say_v if_o i_o say_v any_o thing_n do_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o duty_n oblige_v i_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o burden_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o i_o and_o to_o discharge_v it_o with_o that_o sincerity_n and_o impartiality_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o be_v give_v i_o of_o god_n for_o his_o church_n service_n as_o do_v become_v one_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v find_v faithful_a i_o confess_v my_o heart_n can_v but_o shrink_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o enter_v into_o this_o rough_a and_o thorny_a province_n this_o seat_n of_o war_n where_o i_o see_v so_o many_o party_n engage_v and_o sword_n draw_v at_o one_o another_o god_n know_v and_o my_o brethren_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o my_o own_o seek_v nor_o be_o i_o come_v as_o a_o advocate_n of_o any_o of_o the_o contend_a party_n but_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o design_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o prosecution_n whereof_o i_o shall_v purposely_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a decline_v any_o use_n of_o the_o sentiment_n or_o suffrage_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v at_o sharp_n on_o this_o argument_n and_o confine_v myself_o to_o those_o oracle_n of_o the_o divine_o inspire_v and_o reveal_v truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n which_o at_o last_o we_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o if_o ever_o we_o be_v well_o determine_v the_o word_n that_o god_n this_o way_n put_v in_o my_o mouth_n that_o shall_v i_o speak_v as_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o give_v i_o understanding_n and_o utterance_n and_o let_v those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v consider_v before_o they_o censure_v shall_v i_o pretend_v to_o assume_v the_o whole_a question_n of_o church-government_n it_o will_v swell_v into_o a_o volume_n whereas_o i_o intend_v only_o this_o one_o short_a chapter_n for_o what_o i_o shall_v now_o say_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o therein_o as_o little_a as_o i_o can_v which_o yet_o to_o some_o perhaps_o may_v seem_v too_o much_o and_o to_o other_o too_o little_a i_o shall_v not_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o write_v a_o encomium_n of_o government_n either_o in_o general_n or_o particular_a which_o have_v be_v do_v by_o many_o other_o of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n whereof_o the_o whole_a rational_a world_n be_v experimental_o sensible_a but_o of_o government_n there_o be_v divers_a kind_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n both_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o it_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v be_v the_o ecclesiastical_a or_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o house_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n rom._n 13.1_o 2._o the_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d potestates_fw-la government_n that_o be_v among_o man_n be_v god_n ordinance_n though_o all_o the_o evil_a way_n of_o climb_v into_o it_o and_o maladministration_n of_o it_o or_o imprudent_a circumstance_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n but_o if_o all_o the_o power_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o god_n then_o have_v he_o not_o leave_v his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o peculiar_a kingdom_n without_o government_n but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o general_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a form_n of_o this_o government_n that_o be_v so_o and_o what_o that_o form_n be_v this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nodus_fw-la vindice_fw-la dignus_fw-la there_o be_v some_o that_o deny_v there_o be_v any_o form_n of_o church-government_n appoint_v of_o christ_n under_o the_o new-testament_n but_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v modify_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o human_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n but_o then_o such_o will_v do_v well_o to_o let_v we_o know_v when_o and_o where_o and_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v commit_v this_o power_n of_o legislation_n and_o establish_v the_o form_n of_o government_n to_o his_o church_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o circumstantial_o of_o government_n that_o be_v and_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o governor_n to_o be_v adapt_v pro_fw-la re_fw-la natâ_fw-la to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o govern_v but_o if_o the_o essential_o of_o government_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o will_n of_o man_n then_o be_v the_o church_n in_o a_o very_a ill_a case_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o as_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o a_o servant_n so_o christ_n much_o more_o as_o a_o son_n over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3._o begin_v but_o that_o he_o be_v so_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la in_o the_o business_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n as_o our_o redeemer_n be_v well_o enough_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v appoint_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o well_o as_o in_o genere_fw-la of_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o far_o agree_v there_o be_v yet_o divers_a opinion_n and_o party_n some_o be_v for_o this_o form_n of_o government_n other_o for_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o disagreement_n be_v common_o some_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o one_a a_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o point_n and_o the_o very_a mind_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o they_o charity_n oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o of_o most_o of_o the_o contend_a party_n that_o will_v ready_o and_o cheerful_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o opposer_n can_v they_o but_o overcome_v the_o reason_n which_o they_o think_v they_o have_v true_o and_o right_o draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v