the_o strong_a delusion_n that_o begin_v to_o abate_v shall_v expire_v they_o will_v easy_o see_v the_o direct_a opposition_n that_o be_v between_o these_o two_o head_n and_o two_o church_n namely_o christ_n and_o the_o pope_n the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o of_o rome_n i_o know_v well_o enough_o all_o the_o evasion_n and_o distinction_n that_o be_v invent_v to_o countenance_v this_o anti-christianism_a as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o double_a head_n one_o of_o internal_a influence_n of_o grace_n which_o christ_n be_v and_o the_o pope_n be_v not_o the_o other_o of_o rule_n and_o authority_n which_o the_o pope_n be_v but_o this_o also_o be_v twofold_a supreme_a and_o remote_a or_o immediate_a and_o subordinate_a the_o first_o be_v christ_n the_o latter_a be_v the_o pope_n and_o there_o be_v yet_o far_o a_o twofold_a head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o one_o invisible_a which_o be_v christ_n the_o other_o visible_a which_o be_v the_o pope_n not_o to_o insist_v on_o these_o gross_a and_o horrible_a figment_n of_o a_o twofold_a head_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o any_o sense_n which_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n foreign_a to_o antiquity_n whereof_o never_o one_o word_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o church_n for_o six_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n deform_v the_o beautiful_a spouse_n of_o christ_n into_o a_o monster_n we_o will_v allow_v at_o present_a that_o the_o pope_n be_v only_o the_o immediate_a visible_a subordinate_a head_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o authority_n to_o their_o church_n which_o be_v what_o they_o plead_v for_o then_o i_o say_v that_o the_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v the_o head_n be_v his_o body_n that_o it_o hold_v he_o as_o its_o head_n that_o it_o be_v compact_v together_o by_o the_o officer_n and_o order_n that_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o receive_v all_o their_o influence_n of_o church-power_n and_o order_n from_o he_o which_o though_o he_o communicate_v not_o by_o a_o internal_a influence_n of_o grace_n and_o gift_n alas_o poor_a wretch_n yet_o he_o do_v it_o by_o officer_n office_n order_n and_o law_n so_o give_v union_n and_o communion_n unto_o the_o whole_a body_n by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o every_o joint_n and_o part_n of_o the_o hierarchy_n under_o he_o for_o its_o union_n communion_n and_o edification_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o anti-christ_n and_o the_o anti-christian_n church-state_n as_o i_o shall_v be_v at_o any_o time_n ready_a to_o maintain_v let_v any_o man_n take_v a_o due_a prospect_n of_o this_o head_n and_o this_o body_n as_o relate_v and_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o own_o rule_n constitution_n and_o law_n act_v in_o worldly_a pomp_n splendour_n and_o power_n with_o horrid_a bloody_a cruelty_n against_o all_o that_o oppose_v it_o and_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o open_a view_n of_o all_o the_o scriptural_a lineament_n of_o the_o apostate_n anti-christian_n state_n of_o the_o church_n i_o say_v again_o this_o assign_v of_o the_o original_n of_o all_o church_n order_n union_n and_o communion_n unto_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n invest_v he_o therewith_o as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n constitute_v he_o thereby_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n thereon_o his_o body_n as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o he_o be_v its_o head_n so_o as_o that_o from_o he_o all_o power_n of_o order_n and_o for_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n shall_v be_v derive_v return_v all_o in_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o do_v set_v up_o a_o visible_a conspicuous_a anti-christian_n church_n state_n in_o opposition_n unto_o christ_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o with_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o deal_v not_o at_o present_a there_o be_v a_o pretence_n unto_o a_o â—nion_n of_o church_n not_o derive_v from_o the_o papal_a headship_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o the_o canonical_a subjection_n of_o particular_a church_n unto_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n and_o of_o such_o bishop_n to_o metropolitan_o which_o though_o the_o facto_fw-la it_o be_v at_o present_a terminate_v and_o state_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o nation_n yet_o de_fw-fr jure_v it_o aught_o to_o be_v extend_v unto_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n according_a unto_o this_o principle_n the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n consist_v in_o that_o order_n whereby_o particular_a church_n be_v distribute_v into_o deanery_n archdeaconries_a exempt_a peculiar_o under_o official_o diocese_n province_n under_o metropolitan_o and_o so_o by_o or_o without_o patriarch_n to_o avoid_v the_o rock_n of_o the_o papacy_n issue_v in_o a_o general-council_n as_o i_o suppose_v but_o 1._o to_o confine_v the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n hereunto_o be_v at_o present_a absolute_o destructive_a both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o communion_n for_o all_o particular_a church_n when_o they_o be_v by_o a_o coalescency_n extend_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v provincial_a or_o national_a have_v both_o political_o and_o ecclesiastical_o such_o bound_n fix_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o can_v pass_v to_o carry_v on_o communion_n unto_o and_o with_o the_o church_n as_o catholic_n by_o any_o act_n and_o duty_n belong_v unto_o their_o order_n and_o hereby_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v utter_o lose_v for_o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o do_v always_o equal_o exist_v and_o the_o communion_n of_o it_o be_v always_o equal_o in_o exercise_n and_o can_v consist_v in_o nothing_o but_o what_o do_v so_o exist_v and_o be_v so_o exercise_v wherever_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o order_n 2._o we_o inquire_v at_o present_a after_o such_o a_o union_n as_o give_v particular_a church_n communion_n among_o themselves_o which_o this_o order_n do_v not_o but_o absolute_o overthrow_v it_o leave_v nothing_o unto_o they_o but_o subjection_n to_o officer_n set_v over_o they_o who_o be_v not_o of_o they_o according_a to_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o appointment_n which_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n 3._o this_o order_n itself_o the_o only_a bond_n of_o the_o pretend_a union_n have_v no_o divine_a institution_n especial_o as_o to_o its_o extent_n unto_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o intimation_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n or_o actual_a exercise_n no_o man_n can_v declare_v what_o be_v the_o original_a or_o centre_n of_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v deduce_v and_o wherein_o it_o rest_v have_v remove_v these_o pretence_n out_o of_o our_o way_n we_o may_v easy_o discern_v wherein_o the_o union_n and_o consequent_o the_o communion_n of_o â—ll_o particular_a church_n do_v consist_v and_o in_o the_o due_a observation_n whereof_o all_o that_o church-order_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o do_v accept_v be_v preserve_v i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a union_n of_o all_o particular_a church_n consist_v in_o that_o which_o give_v form_n life_n and_o be_v unto_o the_o church_n catholic_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o what_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o they_o be_v particular_a and_o this_o be_v that_o they_o have_v all_o one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n and_o father_n one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n one_o faith_n and_o one_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n one_o hope_n of_o their_o call_n or_o the_o promise_a inheritance_n one_o regeneration_n one_o baptism_n one_o bread_n and_o wine_n unite_v unto_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o one_o spirit_n through_o the_o bond_n of_o faith_n and_o love._n this_o description_n with_o what_o be_v suit_v thereunto_o and_o explanatory_n of_o it_o be_v all_o the_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o constitute_a form_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o union_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o what_o church_n soever_o fail_v in_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o this_o description_n or_o any_o of_o they_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o have_v either_o union_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ._n two_o thing_n concur_v unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n of_o church_n 1._o their_o union_n or_o relation_n unto_o christ._n 2._o that_o which_o they_o have_v among_o themselves_o 1._o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o original_a and_o spring_n of_o this_o union_n and_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v unite_v unto_o he_o as_o its_o head_n beside_o which_o with_o or_o under_o which_o it_o have_v none_o this_o relation_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o christ_n as_o its_o head_n the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o cause_n of_o its_o union_n ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o col._n 2.19_o the_o place_n before_o quote_v hereby_o it_o be_v also_o in_o god_n the_o father_n 2_o thes._n 1.1_o or_o have_v god_n as_o its_o father_n
such_o as_o be_v not_o yet_o meet_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o full_a communion_n such_o as_o be_v the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o those_o who_o be_v complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n no_o doubt_v the_o church_n in_o its_o officer_n may_v and_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_a when_o it_o be_v neglect_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o parent_n and_o master_n as_o such_o and_o as_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o their_o family_n which_o without_o a_o inspection_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n they_o can_v do_v 2._o household_n be_v constant_o reckon_v unto_o the_o church_n when_o the_o head_n of_o the_o family_n be_v enter_v into_o covenant_n luk._n 19.9_o act._n 16.15_o rom._n 16.10_o 11._o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o 2_o tim._n 4.19_o 3._o child_n to_o belong_v unto_o and_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o their_o parent_n covenant_n not_o only_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o which_o give_v they_o right_o unto_o baptism_n but_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n covenant_n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_n unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v capable_a until_o they_o voluntary_o relinquish_v their_o claim_n unto_o they_o 4._o baptise_v the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n give_v they_o thereby_o a_o admission_n into_o the_o visible_a catholic_n church_n put_v a_o obligation_n on_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n what_o in_o they_o lie_v that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v and_o preserve_v meet_a member_n of_o it_o by_o a_o due_a watch_n over_o they_o and_o instruction_n of_o they_o 5._o though_o neither_o the_o church_n nor_o its_o privilege_n be_v continue_v and_o preserve_v as_o of_o old_a by_o carnal_a generation_n yet_o because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n covenant_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o believer_n and_o their_o seed_n the_o advantage_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o gracious_a education_n in_o such_o family_n and_o of_o conversion_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n ordinary_o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o depend_v on_o the_o addition_n of_o member_n out_o of_o the_o family_n already_o incorporate_v in_o it_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v like_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o mamaluke_n wherein_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n unto_o natural_a successor_n but_o it_o be_v continual_o make_v up_o of_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n incorporate_v into_o it_o nor_o like_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o roman_a common-weal_n which_o consist_v of_o man_n only_o be_v like_a to_o have_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o one_o age_n alone_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n consist_v 1._o in_o prayer_n for_o they_o 2._o catechetical_a instruction_n of_o they_o according_a unto_o their_o capacity_n 3._o advice_n to_o their_o parent_n concern_v they_o 4._o visit_v of_o they_o in_o the_o family_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v 5._o encouragement_n of_o they_o or_o admonition_n according_a as_o there_o be_v occasion_n 6._o direction_n for_o a_o due_a preparation_n unto_o the_o join_n themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o full_a communion_n 7._o exclusion_n of_o they_o from_o a_o claim_n unto_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o especial_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o render_v themselves_o visible_o unmeet_a for_o they_o and_o unworthy_a of_o they_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n bring_v unconceivable_a prejudice_n unto_o church_n and_o if_o continue_v in_o will_v prove_v their_o ruin_n for_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v preserve_v propagate_v and_o continue_v at_o the_o easy_a rate_n of_o a_o constant_a supply_n by_o the_o carnal_a baptize_v posterity_n of_o those_o who_o do_v at_o any_o time_n just_o or_o unjust_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o be_v to_o prepare_v a_o meet_a supply_n of_o member_n by_o all_o the_o spiritual_a mean_n who_o administration_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o and_o beside_o one_o end_n of_o church_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o family_n once_o gracious_o take_v thereinto_o the_o neglect_n therefore_o herein_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v watch_v against_o and_o it_o do_v arise_v 1._o from_o a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o most_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o 2._o from_o the_o paucity_n of_o officer_n in_o most_o church_n both_o teach_v and_o rule_v who_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o 3._o the_o want_n of_o a_o teacher_n or_o catechist_n in_o every_o church_n who_o shall_v attend_v only_o unto_o the_o instruction_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o person_n 4._o want_v of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o parent_n and_o master_n 1._o in_o not_o value_v aright_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o have_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n under_o the_o inspection_n care_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o not_o instil_v into_o they_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o with_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n 3._o in_o not_o bring_v they_o due_o unto_o the_o church_n assembly_n 4._o in_o not_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v they_o unto_o a_o actual_a entrance_n into_o full_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n 5._o in_o not_o advise_v with_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n about_o they_o and_o 6._o especial_o by_o a_o indulgence_n unto_o that_o loose_a and_o careless_a kind_n of_o education_n in_o conformity_n unto_o the_o world_n which_o general_o prevail_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o of_o they_o on_o various_a account_n and_o occasion_n drop_v off_o here_o and_o there_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o relation_n thereunto_o without_o the_o least_o respect_n unto_o they_o or_o enquiry_n after_o they_o church_n be_v supply_v by_o such_o as_o be_v occasional_o convert_v in_o they_o where_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o the_o kind_n and_o number_n of_o their_o officer_n sufficient_a to_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o occasion_n of_o they_o where_o whole_a family_n in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o head_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v dedicate_v unto_o god_n according_a unto_o the_o several_a capacity_n of_o those_o whereof_o they_o do_v consist_v where_o the_o design_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o provide_v for_o its_o own_o successive_a continuation_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o the_o family_n take_v thereinto_o where_o parent_n esteem_v themselves_o accountable_a unto_o god_n and_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o relation_n of_o their_o child_n thereunto_o there_o be_v provision_n for_o church_n order_n usefulness_n and_o beauty_n beyond_o what_o be_v usual_o to_o be_v observe_v 2._o the_o especial_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o admission_n of_o member_n in_o the_o time_n of_o great_a persecution_n may_v be_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a time_n the_o church_n be_v exceed_o careful_a not_o to_o admit_v into_o their_o society_n such_o as_o by_o who_o they_o may_v be_v betray_v unto_o the_o rage_n of_o their_o persecute_v adversary_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o care_n they_o can_v seldom_o avoid_v it_o but_o that_o when_o persecution_n grow_v severe_a some_o or_o other_o will_v fall_v from_o they_o either_o out_o of_o fear_n with_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n or_o by_o a_o discovery_n of_o their_o latent_fw-la hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n unto_o their_o great_a trial_n and_o distress_n however_o they_o be_v not_o so_o scrupulous_a herein_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o own_o safety_n as_o to_o exclude_v such_o as_o give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o their_o sincerity_n but_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n commit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o care_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o walk_v on_o such_o occasion_n wherefore_o 2._o on_o supposition_n of_o the_o establishment_n of_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n there_o or_o in_o any_o place_n as_o it_o be_v of_o old_a under_o first_o the_o pagan_a and_o afterward_o the_o antichristian_a tyranny_n the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v into_o its_o care_n and_o communion_n all_o such_o as_o 1._o flee_v from_o idol_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n against_o they_o with_o suffer_v 2._o make_v profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n especial_o as_o unto_o his_o person_n and_o office_n be_v 3._o free_a from_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o 4._o be_v willing_a to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o a_o subjection_n unto_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n therein_o for_o in_o such_o a_o
