say_v if_o i_o say_v any_o thing_n do_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o my_o duty_n oblige_v i_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o burden_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o i_o and_o to_o discharge_v it_o with_o that_o sincerity_n and_o impartiality_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o be_v give_v i_o of_o god_n for_o his_o church_n service_n as_o do_v become_v one_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v find_v faithful_a i_o confess_v my_o heart_n can_v but_o shrink_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o enter_v into_o this_o rough_a and_o thorny_a province_n this_o seat_n of_o war_n where_o i_o see_v so_o many_o party_n engage_v and_o sword_n draw_v at_o one_o another_o god_n know_v and_o my_o brethren_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o work_n of_o my_o own_o seek_v nor_o be_o i_o come_v as_o a_o advocate_n of_o any_o of_o the_o contend_a party_n but_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o design_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n in_o the_o prosecution_n whereof_o i_o shall_v purposely_o as_o far_o as_o possible_a decline_v any_o use_n of_o the_o sentiment_n or_o suffrage_n of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v at_o sharp_n on_o this_o argument_n and_o confine_v myself_o to_o those_o oracle_n of_o the_o divine_o inspire_v and_o reveal_v truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o rule_n which_o at_o last_o we_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o if_o ever_o we_o be_v well_o determine_v the_o word_n that_o god_n this_o way_n put_v in_o my_o mouth_n that_o shall_v i_o speak_v as_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o give_v i_o understanding_n and_o utterance_n and_o let_v those_o that_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v consider_v before_o they_o censure_v shall_v i_o pretend_v to_o assume_v the_o whole_a question_n of_o church-government_n it_o will_v swell_v into_o a_o volume_n whereas_o i_o intend_v only_o this_o one_o short_a chapter_n for_o what_o i_o shall_v now_o say_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o therein_o as_o little_a as_o i_o can_v which_o yet_o to_o some_o perhaps_o may_v seem_v too_o much_o and_o to_o other_o too_o little_a i_o shall_v not_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o write_v a_o encomium_n of_o government_n either_o in_o general_n or_o particular_a which_o have_v be_v do_v by_o many_o other_o of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n whereof_o the_o whole_a rational_a world_n be_v experimental_o sensible_a but_o of_o government_n there_o be_v divers_a kind_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n both_o of_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o it_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v be_v the_o ecclesiastical_a or_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o house_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o resist_v resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n rom._n 13.1_o 2._o the_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d potestates_fw-la government_n that_o be_v among_o man_n be_v god_n ordinance_n though_o all_o the_o evil_a way_n of_o climb_v into_o it_o and_o maladministration_n of_o it_o or_o imprudent_a circumstance_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n but_o if_o all_o the_o power_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o god_n then_o have_v he_o not_o leave_v his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o peculiar_a kingdom_n without_o government_n but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o ecclesiastical_a government_n in_o the_o general_n be_v jure_fw-la divino_fw-la but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a form_n of_o this_o government_n that_o be_v so_o and_o what_o that_o form_n be_v this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nodus_fw-la vindice_fw-la dignus_fw-la there_o be_v some_o that_o deny_v there_o be_v any_o form_n of_o church-government_n appoint_v of_o christ_n under_o the_o new-testament_n but_o that_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o be_v modify_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o human_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n but_o then_o such_o will_v do_v well_o to_o let_v we_o know_v when_o and_o where_o and_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v commit_v this_o power_n of_o legislation_n and_o establish_v the_o form_n of_o government_n to_o his_o church_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o circumstantial_o of_o government_n that_o be_v and_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o