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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A10399 Tvventy nine lectures of the Church very necessary for the consolation and support of Gods Church, especially in these times: wherein is handled, first, in generall concerning first, the name; secondly, the titles; thirdly, the nature, fourthly, the diuision of the true Church: secondly, of the visible Church ... and lastly, the application of it to all Churches in the world so farre as they are knowne to vs. By that learned and faithfull preacher, Master Iohn Randall, Batchelor of Diuinity, pastor of Saint Andrewes Hubbart in little Eastcheape, London, and sometimes fellow of Lincolne Colledge in Oxford. Published by the coppie perfected and giuen by the author in his life time; carefully preserued and adorned with notes in the margent, by the late faithfull minister of Christ, Master William Holbrooke. Randall, John, 1570-1622.; Holbrooke, William. 1631 (1631) STC 20683; ESTC S115641 423,199 550

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member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o according_a to_o this_o general_a rule_n so_o the_o apostle_n carry_v themselves_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o timothy_n 1_o tim._n 3.14_o 15._o say_v these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n now_o that_o which_o he_o write_v to_o he_o of_o be_v partly_o of_o outward_a government_n as_o verse_n 1._o and_o forward_o where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o the_o word_n in_o the_o fifteen_o verse_n show_v it_o plain_o he_o write_v to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v he_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a man_n and_o therefore_o what_o do_v this_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n i_o answer_v though_o it_o be_v write_v particular_o to_o he_o yet_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a overseer_n in_o that_o church_n it_o 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be_v do_v but_o there_o be_v general_n from_o which_o and_o some_o particular_n by_o which_o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v and_o measure_v that_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o reas_n 2_o second_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a yet_o it_o be_v inconvenient_a and_o unfit_a fit_a for_o every_o several_a nation_n and_o country_n have_v their_o several_a state_n and_o custom_n and_o civil_a government_n so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v decent_a in_o one_o be_v not_o decent_a in_o another_o that_o which_o will_v stand_v with_o some_o civil_a government_n may_v not_o stand_v with_o another_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unfit_a to_o impose_v the_o same_o particular_n on_o the_o church_n in_o every_o several_a government_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v a_o decent_a thing_n in_o some_o church_n to_o wear_v long_a hair_n in_o some_o it_o be_v not_o in_o some_o church_n it_o be_v decent_a to_o have_v the_o head_n cover_v when_o they_o prophesy_v in_o some_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o where_o its_o decent_a it_o may_v be_v do_v where_o it_o be_v not_o decent_a it_o may_v not_o be_v do_v so_o that_o decency_n be_v hold_v still_o in_o the_o general_a though_o that_o the_o particular_n fail_v and_o differ_v as_o far_o as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n reas_n 3_o three_o some_o thing_n we_o have_v &_o must_v have_v in_o our_o church_n government_n which_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o many_o year_n after_o be_v not_o so_o and_o that_o be_v the_o christian_a magistrate_n who_o have_v a_o chief_a stroke_n in_o church_n government_n &_o that_o by_o right_a from_o god_n who_o dare_v deny_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v never_o mean_v that_o the_o same_o particular_n shall_v be_v in_o all_o church_n and_o so_o no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o word_n in_o every_o particular_a whereunto_o all_o church_n be_v to_o conform_v reas_n 4_o last_o some_o thing_n they_o have_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o practice_n act._n 6.1_o and_o there_o be_v commandment_n about_o it_o too_o as_o well_o as_o about_o other_o office_n as_o widow_n 1_o tim._n 5.3_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o of_o necessity_n require_v in_o any_o reform_a church_n so_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n use_v 1_o the_o use_v be_v these_o first_o this_o shall_v teach_v we_o to_o moderate_v and_o stay_v ourselves_o and_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n at_o rest_n from_o seek_v after_o such_o a_o particular_a precise_a and_o necessary_a form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o case_n in_o god_n word_n it_o be_v but_o vain_a labour_n let_v we_o never_o think_v to_o find_v it_o for_o the_o general_a we_o may_v and_o for_o many_o particular_n but_o for_o every_o particular_a we_o may_v not_o how_o many_o excellent_a wit_n have_v even_o tire_v themselves_o out_o in_o this_o business_n how_o long_o and_o how_o grievous_o have_v many_o learned_a and_o holy_a man_n vex_v themselves_o about_o this_o question_n and_o yet_o can_v agree_v among_o themselves_o some_o press_v more_o particular_n than_o other_o as_o that_o the_o chief_a governor_n be_v but_o for_o a_o year_n or_o by_o turn_n etc._n etc._n yea_o how_o have_v some_o and_o how_o do_v some_o to_o this_o day_n wrest_v scripture_n lay_v violent_a hand_n on_o god_n own_o holy_a book_n sometime_o put_v out_o somewhat_o as_o timothy_n bishopric_n in_o the_o postscript_n to_o the_o second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n so_o sometime_o they_o put_v in_o though_o not_o into_o the_o text_n yet_o cunning_o they_o add_v it_o as_o in_o eph._n 4.11_o where_o it_o be_v say_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n they_o say_v and_o some_o pastor_n and_o some_o teacher_n to_o make_v they_o a_o diverse_a office_n so_o likewise_o they_o misinterpret_v as_o in_o phil._n 1.1_o where_o they_o will_v have_v bishop_n to_o signify_v lay-elder_n a_o thing_n never_o hear_v of_o that_o they_o be_v call_v bishop_n and_o so_o they_o be_v exceed_o unconscionable_a in_o handle_v the_o word_n in_o this_o business_n object_n and_o all_o to_o maintain_v their_o own_o conceit_n