brethren_n leave_v they_o servant_n to_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n sake_n they_o begin_v to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o interest_n which_o they_o call_v rule_n or_o canon_n and_o never_o leave_v enlarge_a they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n until_o they_o enstate_v the_o most_o absolute_a tyranny_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world._n by_o these_o way_n and_o mean_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v office_n power_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o whereon_o they_o become_v not_o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o but_o the_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n himself_o 2._o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o church_n power_n in_o office_n unto_o any_o person_n call_v thereunto_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v formal_o in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n hence_o it_o do_v not_o give_v unto_o such_o officer_n a_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v formal_o and_o actual_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o community_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o grant_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o act_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o delegation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o they_o design_v choose_v set_v apart_o the_o individual_a person_n who_o thereon_o be_v entrust_v with_o office-power_n by_o christ_n himself_o according_a as_o be_v before_o declare_v this_o be_v the_o power_n and_o right_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o their_o officer_n namely_o to_o design_n call_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o the_o person_n by_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n unto_o those_o office_n whereunto_o by_o his_o law_n he_o have_v annex_v church_n power_n and_o authority_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o dispute_v about_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n that_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o any_o in_o the_o church_n especial_o of_o the_o officer_n they_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n needful_a unto_o such_o duty_n who_o be_v immediate_o call_v unto_o they_o hereby_o all_o thing_n become_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a to_o perform_v church_n duty_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n wherefore_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v which_o have_v a_o double_a exercise_n first_o in_o the_o call_n or_o choose_v of_o officer_n second_o in_o their_o voluntary_a act_n with_o they_o and_o under_o they_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o rule_n 1._o all_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o officer_n or_o ruler_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n whereunto_o office-power_n be_v require_v and_o 2._o every_o individual_a person_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n as_o unto_o his_o own_o consent_n or_o dissent_v in_o what_o he_o be_v himself_o concern_v that_o this_o power_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v original_o grant_v unto_o the_o whole_a profess_v church_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o shall_v reside_v in_o any_o other_o who_o be_v subject_a unto_o death_n or_o if_o to_o be_v renew_v upon_o any_o occasional_a intermission_n be_v so_o full_o prove_v by_o all_o protestant_a writer_n against_o the_o papist_n that_o it_o need_v not_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v again_o insist_v on_o vi_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v speak_v concern_v the_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v take_v objective_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o state_n and_o the_o law_n of_o its_o rule_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v it_o subjective_o as_o it_o be_v a_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n or_o understanding_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v the_o government_n in_o it_o appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o rule_v it_o according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n or_o this_o wisdom_n be_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12.9_o whereby_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o all_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v require_v 1._o fervent_a prayer_n for_o it_o jam._n 1.5_o 2._o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o and_o understand_v the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o this_o purpose_n ezra_n 7.6_o 7_o 9_o 1_o tim._n 2.14_o 15._o 3._o humble_a wait_v on_o god_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v about_o ezek._n 43.11_o 4._o a_o conscientious_a exercise_n of_o the_o skill_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v talent_n trade_v with_o due_o will_v increase_v 5._o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o great_a trust_n be_v call_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 13.17_o how_o much_o this_o wisdom_n have_v be_v neglect_v in_o church_n government_n yea_o how_o much_o it_o be_v despise_v in_o the_o world_n be_v evident_a unto_o all_o it_o be_v skill_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o vexatious_a court_n with_o the_o learning_n subtilty_n and_o art_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o that_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a skill_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n without_o this_o a_o man_n be_v esteem_v no_o way_n meet_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n government_n and_o according_a as_o any_o do_v arrive_v unto_o a_o dexterity_n in_o this_o polity_n they_o be_v esteem_v eminent_o useful_a but_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o so_o they_o do_v what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o this_o art_n and_o trade_n as_o unto_o political_a end_n we_o inquire_v nor_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n require_v unto_o this_o end_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v of_o it_o more_o despise_v more_o neglect_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n than_o by_o those_o who_o pretence_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o authority_n will_v make_v it_o most_o necessary_a unto_o they_o two_o thing_n follow_v on_o the_o supposition_n lay_v down_o 1._o that_o the_o wisdom_n intend_v be_v not_o promise_v unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n nor_o be_v they_o require_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o before_o lay_v down_o but_o respect_n be_v have_v herein_o only_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n hereon_o depend_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o ruler_n for_o wisdom_n for_o rule_n be_v peculiar_o grant_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o seek_v after_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n wherefore_o those_o who_o on_o every_o occasion_n be_v ready_a to_o advance_v their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o affair_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o disorderly_a i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o the_o out-cry_n of_o some_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v suppose_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o ruler_n and_o to_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n better_o than_o they_o whereas_o the_o government_n which_o they_o exercise_v belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n determine_v and_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o mean_a christian_n can_v easy_o discern_v nor_o be_v it_o pretend_v by_o themselves_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v nothing_o herein_o but_o leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o order_v
all_o thing_n as_o they_o see_v necessary_a which_o church_n they_o be_v wherefore_o if_o that_o will_v please_v they_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o skill_n for_o the_o management_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n according_a to_o the_o canon_n law_n with_o such_o other_o rule_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a as_o they_o have_v frame_v and_o in_o the_o legal_a proceed_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n as_o they_o be_v call_v there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v equal_a unto_o they_o or_o will_v contend_v with_o they_o 2._o it_o hence_o also_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v diligent_o endeavour_v the_o attain_n of_o and_o increase_n in_o this_o wisdom_n give_v evidence_n thereof_o on_o all_o occasion_n that_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o rule_n but_o hereunto_o so_o many_o thing_n do_v belong_v as_o can_v in_o this_o place_n be_v meet_o treat_v of_o somewhat_o that_o appertain_v to_o they_o shall_v afterward_o be_v consider_v chap._n iu._n the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o be_v essential_a with_o respect_n unto_o its_o nature_n and_o be_v or_o as_o it_o be_v organical_a with_o respect_n unto_o its_o order_n the_o constituent_a cause_n and_o part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o essence_n and_o be_v be_v its_o institution_n matter_n and_o form_n whereof_o we_o have_v treat_v it_o be_v order_n as_o it_o be_v organical_a be_v found_v in_o that_o communication_n of_o power_n unto_o it_o from_o christ_n which_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o organize_a of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o place_n or_o implant_n in_o it_o those_o officer_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o act_v and_o exercise_v his_o authority_n therein_o for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o exertion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v that_o be_v the_o officer_n of_o it_o not_o that_o all_o officer_n be_v call_v to_o rule_n but_o that_o none_o be_v call_v to_o rule_v that_o be_v not_o so_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o their_o work_n be_v distribute_v into_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n rom._n 12.6.7_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v authority_n to_o teach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o also_o of_o rule_v which_o be_v call_v a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n corrupt_o and_o some_o have_v only_a power_n for_o rule_n of_o which_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o in_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world._n those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v distinguish_v into_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o distinction_n between_o the_o elder_n themselves_o be_v not_o like_a that_o between_o elder_n and_o deacon_n which_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o whole_a kind_n or_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n but_o only_o with_o respect_n unto_o work_n and_o order_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v distinct_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v bishop_n or_o elder_n concern_v who_o there_o have_v be_v mighty_a contention_n in_o the_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o principle_n we_o have_v hitherto_o proceed_v on_o discharge_v we_o from_o any_o especial_a interest_n or_o concernment_n in_o this_o controversy_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o church_n of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a constitution_n none_o in_o be_v in_o the_o second_o or_o three_o century_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n the_o foundation_n of_o that_o contest_v which_o be_v about_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n in_o the_o same_o person_n over_o many_o church_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n indeed_o strife_n about_o power_n superiority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o among_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o scandal_n it_o start_v early_o in_o the_o church_n be_v extinguish_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o apostle_n 9.10_o rebuke_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o other_o yet_o through_o the_o pride_n ambition_n and_o avarice_n of_o man_n have_v grow_v to_o be_v the_o stain_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o church_n in_o most_o age_n for_o neither_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n forbid_v such_o ambitious_a designing_n nor_o the_o proposal_n of_o his_o own_o example_n in_o this_o particular_a case_n nor_o the_o experience_n of_o their_o own_o insufficiency_n for_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n have_v be_v able_a to_o restrain_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o covet_v after_o and_o contend_v for_o a_o prerogative_n in_o church-power_n over_o other_o for_o though_o this_o ambition_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n or_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v under_o a_o severe_a interdict_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yet_o when_o man_n like_a achan_n see_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o the_o goodly_a babylonish_n garment_n that_o they_o think_v to_o be_v in_o power_n domination_n and_o wealth_n they_o covet_v they_o and_o take_v they_o to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n if_o man_n will_v but_o a_o little_a serious_o consider_v what_o there_o be_v in_o that_o care_n of_o soul_n even_o of_o all_o they_o over_o who_o they_o pretend_v church-power_n rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n concern_v they_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v abate_v of_o their_o earnestness_n in_o contend_v for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o their_o cure_n the_o claim_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o consist_v in_o a_o rank_n of_o person_n distinct_a from_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n be_v manage_v with_o great_a variety_n it_o be_v not_o agree_v whether_o they_o be_v distinct_a in_o order_n above_o they_o or_o only_o as_o unto_o a_o certain_a degree_n among_o they_o of_o the_o same_o order_n it_o be_v not_o determine_v what_o do_v constitute_v that_o pretend_a distinct_a order_n nor_o wherein_o that_o degree_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o the_o same_o order_n do_v consist_v nor_o what_o basis_n it_o stand_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o agree_v whether_o this_o order_n of_o bishop_n have_v any_o church-power_n appropriate_v unto_o it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v act_v single_o by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o presbyter_n or_o how_o far_o that_o concurrence_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o act_n of_o church-order_n or_o power_n there_o be_v no_o bound_n or_o limit_n of_o the_o diocese_n which_o they_o claim_v the_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o as_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v peculiar_o relate_v derive_v either_o from_o divine_a institution_n or_o tradition_n or_o general_a rule_n of_o reason_n respect_v both_o or_o either_o of_o they_o or_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o gift_n and_o ability_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o wherein_o church-order_n or_o edification_n be_v concern_v those_o who_o plead_v for_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n will_v not_o proceed_v any_o far_a but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o superiority_n in_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n in_o order_n or_o degree_n but_o whether_o this_o must_v be_v over_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n only_o or_o in_o many_o distinct_a church_n whether_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o not_o only_o hinder_v they_o utter_o from_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n towards_o the_o most_o of_o they_o who_o they_o esteem_v their_o flock_n and_o necessitate_v they_o unto_o a_o rule_n by_o unscriptural_a church-officer_n law_n and_o power_n they_o suppose_v do_v not_o belong_v unto_o their_o cause_n whereas_o indeed_o the_o weight_n and_o moment_n of_o it_o do_v lie_v in_o and_o depend_v on_o these_o thing_n innumerable_a other_o uncertainty_n difference_n and_o variance_n there_o be_v about_o this_o singular_a episcopacy_n which_o we_o be_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o nor_o shall_v i_o insist_v on_o any_o of_o those_o which_o have_v be_v already_o mention_v but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o evangelical_n pastoral_n office_n which_o be_v now_o under_o consideration_n unto_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v before_o about_o the_o non_fw-fr institution_n of_o any_o church_n beyond_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v utter_o exclusive_a of_o all_o pretence_n of_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n i_o shall_v brief_o as_o in_o a_o diversion_n add_v the_o argument_n which_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v every_o way_n the_o same_o person_n in_o the_o same_o office_n have_v the_o same_o function_n without_o distinction_n in_o
