arbitration_n may_v compose_v and_o end_v the_o difference_n against_o this_o conceit_n i_o bring_v these_o reason_n 1._o this_o company_n be_v to_o be_v call_v together_o by_o the_o offend_a party_n for_o the_o text_n carry_v the_o whole_a manage_n of_o the_o business_n to_o be_v by_o he_o and_o it_o be_v very_o like_o the_o stubborn_a offender_n will_v not_o be_v active_a in_o this_o now_o be_v this_o a_o way_n that_o our_o lord_n will_v prescribe_v for_o take_v away_o the_o distemper_n of_o a_o gall_a mind_n that_o his_o adversary_n so_o the_o stubborn_a offender_n look_v upon_o the_o other_o shall_v choose_v the_o person_n before_o who_o he_o be_v to_o be_v convent_v and_o who_o shall_v judge_n he_o this_o i_o can_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v except_o i_o see_v more_o proof_n of_o it_o than_o our_o author_n be_v bare_a say_n it_o be_v so_o 2._o we_o must_v conceive_v that_o these_o three_o step_n of_o proceed_v here_o prescribe_v have_v some_o notable_a difference_n one_o from_o another_o and_o be_v remedy_n of_o different_a virtue_n and_o operation_n apply_v to_o this_o stubborn_a disease_n now_o the_o first_o step_n be_v secret_a admonition_n the_o second_o be_v private_a and_o charitable_a not_o judicial_a the_o three_o than_o must_v be_v different_a from_o both_o which_o i_o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o authoritative_a in_o this_o author_n opinion_n it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o when_o two_o or_o three_o friend_n can_v accommodate_v the_o matter_n then_o take_v a_o few_o more_o have_v no_o more_o but_o the_o same_o power_n the_o former_a two_o or_o three_o have_v now_o what_o great_a influence_n can_v 5_o or_o 6_o or_o 10_o have_v to_o persuade_v a_o stiff_a offender_n more_o than_o 2_o or_o or_o 3_o use_v the_o same_o motive_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o difference_n can_v be_v such_o as_o christ_n intend_v when_o he_o prescribe_v this_o as_o a_o remedy_n of_o that_o evil_a the_o other_o can_v not_o cure_v 3._o when_o christ_n be_v here_o prescribe_v a_o cure_n for_o offence_n which_o may_v fall_v out_o among_o his_o people_n and_o be_v so_o exact_a in_o describe_v all_o the_o step_n of_o it_o and_o final_a result_n thereof_o we_o must_v conceive_v that_o his_o last_o cure_n will_v be_v such_o as_o will_v effectual_o root_v out_o that_o evil_a so_o as_o that_o it_o do_v not_o any_o more_o hurt_v his_o church_n or_o those_o who_o be_v harm_v by_o it_o now_o if_o the_o last_o mean_v be_v only_a arbitration_n and_o no_o juridical_a authoritative_a act_n this_o end_n can_v never_o be_v attain_v for_o neither_o be_v the_o stubborn_a offender_n gain_v nor_o be_v he_o take_v away_o that_o he_o may_v not_o the_o same_o way_n trouble_v the_o other_o party_n as_o before_o what_o great_a matter_n be_v gain_v if_o the_o wilful_a party_n will_v not_o hear_v this_o advise_v church_n our_o author_n dream_v of_o he_o be_v still_o a_o church-member_n enjoy_v the_o public_a fellowship_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o these_o arbitrator_n can_v do_v and_o suppose_v some_o do_v withdraw_v private_a intimacy_n with_o they_o yet_o we_o can_v think_v that_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o it_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o private_a arbitrator_n declare_v he_o stubborn_a when_o all_o do_v not_o know_v the_o cause_n which_o make_v they_o so_o determine_v nor_o the_o proof_n that_o do_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v allege_v against_o he_o it_o be_v then_o evident_a that_o this_o last_o remedy_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n be_v what_o it_o will_v of_o a_o stubborn_a offender_n which_o christ_n here_o prescribe_v be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n here_o be_v no_o company_n of_o private_a man_n for_o arbitration_n 4._o though_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v any_o company_n call_v together_o yet_o here_o it_o must_v be_v of_o more_o restricted_a signification_n and_o must_v needs_o signify_v a_o company_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o gospel_n to_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o manage_n of_o his_o affair_n and_o institution_n which_o be_v not_o applicable_a to_o a_o company_n of_o arbitrator_n call_v by_o a_o man_n not_o by_o the_o gospel_n to_o agree_v contend_v party_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o duty_n common_a to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o none_o of_o the_o special_a work_n of_o the_o church_n as_o distinguish_v from_o other_o society_n now_o that_o the_o word_n church_n must_v be_v thus_o understand_v