beginning_n be_v very_o evident_a our_o bless_a lord_n when_o he_o begin_v with_o his_o ministry_n to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o gospel_n church_n what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o distinguish_v than_o his_o choose_n the_o select_a number_n of_o twelve_o as_o one_o superior_a order_n of_o minister_n and_o of_o seventy_o who_o he_o send_v forth_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o order_n inferior_a to_o the_o twelve_o though_o their_o general_a office_n and_o commission_n as_o preacher_n be_v both_o the_o same_o which_o make_v they_o of_o one_o body_n and_o society_n as_o such_o but_o of_o a_o different_a order_n and_o degree_n and_o these_o as_o plain_o and_o political_o distinguish_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o common_a disciple_n as_o any_o one_o political_a society_n or_o company_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v from_o another_o and_o thus_o they_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o with_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n take_v as_o a_o particular_a company_n and_o body_n of_o man_n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o holy_a call_v separate_a and_o distinct_a from_o the_o common_a people_n and_o as_o such_o have_v a_o government_n of_o christ_n own_o institution_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o they_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o exact_a number_n of_o twelve_o or_o of_o seventy_o do_v at_o all_o concern_v we_o gentile_n but_o that_o which_o be_v in_o it_o common_a both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o what_o the_o priest_n be_v to_o the_o levite_n that_o the_o twelve_o be_v to_o the_o seventy_o yea_o and_o among_o the_o twelve_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o difference_n both_o of_o order_n and_o degree_n though_o peter_n be_v not_o the_o princeps_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la he_o be_v the_o primus_fw-la discipulorum_fw-la the_o seniour_n of_o that_o school_n or_o collegium_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la and_o next_o in_o dignity_n under_o christ_n his_o lord_n and_o master_n for_o we_o find_v that_o peter_n be_v the_o person_n unto_o who_o christ_n do_v immediate_o direct_v all_o his_o speech_n that_o concern_v they_o in_o common_a that_o when_o the_o twelve_o or_o any_o part_n of_o they_o be_v mention_v if_o peter_n be_v one_o he_o be_v always_o name_v first_o yea_o and_o matthew_n in_o his_o catalogue_n do_v not_o only_o name_v he_o first_o but_o give_v he_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v be_v as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o praeses_fw-la neither_o though_o this_o be_v grant_v will_v it_o at_o all_o strengthen_v or_o favour_v the_o arrogant_a claim_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v peter_n successor_n for_o peter_n himself_o be_v call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n universal_a of_o which_o christ_n alone_o be_v the_o head_n but_o with_o relation_n to_o that_o particular_a society_n or_o collegium_fw-la of_o which_o he_o be_v then_o a_o member_n for_o when_o the_o frame_n and_o oeconomy_n of_o that_o particular_a society_n be_v dissolve_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n peter_n be_v no_o more_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o primate_n or_o precedent_n than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o eleven_o be_v 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v always_o so_o and_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o this_o 1._o because_o christ_n have_v institute_v it_o by_o his_o own_o practice_n and_o example_n as_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v now_o say_v and_o what_o christ_n have_v once_o institute_v may_v not_o by_o man_n be_v abrogate_a or_o alter_v 2._o because_o there_o be_v perpetual_a need_n of_o it_o i_o need_v not_o descant_v upon_o this_o doleful_n experience_n tell_v we_o to_o our_o shame_n that_o there_o be_v no_o society_n or_o body_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v more_o need_n of_o the_o reins_o of_o government_n than_o the_o ministry_n have_v every_o company_n of_o physician_n surgeon_n merchant_n apothecary_n tailor_n draper_n shoemaker_n victualler_n vintner_n baker_n brick-layer_n etc._n etc._n need_v of_o a_o government_n peculiar_a to_o their_o respective_a company_n and_o profession_n in_o the_o best_a govern_a town_n and_o corporation_n i_o will_v i_o can_v say_v that_o minister_n have_v not_o much_o more_o who_o error_n and_o miscarriage_n be_v of_o sad_a consequence_n than_o any_o of_o they_o aforementioned_a if_o every_o minister_n as_o such_o be_v immediate_o under_o christ_n as_o to_o government_n which_o can_v be_v unless_o they_o have_v their_o commission_n