governor_n to_o be_v adapt_v pro_fw-la re_fw-la natâ_fw-la to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o govern_v but_o if_o the_o essential_o of_o government_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o will_n of_o man_n then_o be_v the_o church_n in_o a_o very_a ill_a case_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v how_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o as_o moses_n be_v faithful_a in_o all_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o a_o servant_n so_o christ_n much_o more_o as_o a_o son_n over_o his_o own_o house_n heb._n 3._o begin_v but_o that_o he_o be_v so_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la in_o the_o business_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n as_o our_o redeemer_n be_v well_o enough_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v appoint_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o specie_fw-la as_o well_o as_o in_o genere_fw-la of_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o far_o agree_v there_o be_v yet_o divers_a opinion_n and_o party_n some_o be_v for_o this_o form_n of_o government_n other_o for_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o disagreement_n be_v common_o some_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o one_a a_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o this_o point_n and_o the_o very_a mind_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o they_o charity_n oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o of_o most_o of_o the_o contend_a party_n that_o will_v ready_o and_o cheerful_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o opposer_n can_v they_o but_o overcome_v the_o reason_n which_o they_o think_v they_o have_v true_o and_o right_o draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v gross_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n enough_o among_o the_o contender_n of_o all_o side_n and_o these_o be_v the_o person_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v most_o fierce_a and_o confident_a the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o itself_o but_o one_o and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o therefore_o our_o disagreement_n about_o it_o necessary_o conclude_v our_o ignorance_n or_o something_o worse_o on_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o 2._o the_o natural_a fondness_n that_o man_n have_v for_o their_o own_o way_n and_o lust_n though_o there_o be_v no_o government_n in_o the_o world_n of_o so_o pure_a a_o nature_n or_o firm_a a_o texture_n or_o constitution_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v abuse_v to_o the_o service_n of_o base_a end_n and_o private_a interest_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o modes_n and_o form_n of_o government_n that_o be_v in_o themselves_o more_o direct_o accommodate_v by_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o compiler_n and_o founder_n of_o they_o to_o such_o purpose_n and_o such_o be_v they_o especial_o that_o be_v of_o man_n devise_v and_o obtrude_a on_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n for_o usurper_n be_v sure_a will_v always_o frame_v their_o law_n and_o method_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o design_n and_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o but_o private_a interest_n and_o design_n among_o the_o party_n concern_v that_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o man_n on_o this_o account_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o contention_n but_o much_o more_o must_v such_o as_o be_v act_v by_o principy_n of_o true_a conscience_n and_o integrity_n think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o protest_v against_o all_o such_o politic_a and_o carnal_a form_n of_o government_n 3._o the_o gross_a abuse_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o a_o good_a and_o well_o order_v government_n the_o pure_a and_o most_o durable_a metal_n if_o not_o well_o keep_v will_v in_o length_n of_o time_n grow_v foul_a and_o rusty_a and_o look_v very_a unlike_o itself_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v question_v and_o quarrel_v at_o and_o deny_v to_o be_v what_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v and_o the_o same_o fate_n be_v the_o best_a government_n in_o the_o world_n subject_n to_o as_o be_v the_o kingly_a government_n among_o the_o assyrian_n in_o the_o day_n of_o sardanapalus_n and_o among_o the_o roman_n in_o the_o day_n of_o tarqvinius_n superbus_n and_o so_o it_o have_v be_v of_o several_a other_o form_n of_o government_n among_o man_n the_o best_a and_o most_o sacred_a constitution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n by_o their_o abuse_n have_v fall_v under_o the_o odium_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o more_o inconsiderate_a part_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o lust_n after_o new_a thing_n and_o