and_o not_o as_o mr._n still_v will_v have_v it_o i_o prove_v 2_o dly_a it_o be_v constant_o so_o use_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o holy_a scripture_n neither_o can_v a_o instance_n be_v bring_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o any_o ever_o put_v ecclesia_fw-la for_o a_o company_n meet_v about_o any_o business_n save_v that_o the_o town-clerk_n of_o ephesus_n use_v it_o otherwise_o act_v 19.39_o and_o luke_n speak_v of_o he_o in_o his_o own_o dialect_n use_v it_o as_o he_o do_v ver_fw-la 40._o but_o when_o christ_n here_o speak_v of_o a_o church_n to_o which_o he_o send_v his_o offend_a people_n by_o a_o stand_a law_n for_o the_o redress_n of_o their_o grievance_n we_o must_v certain_o conceive_v that_o he_o will_v have_v they_o by_o the_o church_n to_o understand_v that_o which_o be_v ordinary_o know_v by_o that_o name_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o how_o shall_v they_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o ambiguous_a word_n but_o by_o the_o constant_a use_n of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o the_o demonstrative_a article_n add_v in_o the_o greek_a put_v the_o matter_n beyond_o all_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v a_o particular_o design_v church_n which_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v say_v have_v point_v out_o unto_o they_o not_o any_o church_n this_o or_o that_o a_fw-mi individuum_fw-la vagum_fw-la or_o such_o a_o church_n as_o themselves_o may_v particularize_v or_o pitch_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o asleep_o church_n but_o the_o church_n now_o a_o company_n of_o arbitrator_n choose_v ad_fw-la libitum_fw-la by_o the_o grieve_a party_n be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n particular_o as_o individuum_fw-la determinatum_fw-la design_v by_o christ_n they_o be_v at_o best_a but_o asleep_o church_n and_o shall_v be_v here_o design_v only_o confusè_fw-la or_o vage_fw-la huic_fw-la aut_fw-la illi_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la which_o the_o word_n can_v bear_v now_o if_o we_o take_v it_o for_o a_o ruling-church_n or_o whatever_o church_n in_o scripture-sense_n it_o be_v here_o determine_v what_o church_n we_o shall_v bring_v the_o matter_n to_o viz._n that_o particular_a church_n we_o live_v in_o at_o least_o in_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la and_o it_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o our_o liberty_n to_o choose_v what_o church_n of_o many_o particular_n we_o will_v complain_v unto_o or_o if_o we_o take_v the_o article_n here_o prefix_v to_o denote_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o that_o church_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o to_o determine_v the_o word_n to_o its_o famostus_fw-la significatum_fw-la it_o have_v the_o same_o strength_n of_o a_o argument_n for_o not_o a_o company_n of_o private_a arbitrator_n but_o christian_n or_o their_o representative_n meet_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o house_n be_v that_o church_n sect._n 6._o i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v what_o mr._n still_v have_v to_o say_v against_o this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o place_n or_o for_o that_o which_o himself_o have_v devise_v p._n 222._o he_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o offence_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o any_o scandal_n or_o sin_n against_o god_n but_o a_o private_a injury_n his_o argument_n be_v 1._o from_o the_o parallel_n place_n luke_n 17.3_o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o rebuke_v he_o and_o if_o he_o repent_v forgive_v he_o this_o be_v private_a injury_n because_o a_o private_a brother_n may_v forgive_v it_o which_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n be_v it_o a_o scandal_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n unless_o we_o make_v every_o private_a person_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o release_v one_o another_o answ_n that_o luke_n 17.3_o 4._o be_v parallel_n to_o matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o i_o do_v not_o question_v and_o indeed_o all_o the_o commentator_n that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o make_v they_o relate_v to_o the_o same_o passage_n of_o christ_n preach_n but_o this_o if_o we_o may_v lay_v any_o weight_n on_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n do_v make_v much_o against_o mr._n still_o for_o he_o understand_v matth._n 18._o not_o of_o scandal_n but_o of_o the_o bare_a injury_n so_o then_o must_v this_o place_n also_o but_o the_o text_n and_o context_n both_o do_v make_v it_o evident_a as_o i_o conceive_v that_o
