v in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o such_o officer_n before_o fix_v in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o any_o one_o be_v to_o be_v only_o ordain_v and_o in_o case_n there_o be_v none_o the_o assistance_n of_o pastor_n or_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v desire_v unto_o the_o conduct_n and_o regulation_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o authoritative_a influence_n of_o this_o ordination_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office_n or_o office-power_n whilst_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a and_o to_o belong_v essential_o unto_o the_o call_v unto_o office._n for_o when_o sundry_a duty_n as_o these_o of_o election_n and_o ordination_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v not_o for_o i_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o peculiar_a efficacy_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o see_v neither_o of_o they_o without_o the_o other_o have_v any_o at_o all_o hereunto_o be_v add_v as_o a_o external_n adjunct_n imposition_n of_o hand_n significant_a of_o the_o person_n so_o call_v to_o office_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o although_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_o prove_v that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ceremony_n be_v design_v unto_o continuance_n after_o a_o cessation_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o outward_a mean_n in_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o we_o do_v free_o grant_v it_o unto_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n provide_v that_o there_o be_v no_o apprehension_n of_o its_o be_v the_o sole_a authoritative_a conveyance_n of_o a_o successive_a flux_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o this_o may_v at_o present_a suffice_v as_o unto_o the_o call_v of_o meet_a person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o consequent_o any_o other_o office_n in_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n follow_v be_v essential_o necessary_a unto_o it_o so_o as_o that_o authority_n and_o right_o to_o feed_v and_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o officer_n of_o his_o house_n that_o may_v be_v give_v unto_o any_o one_o thereby_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o charter_n grant_v by_o he_o unto_o the_o church_n itself_o the_o first_o be_v that_o antecedent_o unto_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o such_o a_o person_n with_o respect_n unto_o office_n he_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o with_o grace_n and_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o office_n whereunto_o he_o be_v to_o be_v call_v this_o divine_a designation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v rest_v on_o the_o kingly_a office_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n where_o this_o be_v whole_o want_v it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n under_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a order_n or_o act_n to_o communicate_v pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a power_n unto_o any_o person_n whatever_o second_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o exploration_n or_o trial_n of_o those_o gift_n and_o ability_n as_o unto_o their_o accommodation_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o any_o person_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v a_o pastor_n or_o minister_n but_o although_o the_o right_a of_o judge_v herein_o belong_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o who_o else_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v for_o they_o or_o be_v entrust_v so_o to_o do_v yet_o be_v it_o their_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n to_o desire_v the_o assistance_n and_o guidance_n of_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n in_o other_o church_n three_o the_o first_o act_n of_o power_n commit_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o it_o be_v that_o election_n of_o a_o person_n qualify_v and_o try_v unto_o his_o office_n which_o we_o have_v now_o vindicate_v four_o there_o be_v require_v hereunto_o the_o solemn_a ordination_n inauguration_n dedication_n or_o set_v apart_o of_o the_o person_n so_o choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n this_o be_v that_o order_n which_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o direct_v unto_o and_o although_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o a_o defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v from_o unavoidable_a hindrance_n do_v disannul_v the_o call_n of_o a_o person_n to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o where_o they_o be_v not_o all_o due_o attend_v unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v neglect_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n infringe_v wherefore_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o all_o authority_n for_o office_n and_o of_o office_n itself_o sole_o by_o a_o flux_n of_o power_n from_o the_o first_o ordainer_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o pretend_a successor_n in_o all_o age_n under_o all_o the_o innumerable_a miscarriage_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a and_o have_v actual_o fall_v into_o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o the_o consent_n or_o call_v of_o the_o church_n by_o rule_n law_n and_o order_n foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n as_o shall_v be_v manifest_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a chap._n v._o the_o especial_a duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n we_o have_v declare_v the_o way_n whereby_o pastor_n be_v give_v unto_o and_o instate_v in_o the_o church_n that_o which_o shall_v ensue_v be_v a_o account_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office._n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o large_a discourse_n both_o among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o late_a i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o touch_v on_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o most_o necessary_a consideration_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o principal_a duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n by_o diligent_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n relate_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n pastor_n according_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v they_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n jer._n 3.15_o this_o be_v by_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o no_o otherwise_o this_o feed_v be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o so_o that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o or_o can_v or_o will_v not_o feed_v the_o flock_n be_v no_o pastor_n whatever_o outward_a call_n or_o work_v he_o may_v have_v in_o the_o church_n the_o care_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v to_o peter_n and_o in_o he_o unto_o all_o true_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o feed_v joh._n 21.15_o 16._o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o encumbrance_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n act._n 6._o their_o work_n be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o thereby_o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act._n 20._o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v every_o where_o give_v they_o
depend_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n hence_o the_o first_o duty_n of_o a_o church_n without_o officer_n be_v to_o obtain_v they_o according_a to_o rule_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o complete_a administration_n without_o a_o antecedent_n complete_n of_o order_n be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n the_o practice_n therefore_o propose_v be_v irregular_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v two_o fold_n as_o essential_a as_o organical_a the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o essential_a and_o its_o power_n thence_o arise_v be_v first_o for_o its_o preservation_n second_o for_o its_o perfection_n 1._o for_o its_o preservation_n in_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n 2._o for_o its_o perfection_n in_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n no_o part_n of_o this_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o essential_o consider_v can_v be_v delegated_a but_o must_v be_v act_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o can_v delegate_v power_n to_o some_o to_o admit_v member_n so_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o can_v delegate_v power_n to_o any_o to_o elect_a officer_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o a_o church_n essential_o the_o reason_n be_v thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o essence_n of_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o it_o formal_o as_o such_o and_o so_o can_v be_v transfer_v the_o church_n therefore_o can_v delegate_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n inquire_v after_o shall_v it_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o power_n of_o order_n as_o the_o church_n be_v essential_o consider_v which_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o if_o the_o church_n may_v delegate_v or_o substitute_v other_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o ordinance_n whatsoever_o without_o elder_n or_o pastor_n than_o it_o may_v perfect_v the_o saint_n and_o complete_a the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o they_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o and_o second_o it_o will_v render_v the_o ministry_n only_o convenient_a and_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o order_n as_o organical_a be_v the_o adequate_a subject_n of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o not_o as_o essential_a because_o as_o essential_a it_o never_o do_v nor_o can_v enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n namely_o the_o ministry_n in_o particular_a whereby_o it_o be_v constitute_v organical_a yet_o on_o this_o supposition_n the_o church_n as_o essential_o consider_v be_v the_o sole_a adequate_a subject_n of_o all_o ordinance_n though_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a object_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n but_o that_o be_v various_a for_o instance_n 1._o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n its_o first_o object_n be_v the_o world_n for_o conversion_n its_o next_o professor_n for_o edification_n 2._o baptism_n it_o be_v only_a object_n be_v neither_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o professor_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reckon_v to_o they_o by_o god_n appointment_n that_o be_v their_o infant_n seed_n 3._o the_o supper_n its_o object_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n only_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o institution_n one_o special_a end_n of_o it_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n thereon_o depend_v ordinance_n whereof_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n and_o the_o only_a object_n can_v be_v administer_v authoritative_o but_o by_o officer_n only_o 1._o because_o none_o but_o christ_n steward_n have_v authority_n in_o and_o towards_o his_o house_n as_o such_o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o matth._n 24.25_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o office-authority_n to_o represent_v christ_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o to_o feed_v the_o whole_a flock_n thereby_o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o practice_n among_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o walk_v in_o order_n neither_o in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o in_o all_o antiquity_n but_o it_o be_v object_v by_o those_o who_o allow_v this_o practice_n that_o if_o the_o church_n may_v appoint_v or_o send_v a_o person_n forth_o to_o preach_v or_o appoint_v a_o brother_n to_o preach_v unto_o themselves_o then_o they_o may_v appoint_v he_o to_o administer_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o supper_n answ._n here_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o supposition_n the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o body_n of_o it_o can_v send_v out_o any_o brother_n authoritative_o to_o preach_v two_o thing_n be_v require_v thereunto_o collation_n of_o gift_n and_o communication_n of_o office_n neither_o of_o which_o the_o church_n under_o that_o consideration_n can_v do_v to_o one_o that_o be_v send_v forth_o but_o where_o god_n give_v gift_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o a_o call_v by_o his_o providence_n the_o church_n only_o comply_v therewith_o not_o in_o communicate_v authority_n to_o the_o person_n but_o in_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o his_o work._n the_o same_o be_v the_o case_n in_o desire_v a_o brother_n to_o teach_v among_o they_o the_o duty_n be_v moral_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o gift_n and_o call_v be_v from_o god_n alone_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o exercise_n be_v only_o administer_v by_o the_o church_n it_o be_v far_a add_v by_o the_o same_o person_n that_o if_o a_o brother_n or_o one_o who_o be_v a_o disciple_n only_o may_v baptise_v than_o he_o may_v also_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v desire_v of_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o supposition_n be_v not_o grant_v nor_o prove_v but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o difference_n between_o these_o ordinance_n the_o object_n of_o one_o be_v professor_n as_o such_o at_o large_a the_o object_n of_o the_o other_o be_v professor_n as_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o return_v 4._o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n receive_v and_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o defend_v it_o against_o all_o opposition_n this_o be_v one_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n one_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v commit_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n unto_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n frequent_o and_o emphatical_o repeat_v the_o charge_n of_o it_o unto_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o unto_o all_o to_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v 1_o epist._n 1.1_o 3_o 4._o chap._n 4.6_o 7_o 16._o chap._n 6.20_o 2_o epist._n 1.14_o 22._o chap._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o the_o same_o he_o give_v in_o charge_n unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20.28_o 29_o 30._o what_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n be_v commit_v unto_o his_o trust_n 1_o tim._n 1.11_o be_v true_a of_o all_o pastor_n of_o church_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n and_o call_v and_o they_o shall_v all_o aim_n at_o the_o account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o his_o ministry_n herein_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n 2_o tim._n 3.7_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v so_o principal_o in_o its_o ministry_n and_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o of_o the_o pernicious_a heresy_n and_o error_n that_o have_v infest_a and_o ruin_v the_o church_n those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n entire_a in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o have_v many_o of_o they_o speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o bishop_n presbyter_n public_a teacher_n have_v be_v the_o ringleader_n in_o heresy_n wherefore_o this_o duty_n especial_o at_o this_o time_n when_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v on_o all_o side_n impugn_a from_o all_o sort_n of_o adversary_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n to_o be_v attend_v unto_o sundry_a thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o as_o 1._o a_o clear_a sound_v comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o the_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n attain_v by_o all_o mean_v useful_a and_o common_o prescribe_v unto_o that_o end_n especial_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o illumination_n and_o understanding_n man_n can_v preserve_v that_o for_o other_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o themselves_o truth_n may_v be_v lose_v by_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o by_o wickedness_n and_o the_o defect_n herein_o in_o many_o be_v deplorable_a 2._o love_n