immediate_o from_o he_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v then_o be_v he_o accountable_a to_o none_o else_o but_o be_v absolute_a and_o independent_a in_o his_o office_n what_o grosser_n principle_n of_o tyranny_n can_v there_o be_v than_o this_o what_o wide_a gate_n can_v there_o be_v open_v to_o the_o most_o licentious_a arbitrariness_n and_o in_o what_o a_o case_n then_o be_v the_o poor_a church_n this_o be_v to_o pull_v down_o one_o tyrant_n and_o to_o set_v up_o many_o thousand_o and_o to_o make_v every_o novice_n a_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n quest_n 2._o by_o who_o must_v they_o be_v rule_v sol._n not_o by_o themselves_o sure_a that_o be_v plain_a anarchy_n and_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o any_o form_n of_o political_n government_n which_o the_o quaker_n themselves_o will_v soon_o be_v weary_a of_o as_o in_o pensilvania_n they_o say_v they_o begin_v to_o be_v be_v they_o not_o in_o despite_n of_o their_o irrational_a principle_n preserve_v from_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o they_o by_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o government_n they_o here_o live_v under_o but_o they_o must_v be_v rule_v by_o the_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o and_o every_o one_o both_o pastor_n and_o people_n by_o their_o own_o immediate_a officer_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o heb._n 13.17_o and_o who_o be_v they_o who_o christ_n have_v set_v to_o rule_n and_o to_o govern_v in_o his_o house_n but_o those_o who_o he_o call_v his_o steward_n his_o minister_n into_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o government_n neither_o have_v he_o share_v the_o rule_v power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o between_o they_o and_o the_o people_n nor_o can_v it_o have_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o wisdom_n or_o the_o interest_n and_o peace_n of_o his_o church_n to_o have_v do_v it_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o not_o one_o but_o both_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 16.19_o that_o these_o be_v the_o key_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n appear_v by_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o word_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n give_v he_o neither_o be_v this_o power_n of_o government_n give_v to_o peter_n exclusive_o nor_o as_o a_o private_a disciple_n but_o as_o a_o public_a minister_n and_o public_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o he_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n in_o the_o same_o office_n for_o they_o and_o for_o their_o successor_n mat._n 18.18_o who_o be_v it_o that_o christ_n mean_v by_o the_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n lu._n 12.42_o be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v 1_o cor._n 4.1_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o tit._n 1.7_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o steward_n who_o his_o lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n so_o that_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v establish_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o minister_n on_o who_o he_o breathe_v the_o holy-ghost_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o and_o carry_v they_o through_o all_o the_o work_n both_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a whereto_o he_o send_v they_o joh._n 20.22_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o general_n in_o who_o hand_n immediate_o under_o christ_n the_o govern_v power_n do_v lie_v not_o in_o the_o people_n but_o in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o alone_o be_v his_o steward_n and_o unto_o who_o at_o his_o departure_n he_o deliver_v the_o key_n of_o his_o house_n and_o of_o all_o the_o provision_n and_o treasure_n in_o it_o and_o who_o be_v sometime_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n call_v his_o ambassador_n or_o messenger_n sometime_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n sometime_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n sometime_o proestotes_n or_o ruler_n which_o be_v but_o several_a name_n and_o title_n give_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o know_v no_o point_n in_o scripture_n more_o plain_o assert_v than_o this_o viz._n that_o christ_n have_v join_v