much_o certainty_n as_o amount_v to_o plerophory_n and_o do_v dispel_v all_o degree_n of_o darkness_n and_o doubt_v this_o we_o assert_v not_o that_o every_o one_o may_v attain_v such_o be_v the_o darkness_n of_o man_n mind_n neither_o be_v it_o needful_a to_o this_o that_o we_o look_v upon_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v as_o be_v juris_fw-la divini_fw-la if_o we_o mean_v so_o much_o certainty_n as_o do_v incline_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o one_o part_n and_o not_o leave_v it_o in_o suspense_n we_o assert_v that_o this_o may_v be_v attain_v in_o reference_n to_o what_o be_v in_o question_n 2._o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n be_v very_o obscure_o if_o not_o fraudulent_o express_v by_o these_o word_n what_o course_n the_o apostle_n take_v in_o govern_v church_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o we_o can_v know_v every_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v in_o this_o for_o many_o particular_n be_v comprehend_v in_o this_o general_a expression_n but_o whether_o we_o can_v know_v if_o the_o settle_a presbyter_n act_v in_o parity_n or_o bishop_n act_v with_o authority_n over_o presbyter_n as_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o fair_a deal_n to_o imply_v as_o this_o proposition_n do_v that_o we_o infer_v the_o only_a divine_a right_n of_o one_o form_n from_o bare_a apostolical_a practice_n he_o know_v that_o we_o walk_v upon_o other_o ground_n viz._n we_o take_v christ_n command_n of_o imitate_v the_o apostle_n the_o parity_n between_o our_o case_n and_o they_o which_o may_v make_v the_o morality_n of_o our_o practice_n to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o they_o 4._o it_o be_v not_o the_o one_o form_n which_o several_a party_n imagine_v to_o come_v near_o to_o apostolical_a practice_n but_o that_o which_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o it_o we_o plead_v for_o it_o be_v not_o man_n imagination_n but_o scriptural_a ground_n which_o we_o establish_v that_o correspondency_n upon_o we_o be_v assert_v between_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o what_o we_o will_v have_v to_o be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n the_o antithesis_fw-la then_o which_o we_o maintain_v against_o this_o his_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o search_v the_o scripture_n may_v come_v to_o be_v satisfy_v on_o good_a ground_n whether_o the_o apostle_n in_o plant_v church_n do_v settle_v presbyter_n act_v in_o parity_n or_o bishop_n rule_v over_o presbyter_n as_o their_o ordinary_a officer_n so_o as_o they_o may_v consider_v the_o duty_n lay_v on_o we_o to_o follow_v they_o and_o the_o parity_n of_o our_o case_n with_o they_o infer_v the_o divine_a right_n of_o that_o one_o form_n of_o these_o two_o which_o be_v use_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o our_o antithesis_fw-la i_o refer_v to_o the_o consideration_n lay_v down_o p._n 184_o 185._o about_o the_o perfection_n of_o scripture-history_n and_o its_o design_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o this_o point_n which_o do_v so_o far_o prevail_v with_o i_o that_o i_o look_v upon_o the_o author_n proposition_n as_o such_o a_o reflection_n on_o scripture_n that_o any_o but_o a_o papist_n may_v be_v ashamed_a of_o to_o this_o i_o add_v that_o the_o argument_n bring_v for_o presbyterial_a government_n by_o the_o assertor_n of_o it_o do_v evident_o destroy_v the_o author_n proposition_n and_o do_v establish_v our_o antithesis_fw-la which_o see_v he_o do_v not_o intend_v nor_o endeavour_n to_o answer_v we_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o our_o antithesis_fw-la shall_v be_v to_o take_v off_o the_o argument_n that_o he_o have_v bring_v for_o his_o proposition_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o sect._n 11._o his_o first_o argument_n be_v p._n 287._o from_o the_o equivalency_n of_o the_o name_n and_o doubtfulness_n of_o their_o signification_n from_o which_o the_o form_n of_o government_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v be_v determine_v he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v hot_o plead_v on_o both_o side_n that_o the_o form_n of_o government_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o name_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o determination_n what_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o these_o name_n be_v in_o scripture_n he_o make_v out_o the_o uncertainty_n by_o lay_v down_o four_o opinion_n about_o the_o signification_n of_o these_o name_n and_o from_o this_o variety_n of_o interpretation_n infer_v that_o