gross_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n enough_o among_o the_o contender_n of_o all_o side_n and_o these_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v most_o fierce_a and_o confident_a the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o itself_o but_o one_o and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o therefore_o our_o disagreement_n about_o it_o necessary_o conclude_v our_o ignorance_n or_o something_o worse_o on_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o 2._o the_o natural_a fondness_n that_o man_n have_v for_o their_o own_o way_n and_o lust_n though_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o world_n of_o so_o pure_a a_o nature_n or_o firm_a a_o texture_n or_o constitution_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v abuse_v to_o the_o service_n of_o base_a end_n and_o private_a interest_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o modes_n and_o form_n of_o government_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o more_o direct_o accommodate_v by_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o compiler_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o to_o such_o purpose_n and_o such_o be_v they_o especial_o that_o be_v of_o man_n devise_v and_o obtrude_a on_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o usurper_n be_v sure_a will_v always_o frame_v their_o law_n and_o method_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o design_n and_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o but_o private_a interest_n and_o design_n among_o the_o party_n concern_v that_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o man_n on_o this_o account_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o contention_n but_o much_o more_o must_v such_o as_o be_v act_v by_o principy_n of_o true_a conscience_n and_o integrity_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o protest_v against_o all_o such_o politic_a and_o carnal_a form_n of_o government_n 3._o the_o gross_a abuse_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o a_o good_a and_o well_o order_v government_n the_o pure_a and_o most_o durable_a metal_n if_o not_o well_o keep_v will_v in_o length_n of_o time_n grow_v foul_a and_o rusty_a and_o look_v very_a unlike_o itself_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v question_v and_o quarrel_v at_o and_o deny_v to_o be_v what_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v and_o the_o same_o fate_n be_v the_o best_a government_n in_o the_o world_n subject_n to_o as_o be_v the_o kingly_a government_n among_o the_o assyrian_n in_o the_o day_n of_o sardanapalus_n and_o among_o the_o roman_n in_o the_o day_n of_o tarqvinius_n superbus_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v of_o several_a other_o form_n of_o government_n among_o man_n the_o best_a and_o most_o sacred_a constitution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n by_o their_o abuse_n have_v fall_v under_o the_o odium_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o more_o inconsiderate_a part_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o lust_n after_o new_a thing_n and_o
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
the_o teach_v and_o rule_v authority_n together_o and_o commit_v it_o in_o conjunction_n to_o the_o same_o hand_n but_o what_o god_n have_v join_v together_o let_v no_o man_n put_v asunder_o quest_n 3._o by_o what_o law_n must_v they_o be_v rule_v sol._n not_o by_o law_n of_o man_n devise_v which_o they_o be_v wont_v to_o accommodate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o own_o inclination_n and_o end_n but_o by_o the_o write_a law_n of_o his_o own_o prescription_n the_o oeconomy_n be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a and_o so_o must_v the_o law_n be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v administer_v other_o foundation_n can_v no_o man_n lay_v than_o that_o be_v lay_v which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.11_o the_o foundation_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o of_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n be_v lay_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o whoever_o lay_v any_o other_o foundation_n in_o either_o of_o these_o entrenche_n on_o christ_n prerogative_n and_o shall_v do_v it_o to_o his_o own_o peril_n though_o in_o the_o necessary_a circumstantial_o of_o all_o these_o humane_a prudence_n and_o authority_n have_v a_o determine_a power_n for_o the_o order_n peace_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o not_o to_o its_o destruction_n or_o disturbance_n i_o say_v the_o necessary_a circumstantial_o but_o unnecessary_o to_o multiply_v circumstantial_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o indifferent_n and_o on_o pretence_n of_o decency_n or_o authority_n be_v a_o very_a unacceptable_a and_o offensive_a piece_n of_o superstition_n and_o to_o impose_v they_o as_o the_o indispensible_a term_n of_o communion_n on_o such_o as_o be_v not_o satisfy_v about_o they_o be_v not_o the_o least_o instance_n of_o church-tyranny_n church_n officer_n be_v but_o christ_n deputy_n and_o not_o lord_n of_o god_n heritage_n and_o therefore_o must_v rule_v by_o christ_n law_n for_o he_o be_v our_o judge_n our_o lawgiver_n and_o our_o king_n isa_n 33.22_o our_o power_n be_v but_o to_o execute_v it_o be_v he_o that_o must_v make_v and_o give_v the_o law_n and_o what_o these_o law_n be_v and_o where_o to_o be_v find_v i_o need_v not_o say_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v his_o statute-book_n if_o they_o speak_v not_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o light_n in_o they_o 2._o the_o ruler_n if_o there_o be_v some_o to_o be_v rule_v there_o must_v be_v other_o to_o rule_n relata_fw-la se_fw-la simul_fw-la ponunt_fw-la &_o tollunt_fw-la &_o qui_fw-la novit_fw-la unum_fw-la relatorum_fw-la novit_fw-la &_o alterum_fw-la yet_o here_o it_o will_v be_v inquire_v who_o be_v those_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v i_o shall_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o regal_a power_n or_o how_o far_o it_o be_v christian_n it_o extend_v both_o over_o pastor_n and_o people_n not_o only_o as_o civil_a subject_n but_o as_o christian_a church_n and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n but_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n