〈◊〉_d catechist_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 4.15_o instructor_n of_o those_o that_o be_v young_a in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o whereof_o be_v eminent_a famous_a and_o useful_a and_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o church_n be_v great_a and_o numerous_a for_o whereas_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o be_v original_o commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n as_o belong_v entire_o unto_o his_o office_n the_o discharge_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v numerous_a be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o man_n or_o it_o may_v be_v more_o in_o the_o same_o office_n where_o all_o be_v oblige_v unto_o a_o especial_a attendance_n on_o one_o part_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n it_o please_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o appoint_v such_o as_o in_o distinct_a office_n shall_v be_v associate_v with_o they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o sundry_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n so_o be_v deacon_n ordain_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o interest_n in_o rule_n or_o right_o to_o teach_v so_o be_v as_o we_o shall_v prove_v elder_n ordain_v to_o assist_v and_o help_v in_o rule_n without_o any_o call_n to_o preach_v or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o be_v teacher_n appoint_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n and_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o rule_v or_o the_o administration_n of_o other_o ordinance_n and_o thus_o although_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n yet_o be_v supply_v with_o assistance_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v comfortable_o discharge_v by_o they_o and_o if_o this_o order_n be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n not_o only_o many_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v prevent_v but_o the_o order_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n great_o promote_v 2._o he_o who_o be_v peculiar_o call_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n with_o reference_n unto_o a_o distinction_n from_o a_o pastor_n may_v yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o elder_a also_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o teach_v elder_a and_o where_o there_o be_v in_o any_o officer_n a_o concurrence_n of_o both_o these_o a_o right_n unto_o rule_n as_o a_o elder_a and_o power_n to_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o same_o office_n and_o office-power_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o pastor_n 3._o on_o the_o forego_n supposition_n there_o yet_o remain_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n which_o as_o far_o as_o light_n may_v be_v take_v from_o their_o name_n and_o distinct_a asscription_n unto_o they_o consist_v material_o in_o the_o different_a gift_n which_o those_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o office_n have_v receive_v which_o the_o church_n in_o their_o call_n ought_v to_o have_v respect_n unto_o and_o formal_o in_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o those_o gift_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o assignation_n of_o their_o especial_a work_n unto_o they_o which_o themselves_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o upon_o what_o have_v be_v before_o discourse_v concern_v the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o whether_o there_o ought_v only_o to_o be_v one_o of_o each_o sort_n and_o i_o say_v 1._o take_v teacher_n in_o the_o three_o sense_n for_o those_o who_o be_v only_o so_o and_o have_v no_o far_o interest_n in_o office-power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o edification_n and_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v and_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o institution_n will_v prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o man_n preach_v constant_o who_o be_v in_o no_o office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o although_o i_o do_v grant_v that_o those_o who_o have_v once_o be_v regular_o or_o solemn_o set_v a_o part_n or_o ordain_v unto_o the_o ministry_n have_v the_o right_n of_o constant_a preach_a inherent_a in_o they_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o incumbent_a on_o they_o though_o they_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o those_o church_n wherein_o and_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v peculiar_o ordain_v yet_o for_o man_n to_o give_v themselves_o up_o constant_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o never_o be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o church_n thereunto_o i_o know_v not_o that_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n in_o the_o same_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14.22_o act._n 20.28_o phil._n 1.1_o tit._n 1.5_o but_o if_o there_o be_v sundry_a sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o pastor_n who_o peculiar_o feed_v the_o flock_n those_o teach_v elder_n of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v and_o those_o ruler_n concern_v who_o we_o shall_v treat_v in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o no_o determination_n of_o this_o enquiry_n can_v be_v take_v from_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o order_n very_o early_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o pastor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d praeses_fw-la quick_o call_v episcopus_fw-la by_o way_n of_o distinction_n with_o many_o elder_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o teach_v and_o deacon_n minister_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n whereby_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o its_o authority_n represent_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o each_o particular_a church_n there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n with_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n if_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o deviation_n from_o its_o first_o order_n by_o a_o occasional_a coalescency_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o by_o a_o new_a form_n of_o church_n never_o appoint_v by_o christ_n which_o come_v not_o in_o until_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n that_o give_v occasion_n to_o corrupt_v this_o order_n into_o a_o episcopal_a pre-eminence_n which_o degenerate_v more_o and_o more_o into_o confusion_n under_o the_o name_n of_o order_n and_o the_o absolute_a equality_n of_o many_o pastor_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n be_v liable_a unto_o many_o inconvenience_n if_o not_o diligent_o watch_v against_o 5._o wherefore_o let_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v unto_o its_o original_a constitution_n which_o be_v congregational_a and_o no_o other_o and_o i_o do_v judge_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v so_o early_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n namely_o of_o one_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o all_o holy_a administration_n with_o many_o elder_n teach_v or_o rule_v only_o do_v not_o so_o overthrow_v church-order_n as_o to_o render_v its_o rule_n or_o discipline_n useless_a 6._o but_o whereas_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o office_n or_o power_n intimate_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v where_o there_o be_v many_o teach_v elder_n in_o any_o church_n a_o equality_n in_o office_n and_o power_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v but_o yet_o this_o take_v not_o off_o from_o the_o due_a preference_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n nor_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o precedency_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o order_n in_o all_o church_n assembly_n nor_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n which_o gift_n age_n ability_n prudence_n and_o experience_n which_o may_v belong_v unto_o some_o according_a to_o rule_n may_v give_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o rule_v elder_n 1._o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n therein_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n all_o elder_n in_o office_n have_v rule_n and_o none_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n but_o elder_n as_o such_o rule_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o especial_a office_n be_v entrust_v with_o all_o church-power_n but_o therefore_o they_o be_v elder_n also_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o joh._n 1._o 3_o joh._n 1._o see_v act
unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o be_v elder_n also_o be_v devest_v of_o the_o right_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n or_o discharge_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o because_o other_o not_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v assistant_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v help_v in_o the_o government_n for_o the_o right_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n which_o all_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v the_o right_n be_v still_o in_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o consistent_a with_o their_o more_o excellent_a work_n be_v require_v of_o they_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n exod._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o moses_n have_v before_o the_o sole_a rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o addition_n that_o be_v make_v of_o a_o eldership_n for_o his_o assistance_n there_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o right_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o according_a to_o his_o precedent_a power_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n derogate_a nothing_o from_o their_o own_o authority_n nor_o discharge_v themselves_o of_o their_o care_n so_o when_o they_o appoint_v deacon_n to_o take_v care_n of_o supply_n for_o the_o poor_a they_o do_v not_o forgo_v their_o own_o right_n nor_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o their_o other_o work_n will_v permit_v they_o gal._n 2.9_o 10._o and_o in_o particular_a the_o apostle_n paul_n manifest_v his_o concernment_n herein_o in_o the_o care_n he_o take_v about_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a in_o all_o church_n 8._o as_o we_o observe_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o rule_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n for_o authoritative_n teach_v and_o rule_v be_v teach_v and_o rule_v by_o virtue_n of_o office_n and_o this_o office_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v that_o of_o elder_n as_o it_o be_v undeniable_o attest_v act._n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o care_n inspection_n oversight_n rule_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o it_o express_o for_o elder_n be_v a_o name_n derive_v from_o the_o jew_n denote_v they_o that_o have_v authority_n in_o the_o church_n ☞_o the_o first_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o language_n respect_n age._n elder_n be_v old_a man_n well_o strike_v in_o year_n unto_o who_o respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n command_v unless_o they_o forfeit_v their_o privilege_n by_o levity_n or_o wickedness_n which_o they_o often_o do_v now_o ancient_a man_n be_v original_o judge_v if_o not_o only_o yet_o the_o most_o meet_a for_o rule_n and_o be_v before_o other_o constant_o call_v thereunto_o hence_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o who_o do_v preside_n and_o rule_n over_o other_o in_o any_o kind_n only_a it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o mention_n of_o ruler_n that_o be_v call_v elder_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o subordinate_a power_n and_o authority_n only_o those_o who_o be_v in_o supreme_a absolute_a power_n as_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v never_o call_v elder_n but_o elder_n by_o office_n be_v such_o only_a as_o have_v a_o ministerial_a power_n under_o other_o wherefore_o the_o high_a officer_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v elder_n even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o peter_n in_o particular_a 1_o epist._n chap._n 5._o v._n 1.2_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v only_o a_o ministerial_a power_n and_o so_o it_o be_v declare_v ver_n 4._o the_o pope_n will_v now_o scarce_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v esteem_v only_o a_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o the_o turkish_a monarch_n be_v call_v the_o grand_a signior_n but_o those_o who_o will_v be_v in_o the_o church_n above_o elder_n have_v no_o office_n in_o it_o whatever_o usurpation_n they_o may_v make_v over_o it_o 9_o to_o the_o complete_a constitution_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o organical_a state_n it_o be_v require_v that_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o it_o at_o least_o more_o than_o one_o in_o this_o proposition_n lie_v the_o next_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v distinct_o consider_v i_o do_v not_o determine_v what_o their_o number_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o determinable_a as_o unto_o all_o church_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n sufficient_o direct_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v proportion_v unto_o the_o work_n and_o end_v design_v where_o a_o church_n be_v numerous_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o increase_a their_o number_n proportionable_a unto_o their_o work._n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n ten_o or_o twelve_o of_o they_o that_o be_v mention_v by_o name_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n under_o cornelius_n where_o the_o church_n be_v small_a the_o number_n of_o elder_n may_v be_v so_o also_o for_o no_o office_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o pomp_n or_o show_n but_o for_o labour_v only_o and_o so_o many_o be_v necessary_a in_o each_o office_n as_o be_v able_a to_o discharge_v the_o work_n which_o be_v allot_v unto_o they_o but_o that_o church_n be_v it_o small_a or_o great_a be_v not_o complete_a in_o its_o state_n be_v defective_a which_o have_v not_o more_o elder_n than_o one_o who_o have_v not_o so_o many_o as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o work._n 10._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o be_v absolute_o democratical_a or_o popular_a they_o judge_v that_o all_o church-power_n or_o authority_n be_v seat_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o brethren_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o they_o look_v on_o elder_n or_o minister_n only_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o material_o in_o the_o duty_n they_o perform_v and_o final_o for_o their_o edification_n serve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o church_n but_o formal_o also_o as_o act_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o mere_a delegation_n and_o not_o any_o of_o their_o own_o receive_v direct_o from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n hence_o they_o do_v occasional_o appoint_v person_n among_o themselves_o not_o call_v unto_o not_o vest_v with_o any_o office_n to_o administer_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o any_o other_o solemn_a office_n of_o worship_n on_o this_o principle_n and_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o elder_n at_o all_o though_o usual_o they_o do_v confer_v this_o office_n on_o some_o with_o solemnity_n but_o as_o among_o they_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a necessity_n of_o any_o elder_n for_o rule_n so_o we_o treat_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v they_o 11._o some_o place_n the_o government_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o those_o that_o act_n under_o he_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o civil_a constitution_n of_o the_o land_n these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o judge_v it_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o elder_n for_o rule_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o they_o allow_v no_o rule_n in_o they_o at_o all_o but_o only_o assert_v a_o rule_n over_o they_o but_o a_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o itself_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o its_o own_o ruler_n officer_n guide_n immediate_o preside_v in_o it_o be_v unknown_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n wherefore_o with_o these_o we_o deal_v not_o in_o this_o discourse_n nor_o have_v any_o apprehension_n that_o the_o power_n of_o present_v man_n for_o any_o pretend_a disorder_n unto_o the_o bishop_n or_o chancellor_n court_n be_v any_o part_n of_o church-power_n or_o rule_n 12._o other_o place_z the_o rule_n of_o particular_a church_n especial_o in_o case_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o a_o association_n conjunction_n or_o combination_n of_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o in_o one_o society_n which_o be_v common_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n there_o will_v be_v a_o conjunct_a act_n of_o many_o elder_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v the_o best_a provision_n that_o can_v be_v make_v on_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o present_a parochial_a distribution_n but_o those_o also_o of_o this_o