we_o can_v know_v what_o sense_n they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o ans_fw-fr 1._o when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v plead_v on_o both_o side_n that_o the_o form_n of_o government_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o name_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n this_o be_v a_o misrepresentation_n for_o 1._o there_o be_v argument_n from_o which_o it_o may_v well_o be_v derive_v though_o these_o name_n shall_v never_o be_v mention_v 2._o when_o we_o dispute_v from_o these_o name_n it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o bare_a force_n of_o the_o word_n but_o from_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v often_o apply_v these_o name_n to_o the_o same_o thing_n never_o to_o divers_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o assert_v the_o difference_n of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n this_o be_v a_o sure_a argument_n than_o what_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o importance_n of_o name_n answ_n 2._o it_o be_v most_o false_a and_o injurious_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o his_o word_n to_o say_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o certain_a sense_n of_o these_o name_n in_o scripture_n we_o must_v then_o say_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v that_o which_o can_v be_v understand_v if_o he_o use_v name_n and_o word_n to_o express_v some_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o when_o we_o hear_v of_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n either_o we_o must_v say_v that_o these_o word_n signify_v nothing_o or_o that_o they_o mean_v somewhat_o but_o no_o man_n can_v know_v what_o it_o be_v or_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o the_o former_a two_o be_v foul_a reflection_n on_o the_o author_n of_o holy_a scripture_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o reflection_n on_o a_o man_n to_o speak_v or_o write_v in_o a_o book_n design_v for_o instruction_n that_o which_o either_o have_v no_o meaning_n or_o such_o as_o can_v be_v know_v the_o 3d_o contradict_v our_o author_n assertion_n his_o proof_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o signification_n of_o these_o name_n we_o have_v meet_v with_o before_o in_o the_o like_a case_n it_o be_v a_o most_o unhappy_a and_o inconsequential_a reason_n man_n have_v divers_a way_n understand_v these_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ergo_fw-la they_o can_v be_v understand_v at_o all_o they_o must_v have_v a_o meaning_n and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o search_v it_o out_o however_o man_n differ_v about_o it_o there_o be_v better_a reason_n bring_v by_o presbyterian_o to_o prove_v that_o these_o two_o name_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o this_o author_n to_o answer_v and_o not_o to_o shift_v the_o matter_n with_o say_v that_o other_o man_n think_v otherwise_o i_o shall_v give_v but_o this_o instance_n or_o hint_n which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n in_o scripture_n tit._n 2._o the_o apostle_n leave_v in_o crete_n titus_n to_o ordain_v elder_n or_o presbyter_n verse_n 5._o and_o tell_v he_o how_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v verse_n 6_o and_o give_v this_o reason_n why_o they_o must_v have_v such_o qualification_n verse_n 7._o for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a if_o a_o bishop_n be_v another_o thing_n than_o a_o presbyter_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v this_o reason_n here_o bring_v ergo_fw-la they_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o if_o any_o affirm_v that_o these_o word_n signify_v different_a thing_n in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n let_v he_o prove_v it_o and_o we_o shall_v yield_v the_o cause_n i_o may_v also_o show_v that_o the_o same_o office_n and_o work_n be_v every_o where_o in_o scripture_n lay_v on_o both_o these_o and_o that_o never_o any_o thing_n be_v give_v to_o the_o one_o but_o what_o be_v give_v to_o the_o other_o but_o this_o have_v be_v do_v and_o other_o argument_n manage_v full_o by_o our_o writer_n against_o episcopacy_n neither_o have_v mr._n still_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o answer_v they_o though_o destroy_v this_o his_o assertion_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v supersede_n this_o labour_n for_o the_o name_n of_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n the_o argument_n bring_v from_o it_o be_v not_o we_o but_o our_o opposite_n sect._n 12._o his_o 2d_o argument_n for_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n p._n 290._o