for_o this_o to_o mr._n baxter_n of_o national_a church_n and_o to_o other_o that_o have_v write_v of_o it_o it_o be_v foreign_a to_o my_o present_a text._n but_o as_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v two_o distinct_a political_a body_n so_o there_o must_v be_v two_o distinct_a form_n of_o government_n proper_a to_o each_o of_o they_o i_o shall_v speak_v 1._o of_o the_o people_n these_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o not_o to_o rule_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i_o know_v this_o be_v a_o hard_a say_n and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o that_o can_v bad_o bear_v it_o nor_o will_v i_o thus_o displease_v they_o can_v i_o help_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v faithful_a those_o that_o be_v for_o a_o democracy_n seem_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n as_o they_o be_v numb_a 16.3_o who_o gather_v themselves_o together_o against_o moses_n and_o against_o aaron_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o see_v all_o the_o congregation_n be_v holy_a every_o one_o of_o they_o wherefore_o then_o lift_v you_o up_o yourselves_o above_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o tribe_n of_o reuben_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o strange_a but_o great_a pity_n it_o be_v that_o any_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n shall_v conspire_v with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o can_v consent_v to_o such_o a_o usurpation_n and_o be_v innocent_a and_o true_a to_o the_o trust_n commit_v to_o he_o let_v those_o that_o be_v for_o the_o people_n rule_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n show_v we_o when_o and_o where_o the_o key_n of_o government_n or_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v put_v into_o any_o of_o their_o hand_n where_o do_v our_o lord_n make_v they_o partner_n with_o we_o in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n or_o what_o part_n of_o the_o govern_v office_n and_o work_n be_v it_o that_o he_o assign_v to_o they_o herein_o i_o be_o sorry_a that_o i_o must_v dissent_v not_o only_o from_o man_n of_o a_o inferior_a note_n and_o more_o heterodox_n principles_n but_o from_o the_o learned_a calvin_n too_o and_o almost_o all_o that_o follow_v he_o for_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o find_v in_o scripture_n any_o such_o officer_n as_o a_o non-preaching_a roll_a elder_a appoint_v of_o christ_n or_o of_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o church_n the_o one_o and_o only_a officer_n that_o christ_n himself_o make_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o his_o word_n the_o evangelical_n pastor_n who_o work_n be_v to_o feed_v and_o to_o rule_v the_o flock_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o add_v the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n as_o servant_n to_o they_o and_o help_v in_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o their_o work_n as_o may_v be_v see_v act._n 6._o begin_v and_o as_o moses_n do_v for_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o government_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o jethro_n exod._n 18.18_o etc._n etc._n which_o though_o it_o be_v apostolical_a yet_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v primary_o but_o only_o secundary_o jure_v divino_fw-la the_o scripture_n that_o be_v allege_v in_o favour_n of_o this_o ruling_n lay_v elder_a do_v not_o as_o i_o think_v prove_v any_o such_o conclusion_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v and_o leave_v all_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o such_o as_o can_v without_o prejudice_n weigh_v what_o i_o be_o now_o bold_a to_o offer_v one_o text_n we_o have_v rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o to_o which_o i_o have_v this_o exception_n if_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o rule_v be_v here_o mention_v as_o a_o distinct_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n then_o why_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o which_o we_o have_v these_o seven_o in_o this_o one_o scripture_n viz._n he_o that_o prophesi_v he_o that_o minister_v he_o that_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v he_o that_o give_v he_o that_o rule_v and_o he_o that_o show_v mercy_n but_o if_o we_o go_v to_o work_v in_o this_o way_n how_o will_v office_n be_v multiply_v in_o the_o church_n beyond_o all_o that_o be_v ever_o intend_v or_o imagine_v and_o then_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 29_o 30._o where_o we_o have_v no_o less_o than_o nine_o mention_v among_o which_o we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o signify_v the_o rule_v lay-elder_n and_o so_o we_o will_v believe_v too_o can_v they_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n here_o mention_v be_v so_o many_o office_n in_o the_o church_n they_o insist_v very_o confident_o on_o these_o word_n of_o sanction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n have_v set_v and_o appoint_v but_o why_o this_o word_n which_o have_v undeniable_o a_o equal_a relation_n to_o all_o shall_v make_v or_o prove_v one_o to_o be_v a_o office_n and_o not_o another_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o depth_n that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o fathom_n here_o as_o i_o think_v the_o great_a mistake_n lie_v that_o gift_n and_o office_n be_v confound_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6._o very_o plain_o distinguish_v between_o gift_n administ_n ation_n and_o operation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o by_o gift_n be_v mean_v the_o ability_n bestow_v upon_o the_o office_n or_o administration_n in_o order_n to_o the_o operation_n or_o effect_n of_o they_o to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n now_o in_o the_o forementioned_a scripture_n we_o find_v a_o diversity_n of_o gift_n and_o operation_n but_o gift_n and_o office_n be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o there_o be_v one_o scripture_n more_o which_o have_v be_v already_o quote_v on_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o seem_v to_o speak_v more_o full_o to_o their_o purpose_n and_o to_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o preach_v and_o rule_v elder_n viz._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 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