21.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o on_o other_o account_n call_v bishop_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n guide_n but_o what_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n or_o what_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o otherwise_o act._n 20.17_o 18._o so_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o difference_n in_o age_n but_o be_v use_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ruler_n or_o governor_n whether_o in_o office_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a especial_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o call_v its_o elder_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o power_n or_o office_n intend_v by_o it_o be_v traduce_v to_o signify_v man_n in_o authority_n signeiores_fw-la eldermani_fw-la in_o all_o place_n 2._o church-power_n act_v in_o its_o rule_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o a_o expression_n derive_v from_o the_o key_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o office-power_n in_o the_o family_n of_o king_n isa._n 22.22_o and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o denote_v the_o communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o other_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o universal_o vest_v in_o himself_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n revel_v 3.7_o mat._n 16.19_o 3._o these_o key_n be_v usual_o refer_v unto_o two_o head_n namely_o the_o one_o of_o order_n the_o other_o of_o jurisdiction_n 4._o by_o the_o key_n of_o order_n the_o spiritual_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n doctrinal_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v intend_v 5._o by_o jurisdiction_n the_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o call_v or_o esteem_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n until_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o church-rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v deprave_v and_o change_v therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o or_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v unto_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o its_o rule_n it_o be_v expressive_a of_o and_o direct_v unto_o that_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a according_a unto_o the_o canon_n law_n by_o which_o all_o church-rule_n and_o order_n be_v destroy_v i_o do_v therefore_o at_o once_o dismiss_v all_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o of_o thing_n foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v as_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n about_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n but_o that_o these_o key_n do_v include_v the_o twofold_a distinct_a power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v free_o grant_v 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o that_o of_o rome_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a distribution_n make_v of_o these_o key_n unto_o some_o that_o be_v unto_o one_o special_a sort_n or_o order_n of_o man_n they_o be_v both_o grant_v both_o the_o key_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v unto_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o some_o other_o under_o various_a canonical_a restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o dean_n and_o arch-deacon_n unto_o some_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o order_n only_o without_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o jurisdiction_n or_o rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n which_o be_v the_o parochial_a minister_n or_o mere_a presbyter_n without_o any_o additional_a title_n or_o power_n as_o of_o commissary_n surrogate_v or_o the_o like_a and_o unto_o a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n almost_o plenipotent_a who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o key_n of_o order_n that_o be_v be_v never_o ordain_v separate_v dedicate_v unto_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o chancellor_n etc._n etc._n 7._o these_o chancellor_n be_v the_o only_a lay-elder_n that_o i_o know_v any_o where_o in_o any_o church_n that_o be_v person_n entrust_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o its_o censure_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v unto_o any_o church-office_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o laity_n or_o the_o people_n all_o church_n ruler_n by_o institution_n be_v elder_n to_o be_v a_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o ruler_n in_o it_o be_v all_o one_o wherefore_o these_o person_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o thus_o continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o people_n be_v lay-elder_n who_o i_o wonder_v how_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n come_v so_o serious_o to_o oppose_v see_v this_o order_n of_o man_n be_v own_v by_o none_o but_o themselves_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o know_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v who_o order_n be_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o be_v of_o any_o public_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v dispose_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o part_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o authoritative_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o even_o those_o who_o place_n the_o whole_a external_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v it_o as_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o church-power_n and_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v usual_o call_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n either_o appoint_v by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o that_o with_o cogent_a argument_n see_v grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la potestat_fw-la cap._n 8._o but_o this_o distribution_n mention_v of_o church-power_n be_v unscriptural_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o antiquity_n it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o two_o latter_a branch_n of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n doctrinal_o or_o ministerial_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n which_o give_v they_o this_o power_n not_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n or_o discipline_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v countenance_n unto_o and_o as_o by_o this_o mean_n those_o be_v abridge_v and_o deprive_v of_o their_o power_n to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o elder_n due_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n so_o in_o the_o three_o branch_n there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o church-power_n unto_o such_o as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v exclude_v from_o any_o interest_n therein_o the_o enormity_n of_o which_o constitution_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a insist_v upon_o but_o enquiry_n must_v be_v make_v what_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o herein_o and_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o pastoral_n feeding_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n all_o agree_v herein_o unless_o it_o be_v erastus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o who_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o but_o their_o argument_n lie_v not_o against_o rule_n in_o general_n which_o be_v brutish_a but_o only_o a_o rule_n by_o external_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o grant_v the_o general_a assertion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o rule_n for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o only_o they_o contend_v about_o the_o subject_n of_o power_n require_v thereunto_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o mutual_a voluntary_a confederation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n purity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n few_o of_o that_o opinion_n deny_v at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v oppose_v for_o to_o deny_v all_o rule_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o administration_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a power_n internal_o inherent_a in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a political_a
unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o be_v elder_n also_o be_v devest_v of_o the_o right_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n or_o discharge_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o because_o other_o not_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v assistant_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v help_v in_o the_o government_n for_o the_o right_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n which_o all_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v the_o right_n be_v still_o in_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o consistent_a with_o their_o more_o excellent_a work_n be_v require_v of_o they_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n exod._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o moses_n have_v before_o the_o sole_a rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o addition_n that_o be_v make_v of_o a_o eldership_n for_o his_o assistance_n there_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o right_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o according_a to_o his_o precedent_a power_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n derogate_a nothing_o from_o their_o own_o authority_n nor_o discharge_v themselves_o of_o their_o care_n so_o when_o they_o appoint_v deacon_n to_o take_v care_n of_o supply_n for_o the_o poor_a they_o do_v not_o forgo_v their_o own_o right_n nor_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o their_o other_o work_n will_v permit_v they_o gal._n 2.9_o 10._o and_o in_o particular_a the_o apostle_n paul_n manifest_v his_o concernment_n herein_o in_o the_o care_n he_o take_v about_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a in_o all_o church_n 8._o as_o we_o observe_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o rule_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n for_o authoritative_n teach_v and_o rule_v be_v teach_v and_o rule_v by_o virtue_n of_o office_n and_o this_o office_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v that_o of_o elder_n as_o it_o be_v undeniable_o attest_v act._n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o care_n inspection_n oversight_n rule_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o it_o express_o for_o elder_n be_v a_o name_n derive_v from_o the_o jew_n denote_v they_o that_o have_v authority_n in_o the_o church_n ☞_o the_o first_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o language_n respect_n age._n elder_n be_v old_a man_n well_o strike_v in_o year_n unto_o who_o respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n command_v unless_o they_o forfeit_v their_o privilege_n by_o levity_n or_o wickedness_n which_o they_o often_o do_v now_o ancient_a man_n be_v original_o judge_v if_o not_o only_o yet_o the_o most_o meet_a for_o rule_n and_o be_v before_o other_o constant_o call_v thereunto_o hence_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o who_o do_v preside_n and_o rule_n over_o other_o in_o any_o kind_n only_a it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o mention_n of_o ruler_n that_o be_v call_v elder_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o subordinate_a power_n and_o authority_n only_o those_o who_o be_v in_o supreme_a absolute_a power_n as_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v never_o call_v elder_n but_o elder_n by_o office_n be_v such_o only_a as_o have_v a_o ministerial_a power_n under_o other_o wherefore_o the_o high_a officer_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v elder_n even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o peter_n in_o particular_a 1_o epist._n chap._n 5._o v._n 1.2_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v only_o a_o ministerial_a power_n and_o so_o it_o be_v declare_v ver_n 4._o the_o pope_n will_v now_o scarce_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v esteem_v only_o a_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o the_o turkish_a monarch_n be_v call_v the_o grand_a signior_n but_o those_o who_o will_v be_v in_o the_o church_n above_o elder_n have_v no_o office_n in_o it_o whatever_o usurpation_n they_o may_v make_v over_o it_o 9_o to_o the_o complete_a constitution_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o organical_a state_n it_o be_v require_v that_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o it_o at_o least_o more_o than_o one_o in_o this_o proposition_n lie_v the_o next_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v distinct_o consider_v i_o do_v not_o determine_v what_o their_o number_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o determinable_a as_o unto_o all_o church_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n sufficient_o direct_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v proportion_v unto_o the_o work_n and_o end_v design_v where_o a_o church_n be_v numerous_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o increase_a their_o number_n proportionable_a unto_o their_o work._n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n ten_o or_o twelve_o of_o they_o that_o be_v mention_v by_o name_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n under_o cornelius_n where_o the_o church_n be_v small_a the_o number_n of_o elder_n may_v be_v so_o also_o for_o no_o office_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o pomp_n or_o show_n but_o for_o labour_v only_o and_o so_o many_o be_v necessary_a in_o each_o office_n as_o be_v able_a to_o discharge_v the_o work_n which_o be_v allot_v unto_o they_o but_o that_o church_n be_v it_o small_a or_o great_a be_v not_o complete_a in_o its_o state_n be_v defective_a which_o have_v not_o more_o elder_n than_o one_o who_o have_v not_o so_o many_o as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o work._n 10._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o be_v absolute_o democratical_a or_o popular_a they_o judge_v that_o all_o church-power_n or_o authority_n be_v seat_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o brethren_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o they_o look_v on_o elder_n or_o minister_n only_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o