very_o honourable_a to_o he_o who_o servant_n he_o pretend_v to_o be_v especial_o consider_v that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v and_o foresee_v how_o tender_a all_o man_n natural_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o honour_n and_o maintenance_n and_o of_o what_o mischievous_a consequence_n the_o leave_v such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o undetermined_a will_v be_v that_o it_o will_v involve_v the_o church_n in_o endless_a strife_n and_o quarrel_n and_o confusion_n but_o will_v the_o lay-elder_n lie_v his_o claim_n to_o a_o maintenance_n from_o that_o word_n in_o the_o text_n viz._n double_a honour_n take_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o maintenance_n let_v he_o then_o read_v on_o the_o next_o verse_n there_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_v the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n and_o the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o reward_n the_o first_o of_o these_o scripture_n you_o have_v deut._n 25.4_o which_o the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o 1_o cor._n 9.9_o and_o you_o may_v see_v how_o he_o there_o apply_v it_o only_o to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n those_o that_o sow_v unto_o the_o people_n spiritual_a thing_n v._n 11._o that_o minister_n about_o holy_a thing_n and_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n v._n 13._o the_o other_o scripture_n you_o have_v matth._n 10.10_o the_o workman_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o meat_n which_o be_v christ_n own_o word_n to_o the_o twelve_o when_o he_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n here_o be_v never_o a_o word_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_a in_o all_o this_o nor_o any_o provision_n make_v for_o he_o and_o this_o one_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o precedent_a verse_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o rule_v non_n preach_v elder_a intend_v in_o it_o but_o the_o double_a honour_n be_v for_o those_o that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o lord_n harvest_n in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o these_o be_v the_o only_a person_n speak_v of_o in_o that_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o so_o then_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n be_v their_o pastor_n who_o be_v to_o rule_v every_o one_o over_o his_o own_o particular_a flock_n or_o congregation_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o soul_n who_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o their_o government_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o ministerial_a work_n have_v warrant_v from_o scripture_n to_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v deacon_n under_o they_o and_o other_o necessary_a servile_a officer_n who_o derive_v their_o power_n immediate_o from_o their_o pastor_n be_v accountable_a to_o he_o and_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v dispose_v by_o he_o in_o case_n of_o maladministration_n as_o every_o captain_n in_o a_o army_n every_o mayor_n in_o a_o corporation_n every_o master_n in_o a_o family_n have_v the_o proper_a power_n over_o their_o own_o company_n burrough_n and_o family_n and_o all_o the_o inferior_a officer_n in_o they_o to_o dispose_v and_o govern_v they_o for_o their_o good_a according_a to_o the_o know_a and_o common_a law_n of_o that_o superior_a government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v and_o unto_o which_o they_o themselves_o be_v accountable_a 2._o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n i_o be_o very_o apprehensive_a that_o this_o be_v a_o tender_a point_n wherein_o i_o even_o tremble_v to_o think_v that_o i_o must_v be_v either_o sinful_o silent_a or_o declare_v my_o dissent_n from_o so_o many_o of_o my_o dear_a brethren_n who_o i_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o orthodox_n learned_a pious_a and_o with_o who_o i_o dare_v not_o compare_v myself_o but_o i_o have_v say_v and_o o_o that_o daisy_n and_o doleful_a experience_n do_v not_o proclaim_v it_o to_o the_o world_n to_o the_o grief_n of_o some_o and_o the_o shame_n of_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o company_n or_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v more_o need_n of_o the_o strict_a government_n than_o the_o man_n of_o our_o function_n without_o which_o we_o be_v of_o all_o mankind_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o