of_o government_n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a and_o why_o then_o be_v not_o we_o as_o well_o provide_v for_o as_o they_o i_o answer_v first_o answ_n that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o particular_a national_n church_n and_o so_o may_v the_o better_o be_v provide_v for_o in_o particular_a second_o i_o answer_v that_o some_o particular_n be_v not_o prescribe_v by_o they_o yea_o i_o say_v further_o that_o the_o certain_a form_n of_o church-government_n among_o they_o in_o every_o respect_n be_v not_o at_o this_o day_n know_v by_o any_o and_o yet_o we_o have_v the_o scripture_n where_o this_o be_v record_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o profess_v i_o can_v by_o all_o my_o poor_a endeavour_n and_o small_a read_n come_v to_o any_o full_a understanding_n in_o every_o particular_a of_o that_o government_n neither_o can_v i_o ever_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o any_o that_o can_v and_o so_o likewise_o i_o profess_v for_o matter_n of_o church-government_n now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o all_o my_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n and_o prayer_n unto_o god_n i_o can_v never_o see_v it_o in_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n for_o the_o general_a substance_n it_o be_v and_o for_o some_o particular_n enough_o to_o receive_v some_o good_a direction_n for_o the_o rest_n but_o in_o every_o particular_a i_o can_v never_o see_v it_o use_v 2_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o refutation_n and_o reproof_n of_o all_o such_o as_o pretend_v their_o particular_a government_n to_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o condemn_v all_o other_o as_o first_o the_o papist_n they_o allege_v this_o that_o their_o government_n be_v god_n ordinance_n for_o christ_n say_v they_o when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n mind_v to_o erect_v one_o universal_a head_n over_o all_o as_o his_o substitute_n and_o that_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v at_o his_o beck_n and_o government_n first_o he_o erect_v it_o in_o peter_n and_o from_o he_o it_o come_v to_o the_o pope_n and_o so_o it_o be_v to_o contiene_fw-fr for_fw-mi ever_o and_o therefore_o say_v they_o whosoever_o be_v not_o under_o this_o head_n be_v no_o part_n of_o god_n church_n but_o of_o all_o opposition_n to_o this_o observation_n this_o have_v the_o least_o colour_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o opposite_n have_v least_o colour_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o of_o all_o other_o for_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o precept_n nor_o example_n for_o it_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v both_o most_o direct_o against_o it_o first_o for_o precept_n look_v in_o luk._n 22.25.26_o the_o king_n of_o the_o gentile_n reign_v over_o they_o etc._n etc._n but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v our_o saviour_n precept_n direct_o against_o it_o and_o so_o for_o example_n look_v in_o act._n 15.13_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o james_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n moderate_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n and_o give_v sentence_n in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n and_o which_o peter_n shall_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v be_v head_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n beside_o what_o mean_v paul_n to_o write_v to_o rome_n and_o to_o corinth_n and_o ephesus_n and_o other_o church_n and_o to_o prescribe_v order_n for_o they_o if_o peter_n have_v be_v head_n it_o have_v be_v his_o office_n and_o he_o must_v have_v perform_v it_o and_o if_o he_o be_v dead_a why_o do_v not_o his_o successor_n do_v it_o likewise_o when_o commandment_n come_v from_o heaven_n for_o reformation_n of_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n why_o be_v they_o not_o reveal_v to_o peter_n or_o he_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o pope_n his_o successor_n but_o that_o they_o must_v be_v reveal_v to_o john_n in_o pathmos_n if_o the_o pope_n have_v be_v head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o epistle_n shall_v have_v be_v send_v by_o he_o or_o at_o least_o by_o john_n from_o he_o so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o colour_n for_o their_o government_n last_o this_o reprove_v those_o of_o the_o presbytery_n that_o say_v that_o their_o government_n and_o their_o ruler_n which_o they_o require_v be_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n and_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o endure_v for_o ever_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o sufficient_o furnish_v in_o every_o particular_a for_o first_o they_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v diverse_a or_o if_o they_o be_v so_o than_o second_o they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n three_o whether_o of_o necessity_n all_o these_o must_v be_v in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n so_o
right_n to_o and_o possession_n in_o when_o god_n give_v a_o man_n gift_n he_o have_v a_o possible_a right_n and_o when_o he_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n that_o give_v he_o actual_a possession_n second_o every_o such_o officer_n be_v a_o officer_n both_o for_o god_n and_o for_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o must_v be_v invest_v by_o each_o man_n invest_v he_o by_o appointment_n god_n invest_v he_o when_o he_o be_v qualify_v by_o himself_o and_o appoint_v by_o man_n according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o general_a answer_n that_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v man_n qualify_v with_o a_o competent_a measure_n of_o gift_n second_o that_o they_o must_v be_v appoint_v thereto_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o live_v answ_n 2_o be_v now_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v particular_o and_o by_o name_n to_o the_o question_n namely_o what_o these_o officer_n be_v it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o labour_n and_o yet_o to_o no_o great_a purpose_n to_o reckon_v up_o all_o particular_a officer_n that_o have_v have_v to_o do_v in_o church_n business_n for_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a there_o have_v be_v many_o extraordinary_a