judgement_n who_o have_v most_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n do_v assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v the_o common_a judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o all_o place_n 13._o and_o some_o there_o be_v who_o begin_v to_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o more_o but_o one_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_a in_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o have_v its_o rule_n in_o its_o self_n other_o elder_n for_o rule_n be_v unnecessary_a this_o be_v a_o novel_a opinion_n contradictory_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o contrary_n 1._o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o first_o church_n constitute_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o imitate_v and_o follow_v as_o our_o rule_n constant_o express_v and_o declare_v that_o many_o elder_n be_v appoint_v by_o they_o in_o every_o church_n act._n 11.30_o chap._n 14.23_o chap._n 15.2_o 4_o 6_o 22._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o phil._n 1.1_o tit._n 1.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o mention_n in_o antiquity_n of_o any_o church_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o more_o elder_n than_o one_o nor_o do_v that_o church_n answer_v the_o original_a pattern_n where_o it_o be_v otherwise_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_a in_o a_o church_n there_o can_v be_v a_o eldership_n or_o presbytery_n as_o there_o can_v be_v a_o senate_n where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o senator_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 3._o the_o continuation_n of_o every_o church_n in_o its_o original_a state_n and_o constitution_n be_v since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a office_n and_o power_n commit_v to_o the_o care_n and_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o hereunto_o the_o call_v and_o ordain_v of_o ordinary_a officer_n pastor_n ruler_n elder_n teacher_n do_v belong_v and_o therein_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v both_o the_o election_n of_o the_o people_n submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o solemn_a set_n of_o they_o apart_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n do_v concur_v but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_n only_o in_o a_o church_n upon_o his_o death_n or_o removal_n this_o imposition_n of_o hand_n must_v either_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o people_n or_o be_v supply_v by_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n or_o be_v whole_o omit_v all_o which_o be_v irregular_a and_o that_o church-order_n be_v defective_a which_o want_v the_o symbol_n of_o authoritative_a ordination_n 4._o it_o be_v difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a on_o a_o supposition_n of_o one_o elder_a only_o in_o a_o church_n to_o preserve_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n from_o be_v prelatical_a or_o popular_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o object_v unto_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o diocesan_n bishop_n than_o that_o they_o will_v every_o one_o be_v bishop_n in_o their_o own_o parish_n and_o unto_o their_o own_o people_n all_o such_o pretence_n be_v exclude_v on_o our_o principle_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o many_o elder_n in_o the_o same_o church_n in_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o other_o church_n in_o association_n but_o practical_o where_o there_o be_v but_o one_o elder_a one_o of_o the_o extreme_n can_v be_v hardly_o avoid_v if_o he_o rule_v by_o himself_o without_o the_o previous_a advice_n in_o some_o case_n as_o well_o as_o the_o subsequent_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n it_o have_v a_o eye_n of_o unwarrantable_a prelacy_n in_o it_o if_o every_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v original_o transact_v dispose_a order_v by_o the_o whole_a society_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_a will_v quick_o be_v insignificant_a and_o he_o will_v be_v little_o more_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n than_o any_o other_o brother_n of_o the_o society_n but_o all_o these_o inconvenience_n be_v prevent_v by_o the_o fix_v of_o many_o elder_n in_o each_o church_n which_o may_v maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o presbytery_n and_o free_a the_o church_n from_o the_o despotical_a rule_n of_o any_o diotrâ—phes_n but_o in_o case_n there_o be_v but_o one_o in_o any_o church_n unless_o he_o have_v wisdom_n to_o maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o eldership_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o act_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n but_o confusion_n 5._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v require_v that_o in_o every_o church_n consist_v in_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o member_n there_o shall_v be_v more_o elder_n than_o one._n when_o god_n first_o appoint_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o assign_v unto_o every_o ten_o person_n or_o family_n a_o distinct_a ruler_n deut._n 1.15_o for_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o walk_n or_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o rule_n be_v eminent_a as_o unto_o the_o holiness_n that_o it_o require_v above_o all_o other_o rule_n of_o moral_a conversation_n whatever_o and_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n great_a accuracy_n and_o circumspection_n require_v in_o their_o walk_n after_o it_o and_o according_a unto_o it_o the_o order_n also_o and_o decency_n which_o be_v require_v in_o all_o church-assembly_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o exact_a care_n and_o inspection_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v attend_v unto_o and_o discharge_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n in_o any_o church_n by_o one_o elder_a be_v for_o they_o only_o to_o suppose_v who_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o and_o although_o there_o may_v be_v a_o appearance_n for_o a_o season_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o such_o church_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o therein_o a_o due_a compliance_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v no_o present_a beauty_n nor_o will_v be_v of_o any_o long_a continuance_n these_o consideration_n as_o also_o those_o that_o follow_v may_v seem_v jejune_n and_o contemptible_a unto_o such_o as_o have_v another_o frame_n of_o church-rule_n and_o order_n draw_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o interest_n a_o government_n vest_v in_o some_o few_o person_n with_o title_n of_o pre-eminence_n and_o legal_a power_n exercise_v in_o court_n with_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n by_o the_o method_n and_o process_n of_o canon_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n be_v that_o which_o they_o suppose_v do_v better_a become_v the_o grandeur_n of_o church-ruler_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n than_o these_o creep_v elder_n with_o their_o congregation_n but_o whereas_o our_o present_a enquiry_n after_o these_o thing_n be_v only_o in_o and_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o there_o be_v neither_o shadow_n nor_o appearance_n of_o any_o of_o these_o practice_n i_o beg_v their_o pardon_n if_o at_o present_a i_o consider_v they_o not_o 10._o we_o shall_v now_o make_v application_n of_o these_o thing_n unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n i_o say_v then_o 1._o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o work_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o pastoral_n feed_v 2._o whereas_o this_o work_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o with_o diligence_n which_o include_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o he_o that_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o 3._o that_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n with_o all_o those_o duty_n that_o accompany_v it_o be_v a_o full_a employment_n for_o any_o man_n and_o so_o consequent_o his_o principal_n and_o proper_a work_n which_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o be_v remiss_a in_o by_o attend_v on_o another_o with_o diligence_n and_o 4._o whereas_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n that_o both_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v may_v be_v constant_o attend_v unto_o 5._o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n distinct_a work_n do_v require_v distinct_a office_n for_o their_o discharge_n all_o which_o we_o have_v prove_v already_o our_o enquiry_n hereon_o be_v whether_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n have_v not_o distinguish_v this_o office_n of_o elder_n into_o those_o two_o sort_n namely_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o teach_v and_o rule_n also_o and_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o which_o we_o affirm_v the_o testimony_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n be_v confirm_v be_v general_o know_v and_o plead_v i_o shall_v insist_v on_o some_o of_o they_o only_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v of_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n if_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o conflict_n withal_o but_o prejudices_fw-la and_o interest_n and_o this_o be_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v praesum_fw-la praesidio_fw-la to_o preside_v to_o rule_v president_n
probati_fw-la seniores_fw-la tertull._n and_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n in_o justin_n martyr_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o be_v the_o word_n constant_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n rom._n 12.8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o rule_v 1_o thess._n 5.12_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v over_o they_o that_o be_v in_o place_n of_o rule_n 1_o tim._n 3.4_o 5_o 12._o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o family_n rule_n and_o government_n as_o it_o be_v also_o unto_o care_n and_o diligence_n about_o good_a work_n tit._n 3.8.14_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o whole_a presidency_n in_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n unto_o its_o rule_n translator_n agree_v in_o the_o read_n of_o these_o word_n so_o the_o hebrew_n of_o munster_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o elder_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o well_o discharge_v their_o rule_n or_o conduct_n so_o the_o syriack_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o elder_n qui_fw-la bene_fw-la praesunt_fw-la presbyteri_fw-la vul_n lat._n seniori_fw-la che_fw-mi governano_n be_v ital._n all_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v the_o governor_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a that_o be_v here_o intend_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o word_n most_o controvert_v all_o translator_n esteem_v it_o distinctive_a heb._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eminent_o syr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chief_o principal_o maxim_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o labour_v painful_o labour_n to_o weariness_n travail_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o elder_n or_o presbyter_n in_o office_n elder_n of_o the_o church_n that_o rule_n well_o or_o discharge_v their_o presidency_n for_o rule_n in_o due_a manner_n be_v worthy_a or_o aught_o to_o be_v repute_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o of_o they_o who_o labour_n or_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o great_a labour_n and_o travail_v of_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o general_a concern_v these_o word_n 1._o this_o testimony_n relate_v direct_o unto_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n before_o lay_v down_o direct_v unto_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o these_o principle_n these_o word_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v and_o unless_o they_o be_v overthrow_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o put_v in_o exception_n against_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o or_o that_o word_n the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v suit_v unto_o the_o analogy_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o relate_v unto_o if_o we_o consider_v not_o what_o be_v speak_v here_o in_o consent_n with_o other_o scripture_n treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n we_o depart_v from_o all_o sober_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n 2._o on_o this_o supposition_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v a_o plain_a and_o obvious_a signification_n which_o at_o first_o view_n present_v itself_o unto_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o understanding_n of_o all_o men._n and_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a unto_o any_o other_o divine_a testimony_n or_o evident_a reason_n such_o a_o sense_n be_v constant_o to_o be_v embrace_v there_o be_v nothing_o here_o of_o any_o spiritual_a mystery_n but_o only_o a_o direction_n concern_v outward_a order_n in_o the_o church_n in_o such_o case_n the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n rational_o apprehend_v be_v all_o that_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o but_o on_o the_o first_o proposal_n of_o this_o text_n that_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n a_o rational_a man_n who_o be_v unprejudiced_a who_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o controversy_n about_o rule_v elder_n can_v hardly_o avoid_v a_o apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n some_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o some_o who_o do_v not_o so_o do_v the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v interest_n and_o prejudice_n that_o first_o cause_v some_o learned_a man_n to_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o find_v out_o evasion_n from_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o testimony_n be_v so_o find_v out_o some_o other_o of_o mean_a ability_n have_v be_v entangle_v by_o they_o for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o new_a argument_n advance_v in_o this_o cause_n not_o one_o exception_n give_v in_o unto_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o but_o what_o be_v long_o since_o coin_v by_o papist_n and_o prelatist_n and_o manage_v with_o better_a colour_n than_o some_o now_o be_v able_a to_o lay_v on_o they_o who_o pretend_v unto_o the_o same_o judgement_n 3._o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o text._n there_o be_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o in_o every_o church_n with_o these_o elder_n the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v all_o these_o and_o only_o they_o do_v rule_n in_o it_o of_o these_o elder_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n for_o a_o description_n be_v give_v of_o one_o sort_n distinctive_a from_o the_o other_o and_o comparative_a with_o it_o the_o first_o sort_n do_v rule_n and_o also_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o these_o work_n be_v distinct_a and_o different_a be_v before_o declare_v yet_o as_o distinct_a work_n they_o be_v not_o incompatible_a but_o be_v commit_v unto_o the_o same_o person_n they_o be_v so_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v not_o elder_n only_o but_o moreover_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n unto_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n as_o such_o there_o belong_v no_o rule_n although_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n the_o right_a of_o rule_n be_v inseparable_a from_o their_o office._n for_o all_o that_o be_v rightful_o call_v thereunto_o be_v elder_n also_o which_o give_v they_o a_o interest_n in_o rule_n they_o be_v elder_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o pastoral_n or_o teach_v authority_n but_o there_o be_v elder_n which_o be_v not_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n for_o there_o be_v some_o who_o rule_n well_o but_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v who_o be_v not_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n elder_n that_o rule_v well_o but_o labour_v not_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v rule_v elder_n only_o and_o such_o be_v in_o the_o text._n the_o most_o learned_a of_o our_o protestant_a adversary_n in_o this_o case_n â—re_n erastus_n bilson_n sarravia_n downham_n scultetus_n mead_n grotius_n hamond_n who_o agree_v not_o at_o all_o among_o themselves_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n for_o 1._o their_o whole_a design_n and_o endeavour_n be_v to_o put_v in_o exception_n against_o the_o obvious_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n not_o fix_v on_o any_o determinate_a exposition_n of_o it_o themselves_o such_o as_o they_o will_v abide_v by_o in_o opposition_n unto_o any_o other_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n now_o this_o be_v most_o sophistical_a way_n of_o argue_v upon_o testimony_n and_o suit_v only_o to_o make_v controversy_n endless_a who_o wit_n be_v so_o barren_a as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v one_o exception_n or_o other_o against_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o evident_a testimony_n so_o the_o socinian_o deal_v with_o we_o in_o all_o the_o testimony_n we_o produce_v to_o prove_v the_o deity_n or_o satisfaction_n of_o christ._n they_o suppose_v it_o enough_o to_o evade_v their_o force_n if_o they_o can_v but_o pretend_v that_o the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o another_o sense_n although_o they_o will_v not_o abide_v by_o it_o that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v their_o sense_n for_o if_o they_o will_v do_v so_o when_o that_o be_v overthrow_v the_o truth_n will_v be_v establish_v but_o every_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v one_o determinate_a sense_n when_o this_o be_v contend_v about_o it_o be_v equal_a that_o those_o at_o difference_n do_v express_v their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o word_n which_o they_o will_v abide_v by_o when_o this_o be_v do_v let_v it_o be_v examine_v and_o try_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o sense_n pretend_v unto_o do_v best_a comply_v with_o the_o signification_n and_o use_n of_o the_o word_n the_o context_n or_o scope_n of_o the_o place_n other_o scripture_n testimony_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith._n no_o such_o rule_n be_v attend_v unto_o in_o this_o case_n by_o our_o adversary_n they_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o oppose_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o will_v not_o fix_v upon_o any_o of_o their_o own_o which_o if_o it_o be_v disprove_v we_o ought_v to_o take_v place_n and_o hence_o 2._o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o agree_v among_o themselves_o scarce_o any_o two_o of_o they_o on_o what_o be_v the_o most_o probable_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v any_o of_o they_o single_o well_o resolve_v what_o application_n to_o make_v of_o they_o nor_o unto_o what_o