most_o miserable_a and_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o forelorne_a case_n of_o any_o of_o god_n creature_n upon_o earth_n but_o certain_o he_o that_o have_v so_o provide_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o leave_v his_o own_o mystical_a kingdom_n wherein_o so_o much_o of_o his_o special_a interest_n lie_v without_o such_o a_o government_n as_o be_v every_o way_n adequate_a to_o all_o the_o part_n and_o concern_v of_o it_o he_o that_o have_v take_v such_o care_n to_o enclose_v and_o fence_v out_o the_o wild_a commons_o of_o the_o world_n have_v not_o design_v to_o leave_v his_o own_o garden_n uninclose_v nor_o his_o vineyard_n without_o a_o hedge_n about_o it_o and_o a_o wine-press_n and_o a_o tower_n in_o it_o how_o weak_a and_o insatisfactory_a be_v this_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v all_o the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o brethren_n to_o one_o another_o that_o we_o have_v our_o commission_n as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o he_o though_o not_o immediate_o from_o he_o which_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v so_o will_v alter_v the_o case_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a legislator_n that_o we_o have_v our_o bibles_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o therein_o the_o unalterable_a rule_n of_o our_o administration_n both_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n the_o law_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v both_o ourselves_o and_o the_o church_n that_o we_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o guide_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o and_o know_v all_o thing_n that_o our_o office_n and_o work_n be_v sacred_a and_o divine_a of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n alas_o will_v all_o this_o make_v we_o infallible_a or_o absolute_a and_o independent_a exempt_v from_o all_o law_n and_o bond_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n be_v we_o make_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o rule_v and_o not_o to_o be_v rule_v o_o that_o man_n will_v consider_v the_o dismal_a consequent_n of_o such_o a_o hypothesis_n which_o i_o delight_v not_o now_o to_o aggravate_v but_o if_o there_o must_v be_v a_o government_n among_o pastor_n consider_v as_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o the_o people_n then_o it_o will_v be_v say_v there_o can_v be_v a_o equality_n the_o notion_n of_o co-ordination_a of_o pastor_n and_o church_n be_v subvert_v this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o government_n but_o let_v wise_a man_n consider_v what_o that_o be_v that_o must_v needs_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o level_a principle_n and_o yet_o government_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o equality_n and_o co-ordination_a of_o pastor_n or_o church_n as_o such_o or_o per_fw-la se_fw-la but_o only_a secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la or_o in_o respect_n of_o order_n e._n g._n all_o the_o captain_n in_o a_o army_n as_o captains_z be_v equal_a so_o be_v all_o the_o colonel_n and_o all_o the_o other_o officer_n that_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o order_n but_o between_o a_o captain_n and_o a_o colonel_n there_o be_v a_o inequality_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o well_o regimented_a army_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n cant_v 6.10_o and_o it_o be_v suppose_v too_o that_o this_o subordination_n of_o pastor_n and_o church_n will_v conclude_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o supreme_a papal_a head_n and_o governor_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o great_a stumbling-block_n the_o plain_a sense_n whereof_o be_v but_o this_o that_o if_o every_o minister_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o pope_n over_o his_o own_o congregation_n than_o there_o must_v be_v one_o pope_n over_o all_o the_o congregation_n and_o pastor_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n both_o which_o extreme_n be_v equal_o wide_a from_o the_o truth_n and_o perhaps_o equal_o pernicious_a to_o the_o church_n but_o to_o defend_v the_o truth_n from_o both_o the_o horn_n of_o this_o dilemma_n we_o will_v examine_v what_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o a_o church_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o church_n which_o the_o apostle_n plant_v be_v reckon_v by_o the_o great_a town_n or_o city_n which_o they_o choose_v to_o begin_v to_o gather_v their_o church_n in_o as_o appear_v both_o by_o the_o name_n that_o be_v give_v they_o and_o by_o compare_v act._n 14.23_o with_o tit._n 1.5_o where_o the_o ordinary_a elder_n in_o every_o church_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n neither_o do_v we_o find_v any_o organical_a church_n of_o the_o apostle_n sound_v any_o where_o mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o town_n or_o city_n in_o which_o it_o be_v beside_o those_o domestic_a church_n of_o