some_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o the_o age_n next_o succeed_v as_o apostle_n that_o be_v to_o teach_v at_o large_a through_o the_o whole_a world_n matth._n 28.19_o etc._n etc._n and_o prophet_n to_o foresee_v and_o foreshow_v thing_n to_o come_v as_o agabus_n act._n 11._o and_o evangelist_n to_o be_v assistant_n to_o the_o apostle_n other_o there_o be_v also_o in_o many_o age_n after_o as_o exorcist_n doorkeeper_n acolutive_n and_o reader_n etc._n etc._n but_o whether_o these_o be_v in_o rightful_o or_o wrongful_o be_v to_o be_v see_v hereafter_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o will_v speak_v of_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v of_o ordinary_a and_o necessary_a use_n in_o the_o church_n either_o such_o as_o be_v indeed_o or_o else_o be_v pretend_v so_o to_o be_v on_o probable_a and_o plausible_a ground_n we_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n and_o so_o they_o the_o principal_a church-officer_n in_o the_o most_o straight_o and_o proper_a sense_n we_o will_v take_v they_o in_o their_o order_n first_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o bishop_n second_o we_o will_v come_v to_o presbyter_n then_o to_o doctor_n then_o to_o govern_v elder_n then_o to_o deacon_n then_o to_o widow_n then_o to_o other_o assistant_n last_o we_o will_v come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n first_o we_o will_v begin_v with_o bishop_n and_o first_o name_n we_o will_v speak_v of_o their_o name_n second_o of_o their_o office_n first_o of_o their_o name_n bishop_n be_v as_o much_o to_o say_v as_o a_o overseer_n in_o the_o original_a and_o it_o be_v attribute_v unto_o they_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o excellency_n for_o there_o be_v many_o overseer_n but_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a in_o the_o scripture_n sense_n that_o be_v and_o these_o be_v overseer_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o excellency_n whether_o we_o respect_v the_o person_n they_o oversee_v or_o whether_o we_o respect_v their_o designment_n to_o that_o office_n or_o whether_o we_o respect_v the_o work_n they_o do_v first_o if_o we_o respect_v the_o person_n they_o oversee_v they_o be_v overseer_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o excellency_n for_o they_o oversee_v the_o faithful_a or_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n for_o whereas_o they_o have_v other_o overseer_n as_o they_o be_v subject_n they_o have_v the_o king_n and_o other_o magistrate_n to_o be_v their_o overseer_n yet_o none_o be_v so_o as_o these_o for_o these_o be_v their_o overseer_n as_o they_o be_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n second_o if_o we_o respect_v their_o special_a designment_n over_o that_o flock_n they_o have_v a_o more_o special_a designment_n over_o the_o lord_n flock_v than_o any_o other_o overseer_n have_v over_o any_o other_o people_n the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v they_o overseer_n after_o a_o special_a manner_n three_o if_o we_o respect_v their_o work_n which_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o that_o not_o with_o bodily_a food_n but_o with_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a food_n to_o eternal_a life_n all_o these_o be_v intimate_v act._n 20.28_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n first_o they_o be_v overseer_n and_o that_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o excellency_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n they_o oversee_v which_o be_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o flock_n etc._n etc._n second_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o special_a assignment_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n and_o three_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o work_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o this_o name_n overseer_n be_v restrain_v only_o to_o these_o so_o it_o may_v be_v safe_o extend_v to_o every_o particular_a in_o that_o kind_n and_o so_o be_v the_o use_n in_o scripture_n phil._n 1.1_o to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v at_o philippi_n with_o the_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n and_o most_o plain_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o if_o any_o man_n desire_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o general_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o scripture_n but_o you_o shall_v understand_v that_o by_o common_a practice_n of_o speech_n i_o find_v this_o name_n always_o almost_o ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n particular_o apply_v to_o those_o that_o have_v a_o primacy_n and_o precedency_n in_o the_o church_n above_o their_o fellow-minister_n and_o so_o bishop_n be_v not_o overseer_n of_o the_o flock_n only_o but_o also_o of_o the_o pastor_n too_o within_o such_o a_o compass_n some_o great_a some_o small_a which_o we_o call_v diocese_n and_o as_o this_o be_v general_o so_o in_o all_o ancient_a writer_n so_o likewise_o if_o the_o postscript_n be_v authentical_a 2_o tim._n as_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o see_v it_o must_v than_o the_o scripture_n favour_v it_o too_o for_o there_o timothy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o bishop_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o so_o have_v other_o pastor_n under_o he_o and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o name_n bishop_n minister_n now_o we_o come_v to_o their_o office_n we_o speak_v still_o in_o the_o particular_a sense_n their_o office_n beside_o their_o preach_n and_o other_o ministerial_a duty_n common_a to_o all_o minister_n consist_v first_o in_o ordain_v minister_n second_o in_o reform_v thing_n amiss_o first_o in_o ordain_v minister_n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o titus_n that_o he_o be_v leave_v in_o crete_n to_o ordain_v elder_n titus_n 1.5_o and_o so_o in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v timothy_n lie_v hand_n rash_o on_o no_o man_n etc._n etc._n what_o be_v it_o to_o lay_v on_o hand_n but_o to_o ordain_v minister_n and_o this_o timothy_n must_v do_v and_o thereto_o antiquity_n so_o plain_o agree_v that_o jerome_n though_o otherwise_o bitter_a enough_o against_o bishop_n acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o mislike_v not_o the_o do_v of_o it_o and_o sure_o see_v ordination_n