in_o a_o way_n appoint_v for_o continuance_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o which_o be_v constant_o incumbent_a on_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n quest._n 23._o who_o be_v the_o ordinary_a officer_n or_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v always_o continue_v therein_o answ._n those_o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n bishop_n elder_n and_o guide_n act_n 14.23_o act_n 20.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes._n 4.11_o phil._n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o chap._n 5.17_o titus_n 1.5_o 7._o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o explication_n several_a name_n be_v on_o several_a account_n partly_o design_v their_o authority_n partly_o their_o duty_n and_o partly_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o discharge_n thereof_o assign_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o they_o be_v call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes._n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o sometime_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n phil._n 1.1_o act._n 20.28_o titus_n 1.5_o sometime_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o act._n 14.23_o act._n 20.17_o sometime_o guide_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o by_o all_o which_o name_n and_o sundry_a other_o whereby_o they_o be_v express_v the_o same_o sort_n order_n and_o degree_n of_o person_n be_v intend_v nor_o be_v any_o one_o of_o these_o name_n apply_v or_o accommodate_v unto_o any_o but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v also_o in_o like_a manner_n so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o pastor_n or_o a_o teacher_n be_v also_o a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n a_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n a_o guide_n or_o ruler_n a_o minister_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o of_o all_o other_o name_v assign_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n that_o of_o bishop_n can_v least_o of_o all_o be_v think_v to_o have_v design_v any_o special_a order_n or_o degree_n of_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v but_o four_o time_n or_o in_o four_o place_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o denote_v any_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o each_o of_o they_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o express_v by_o the_o other_o name_n of_o elder_n and_o minister_n be_v intend_v so_o act._n 20.28_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n verse_n the_o 17._o phil._n 1.1_o there_o be_v many_o bishop_n in_o that_o one_o particular_a church_n who_o have_v only_a deacon_n join_v with_o they_o that_o be_v they_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o it_o tit._n 1.8_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o elder_n to_o be_v ordain_v vers_fw-la the_o 5._o which_o person_n be_v also_o direct_o intend_v 1_o tim._n 3.2_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o coincidence_n of_o the_o direction_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n about_o they_o and_o the_o immediate_a adjoin_v of_o deacon_n unto_o they_o vers_fw-la 8._o so_o that_o no_o name_n can_v be_v fix_v on_o with_o less_o probability_n to_o assert_v from_o it_o a_o special_a supreme_a order_n or_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o ministry_n than_o this_o of_o bishop_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o any_o such_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o sort_n of_o these_o church-officer_n or_o minister_n over_o another_o not_o in_o particular_a in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n enumerate_v as_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o eph._n 4.11_o rom._n 12.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n of_o any_o special_a office_n that_o shall_v be_v peculiar_a unto_o such_o officer_n or_o of_o any_o gift_n or_o qualification_n that_o shall_v be_v require_v in_o they_o or_o of_o any_o special_a way_n of_o call_v or_o set_v apart_o to_o their_o office_n nor_o of_o any_o kind_n of_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v relate_v unto_o different_z from_o the_o church_n that_o other_o elder_n or_o pastor_n do_v minister_n in_o nor_o of_o any_o special_a rule_n or_o direction_n for_o their_o trial_n nor_o any_o command_n for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n â—uly_o discharge_v their_o trust_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n no_o intimation_n be_v give_v unto_o either_o elder_n or_o minister_n to_o obey_v they_o or_o direction_n how_o to_o respect_v they_o nor_o unto_o they_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v and_o deliver_v promiscuous_o and_o equal_o concern_v all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o these_o appellation_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o one_o sort_n of_o minister_n not_o one_o more_o than_o another_o and_o for_o what_o be_v plead_v by_o some_o from_o the_o example_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o any_o person_n can_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v evangelist_n 1_o tim._n 4.5_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o their_o office_n upon_o antecedent_n prophecy_n 1_o tim._n 1.18_o and_o to_o be_v send_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o in_o some_o employment_n for_o a_o season_n which_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o attend_v unto_o titus_n 1.5_o chap._n 3.12_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v another_o duty_n and_o office_n commit_v unto_o they_o than_o those_o who_o be_v only_a bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o the_o scripture_n quest._n 24._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o officer_n or_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a answ._n 1_o