parchment_n in_o particular_a and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n 2_o pet._n 2.9_o 10._o the_o lord_n know_v how_o to_o reserve_v the_o wicked_a to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v punish_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n especial_o those_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n who_o shall_v be_v single_v out_o to_o exemplary_a punishment_n it_o be_v but_o once_o more_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n namely_o act._n 26.3_o where_o it_o include_v a_o distinction_n in_o the_o thing_n under_o consideration_n whereas_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v principal_o use_v by_o this_o apostle_n in_o his_o write_n wherein_o it_o be_v distinctive_a and_o comparative_a of_o the_o thing_n and_o person_n that_o respect_n be_v have_v unto_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v here_o use_v in_o another_o sense_n or_o be_v otherwise_o apply_v unless_o they_o can_v prove_v from_o the_o context_n that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o peculiar_a interpretation_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o other_o author_n be_v concurrent_a with_o that_o of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n herodian_a lib._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o syrian_n be_v natural_o lover_n of_o fetival_n especial_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o antioch_n it_o be_v the_o same_o phrase_n of_o speech_n with_o that_o here_o use_v for_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o antioch_n be_v syrian_n but_o all_o the_o syrian_n dwell_v not_o at_o antioch_n there_o be_v a_o distinction_n and_o distribution_n make_v of_o the_o syrian_n into_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o be_v syrian_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v syrian_n dwell_v at_o antioch_n the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o country_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o all_o english_a man_n be_v stout_a and_o courageous_a especial_o the_o londoner_n he_o will_v both_o affirm_v the_o londoner_n to_o be_v englishman_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o countryman_n so_o all_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v elder_n but_o all_o elder_n do_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v it_o their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v these_o we_o call_v rule_v elder_n and_o as_o i_o judge_v right_o 4._o the_o sense_n which_o the_o word_n will_v give_v be_v so_o interpret_v as_o that_o a_o distinction_n of_o elder_n be_v not_o make_v in_o they_o be_v absurd_a the_o subject_n and_o predicate_v of_o the_o proposition_n be_v term_n convertible_a it_o must_v be_v so_o if_o the_o proposition_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o have_v a_o distinction_n in_o it_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n only_o it_o be_v say_v be_v here_o intend_v i_o ask_v who_o they_o be_v and_o of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v say_v the_o same_o with_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o the_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n intend_v be_v of_o another_o sort_n we_o obtain_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o as_o full_o as_o if_o two_o sort_n be_v allow_v who_o then_o be_v these_o elder_n these_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n these_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o not_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n yes_o it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v they_o and_o no_o other_o then_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o rule_n well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o if_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n then_o elder_n and_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v term_n convertible_a but_o elder_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v subject_a and_o predicate_v in_o this_o proposition_n wherefore_o there_o be_v few_o of_o any_o learning_n or_o judgement_n that_o make_v use_v of_o this_o evasion_n but_o allow_v a_o distinction_n to_o be_v make_v they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v as_o to_o work_n and_o employment_n and_o not_o as_o unto_o office._n those_o who_o in_o the_o disharge_n of_o their_o office_n as_o elder_n do_v so_o labour_v as_o be_v intend_v and_o include_v in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o denote_v a_o peculiar_a kind_n of_o work_n in_o the_o ministry_n yea_o say_v some_o this_o word_n denote_v the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n who_o be_v not_o confine_v unto_o any_o one_o place_n but_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o those_o of_o this_o mind_n do_v allow_v that_o two_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v intend_v in_o the_o word_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o better_a success_n in_o this_o their_o conjecture_n than_o the_o other_o have_v in_o the_o former_a answer_n 1._o i_o grant_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o use_v signify_v to_o labour_v with_o pain_n and_o diligence_n ad_fw-la ultimum_fw-la virium_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la fatigationem_fw-la unto_o the_o utmost_a of_o man_n strength_n and_o unto_o weariness_n but_o 2._o so_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o who_o ever_o do_v not_o so_o labour_n be_v negligent_a in_o his_o office_n and_o worthy_a of_o severe_a blame_v instead_o of_o double_a honour_n for_o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whence_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o labour_n of_o a_o minister_n and_o so_o of_o any_o minister_n in_o his_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 3.8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o one_o that_o be_v every_o one_o employ_v in_o the_o ministry_n whether_o to_o plant_v or_o to_o water_n to_o convert_v man_n or_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n shall_v receive_v his_o own_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o own_o labour_n he_o that_o do_v not_o strive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o ministry_n shall_v never_o receive_v a_o reward_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o his_o own_o labour_n and_o so_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o general_a word_n use_v to_o express_v the_o work_n of_o any_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whereon_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n joh._n 4.38_o i_o send_v you_o to_o reap_v that_o whereon_o you_o bestow_v no_o labour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d other_o have_v labour_v and_o you_o have_v enter_v into_o their_o labour_n that_o be_v of_o the_o prophet_n and_o john_n the_o baptist._n yea_o it_o be_v so_o unto_o the_o labour_n that_o woman_n may_v take_v in_o the_o serve_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 16.6_o salute_v mary_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o labour_v much_o which_o be_v more_o than_o simple_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vers._n 12._o salute_v tryphoena_n and_o tryphosa_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o labour_v in_o the_o lord._n vers._n 13._o salute_v the_o belove_a persis_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o labour_v much_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o wide_o from_o truth_n be_v it_o that_o this_o word_n shall_v signify_v a_o labour_n peculiar_a to_o some_o sort_n of_o minister_n which_o all_o be_v not_o in_o common_a oblige_v unto_o 3._o if_o the_o labour_n of_o evangelist_n or_o of_o they_o who_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v intend_v than_o it_o be_v so_o either_o because_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n or_o because_o it_o be_v constant_o use_v elsewhere_o to_o express_v that_o kind_n of_o labour_n but_o the_o contrary_a unto_o both_o of_o these_o be_v evident_a from_o all_o place_n wherein_o it_o be_v use_v so_o be_v it_o express_o apply_v to_o fix_a elder_n 1_o thess._n 5.12_o we_o exhort_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o that_o labour_n among_o you_o who_o be_v the_o ruler_n and_o instructer_n it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o this_o word_n express_v no_o more_o but_o what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a indispensable_a duty_n of_o every_o teach_v elder_a pastor_n or_o minister_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o than_o those_o elder_n that_o be_v pastor_n or_o teacher_n that_o do_v not_o perform_v and_o discharge_v it_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n nor_o will_v the_o apostle_n give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v any_o way_n remiss_a or_o negligent_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n see_v 1_o thess._n 5.12_o there_o be_v therefore_o two_o sort_n of_o duty_n confess_o here_o mention_v and_o command_v the_o first_o be_v rule_v well_o the_o other_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n suppose_v that_o both_o these_o ruling_n and_o teach_v be_v
even_o the_o word_n command_v and_o direction_n of_o christ_n himself_o alone_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o bind_v and_o lose_v in_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n in_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v all_o spiritual_a mere_o and_o only_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v a_o instance_n give_v of_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n yea_o it_o be_v sufficient_a eternal_o to_o exclude_v any_o power_n or_o exercise_n of_o it_o any_o act_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n from_o any_o interest_n in_o church-affair_n that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v carnal_a political_n despotical_a of_o external_a operaration_n or_o not_o entire_o spiritual_a 5._o the_o change_n of_o this_o government_n of_o the_o church_n fall_v out_o and_o be_v introduce_v gradual_o upon_o a_o advantage_n take_v from_o the_o unmeetness_n of_o the_o people_n to_o be_v lead_v under_o this_o spiritual_a rule_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o that_o make_v up_o christian_a church_n be_v become_v ignorant_a and_o carnal_a that_o rule_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o spiritual_a influence_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o retain_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o outward_a obedience_n which_o be_v at_o last_o only_o aim_v at_o there_o be_v therefore_o another_o kind_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n judge_v necessary_a to_o retain_v they_o in_o any_o order_n or_o decorum_n and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o where_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o some_o degree_n spiritual_a a_o rule_n that_o be_v mere_o spiritual_a will_v be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n unto_o they_o but_o principal_o this_o change_n be_v introduce_v by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o rule_n itself_o and_o that_o on_o two_o ground_n 1._o their_o unskilfulness_n in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o spiritual_a rule_n or_o weariness_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o this_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o desert_n it_o with_o that_o perpetual_a labour_n and_o exercise_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v require_v in_o it_o and_o to_o embrace_v another_o more_o easy_a and_o more_o suit_v unto_o their_o inclination_n 2._o a_o desire_n of_o the_o secular_a advantage_n of_o profit_n honour_n and_o veneration_n which_o tender_v themselves_o unto_o they_o in_o another_o kind_n of_o rule_n by_o these_o mean_n be_v the_o original_a government_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n utter_o lose_v and_o a_o worldly_a domination_n introduce_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o but_o the_o brief_a delineation_n give_v of_o it_o before_o with_o what_o shall_v now_o be_v add_v will_v demonstrate_v sufficient_o that_o all_o these_o dispute_n and_o contest_v which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n between_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o about_o church-power_n and_o rule_n be_v utter_o foreign_a unto_o christian_a religion_n 6._o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o inquire_v into_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o skill_n and_o polity_n that_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o exercise_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o sole_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o 3._o what_o be_v the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o what_o it_o be_v conversant_a about_o especial_o those_o wherein_n the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n do_v take_v place_n 1._o the_o polity_n of_o church-government_n subjective_o consider_v be_v general_o support_v to_o consist_v 1._o in_o a_o skill_n learning_n or_o understand_v in_o the_o civil_a and_o especial_o the_o canon_n law_n with_o the_o additional_a canon_n accommodate_v that_o law_n unto_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o be_v interpret_v according_a unto_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o it_o 2._o knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o constitution_n power_n jurisdiction_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o law_n court_v which_o be_v in_o their_o original_n grant_v of_o power_n manner_n of_o proceed_v plea_n and_o censure_n mere_o secular_a be_v yet_o call_v ecclesiastical_a or_o spiritual_a 3._o a_o good_a discretion_n to_o understand_v a-right_a the_o extent_n of_o their_o power_n with_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o let_v none_o escape_v who_o they_o can_v reach_v by_o the_o discipline_n of_o their_o court_n and_o on_o the_o other_o not_o entrench_v so_o far_o on_o the_o civil-power_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o other_o court_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n as_o to_o bring_v themselves_o into_o charge_n or_o trouble_v 4._o a_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o table_n of_o fee_n that_o they_o may_v neither_o lose_v their_o own_o profit_n nor_o give_v advantage_n unto_o other_o to_o question_v they_o for_o take_v more_o than_o their_o due_n but_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v 8._o the_o skill_n then_o of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o government_n of_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n with_o a_o ability_n to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o in_o all_o requisite_a instance_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o all_o its_o member_n through_o a_o ministerial_a exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o a_o due_a representation_n of_o his_o holiness_n love_n care_n compassion_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o his_o church_n 1._o the_o sole_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v the_o intimation_n and_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o his_o institution_n command_n prohibition_n and_o promise_n a_o understanding_n herein_o with_o wisdom_n from_o that_o understanding_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o skill_n inquire_v after_o how_o this_o wisdom_n be_v bestow_v as_o a_o spiritual_a gift_n how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v acquire_v in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n by_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o study_n of_o the_o word_n have_v be_v intimate_v before_o and_o shall_v full_o be_v declare_v in_o our_o discourse_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n all_o decree_n and_o decretal_n canon_n and_o gloss_n come_v proper_o in_o this_o matter_n under_o one_o title_n of_o they_o namely_o extravagant_a the_o utmost_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o skill_n in_o they_o will_v contribute_v nothing_o unto_o this_o wisdom_n neither_o be_v any_o sort_n of_o man_n more_o stranger_n unto_o it_o or_o unacquainted_a with_o it_o than_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n who_o be_v eminent_o cunning_a in_o such_o law_n and_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n but_o wisdom_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n as_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v of_o use_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o a_o part_n of_o this_o wisdom_n consist_v in_o a_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v application_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o requisite_a instance_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o respective_o this_o wisdom_n be_v not_o notional_a only_o but_o practical_a it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o speculative_a comprehension_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o rule_n or_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n therein_o only_o though_o that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o in_o a_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v application_n of_o it_o whereunto_o diligence_n care_n watchfulness_n and_o spiritual_a courage_n be_v require_v some_o be_v to_o be_v admonish_v some_o to_o be_v rebuke_v sharp_o some_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o which_o and_o the_o like_a case_n a_o spirit_n of_o government_n act_v itself_o in_o diligence_n boldness_n and_o courage_n be_v necessary_a and_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v many_o elder_n in_o each_o church_n and_o those_o of_o several_a sort_n for_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o any_o one_o man_n be_v qualify_v for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o rule_n some_o may_v have_v a_o good_a understanding_n in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n government_n yet_o through_o a_o natural_a tenderness_n and_o a_o insuperable_a kind_n of_o modesty_n not_o be_v so_o ready_a and_o prompt_a for_o that_o part_n of_o this_o discipline_n which_o consist_v in_o reproof_n and_o severity_n of_o censure_n some_o may_v not_o have_v so_o great_a a_o ability_n for_o the_o indagation_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o law_n as_o other_o have_v who_o yet_o upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v discover_v unto_o they_o have_v readiness_n and_o boldness_n in_o christ_n to_o apply_v it_o as_o occasion_n do_v require_v all_o elder_n therefore_o in_o their_o variety_n of_o gift_n be_v to_o be_v