very_o honourable_a to_o he_o who_o servant_n he_o pretend_v to_o be_v especial_o consider_v that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v and_o foresee_v how_o tender_a all_o man_n natural_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o honour_n and_o maintenance_n and_o of_o what_o mischievous_a consequence_n the_o leave_v such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o undetermined_a will_v be_v that_o it_o will_v involve_v the_o church_n in_o endless_a strife_n and_o quarrel_n and_o confusion_n but_o will_v the_o lay-elder_n lie_v his_o claim_n to_o a_o maintenance_n from_o that_o word_n in_o the_o text_n viz._n double_a honour_n take_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n let_v he_o then_o read_v on_o the_o next_o verse_n there_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_v the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n and_o the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o reward_n the_o first_o of_o these_o scripture_n you_o have_v deut._n 25.4_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o 1_o cor._n 9.9_o and_o you_o may_v see_v how_o he_o there_o apply_v it_o only_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n those_o that_o sow_v unto_o the_o people_n spiritual_a thing_n v._n 11._o that_o minister_n about_o holy_a thing_n and_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n v._n 13._o the_o other_o scripture_n you_o have_v matth._n 10.10_o the_o workman_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o meat_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o word_n to_o the_o twelve_o when_o he_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n here_o be_v never_o a_o word_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_a in_o all_o this_o nor_o any_o provision_n make_v for_o he_o and_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o precedent_a verse_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o rule_v non_n preach_v elder_a intend_v in_o it_o but_o the_o double_a honour_n be_v for_o those_o that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o lord_n harvest_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o these_o be_v the_o only_a person_n speak_v of_o in_o that_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o so_o then_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n be_v their_o pastor_n who_o be_v to_o rule_v every_o one_o over_o his_o own_o particular_a flock_n or_o congregation_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o soul_n who_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o their_o government_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o ministerial_a work_n have_v warrant_v from_o scripture_n to_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v deacon_n under_o they_o and_o other_o necessary_a servile_a officer_n who_o derive_v their_o power_n immediate_o from_o their_o pastor_n be_v accountable_a to_o he_o and_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v dispose_v by_o he_o in_o case_n of_o maladministration_n as_o every_o captain_n in_o a_o army_n every_o mayor_n in_o a_o corporation_n every_o master_n in_o a_o family_n have_v the_o proper_a power_n over_o their_o own_o company_n burrough_n and_o family_n and_o all_o the_o inferior_a officer_n in_o they_o to_o dispose_v and_o govern_v they_o for_o their_o good_a according_a to_o the_o know_a and_o common_a law_n of_o that_o superior_a government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v and_o unto_o which_o they_o themselves_o be_v accountable_a 2._o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n i_o be_o very_o apprehensive_a that_o this_o be_v a_o tender_a point_n wherein_o i_o even_o tremble_v to_o think_v that_o i_o must_v be_v either_o sinful_o silent_a or_o declare_v my_o dissent_n from_o so_o many_o of_o my_o dear_a brethren_n who_o i_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o orthodox_n learned_a pious_a and_o with_o who_o i_o dare_v not_o compare_v myself_o but_o i_o have_v say_v and_o o_o that_o daisy_n and_o doleful_a experience_n do_v not_o proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o the_o grief_n of_o some_o and_o the_o shame_n of_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o company_n or_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v more_o need_n of_o the_o strict_a government_n than_o the_o man_n of_o our_o function_n without_o which_o we_o be_v of_o all_o mankind_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o most_o miserable_a and_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o forelorne_a case_n of_o any_o of_o god_n creature_n upon_o earth_n but_o certain_o he_o that_o have_v so_o provide_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o own_o mystical_a kingdom_n wherein_o so_o much_o of_o his_o special_a interest_n lie_v without_o such_o a_o government_n as_o be_v every_o way_n adequate_a to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o concern_v of_o it_o he_o that_o have_v take_v such_o care_n to_o enclose_v and_o fence_v out_o the_o wild_a commons_o of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o design_v to_o leave_v his_o own_o garden_n uninclose_v nor_o his_o vineyard_n without_o a_o hedge_n about_o it_o and_o a_o wine-press_n and_o a_o tower_n in_o it_o how_o weak_a and_o insatisfactory_a be_v this_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o brethren_n to_o one_o another_o that_o we_o have_v our_o commission_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o he_o though_o not_o immediate_o from_o he_o which_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v so_o will_v alter_v the_o case_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a legislator_n that_o we_o have_v our_o bibles_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o therein_o the_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o our_o administration_n both_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n the_o law_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v both_o ourselves_o and_o the_o church_n that_o we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n that_o our_o office_n and_o work_n be_v sacred_a and_o divine_a