must_v be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n answer_v some_o person_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o special_a overrule_a hand_n in_o it_o and_o who_o be_v they_o but_o bishop_n that_o be_v they_o that_o be_v high_a and_o chief_a in_o the_o ministry_n so_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o the_o evangelist_n be_v the_o chief_a in_o the_o ministry_n do_v ordain_v minister_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v not_o as_o bishop_n but_o as_o apostle_n and_o timothy_n and_o titus_n not_o as_o bishop_n but_o evangelist_n yet_o the_o same_o office_n be_v of_o necessity_n still_o to_o be_v perform_v some_o must_v always_o be_v in_o the_o church_n answerable_a to_o they_o in_o that_o respect_n call_v they_o how_o you_o will_v if_o not_o bishop_n yet_o they_o must_v have_v as_o much_o authority_n in_o this_o business_n as_o i_o for_o my_o part_n do_v ascribe_v to_o bishop_n it_o be_v true_a that_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v imitate_v in_o extraordinary_a work_n but_o in_o their_o ordinary_a work_n of_o continual_a and_o necessary_a use_n when_o extraordinary_a officer_n cease_v ordinary_a must_v succeed_v they_o i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o do_v this_o whole_o and_o alone_o but_o still_o other_o presbyter_n or_o minister_n be_v assistant_n and_o lay_v on_o hand_n with_o they_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o so_o our_o law_n require_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v make_v no_o minister_n unless_o other_o minister_n be_v with_o he_o but_o yet_o still_o they_o have_v the_o chief_a stroke_n the_o power_n of_o ordain_v
and_o so_o they_o have_v these_o note_n and_o mark_n in_o some_o degree_n second_o consider_v in_o what_o state_n or_o sense_n these_o mark_n be_v necessary_o require_v in_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v in_o the_o pure_a and_o sound_a church_n in_o a_o high_a and_o excellent_a degree_n there_o be_v the_o true_a word_n without_o tradition_n the_o true_a sacrament_n none_o but_o those_o that_o christ_n institute_v true_a obedience_n without_o resistance_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o know_a will_n of_o god_n and_o answerable_o this_o true_a word_n must_v be_v true_o and_o sound_o preecht_v these_o sacrament_n only_o so_o administer_v as_o christ_n have_v command_v without_o any_o addition_n and_o this_o true_a obedience_n true_o profess_v without_o any_o sinister_a respect_n and_o this_o all_o church_n be_v to_o pray_v and_o labour_n for_o and_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o true_a visible_a church_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v general_o otherwise_o in_o all_o visible_a church_n in_o as_o much_o as_o all_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o corruption_n but_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o the_o true_a mark_n be_v find_v in_o any_o visible_a church_n though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o right_o and_o sincere_o carry_v as_o they_o shall_v the_o same_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o not_o so_o pure_a as_o some_o other_o if_o they_o have_v the_o true_a word_n though_o mix_v with_o some_o error_n so_o they_o be_v not_o such_o as_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n though_o more_o corrupt_a as_o for_o example_n the_o church_n of_o galatia_n embrace_v the_o true_a word_n but_o not_o true_o preach_v for_o they_o teach_v justification_n by_o work_n gal._n 3.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o some_o think_v that_o they_o be_v then_o in_o the_o state_n of_o apostasy_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a visible_a church_n and_o be_v so_o call_v gal._n 1.2_o so_o second_o for_o the_o sacrament_n look_v into_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 11.22_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n they_o have_v the_o lord_n supper_n but_o it_o be_v much_o deprave_a and_o not_o so_o sincere_o administer_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n a_o material_a point_n in_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o that_o deny_v it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 15.12_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o true_a church_n last_o for_o profession_n of_o obedience_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n revel_v 3.3.1_o have_v a_o name_n that_o she_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a 123._o they_o be_v general_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o church_n yet_o because_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o obedience_n though_o not_o sincere_o and_o because_o some_o among_o they_o do_v true_o profess_v as_o in_o the_o 4._o ver_fw-la therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o church_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o cherish_v any_o church_n in_o the_o corruption_n that_o they_o be_v in_o but_o only_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o a_o uncharitable_a conceit_n of_o such_o a_o church_n as_o not_o to_o esteem_v it_o for_o a_o true_a church_n because_o the_o word_n be_v not_o so_o true_o preach_v nor_o the_o sacrament_n so_o right_o administer_v nor_o profession_n of_o obedience_n so_o sincere_o yield_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v three_o they_o object_n and_o say_v that_o these_o be_v not_o more_o except_o 2_o know_n than_o the_o church_n and_o so_o be_v disable_v by_o your_o own_o rule_n before_o give_v from_o be_v the_o principal_a mark_n i_o answer_v they_o must_v be_v and_o be_v better_o know_v than_o the_o church_n for_o see_v that_o only_o be_v a_o true_a church_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o therefore_o we_o must_v first_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n before_o we_o know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o so_o as_o they_o must_v be_v more_o know_v so_o they_o must_v be_v first_o know_v i_o know_v a_o visible_a church_n as_o a_o company_n of_o man_n not_o by_o their_o faith_n but_o as_o a_o church_n by_o their_o faith_n only_o and_o their_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o i_o know_v a_o musician_n because_o of_o his_o music_n not_o the_o music_n by_o the_o musician_n and_o so_o much_o for_o reproof_n of_o these_o first_o sort_n of_o