their_o own_o shepherd_n ib._n pastor_n suos_fw-la uchementer_fw-la amant_fw-fr fr._n ib._n as_o if_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o need_n of_o he_o the_o bare_a mention_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o direct_v the_o spiritual_a mind_n to_o their_o due_a application_n i_o shall_v wave_v all_o manner_n of_o further_a enlargement_n here_o quest_n 3._o the_o three_o question_n be_v this_o who_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v with_o who_o this_o charge_n of_o our_o dear_a saviour_n be_v leave_v sol._n one_o will_v think_v the_o solution_n of_o such_o a_o question_n as_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v hard_o nor_o be_v it_o so_o in_o thesi_fw-la wherein_o the_o clear_a light_n both_o of_o scripture_n and_o of_o nature_n be_v so_o concur_v and_o convince_a and_o yet_o we_o find_v there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o thing_n wherein_o professor_n such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o factious_a principle_n of_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n be_v more_o uncharitable_o disagree_v in_o than_o in_o this_o how_o miserable_o the_o poor_a church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o common_a enemy_n and_o the_o carnality_n pride_n and_o blind_a passion_n of_o professor_n be_v tear_v into_o rag_n of_o division_n and_o subdivision_n be_v too_o well_o know_v for_o i_o to_o inform_v you_o and_o of_o all_o these_o every_o party_n be_v magnify_v their_o own_o teacher_n as_o the_o only_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o ready_a to_o condemn_v all_o other_o as_o hireling_n false_a teacher_n schismatical_a intruder_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o lamentation_n and_o let_v it_o be_v for_o a_o lamentation_n but_o can_v we_o return_v to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o our_o plain_a rule_n in_o this_o affair_n how_o easy_o may_v the_o case_n be_v bring_v to_o its_o due_a issue_n i_o know_v but_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o essential_o denominate_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n qualification_n and_o commission_n and_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v single_o sufficient_a i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o be_o now_o in_o a_o large_a field_n and_o in_o a_o ready_a way_n to_o be_v lose_v in_o controversy_n but_o that_o i_o have_v more_o practical_a and_o necessary_a work_n before_o i_o yet_o i_o beseech_v you_o bear_v with_o i_o while_o i_o explain_v myself_o a_o little_a on_o these_o two_o head_n and_o i_o will_v be_v very_o short_a the_o truth_n be_v common_o best_o see_v in_o a_o few_o plain_a word_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v qualification_n but_o what_o of_o special_a sanctify_a save_a grace_n this_o indeed_o be_v needful_a and_o most_o desirable_a and_o moral_o conducive_a to_o the_o happy_a and_o glorious_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n both_o as_o to_o ourselves_o and_o those_o that_o hear_v we_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o the_o sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la non_fw-la unto_o salvation_n but_o not_o so_o to_o ministerial_a qualification_n a_o man_n may_v be_v lawful_o a_o minister_n that_o be_v not_o spiritual_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n the_o seal_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n be_v but_o a_o remnant_n as_o of_o any_o one_o of_o the_o other_o tribe_n those_o that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n sit_v in_o moses_n chair_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o far_o enough_o from_o moses_n spirit_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n own_v they_o in_o their_o office_n judas_n be_v a_o disciple_n and_o send_v forth_o with_o a_o commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n even_o by_o he_o who_o know_v he_o to_o be_v inward_o a_o devil_n and_o a_o traitor_n but_o this_o be_v no_o new_a doctrine_n nor_o needs_o any_o proof_n to_o one_o that_o have_v not_o a_o mind_n to_o be_v contentious_a but_o the_o qualification_n here_o require_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a be_v ministerial_a that_o whereby_o a_o person_n be_v competent_o fit_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o this_o sacred_a office_n orthodoxy_n in_o doctrine_n