of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n alas_o will_v all_o this_o make_v we_o infallible_a or_o absolute_a and_o independent_a exempt_v from_o all_o law_n and_o bond_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n be_v we_o make_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o rule_v and_o not_o to_o be_v rule_v o_o that_o man_n will_v consider_v the_o dismal_a consequent_n of_o such_o a_o hypothesis_n which_o i_o delight_v not_o now_o to_o aggravate_v but_o if_o there_o must_v be_v a_o government_n among_o pastor_n consider_v as_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o the_o people_n then_o it_o will_v be_v say_v there_o can_v be_v a_o equality_n the_o notion_n of_o co-ordination_a of_o pastor_n and_o church_n be_v subvert_v this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o government_n but_o let_v wise_a man_n consider_v what_o that_o be_v that_o must_v needs_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o level_a principle_n and_o yet_o government_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o equality_n and_o co-ordination_a of_o pastor_n or_o church_n as_o such_o or_o per_fw-la se_fw-la but_o only_a secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la or_o in_o respect_n of_o order_n e._n g._n all_o the_o captain_n in_o a_o army_n as_o captains_z be_v equal_a so_o be_v all_o the_o colonel_n and_o all_o the_o other_o officer_n that_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n but_o between_o a_o captain_n and_o a_o colonel_n there_o be_v a_o inequality_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o well_o regimented_a army_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n cant_v 6.10_o and_o it_o be_v suppose_v too_o that_o this_o subordination_n of_o pastor_n and_o church_n will_v conclude_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o supreme_a papal_a head_n and_o governor_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o great_a stumbling-block_n the_o plain_a sense_n whereof_o be_v but_o this_o that_o if_o every_o minister_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o pope_n over_o his_o own_o congregation_n than_o there_o must_v be_v one_o pope_n over_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o pastor_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n both_o which_o extreme_n be_v equal_o wide_a from_o the_o truth_n and_o perhaps_o equal_o pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n but_o to_o defend_v the_o truth_n from_o both_o the_o horn_n of_o this_o dilemma_n we_o will_v examine_v what_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o a_o church_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n plant_v be_v reckon_v by_o the_o great_a town_n or_o city_n which_o they_o choose_v to_o begin_v to_o gather_v their_o church_n in_o as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o name_n that_o be_v give_v they_o and_o by_o compare_v act._n 14.23_o with_o tit._n 1.5_o where_o the_o ordinary_a elder_n in_o every_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v any_o organical_a church_n of_o the_o apostle_n sound_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o town_n or_o city_n in_o which_o it_o be_v beside_o those_o domestic_a church_n of_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o pastor_n charge_n and_o the_o people_n duty_n a_o sermon_n for_o the_o most_o part_n preach_v at_o the_o assembly_n of_o minister_n at_o exon_n june_n 7._o 1693._o by_o samuel_n stoddon_n ezek._n 34.2_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d london_n print_v for_o jonath_n robinson_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o robert_n osborne_n bookseller_n in_o exon._n 1694._o to_o my_o reverend_n and_o dear_o belove_a brethren_n the_o unite_a minister_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o county_n of_o devon_n grace_n and_o peace_n in_o and_o from_o our_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n reverend_n brethren_n in_o compliance_n with_o your_o affectionate_a importunity_n and_o obedience_n to_o your_o acknowledge_v authority_n i_o now_o humble_o offer_v you_o what_o few_o other_o in_o the_o world_n but_o yourselves_o can_v have_v wrest_v from_o i_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v always_o be_v account_v a_o ill_a omen_n when_o the_o victim_n come_v unwilling_o to_o the_o altar_n but_o conscience_n can_v avouch_v this_o for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v not_o come_v unwilling_o to_o any_o work_n wherein_o i_o have_v have_v a_o prospect_n of_o serve_v the_o glorious_a end_n of_o my_o ministry_n it_o be_v your_o vnanimous_a vote_n that_o lay_v the_o injunction_n of_o this_o pulpit-work_n upon_o i_o to_o which_o though_o conscious_a of_o my_o own_o vnfitness_n i_o ready_o enough_o yield_v but_o when_o after_o my_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o prevent_v it_o you_o so_o irresistible_o desire_v its_o publication_n i_o can_v not_o but_o be_v trouble_v yet_o not_o from_o any_o sullen_a aversion_n to_o the_o press_n as_o the_o over-mode_a humour_n of_o some_o be_v that_o be_v eminent_o better_o qualify_v to_o serve_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o way_n but_o from_o the_o unpreparedness_n of_o the_o discourse_n for_o public_a view_n and_o the_o little_a time_n or_o strength_n that_o i_o have_v to_o fit_v it_o better_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n sermo_n ad_fw-la clerum_fw-la and_o willing_a to_o speak_v a_o little_a as_o i_o can_v to_o what_o my_o text_n so_o natural_o direct_v i_o to_o i_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o offer_v you_o the_o bare_a skeleton_n without_o those_o exegetical_a or_o inculcative_a enlargement_n which_o in_o a_o rude_a auditory_a may_v have_v be_v more_o necessary_a wherefore_o now_o not_o without_o your_o leave_n i_o presume_v to_o present_v it_o both_o to_o you_o and_o to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o second_o edition_n with_o a_o few_o and_o but_o a_o few_o addition_n and_o necessary_a variation_n whether_o for_o the_o better_a or_o the_o worse_a i_o can_v tell_v i_o do_v once_o hope_n to_o have_v bury_v it_o in_o the_o faithful_a ear_n and_o heart_n of_o my_o then_o present_a auditor_n and_o never_o have_v concern_v my_o pen_n any_o further_a about_o it_o but_o see_v it_o