commit_v to_o one_o sort_n of_o person_n only_o have_v one_o and_o the_o same_o office_n absolute_o then_o be_v some_o commend_v who_o do_v not_o discharge_v their_o whole_a duty_n at_o least_o not_o comparative_o unto_o other_o which_o be_v a_o vain_a imagination_n that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v commit_v unto_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n and_o one_o of_o they_o only_o unto_o another_o each_o discharge_n its_o duty_n with_o respect_n unto_o its_o work_n and_o so_o both_o worthy_a of_o honour_n be_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o which_o be_v object_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n namely_o that_o maintenance_n belong_v unto_o this_o double_a honour_n and_o so_o consequent_o that_o if_o there_o be_v elder_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o rule_n only_o that_o maintenance_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o from_o the_o church_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v so_o no_o doubt_n if_o 1._o the_o church_n be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o a_o allowance_n 2._o if_o their_o work_n be_v such_o as_o to_o take_v up_o the_o whole_a or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o industry_n and_o 3._o if_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o without_o which_o consideration_n it_o may_v be_v dispense_v withal_o not_o only_o in_o they_o but_o in_o teach_v elder_n also_o our_o next_o testimony_n be_v from_o the_o same_o apostle_n rom._n 12.6_o 7._o 8._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a unto_o the_o grace_n give_v unto_o we_o whether_o prophecy_n let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o ministry_n or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n he_o that_o give_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n with_o cheerfulness_n our_o argument_n from_o hence_o be_v this_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o rule_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o rule_v with_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o office_n whence_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o presides_n over_o other_o with_o authority_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o differ_v peculiar_a gift_n bestow_v on_o some_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ver_fw-la 7._o and_o there_o be_v the_o especial_a manner_n prescribe_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o especial_a office_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o especial_a gift_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o peculiar_a diligence_n and_o this_o ruler_n be_v distinguish_v from_o he_o that_o exhort_v and_o he_o that_o teach_v with_o who_o especial_a work_n as_o such_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v even_o as_o they_o be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o who_o give_v and_o show_v mercy_n that_o be_v there_o be_v a_o elder_a by_o office_n in_o the_o church_n who_o work_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o rule_n not_o to_o exhort_v or_o teach_v ministerial_o which_o be_v our_o rule_v elder_a it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o treat_v in_o this_o place_n of_o office_n function_n or_o distinct_a officer_n but_o of_o differ_v gift_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v according_a as_o their_o different_a nature_n do_v require_v sundry_a thing_n i_o shall_v return_v hereunto_o which_o will_v both_o explain_v the_o context_n and_o vindicate_v our_o argument_n 1._o those_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v principal_o allow_v no_o exercise_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o office._n wherefore_o a_o distinct_a exercise_n of_o they_o be_v here_o place_v in_o distinct_a officer_n one_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o another_o 2._o give_v such_o a_o probable_a enumeration_n of_o the_o distinct_a office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o assert_v namely_o of_o arch-bishop_n bishop_n presbyter_n and_o chancellor_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o shall_v yield_v the_o cause_n 3._o gift_n alone_o do_v no_o more_o give_v no_o other_o warranty_n nor_o authority_n but_o only_o render_v man_n meet_v for_o their_o exercise_n as_o they_o be_v call_v and_o as_o occasion_n do_v require_v if_o a_o man_n have_v receive_v a_o gift_n of_o teach_v but_o be_v not_o call_v to_o office_n he_o be_v not_o oblige_v nor_o warrant_v thereby_o to_o attend_v on_o public_a teach_v nor_o be_v it_o require_v of_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n nor_o give_v in_o charge_n unto_o he_o as_o here_o it_o be_v 4._o there_o be_v in_o one_o rule_v require_v with_o diligence_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o ruler_n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o he_o that_o he_o attend_v unto_o his_o work_n with_o diligence_n and_o there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n require_v unto_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o thesis_n 1._o that_o this_o rule_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office-power_n 2._o that_o he_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v ascribe_v be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o pastoral_n and_o other_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o rule_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office_n or_o of_o office-power_n for_o it_o require_v 1._o a_o especial_a relation_n there_o be_v so_o between_o he_o that_o rule_v and_o they_o that_o be_v rule_v and_o this_o be_v the_o relation_n of_o office_n or_o all_o confusion_n will_v ensue_v 2._o especial_a prelation_n he_o that_o rule_v be_v over_o be_v above_o they_o that_o be_v rule_v obey_v they_o that_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n this_o in_o the_o church_n can_v be_v in_o any_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o office_n 3._o especial_a authority_n all_o lawful_a rule_n be_v a_o act_n of_o authority_n