material_o in_o the_o duty_n they_o perform_v and_o final_o for_o their_o edification_n serve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o church_n but_o formal_o also_o as_o act_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o mere_a delegation_n and_o not_o any_o of_o their_o own_o receive_v direct_o from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n hence_o they_o do_v occasional_o appoint_v person_n among_o themselves_o not_o call_v unto_o not_o vest_v with_o any_o office_n to_o administer_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o any_o other_o solemn_a office_n of_o worship_n on_o this_o principle_n and_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o elder_n at_o all_o though_o usual_o they_o do_v confer_v this_o office_n on_o some_o with_o solemnity_n but_o as_o among_o they_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a necessity_n of_o any_o elder_n for_o rule_n so_o we_o treat_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v they_o 11._o some_o place_n the_o government_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o those_o that_o act_n under_o he_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o civil_a constitution_n of_o the_o land_n these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o judge_v it_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o elder_n for_o rule_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o they_o allow_v no_o rule_n in_o they_o at_o all_o but_o only_o assert_v a_o rule_n over_o they_o but_o a_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o itself_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o its_o own_o ruler_n officer_n guide_n immediate_o preside_v in_o it_o be_v unknown_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n wherefore_o with_o these_o we_o deal_v not_o in_o this_o discourse_n nor_o have_v any_o apprehension_n that_o the_o power_n of_o present_v man_n for_o any_o pretend_a disorder_n unto_o the_o bishop_n or_o chancellor_n court_n be_v any_o part_n of_o church-power_n or_o rule_n 12._o other_o place_z the_o rule_n of_o particular_a church_n especial_o in_o case_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o a_o association_n conjunction_n or_o combination_n of_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o in_o one_o society_n which_o be_v common_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n there_o will_v be_v a_o conjunct_a act_n of_o many_o elder_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v the_o best_a provision_n that_o can_v be_v make_v on_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o present_a parochial_a distribution_n but_o those_o also_o of_o this_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v such_o prophecy_n as_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o give_v the_o proportion_n of_o faith._n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o any_o or_o both_o of_o these_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n but_o it_o belong_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o as_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o here_o by_o the_o apostle_n 2._o the_o gift_n speak_v of_o be_v in_o general_n refer_v unto_o all_o they_o who_o be_v intend_v now_o these_o be_v either_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o or_o all_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n only_o hence_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o plural_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v that_o be_v all_o we_o that_o be_v concern_v herein_o this_o can_v be_v all_o of_o the_o church_n for_o all_o the_o church_n have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n nor_o can_v any_o distinction_n be_v make_v of_o who_o do_v receive_v they_o and_o who_o do_v not_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o office._n and_o therefore_o 3._o in_o the_o distribution_n which_o ensue_v of_o prophecy_n into_o exhort_v and_o teach_v and_o of_o ministry_n into_o show_v mercy_n rule_n and_o give_v have_v state_v these_o gift_n in_o general_n in_o the_o officer_n in_o general_a make_v distinct_a application_n of_o they_o unto_o distinct_a officer_n he_o speak_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v he_o that_o rule_v 6._o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o office_n be_v intend_v and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o distinct_a office_n be_v so_o which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o second_o place_n for_o 1._o the_o distributive_a particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o indicative_a article_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prefix_v unto_o each_o office_n in_o particular_a do_v show_v they_o distinct_a so_o far_o as_o word_n can_v do_v it_o as_o by_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whether_o they_o be_v distinguish_v in_o their_o nature_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n so_o by_o the_o article_n prefix_v to_o each_o of_o they_o in_o exercise_n they_o be_v distinguish_v in_o their_o subject_n 2._o the_o operation_n work_n and_o effect_n ascribe_v unto_o these_o gift_n require_v distinct_a office_n and_o function_n in_o their_o exercise_n and_o if_o the_o distribution_n be_v make_v unto_o all_o promiscuous_o without_o respect_n unto_o distinct_a office_n it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o bring_v confusion_n into_o the_o church_n whereas_o indeed_o here_o be_v a_o accurate_a order_n in_o all_o church_n administration_n represent_v to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v far_a evident_a that_o distinct_a office_n be_v intend_v 1._o from_o the_o comparison_n make_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n ver_fw-la 4._o all_o the_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o office_n the_o eye_n have_v one_o the_o ear_n have_v another_o 2._o each_o of_o the_o duty_n mention_v and_o give_v in_o charge_n be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o distinct_a officer_n as_o be_v declare_v act._n 6._o 7._o in_o particular_a he_o that_o rule_v be_v a_o distinct_a officer_n a_o officer_n because_o rule_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n or_o office-power_n and_o he_o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o but_o say_v some_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v who_o he_o will_v that_o be_v the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n the_o teach_v elder_a but_o the_o contrary_n be_v evident_a 1._o he_o that_o say_v he_o that_o exhort_v and_o then_o add_v he_o that_o rule_v have_v distinguish_v before_o between_o prophecy_n whereunto_o exhortation_n do_v belong_v and_o ministry_n whereof_o rule_n be_v a_o part_n and_o prefix_v the_o prepositive_a indicative_a article_n to_o each_o of_o they_o do_v as_o plain_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o as_o can_v be_v do_v by_o word_n 2._o rule_n be_v the_o principal_a work_n of_o he_o that_o rule_v for_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o diligence_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o rule_n in_o contradistinction_n unto_o what_o be_v principal_o require_v in_o other_o administration_n but_o rule_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a work_n of_o the_o pastor_n require_v constant_a and_o continual_a attendance_n for_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v ordinary_o sufficient_a for_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o diligence_n and_o ability_n 8._o we_o have_v therefore_o in_o this_o context_n the_o beautiful_a order_n of_o thing_n in_o and_o of_o the_o church_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o edification_n derive_v from_o distinct_a differ_v spiritual_a gift_n exercise_v in_o and_o by_o distinct_a officer_n unto_o their_o peculiar_a end_n the_o distinction_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o gift_n their_o use_n and_o end_n be_v provide_v for_o in_o distinct_a subject_n the_o mind_n of_o no_o one_o man_n at_o least_o ordinary_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o those_o differ_a gift_n in_o any_o eminent_a degree_n the_o person_n of_o no_o man_n be_v sufficient_a meet_v or_o able_a to_o exercise_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o office_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n especial_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v oblige_v to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o thereunto_o and_o those_o that_o rule_n to_o attend_v thereto_o with_o diligence_n so_o many_o distinct_a work_n duty_n and_o operation_n with_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o their_o discharge_n be_v inconsistent_a in_o the_o same_o subject_a all_o thing_n be_v here_o distribute_v into_o their_o proper_a order_n and_o tendency_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n every_o distinct_a gift_n require_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n unto_o the_o public_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v distribute_v unto_o peculiar_a officer_n unto_o who_o a_o especial_a work_n be_v assign_v to_o be_v discharge_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o gift_n receive_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n no_o man_n alive_a be_v able_a to_o fix_v on_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o these_o distribution_n under_o some_o of_o the_o head_n of_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n find_v out_o any_o thing_n in_o these_o assignation_n of_o distinct_a duty_n unto_o distinct_a office_n that_o be_v superfluous_a redundant_fw-la or_o not_o direct_o necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n how_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v be_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o what_o care_n diligence_n circumspection_n prayer_n and_o wisdom_n suit_v unto_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o object_n of_o they_o can_v ever_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v all_o of_o they_o belong_v unto_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n or_o be_v discharge_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n let_v man_n advance_v any_o other_o church_n order_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o here_o declare_v so_o suit_v unto_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n operation_n and_o duty_n of_o diverse_a nature_n be_v distribute_v and_o assign_v to_o such_o distinct_a gift_n act_v in_o distinct_a office_n as_o render_v those_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v meet_a and_o able_a for_o they_o so_o correspondent_a to_o all_o institution_n rule_n and_o example_n of_o church-order_n in_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n so_o suit_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o nothing_o which_o be_v necessary_a thereunto_o be_v omit_v nor_o any_o thing_n add_v above_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o it_o shall_v be_v cheerful_o embrace_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o different_a interpretation_n and_o application_n of_o this_o context_n of_o the_o apostle_n arise_v mere_o from_o the_o prejudicate_v apprehension_n that_o man_n have_v concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o rule_n for_o if_o the_o state_n of_o it_o be_v national_a or_o diocesan_n if_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v by_o arbitrary_a rule_n and_o canon_n from_o a_o authority_n exert_v itself_o in_o court_n ecclesiastical_a legal_a or_o illegal_a the_o order_n of_o thing_n here_o describe_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v no_o way_n belong_v nor_o can_v be_v accommodate_v thereunto_o to_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v a_o full_a description_n and_o account_n in_o these_o word_n of_o all_o the_o office_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o they_o
unto_o a_o present_a exercise_n by_o such_o circumstance_n as_o nature_n and_o providence_n do_v suggest_v the_o care_n also_o of_o the_o whole_a work_n be_v as_o be_v say_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n only_o the_o ordinary_a execution_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o deacon_n nor_o be_v this_o a_o temporary_a institution_n for_o that_o season_n and_o so_o the_o officer_n appoint_v extraordinary_a but_o be_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o generation_n for_o 1._o the_o work_n itself_o as_o a_o distinct_a work_n of_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n be_v never_o to_o cease_v it_o be_v to_o abide_v for_o ever_o the_o poor_a you_o shall_v have_v always_o with_o you_o 2._o the_o reason_n of_o its_o institution_n be_v perpetual_a namely_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o themselves_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o pray_v preach_a and_o this_o ministration_n 3._o they_o be_v afterward_o not_o only_o in_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n reckon_v among_o the_o fix_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o 4._o direction_n be_v give_v for_o their_o continuation_n in_o all_o church_n with_o a_o prescription_n of_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o call_v into_o this_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 10_o 11._o 5._o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n be_v direct_v and_o a_o office_n commit_v unto_o they_o let_v they_o be_v first_o prove_v then_o let_v they_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n 6._o a_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n be_v annex_v unto_o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o this_o office_n vers._n 13._o hence_o those_o who_o afterward_o utter_o pervert_v all_o church_n order_n take_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o care_n of_o the_o deacon_n that_o work_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o for_o which_o end_v alone_o their_o office_n be_v institute_v in_o the_o church_n assign_v other_o work_n unto_o they_o whereunto_o they_o be_v not_o call_v nor_o appoint_v yet_o think_v meet_v to_o continue_v the_o name_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o a_o office_n because_o of_o the_o evident_a institution_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o continuation_n and_o whereas_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v swell_v with_o pride_n and_o ambition_n in_o the_o church_n no_o sort_n of_o its_o officer_n content_v themselves_o with_o their_o primitive_a institution_n but_o strive_v by_o various_a degree_n to_o somewhat_o in_o name_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v high_a and_o aloft_n there_o arise_v from_o the_o name_n of_o this_o office_n the_o meteor_n of_o a_o archdeacon_n with_o strange_a power_n and_o authority_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o age_n but_o this_o belong_v unto_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n whereunto_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n but_o some_o think_v it_o not_o inconvenient_a even_o to_o sport_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o church_n order_n and_o constitution_n this_o office_n of_o deacon_n be_v a_o office_n of_o service_n which_o give_v not_o any_o authority_n or_o power_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v a_o office_n it_o give_v authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o special_a work_n of_o it_o under_o a_o general_a notion_n of_o authority_n that_o be_v a_o right_a to_o attend_v