be_v your_o pleasure_n to_o send_v it_o further_o abroad_o you_o have_v make_v yourselves_o sponsor_n with_o i_o for_o all_o the_o infirmity_n and_o fault_n of_o it_o and_o have_v give_v i_o the_o confidence_n now_o to_o claim_v the_o concurrence_n of_o your_o prayer_n that_o god_n will_v pardon_v the_o many_o defect_n and_o prosper_v the_o good_a design_n of_o it_o to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o all_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o shall_v come_v and_o which_o be_v the_o fervent_a desire_n of_o your_o unworthy_a brother_n and_o fellow-servant_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n s._n s._n sidbury_n august_n 15._o 1693._o the_o pastor_n charge_n and_o the_o people_n duty_n john_n 21.15_o 16_o 17._o feed_v my_o lamb_n feed_v my_o sheep_n feed_v my_o sheep_n cap._n i._n the_o text_n open_v my_o reverend_n and_o dear_a brethren_n unto_o we_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v unto_o who_o they_o be_v first_o and_o immediate_o direct_v by_o who_o on_o what_o occasion_n and_o with_o what_o argument_n they_o be_v enforce_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o the_o bare_a read_v these_o three_o verse_n at_o length_n will_v make_v all_o this_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n so_o when_o they_o have_v dine_v jesus_n say_v to_o simon_n peter_n simon_n son_n of_o ionas_n love_v thoume_n more_o than_o these_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o yea_o lord_n thou_o know_v i_o that_o love_v thou_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o feed_v my_o lamb_n he_o say_v to_o he_o again_o the_o second_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o ionas_n love_v thou_o i_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o yea_o lord_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o feed_v my_o sheep_n he_o say_v unto_o he_o the_o three_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o ionas_n love_v thou_o i_o peter_n be_v grieve_v because_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o the_o three_o time_n love_v thou_o i_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_z thou_o know_v all_o thing_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o love_v thou_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o feed_v my_o sheep_n you_o see_v it_o be_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n and_o who_o own_o they_o be_v that_o speak_v these_o word_n with_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o leave_v this_o thrice_o inculcate_v charge_n with_o his_o disciple_n peter_n unto_o who_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o direct_v his_o speech_n not_o as_o princeps_fw-la but_o as_o place_n as_o this_o notion_n will_v need_v a_o little_a explication_n in_o a_o more_o proper_a place_n primus_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la and_o with_o who_o all_o the_o other_o not_o only_o of_o his_o then_o present_a brethren_n but_o of_o all_o their_o future_a successor_n in_o the_o same_o office_n be_v include_v and_o this_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o grave_a wherein_o he_o have_v pay_v the_o full_a price_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o have_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n have_v victorious_o triumph_v over_o his_o and_o their_o last_o enemy_n death_n and_o be_v now_o about_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o go_v to_o the_o father_n and_o know_v that_o he_o must_v leave_v his_o poor_a flock_n who_o he_o have_v purchase_v at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o wolf_n and_o wild_a beast_n of_o this_o wilderness_n he_o thus_o charge_v his_o servant_n concern_v they_o unto_o who_o he_o commit_v the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o they_o feed_v my_o lamb_n feed_v my_o sheep_n and_o lest_o this_o shall_v be_v too_o little_a he_o strengthen_v his_o charge_n with_o the_o most_o oblige_a argument_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v urge_v love_v thou_o i_o and_o this_o three_o time_n repeat_v which_o argue_v a_o extraordinary_a earnestness_n and_o particular_a emphasis_n that_o he_o will_v put_v upon_o it_o there_o be_v some_o that_o think_v this_o be_v three_o time_n repeat_v in_o personal_a reflection_n on_o peter_n for_o his_o thrice_o deny_v he_o and_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v something_o in_o that_o but_o what_o be_v say_v to_o peter_n be_v say_v to_o all_o the_o rest_n both_o they_o and_o we_o and_o his_o thrice_o repeat_v it_o be_v but_o to_o let_v we_o know_v how_o dear_a his_o little_a flock_n be_v to_o he_o what_o jealousy_n he_o have_v for_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v neglect_v and_o what_o a_o account_n he_o will_v require_v of_o we_o concern_v they_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o account_n and_o here_o if_o i_o may_v not_o be_v think_v too_o curious_o to_o criticise_v upon_o the_o text_n i_o will_v observe_v these_o two_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o order_n of_o the_o charge_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o charge_n 1._o the_o order_n we_o see_v the_o lamb_n be_v first_o mention_v than_o the_o sheep_n though_o these_o name_n be_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n promiscuous_o use_v yet_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n though_o not_o of_o kind_a yet_o of_o age_n at_o least_o and_o the_o term_n be_v not_o convertible_a though_o all_o lamb_n be_v sheep_n all_o sheep_n be_v not_o proper_o call_v lamb_n and_o where_o we_o find_v both_o word_n use_v as_o in_o the_o text_n it_o plain_o intimate_v a_o distribution_n of_o the_o flock_n into_o these_o two_o constitute_a part_n of_o it_o by_o the_o lamb_n here_o i_o understand_v only_o what_o the_o plain_a use_n of_o the_o metaphor_n direct_v to_o viz._n the_o young_a sort_n younger_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o year_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o grace_n and_o why_o be_v these_o first_o mention_v some_o use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o though_o not_o that_o use_n which_o bellarmine_n foolish_o and_o false_o suggest_v but_o they_o may_v be_v first_o name_v in_o our_o lord_n charge_n to_o we_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v the_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o do_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o tender_a care_n and_o inspection_n they_o