adversary_n that_o except_v against_o this_o doctrine_n exception_n second_o it_o reprove_v other_o that_o object_n and_o say_v that_o there_o be_v other_o mark_n require_v as_o well_o as_o these_o as_o first_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n i_o answer_v this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o obedience_n which_o they_o profess_v second_o say_v they_o there_o except_o 1_o must_v be_v a_o lawful_a ministry_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v presuppose_v and_o intend_v in_o the_o two_o former_a mark_n answ_n when_o we_o say_v except_o 2_o that_o the_o word_n must_v be_v true_o preach_v and_o the_o sacrament_n right_o administer_v answ_n yea_o but_o say_v they_o special_o discipline_n except_o 3_o that_o be_v a_o essential_a mark_n i_o answer_v that_o be_v a_o good_a mark_n answ_n but_o not_o essential_a the_o church_n have_v a_o be_v and_o a_o well-being_n discipline_n be_v a_o note_n of_o the_o well-being_n of_o the_o church_n not_o of_o the_o true_a be_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o it_o be_v exclude_v from_o be_v a_o necessary_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v not_o essential_a i_o confess_v where_o that_o discipline_n want_v that_o god_n call_v for_o in_o his_o word_n that_o so_o far_o that_o church_n be_v a_o imperfect_a church_n but_o yet_o not_o a_o false_a church_n as_o a_o man_n sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n his_o sinew_n be_v weak_a his_o hand_n tremble_v his_o joint_n be_v not_o sound_o knit_v together_o this_o be_v a_o craze_a and_o disease_a man_n not_o a_o false_a man_n so_o that_o church_n that_o want_v discipline_n be_v not_o well_o and_o sound_o tie_v together_o in_o the_o joint_n and_o so_o be_v a_o imperfect_a church_n not_o a_o false_a church_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o cherish_v any_o church_n in_o their_o corruption_n for_o they_o be_v to_o labour_v against_o they_o but_o yet_o let_v we_o judge_v charitable_o and_o not_o say_v such_o a_o church_n be_v a_o false_a church_n when_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o bad_a church_n they_o three_o and_o last_o there_o be_v other_o adversary_n here_o reprove_v that_o object_n against_o this_o doctrine_n and_o they_o be_v the_o papist_n they_o object_n and_o say_v that_o these_o mark_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a but_o other_o be_v more_o require_v than_o these_o and_o that_o as_o better_a mark_n they_o allege_v four_o first_o antiquity_n second_o succession_n three_o multitude_n last_o unity_n or_o consent_n these_o be_v strange_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a church_n first_o for_o antiquity_n can_v that_o find_v i_o out_o the_o true_a church_n then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o ancient_a church_n be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o so_o the_o church_n among_o the_o turk_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a church_n because_o it_o be_v ancient_a therefore_o it_o be_v antiquity_n of_o truth_n not_o of_o place_n or_o people_n look_v what_o church_n maintain_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n so_o that_o antiquity_n separate_v from_o the_o truth_n be_v no_o note_n of_o a_o true_a visible_a church_n cain_n and_o satan_n be_v ancient_a yet_o no_o true_a church_n but_o join_v this_o note_n with_o the_o truth_n the_o true_a word_n preach_v which_o be_v one_o of_o our_o note_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o true_a mark_n second_o for_o succession_n what_o succession_n of_o bishop_n or_o of_o man_n that_o sit_v in_o one_o chair_n be_v this_o a_o note_n without_o the_o word_n or_o with_o it_o if_o they_o say_v without_o the_o word_n that_o be_v fals●●f_a with_o the_o word_n than_o still_o they_o run_v upon_o our_o note_n and_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n for_o we_o say_v that_o succession_n of_o true_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v a_o special_a note_n of_o the_o church_n succession_n of_o itself_o be_v no_o note_n it_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v this_o be_v my_o horse_n because_o this_o be_v my_o bridle_n as_o if_o his_o bridle_n will_v not_o serve_v any_o other_o horse_n three_o for_o multitude_n they_o make_v that_o a_o note_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a for_o general_o the_o true_a church_n be_v the_o few_o in_o number_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o great_a number_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o by_o this_o rule_n in_o christ_n time_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o jew_n be_v
thereby_o to_o disgrace_v church-government_n and_o to_o make_v it_o the_o great_a trouble-state_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n what_o be_v it_o that_o the_o disciple_n contend_v about_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n luk_n 22.24_o be_v it_o not_o the_o matter_n of_o church-government_n who_o shall_v be_v the_o chief_a among_o they_o and_o so_o the_o ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o rest_n by_o this_o occasion_n the_o devil_n make_v strife_n among_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o breed_v those_o great_a broil_n and_o contention_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n betwixt_o the_o eastern_a and_o the_o western_a bishop_n be_v it_o not_o church-government_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o high_a see_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o high_a and_o chi●●●t_a bishop_n to_o go_v further_o what_o bring_v forth_o antichrist_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o advance_v the_o pope_n to_o that_o high_a pitch_n which_o he_o come_v to_o be_v it_o not_o church-government_n the_o pope_n audacious_o engross_a all_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o church_n to_o himself_o and_o many_o good_a bishop_n and_o church_n in_o their_o weakness_n yield_v too_o much_o to_o he_o in_o that_o kind_n by_o the_o perverseness_n of_o the_o govern_v in_o a_o word_n what_o dishonour_n have_v hereby_o be_v do_v to_o god_n what_o disgrace_n to_o religion_n what_o hindrance_n to_o the_o prosperous_a success_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n what_o furtherance_n and_o advantage_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n what_o heart-burn_n have_v it_o