the_o former_a be_v call_v to_o their_o office_n immediate_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n or_o revelation_n make_v by_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o his_o name_n to_o that_o purpose_n the_o latter_a by_o the_o suffrage_n choice_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o 2._o the_o former_a both_o in_o their_o office_n and_o work_n be_v independent_a on_o and_o antecedent_n unto_o all_o or_o any_o church_n who_o calling_n and_o gather_v depend_v on_o their_o office_n as_o its_o consequent_a and_o effect_n the_o latter_a in_o both_o consequent_a unto_o the_o call_n gather_v and_o constitute_v of_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o a_o effect_n thereof_o in_o their_o tendency_n unto_o compleatness_n and_o perfection_n 3._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o former_a be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o immediate_o by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o any_o intervenient_a act_n of_o any_o church_n extend_v itself_o equal_o unto_o all_o church_n whatever_o that_o of_o the_o latter_a be_v derive_v unto_o they_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o election_n and_o designation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o confine_v unto_o that_o church_n wherein_o and_o whereby_o it_o be_v so_o derive_v unto_o they_o 4._o they_o differ_v also_o in_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o several_a distinct_a work_n and_o employment_n 1_o matth._n 10.2_o luke_n 10.1_o gal._n 1.1_o act_n 1.26_o act_n 6.3_o act_n 14.23_o 2_o joh._n 20.21_o 22_o 23._o gal._n 1.1_o ephes._n 2.20_o rev._n 21.14_o act_n 14.23_o titus_n 1.5_o 7._o 3_o matth._n 28_o 18_o 19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 11.28_o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o colos._n 4.17_o 4_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 29_o 30._o the_o answer_n hereunto_o be_v such_o as_o need_v no_o further_a explication_n quest._n 25._o what_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o due_a constitution_n of_o a_o elder_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n 1_o that_o he_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o evangelical_n discharge_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 2_o that_o he_o be_v unblameable_a holy_a and_o exemplary_a in_o his_o conversation_n 3_o that_o he_o have_v a_o willing_a mind_n to_o give_v up_o himself_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 4_o that_o he_o be_v call_v and_o choose_v by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n 5_o that_o he_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n unto_o his_o work_n and_o ministry_n 1_o ephes._n 4.8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o 2_o titus_n 1.7_o 8_o 9_o 2_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 3_o 1._o peâ—_n 5.2_o 3._o 4_o act_n 14.23_o 5_o act_n 13.2_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o explication_n five_o thing_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o due_a and_o solemn_a constitution_n of_o a_o minister_n guide_n elder_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o they_o do_v not_o all_o equal_o belong_v unto_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o call_n so_o they_o be_v all_o indispensable_o necessary_a
full_a of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o wisdom_n and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v do_v when_o only_a deacon_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o who_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n the_o same_o be_v mention_v again_o act_v 14.23_o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o election_n and_o suffrage_n for_o the_o word_n there_o use_v will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o sense_n however_o it_o be_v ambiguous_o express_v in_o our_o translation_n neither_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o the_o use_n of_o that_o word_n apply_v unto_o the_o communication_n of_o any_o office_n or_o power_n to_o any_o person_n or_o person_n in_o a_o assembly_n wherein_o it_o denote_v any_o other_o action_n but_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o this_o it_o do_v constant_o in_o all_o writer_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o long_a time_n preserve_v inviolate_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o ancient_n do_v abundant_o testify_v yea_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o can_v never_o be_v utter_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v still_o retain_v in_o those_o church_n which_o yet_o reject_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o this_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o abide_v therein_o for_o as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o person_n become_v a_o church_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n christ_n make_v his_o subject_n willing_a not_o slave_n his_o rule_n over_o they_o be_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o their_o own_o will_n and_o he_o will_v have_v they_o every_o way_n free_a in_o their_o obedience_n a_o church-state_n be_v a_o estate_n of_o absolute_a liberty_n under_o christ_n not_o for_o man_n to_o do_v what_o they_o will_v but_o for_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n free_o without_o compulsion_n now_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o this_o liberty_n than_o to_o have_v their_o guide_n ruler_n and_o overseer_n impose_v on_o they_o without_o their_o consent_n beside_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o discharge_v its_o duty_n towards_o christ_n in_o every_o institution_n of_o he_o which_o herein_o they_o can_v if_o they_o have_v not_o their_o free_a consent_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o be_v consider_v as_o mute_a person_n or_o brute_n creature_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ordinary_a