their_o own_o shepherd_n ib._n pastor_n suos_fw-la uchementer_fw-la amant_fw-fr fr._n ib._n as_o if_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o need_n of_o he_o the_o bare_a mention_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o direct_v the_o spiritual_a mind_n to_o their_o due_a application_n i_o shall_v wave_v all_o manner_n of_o further_a enlargement_n here_o quest_n 3._o the_o three_o question_n be_v this_o who_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v with_o who_o this_o charge_n of_o our_o dear_a saviour_n be_v leave_v sol._n one_o will_v think_v the_o solution_n of_o such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v hard_o nor_o be_v it_o so_o in_o thesi_fw-la wherein_o the_o clear_a light_n both_o of_o scripture_n and_o of_o nature_n be_v so_o concur_v and_o convince_a and_o yet_o we_o find_v there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o thing_n wherein_o professor_n such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o factious_a principle_n of_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n be_v more_o uncharitable_o disagree_v in_o than_o in_o this_o how_o miserable_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o common_a enemy_n and_o the_o carnality_n pride_n and_o blind_a passion_n of_o professor_n be_v tear_v into_o rag_n of_o division_n and_o subdivision_n be_v too_o well_o know_v for_o i_o to_o inform_v you_o and_o of_o all_o these_o every_o party_n be_v magnify_v their_o own_o teacher_n as_o the_o only_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o ready_a to_o condemn_v all_o other_o as_o hireling_n false_a teacher_n schismatical_a intruder_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o lamentation_n and_o let_v it_o be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n but_o can_v we_o return_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o our_o plain_a rule_n in_o this_o affair_n how_o easy_o may_v the_o case_n be_v bring_v to_o its_o due_a issue_n i_o know_v but_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o essential_o denominate_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n qualification_n and_o commission_n and_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v single_o sufficient_a i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o be_o now_o in_o a_o large_a field_n and_o in_o a_o ready_a way_n to_o be_v lose_v in_o controversy_n but_o that_o i_o have_v more_o practical_a and_o necessary_a work_n before_o i_o yet_o i_o beseech_v you_o bear_v with_o i_o while_o i_o explain_v myself_o a_o little_a on_o these_o two_o head_n and_o i_o will_v be_v very_o short_a the_o truth_n be_v common_o best_o see_v in_o a_o few_o plain_a word_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v qualification_n but_o what_o of_o special_a sanctify_a save_a grace_n this_o indeed_o be_v needful_a and_o most_o desirable_a and_o moral_o conducive_a to_o the_o happy_a and_o glorious_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n both_o as_o to_o ourselves_o and_o those_o that_o hear_v we_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o the_o sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la non_fw-la unto_o salvation_n but_o not_o so_o to_o ministerial_a qualification_n a_o man_n may_v be_v lawful_o a_o minister_n that_o be_v not_o spiritual_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o seal_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n be_v but_o a_o remnant_n as_o of_o any_o one_o of_o the_o other_o tribe_n those_o that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o far_o enough_o from_o moses_n spirit_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n own_v they_o in_o their_o office_n judas_n be_v a_o disciple_n and_o send_v forth_o with_o a_o commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n even_o by_o he_o who_o know_v he_o to_o be_v inward_o a_o devil_n and_o a_o traitor_n but_o this_o be_v no_o new_a doctrine_n nor_o needs_o any_o proof_n to_o one_o that_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a but_o the_o qualification_n here_o require_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v ministerial_a that_o whereby_o a_o person_n be_v competent_o fit_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o this_o sacred_a office_n orthodoxy_n in_o doctrine_n ability_n and_o aptness_n in_o at_o least_o the_o gift_n of_o preach_v and_o pray_v skill_n and_o moderation_n in_o rule_v etc._n etc._n and_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o ministerial_a gâ—â—s_n and_o save_v grace_n 〈…〉_o the_o particular_n of_o 〈…〉_o refer_v you_o to_o paul_n 〈…〉_o 1_o epist_n ch_n 3._o and_o to_z titus_n ch_z 1._o 2._o there_o must_v be_v commission_n no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n unto_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n heb._n 5.4_o no_o man_n take_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o man_n undertake_v accept_v or_o assume_v to_o himself_o and_o of_o himself_o that_o be_v no_o man_n aught_o or_o can_v without_o sin_n any_o way_n take_v or_o receive_v this_o honour_n or_o usurp_v this_o office_n but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n that_o be_v delegated_a and_o commission_v by_o god_n authority_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n appointment_n though_o not_o in_o