and_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o office._n second_o that_o this_o officer_n be_v distinct_a from_o all_o other_o in_o the_o church_n we_o shall_v immediate_o demonstrate_v when_o we_o have_v a_o little_a further_o clear_v the_o context_n wherefore_o 5._o it_o be_v confess_v that_o respect_n be_v have_v unto_o gift_n have_v different_a gift_n ver_fw-la 6_o 7._o as_o all_o office-power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v found_v in_o they_o ephes._n 4.7_o 8_o 9_o 11_o 12._o but_o gift_n absolute_o with_o reference_n unto_o common_a use_n be_v not_o intend_v as_o in_o some_o other_o place_n but_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o with_o respect_n unto_o office_n or_o function_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o they_o unto_o officer_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o text_n and_o context_n with_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o place_n for_o 1._o the_o analysis_n of_o the_o place_n direct_v unto_o this_o interpretation_n three_o sort_n of_o duty_n be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o this_o chapter_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v universal_a belong_v absolute_o unto_o all_o and_o every_o one_o that_o appertain_v unto_o it_o which_o be_v declare_v ver_n 1.2_o 2._o such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o some_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o especial_a place_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o office._n 3_o such_o as_o be_v general_a or_o common_a with_o respect_n unto_o occasion_n from_o ver_fw-la 8._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n hence_o the_o same_o duty_n be_v double_o prescribe_v to_o some_o in_o way_n of_o especial_a office_n to_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o gracious_a duty_n in_o general_n so_o here_o he_o that_o give_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n vers._n 8._o be_v the_o same_o duty_n or_o work_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o with_o distribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n vers._n 13._o and_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o repeat_v his_o charge_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n in_o so_o few_o word_n as_o require_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o of_o the_o same_o person_n but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n by_o virtue_n of_o office_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a of_o its_o discharge_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o a_o grace_n in_o all_o believer_n the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n lie_v plain_a in_o the_o analysis_n of_o this_o discourse_n 2._o the_o context_n make_v the_o same_o truth_n evident_a for_o 1._o the_o whole_a ordinary_a public_a work_n of_o the_o church_n be_v distribute_v into_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prophecy_n and_o ministry_n for_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o prophecy_n be_v not_o here_o intend_v but_o only_o that_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o rule_n be_v the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
〈◊〉_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
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
have_v to_o do_v and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v to_o do_v it_o be_v altogether_o unreasonable_a and_o senseless_a unto_o they_o who_o have_v another_o idea_n of_o church-affair_n and_o rule_n conceive_v in_o their_o mind_n or_o receive_v by_o tradition_n and_o rivet_v by_o interest_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o what_o belong_v unto_o the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n beyond_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o reap_v the_o advantage_n that_o be_v obtain_v thereby_o can_v see_v any_o necessity_n of_o the_o distribution_n of_o these_o several_a work_n and_o duty_n unto_o several_a officer_n but_o suppose_v all_o may_v be_v do_v well_o enough_o by_o one_o or_o two_o in_o the_o same_o office._n wherefore_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o we_o treat_v brief_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a and_o what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o which_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o discourse_n 9_o the_o exception_n which_o be_v usual_o put_v in_o unto_o this_o testimony_n have_v not_o the_o least_o countenance_n from_o the_o text_n or_o context_n nor_o the_o matter_n treat_v of_o nor_o confirmation_n 〈◊〉_d any_o other_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v therefore_o in_o vain_a to_o contend_v about_o they_o be_v such_o as_o any_o man_n may_v multiply_v at_o his_o pleasure_n on_o the_o like_a occasion_n and_o use_v by_o those_o who_o on_o other_o consideration_n be_v not_o willing_a that_o thing_n shall_v be_v as_o they_o be_v here_o declare_v to_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n yet_o we_o may_v take_v a_o brief_a specimen_fw-la of_o they_o some_o say_v it_o be_v gift_n absolute_o without_o respect_n unto_o distinct_a office_n that_o the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o which_o have_v be_v disprove_v from_o the_o text_n and_o context_n before_o some_o say_v that_o rule_n be_v include_v in_o the_o pastoral_n office_n so_o as_o that_o the_o pastor_n only_o be_v here_o intend_a but_o 1._o rule_n be_v not_o his_o principal_a work_n which_o he_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n with_o diligence_n above_o other_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n 2._o the_o care_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n belong_v also_o to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o be_v there_o another_o office_n appoint_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n act._n 6._o 3._o he_o that_o rule_v be_v in_o this_o place_n express_o distinguish_v from_o he_o that_o exhort_v and_o he_o that_o teach_v some_o say_v that_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v he_o