scripture_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n then_o common_a be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o christ_n have_v make_v this_o sense_n common_a among_o they_o neither_o must_v we_o understand_v the_o word_n as_o it_o be_v then_o common_o apprehend_v among_o the_o jew_n but_o as_o it_o be_v apprehend_v among_o christ_n ordinary_a hearer_n who_o be_v in_o expectation_n of_o another_o church_n and_o another_o way_n of_o government_n in_o it_o to_o be_v set_v up_o than_o be_v then_o among_o the_o jew_n i_o find_v no_o more_o in_o the_o author_n that_o be_v argumentative_a either_o against_o our_o opinion_n of_o this_o text_n or_o for_o his_o own_o he_o conclude_v p._n 228._o that_o this_o place_n though_o it_o speak_v not_o of_o church-government_n yet_o it_o may_v have_v some_o influence_n on_o it_o by_o way_n of_o analogy_n viz._n in_o prove_v 1._o gradual_a appeal_n 2._o church-censure_n 3._o the_o lawfulness_n of_o excommunication_n this_o he_o yield_v at_o least_o that_o something_o of_o church-government_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o this_o place_n then_o ex_fw-la concessis_fw-la it_o be_v not_o so_o impertinent_a to_o this_o purpose_n as_o he_o will_v have_v make_v we_o believe_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n sect._n 8._o but_o let_v we_o see_v if_o we_o can_v draw_v any_o more_o out_o of_o it_o than_o he_o will_v yield_v we_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v direct_o mean_v of_o church-government_n and_o to_o give_v rule_n for_o the_o right_a manage_n of_o it_o now_o i_o assert_v that_o it_o do_v implicit_o determine_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n viz._n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v by_o parity_n not_o episcopacy_n which_o i_o thus_o make_v out_o the_o first_o authority_n before_o which_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o grieve_a party_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v be_v the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v also_o the_o last_o but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v ergo_fw-la the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o bishop_n the_o major_n be_v clear_a for_o after_o secret_a and_o private_a admonition_n which_o be_v not_o authoritative_a immediate_o succee_v tell_v the_o church_n sure_o this_o church_n must_v be_v that_o authority_n which_o we_o must_v go_v to_o prima_fw-la instantia_fw-la and_o also_o that_o which_o must_v final_o decide_v the_o matter_n see_v excommunication_n do_v immediate_o follow_v upon_o disoblige_v this_o authority_n the_o minor_a i_o prove_v thus_o in_o the_o episcopal_a way_n the_o complaint_n must_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n or_o to_o his_o delegate_n or_o delegate_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o authority_n and_o he_o must_v be_v the_o last_o that_o must_v determine_v and_o on_o disobedience_n to_o he_o follow_v excommunication_n but_o the_o bishop_n be_v not_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o the_o episcopal_a way_n complaint_n can_v be_v make_v to_o the_o church_n nor_o do_v the_o church_n final_o decide_v the_o matter_n the_o minor_a of_o this_o last_o syllogism_n be_v evident_a for_o neither_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o scripture-use_a will_v bear_v that_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o episcopacy_n be_v so_o model_v as_o the_o bishop_n with_o the_o presbyter_n may_v judge_n of_o the_o offence_n and_o they_o may_v well_o be_v call_v the_o church_n answ_n in_o that_o case_n either_o the_o presbyter_n have_v a_o decisive_a vote_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bishop_n or_o they_o be_v only_o his_o adviser_n in_o the_o first_o case_n the_o bishop_n be_v only_o a_o praeses_fw-la which_o be_v not_o that_o episcopacy_n plead_v against_o though_o we_o judge_v it_o inconvenient_a in_o the_o 2d_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o only_a power_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o such_o church_n as_o here_o mean_v for_o the_o church_n here_o be_v a_o church_n clothe_v with_o authority_n who_o the_o party_n ought_v to_o hear_v i._n e._n obey_v and_o for_o contumacy_n against_o which_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o counsel_n be_v not_o such_o a_o church_n for_o his_o counsel_n have_v no_o authority_n and_o himself_o can_v make_v a_o church_n and_o therefore_o both_o take_v together_o make_v no_o church_n have_v authority_n chap._n vi_o here_o mr._n still_v do_v undertake_v to_o lay_v aside_o apostolical_a practice_n from_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n