that_o be_v between_o they_o and_o now_o sir_n you_o see_v here_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o a_o much_o large_a discourse_n than_o time_n or_o strength_n will_v at_o present_a bear_n i_o shall_v contract_v myself_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o circle_n as_o i_o be_o able_a that_o i_o may_v not_o too_o far_o transgress_v the_o bound_n assign_v i_o cap._n ii_o the_o doctrinal_a proposition_n state_v and_o clear_v this_o practical_a text_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o pregnant_a of_o practical_a doctrine_n which_o may_v be_v distribute_v into_o several_a branch_n but_o he_o that_o study_v brevity_n must_v avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a division_n i_o shall_v offer_v but_o these_o three_o proposition_n i._o that_o believer_n be_v christ_n own_o mystical_a flock_n and_o he_o their_o great_a shepherd_n prop._n ii_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v they_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o his_o mystical_a flock_n prop._n iii_o that_o a_o minister_n want_v of_o care_n and_o concern_v for_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o indication_n of_o the_o want_n of_o love_n to_o christ_n himself_o either_o of_o these_o single_o will_v fill_v up_o more_o time_n than_o be_v allot_v i_o for_o this_o action_n the_o second_o proposition_n be_v that_o wherein_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o text_n seem_v to_o run_v and_o unto_o which_o both_o the_o other_o will_n without_o force_v come_v in_o to_o its_o improvement_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o for_o the_o basis_n and_o bind_v of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v they_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o rule_n of_o his_o mystical_a flock_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o truth_n i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v these_o four_o question_n 1._o what_o this_o flock_n be_v concern_v which_o this_o charge_n be_v give_v or_o who_o they_o be_v who_o our_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v by_o his_o lamb_n and_o his_o sheep_n 2._o why_o these_o name_n of_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n be_v give_v they_o 3._o who_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v with_o who_o this_o charge_n be_v leave_v 4._o 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 they_o and_o then_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o some_o useful_a inference_n both_o to_o minister_n and_o people_n quest_n 1._o what_o this_o flock_n be_v concern_v which_o this_o charge_n be_v give_v or_o who_o our_o lord_n will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v by_o his_o lamb_n and_o his_o sheep_n sol._n the_o question_n need_v not_o many_o word_n the_o general_a sense_n of_o this_o common_a scriptural_a metaphor_n be_v obvious_a but_o that_o which_o make_v the_o question_n be_v that_o distinguish_v if_o it_o be_v here_o a_o distinguish_a relative_n my_o sheep_n mat._n 25.32_o 33._o we_o have_v there_o all_o the_o world_n divide_v into_o two_o sort_n sheep_n and_o goat_n i._n e._n believer_n and_o unbeliever_n wherefore_o by_o sheep_n in_o that_o scripture_n and_o with_o who_o the_o lamb_n be_v also_o include_v be_v oppose_v to_o the_o goat_n we_o may_v understand_v no_o other_o than_o true_a believer_n the_o sound_n and_o sincere_a part_n of_o professor_n which_o be_v no_o large_a than_o the_o church_n invisible_a these_o indeed_o be_v his_o sheep_n in_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a sense_n but_o that_o the_o word_n in_o the_o text_n must_v not_o be_v so_o restrain_v be_v certain_a because_o our_o commission_n will_v then_o be_v unintelligible_a and_o lose_v its_o end_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v assure_v who_o be_v the_o sheep_n and_o who_o the_o goat_n till_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n determine_v and_o reveal_v it_o who_o then_o be_v my_o lamb_n and_o my_o sheep_n if_o i_o may_v expound_v my_o text_n by_o that_o of_o matth._n 28.19_o the_o question_n will_v well-nigh_o be_v answer_v go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n that_o teach_v here_o be_v the_o same_o with_o feed_v in_o the_o text_n i_o suppose_v will_v be_v grant_v all_o nation_n i._n e._n those_o of_o all_o and_o of_o any_o nation_n that_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o be_v teach_v by_o you_o and_o that_o all_o nation_n be_v his_o both_o as_o creator_n and_o redeemer_n i_o hope_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o then_o how_o be_v all_o nation_n call_v his_o sheep_n and_o his_o lamb_n i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o all_o nation_n be_v those_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o will_v receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o which_o sort_n christ_n have_v have_v some_o in_o all_o nation_n beside_o many_o of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o actual_o his_o sheep_n be_v potential_o and_o elective_o so_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o command_n seem_v to_o run_v thus_o feed_v all_o those_o both_o young_a and_o old_a that_o will_v be_v feed_v by_o you_o of_o what_o nation_n or_o country_n or_o place_v soever_o they_o be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v not_o yet_o actual_o my_o sheep_n may_v be_v make_v so_o and_o then_o care_v and_o provide_v for_o as_o such_o this_o be_v the_o general_n call_v of_o the_o gospel_n if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n joh._n 7.37_o and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o joh._n 6.37_o all_o that_o will_n may_v and_o must_v be_v feed_v but_o yet_o not_o all_o alike_o as_o there_o be_v babe_n and_o strong_a man_n in_o god_n house_n so_o there_o be_v milk_n and_o strong_a meat_n that_o which_o will_v cherish_v one_o will_v choke_v another_o all_o ordinance_n may_v not_o be_v indifferent_o administer_v unto_o all_o in_o the_o old_a temple_n there_o be_v the_o inner_a and_o the_o outer_a court_n so_o there_o be_v in_o the_o new_a