that_o rule_v his_o family_n but_o this_o be_v disprove_v by_o the_o analysis_n of_o the_o chapter_n before_o declare_v and_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o that_o have_v family_n and_o confine_v unto_o their_o family_n be_v ill_o place_v among_o those_o public_a duty_n which_o be_v design_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n it_o be_v object_v that_o he_o that_o rule_v be_v here_o place_v after_o he_o that_o give_v that_o be_v the_o deacon_n i_o say_v then_o it_o can_v be_v the_o pastor_n that_o be_v intend_v if_o we_o may_v prescribe_v method_n of_o express_v himself_o unto_o the_o apostle_n but_o he_o use_v his_o liberty_n and_o do_v not_o oblige_v himself_o unto_o any_o order_n in_o the_o annumeration_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n see_v 1_o cor._n 12.8_o 9_o 10_o 28._o and_o some_o other_o exception_n be_v insist_v on_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o importance_n which_o indeed_o deserve_v not_o our_o consideration_n 10._o there_o be_v the_o same_o evidence_n give_v unto_o the_o truth_n argue_v for_o in_o another_o testimony_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o healing_n help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o this_o testimony_n and_o its_o vindication_n in_o particular_a see_v many_o thing_n will_v be_v require_v thereunto_o which_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o already_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v brief_o observe_v concern_v it_o that_o there_o be_v here_o a_o annumeration_n of_o officer_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n both_o extraordinary_a for_o that_o season_n and_o ordinary_a for_o continuance_n be_v beyond_o exception_n unto_o they_o be_v add_v the_o present_a exercise_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a gift_n as_o miracle_n healing_n tongue_n that_o by_o help_n the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n be_v intend_v most_o do_v agree_v because_o their_o original_a institution_n be_v as_o helper_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n government_n be_v governor_n or_o ruler_n the_o abstract_n for_o the_o concrete_a that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v distinct_a from_o teacher_n such_o have_v god_n place_v in_o the_o church_n and_o such_o there_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o gift_n not_o office_n be_v intend_v the_o gift_n of_o government_n or_o gift_n for_o government_n if_o so_o than_o these_o gift_n be_v either_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a if_o ordinary_a how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o miracle_n healing_n and_o tongue_n if_o extraordinary_a what_o extraordinary_a gift_n for_o government_n be_v then_o give_v distinct_a from_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o instance_n be_v any_o where_o give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n again_o if_o god_n have_v give_v gift_n for_o government_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o those_o give_v unto_o teacher_n and_o unto_o other_o person_n than_o the_o teacher_n then_o be_v there_o a_o distinct_a office_n of_o rule_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v all_o we_o plead_v for_o 11._o the_o original_a order_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n have_v all_o church-power_n and_o church-office_n in_o themselves_o with_o authority_n to_o exercise_v all_o act_n of_o they_o everywhere_o on_o all_o occasion_n but_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o of_o the_o rule_n appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o it_o or_o over_o it_o they_o do_v not_o they_o will_v not_o ordinary_o exercise_v their_o power_n by_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o own_o person_n alone_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o first_o church_n consist_v of_o a_o small_a number_n the_o apostle_n act_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a multitude_n or_o the_o fraternity_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v from_o act_n the_o first_o and_o when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n increase_v so_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v not_o in_o their_o own_o person_n attend_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v towards_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o office_n they_o add_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n for_o the_o especial_a discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o church_n owe_v unto_o its_o poor_a member_n whereas_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v no_o more_o personal_o attend_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n with_o all_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o without_o a_o entrenchment_n on_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o than_o they_o can_v attend_v unto_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a they_o appoint_v elder_n to_o help_v and_o assist_v in_o that_o part_n of_o office-work_a as_o the_o deacon_n do_v in_o the_o other_o these_o elder_n be_v first_o mention_v act._n 11.30_o where_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o those_o which_o be_v well_o know_v and_o have_v now_o be_v of_o some_o time_n in_o the_o church_n afterward_o they_o be_v still_o mention_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o distinction_n from_o the_o church_n itself_o act_v 15.2_o 4_o 6_o 22._o chap._n 16.4_o chap._n 21.18_o now_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v teach_v elder_n that_o be_v such_o as_o have_v the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n commit_v to_o they_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o joh._n 1._o and_o these_o elder_n be_v constant_o distinguish_v from_o they_o which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o teach_v elder_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v make_v of_o they_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v or_o preach_v be_v no_o where_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o which_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n reserve_v to_o themselves_o act._n 6.2_o 3._o but_o they_o be_v every_o where_o introduce_v as_o join_v with_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o distinction_n from_o the_o church_n itself_o or_o the_o brethren_n of_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a that_o whilst_o the_o apostle_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n that_o they_o