way_n of_o communicate_v authority_n unto_o any_o in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o voluntary_a submission_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o unto_o they_o for_o as_o all_o other_o imaginable_a way_n may_v fail_v and_o have_v do_v so_o where_o they_o have_v be_v trust_v unto_o so_o they_o be_v irrational_a and_o unscriptural_a as_o to_o their_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o the_o delegation_n of_o any_o power_n whatever_o five_o unto_o this_o election_n succeed_v the_o solemn_a set_n apart_o of_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o this_o work_n and_o ministry_n by_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n before_o constitute_v in_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o person_n be_v so_o to_o be_v set_v apart_o qu._n 26._o may_v a_o person_n be_v call_v to_o or_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o office_n or_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o may_v he_o hold_v the_o relation_n and_o exercise_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o elder_a or_o minister_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n answ._n neither_o of_o these_o have_v either_o warrant_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v the_o first_o of_o they_o consistent_a with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ministry_n nor_o the_o latter_a with_o the_o duty_n thereof_o nor_o either_o of_o they_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n act_v 14.23_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o act_n 20.28_o explication_n there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o question_n and_o answer_n to_o be_v speak_v unto_o several_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v a_o person_n to_o be_v call_v or_o employ_v in_o any_o church_n in_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o office_n or_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v or_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v or_o unto_o the_o rule_n or_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o like_a manner_n unto_o any_o other_o part_n or_o parcel_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n with_o a_o exemption_n of_o other_o duty_n from_o his_o charge_n or_o care_n if_o this_o be_v do_v by_o consent_n and_o agreement_n for_o any_o time_n or_o season_n it_o be_v unwarrantable_a and_o disorderly_a what_o may_v be_v do_v occasional_o upon_o a_o emergency_n or_o in_o case_n of_o weakness_n or_o disability_n befalling_a any_o elder_a as_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v not_o here_o inquire_v after_o for_o first_o if_o the_o person_n so_o call_v or_o employ_v have_v receive_v gift_n fit_v he_o for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o exercise_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v by_o any_o consent_n or_o agreement_n see_v they_o be_v give_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v trade_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 7._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o this_o he_o which_o have_v receive_v such_o gift_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v unto_o and_o pursue_v second_o if_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v such_o gift_n as_o complete_o to_o enable_v he_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o administer_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o call_v he_o unto_o that_o work_n wherein_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o go_v before_o they_o in_o qualify_a he_o for_o it_o yea_o to_o do_v so_o will_v be_v most_o irregular_a for_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n give_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enlarge_v or_o straighten_v the_o power_n or_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n thereof_o neither_o can_v or_o ought_v any_o person_n that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o give_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o gift_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o a_o due_a and_o orderly_a manner_n nor_o to_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o to_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v their_o whole_a authority_n and_o to_o discharge_v their_o whole_a duty_n so_o that_o arbitrary_a constitution_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v irregular_a and_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n into_o church_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o same_o person_n to_o more_o church_n than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o his_o undertake_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o they_o as_o a_o elder_a or_o minister_n and_o this_o also_o be_v irregular_a and_o unwarrantable_a now_o a_o man_n may_v hold_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o elder_a pastor_n or_o minister_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o two_o way_n first_o formal_o and_o direct_o by_o all_o equal_a formal_a interest_n in_o they_o undertake_v the_o pastoral_n charge_v equal_o and_o alike_o of_o they_o be_v call_v alike_o to_o they_o and_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o relation_n 2_o virtual_o when_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o one_o church_n he_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o ministerial_a act_n in_o or_o towards_o another_o the_o first_o way_n be_v unlawful_a and_o destructive_a both_o of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n for_o as_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n respective_o that_o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o act_v 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o their_o office_n