ability_n and_o aptness_n in_o at_o least_o the_o gift_n of_o preach_v and_o pray_v skill_n and_o moderation_n in_o rule_v etc._n etc._n and_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o ministerial_a gâ—â—s_n and_o save_v grace_n 〈…〉_o the_o particular_n of_o 〈…〉_o refer_v you_o to_o paul_n 〈…〉_o 1_o epist_n ch_n 3._o and_o to_z titus_n ch_z 1._o 2._o there_o must_v be_v commission_n no_o man_n take_v this_o honour_n unto_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n as_o be_v aaron_n heb._n 5.4_o no_o man_n take_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o man_n undertake_v accept_v or_o assume_v to_o himself_o and_o of_o himself_o that_o be_v no_o man_n aught_o or_o can_v without_o sin_n any_o way_n take_v or_o receive_v this_o honour_n or_o usurp_v this_o office_n but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n that_o be_v delegated_a and_o commission_v by_o god_n authority_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n appointment_n though_o not_o in_o that_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o aaron_n be_v unless_o in_o like_a extraordinary_a case_n yet_o by_o a_o power_n and_o dispensation_n legal_o and_o orderly_o derive_v from_o he_o through_o such_o hand_n as_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o impower_v to_o this_o end_n qualification_n without_o commission_n make_v not_o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o he_o call_v a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n a_o sacrilegious_a intruder_n such_o as_o be_v corah_n and_o his_o complice_n and_o such_o as_o be_v too_o many_o in_o our_o day_n and_o commission_n without_o qualification_n make_v what_o the_o prophet_n call_v a_o idol-shepherd_n or_o dumb-dog_n a_o blind_a guide_n and_o who_o be_v they_o that_o have_v right_a authoritative_o to_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o qualification_n or_o to_o convey_v commission_n to_o other_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o a_o succession_n in_o this_o sacred_a office_n but_o those_o that_o be_v themselves_o both_o due_o qualify_v and_o commissionated_a and_o that_o too_o not_o single_o private_o or_o arbitrary_o but_o according_a to_o the_o rule_v give_v in_o this_o matter_n by_o and_o from_o our_o supreme_a lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n methinks_v this_o shall_v not_o amount_v to_o a_o question_n with_o any_o that_o have_v but_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o own_o their_o truth_n and_o authority_n or_o that_o have_v not_o abandon_v the_o conduct_n of_o common_a reason_n by_o who_o light_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v the_o equity_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o scripture_n direction_n in_o this_o case_n quest_n 4._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o question_n what_o the_o duty_n be_v that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o or_o what_o our_o dear_a lord_n and_o master_n will_v have_v we_o to_o understand_v by_o feed_v his_o lamb_n and_o his_o sheep_n sol._n the_o flock_n you_o see_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o lamb_n and_o the_o sheep_n so_o be_v the_o ministerial_a work_n that_o concern_v they_o feed_v and_o rule_n both_o which_o be_v equal_o and_o inseparable_o enjoin_v part_n of_o this_o work_n as_o appear_v in_o several_a very_o plain_a scripture_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v account_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n or_o they_o labour_v i._n e._n on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v a_o text_n that_o have_v be_v sufficient_o vex_v by_o man_n of_o different_a sentiment_n and_o interest_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n we_o have_v from_o this_o scripture_n to_o infer_v two_o distinct_a order_n of_o rule_v and_o teach_v presbyter_n see_v what_o be_v mention_v here_o both_o of_o rule_v and_o labour_v in_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v but_o the_o essential_a and_o require_v function_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sacred_a order_n and_o office_n than_o which_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v at_o present_a to_o look_v any_o further_a into_o any_o truth_n that_o be_v plain_o enough_o state_v in_o it_o or_o any_o question_n that_o have_v be_v vain_o enough_o start_v on_o it_o and_o with_o which_o there_o be_v several_a other_o scripture_n that_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o hypothesis_n 1_o thes_n 5.12_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o here_o be_v the_o same_o word_n apply_v to_o the_o same_o person_n and_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v over_o you_o or_o set_v and_o appoint_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o rule_v in_o his_o church_n and_o who_o they_o be_v but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