talent_n whether_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a which_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o be_v rich_a and_o some_o be_v poor_a some_o be_v old_a and_o some_o be_v young_a some_o in_o peace_n some_o in_o trouble_n some_o have_v receive_v more_o spiritual_a gift_n than_o other_o and_o have_v more_o opportunity_n for_o their_o exercise_n it_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o be_v admonish_v instruct_v and_o exhort_v to_o attend_v unto_o their_o respective_a duty_n not_o only_o public_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o personal_o as_o occasion_n do_v require_v according_a to_o the_o observation_n which_o those_o in_o rule_n do_v make_v of_o their_o forwardness_n or_o remissness_n in_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o instance_n man_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v that_o they_o contribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o other_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o ability_n that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n have_v entrust_v they_o withal_o and_o to_o admonish_v they_o that_o be_v defective_a herein_o in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o equality_n in_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.14_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o 4._o they_o be_v to_o watch_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o any_o church-disorder_n such_o as_o those_o that_o infest_a the_o church_n of_o corinth_n or_o any_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n with_o remissness_n as_o unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o which_o some_o be_v subject_a unto_o as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v heb._n 10.25_o on_o the_o constancy_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o this_o part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n the_o very_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v great_o depend_v the_o want_n hereof_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o all_o the_o trouble_n division_n and_o schism_n that_o in_o all_o age_n have_v invade_v and_o perplex_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o within_o themselves_o and_o from_o thence_o also_o have_v decay_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o order_n insensible_o prevail_v in_o many_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n first_o one_o grow_v remiss_a in_o attend_v unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o another_o first_o to_o one_o degree_n then_o to_o another_o until_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v infect_v a_o diligent_a watch_n over_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o beginning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n will_v either_o heal_v and_o recover_v they_o that_o offend_v or_o it_o will_v warn_v other_o and_o keep_v the_o church_n from_o be_v either_o corrupt_a or_o defile_v heb._n 3_o chap._n 12._o 5._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o also_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o such_o as_o who_o inward_a or_o outward_a condition_n do_v expose_v they_o unto_o more_o than_o ordinary_a trial_n in_o their_o sickness_n that_o be_v the_o poor_a the_o afflict_a the_o tempt_v in_o any_o kind_n this_o in_o general_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n a_o work_n of_o mercy_n but_o it_o be_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a church-duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o institution_n and_o one_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v all_o that_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a relief_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o and_o useful_a to_o they_o in_o their_o trouble_n and_o distress_n and_o if_o this_o duty_n be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v add_v much_o unto_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o our_o order_n and_o be_v a_o abide_n reserve_v with_o relief_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o outward_a condition_n expose_v they_o to_o strait_n and_o sorrow_n in_o such_o a_o season_n i_o add_v hereunto_o as_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n the_o visitation_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v unto_o restraint_n and_o imprisonment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o profession_n adherence_n unto_o church-assembly_n or_o the_o discharge_v of_o any_o pastoral_n or_o office-duty_n in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o case_n wherewith_o we_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a nor_o be_v like_o so_o to_o be_v some_o look_n on_o this_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o yet_o enjoy_v their_o liberty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o their_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n will_v allow_v they_o provide_v their_o discharge_n of_o it_o be_v useful_a unto_o those_o who_o they_o visit_v and_o inoffensive_a unto_o other_o but_o this_o duty_n diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o elder_n represent_v therein_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n yea_o of_o christ_n himself_o unto_o his_o prisoner_n be_v a_o great_a spring_n of_o relief_n and_o comfort_n unto_o they_o and_o by_o the_o elder_n may_v the_o church_n be_v acquaint_v what_o yet_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n on_o their_o account_n the_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n herein_o be_v most_o eminent_a 6._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o office_n to_o advise_v with_o and_o give_v direction_n unto_o the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o make_n provision_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v principal_o executive_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o inquisition_n into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n with_o the_o warn_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o liberality_n for_o their_o supply_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n 7._o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o through_o suffer_v persecution_n and_o affliction_n that_o the_o poor_a be_v multiply_v among_o they_o so_o as_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v not_o able_a to_o provide_v for_o their_o relief_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n if_o any_o supply_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o love_n and_o bounty_n of_o other_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v deposit_v with_o these_o elder_n and_o dispose_v according_a to_o their_o advice_n with_o that_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 11.30_o 8._o it_o be_v also_o their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o peculiar_a inspection_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n their_o way_n and_o their_o walk_n to_o acquaint_v the_o pastor_n or_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o direction_n in_o the_o present_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n he_o who_o make_v it_o not_o his_o business_n to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o minister_v unto_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o to_o their_o knowledge_n their_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n their_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n and_o apply_v not_o himself_o in_o his_o ministry_n to_o search_v out_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a unto_o their_o edification_n he_o fight_v uncertain_o in_o his_o whole_a work_n as_o a_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n but_o whereas_o their_o obligation_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n confine_v they_o much_o unto_o a_o retirement_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o time_n they_o can_v by_o themselves_o obtain_v that_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o whole_a flock_n but_o that_o other_o may_v great_o assist_v therein_o from_o their_o daily_a inspection_n converse_n and_o observation_n 9_o and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o meet_v and_o consult_v with_o the_o teaching-elders_a about_o such_o thing_n of_o importance_n as_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o consent_n and_o compliance_n hence_o nothing_o crude_a or_o indigested_a nothing_o unsuit_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n will_v at_o any_o time_n be_v propose_v therein_o so_o to_o give_v occasion_n unto_o contest_v or_o jangle_n dispute_v contrary_a unto_o order_n or_o decency_n but_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o gravity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n 10._o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o any_o diotrephes_n in_o office_n or_o without_o it_o 11._o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n to_o consult_v together_o with_o the_o other_o elder_n concern_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o present_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o their_o preservation_n from_o violence_n according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ._n 12._o whereas_o there_o
preserve_v in_o its_o purity_n according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n but_o that_o which_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n towards_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v express_v 1_o cor._n 5.1_o 2_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 1._o he_o declare_v the_o sin_n whereof_o the_o person_n charge_v be_v guilty_a with_o the_o ignominy_n and_o scandal_n of_o it_o ver._n 1._o 2._o he_o blame_v the_o church_n that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o gild_n and_o scandal_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o have_v proceed_v to_o his_o removal_n or_o expulsion_n out_o of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v take_v away_o or_o cut_v off_o from_o they_o ver._n 2._o 3._o he_o declare_v his_o own_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o take_v away_o or_o remove_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o actual_o effect_v by_o that_o judgement_n and_o sentence_n of_o he_o ver._n 3._o 4._o he_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o excision_n 1._o the_o supreme_a efficient_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n institute_v this_o ordinance_n in_o his_o church_n give_v right_o and_o power_n unto_o it_o for_o its_o administration_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o with_o his_o power_n 2._o the_o declarative_a cause_n of_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o sentence_n which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o authoritative_a declaration_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n with_o my_o spirit_n 3._o the_o instrumental_a ministerial_a cause_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o church_n do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n when_o you_o be_v gather_v together_o ver._n 4._o and_o thereby_o purge_v out_o the_o old_a leaven_n that_o you_o may_v be_v a_o new_a lump_n ver._n 7._o whence_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v say_v to_o be_v inflict_v by_o many_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o that_o be_v all_o those_o who_o on_o his_o repentance_n be_v oblige_v to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v he_o that_o be_v the_o whole_a church_n ver._n 7._o 5._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n be_v the_o deliver_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n ver._n 5._o not_o the_o destruction_n of_o his_o body_n by_o death_n but_o the_o through_o mortification_n of_o the_o flesh_n whereby_o he_o be_v short_o afterward_o recover_v and_o restore_v into_o his_o former_a condition_n the_o whole_a of_o what_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v here_o exemplify_v as_o 1._o the_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n which_o be_v a_o scandalous_a sin_n unrepented_a of_o 2._o the_o preparation_n for_o its_o execution_n which_o be_v the_o church_n sense_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o scandal_n with_o humiliation_n for_o it_o 3._o the_o warranty_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n wherein_o his_o authority_n be_v engage_v 4._o the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o it_o by_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 5._o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o a_o total_a separation_n from_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n 6._o the_o end_n of_o it_o 1._o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o church_n its_o purge_n and_o vindication_n 2._o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o person_n excommunicate_v his_o repentance_n reformation_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v usual_o reply_v hereunto_o that_o this_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o apostolical_a power_n and_o so_o not_o to_o be_v draw_v by_o we_o into_o example_n for_o he_o himself_o both_o determine_v the_o case_n and_o assert_v his_o presence_n in_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o his_o authority_n to_o be_v necessary_a unto_o what_o be_v do_v beside_o it_o be_v a_o delivery_n of_o the_o man_n to_o satan_n that_o be_v into_o his_o power_n to_o be_v afflict_v and_o cruciate_v by_o he_o to_o be_v terrify_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o punish_v in_o his_o body_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v unto_o death_n such_o be_v the_o delivery_n of_o a_o man_n to_o satan_n by_o the_o apostle_n mention_v here_o and_o 1_o tim._n 1.9_o 20._o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o power_n in_o any_o church_n at_o present_a to_o deliver_v a_o offender_n unto_o satan_n nor_o any_o appear_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o pretence_n wherefore_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n which_o belong_v not_o unto_o church_n at_o present_a i_o answer_v 1._o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o any_o church_n whether_o present_a or_o absent_a by_o their_o own_o authority_n do_v not_o prejudice_v the_o right_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o nor_o their_o power_n act_v in_o subordination_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o guidance_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o this_o place_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o exert_n of_o any_o apostolical_a power_n intimate_v the_o church_n itself_o be_v charge_v with_o its_o duty_n and_o direct_v to_o exercise_v its_o authority_n in_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o offender_n 2._o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o case_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n shall_v fall_v into_o a_o scandalous_a sin_n unto_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n give_v offence_n unto_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a rule_n found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n confirm_v here_o and_o elsewhere_o by_o express_v divine_a command_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v reject_v from_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n until_o he_o give_v satisfaction_n by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n 3._o it_o be_v that_o without_o which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v preserve_v in_o its_o purity_n nor_o its_o be_v be_v continue_v as_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n do_v manifest_a 4._o the_o judgement_n both_o of_o the_o fact_n and_o right_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o church_n itself_o whence_o it_o be_v afterward_o high_o commend_v by_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o its_o duty_n herein_o 2_o cor._n 2._o in_o brief_a it_o be_v such_o a_o divine_a order_n that_o be_v here_o prescribe_v as_o without_o the_o observance_n whereof_o no_o church_n can_v long_o subsist_v 5._o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n about_o the_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n for_o 1._o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o hereon_o the_o offender_n be_v deliver_v so_o into_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o be_v cruciate_v agitate_a and_o at_o length_n kill_v as_o some_o imagine_v nor_o can_v any_o instance_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o antiquity_n though_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o who_o upon_o their_o rejection_n out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v enrage_v unto_o a_o opposition_n against_o it_o as_o it_o be_v with_o simon_n magus_n marcian_n and_o other_o 2._o yea_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n include_v in_o their_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n as_o be_v pretend_v for_o the_o design_n and_o end_n of_o it_o be_v the_o man_n humiliation_n recovery_n and_o salvation_n as_o be_v express_o affirm_v in_o the_o text_n and_o this_o effect_n be_v actual_o have_v for_o the_o man_n be_v heal_v and_o restore_v wherefore_o this_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o exciting_a of_o save_v grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n adapt_v unto_o the_o case_n of_o fall_v by_o scandalous_a sin_n peculiar_o effectual_a above_o any_o other_o gospel_n ordinance_n now_o this_o can_v be_v such_o a_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n as_o that_o pretend_a which_o can_v have_v no_o other_o end_n but_o destruction_n and_o death_n 3._o this_o delivery_n unto_o satan_n be_v no_o more_o but_o the_o cast_n of_o a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n so_o give_v he_o up_o as_o unto_o his_o outward_a condition_n into_o the_o state_n of_o heathen_n and_o publican_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n for_o he_o who_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o according_a unto_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v not_o only_o debar_v from_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o visible_o and_o regular_o devest_v of_o all_o present_a right_n to_o they_o and_o interest_n in_o they_o he_o belong_v unto_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n the_o gather_n of_o man_n by_o conversion_n into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o turn_n of_o they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n act._n 26.18_o a_o delivery_n from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o a_o translation_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n col._n 1.13_o wherefore_o after_o a_o