power_n consist_v in_o a_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v set_v over_o so_o they_o be_v command_v to_o attend_v unto_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o and_o whereunto_o they_o be_v so_o ordain_v act._n 20.28_o 1_o peter_n 1.2_o and_o that_o with_o all_o diligence_n care_n and_o watchfulness_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n heb._n 13.17_o which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o do_v towards_o more_o church_n than_o one_o the_o same_o duty_n be_v at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v perform_v towards_o all_o and_o because_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o the_o elder_n pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o church_n be_v ministerial_a â—_o cor._n 4.1_o consist_v in_o a_o power_n of_o act_v upon_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o office_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o authority_n to_o delegate_v another_o or_o other_o to_o act_v their_o part_n or_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n which_o will_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o autocratorical_a authority_n and_o not_o of_o obedience_n or_o ministry_n the_o latter_a way_n also_o of_o relation_n unto_o many_o church_n be_v unwarrantable_a for_o 1_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o law_n nor_o constitution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n can_v be_v produce_v to_o give_v it_o countenance_n but_o elder_n be_v ordain_v to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o command_v to_o attend_v unto_o they_o 2_o no_o rule_n be_v give_v unto_o any_o elder_n how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o reference_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a power_n as_o there_o be_v rule_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v relate_v 3_o there_o be_v no_o example_n to_o give_v it_o countenance_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n 4_o the_o authority_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o have_v no_o foundation_n 1_o not_o in_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a ability_n or_o faculty_n of_o do_v what_o a_o man_n be_v able_a but_o a_o right_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v power_n to_o do_v that_o right_o and_o lawful_o which_o before_o he_o can_v not_o do_v this_o gift_n will_v not_o give_v to_o any_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v do_v it_o to_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v they_o 2_o not_o in_o their_o election_n for_o they_o be_v choose_v in_o and_o by_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o stand_v in_o especial_a relation_n who_o choice_n can_v give_v ministerial_a power_n over_o any_o but_o themselves_o 3_o not_o in_o their_o set_n apart_o by_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o this_o be_v only_o unto_o that_o office_n work_n and_o power_n whereunto_o they_o be_v choose_v they_o be_v not_o choose_v for_o one_o end_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o another_o 4_o not_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n for_o that_o give_v no_o new_a power_n but_o only_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o receive_v qu._n 27._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n an._n 1_o to_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o faith_n love_n knowledge_n méekness_n patience_n readiness_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o constancy_n therein_o 2_o to_o watch_v for_o the_o soul_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a concernment_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n commit_v to_o they_o 3_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n diligent_o divide_v it_o aright_o 4_o to_o preserve_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n 5_o to_o administer_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n due_o and_o orderly_o 6_o to_o stir_v up_o and_o exercise_v the_o gift_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a work_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n 7_o to_o instruct_v admonish_v cherish_v and_o comfort_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o condition_n occasion_n and_o necessity_n do_v require_v 8_o to_o attend_v with_o diligence_n skill_n and_o wisdom_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o 1_o 1_o tim._n 3.10_o 11_o 13._o chap._n 4.12_o 2_o tim._n 2.3_o coloss._n 1.24_o phil._n 2.17_o chap._n 3.17_o 2_o heb._n 13.17_o act_n 20.28_o 3_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o 4_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o act_n 20.28_o judas_n 3_o 5_o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 6_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o 7_o act_n 20.18_o 19_o 20_o 25_o 26._o 1_o thes._n 3.5_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o 8_o rom._n 12.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o answer_n be_v full_a and_o plain_a qu._n 28._o wherein_o principal_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v an._n 1_o in_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o guidance_n thereof_o in_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o 2_o whatever_o they_o do_v as_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o rule_n they_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o name_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o their_o power_n be_v derive_v unto_o they_o nor_o as_o member_n only_o of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o covenant_n but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o who_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n be_v receive_v so_o that_o 3_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o church_n power_n by_z and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n thence_o proceed_v which_o arise_v immediate_o from_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 2_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o coloss._n 4.17_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 8._o 3_o 1_o tim._n 4.11_o titus_n 2.15_o 1_o peter_n 1.