that_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o aaron_n be_v unless_o in_o like_a extraordinary_a case_n yet_o by_o a_o power_n and_o dispensation_n legal_o and_o orderly_o derive_v from_o he_o through_o such_o hand_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o impower_v to_o this_o end_n qualification_n without_o commission_n make_v not_o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o he_o call_v a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n a_o sacrilegious_a intruder_n such_o as_o be_v corah_n and_o his_o complice_n and_o such_o as_o be_v too_o many_o in_o our_o day_n and_o commission_n without_o qualification_n make_v what_o the_o prophet_n call_v a_o idol-shepherd_n or_o dumb-dog_n a_o blind_a guide_n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o have_v right_a authoritative_o to_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o qualification_n or_o to_o convey_v commission_n to_o other_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o a_o succession_n in_o this_o sacred_a office_n but_o those_o that_o be_v themselves_o both_o due_o qualify_v and_o commissionated_a and_o that_o too_o not_o single_o private_o or_o arbitrary_o but_o according_a to_o the_o rule_v give_v in_o this_o matter_n by_o and_o from_o our_o supreme_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n methinks_v this_o shall_v not_o amount_v to_o a_o question_n with_o any_o that_o have_v but_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o own_o their_o truth_n and_o authority_n or_o that_o have_v not_o abandon_v the_o conduct_n of_o common_a reason_n by_o who_o light_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v the_o equity_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o scripture_n direction_n in_o this_o case_n quest_n 4._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o question_n what_o the_o duty_n be_v that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o or_o what_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v by_o feed_v his_o lamb_n and_o his_o sheep_n sol._n the_o flock_n you_o see_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o lamb_n and_o the_o sheep_n so_o be_v the_o ministerial_a work_n that_o concern_v they_o feed_v and_o rule_n both_o which_o be_v equal_o and_o inseparable_o enjoin_v part_n of_o this_o work_n as_o appear_v in_o several_a very_o plain_a scripture_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v account_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n or_o they_o labour_v i._n e._n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v a_o text_n that_o have_v be_v sufficient_o vex_v by_o man_n of_o different_a sentiment_n and_o interest_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n we_o have_v from_o this_o scripture_n to_o infer_v two_o distinct_a order_n of_o rule_v and_o teach_v presbyter_n see_v what_o be_v mention_v here_o both_o of_o rule_v and_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v but_o the_o essential_a and_o require_v function_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sacred_a order_n and_o office_n than_o which_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v at_o present_a to_o look_v any_o further_a into_o any_o truth_n that_o be_v plain_o enough_o state_v in_o it_o or_o any_o question_n that_o have_v be_v vain_o enough_o start_v on_o it_o and_o with_o which_o there_o be_v several_a other_o scripture_n that_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o hypothesis_n 1_o thes_n 5.12_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o here_o be_v the_o same_o word_n apply_v to_o the_o same_o person_n and_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v over_o you_o or_o set_v and_o appoint_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o rule_v in_o his_o church_n and_o who_o they_o be_v but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n much_o use_n have_v be_v make_v of_o this_o text_n to_o little_a purpose_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o mention_v any_o of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v see_v and_o read_v of_o it_o but_o give_v you_o as_o god_n have_v enable_v i_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o this_o scripture_n and_o let_v the_o unprejudiced_a reader_n judge_n and_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o it_o we_o will_v consider_v 1._o by_o who_o and_o to_o who_o this_o direction_n be_v give_v it_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n the_o great_a plant_a of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o who_o as_o a_o apostle_n have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o order_n and_o determine_v all_o the_o affair_n that_o concern_v the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o his_o own_o plant_n both_o this_o and_o the_o other_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o he_o to_o timothy_n