man_n have_v by_o faith_n and_o his_o conjunction_n unto_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n his_o just_a rejection_n out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o redelivery_n of_o he_o into_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v here_o intend_a and_o this_o be_v a_o act_n suit_v unto_o the_o end_n whereunto_o it_o be_v design_v for_o a_o man_n hereby_o be_v not_o take_v out_o of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n not_o act_v or_o agitate_a by_o the_o devil_n but_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o sedate_n consideration_n of_o his_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o this_o if_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o ingenuous_a grace_n leave_v in_o he_o will_v be_v effectual_o operative_a by_o shame_n grief_n and_o fear_n unto_o his_o humiliation_n especial_o understand_v that_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n herein_o be_v only_o his_o repentance_n and_o restauration_n here_o be_v therefore_o in_o his_o instance_n a_o everlasting_a rule_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o ordinary_a occurrence_n of_o the_o like_a case_n require_v a_o ordinary_a power_n for_o relief_n in_o they_o without_o which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v preserve_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n enjoin_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o necessary_a unto_o its_o glory_n it_o be_v own_o honour_n and_o edification_n to_o reject_v scandalous_a offender_n out_o of_o its_o communion_n be_v evident_o declare_v in_o this_o place_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o it_o have_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n to_o discharge_v see_v without_o they_o it_o can_v be_v discharge_v be_v a_o wild_a imagination_n 4._o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o with_o such_o other_o particular_a duty_n as_o suppose_v the_o institution_n hereof_o be_v in_o many_o place_n direct_v and_o enjoin_v it_o be_v so_o in_o that_o insist_v on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o record_v lie_v in_o this_o that_o church_n ought_v to_o cut_v off_o from_o among_o they_o scandalous_a offender_n and_o that_o to_o the_o end_v they_o may_v preserve_v themselves_o pure_a and_o that_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n vers._n 2_o 4_o 7._o and_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o that_o excommunication_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n we_o shall_v consider_v afterward_o 2_o cor._n chap._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o church_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n call_v it_o a_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o he_o by_o they_o vers._n 6._o he_o give_v also_o a_o account_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o sentence_n against_o he_o which_o be_v his_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n vers._n 7._o and_o hereon_o give_v direction_n for_o his_o restauration_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n forgive_a he_o and_o confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o he_o man_n may_v fancy_n to_o themselves_o strange_a notion_n of_o excommunication_n with_o reference_n unto_o its_o power_n the_o residence_n of_o that_o power_n its_o effect_n extent_n and_o end_n and_o so_o either_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n erect_v it_o into_o a_o engine_n of_o arbitrary_a domination_n over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o or_o deny_v on_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o force_n in_o his_o church_n but_o we_o can_v be_v teach_v nothing_o more_o plain_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o he_o have_v give_v power_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o communion_n obstinate_a scandalous_a offender_n and_o to_o restore_v they_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n enjoin_v it_o unto_o they_o as_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o woeful_a degeneracy_n in_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n when_o this_o sentence_n be_v so_o administer_v as_o that_o it_o have_v a_o effect_n by_o virtue_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o man_n but_o no_o influence_n on_o their_o conscience_n unto_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o its_o appointment_n the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n gal._n 5.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o he_o speak_v of_o those_o false_a teacher_n who_o oppose_v and_o overthrow_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o at_o that_o time_n be_v in_o great_a power_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n who_o they_o have_v corrupt_v with_o their_o false_a opinion_n so_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_o enjoin_v their_o immediate_a excision_n yet_o he_o declare_v what_o they_o do_v deserve_v and_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o they_o when_o free_v from_o their_o delusion_n vers._n 12._o i_o will_v they_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o man_n have_v exercise_v their_o mind_n in_o curious_a conjecture_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n altogether_o in_o vain_a and_o needless_o the_o curiosity_n of_o some_o of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o ancient_n apply_v it_o unto_o a_o forcible_a eunuchism_n be_v extreme_o fond_a no_o other_o excision_n be_v intend_v but_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o truth_n neither_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n condemn_v nor_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n or_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o exposition_n 2_o thessaly_n 3.7_o the_o apostle_n give_v command_v unto_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a what_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v disorderly_a he_o declare_v immediate_o namely_o to_o live_v in_o a_o open_a disobedience_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v unto_o they_o this_o withdraw_a be_v as_o unto_o church-communion_n which_o can_v be_v do_v but_o upon_o some_o act_n of_o the_o church_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o right_n of_o it_o for_o if_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n herein_o it_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o vers._n 14._o he_o require_v that_o a_o note_n be_v set_v on_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v a_o sentence_n be_v denounce_v against_o he_o before_o the_o duty_n of_o withdraw_a from_o he_o by_o the_o brethren_n be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o see_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tit._n 3.10_o 11._o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o revel_v 2.2_o 14_o 15_o 20_o 21._o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o this_o censure_n judgement_n spiritual_a punishment_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o administration_n he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o edification_n with_o its_o preservation_n in_o honour_n purity_n and_o order_n ☞_o there_o have_v be_v many_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o unto_o its_o order_n and_o kind_n some_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o excommunication_n the_o one_o they_o call_v the_o lesser_a and_o the_o other_o the_o great_a some_o three_o sort_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o more_o sort_n but_o one_o or_o of_o any_o degree_n therein_o a_o segregation_n from_o all_o participation_n in_o church-order_n worship_n and_o privilege_n be_v the_o only_a excommunication_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o whereas_o a_o offend_a person_n may_v cause_v great_a disorder_n in_o a_o church_n and_o give_v great_a scandal_n unto_o the_o member_n of_o it_o before_o he_o can_v be_v regular_o cut_v off_o or_o expel_v the_o society_n some_o do_v judge_v that_o there_o shall_v a_o suspension_n of_o he_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n at_o least_o precede_v total_a or_o complete_a excommunication_n in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n and_o it_o ought_v in_o some_o case_n so_o to_o be_v but_o this_o suspension_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o especial_a institution_n but_o only_o a_o act_n of_o prudence_n in_o church-rule_n to_o avoid_v offence_n and_o scandal_n and_o no_o man_n question_v but_o that_o this_o be_v lawful_a unto_o yea_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o require_v any_o
unto_o such_o mistake_n where_o they_o be_v not_o under_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v obtain_v by_o prayer_n only_o 2._o in_o or_o together_o with_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o that_o what_o be_v do_v on_o earth_n may_v be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o approbation_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v make_v effectual_a unto_o its_o proper_a end._n 3_o it_o must_v be_v follow_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n all_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o humiliation_n repentance_n healing_n and_o recovery_n of_o the_o offender_n 2_o lie_v it_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o lamentation_n or_o mourn_v so_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o mourn_v that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o mourning_n and_o himself_o call_v the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n from_o this_o adjunct_n his_o bewail_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v bewail_v many_o that_o have_v sin_v already_o 2_o cor._n 12.2_o compassion_n for_o the_o person_n offend_v with_o respect_n unto_o that_o dangerous_a condition_n whereinto_o he_o have_v cast_v himself_o the_o excision_n of_o a_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o who_o they_o have_v have_v communion_n in_o the_o most_o holy_a mystery_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o his_o fall_n aught_o to_o ingenerate_v this_o mourn_a or_o lamentation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n nor_o be_v it_o advisable_v for_o any_o church_n to_o proceed_v thereunto_o before_o they_o be_v so_o affect_v 3_o lie_v it_o be_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n of_o christ._n for_o we_o herein_o judge_v for_o christ_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n and_o woe_n to_o they_o who_o dare_v pronounce_v this_o sentence_n without_o a_o persuasion_n on_o good_a ground_n that_o it_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o there_o be_v a_o representation_n also_o in_o it_o of_o the_o future_a judgement_n when_o christ_n will_v eternal_o cut_v off_o and_o separate_v from_o himself_o all_o hypocrite_n and_o impenitent_a sinner_n this_o be_v well_o express_v by_o tertullian_n ibidem_fw-la etiam_fw-la exhortationes_fw-la castigationes_fw-la &_o censura_fw-la divina_fw-la speak_v of_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n name_n &_o judicatur_fw-la magno_fw-la cum_fw-la pondere_fw-la ut_fw-la apud_fw-la certos_fw-la de_fw-la dei_fw-la conspectu_fw-la summumque_fw-la futuri_fw-la judicii_fw-la praejudicium_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la ita_fw-la d_o liquerit_fw-la ut_fw-la a_o communicatione_n orationis_fw-la &_o conventus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la sancti_fw-la commercii_fw-la relegetur_fw-la apol._n cap._n 39_o be_v this_o duty_n observe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o preservative_n against_o that_o intermixture_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o corrupt_a end_n which_o often_o impose_v themselves_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n last_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o judgement_n or_o sentence_n be_v corrective_a not_o vindicative_a for_o heal_v not_o destruction_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o principal_o concern_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o to_o render_v it_o effectual_a be_v plain_o evident_a of_o what_o use_n a_o significant_fw-la and_o capias_fw-la may_v be_v in_o this_o case_n i_o know_v not_o they_o belong_v not_o unto_o christian_a religion_n much_o less_o do_v fire_n and_o faggot_n do_v so_o prayer_n for_o the_o person_n cut_v off_o admonition_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v compassion_n in_o his_o distress_a estate_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o deplorable_a if_o he_o know_v it_o not_o forbearance_n from_o common_a converse_n with_o readiness_n for_o the_o restauration_n of_o love_n in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o contain_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o towards_o they_o that_o be_v just_o excommunicate_a what_o far_o belong_v unto_o this_o head_n of_o church-rule_n or_o order_n shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n or_o inquiry_n wherein_o also_o some_o thing_n only_o mention_v already_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o explain_v i_o have_v make_v some_o enquiry_n before_o whether_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n in_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n or_o a_o act_n of_o power_n in_o the_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o by_o who_o it_o be_v desire_v i_o shall_v a_o little_a more_o distinct_o inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n herein_o though_o i_o shall_v alter_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v before_o lay_v down_o and_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a it_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o i_o now_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v this_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n wherefore_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n both_o the_o officer_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a interest_n for_o that_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n towards_o any_o which_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o exercise_v it_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o null_a there_o be_v therefore_o no_o distinction_n or_o distribution_n of_o power_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o interposition_n of_o especial_a duty_n 2._o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n with_o respect_n unto_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a society_n for_o its_o especial_a end_n do_v not_o deprive_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a right_n as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n there_o be_v in_o every_o community_n by_o voluntary_a confederation_n a_o natural_a right_n and_o power_n to_o expel_v those_o from_o its_o society_n who_o will_v not_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o law_n of_o its_o constitution_n and_o if_o the_o church_n shall_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o power_n new_a as_o unto_o the_o way_n manner_n and_o end_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v deprive_v of_o its_o original_a radical_a power_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o general_a end_n of_o its_o own_o preservation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o gainer_n by_o that_o institution_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n shall_v in_o particular_a appoint_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n or_o administration_n of_o this_o sentence_n commit_v the_o care_n thereof_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o can_v be_v well_o understand_v that_o thereby_o he_o shall_v deprive_v the_o church_n of_o its_o right_n and_o forbid_v they_o their_o duty_n in_o preserve_v their_o society_n entire_a and_o pure_a neither_o can_v it_o be_v so_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n commit_v unto_o any_o as_o that_o upon_o their_o neglect_n whereby_o those_o who_o by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n communion_n be_v continue_v in_o it_o unto_o its_o sin_n and_o defilement_n the_o church_n itself_o shall_v be_v free_a from_o guilt_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n express_o charge_v the_o whole_a church_n of_o corinth_n with_o sin_n and_o neglect_n of_o duty_n in_o that_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o put_v away_o from_o among_o they_o this_o can_v not_o be_v if_o so_o be_v the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o few_o of_o the_o officer_n that_o the_o church_n have_v no_o right_a to_o act_v in_o it_o for_o none_o can_v incur_v a_o gild_n mere_o by_o the_o defect_n of_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n 3._o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v be_v before_o its_o ordinary_a officer_n for_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v officer_n in_o every_o church_n but_o the_o church_n in_o that_o state_n have_v power_n to_o put_v away_o from_o among_o they_o and_o their_o communion_n a_o obstinate_a offender_n they_o have_v it_o as_o they_o be_v a_o society_n by_o voluntary_a confederation_n wherein_o this_o come_v short_a of_o authoritative_a excommunication_n will_v immediate_o appear_v 4._o where_o a_o church_n be_v complete_a and_o organise_v with_o its_o state_v ruler_n as_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v yet_o rule_n instruction_n and_o command_n be_v give_v express_o unto_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o duty_n and_o act_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o sentence_n and_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o offender_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 4_o 6_o 7._o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o yea_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o infliction_n of_o the_o sentence_n be_v