the_o estate_n of_o visible_a regeneration_n do_v depend_v be_v require_v of_o they_o herein_o if_o they_o fail_v they_o lose_v all_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n by_o their_o baptism_n so_o speak_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.25_o for_o circumcision_n very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n very_o it_o profit_v if_o a_o man_n stand_v unto_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v tender_v therein_o between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n for_o it_o will_v give_v he_o right_o unto_o all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n his_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n 16._o as_o unto_o the_o real_a communication_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptance_n with_o he_o so_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o baptism_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o external_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state._n 15.8_o 4._o god_n alone_o be_v judge_n concern_v this_o regeneration_n as_o unto_o its_o internal_a 2.23_o real_a principle_n and_o state_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereon_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v depend_v the_o church_n be_v judge_v of_o its_o evidence_n and_o fruit_n in_o their_o external_a demonstration_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n 8.13_o and_o no_o far_o and_o we_o shall_v hereon_o brief_o declare_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o form_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o and_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v fit_a member_n of_o any_o gospel_n church-state_n or_o have_v a_o right_a so_o to_o be_v 1.16_o 1._o such_o as_o from_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o withdraw_v or_o withhold_v communion_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n constitunent_a of_o a_o church_n or_o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o such_o be_v all_o habitual_a sinner_n those_o who_o have_v prevalent_a habit_n and_o inclination_n unto_o sin_n of_o any_o kind_n unmortified_a do_v walk_v according_a unto_o they_o such_o be_v profane_a swearer_n drunkard_n fornicator_n covetous_a oppressor_n and_o the_o like_a who_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o 2_o thess._n 3.6_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o as_o a_o man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o be_v habitual_o without_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v so_o a_o man_n know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n can_v regular_o be_v receive_v into_o any_o church_n to_o compose_v church_n of_o habitual_a sinner_n and_o that_o either_o as_o unto_o sin_n of_o commission_n or_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v not_o to_o erect_v temple_n of_o christ_n but_o chapel_n unto_o the_o devil_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v admonish_v of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 18._o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o who_o abide_v obstinate_a in_o any_o know_a sin_n 5.11_o whereby_o they_o have_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o without_o a_o profess_a repentance_n thereof_o although_o they_o have_v not_o live_v in_o it_o habitual_o 3._o they_o be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o gospel_n church_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o the_o title_n assign_v therein_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n may_v on_o good_a ground_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o to_o compose_v church_n of_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o visible_o answer_v the_o character_n give_v of_o what_o they_o be_v of_o old_a and_o what_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o gospel-constitution_n be_v not_o church_n edification_n but_o destruction_n and_o those_o who_o look_v on_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o all_o church_n member_n of_o old_a as_o that_o they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n lively_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v separate_a from_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n as_o those_o which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o do_v indeed_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o deride_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o present_a church_n member_n or_o the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v so_o be_v themselves_o no_o small_a part_n of_o that_o woeful_a degeneracy_n which_o christian_n religion_n be_v fall_v under_o let_v it_o then_o be_v consider_v what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o dedication_n unto_o god_n as_o unto_o their_o typical_a holiness_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o christian_a church_n in_o real_a holiness_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 9_o with_o the_o description_n give_v of_o they_o constant_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o faithful_a holy_a believe_v as_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o his_o temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v by_o his_o spirit_n as_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n unite_v and_o compact_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o they_o as_o also_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v their_o way_n walking_n and_o duty_n and_o it_o will_v be_v uncontrolable_o evident_a of_o what_o sort_n our_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v