what_o success_n he_o have_v in_o this_o attempt_n we_o now_o examine_v his_o two_o main_a scope_n in_o this_o chapter_n be_v that_o it_o can_v be_v know_v what_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o this_o and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v know_v it_o be_v no_o bind_v example_n to_o we_o which_o desperate_a assertion_n do_v not_o a_o little_a reflect_v upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o cast_v loose_a the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n the_o latter_a of_o they_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o before_o and_o purpose_n to_o examine_v what_o he_o say_v for_o it_o concern_v the_o former_a i_o shall_v premise_v but_o this_o to_o our_o try_v of_o his_o proof_n that_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n have_v write_v so_o much_o of_o their_o practice_n both_o historical_o and_o imply_v it_o in_o doctrinal_a assertion_n and_o precept_n if_o for_o all_o this_o we_o can_v know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o if_o it_o do_v not_o accuse_v the_o scripture-relation_n of_o thing_n of_o great_a imperfection_n i_o know_v nothing_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o scripture_n do_v purposely_o set_v down_o much_o of_o their_o practice_n both_o in_o preach_v administration_n of_o sacrament_n ordination_n of_o officer_n direct_v these_o officer_n in_o their_o behaviour_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n censure_n and_o other_o part_n of_o government_n if_o yet_o we_o can_v know_v by_o scripture_n what_o be_v their_o way_n in_o rule_v the_o account_n give_v of_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v very_o imperfect_a i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v impute_v to_o any_o writer_n of_o the_o history_n of_o a_o church_n if_o out_o of_o his_o history_n can_v not_o be_v gather_v what_o be_v the_o government_n of_o that_o church_n shall_v we_o then_o think_v that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n who_o have_v undertake_v to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o deficient_a especial_o many_o of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v add_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n out_o of_o which_o much_o may_v be_v gather_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v how_o he_o make_v out_o this_o his_o strange_a opinion_n i_o insist_v not_o on_o what_o he_o write_v of_o the_o apostle_n commission_n i_o confess_v the_o form_n of_o government_n be_v not_o express_v in_o it_o though_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o when_o christ_n charge_v they_o to_o tooth_n his_o people_n to_o observe_v all_o he_o command_v they_o matth._n 28.20_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v so_o great_a a_o matter_n as_o be_v the_o form_n of_o church-government_n to_o man_n will_n but_o that_o his_o institution_n shall_v be_v observe_v in_o this_o especial_o see_v he_o spend_v 40_o day_n with_o they_o before_o his_o ascension_n act_v 1.3_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o gospel-church_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o think_v that_o among_o all_o his_o instruction_n to_o they_o then_o he_o tell_v they_o nothing_o of_o his_o will_n about_o the_o way_n of_o govern_v his_o church_n neither_o do_v i_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o large_a discourse_n about_o the_o division_n of_o province_n among_o the_o apostle_n nor_o of_o his_o too_o true_a observation_n that_o look_v on_o ancient_a practice_n through_o the_o glass_n of_o our_o own_o custom_n have_v breed_v many_o mistake_n only_o i_o wonder_v at_o his_o bring_n that_o for_o a_o instance_n that_o lay-elders_a be_v prove_v from_o the_o name_n presbyter_n i_o believe_v there_o be_v never_o any_o that_o use_v such_o a_o argument_n see_v the_o name_n be_v common_a to_o they_o and_o preaching-elders_a he_o will_v find_v strong_a argument_n than_o this_o for_o that_o order_n of_o church-officer_n if_o he_o please_v to_o read_v the_o assertor_n of_o it_o sect._n 2._o for_o clear_v what_o be_v apostolical_a practice_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o foundation_n p._n 239_o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o form_n church_n do_v observe_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n about_o this_o notion_n he_o spend_v a_o huge_a deal_n of_o pain_n as_o if_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o cause_n lie_v here_o but_o to_o what_o purpose_v it_o be_v except_o to_o show_v his_o read_n and_o skill_n in_o antiquity_n i_o know_v not_o do_v it_o