unto_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o but_o this_o right_n be_v confine_v unto_o the_o particular_a church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v they_o to_o make_v their_o collection_n and_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v they_o to_o administer_v extraordinary_a collection_n from_o or_o for_o other_o church_n be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o dispose_v by_o the_o elder_n act_n 11.30_o whereas_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o office_n be_v in_o general_a to_o free_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n from_o avocation_n by_o outward_a thing_n such_o as_o wherein_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v it_o belong_v unto_o the_o deacon_n not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o to_o manage_v all_o other_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n such_o as_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o place_n of_o the_o church-assembly_n of_o the_o element_n for_o the_o sacrament_n of_o keep_v collect_v and_o dispose_v of_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o its_o officer_n and_o incidency_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n or_o persecution_n hereon_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o attend_v the_o elder_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o they_o and_o receive_v direction_n from_o they_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n until_o the_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n of_o the_o superior_a clergy_n enclose_v all_o alm_n and_o donation_n unto_o themselves_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n whereof_o be_v excellent_o describe_v and_o trace_v by_o paulus_n sharpius_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o matter_n beneficiary_a that_o maintenance_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o be_v to_o distribute_v be_v to_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o voluntary_a contribution_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v make_v ordinary_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2._o and_o this_o contribution_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v 1._o in_o a_o way_n of_o bounty_n not_o spare_o 2_o cor._n 9.5_o 6_o 7._o 2._o in_o a_o way_n of_o equality_n as_o unto_o man_n ability_n 2_o cor._n 8.13_o 14._o 3._o with_o respect_n unto_o present_a success_n and_o thrive_a in_o affair_n whereof_o a_o portion_n be_v due_a to_o god_n as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o 1_o cor._n 16.2_o 4._o with_o willingness_n and_o freedom_n 2_o cor._n 8.12_o chap._n 7._o wherefore_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o deacon_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n 1._o to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o the_o present_a necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a 2._o to_o stir_v up_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o free_a contribution_n according_a unto_o their_o ability_n 3._o to_o admonish_v those_o that_o be_v negligent_a herein_o who_o give_v not_o according_a to_o their_o porportion_n and_o to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n with_o those_o who_o persist_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a unto_o who_o the_o contribution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v minister_v belong_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o office._n as_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v poor_a indeed_o and_o do_v not_o pretend_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v for_o advantage_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o poverty_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o relation_n and_o circumstance_n that_o they_o may_v have_v suitable_a supply_n 3._o that_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o walk_v according_a unto_o rule_n 4._o in_o particular_a that_o they_o work_v and_o labour_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n for_o he_o that_o will_v not_o labour_n must_v not_o eat_v at_o the_o public_a charge_n 5._o to_o comfort_n counsel_n and_o exhort_v they_o unto_o patience_n submission_n contentment_n with_o their_o condition_n and_o thankfulness_n all_o which_o may_v be_v enlarge_v and_o confirm_v but_o that_o they_o be_v obvious_a the_o qualification_n of_o person_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n be_v distinct_o lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o upon_o the_o trial_n knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o qualification_n their_o call_n to_o this_o office_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o a_o separation_n unto_o it_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n act._n 6.3_o 5_o 6._o and_o the_o adjunct_n of_o their_o ministration_n be_v 1._o mercy_n to_o represent_v the_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n towards_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n rom._n 12.8_o 2._o cheerfulness_n to_o relieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v against_o thought_n of_o be_v troublesome_a and_o burdensome_a to_o other_o 3._o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n by_o which_o they_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o great_a boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o inquire_v into_o some_o few_o thing_n relate_v unto_o this_o office_n and_o those_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o as_o 1._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o affirm_v
all_o natural_a and_o humane_a right_n in_o the_o world._n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la man_n be_v now_o compel_v whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o church_n and_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o according_o but_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v divest_v of_o their_o natural_a liberty_n they_o know_v not_o how_o without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o shall_v be_v teach_v that_o by_o enter_v into_o a_o church_n they_o must_v come_v under_o a_o new_a tenure_n of_o their_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n at_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o society_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o court_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o wise_a man_n in_o church_n as_o now_o there_o be_v think_v to_o be_v but_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o among_o other_o also_o christian_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v of_o they_o and_o belong_v unto_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n immediate_o hereon_o all_o the_o right_n liberty_n privilege_n possession_n which_o they_o enjoy_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o just_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n in_o civil_a government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v come_v to_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v subject_a unto_o the_o especial_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o society_n which_o they_o be_v adjudge_v to_o belong_v unto_o for_o upon_o expulsion_n out_o of_o that_o society_n by_o excommunication_n according_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o it_o have_v frame_v unto_o itself_o all_o their_o right_n and_o title_n and_o liberty_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v forfeit_v and_o expose_v to_o ruin_n some_o indeed_o do_v earnest_o and_o learned_o contend_v that_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v not_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v sovereign_a king_n and_o prince_n and_o that_o if_o he_o do_v they_o make_v no_o forfeiture_n of_o life_n or_o dignity_n thereby_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o they_o do_v so_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o deal_v with_o other_o poor_a man_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o if_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v excommunicate_v immediate_o he_o lose_v the_o free_a tenure_n of_o his_o life_n liberty_n and_o good_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o land_n and_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o gaol_n without_o bail_n or_o mainprize_n so_o that_o by_o this_o artifice_n all_o man_n hold_v their_o natural_a and_o civil_a right_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n society_n whereto_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v and_o as_o this_o utter_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o property_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o be_v so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o value_v so_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v destructive_a of_o all_o order_n and_o liberty_n but_o that_o the_o church_n be_v wise_a enough_o not_o to_o employ_v this_o engine_n unto_o great_a man_n and_o man_n in_o power_n who_o may_v yet_o deserve_v excommunication_n as_o well_o as_o some_o of_o their_o poor_a neighbour_n if_o the_o gospel_n be_v think_v to_o give_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o but_o those_o that_o be_v poor_a helpless_a and_o friendless_a shall_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o excommunication_n be_v drive_v from_o their_o house_n cast_v into_o prison_n and_o keep_v there_o until_o they_o and_o their_o family_n starve_v and_o perish_v and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o we_o be_v behold_v unto_o the_o greatness_n authority_n and_o wealth_n of_o many_o who_o the_o ecclesiastical_a court_n care_v not_o to_o conflict_n withal_o that_o the_o whole_a nation_n be_v not_o actual_o bring_v under_o this_o new_a tenure_n of_o their_o life_n liberty_n and_o estate_n which_o on_o this_o presumption_n they_o be_v obnoxious_a unto_o and_o all_o this_o evil_n arise_v from_o the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o this_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o all_o society_n apparent_a unto_o all_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n itself_o namely_o that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n in_o or_o over_o any_o thing_n right_o privilege_n or_o advantage_n but_o what_o man_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o such_o society_n their_o rule_n and_o law_n whereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v but_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v not_o the_o life_n the_o liberty_n the_o house_n and_o possession_n of_o man_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n they_o receive_v they_o not_o from_o the_o church_n and_o a_o man_n will_v certain_o think_v that_o the_o church_n can_v not_o take_v they_o away_o yea_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o order_n upon_o the_o good_a nature_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n who_o judge_v it_o best_o neither_o to_o exert_v their_o power_n nor_o act_v their_o principle_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o whereas_o they_o esteem_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n to_o belong_v unto_o their_o church_n if_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n excommunicate_v all_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o all_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o according_a to_o their_o own_o law_n and_o canon_n both_o which_o a_o man_n will_v think_v they_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o conscience_n unto_o and_o in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o sentence_n send_v out_o the_o capias_fw-la for_o they_o all_o i_o very_o much_o question_n whether_o any_o of_o they_o will_v go_v to_o prison_n or_o no_o and_o then_o in_o what_o a_o fine_a case_n will_v this_o government_n be_v and_o if_o they_o shall_v all_o go_v to_o gaol_n i_o be_o persuade_v the_o king_n will_v be_v in_o a_o ill_a state_n to_o defend_v his_o realm_n against_o his_o enemy_n 3._o every_o society_n have_v this_o power_n towards_o those_o who_o be_v incorporate_v in_o it_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o not_o towards_o other_o for_o whence_o shall_v they_o have_v such_o a_o power_n or_o who_o shall_v commit_v it_o unto_o they_o nor_o can_v any_o be_v cast_v out_o from_o those_o privilege_n which_o they_o never_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o nor_o a_o right_n unto_o the_o apostle_n rule_n hold_v in_o this_o case_n especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o church_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v to_o judge_v they_o that_o be_v without_o and_o as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v esteem_v to_o be_v without_o who_o be_v not_o right_o incorporate_v into_o that_o particular_a church_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v eject_v out_o of_o it_o a_o power_n of_o excommunication_n at_o random_n towards_o all_o that_o those_o who_o exercise_v it_o can_v extend_v force_n unto_o have_v no_o foundation_n either_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a in_o any_o corporation_n to_o disfranchise_v such_o as_o never_o belong_v unto_o it_o who_o be_v never_o member_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o only_a reason_n or_o cause_n for_o the_o expulsion_n of_o any_o person_n out_o of_o such_o a_o society_n be_v a_o wilful_a deviation_n from_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n who_o observance_n he_o have_v engage_v unto_o upon_o his_o entrance_n into_o it_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v require_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o man_n interest_n in_o any_o right_a or_o privilege_n but_o what_o he_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o perform_v in_o his_o admittance_n into_o it_o and_o if_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o every_o church-society_n be_v that_o man_n observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v none_o can_v be_v just_o eject_v out_o of_o that_o society_n but_o upon_o a_o wilful_a disobedience_n unto_o his_o command_n and_o therefore_o ☞_o the_o cast_n of_o man_n out_o of_o church_n communion_n on_o light_n and_o trivial_a occasion_n or_o for_o any_o reason_n or_o cause_n whatever_o but_o such_o as_o essential_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereon_o the_o church_n do_v original_o coalesce_v into_o a_o society_n be_v contrary_a unto_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o thus_o far_o i_o say_v be_v every_o lawful_a confederate_a society_n enable_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o remove_v from_o its_o communion_n and_o from_o a_o participation_n in_o its_o right_n and_o privilege_n any_o of_o its_o number_n who_o will_v not_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o its_o coalescency_n and_o constitution_n whereas_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o man_n walk_v together_o in_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o institution_n without_o give_v offence_n unto_o one_o another_o or_o those_o that_o be_v without_o by_o any_o sinful_a miscarriage_n and_o do_v abide_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o any_o one_o