those_o of_o any_o other_o sort_n able_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o all_o church_n member_n nor_o to_o use_v the_o privilege_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o wherefore_o i_o say_v to_o suppose_v church_n regular_o to_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o as_o no_o way_n answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o church_n member_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n nor_o capable_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o but_o give_v evidence_n of_o habit_n and_o action_n inconsistent_a therewithal_o be_v not_o only_o to_o disturb_v all_o church_n order_n but_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o end_n and_o be_v of_o church_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o scandalous_a unto_o christian_a religion_n than_o what_o bellarmine_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o namely_o that_o no_o internal_a virtue_n or_o grace_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n in_o its_o member_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccles._n cap._n 2._o 15._o 4._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o not_o only_o do_v the_o scripture_n make_v this_o profession_n necessary_a unto_o the_o participation_n of_o any_o benefit_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o require_v indispensable_o that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o privilege_n attend_v obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o avow_v or_o profess_v that_o obedience_n wherefore_o our_o enquiry_n be_v only_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o may_v render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a thereunto_o for_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v compliant_a with_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v make_v by_o many_o who_o open_o live_v in_o sin_n be_v disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a be_v to_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n itself_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o highpriest_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n i_o shall_v therefore_o declare_v brief_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o this_o profession_n that_o all_o may_v know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o entrance_n of_o any_o into_o our_o church_n wherein_o our_o practice_n have_v be_v sufficient_o traduce_v 1._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o concern_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ._n the_o confession_n hereof_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o he_o grant_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o all_o church_n power_n unto_o believer_n matth._n 16.17_o 18_o 19_o the_o first_o instruction_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n
in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o he_o the_o knowledge_n require_v in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n that_o they_o may_v be_v translate_v into_o the_o christian_a be_v principal_o if_o not_o sole_o that_o of_o his_o person_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god._n for_o as_o on_o their_o unbelief_n thereof_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n do_v depend_v as_o he_o tell_v they_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n so_o the_o confession_n of_o he_o be_v sufficient_a on_o their_o part_n unto_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o gospel_n church_n state._n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v apparent_a with_o other_o a_o instruction_n in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n especial_o in_o those_o that_o be_v fundamental_a be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o profession_n we_o inquire_v after_o so_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v we_o what_o pain_n they_o take_v in_o those_o primitive_a time_n to_o instruct_v those_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n who_o upon_o a_o general_a conviction_n of_o its_o truth_n be_v willing_a to_o adhere_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v their_o judgement_n herein_o be_v sufficient_o know_v from_o the_o keep_n a_o multitude_n in_o the_o state_n of_o catechuman_n before_o they_o will_v admit_v they_o into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v blame_v they_o do_v but_o discharge_v their_o duty_n who_o refuse_v to_o receive_v into_o church-communion_n such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o have_v learn_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o from_o a_o form_n of_o word_n yet_o real_o understand_v nothing_o of_o they_o the_o promiscuous_a drive_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o have_v be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o church_n privilege_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a institution_n of_o christ._n this_o knowledge_n therefore_o belong_v unto_o profession_n be_v itself_o to_o be_v profess_v 2._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o profess_a subjection_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n 8.5_o this_o in_o general_n be_v perform_v by_o all_o that_o be_v baptise_a when_o they_o be_v adult_n as_o be_v by_o their_o own_o actual_a consent_n baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o they_o who_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n when_o they_o be_v able_a with_o faith_n and_o understanding_n to_o profess_v their_o consent_n unto_o and_o abide_v in_o that_o covenant_n whereinto_o they_o be_v initiate_v 3._o a_o instruction_n in_o and_o consent_n unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o bear_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o a_o particular_a manner_n 9.23_o for_o this_o be_v make_v indispensable_o necessary_a by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o unto_o all_o that_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o man_n have_v not_o be_v more_o and_o better_o instruct_v therein_o 