who_o he_o leave_v as_o his_o substitute_n or_o surrogate_v with_o apostolical_a power_n under_o he_o in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n to_o ordain_v presbyter_n as_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n and_o to_o dispose_v of_o the_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n to_o such_o as_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o they_o and_o will_v best_o improve_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n benefit_n and_o for_o the_o same_o end_n it_o be_v that_o he_o leave_v titus_n in_o crete_n as_o his_o substitute_n or_o overseer_n in_o that_o island_n as_o appear_v tit._n 1.5_o so_o that_o this_o advice_n be_v not_o send_v to_o the_o people_n nor_o to_o the_o inferior_a presbyter_n who_o be_v to_o be_v order_v by_o it_o but_o to_o one_o in_o a_o high_a sphere_n of_o authority_n and_o by_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v order_v whether_o for_o distinction_n sake_n he_o be_v call_v evangelist_n or_o bishop_n or_o precedent_n or_o moderator_n the_o difference_n be_v but_o verbal_a 2._o what_o do_v the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o the_o double_a honour_n here_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o bid_v fair_a for_o the_o sense_n which_o will_v both_o come_v to_o one_o in_o the_o issue_n 1._o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n and_o so_o we_o find_v the_o word_n sometime_o use_v in_o scripture_n as_o ver_fw-la 3._o of_o this_o chap._n matt._n 15.6_o act_n 28_o 10._o and_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o scripture_n seem_v to_o look_v this_o way_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n must_v be_v this_o let_v those_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n that_o best_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n in_o rule_v but_o especial_o in_o preach_v which_o be_v the_o more_o noble_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o their_o work_n have_v the_o great_a encouragement_n on_o this_o kind_n i_o e._n let_v not_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v then_o but_o small_a and_o uncertain_a be_v bestow_v promiscuous_o much_o less_o partial_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o so_o as_o may_v best_o subserve_v the_o church_n good_a government_n and_o the_o grand_a design_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 2._o the_o honour_n of_o authority_n and_o obedience_n and_o this_o be_v the_o prime_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o five_o commandment_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n exod._n 20.12_o be_v the_o same_o with_o obey_v your_o parent_n eph._n 6.1_o and_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o heb._n 13.17_o and_o so_o be_v the_o word_n use_v heb._n 5.4_o no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n unto_o himself_o i._n e._n this_o office_n this_o dignity_n this_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v much_o more_o worthy_o and_o proper_o call_v honour_n than_o a_o rich_a worldly_a revenue_n or_o a_o fat_a benefice_n or_o bishopric_n thing_n unborn_a in_o those_o day_n which_o man_n too_o often_o abuse_v both_o to_o god_n dishonour_n and_o their_o own_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o double_a honour_n here_o intend_v as_o to_o i_o seem_v most_o probable_a at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v include_v as_o the_o most_o eminent_a part_n of_o it_o then_o the_o sense_n will_v be_v this_o let_v those_o presbyter_n or_o minister_n that_o appear_v on_o experience_n and_o trial_n to_o have_v a_o spirit_n of_o government_n but_o especial_o with_o it_o a_o eminency_n of_o ability_n and_o diligence_n in_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v make_v ruler_n and_o superintendent_o over_o the_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n let_v such_o be_v take_v into_o the_o collegium_fw-la presbyterorum_fw-la regens_fw-la the_o regency_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o distinction_n of_o office_n but_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o officer_n that_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o direction_n for_o 3._o we_o must_v consider_v the_o person_n on_o who_o this_o double_a honour_n be_v to_o be_v confer_v or_o who_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v dignify_v as_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v and_o these_o be_v elder_n describe_v 1._o in_o genere_fw-la by_o their_o office_n 2._o in_o specie_fw-la by_o their_o qualification_n 1._o by_o their_o general_a office_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o word_n always_o use_v to_o denote_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o gospel-church_n as_o act._n 11.30_o ch_n 14.23_o ch_n 15.2_o 6_o 22_o 23._o ch_z 16.4_o ch_n 20.17_o ch_n 