shall_v wilful_o and_o obstinate_o transgress_v in_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o right_n and_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o remove_v he_o from_o its_o society_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o entire_a nor_o the_o next_o immediate_a ground_n reason_n or_o warranty_n of_o ecclesiastical_a excommunication_n for_o this_o natural_a equity_n will_v not_o extend_v itself_o unto_o case_n that_o be_v in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a nor_o will_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n thereon_o reach_v unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n for_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o excommunication_n wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o peculiar_a institution_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o society_n as_o no_o man_n have_v right_o or_o power_n either_o to_o enter_v into_o themselves_o or_o to_o exclude_v other_o from_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n no_o warranty_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n or_o their_o own_o voluntary_a confederation_n can_v enable_v any_o to_o constitute_v a_o church-society_n unless_o they_o do_v all_o thing_n express_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n for_o his_o church_n be_v his_o kingdom_n his_o house_n which_o none_o can_v constitute_v or_o build_v but_o himself_o wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o power_n of_o admission_n into_o and_o exclusion_n from_o the_o church_n do_v arise_v from_o his_o grant_n and_o institution_n nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o admit_v into_o or_o exclude_v from_o this_o society_n but_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o 2._o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o but_o no_o authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n towards_o any_o person_n whatever_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o authority_n itself_o however_o ministerial_o exercise_v by_o other_o be_v his_o alone_a and_o he_o exert_v it_o not_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n so_o in_o particular_a the_o apostle_n direct_v that_o excommunication_n be_v exert_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v in_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 3._o the_o privilege_n from_o which_o man_n be_v exclude_v by_o excommunication_n be_v not_o such_o as_o they_o have_v any_o natural_a or_o civil_a right_n unto_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v but_o mere_o such_o as_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o man_n can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o without_o a_o warranty_n from_o he_o by_o his_o institution_n expel_v other_o from_o the_o privilege_n which_o be_v mere_o of_o his_o grant_n and_o donation_n he_o alone_o therefore_o have_v give_v and_o grant_v this_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n namely_o of_o exclude_v any_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o grant_n which_o be_v the_o peculiar_a power_n of_o excommunication_n inquire_v after_o 4._o there_o be_v such_o a_o efficacy_n assign_v unto_o excommunication_n in_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o retain_v their_o sin_n in_o the_o destruction_n or_o mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o heal_n and_o recovery_n of_o sinner_n as_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n can_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o mutual_a consent_n man_n may_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o company_n and_o society_n of_o those_o who_o will_v not_o walk_v with_o they_o according_a to_o rule_n of_o communion_n agree_v upon_o among_o they_o but_o they_o can_v reach_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o other_o with_o any_o of_o these_o effect_n 5._o that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o express_a ordinance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v full_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o 1._o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o authority_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o power_n express_v therein_o be_v not_o mere_o doctrinal_a and_o declarative_a as_o be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o consequent_a whereof_o upon_o the_o faith_n or_o unbelief_n of_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o be_v the_o remit_v or_o retain_v of_o their_o sin_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o it_o be_v disciplinary_a also_o as_o it_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o the_o house_n who_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o steward_n of_o it_o and_o see_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o have_v his_o church_n holy_a vnblamable_a and_o without_o offence_n in_o the_o world_n that_o therein_o he_o may_v make_v a_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o holiness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o rule_n and_o whereas_o those_o of_o who_o it_o be_v constitute_v be_v liable_a and_o subject_a unto_o sin_n scandalous_a and_o offensive_a reflect_v dishonour_n on_o himself_o and_o the_o church_n in_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_v unto_o other_o that_o design_n will_v not_o have_v be_v accomplish_v have_v he_o not_o give_v this_o authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o cast_v out_o and_o separate_v from_o itself_o all_o that_o do_v by_o their_o sin_n so_o give_v offence_n and_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o authority_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n be_v the_o principal_a mean_n whereby_o the_o glory_n honour_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o length_n utter_o lose_v 2._o it_o have_v a_o direct_a institution_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_n etc._n etc._n tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n after_o all_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a contest_v that_o have_v be_v about_o this_o place_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a unto_o such_o as_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o cloud_v with_o prejudices_fw-la about_o such_o church_n and_o such_o excommunication_n as_o be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o by_o trespass_n in_o this_o place_n sin_z against_o god_n give_v scandal_n or_o offence_n be_v intend_v have_v be_v prove_v before_o as_o also_o that_o by_o a_o church_n a_o particular_a christian_a congregation_n be_v intend_v this_o church_n have_v the_o cognizance_n of_o the_o scandalous_a offence_n of_o its_o member_n commit_v unto_o it_o when_o bring_v before_o it_o in_o the_o due_a order_n describe_v hereon_o it_o make_v a_o determination_n design_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o recovery_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v from_o his_o sin_n by_o his_o hear_n of_o its_o counsel_n and_o advice_n but_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n it_o be_v to_o remove_v he_o from_o its_o communion_n leave_v he_o in_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n so_o be_v he_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o they_o that_o be_v offend_v with_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n bind_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n unto_o the_o punishment_n due_a unto_o his_o sin_n unless_o he_o do_v repent_v the_o rejection_n of_o a_o offend_a brother_n out_o of_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n leave_v he_o as_o unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n of_o a_o heathen_a declare_v he_o liable_a unto_o the_o displeasure_n of_o christ_n and_o everlasting_a punishment_n without_o repentance_n be_v the_o excommunication_n we_o plead_v for_o and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o with_o its_o exercise_n be_v plain_o here_o grant_v by_o christ_n and_o ordain_v in_o the_o church_n 3._o according_a unto_o this_o institution_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereof_o we_o have_v several_a instance_n i_o may_v insist_v upon_o the_o excommunication_n of_o simon_n the_o magician_n a_o baptize_v professor_n by_o peter_n who_o declare_v he_o to_o have_v neither_o part_n or_o lot_n in_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o wickedness_n act._n 8.13_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o yet_o because_o it_o be_v the_o single_a act_n of_o one_o apostle_n and_o so_o may_v be_v esteem_v extraordinary_a i_o shall_v omit_v it_o however_o that_o fact_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v sufficient_o declarative_a of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n in_o like_a case_n and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v it_o can_v be_v
the_o strong_a delusion_n that_o begin_v to_o abate_v shall_v expire_v they_o will_v easy_o see_v the_o direct_a opposition_n that_o be_v between_o these_o two_o head_n and_o two_o church_n namely_o christ_n and_o the_o pope_n the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o all_o the_o evasion_n and_o distinction_n that_o be_v invent_v to_o countenance_v this_o anti-christianism_a as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a head_n one_o of_o internal_a influence_n of_o grace_n which_o christ_n be_v and_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o the_o other_o of_o rule_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o pope_n be_v but_o this_o also_o be_v twofold_a supreme_a and_o remote_a or_o immediate_a and_o subordinate_a the_o first_o be_v christ_n the_o latter_a be_v the_o pope_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o far_o a_o twofold_a head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o one_o invisible_a which_o be_v christ_n the_o other_o visible_a which_o be_v the_o pope_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o gross_a and_o horrible_a figment_n of_o a_o twofold_a head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o any_o sense_n which_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n foreign_a to_o antiquity_n whereof_o never_o one_o word_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o church_n for_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n deform_v the_o beautiful_a spouse_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o monster_n we_o will_v allow_v at_o present_a that_o the_o pope_n be_v only_o the_o immediate_a visible_a subordinate_a head_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o authority_n to_o their_o church_n which_o be_v what_o they_o plead_v for_o then_o i_o say_v that_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o head_n be_v his_o body_n that_o it_o hold_v he_o as_o its_o head_n that_o it_o be_v compact_v together_o by_o the_o officer_n and_o order_n that_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o receive_v all_o their_o influence_n of_o church-power_n and_o order_n from_o he_o which_o though_o he_o communicate_v not_o by_o a_o internal_a influence_n of_o grace_n and_o gift_n alas_o poor_a wretch_n yet_o he_o do_v it_o by_o officer_n office_n order_n and_o law_n so_o give_v union_n and_o communion_n unto_o the_o whole_a body_n by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o every_o joint_n and_o part_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n under_o he_o for_o its_o union_n communion_n and_o edification_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o anti-christ_n and_o the_o anti-christian_n church-state_n as_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n ready_a to_o maintain_v let_v any_o man_n take_v a_o due_a prospect_n of_o this_o head_n and_o this_o body_n as_o relate_v and_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o own_o rule_n constitution_n and_o law_n act_v in_o worldly_a pomp_n splendour_n and_o power_n with_o horrid_a bloody_a cruelty_n against_o all_o that_o oppose_v it_o and_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o open_a view_n of_o all_o the_o scriptural_a lineament_n of_o the_o apostate_n anti-christian_n state_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v again_o this_o assign_v of_o the_o original_n of_o all_o church_n order_n union_n and_o communion_n unto_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n invest_v he_o therewith_o as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n constitute_v he_o thereby_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n thereon_o his_o body_n as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o he_o be_v its_o head_n so_o as_o that_o from_o he_o all_o power_n of_o order_n and_o for_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n shall_v be_v derive_v return_v all_o in_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o do_v set_v up_o a_o visible_a conspicuous_a anti-christian_n church_n state_n in_o opposition_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o with_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o deal_v not_o at_o present_a there_o be_v a_o pretence_n unto_o a_o â—nion_n of_o church_n not_o derive_v from_o the_o papal_a headship_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o the_o canonical_a subjection_n of_o particular_a church_n unto_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o of_o such_o bishop_n to_o metropolitan_o which_o though_o the_o facto_fw-la it_o be_v at_o present_a terminate_v and_o state_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o nation_n yet_o de_fw-fr jure_v it_o aught_o to_o be_v extend_v unto_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n according_a unto_o this_o principle_n the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v in_o that_o order_n whereby_o particular_a church_n be_v distribute_v into_o deanery_n archdeaconries_a exempt_a peculiar_o under_o official_o diocese_n province_n under_o metropolitan_o and_o so_o by_o or_o without_o patriarch_n to_o avoid_v the_o rock_n of_o the_o papacy_n issue_v in_o a_o general-council_n as_o i_o suppose_v but_o 1._o to_o confine_v the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n hereunto_o be_v at_o present_a absolute_o destructive_a both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o communion_n for_o all_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o be_v by_o a_o coalescency_n extend_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v provincial_a or_o national_a have_v both_o political_o and_o ecclesiastical_o such_o bound_n fix_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o can_v pass_v to_o carry_v on_o communion_n unto_o and_o with_o the_o church_n as_o catholic_n by_o any_o act_n and_o duty_n belong_v unto_o their_o order_n and_o hereby_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v utter_o lose_v for_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o do_v always_o equal_o exist_v and_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o be_v always_o equal_o in_o exercise_n and_o can_v consist_v in_o nothing_o but_o what_o do_v so_o exist_v and_o be_v so_o exercise_v wherever_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o order_n 2._o we_o inquire_v at_o present_a after_o such_o a_o union_n as_o give_v particular_a church_n communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o this_o order_n do_v not_o but_o absolute_o overthrow_v it_o leave_v nothing_o unto_o they_o but_o subjection_n to_o officer_n set_v over_o they_o who_o be_v not_o of_o they_o according_a to_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o appointment_n which_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n 3._o this_o order_n itself_o the_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o pretend_a union_n have_v no_o divine_a institution_n especial_o as_o to_o its_o extent_n unto_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o intimation_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n