ascribe_v unto_o they_o ver._n 5._o all_o these_o thing_n do_v suppose_v a_o right_n and_o duty_n thereon_o to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n in_o excommunication_n to_o reside_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n wherefore_o 5._o there_o be_v some_o act_n belong_v hereunto_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n can_v be_v exclude_v from_o without_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n itself_o and_o render_v it_o ineffectual_a such_o be_v the_o previous_a cognizance_n of_o the_o cause_n without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v blame_v for_o any_o neglect_n about_o it_o preparatory_a duty_n unto_o its_o execution_n in_o prayer_n mourn_v and_o admonition_n which_o be_v express_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o a_o testification_n of_o their_o consent_n unto_o it_o by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n without_o these_o thing_n excommunication_n be_v but_o a_o name_n with_o a_o noise_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 6._o hence_o arise_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n that_o be_v consequential_a unto_o his_o exclusion_n from_o among_o they_o such_o be_v pray_v for_o he_o as_o one_o note_v by_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o public_a and_o private_a that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o arise_v from_o their_o own_o voluntary_a act_n in_o his_o exclusion_n and_o such_o as_o without_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o 7._o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n unto_o the_o formal_a compleatness_n of_o this_o sentence_n a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o office-power_n be_v require_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v in_o it_o such_o a_o act_n of_o rule_n as_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n only_o 2._o the_o executive_a power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o bind_v and_o lose_v so_o far_o as_o it_o comprise_v authority_n to_o be_v act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v entrust_v with_o they_o only_o 8._o wherefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o in_o answer_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n but_o that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o church-power_n in_o its_o officer_n and_o brethren_n act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a right_n interest_n and_o duty_n particular_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n act_n in_o it_o as_o officer_n with_o authority_n the_o brethren_n or_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n with_o power_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o the_o officer_n be_v no_o way_n exclude_v from_o their_o power_n consent_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n therein_o with_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o those_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o they_o where_o either_o of_o these_o be_v want_v the_o whole_a duty_n be_v vitiate_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o sentence_n render_v ineffectual_a i._o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o excommunication_n just_o deserve_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o case_n of_o trouble_n or_o danger_n that_o may_v ensue_v unto_o the_o church_n therein_o it_o be_v usual_o grant_v that_o so_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v which_o seem_v in_o general_a to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o austin_n the_o trouble_n and_o danger_n intend_v be_v threefold_a 1._o from_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o from_o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v 3._o from_o the_o church_n 1._o trouble_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o it_o over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n not_o grant_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n those_o that_o execute_v it_o may_v be_v liable_a unto_o penalty_n ordain_v in_o such_o case_n 2._o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v may_v be_v great_a and_o of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o that_o if_o they_o receive_v a_o provocation_n hereby_o they_o may_v occasion_v or_o stir_v up_o persecution_n against_o the_o church_n as_o it_o have_v often_o fall_v out_o 3._o the_o church_n itself_o may_v be_v divide_v on_o these_o consideration_n so_o as_o that_o last_a difference_n may_v be_v occasion_v among_o they_o which_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o sentence_n may_v prevent_v for_o answer_n hereunto_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v as_o 1._o here_o be_v no_o supposition_n of_o any_o thing_n sinful_a or_o moral_o evil_a in_o the_o church_n its_o officer_n or_o any_o of_o its_o member_n by_o refuse_v to_o omit_v the_o pronounce_v of_o this_o sentence_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o trouble_v mention_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o a_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v now_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o 2._o we_o must_v suppose_v 1._o that_o the_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n be_v clear_a and_o evident_a both_o as_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o the_o due_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o person_n concern_v so_o as_o that_o no_o rational_a indifferent_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v wherever_o excommunication_n be_v administer_v 2._o that_o sufficient_a time_n and_o space_n of_o repentance_n and_o for_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o afterward_o have_v be_v allow_v unto_o the_o person_n after_o admonition_n 3._o that_o the_o church_n do_v real_o suffer_v in_o honour_n and_o reputation_n by_o tolerate_v such_o a_o scandalous_a offender_n among_o they_o i_o answer_v on_o these_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o countenance_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n or_o to_o acquit_v the_o church_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v for_o 1._o the_o first_o presence_n of_o danger_n be_v vain_a there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o touch_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n and_o conservation_n of_o humane_a law_n it_o reach_v not_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o life_n or_o liberty_n nor_o their_o estate_n or_o the_o least_o secular_a privilege_n that_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o do_v not_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o power_n or_o censure_n of_o other_o nor_o prejudge_v they_o as_o unto_o office_n or_o advantage_n of_o life_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o concernment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n herein_o no_o more_o than_o in_o a_o parent_n disenherit_v a_o rebellious_a child_n 2._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o persecution_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o person_n provoke_v i_o say_v 1._o the_o same_o may_v be_v plead_v as_o unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n wherewith_o the_o world_n be_v provoke_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n to_o testify_v against_o sin_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n be_v a_o case_n of_o confession_n 2._o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o deter_v by_o this_o consideration_n from_o the_o excommunication_n of_o simon_n magus_n the_o seduce_a jew_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n with_o other_o 3._o the_o lord_n christ_n command_v and_o reprove_v his_o church_n according_a as_o they_o be_v strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o duty_n or_o neglective_a of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n thereon_o revel_v 2.3_o and_o 4._o he_o will_v take_v that_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o their_o obedience_n unto_o he_o as_o shall_v turn_v all_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o unto_o their_o advantage_n 3._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v but_o that_o if_o rule_v order_n love_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o prevent_v such_o difference_n there_o be_v no_o way_n appoint_v of_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o as_o they_o be_v abundant_o they_o must_v bear_v their_o own_o blame_n who_o occasion_n such_o difference_n ii_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v what_o if_o such_o a_o offender_n as_o just_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o be_v under_o admonition_n in_o order_n thereunto_o in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n shall_v voluntary_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o and_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o any_o necessity_n to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o excommunication_n answ._n 1._o some_z say_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o church_n that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o
and_o unless_o this_o union_n be_v dissolve_v unless_o a_o church_n be_v disunite_v from_o christ_n it_o can_v be_v so_o from_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o particular_a however_o it_o may_v be_v deal_v withal_o by_o other_o in_o the_o world._n from_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n and_o spring_n of_o union_n there_o proceed_v unto_o all_o particular_a church_n a_o bond_n of_o union_n which_o be_v his_o holy_a spirit_n act_v itself_o in_o they_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n in_o and_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o kingly_a royal_a beautiful_a union_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n as_o the_o only_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n bring_v it_o into_o a_o relation_n unto_o himself_o as_o his_o body_n communicate_v of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o it_o govern_v it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o his_o word_n enable_v it_o unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o holiness_n for_o unto_o the_o complete_n of_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v require_v 1._o faith_n in_o he_o or_o hold_v he_o as_o the_o head_n in_o the_o sincere_a belief_n of_o all_o thing_n concern_v his_o person_n office_n and_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel_n with_o whatever_o belong_v thereunto_o 2._o love_n unto_o he_o and_o all_o that_o be_v he_o 3._o that_o especial_a holiness_n who_o foundation_n be_v repentance_n and_o effectual_a vocation_n 4._o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n as_o unto_o all_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n these_o thing_n be_v essential_o requisite_a unto_o this_o union_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n the_o reality_n and_o power_n of_o they_o be_v the_o internal_a form_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o they_o be_v its_o external_a form_n 2._o there_o concur_v hereunto_o a_o union_n among_o themselves_o i_o mean_v all_o particular_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n in_o who_o the_o church_n catholic_n do_v act_n its_o power_n and_o duty_n and_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o these_o church_n be_v that_o which_o be_v term_v relatio_fw-la aequiparentiae_fw-la wherein_o neither_o of_o the_o relata_fw-la be_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v equal_a it_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o subordination_n of_o one_o unto_o another_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a as_o unto_o what_o concern_v their_o essence_n and_o power_n and_o the_o bond_n hereof_o be_v that_o especial_a love_n which_o christ_n require_v among_o all_o his_o disciple_n act_v itself_o unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n take_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o union_n of_o church_n consist_v in_o their_o relation_n unto_o god_n as_o their_o father_n and_o unto_o christ_n as_o their_o only_a immediate_a head_n of_o influence_n and_o rule_n with_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n the_o same_o kind_n of_o holiness_n the_o same_o duty_n of_o divine_a worship_n especial_o the_o same_o mystery_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o rule_n or_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o all_o church-order_n with_o mutual_a love_n effectual_a unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o be_v and_o constitution_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n there_o may_v be_v failure_n in_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o as_o unto_o sundry_a of_o these_o thing_n there_o may_v be_v difference_n among_o they_o about_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o infirmity_n ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o they_o of_o who_o they_o do_v consist_v the_o best_a know_v here_o but_o in_o part_n but_o whilst_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v the_o union_n of_o all_o church_n and_o so_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v preserve_v this_o be_v that_o bless_a oneness_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o so_o earnest_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n one_o among_o themselves_o and_o make_v perfect_a in_o one_o joh._n 17.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o that_o horrid_a image_n of_o it_o which_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n of_o the_o church_n which_o all_o man_n be_v compel_v to_o bow_v down_o unto_o and_o worship_n with_o the_o fire_n of_o nebuchadnezar_n furnance_n of_o any_o other_o union_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n this_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o all_o particular_a church_n be_v always_o the_o same_o inviolable_a unchangeable_a comprehend_v all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o all_o time_n not_o confinable_a unto_o any_o state_n or_o party_n not_o interruptible_a by_o any_o external_a form_n nor_o to_o be_v prevail_v against_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o all_o such_o dispute_n about_o a_o catholic_n church_n and_o its_o union_n as_o can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o questionable_a among_o they_o that_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v in_o direct_a opposition_n unto_o the_o prayer_n and_o promise_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whilst_o evangelical_n faith_n holiness_n obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o mutual_a love_n abide_v in_o any_o on_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v profess_v that_o catholic_n church_n be_v visible_a other_o catholic_n church_n upon_o the_o earth_n i_o believe_v none_o nor_o any_o that_o need_v other_o thing_n unto_o its_o constitution_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v unto_o that_o which_o be_v our_o present_a enquiry_n namely_o wherein_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n among_o themselves_o do_v consist_v the_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v their_o joint_a act_n in_o the_o same_o gospel_n duty_n towards_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o their_o mutual_a act_n towards_o each_o other_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o be_v which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n the_o ground_n of_o they_o be_v faith_n and_o therein_o be_v the_o first_o act_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o this_o communion_n in_o faith_n among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v twofold_a 1._o general_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a unto_o godliness_n the_o same_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n thereof_o so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n this_o the_o primitive_a church_n provide_v for_o in_o creed_n and_o symbol_n or_o confession_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v know_v but_o as_o never_o any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v express_o own_v by_o all_o church_n so_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o come_v to_o be_v abuse_v as_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a church_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a hence_o we_o have_v as_o many_o arian_n creed_n yet_o extant_a as_o those_o that_o be_v orthodox_n but_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o all_o particular_a ☜_o church_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o require_v but_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o a_o profess_a assent_n unto_o all_o divine_a revelation_n therein_o contain_v provide_v that_o no_o error_n be_v avow_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principal_a or_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o it_o for_o although_o any_o society_n of_o man_n shall_v profess_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o avow_v a_o assent_n unto_o the_o revelation_n make_v therein_o yet_o by_o the_o conception_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n therein_o they_o may_v embrace_v and_o adhere_v unto_o such_o error_n as_o may_v cut_v they_o off_o from_o all_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o faith._n such_o be_v the_o denial_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o divine_a person_n or_o office_n the_o redemption_n of_o the_o church_n by_o his_o blood_n the_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a and_o they_o may_v also_o add_v that_o of_o their_o own_o unto_o their_o profess_a belief_n as_o shall_v exclude_v they_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n such_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o tradition_n as_o equal_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o another_o head_n of_o the_o church_n beside_o the_o lord_n christ_n of_o another_o sacrifice_n beside_o what_o he_o once_o offer_v for_o all_o and_o the_o like_a but_o where_o any_o be_v preserve_v from_o such_o heresy_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o communion_n with_o