21.18_o tit._n 1.5_o jam._n 5.14_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o ep._n john_n 1._o and_o epist_n 3.1_o 2._o by_o their_o special_a qualification_n which_o be_v double_a 1._o they_o much_o be_v such_o as_o rule_v well_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v another_o title_n peculiar_o give_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o rule_v as_o well_o as_o to_o preach_v 2._o they_o must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o distinguish_v as_o i_o have_v say_v between_o two_o office_n but_o between_o the_o twofold_a qualification_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n which_o be_v a_o collegiate_n or_o presbyterial_a church_n many_o presbyter_n the_o talon_n of_o who_o gift_n lay_v diverse_o as_o we_o find_v it_o do_v in_o all_o other_o church_n some_o be_v fit_a for_o government_n other_o for_o preach_v some_o excel_v in_o one_o gift_n other_o in_o another_o now_o the_o apostle_n advise_v timothy_n how_o to_o make_v his_o choice_n of_o person_n for_o government_n in_o the_o presbytery_n who_o to_o prefer_v to_o and_o entrust_v with_o a_o double_a honour_n or_o high_a degree_n of_o dignity_n and_o power_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o sphere_n of_o government_n and_o tell_v he_o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o have_v behave_v themselves_o well_o in_o the_o pastoral_n government_n of_o their_o particular_a flock_n and_o congregation_n and_o especial_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v most_o eminent_a and_o laborious_a in_o preach_v the_o word_n whereby_o they_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o deacon_n 1_o tim_n 3.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o place_n of_o high_a honour_n and_o trust_v from_o a_o deacon_n to_o a_o presbyter_n from_o a_o presbyter_n to_o a_o precedent_n preferment_n ought_v to_o be_v dispense_v according_a to_o every_o one_o qualification_n and_o merit_n whence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n in_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o this_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v this_o direction_n about_o not_o at_o all_o countenance_v a_o non-preaching_a ruling_n lay-elder_n but_o discountenance_v a_o lordly_a lazy_a non-preaching_a bishop_n or_o superintendent_n that_o the_o preach_a elder_a or_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v so_o plain_o assert_v in_o scripture_n that_o i_o think_v can_v by_o any_o be_v deny_v but_o if_o this_o rule_v power_n be_v divide_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n between_o they_o and_o the_o people_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o people_n can_v any_o one_o give_v we_o a_o reason_n why_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n shall_v ever_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o direct_v we_o how_o the_o division_n of_o this_o rule_v power_n must_v be_v make_v what_o must_v be_v their_o part_n and_o what_o we_o how_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o the_o deacon_n for_o which_o they_o be_v careful_a to_o give_v the_o necessary_a rule_n yea_o and_o how_o they_o must_v be_v maintain_v too_o for_o to_o lay_v the_o burden_n of_o a_o office_n on_o a_o man_n and_o to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o his_o maintenance_n seem_v hard_a and_o not_o
priscilla_n and_o aquila_n of_o nymphas_n and_o philemon_n which_o be_v equivocal_o call_v church_n because_o some_o congregation_n of_o the_o believer_n do_v either_o occasional_o or_o stated_o assemble_v to_o worship_n god_n there_o or_o as_o other_o think_v because_o all_o of_o these_o family_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o so_o become_v church_n or_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v little_a to_o our_o present_a question_n beside_o these_o church_n thus_o plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o town_n and_o city_n do_v still_o retain_v their_o first_o name_n and_o singularity_n for_o one_o may_v always_o observe_v that_o where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o a_o whole_a province_n or_o country_n it_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o different_a and_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o plural_a number_n as_o the_o church_n of_o judea_n 1_o thes_n 2.14_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n 1_o cor._n 16.19_o the_o church_n of_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n act._n 15.41_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n 1_o cor._n 16.1_o and_o gal._n 1.2_o and_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 1._o because_o all_o these_o be_v large_a country_n in_o which_o be_v many_o great_a town_n and_o city_n in_o which_o the_o church_n be_v distinct_o plant_v and_o according_a to_o which_o they_o have_v