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o explication_n the_o answer_n unto_o this_o question_n explain_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o and_o how_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o the_o right_n state_v whereof_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o whole_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v therefore_o here_o be_v far_o explain_v to_o this_o end_n we_o may_v consider_v first_o that_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o vest_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sole_a head_n and_o monarch_n thereof_o god_n the_o father_n have_v commit_v it_o unto_o he_o and_o entrust_v he_o with_o it_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o work_n of_o mediation_n matth._n 28.18_o second_o that_o he_o do_v communicate_v of_o this_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o trust_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o in_o his_o name_n unto_o person_n by_o he_o appoint_v so_o much_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o bless_a end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v they_o for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o power_n in_o his_o church_n for_o any_o end_n whatever_o but_o by_o delegation_n from_o he_o what_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o he_o be_v mere_a usurpation_n and_o whoever_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o rule_n or_o authority_n or_o power_n in_o the_o church_n not_o grant_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o or_o not_o right_o derive_v from_o he_o be_v a_o oppressor_n a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n this_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o the_o absolute_a investiture_n of_o all_o power_n in_o he_o alone_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o three_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v this_o power_n unto_o man_n be_v by_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n whereby_o he_o have_v grant_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o such_o and_o such_o power_n shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n and_o that_o by_o such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o be_v derive_v unto_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o be_v the_o first_o recipient_a seat_n and_o subject_n moral_o of_o all_o church_n power_n whatever_o matth._n 16.19_o matth._n 18.18_o 19_o 20._o four_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o any_o person_n come_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o power_n regular_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o obedience_n unto_o and_o due_a observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n
receive_v for_o although_o it_o be_v require_v in_o they_o all_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v all_o those_o gift_n ability_n and_o qualification_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o participation_n of_o their_o gift_n some_o may_v more_o excel_v in_o one_o other_o in_o another_o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o administration_n but_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n which_o work_v all_o in_o all_o for_o to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o these_o gift_n be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v exercise_v and_o lay_v out_o for_o the_o profit_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n verse_n the_o 7._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o therefore_o every_o one_o be_v in_o aâ—_n especial_a manner_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o exercise_n and_o use_v of_o that_o gift_n wherein_o he_o do_v excel_v or_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n every_o man_n be_v to_o minister_v according_a as_o he_o have_v receive_v 1_o pet._n 4.10_o second_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n which_o in_o general_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o two_o head_n or_o end_n first_o the_o instruction_n of_o it_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o may_v grow_v in_o grace_n wisdom_n save_v light_n and_o knowledge_n second_o the_o exhortation_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v answerable_a unto_o light_n receive_v in_o holiness_n and_o universal_a obedience_n now_o though_o these_o several_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n can_v be_v divide_v or_o separate_v yet_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o so_o carry_v on_o distinct_o that_o in_o the_o one_o knowledge_n or_o light_n may_v be_v first_o and_o principal_o intend_v so_o as_o to_o lead_v unto_o obedience_n in_o the_o other_o holiness_n may_v be_v first_o design_v as_o spring_v from_o gospel_n light_n or_o knowledge_n hence_o therefore_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n principal_o to_o attend_v unto_o that_o work_n or_o that_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o by_o the_o holy-ghost_n they_o 〈◊〉_d most_o suit_v unto_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o intimation_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o communicate_v his_o gift_n in_o variety_n as_o he_o please_v and_o attend_v their_o own_o edification_n may_v and_o aught_o among_o those_o who_o they_o choose_v to_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n or_o minister_n withal_o design_v they_o in_o particular_a unto_o that_o especial_a work_n which_o they_o be_v especial_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o and_o this_o upon_o their_o be_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o they_o be_v according_o to_o attend_v unto_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n rom._n 12.7_o 8._o their_o office_n then_o be_v the_o same_o but_o