or_o actual_a exercise_n no_o man_n can_v declare_v what_o be_v the_o original_a or_o centre_n of_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v deduce_v and_o wherein_o it_o rest_v have_v remove_v these_o pretence_n out_o of_o our_o way_n we_o may_v easy_o discern_v wherein_o the_o union_n and_o consequent_o the_o communion_n of_o â—ll_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v and_o in_o the_o due_a observation_n whereof_o all_o that_o church-order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o do_v accept_v be_v preserve_v i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a union_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o that_o which_o give_v form_n life_n and_o be_v unto_o the_o church_n catholic_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o what_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o be_v particular_a and_o this_o be_v that_o they_o have_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n and_o father_n one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n one_o faith_n and_o one_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n or_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n one_o regeneration_n one_o baptism_n one_o bread_n and_o wine_n unite_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o one_o spirit_n through_o the_o bond_n of_o faith_n and_o love._n this_o description_n with_o what_o be_v suit_v thereunto_o and_o explanatory_n of_o it_o be_v all_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o constitute_a form_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o what_o church_n soever_o fail_v in_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o this_o description_n or_o any_o of_o they_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o have_v either_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n two_o thing_n concur_v unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n of_o church_n 1._o their_o union_n or_o relation_n unto_o christ._n 2._o that_o which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o original_a and_o spring_n of_o this_o union_n and_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v unite_v unto_o he_o as_o its_o head_n beside_o which_o with_o or_o under_o which_o it_o have_v none_o this_o relation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o christ_n as_o its_o head_n the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o cause_n of_o its_o union_n ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o col._n 2.19_o the_o place_n before_o quote_v hereby_o it_o be_v also_o in_o god_n the_o father_n 2_o thes._n 1.1_o or_o have_v god_n as_o its_o father_n
of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o voluntary_a convention_n of_o the_o officer_n or_o elder_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n with_o some_o other_o of_o neighbour_a church_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o difference_n or_o heresy_n among_o they_o in_o and_o from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a there_o be_v assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o other_o call_v together_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n to_o advise_v about_o matter_n of_o faith._n in_o after_o age_n those_o which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o italy_n germany_n france_n and_o england_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n advise_v about_o thing_n civil_a and_o political_a as_o well_o as_o sacred_a and_o religious_a especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o mutual_a contest_v between_o pope_n and_o prince_n in_o they_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v lose_v and_o bury_v and_o all_o religion_n almost_o destroy_v thus_o this_o laudable_a practice_n of_o church_n act_v their_o mutual_a communion_n by_o meeting_n in_o synod_n or_o assembly_n by_o their_o delegate_n or_o messenger_n to_o advise_v about_o thing_n of_o their_o common_a concernment_n and_o joint_a edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o countenance_v by_o primitive_a apostolical_a example_n be_v turn_v by_o the_o design_v interest_n and_o ambition_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o all_o church-power_n in_o such_o synod_n and_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o power_n give_v unto_o no_o church_n nor_o all_o of_o they_o together_o as_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o instance_n innumerable_a and_o whereas_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o noise_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v fill_v so_o many_o volume_n with_o their_o act_n and_o do_n yet_o some_o of_o they_o who_o under_o the_o pope_n will_v place_v all_o religion_n in_o they_o do_v grant_n and_o contend_v that_o they_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n so_o bellarmine_n affirm_v pighius_fw-la to_o have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr coelest_n hierarch_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 1._o but_o for_o his_o part_n he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a by_o virtue_n of_o that_o word_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o matth._n 18._o de_fw-fr council_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o superstructure_n pretend_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o of_o these_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o principal_n for_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a care_n of_o public_a edification_n incumbent_a on_o they_o which_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v on_o all_o just_a occasion_n they_o be_v presume_v just_o to_o know_v best_a the_o state_n of_o their_o own_o church_n and_o to_o be_v best_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n under_o consideration_n and_o they_o do_v better_o represent_v the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o be_v send_v than_o any_o private_a brethren_n can_v do_v and_o so_o receive_v that_o respect_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o also_o they_o be_v most_o meet_a to_o report_v and_o recommend_v the_o synodal_n determination_n unto_o their_o church_n and_o a_o contrary_a practice_n will_v quick_o introduce_v confusion_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o alone_o shall_v be_v so_o send_v or_o delegated_a by_o the_o church_n but_o many_o have_v other_o join_v with_o they_o and_o have_v so_o until_o prelatical_a usurpation_n overturn_v their_o liberty_n so_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n send_v from_o antioch_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n whatever_o be_v impudent_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a concur_v in_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n there_o make_v 5._o that_o which_o be_v term_v the_o call_n of_o these_o synod_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v to_o meet_v together_o by_o their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n for_o the_o end_n before_o declare_v i_o no_o way_n deny_v but_o that_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v convene_v by_o his_o authority_n the_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o minister_n with_o such_o other_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v meet_a within_o his_o own_o territory_n yea_o and_o receive_v into_o his_o convention_n meet_v man_n out_o of_o the_o territory_n of_o other_o by_o their_o consent_n to_o advise_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o give_v he_o advice_n about_o such_o concernment_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o dominion_n and_o regulate_v himself_o according_o it_o have_v be_v practise_v with_o good_a success_n and_o may_v be_v with_o bad_a also_o and_o i_o do_v deny_v that_o church_n have_v power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o convene_v themselves_o in_o synod_n to_o exercise_v any_o exterior_a jurisdiction_n that_o shall_v affect_v the_o person_n of_o his_o subject_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v allow_v but_o whereas_o the_o synod_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o any_o civil_a affair_n wherein_o the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v outward_o concern_v have_v no_o jurisdiction_n in_o any_o kind_n can_v make_v no_o determination_n but_o only_o doctrinal_a declaration_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o their_o call_n beyond_o their_o own_o consent_n but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v meet_v in_o external_a peace_n by_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o when_o they_o can_v obtain_v they_o must_v deport_v themselves_o as_o in_o case_n of_o other_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n 6._o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o synod_n in_o what_o measure_n extent_n and_o number_n soever_o they_o be_v assemble_v for_o although_o this_o may_v be_v easy_o collect_v from_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v concern_v their_o original_a nature_n cause_n use_v and_o end_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o because_o of_o the_o many_o difference_n that_o be_v about_o it_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a power_n ascribe_v unto_o synod_n the_o first_o be_v declarative_a consist_v in_o a_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o be_v constitutive_a appoint_v and_o ordain_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v and_o observe_v by_o and_o upon_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o three_o executive_a in_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n towards_o person_n and_o church_n the_o person_n who_o the_o authority_n plead_v may_v affect_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v their_o proper_a representative_n present_v in_o such_o synod_n who_o be_v direct_o concern_v in_o its_o conciliary_a determination_n 2._o such_o as_o have_v no_o such_o representative_n in_o they_o who_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o concern_v but_o in_o the_o doctrine_n material_o consider_v declare_v in_o they_o wherefore_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o church_n receive_v comply_v with_o or_o obey_v the_o determination_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n must_v be_v either_o 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n give_v unto_o those_o determination_n by_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o scripture_n or_o 2._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n itself_o affect_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o those_o concern_v in_o the_o first_o way_n wherein_o the_o assent_n and_o obedience_n of_o church_n be_v resolve_v ultimate_o into_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v thereof_o not_o only_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v own_v but_o there_o be_v a_o authoritative_a proposal_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o if_o due_o seek_v and_o regard_v whence_o great_a respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o decree_n respect_v either_o 1._o the_o thing_n or_o doctrine_n declare_v and_o be_v recommendatory_a of_o they_o on_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n or_o 2._o person_n to_o censure_n excommunicate_a or_o punish_v those_o who_o receive_v they_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o just_a power_n of_o synod_n may_v be_v positive_o and_o negative_o declare_v in_o the_o two_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n
the_o estate_n of_o visible_a regeneration_n do_v depend_v be_v require_v of_o they_o herein_o if_o they_o fail_v they_o lose_v all_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n by_o their_o baptism_n so_o speak_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.25_o for_o circumcision_n very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n very_o it_o profit_v if_o a_o man_n stand_v unto_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v tender_v therein_o between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n for_o it_o will_v give_v he_o right_o unto_o all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n his_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n 16._o as_o unto_o the_o real_a communication_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptance_n with_o he_o so_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o baptism_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o external_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state._n 15.8_o 4._o god_n alone_o be_v judge_n concern_v this_o regeneration_n as_o unto_o its_o internal_a 2.23_o real_a principle_n and_o state_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereon_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v depend_v the_o church_n be_v judge_v of_o its_o evidence_n and_o fruit_n in_o their_o external_a demonstration_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n 8.13_o and_o no_o far_o and_o we_o shall_v hereon_o brief_o declare_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o form_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o and_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v fit_a member_n of_o any_o gospel_n church-state_n or_o have_v a_o right_a so_o to_o be_v 1.16_o 1._o such_o as_o from_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o withdraw_v or_o withhold_v communion_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n constitunent_a of_o a_o church_n or_o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o such_o be_v all_o habitual_a sinner_n those_o who_o have_v prevalent_a habit_n and_o inclination_n unto_o sin_n of_o any_o kind_n unmortified_a do_v walk_v according_a unto_o they_o such_o be_v profane_a swearer_n drunkard_n fornicator_n covetous_a oppressor_n and_o the_o like_a who_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o 2_o thess._n 3.6_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o as_o a_o man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o be_v habitual_o without_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v so_o a_o man_n know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n can_v regular_o be_v receive_v into_o any_o church_n to_o compose_v church_n of_o habitual_a sinner_n and_o that_o either_o as_o unto_o sin_n of_o commission_n or_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v not_o to_o erect_v temple_n of_o christ_n but_o chapel_n unto_o the_o devil_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v admonish_v of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 18._o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o who_o abide_v obstinate_a in_o any_o know_a sin_n 5.11_o whereby_o they_o have_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o without_o a_o profess_a repentance_n thereof_o although_o they_o have_v not_o live_v in_o it_o habitual_o 3._o they_o be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o gospel_n church_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o the_o title_n assign_v therein_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n may_v on_o good_a ground_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o to_o compose_v church_n of_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o visible_o answer_v the_o character_n give_v of_o what_o they_o be_v of_o old_a and_o what_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o gospel-constitution_n be_v not_o church_n edification_n but_o destruction_n and_o those_o who_o look_v