the_o one_o as_o true_a and_o not_o to_o hang_v between_o two_o but_o i_o prove_v that_o these_o elder_n be_v the_o elder_n of_o ephesus_n not_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n 1._o which_o argument_n he_o mention_v but_o he_o answer_v not_o the_o article_n in_o the_o greek_a make_v it_o clear_a it_o be_v demonstratory_n do_v apply_v his_o speech_n to_o the_o church_n which_o he_o have_v mention_v in_o particular_a where_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v well_o be_v translate_v of_o that_o church_n it_o point_v out_o that_o church_n and_o no_o other_o it_o be_v a_o unheard_a of_o way_n of_o speak_v when_o a_o particular_a thing_n or_o person_n be_v mention_v and_o the_o demonstrative_a article_n join_v to_o it_o that_o that_o speech_n shall_v be_v understand_v of_o any_o other_o but_o that_o 2._o paul_n send_v to_o ephesus_n for_o these_o elder_n not_o through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o asia_n ergo._n they_o be_v at_o ephesus_z not_o in_o other_o church_n that_o he_o do_v not_o send_v through_o other_o place_n to_o gather_v they_o together_o be_v evident_a both_o because_o the_o text_n mention_v send_v to_o ephesus_n not_o other_o place_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o he_o send_v through_o all_o asia_n and_o mention_n be_v only_o make_v of_o send_v to_o one_o place_v not_o to_o any_o other_o also_o because_o paul_n be_v then_o in_o haste_n pass_v by_o they_o vers_n 16._o wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o like_a that_o he_o can_v stay_v for_o the_o convening_n of_o a_o synod_n of_o bishop_n from_o many_o remote_a part_n that_o which_o be_v allege_v by_o some_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n do_v reside_v at_o ephesus_n and_o thence_o be_v send_v for_o by_o paul_n be_v most_o absurd_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o non_fw-fr residence_n of_o fix_a officer_n do_v so_o soon_o creep_v into_o the_o church_n let_v we_o see_v any_o instance_n or_o warrant_n to_o think_v that_o any_o who_o have_v a_o fix_a charge_n do_v leave_v it_o long_o or_o often_o or_o at_o all_o but_o upon_o some_o weighty_a and_o extraordinary_a emergent_a 2._o what_o can_v be_v their_o business_n at_o ephesus_n their_o work_n lie_v elsewhere_o and_o there_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o except_v to_o meet_v and_o consult_v about_o matter_n of_o common_a concerment_n which_o will_v not_o infer_v ordinary_a residence_n there_o 3._o the_o work_n of_o these_o elder_n be_v particular_a inspection_n over_o their_o flock_n vers_fw-la 28._o over_o all_o the_o flock_n which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v if_o they_o reside_v at_o ephesus_n and_o have_v their_o charge_n lie_v up_o and_o down_o asia_n for_o that_o probability_n which_o he_o bring_v for_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o viz._n it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 18._o that_o he_o have_v be_v with_o they_o at_o all_o season_n but_o he_o be_v not_o all_o the_o time_n in_o ephesus_n but_o abroad_o in_o asia_n as_o act._n 19.10_o 22_o 26._o answ_n at_o all_o season_n must_v not_o be_v take_v in_o such_o rigour_n as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o stir_v a_o foot_n out_o of_o ephesus_n but_o that_o he_o have_v his_o residence_n and_o preach_v most_o there_o which_o be_v evident_a from_o act._n 19.1_o 9.10_o he_o dispute_v daily_o in_o the_o school_n of_o tyrannus_n this_o be_v at_o ephesus_n and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o continue_v 2_o year_n i._n e._n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o time_n he_o be_v there_o and_o yet_o may_v sometime_o preach_v elsewhere_o for_o the_o humane_a testimony_n he_o bring_v for_o either_o part_n i_o be_v then_o in_o the_o same_o balance_n with_o he_o and_o shall_v be_v content_a to_o lay_v no_o stress_n upon_o they_o as_o for_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o which_o be_v his_o other_o place_n we_o make_v no_o argument_n from_o it_o but_o maintain_v that_o it_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n let_v they_o who_o assert_v the_o contrary_n prove_v it_o his_o discourse_n p._n 293._o be_v a_o very_a unsavory_n compare_v of_o some_o philosophical_a problem_n which_o can_v well_o be_v determine_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v hesitate_n about_o they_o with_o point_n of_o truth_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o if_o we_o may_v also_o be_v sceptic_a in_o these_o but_o sure_a the_o comparison_n be_v miserable_o lame_a for_o 1._o these_o do_v not_o concern_v our_o faith_n or_o duty_n as_o these_o other_o do_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v