their_o teach_n work_n and_o employment_n on_o the_o ground_n mention_v distinct_a and_o different_a quest._n 31._o be_v there_o appoint_v any_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n who_o office_n and_o duty_n consist_v in_o rule_n and_o government_n only_o answ._n elder_n not_o call_v to_o teach_v ordinary_o or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v in_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 1â—_n 8_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o explication_n this_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n be_v much_o oppose_v by_o some_o and_o in_o especial_a by_o they_o who_o have_v least_o reanson_n so_o to_o do_v for_o first_o they_o object_n against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v lay_v elder_n when_o those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v deny_v that_o distinction_n of_o the_o church_n into_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n for_o although_o they_o allow_v the_o distribution_n of_o 〈◊〉_d into_o officer_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n yet_o they_o maintain_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v god_n clergy_n his_o lot_n and_o portion_n 1._o pet._n 5.3_o again_o they_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v elder_n and_o therein_o not_o mere_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o officer_n set_v apart_o unto_o their_o office_n according_a to_o rule_v or_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n and_o if_o by_o laity_n the_o people_n distinct_a from_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o very_a term_n of_o a_o lay_v elder_a imply_v a_o contradiction_n as_o design_v one_o who_o be_v and_o be_v not_o a_o church_n officer_n beside_o themselves_o do_v principal_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o such_o who_o they_o esteem_v layman_n as_o not_o in_o holy-order_n to_o who_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o its_o rule_n at_o least_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v which_o render_v their_o objection_n to_o this_o sort_n of_o church-officer_n unreasonable_a other_o also_o have_v give_v advantage_n by_o make_v this_o office_n annual_a or_o biennial_n in_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v unto_o it_o which_o though_o they_o plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o church_n for_o as_o not_o have_v person_n meet_v for_o this_o work_n and_o duty_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o undertake_v in_o constant_o during_o their_o life_n without_o such_o a_o contribution_n for_o their_o maintenance_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o afford_v yet_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o irregularity_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o wish_v it_o remedy_v but_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o such_o church-officer_n be_v indeed_o design_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o who_o frequent_a mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o ancient_a writer_n and_o footstep_n also_o yet_o remain_v in_o most_o church_n of_o their_o institution_n though_o woeful_o corrupt_v for_o beside_o that_o some_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n wherein_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v join_v in_o rule_n with_o the_o priest_n both_o in_o the_o sanhedrim_n and_o all_o lesser_a assembly_n there_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n express_v mention_n of_o person_n that_o be_v assign_v peculiar_o for_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a pretend_a that_o those_o word_n help_n government_n do_v denote_v gift_n only_o see_v the_o apostle_n express_o enumerate_v the_o person_n in_o office_n or_o officer_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n then_o use_v in_o the_o foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n as_o then_o plant_v he_o that_o rule_v also_o be_v distinguish_v from_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v rom._n 12.8_o and_o be_v prescribe_v diligence_n as_o his_o principal_a qualification_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v express_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_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 for_o the_o word_n express_o assign_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n whereof_o some_o only_o attend_v unto_o rule_n other_o moreover_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n neither_o do_v that_o word_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n intend_v any_o other_o labour_n but_o what_o be_v incumbent_n on_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o their_o church_n as_o their_o constant_a duty_n see_v rom._n 6.12_o act_n 20.35_o 1_o thes._n 5.12_o now_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v affirm_v they_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n who_o compare_v with_o other_o he_o note_v as_o remiss_a and_o negligent_a in_o their_o work_n for_o it_o seem_v that_o other_o be_v more_o diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o be_v no_o less_o they_o if_o only_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v here_o intend_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o commend_v such_o person_n as_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n but_o rather_o to_o propose_v they_o as_o meet_v for_o double_a shame_n and_o punishment_n jer._n 48.10_o 1_o cor._n 9.16_o and_o they_o be_v unmindful_a of_o their_o own_o interest_n who_o will_v have_v bishop_n that_o attend_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v distinct_o intend_v by_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o see_v the_o apostle_n express_o prefer_v before_o and_o above_o they_o those_o that_o attend_v constant_o to_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o beside_o what_o be_v thus_o express_o