24.14_o it_o be_v common_o think_v that_o who_o ever_o will_v may_v be_v a_o christian_a at_o a_o easy_a rate_n it_o will_v cost_v he_o nothing_o but_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o another_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n for_o it_o not_o only_o warn_v we_o that_o reproach_n hatred_n suffering_n of_o all_o sort_n ofttimes_o to_o death_n itself_o be_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o all_o its_o professor_n who_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n but_o also_o require_v that_o at_o our_o initiation_n into_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o we_o consider_v aright_o the_o dread_n of_o they_o all_o and_o engage_v cheerful_o to_o undergo_v they_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n whilst_o all_o sort_n of_o misery_n be_v continual_o present_v unto_o they_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n their_o willing_a engagement_n to_o undergo_v they_o who_o be_v convert_v be_v a_o firm_a evidence_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o we_o also_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n some_o may_v suppose_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o confession_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o readiness_n for_o the_o cross_n be_v of_o use_n only_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o so_o do_v not_o belong_v unto_o they_o who_o have_v continual_o the_o countenance_n and_o favour_n of_o public_a authority_n i_o say_v it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o they_o judge_v well_o for_o they_o with_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o who_o outward_a state_n make_v the_o public_a avow_v of_o this_o duty_n indispensable_o necessary_a unto_o they_o and_o i_o may_v add_v it_o as_o my_o own_o thought_n though_o they_o be_v not_o my_o own_o alone_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o countenance_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o any_o church_n by_o the_o public_a magistracy_n yet_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n those_o who_o will_v faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o shall_v have_v need_n to_o be_v prepare_v for_o suffering_n to_o escape_v suffering_n and_o enjoy_v worldly_a advantage_n by_o sinful_a compliance_n or_o bear_v with_o man_n in_o their_o sin_n be_v no_o gospel_n direction_n 4._o conviction_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n with_o the_o way_n of_o deliverance_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o answer_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o be_v require_v in_o the_o baptism_n of_o they_o that_o be_v adult_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 5._o unto_o this_o profession_n be_v require_v the_o constant_a performance_n of_o all_o know_a duty_n of_o religion_n 20._o both_o of_o piety_n in_o the_o public_a and_o private_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o also_o of_o charity_n with_o respect_n unto_o other_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n 6._o a_o careful_a abstinence_n from_o all_o know_a sin_n giving_z scandal_n or_o offence_n either_o unto_o the_o world_n or_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o god._n and_o the_o gospel_n require_v 1.10_o that_o this_o confession_n be_v make_v with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n against_o 1._o fear_v 2._o shame_n 3._o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o the_o opposition_n of_o all_o enemy_n whatever_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v none_o exclude_v from_o a_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n state_n but_o such_o as_o be_v either_o 1._o gross_o ignorant_a or_o 2._o persecutor_n or_o reproacher_n of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a or_o of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n wherein_o they_o walk_v or_o 3._o idolater_n or_o 4._o man_n scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n or_o omission_n of_o duty_n through_o vicious_a habit_n or_o inclination_n or_o 5._o such_o as_o will_v partake_v of_o gospel-privilege_n and_o ordinance_n yet_o open_o avow_v that_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v who_o and_o the_o like_a the_o scripture_n rule_n be_v peremptory_a from_o such_o turn_n away_o and_o herein_o we_o be_v remote_a from_o exceed_v the_o example_n and_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n yea_o there_o be_v but_o few_o if_o any_o that_o arrive_v unto_o it_o their_o endeavour_n be_v to_o preach_v unto_o all_o they_o can_v and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o multitude_n that_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n but_o if_o any_o do_v essay_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n their_o diligence_n in_o their_o examination_n and_o instruction_n their_o severe_a inquiry_n into_o their_o conversation_n their_o dispose_n of_o they_o for_o a_o long_a time_n into_o a_o state_n of_o expectation_n for_o their_o trial_n before_o their_o admittance_n be_v remarkable_a and_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n complain_v that_o their_o promiscuous_a admittance_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n that_o will_v profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n into_o church_n membership_n which_o take_v place_n afterward_o ruin_v all_o the_o beauty_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n ascribe_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o proper_a subject_a matter_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n entitle_v they_o unto_o all_o the_o appellation_n of_o saint_n call_v sanctify_a that_o be_v visible_o and_o by_o profession_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o must_v be_v answer_v in_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o privilege_n if_o we_o do_v not_o whole_o neglect_v our_o only_a pattern_n by_o these_o thing_n although_o they_o shall_v any_o of_o they_o not_o be_v real_a live_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v