much_o less_o hazard_n in_o scepticrsm_n about_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o 2._o even_o in_o those_o point_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o heaven_n the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n there_o be_v some_o truth_n in_o they_o though_o man_n through_o darkness_n can_v see_v it_o neither_o must_v we_o say_v that_o nothing_o there_o be_v because_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a to_o we_o in_o these_o thing_n or_o that_o man_n may_v impose_v on_o our_o belief_n what_o they_o please_v in_o they_o hence_o man_n be_v the_o more_o studious_a in_o search_v out_o these_o secret_n and_o give_v they_o not_o over_o as_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o objective_a truth_n but_o he_o deal_v worse_a with_o the_o thing_n of_o church-government_n he_o will_v have_v no_o objective_a truth_n in_o it_o and_o no_o duty_n to_o lie_v on_o we_o in_o search_v out_o the_o truth_n but_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v what_o man_n say_v of_o it_o for_o conclusion_n of_o what_o i_o will_v say_v to_o this_o ground_n of_o his_o scepticism_n about_o church-government_n i_o will_v but_o mention_v several_a scripture_n on_o which_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o be_v build_v viz._n that_o the_o apostolic_a form_n be_v parity_n which_o mr._n still_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o touch_v neither_o need_v i_o insist_v on_o they_o see_v argument_n from_o they_o be_v establish_v by_o our_o writer_n and_o not_o enervate_v by_o he_o one_o place_n be_v 1_o tim._n 4.14_o where_o tim._n be_v say_v to_o be_v ordain_v by_o a_o presbytery_n or_o company_n of_o elder_n join_v with_o paul_n in_o that_o action_n this_o can_v not_o have_v be_v if_o elder_n have_v not_o have_v a_o parity_n of_o power_n another_o be_v 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o where_o excommunication_n be_v transact_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o community_n not_o of_o a_o single_a person_n and_o so_o be_v the_o relax_n of_o that_o sentence_n 2_o cor._n 2.8.10_o also_o 1_o thess_n 5.12_o they_o who_o rule_v that_o church_n who_o be_v over_o they_o and_o must_v be_v obey_v be_v many_o not_o one_o person_n yea_o that_o work_n and_o the_o work_n of_o labour_v among_o the_o people_n and_o admonish_v they_o be_v make_v to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o the_o same_o person_n which_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o presbyter_n of_o that_o church_n do_v rule_v in_o common_a and_o not_o a_o bishop_n over_o they_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o prove_v also_o the_o same_o thing_n most_o clear_o other_o place_n may_v be_v bring_v but_o these_o instance_n may_v show_v that_o mr._n still_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o no_o place_n in_o scripture_n determine_v what_o be_v the_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o apostolic_a church_n do_v not_o touch_v the_o most_o considerable_a place_n common_o bring_v to_o that_o purpose_n but_o have_v mention_v a_o few_o and_o those_o which_o be_v least_o insist_v on_o by_o they_o who_o he_o oppose_v and_o even_o to_o they_o he_o have_v say_v nothing_o to_o scare_v any_o from_o use_v they_o as_o argument_n afterward_o his_o three_o argument_n for_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o primitive_a or_o apostolical_a form_n of_o government_n take_v from_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n be_v this_o i_o pass_v it_o because_o we_o have_v ground_n enough_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o from_o scripture_n and_o what_o he_o say_v prove_v no_o more_o but_o that_o antiquity_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o also_o because_o all_o or_o most_o that_o he_o there_o discourse_v prove_v that_o it_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o ancient_a record_n that_o episcopacy_n be_v the_o apostolical_a form_n which_o we_o willing_o yield_v sect._n 14._o i_o come_v then_o to_o his_o second_o proposition_n mention_v before_o which_o he_o lay_v down_o p._n 322._o thus_o that_o the_o apostle_n in_o probability_n do_v not_o observe_v any_o one_o fix_a course_n of_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o church_n but_o settle_v it_o according_a to_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o place_n and_o person_n which_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o this_o assertion_n he_o lay_v down_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la not_o as_o a_o foundation_n of_o his_o opinion_n but_o a_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o