breed_v among_o some_o how_o have_v it_o alienate_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o from_o we_o and_o that_o in_o many_o that_o otherwise_o be_v inclinable_a towards_o we_o what_o tumult_n have_v it_o breed_v at_o home_n what_o clamour_n abroad_o what_o grief_n have_v it_o bring_v to_o our_o friend_n and_o well_o affect_v what_o rejoice_v to_o our_o enemy_n and_o profane_a person_n what_o distraction_n and_o doubt_n have_v it_o breed_v in_o weak_a and_o tender_a conscience_n what_o dishearten_v and_o discourage_v have_v it_o be_v how_o many_o excellent_a talent_n for_o god_n ministry_n have_v be_v hereby_o bury_v in_o the_o ground_n without_o profit_n and_o so_o consequent_o many_o congregation_n destitute_a of_o their_o faithful_a minister_n and_o of_o their_o heavenly_a food_n and_o leave_v as_o a_o prey_n to_o the_o raven_a wolf_n by_o this_o mean_n have_v they_o not_o by_o the_o providence_n and_o wisdom_n of_o our_o governor_n be_v otherwise_o provide_v for_o i_o dare_v undertake_v that_o in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v not_o the_o devil_n cast_v this_o bone_n among_o we_o and_o throw_v this_o business_n of_o church-government_n as_o a_o football_n before_o we_o for_o every_o one_o to_o run_v after_o and_o so_o to_o set_v we_o all_o together_o by_o the_o ear_n this_o church_n of_o england_n through_o god_n blessing_n have_v be_v this_o day_n the_o most_o famous_a and_o flourish_a church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n whereas_o now_o this_o business_n this_o only_a business_n of_o church-government_n have_v occasional_o by_o the_o peevishness_n of_o some_o hatch_v nourish_v and_o bring_v forth_o much_o ignorance_n prophannesse_n uncharitableness_n contempt_n of_o holiness_n neglect_v of_o god_n ordinance_n looseness_n and_o licentiousness_n i_o grieve_v to_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n and_o i_o can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o we_o may_v be_v all_o ashamed_a of_o they_o before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n and_o it_o must_v be_v every_o one_o care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v instant_a with_o god_n by_o prayer_n that_o in_o his_o good_a time_n he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o redress_v these_o foul_a evil_n yet_o here_o i_o have_v mention_v they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v both_o whet_v on_o by_o these_o consideration_n to_o look_v the_o more_o careful_o into_o this_o business_n and_o also_o that_o we_o may_v be_v admonish_v to_o carry_v ourselves_o the_o more_o temperate_o and_o moderate_o towards_o it_o and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o first_o point_n namely_o of_o the_o harm_n and_o evil_n that_o have_v happen_v occasional_o by_o this_o matter_n of_o the_o church-government_n though_o in_o itself_o holy_a and_o good_a it_o the_o second_o point_n be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-government_n yea_o see_v here_o two_o word_n church_n and_o government_n and_o each_o of_o these_o may_v carry_v three_o sense_n first_o for_o the_o word_n church_n we_o be_v not_o here_o to_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o catholic_a church_n for_o that_o be_v disperse_v over_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n can_v well_o be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o same_o law_n nor_o rule_v by_o the_o same_o earthly_a governor_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o reature_n to_o wield_v such_o a_o great_a charge_n the_o sole_a governor_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v jesus_n christ_n the_o only_a head_n thereof_o and_o the_o only_a law_n it_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o be_v the_o presence_n power_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o here_o we_o understand_v it_o of_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n whether_o it_o be_v parochial_a national_n or_o provincial_a for_o these_o be_v confine_v and_o bound_v within_o their_o several_a place_n may_v and_o must_v have_v their_o several_a law_n and_o governor_n every_o one_o for_o and_o within_o itself_o of_o this_o church_n it_o be_v that_o we_o here_o speak_v of_o whether_o it_o be_v great_a or_o less_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o next_o word_n government_n which_o word_n in_o a_o general_a sense_n signify_v to_o maintain_v second_o in_o particular_a to_o govern_v first_o in_o general_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o be_v man_n so_o the_o lord_n govern_v that_o be_v maintain_v and_o preserve_v his_o church_n seat_v every_o particular_a church_n in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v make_v a_o fence_n about_o it_o feed_v and_o clothe_v they_o supply_v their_o want_n afford_v they_o help_n and_o mean_n for_o their_o relief_n defend_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n deliver_v they_o from_o danger_n cause_v they_o to_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v in_o outward_a thing_n and_o cover_v they_o with_o his_o favour_n as_o with_o a_o shield_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o government_n the_o lord_n extend_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o faithful_a yet_o with_o this_o difference_n to_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o common_a favour_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o special_a favour_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o christ_n for_o even_o in_o the_o very_a temporal_a blessing_n that_o the_o faithful_a have_v in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v they_o by_o grace_n and_o promise_v in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o to_o the_o wicked_a they_o perish_v in_o the_o enjoy_n of_o they_o they_o have_v no_o further_a benefit_n of_o they_o but_o outward_a and_o temporal_a to_o the_o faithful_a they_o be_v helpefull_a and_o serviceable_a in_o some_o degree_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o so_o god_n intend_v they_o and_o so_o the_o faithful_a accept_v and_o use_v they_o this_o be_v for_o the_o general_a government_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o we_o be_v man_n second_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a government_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n as_o we_o be_v man_n profess_v