not_o gather_v wild_a gourd_n instead_o of_o wholesome_a herb_n for_o the_o pot_n mistake_v in_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n wherein_o the_o life_n of_o soul_n be_v concern_v be_v of_o very_o evil_a consequence_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v feed_v with_o plain_a food_n the_o plain_a food_n so_o that_o it_o be_v wholesome_a clean_a and_o due_o prepare_v be_v the_o most_o healthy_a and_o nourish_a the_o true_a substantial_a household-bread_n be_v fit_a for_o the_o household_n of_o god_n not_o airy_a notion_n nor_o doubtful_a question_n of_o polemical_a or_o state_n divinity_n which_o foment_n faction_n and_o vain_a jangle_n and_o fill_v our_o auditor_n with_o wind_n and_o ash_n how_o jealous_a be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n lest_o any_o shall_v spoil_v they_o through_o philosophy_n col._n 2.8_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v but_o little_o behold_v to_o school_n divinity_n which_o have_v prove_v but_o as_o a_o garment_n of_o linen_n and_o woollen_a or_o as_o a_o ox_n and_o a_o ass_n in_o god_n plough_n alas_o my_o brethren_n our_o poor_a auditor_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o they_o can_v digest_v these_o quaint_a term_n and_o critical_a distinction_n they_o be_v husk_n and_o stone_n to_o they_o and_o not_o bread_n that_o which_o may_v nourish_v or_o at_o least_o please_v we_o will_v choke_v they_o what_o may_v be_v orthodox_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o our_o sublime_a sense_n may_v be_v heterodox_n and_o worse_o to_o they_o because_o they_o can_v reach_v it_o and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n among_o other_o why_o our_o lord_n choose_v not_o his_o apostle_n out_o of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o from_o among_o the_o fisher_n boat_n and_o poor_a mechanic_n that_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v not_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o airy_a cloud_n of_o vain_a philosophy_n neither_o do_v the_o affect_a curiosity_n of_o florid_n entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n become_v our_o sacred_a function_n these_o be_v thing_n too_o carnal_a to_o be_v blessed_v with_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n it_o be_v true_a a_o genuine_a elegance_n of_o speech_n and_o readiness_n of_o utterance_n be_v a_o gift_n that_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v but_o the_o more_o it_o be_v or_o seem_v to_o be_v affect_v or_o study_v the_o more_o it_o look_v like_o a_o vain_a pomp_n of_o word_n and_o lose_v both_o its_o value_n and_o efficacy_n 3._o their_o food_n must_v be_v suitable_a and_o seasonable_a else_o it_o will_v breed_v a_o nauseam_fw-la flatulent_a crudity_n and_o surfeit_n herein_o be_v see_v very_o much_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o a_o steward_n to_o give_v to_o the_o household_n their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n mat._n 24.45_o with_o what_o strength_n of_o argument_n do_v paul_n clothe_v this_o advice_n of_o he_o to_o timothy_n 2_o tim._n 2.15_o study_v to_o show_v thyself_o approve_v unto_o god_n a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n apt_o and_o seasonable_o apply_v to_o every_o one_o his_o portion_n a_o word_n fit_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d super_fw-la rotis_fw-la suis_fw-la rotunde_v rempestive_a &_o quibus_fw-la modis_fw-la dici_fw-la debet_fw-la with_o the_o prudent_a observation_n of_o present_a circumstance_n be_v like_a apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o lovely_a or_o acceptable_a this_o be_v speak_v of_o christ_n as_o one_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o gospel_n ministry_n isa_n 50.4_o the_o lord_n god_n have_v give_v i_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a that_o i_o know_v how_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a a_o heal_a word_n to_o the_o break_a in_o heart_n a_o word_n of_o instruction_n to_o the_o ingnorant_a of_o conviction_n to_o the_o secure_a of_o confutation_n to_o seducer_n of_o reduction_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o seduce_a and_o weak_a and_o of_o terror_n to_o the_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a and_o to_o all_o these_o so_o seasonable_o suitable_o and_o prudent_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v the_o cast_n of_o pearl_n before_o swine_n to_o this_o end_n a_o pastor_n must_v study_v man_n and_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o book_n and_o notion_n