but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n may_v be_v recognise_v in_o a_o more_o proper_a place_n this_o little_a may_v now_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v say_v on_o this_o first_o question_n quest_n 2._o why_o be_v these_o name_n of_o lamb_n and_o sheep_n give_v they_o sol._n we_o find_v it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n delight_v much_o in_o be_v it_o expedient_a it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o illustrate_v the_o analogy_n in_o many_o particular_n but_o that_o it_o become_v not_o the_o present_a occasion_n i_o shall_v but_o suggest_v these_o two_o general_a reason_n 1._o to_o mind_v we_o what_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o 2._o to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v 1._o to_o mind_v we_o what_o we_o be_v of_o ourselves_o the_o sheep_n as_o one_o observe_v be_v of_o all_o cattle_n the_o most_o silly_a sacr._n franz_n histor_n animal_n sacr._n fearful_a weak_a and_o unprovided_a for_o self-defence_n none_o so_o subject_a to_o disease_n and_o to_o be_v infect_v of_o one_o another_o nor_o any_o other_o creature_n more_o apt_a to_o go_v astray_o or_o so_o unapt_a to_o return_v without_o the_o help_n and_o care_n of_o the_o shepherd_n no_o other_o kind_n of_o perfect_a animal_n so_o unable_a to_o subsist_v and_o to_o preserve_v its_o species_n in_o the_o earth_n without_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o man_n as_o be_v the_o poor_a sheep_n therefore_o no_o other_o metaphor_n more_o proper_a to_o express_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o without_o the_o wisdom_n power_n providence_n faithfulness_n love_n and_o all-sufficiency_n of_o our_o heavenly_a shepherd_n the_o lord_z jesus_n christ_n must_v inevitable_o and_o eternal_o perish_v 2._o it_o be_v to_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o sheep_n you_o know_v be_v that_o creature_n which_o be_v of_o old_a in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n dedicate_v to_o god_n and_o offer_v to_o he_o in_o sacrifice_n and_o make_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n our_o great_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n the_o first_o offer_v to_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o find_v honour_v with_o his_o acceptance_n be_v that_o of_o abel_n of_o the_o firstling_n of_o his_o flock_n gen._n 4.4_o beside_o the_o sheep_n be_v a_o creature_n not_o only_o ceremonial_o clean_a but_o be_v natural_o cleanly_a and_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o mire_n and_o dirt_n as_o the_o sow_n it_o be_v a_o meek_a innocent_a patient_a creature_n and_o use_v as_o a_o common_a emblem_n of_o patience_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o profitable_a of_o cattle_n of_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a they_o have_v a_o natural_a instinct_n of_o vehement_a love_n and_o regard_v for_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 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cap._n vi_o a_o few_o word_n of_o counsel_n and_o encouragement_n to_o the_o lamb_n the_o young_a sort_n i_o be_o now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o present_a task_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o our_o lord_n have_v set_v we_o and_o 1._o will_v begin_v as_o he_o himself_o have_v teach_v i_o with_o the_o lamb_n and_o o_o that_o i_o can_v now_o pour_v out_o my_o soul_n into_o their_o bosom_n and_o offer_v something_o that_o may_v awaken_v and_o engage_v their_o chaste_a affection_n to_o a_o early_a and_o serious_a mind_v of_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o own_o soul_n i_o be_o not_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o through_o want_n of_o year_n be_v uncapable_a but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v the_o word_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n from_o the_o pulpit_n or_o the_o press_n my_o dear_a lamb_n you_o see_v what_o care_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v take_v of_o you_o 1._o he_o call_v you_o his_o what_o a_o honour_n what_o a_o happiness_n be_v this_o if_o you_o be_v he_o he_o will_v be_v you_o you_o to_o all_o gracious_a end_n and_o purpose_n you_o to_o love_v you_o you_o to_o provide_v for_o you_o you_o to_o protect_v you_o you_o to_o bless_v to_o guide_v to_o instruct_v to_o own_o to_o sanctify_v to_o save_v you_o he_o will_v be_v a_o friend_n a_o father_n a_o husband_n a_o all_o and_o better_a than_o all_o to_o you_o let_v who_o will_v forsake_v you_o your_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a he_o will_v never_o forsake_v you_o yea_o when_o all_o other_o forsake_v then_o will_v he_o be_v every_o way_n best_a to_o you_o you_o shall_v never_o want_v a_o friend_n while_o you_o have_v a_o friend_n in_o heaven_n but_o remember_v you_o can_v be_v so_o his_o nor_o he_o you_o without_o your_o voluntary_a hearty_a unreserved_a self-dedication_n to_o he_o he_o will_v not_o be_v you_o without_o your_o deliberate_a choice_n and_o free_a and_o full_a consent_n if_o he_o be_v you_o it_o must_v be_v by_o covenant_n and_o by_o 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one_o i_o remember_v thou_o the_o kindness_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o love_n of_o thy_o espousal_n jer._n 2.2_o sir_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o your_o visitation_n behold_v now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tempus_fw-la complacentiae_fw-la &_o gratuitae_fw-la receptionis_fw-la behold_v now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v your_o season_n the_o day_n of_o god_n special_a grace_n which_o be_v true_a not_o only_o of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n but_o especial_o of_o the_o day_n of_o youth_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o your_o great_a advantage_n on_o very_a many_o account_n now_o be_v your_o time_n to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o your_o future_a eternal_a happiness_n if_o you_o lose_v this_o season_n you_o be_v for_o ought_v you_o know_v lose_v for_o ever_o if_o you_o now_o be_v before_o hand_n with_o the_o tempter_n you_o will_v the_o more_o easy_o have_v he_o under_o your_o foot_n as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v i_o 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