the_o save_a faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o the_o government_n be_v twofold_a inward_a and_o outward_a first_o inward_a and_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n god_n only_o rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o choose_a as_o a_o king_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n convert_n they_o from_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n cause_v they_o to_o believe_v god_n promise_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o justify_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n crucify_a the_o old_a man_n and_o quicken_a the_o new_a acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o will_n and_o frame_v we_o to_o obedience_n put_v good_a motion_n from_o time_n to_o time_n into_o our_o mind_n and_o stir_v we_o up_o and_o enable_v we_o to_o entertain_v they_o gracious_o and_o to_o give_v place_n unto_o they_o and_o so_o sanctify_v we_o and_o further_o he_o assure_v we_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n and_o our_o election_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o comfort_v we_o further_o he_o increase_v these_o and_o other_o grace_n in_o we_o every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n till_o at_o length_n they_o be_v full_o perfect_v in_o we_o and_o we_o receive_v into_o his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o so_o he_o glorify_v us._n this_o this_o be_v the_o right_a kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n whereby_o god_n reign_v in_o we_o as_o
it_o be_v not_o in_o she_o to_o devise_v she_o own_o government_n if_o christ_n therefore_o have_v not_o provide_v for_o she_o in_o this_o case_n but_o have_v leave_v she_o to_o herself_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o she_o have_v never_o hit_v on_o the_o right_a way_n or_o if_o she_o have_v she_o can_v have_v have_v no_o comfort_n of_o conscience_n in_o that_o case_n nor_o hope_v of_o blessing_n in_o the_o course_n because_o still_o she_o will_v have_v be_v uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v from_o the_o lord_n so_o let_v we_o bless_v and_o praise_v the_o lord_n our_o good_a god_n that_o have_v so_o merciful_o and_o plentiful_o furnish_v we_o in_o this_o kind_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o affirmative_a point_n namely_o that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v so_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n may_v receive_v instruction_n and_o direction_n thereby_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v scripture_n now_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o point_n the_o negative_a position_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n set_v down_o in_o scripture_n that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v precise_o bind_v unto_o to_o observe_v for_o order_v every_o particular_a this_o be_v a_o negative_a position_n as_o you_o see_v must_v be_v content_a with_o negative_a proof_n for_o see_v the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o government_n in_o scripture_n for_o every_o particular_a or_o not_o and_o see_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v not_o no_o marvel_n then_o though_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a place_n to_o confirm_v it_o but_o you_o will_v say_v that_o many_o together_o will_n i_o say_v no_o many_o lay_v all_o together_o will_v not_o they_o that_o pretend_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n must_v instance_n in_o some_o such_o place_n in_o the_o word_n where_o it_o be_v prove_v else_o the_o contrary_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v true_a and_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o refutation_n of_o such_o allegation_n be_v the_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o position_n therefore_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o negative_a position_n first_o i_o say_v no_o place_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v or_o prescribe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n etc._n etc._n for_o every_o part_n of_o discipline_n nay_o nor_o many_o place_n confer_v and_o lay_v all_o together_o do_v not_o for_o matter_n of_o substance_n and_o in_o general_a there_o be_v proof_n enough_o as_o we_o hear_v before_o in_o the_o former_a point_n but_o not_o for_o any_o particular_a form_n in_o every_o particular_a etc._n etc._n as_o there_o be_v no_o place_n that_o affirm_v or_o prescribe_v this_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n so_o i_o say_v further_o there_o be_v no_o example_n for_o it_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o if_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v intend_v any_o such_o form_n of_o government_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o every_o particular_a either_o they_o will_v have_v give_v it_o in_o express_a charge_n particular_o or_o at_o least_o there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o notorious_a pattern_n of_o it_o in_o some_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o in_o scripture_n to_o instance_n in_o the_o best_a church_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n be_v the_o best_a provide_v for_o in_o that_o case_n yet_o these_o have_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n whereunto_o they_o be_v precise_o bind_v first_o for_o corinth_n there_o be_v more_o write_v to_o that_o church_n for_o matter_n of_o outward_a government_n than_o to_o any_o other_o church_n yea_o almost_o as_o much_o as_o to_o all_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a no_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o itself_o in_o many_o particular_n it_o be_v well_o provide_v for_o in_o all_o it_o be_v not_o by_o writing_n for_o some_o the_o apostle_n respite_v till_o his_o presence_n 1_o cor._n 11.34_o other_o thing_n will_v i_o set_v in_o order_n when_o i_o come_v so_o then_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a by_o writing_n for_o herself_o much_o less_o be_v it_o so_o provide_v for_o as_o that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v direct_v thereby_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o the_o church-order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n the_o lord_n own_o commandment_n 1_o cor._n 14.37_o yes_o they_o be_v to_o they_o of_o that_o church_n so_o far_o as_o be_v direct_o