must_v know_v and_o observe_v and_o suit_n himself_o to_o the_o state_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o the_o particular_a temper_n of_o those_o who_o he_o have_v to_o do_v of_o some_o have_v compassion_n make_v a_o difference_n and_o other_o save_v with_o fear_n pull_v they_o out_o of_o the_o fire_n hate_v even_o the_o garment_n spot_v by_o the_o flesh_n jud._n 22.23_o what_o will_v heal_v one_o will_v but_o exasperate_v another_o and_o what_o will_v inflame_v one_o will_v but_o awaken_v another_o and_o what_o will_v be_v hearken_v to_o at_o one_o time_n will_v be_v reject_v at_o another_o herein_o be_v need_n of_o your_o wisdom_n fidelity_n patience_n and_o indefatigable_a industry_n 4._o their_o food_n must_v be_v gentle_o cleanse_v and_o heal_v like_o the_o leave_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n which_o be_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o nation_n rev._n 22.2_o the_o lord_z know_v the_o flock_n be_v feeble_a and_o sickly_a daily_o liable_a to_o a_o thousand_o disease_n and_o disaster_n whenever_o we_o walk_v among_o they_o we_o hear_v their_o complaint_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o we_o see_v to_o our_o grief_n the_o evident_a symptom_n of_o the_o foul_a and_o dangerous_a disease_n they_o lie_v under_o and_o hardly_o sense_n enough_o to_o complain_v their_o food_n must_v be_v medicinal_a as_o well_o as_o nourish_v we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v physician_n as_o well_o as_o shepherd_n yea_o all_o the_o shepherd_n of_o christ_n send_v be_v so_o man_n will_v not_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o their_o flock_n to_o such_o as_o can_v only_o drive_v they_o and_o fleece_v they_o but_o to_o such_o as_o understand_v what_o be_v healthy_a and_o best_a for_o they_o and_o what_o their_o common_a malady_n be_v and_o how_o to_o cure_v they_o and_o be_v not_o christ_n as_o tender_v of_o his_o flock_n as_o man_n be_v of_o they_o see_v ezek._n 34._o per_fw-la totum_fw-la there_o you_o may_v read_v what_o god_n say_v in_o this_o case_n both_o of_o his_o shepherd_n and_o of_o his_o sheep_n the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v you_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v but_o with_o force_n and_o with_o cruelty_n have_v you_o rule_v they_o v._n 4._o therefore_o i_o be_o against_o the_o shepherd_n and_o i_o will_v require_v my_o flock_n at_o their_o hand_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o cease_v from_o feed_v the_o flock_n v._n 10._o o_o my_o brethren_n the_o charge_v of_o our_o lord_n flock_n be_v tremendous_o great_a and_o weighty_a immortal_a soul_n be_v of_o a_o inestimable_a value_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lamentable_a breach_n and_o spiritual_a disease_n of_o all_o kind_n that_o be_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o great_a displeasure_n that_o be_v signify_v from_o heaven_n against_o they_o how_o can_v it_o but_o kindle_v our_o compassion_n and_o quicken_v our_o zeal_n not_o only_o to_o bewail_v the_o hurt_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o zion_n but_o to_o apply_v all_o those_o proper_a remedy_n that_o lie_v within_o our_o respective_a capacity_n and_o humble_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n to_o make_v all_o our_o medicine_n and_o method_n successful_a but_o in_o dangerous_a and_o complicate_v case_n how_o wary_a and_o very_a watchful_a must_v that_o physician_n be_v that_o make_v conscience_n of_o shed_v blood_n heal_v without_o cleanse_v will_v but_o make_v they_o the_o more_o rot_a and_o cleanse_v without_o heal_v will_v exasperate_v the_o ill_a humour_n and_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o one_o disease_n into_o another_o and_o perhaps_o worse_o but_o i_o design_v not_o and_o hope_v i_o need_v not_o to_o multiply_v word_n to_o you_o my_o brethren_n who_o be_v fit_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v advice_n in_o this_o case_n from_o such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o and_o all_o this_o must_v be_v do_v 1._o impartial_o both_o as_o to_o person_n and_o thing_n a_o allow_a partiality_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o sincerity_n and_o as_o great_a a_o stuble_a block_n in_o some_o case_n as_o we_o can_v lay_v before_o the_o foot_n of_o those_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o stumble_v i_o know_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o walk_v upright_o on_o so_o uneven_a a_o ground_n as_o we_o have_v now_o a_o long_a time_n be_v tread_v and_o can_v but_o doleful_o resent_v the_o temptation_n that_o too_o many_o be_v expose_v to_o through_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n of_o