on_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o all_o church_n member_n of_o old_a as_o that_o they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n lively_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v separate_a from_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n as_o those_o which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o do_v indeed_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o deride_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o present_a church_n member_n or_o the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v so_o be_v themselves_o no_o small_a part_n of_o that_o woeful_a degeneracy_n which_o christian_n religion_n be_v fall_v under_o let_v it_o then_o be_v consider_v what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o dedication_n unto_o god_n as_o unto_o their_o typical_a holiness_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o christian_a church_n in_o real_a holiness_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 9_o with_o the_o description_n give_v of_o they_o constant_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o faithful_a holy_a believe_v as_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o his_o temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v by_o his_o spirit_n as_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n unite_v and_o compact_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o they_o as_o also_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v their_o way_n walking_n and_o duty_n and_o it_o will_v be_v uncontrolable_o evident_a of_o what_o sort_n our_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v those_o of_o any_o other_o sort_n able_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o all_o church_n member_n nor_o to_o use_v the_o privilege_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o wherefore_o i_o say_v to_o suppose_v church_n regular_o to_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o as_o no_o way_n answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o church_n member_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n nor_o capable_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o but_o give_v evidence_n of_o habit_n and_o action_n inconsistent_a therewithal_o be_v not_o only_o to_o disturb_v all_o church_n order_n but_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o end_n and_o be_v of_o church_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o scandalous_a unto_o christian_a religion_n than_o what_o bellarmine_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o namely_o that_o no_o internal_a virtue_n or_o grace_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n in_o its_o member_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccles._n cap._n 2._o 15._o 4._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o not_o only_o do_v the_o scripture_n make_v this_o profession_n necessary_a unto_o the_o participation_n of_o any_o benefit_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o require_v indispensable_o that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o privilege_n attend_v obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o avow_v or_o profess_v that_o obedience_n wherefore_o our_o enquiry_n be_v only_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o may_v render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a thereunto_o for_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v compliant_a with_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v make_v by_o many_o who_o open_o live_v in_o sin_n be_v disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a be_v to_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n itself_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o highpriest_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n i_o shall_v therefore_o declare_v brief_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o this_o profession_n that_o all_o may_v know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o entrance_n of_o any_o into_o our_o church_n wherein_o our_o practice_n have_v be_v sufficient_o traduce_v 1._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o concern_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ._n the_o confession_n hereof_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o he_o grant_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o all_o church_n power_n unto_o believer_n matth._n 16.17_o 18_o 19_o the_o first_o instruction_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n
spiritual_a gift_n in_o preach_v with_o a_o refusal_n of_o undertake_v a_o ministerial_a office_n or_o without_o design_n so_o to_o do_v upon_o a_o lawful_a call_n can_v be_v approve_v 3._o the_o rule_n propose_v concern_v only_o ordinary_a case_n and_o the_o ordinary_a state_n of_o the_o church_n extraordinary_a case_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o warranty_n in_o themselves_o for_o extraordinary_a act_n and_o duty_n 12._o the_o call_v of_o person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n be_v a_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o political_a magistrate_n not_o of_o the_o pope_n not_o of_o any_o single_a prelate_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o indeed_o although_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o call_v of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n yet_o none_o who_o understand_v aught_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o church_n alone_o be_v impower_v by_o christ_n to_o put_v forth_o and_o exert_v but_o this_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o call_v of_o man_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n therein_o the_o call_v of_o person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n in_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o election_n 2._o ordination_n as_o it_o be_v common_o call_v or_o sacred_a separation_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o former_a four_o thing_n must_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o be_v previous_a unto_o it_o or_o preparatory_a for_o it_o 2._o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 3._o it_o be_v necessity_n or_o the_o demonstration_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o institution_n 4._o what_o influence_n it_o have_v into_o the_o communication_n of_o pastoral-office-power_n unto_o a_o pastor_n so_o choose_v 1._o that_o which_o be_v previous_a unto_o it_o be_v the_o meetness_n of_o the_o person_n for_o his_o office_n and_o work_n that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v it_o can_v never_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v or_o choose_v a_o unmeet_a a_o unqualified_a a_o unprepared_a person_n unto_o this_o office._n no_o pretend_a necessity_n no_o outward_a motive_n can_v enable_v or_o warrant_v it_o so_o to_o do_v nor_o can_v it_o by_o any_o outward_a act_n whatever_o the_o rule_n or_o solemnity_n of_o it_o be_v communicate_v ministerial_a authority_n unto_o person_n utter_o unqualify_v for_o and_o uncapable_a of_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o have_v be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o debase_v the_o ministry_n and_o almost_o ruine_v the_o church_n itself_o either_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o those_o who_o suppose_v themselves_o entrust_v with_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o ordination_n or_o by_o imposition_n on_o they_o by_o secular_a power_n and_o patron_n of_o live_n as_o they_o be_v call_v with_o the_o state_v regulation_n of_o their_o proceed_n herein_o by_o a_o defective_a law_n whence_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o antecedent_n preparatory_a qualification_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o ministry_n two_o way_n be_v the_o meetness_n of_o any_o one_o make_v know_v and_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o 1._o by_o a_o evidence_n give_v of_o the_o qualification_n in_o he_o beforementioned_a the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o call_v or_o choose_v any_o one_o to_o office_n who_o be_v not_o know_v unto_o they_o of_o who_o frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o walk_v they_o have_v not_o have_v some_o experience_n not_o a_o novice_n or_o one_o late_o come_v unto_o they_o he_o must_v be_v one_o who_o by_o his_o way_n and_o walk_v have_v obtain_v a_o good_a report_n even_o among_o they_o that_o be_v without_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v know_v unless_o they_o be_v enemy_n or_o scoffer_n and_o one_o that_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n evidence_v his_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a trust_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v negligent_a herein_o or_o if_o at_o all-adventure_n they_o will_v impose_v a_o officer_n in_o his_o house_n upon_o he_o without_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o meetness_n upon_o due_a enquiry_n it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n unto_o he_o and_o provocation_n of_o he_o herein_o principal_o be_v church_n make_v the_o overseer_n of_o their_o own_o purity_n and_o edification_n to_o deny_v they_o a_o ability_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o or_o a_o liberty_n for_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o be_v error_n and_o tyranny_n but_o that_o flock_n which_o christ_n purchase_v and_o purify_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v little_a better_o than_o a_o herd_n of_o brute_n beast_n where_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o this_o personal_a knowledge_n for_o want_n of_o opportunity_n it_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o testimony_n of_o unquestionable_a authority_n 2._o by_o a_o trial_n of_o his_o gift_n for_o edification_n these_o be_v those_o spiritual_a endowment_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n grant_v and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v profit_v by_o they_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o and_o we_o must_v at_o present_a take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v so_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o it_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n what_o gift_n of_o man_n be_v suit_v unto_o their_o own_o edification_n but_o yet_o in_o make_v a_o judgement_n hereof_o one_o directive_n mean_n be_v the_o advice_n of_o other_o elder_n and_o church_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v use_v off_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o the_o avoidance_n of_o offence_n in_o their_o walk_n in_o that_o communion_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o election_n call_v or_o choice_n of_o a_o person_n know_v try_a and_o judge_v meet_o qualify_v for_o the_o pastoral_n office_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o fraternity_n with_o their_o elder_n if_o they_o have_v any_o for_o a_o pastor_n may_v be_v choose_v unto_o a_o church_n which_o have_v other_o teacher_n elder_n or_o officer_n already_o instate_v in_o it_o in_o this_o case_n their_o concurrence_n in_o the_o choice_n intend_v be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o common_a suffrage_n not_o of_o authority_n or_o office-power_n for_o election_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n but_o of_o liberty_n and_o power_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o fraternity_n be_v equal_a if_o there_o be_v no_o officer_n state_v in_o the_o church_n before_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n on_o the_o first_o ordination_n of_o elder_n among_o they_o this_o election_n belong_v unto_o the_o fraternity_n 3._o that_o therefore_o which_o we_o have_v now_o to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o meet_v person_n shall_v be_v call_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n or_o any_o other_o office_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v antecedent_o unto_o a_o sacred_a solemn_a separation_n unto_o their_o respective_a office_n for_o 1._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v three_o way_n whereby_o man_n be_v call_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o they_o be_v so_o extraordinary_o and_o immediate_o by_o the_o nomination_n and_o designation_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o aaron_n be_v call_v unto_o the_o priesthood_n and_o other_o afterward_o as_o samuel_n to_o be_v prophet_n 2._o by_o a_o law_n of_o carnal_a generation_n so_o all_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o aaron_n succeed_v into_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priesthood_n without_o any_o other_o call_v 3._o by_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v the_o call_n of_o all_o the_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n deut._n 1.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v to_o yourselves_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n make_v a_o judgement_n on_o their_o qualification_n for_o the_o office_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v man_n know_v unto_o they_o for_o wise_a understanding_n righteous_a walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o look_v out_o and_o then_o to_o present_v they_o unto_o moses_n for_o their_o separation_n unto_o office_n which_o be_v election_n it_o be_v true_a that_o exod._n 13.15_o it_o be_v