their_o name_n and_o number_n but_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o town_n or_o city_n it_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o one_o church_n in_o the_o singular_a as_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 8.1_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n act._n 13.1_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o so_o when_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n be_v speak_v of_o together_o they_o be_v the_o seven_o church_n according_a to_o the_o number_n and_o name_n of_o the_o seven_o great_a city_n of_o asia_n in_o which_o these_o church_n be_v plant_v but_o when_o write_v to_o single_o it_o be_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n and_o the_o church_n of_o smyrna_n and_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o this_o account_n never_o once_o fail_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v indifferent_o but_o industrious_o and_o for_o our_o instruction_n 2._o that_o church_n be_v thus_o reckon_v in_o the_o time_n of_o john_n when_o he_o be_v in_o patmos_n which_o be_v 64_o year_n after_o christ_n in_o all_o which_o time_n it_o be_v incredible_a that_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o one_o of_o these_o great_a city_n be_v no_o more_o than_o will_v make_v up_o one_o congregation_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o church_n plant_v in_o the_o country_n adjacent_a to_o these_o city_n and_o town_n yet_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v many_o convert_v and_o some_o congregation_n too_o in_o the_o country-village_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o great_a town_n and_o therefore_o that_o these_o make_v up_o but_o one_o church_n with_o that_o of_o the_o town_n or_o city_n hence_o i_o conclude_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o our_o admonition_n a_o church_n and_o a_o congregation_n be_v in_o the_o language_n and_o account_v of_o scripture_n two_o thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o unwarrantable_a to_o alter_v the_o first_o constitution_n or_o denomination_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o far_o as_o they_o go_v and_o therein_o a_o rule_n give_v we_o to_o do_v the_o like_a it_o be_v true_a the_o universal_a church_n be_v once_o but_o one_o single_a congregation_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o from_o which_o all_o the_o other_o church_n spring_v as_o so_o many_o daughter_n on_o which_o account_n she_o be_v call_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o but_o when_o other_o church_n be_v form_v that_o at_o jerusalem_n be_v no_o more_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o only_o a_o integral_a part_n of_o it_o and_o coordinate_a with_o other_o church_n for_o its_o universality_n be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n but_o only_o a_o sperable_a adjunct_n of_o it_o nor_o do_v she_o propagate_v these_o church_n which_o afterward_o spring_v from_o she_o as_o she_o be_v universal_a but_o as_o she_o be_v a_o church_n and_o so_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o apostle_n plant_v be_v at_o first_o but_o single_a congregation_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o every_o single_a congregation_n be_v a_o church_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v the_o presbyterial_a synodal_n classical_a diocesan_n or_o collegiate_n church_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o deny_v to_o the_o congregational_a or_o as_o now_o they_o be_v call_v parochial_a church_n any_o thing_n either_o of_o name_n or_o of_o privilege_n that_o be_v their_o right_n but_o will_v call_v they_o for_o distinction_n sake_n pastoral_a church_n and_o grant_v that_o they_o have_v a_o power_n of_o govern_v themselves_o as_o such_o as_o every_o family_n have_v a_o power_n and_o right_a to_o govern_v itself_o and_o every_o troop_n and_o company_n in_o a_o army_n by_o their_o own_o proper_a officer_n within_o their_o own_o sphere_n and_o can_v be_v legal_o impose_v on_o by_o other_o family-master_n or_o other_o captain_n with_o who_o they_o be_v equal_a but_o what_o family_n be_v to_o corporation_n and_o these_o to_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n and_o what_o troop_n and_o particular_a company_n be_v to_o regiment_n and_o these_o to_o army_n such_o be_v congregation_n to_o church_n that_o be_v presbyterial_a church_n and_o these_o to_o the_o universal_a i_o be_o not_o now_o concern_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n universal_a which_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o church_n but_o of_o the_o presbyterial_a which_o alone_o be_v that_o which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o church_n that_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o 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