probati_fw-la seniores_fw-la tertull._n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o justin_n martyr_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o be_v the_o word_n constant_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n rom._n 12.8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o rule_v 1_o thess._n 5.12_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v over_o they_o that_o be_v in_o place_n of_o rule_n 1_o tim._n 3.4_o 5_o 12._o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o family_n rule_n and_o government_n as_o it_o be_v also_o unto_o care_n and_o diligence_n about_o good_a work_n tit._n 3.8.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o whole_a presidency_n in_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o its_o rule_n translator_n agree_v in_o the_o read_n of_o these_o word_n so_o the_o hebrew_n of_o munster_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o well_o discharge_v their_o rule_n or_o conduct_n so_o the_o syriack_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o elder_n qui_fw-la bene_fw-la praesunt_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la vul_n lat._n seniori_fw-la che_fw-mi governano_n be_v ital._n all_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v the_o governor_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o be_v here_o intend_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o word_n most_o controvert_v all_o translator_n esteem_v it_o distinctive_a heb._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eminent_o syr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chief_o principal_o maxim_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o labour_v painful_o labour_n to_o weariness_n travail_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o office_n elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o rule_n well_o or_o discharge_v their_o presidency_n for_o rule_n in_o due_a manner_n be_v worthy_a or_o aught_o to_o be_v repute_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o of_o they_o who_o labour_n or_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o great_a labour_n and_o travail_v of_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o general_a concern_v these_o word_n 1._o this_o testimony_n relate_v direct_o unto_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n before_o lay_v down_o direct_v unto_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o these_o principle_n these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o unless_o they_o be_v overthrow_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o put_v in_o exception_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o or_o that_o word_n the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v suit_v unto_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o relate_v unto_o if_o we_o consider_v not_o what_o be_v speak_v here_o in_o consent_n with_o other_o scripture_n treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n we_o depart_v from_o all_o sober_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v a_o plain_a and_o obvious_a signification_n which_o at_o first_o view_n present_v itself_o unto_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o all_o men._n and_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a unto_o any_o other_o divine_a testimony_n or_o evident_a reason_n such_o a_o sense_n be_v constant_o to_o be_v embrace_v there_o be_v nothing_o here_o of_o any_o spiritual_a mystery_n but_o only_o a_o direction_n concern_v outward_a order_n in_o the_o church_n in_o such_o case_n the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n rational_o apprehend_v be_v all_o that_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o but_o on_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o this_o text_n that_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 who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n a_o rational_a man_n who_o be_v unprejudiced_a who_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o controversy_n about_o rule_v elder_n can_v hardly_o avoid_v a_o apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n some_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o some_o who_o do_v not_o so_o do_v the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v interest_n and_o prejudice_n that_o first_o cause_v some_o learned_a man_n to_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o find_v out_o evasion_n from_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o testimony_n be_v so_o find_v out_o some_o other_o of_o mean_a ability_n have_v be_v entangle_v by_o they_o for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o new_a argument_n advance_v in_o this_o cause_n not_o one_o exception_n give_v in_o unto_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o but_o what_o be_v long_o since_o coin_v by_o papist_n and_o prelatist_n and_o manage_v with_o better_a colour_n than_o some_o now_o be_v able_a to_o lay_v on_o they_o who_o pretend_v unto_o the_o same_o judgement_n 3._o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o text._n there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o in_o every_o church_n with_o these_o elder_n the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v all_o these_o and_o only_o they_o do_v rule_n in_o it_o of_o these_o elder_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n for_o a_o description_n be_v give_v of_o one_o sort_n distinctive_a from_o the_o other_o and_o comparative_a with_o it_o the_o first_o sort_n do_v rule_n and_o also_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o these_o work_n be_v distinct_a and_o different_a be_v before_o declare_v yet_o as_o distinct_a work_n they_o be_v not_o incompatible_a but_o be_v commit_v unto_o the_o same_o person_n they_o be_v so_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v not_o elder_n only_o but_o moreover_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n unto_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o such_o there_o belong_v no_o rule_n although_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n the_o right_a of_o rule_n be_v inseparable_a from_o their_o office._n for_o all_o that_o be_v rightful_o call_v thereunto_o be_v elder_n also_o which_o give_v they_o a_o interest_n in_o rule_n they_o be_v elder_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o pastoral_n or_o teach_v authority_n but_o there_o be_v elder_n which_o be_v not_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n for_o there_o be_v some_o who_o rule_n well_o but_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v who_o be_v not_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n elder_n that_o rule_v well_o but_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v rule_v elder_n only_o and_o such_o be_v in_o the_o text._n the_o most_o learned_a of_o our_o protestant_a adversary_n in_o this_o case_n â—re_n erastus_n bilson_n sarravia_n downham_n scultetus_n mead_n grotius_n hamond_n who_o agree_v not_o at_o all_o among_o themselves_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n for_o 1._o their_o whole_a design_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o put_v in_o exception_n against_o the_o obvious_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n not_o fix_v on_o any_o determinate_a exposition_n of_o it_o themselves_o such_o as_o they_o will_v abide_v by_o in_o opposition_n unto_o any_o other_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n now_o this_o be_v most_o sophistical_a way_n of_o argue_v upon_o testimony_n and_o suit_v only_o to_o make_v controversy_n endless_a who_o wit_n be_v so_o barren_a as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v one_o exception_n or_o other_o against_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o evident_a testimony_n so_o the_o socinian_o deal_v with_o we_o in_o all_o the_o testimony_n we_o produce_v to_o prove_v the_o deity_n or_o satisfaction_n of_o christ._n they_o suppose_v it_o enough_o to_o evade_v their_o force_n if_o they_o can_v but_o pretend_v that_o the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o another_o sense_n although_o they_o will_v not_o abide_v by_o it_o that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v their_o sense_n for_o if_o they_o will_v do_v so_o when_o that_o be_v overthrow_v the_o truth_n will_v be_v establish_v but_o every_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v one_o determinate_a sense_n when_o this_o be_v contend_v about_o it_o be_v equal_a that_o those_o at_o difference_n do_v express_v their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o word_n which_o they_o will_v abide_v by_o when_o this_o be_v do_v let_v it_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o sense_n pretend_v unto_o do_v best_a comply_v with_o the_o signification_n and_o use_n of_o the_o word_n the_o context_n or_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n other_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith._n no_o such_o rule_n be_v attend_v unto_o in_o this_o case_n by_o our_o adversary_n they_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o oppose_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o will_v not_o fix_v upon_o any_o of_o their_o own_o which_o if_o it_o be_v disprove_v we_o ought_v to_o take_v place_n and_o hence_o 2._o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o agree_v among_o themselves_o scarce_o any_o two_o of_o they_o on_o what_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v any_o of_o they_o single_o well_o resolve_v what_o application_n to_o make_v of_o they_o nor_o unto_o what_o
shall_v appoint_v in_o the_o same_o church_n many_o more_o teach_v elder_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o elder_n intend_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v add_v for_o a_o close_a of_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o be_v but_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o sacred_a order_n as_o some_o call_v they_o or_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a office_n as_o unto_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o person_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n much_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o chancellor_n official_o commissary_n and_o the_o like_a officer_n who_o be_v absolute_o lay-man_n and_o not_o at_o all_o in_o their_o holy_a order_n some_o will_v place_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o only_o rule_v elder_a as_o they_o suppose_v but_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n both_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a do_v both_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o their_o office_n lie_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o order_n and_o discipline_n which_o they_o can_v forgo_v without_o extreme_a confusion_n yea_o without_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o church_n and_o although_o some_o among_o we_o consider_v particular_a church_n only_o as_o small_a society_n may_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o office_n or_o officer_n for_o rule_n in_o they_o yet_o when_o such_o church_n consist_v of_o some_o thousand_o without_o any_o opportunity_n of_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a congregation_n as_o at_o charenton_n in_o france_n it_o be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o by_o two_o or_o three_o minister_n alone_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o have_v instance_n of_o ten_o twenty_o yea_o forty_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o institution_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n whereby_o each_o ten_o family_n be_v to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reformation_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o attend_v unto_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o call_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n chap._n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church-polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n have_v declare_v who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n something_o must_v be_v add_v concern_v the_o rule_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o hereof_o i_o have_v treat_v before_o in_o general_a that_o which_o i_o now_o design_n be_v what_o in_o particular_a respect_v they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o whereunto_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o there_o be_v power_n authority_n and_o rule_v grant_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o some_o person_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v democratical_a from_o the_o necessary_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o it_o in_o its_o exercise_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o whereas_o this_o consent_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n require_v that_o all_o they_o do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v voluntary_a as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v in_o dutiful_a compliance_n with_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o rule_n it_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o government_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v act_v and_o dispose_v in_o the_o church_n by_o suffrage_n or_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n the_o vote_n of_o the_o fraternity_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o authoritative_a but_o only_o declarative_a of_o consent_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n where_o the_o church_n be_v organical_a or_o in_o complete_a order_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o authority_n and_o rule_n institute_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v not_o liable_a unto_o dispute_n where_o there_o be_v bishop_n pastor_n elder_n guide_n ruler_n steward_n institute_v give_v grant_v call_v ordain_v and_o some_o to_o be_v rule_v sheep_n lamb_n brethren_n oblige_v by_o command_n to_o obey_v they_o follow_v they_o submit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n regard_v they_o as_o over_o they_o there_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o some_o person_n and_o that_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o in_o the_o practical_a part_n or_o exercise_n of_o rule_n due_a respect_n be_v not_o have_v unto_o their_o authority_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n when_o the_o people_n judge_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o such_o only_a and_o in_o they_o do_v the_o right_a of_o their_o use_n and_o exercise_n reside_v that_o their_o elder_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o dispose_n of_o church_n affair_n or_o in_o act_n of_o church_n power_n but_o only_o their_o own_o suffrage_n or_o what_o they_o can_v obtain_v by_o reason_v and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o authority_n in_o any_o thing_n a_o evil_a apt_a to_o grow_v in_o church_n it_o overthrow_v all_o that_o beautiful_a order_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n of_o this_o complaint_n that_o where_o the_o people_n have_v their_o due_a liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o assume_v that_o power_n unto_o themselves_o which_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o a_o evil_n attend_v with_o troublesome_a impertinency_n and_o disorder_n tend_v unto_o anarchy_n let_v they_o remember_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o upon_o the_o confinement_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o guide_n bishop_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n and_o enlarge_v their_o usurpation_n until_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o absolute_a tyranny_n wherefore_o no_o fear_n of_o consequent_n that_o may_v ensue_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n ignorance_n weakness_n lust_n corruption_n or_o secular_a interest_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o entice_v we_o unto_o the_o least_o alteration_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o any_o prudential_a provision_n of_o our_o own_o 3._o this_o authority_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v neither_o autocratical_a or_o sovereign_n nor_o nomothetical_a or_o legislative_a nor_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a but_o organical_a and_o ministerial_a only_o the_o endless_a controversy_n which_o have_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n about_o a_o autocratical_a and_o monarchical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n about_o power_n to_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o to_o kill_v and_o destroy_v they_o with_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n contrary_a to_o express_v command_n of_o scripture_n and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n isa._n 33.22_o jam._n 4.12_o mat._n 17.5_o chap._n 23.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o luke_n 22.25_o 26._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 25._o 4._o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v be_v mere_o ministerial_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v it_o free_a so_o in_o its_o nature_n it_o be_v spiritual_a pure_o and_o only_o so_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v express_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o for_o its_o object_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n whereunto_o it_o extend_v which_o no_o other_o humane_a power_n do_v nor_o do_v it_o reach_v those_o other_o concern_v of_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o political_a power_n its_o end_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a
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