enjoin_v they_o but_o not_o to_o all_o church_n else_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n though_o it_o be_v then_o the_o most_o famous_a church_n in_o asia_n and_o plentiful_o provide_v for_o that_o way_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o provide_v for_o that_o every_o church_n shall_v be_v direct_v by_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o particular_a for_o itself_o but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v not_o particular_n profitable_a if_o so_o be_v they_o be_v than_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v to_o the_o overseer_n of_o that_o church_n act._n 20.20_o i_o have_v keep_v nothing_o back_o that_o be_v profitable_a for_o you_o and_o therefore_o not_o those_o particular_n i_o answer_v sure_o particular_n be_v profitable_a and_o therefore_o this_o church_n have_v enough_o in_o general_a whereby_o they_o may_v frame_v unto_o themselves_o such_o particular_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o but_o they_o have_v not_o all_o particular_n this_o place_n prove_v the_o former_a position_n well_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o church-government_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n whole_o in_o the_o general_a but_o not_o in_o every_o particular_a though_o they_o have_v some_o to_o measure_v the_o rest_n by_o yea_o but_o there_o be_v a_o further_a matter_n for_o government_n in_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n than_o in_o any_o other_o church_n for_o the_o apostle_n impose_v on_o timothy_n a_o charge_n of_o perpetuity_n as_o in_o 1_o tim._n 6.13_o i_o charge_v thou_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o thou_o keep_v the_o commandment_n without_o spot_n until_o the_o appear_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n so_o then_o that_o government_n which_o he_o charge_v he_o withal_o be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a i_o answer_v first_o that_o that_o commandment_n be_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n second_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o government_n yet_o that_o be_v but_o personal_a to_o timothy_n that_o he_o shall_v keep_v it_o as_o much_o as_o in_o he_o lay_v and_o also_o it_o be_v only_o for_o that_o particular_a church_n and_o for_o those_o particular_a thing_n there_o command_v which_o come_v far_o short_a of_o every_o particular_a that_o they_o shall_v perpetual_o be_v there_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o charge_n he_o give_v timothy_n last_o i_o answer_v if_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o every_o particular_a church_n it_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o matter_n of_o substance_n which_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v must_v be_v perpetual_a in_o all_o church_n so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o proof_n for_o this_o nor_o no_o example_n in_o scripture_n nay_o there_o be_v example_n against_o it_o because_o we_o find_v not_o the_o same_o government_n in_o all_o church_n for_o some_o want_v that_o which_o other_o have_v and_o so_o by_o this_o rule_n one_o of_o they_o shall_v have_v sin_v as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n there_o be_v only_a bishop_n and_o deacon_n name_v so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o particular_a form_n of_o church-government_n for_o every_o particular_a set_v down_o in_o the_o word_n for_o every_o church_n precise_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o reas_n 1_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n be_v these_o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o the_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o particular_n be_v infinite_a and_o still_o new_a occasion_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n daily_o which_o if_o they_o be_v foresee_v yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v write_v the_o world_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n as_o the_o evangelist_n speak_v of_o the_o word_n and_o work_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o civil_a law_n be_v there_o ever_o that_o the_o best_a head_n have_v be_v lay_v together_o to_o devise_v that_o be_v sufficient_a at_o the_o first_o for_o every_o particular_a but_o by_o new_a occasion_n still_o increase_v for_o particular_a cause_n yea_o but_o though_o man_n can_v not_o yet_o god_n can_v have_v provide_v for_o that_o but_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o yea_o i_o say_v further_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a law_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n yet_o it_o prescribe_v not_o for_o every_o particular_a what_o be_v to_o
host_n for_o the_o advance_v of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o magnify_v of_o his_o name_n as_o also_o it_o require_v uprightness_n of_o heart_n that_o lay_v aside_o all_o guile_n covetousness_n ambition_n please_v of_o man_n they_o may_v mere_o intend_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n the_o second_o end_n be_v that_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o brethren_n so_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 14.26_o will_v have_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n do_v for_o edification_n and_o so_o he_o carry_v himself_o 2_o cor._n 12.19_o for_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n &_o give_v they_o gift_n for_o that_o end_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ephes_n 4.12_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o matter_n that_o all_o must_v direct_v themselves_o unto_o now_o this_o matter_n of_o edification_n require_v two_o grace_n wisdom_n first_o wisdom_n second_o love_n if_o we_o have_v not_o these_o grace_n we_o shall_v never_o take_v this_o course_n first_o it_o require_v wisdom_n to_o observe_v &_o discern_v what_o course_n be_v most_o profitable_a for_o edification_n and_o that_o to_o follow_v as_o the_o minister_n be_v wise_o to_o observe_v the_o time_n and_o season_n he_o live_v in_o and_o the_o person_n that_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o and_o so_o to_o insist_v chief_o on_o such_o point_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o such_o season_n and_o person_n to_o give_v milk_n to_o the_o weak_a and_o meat_n to_o the_o strong_a he_o must_v be_v a_o wise_a steward_n give_v to_o every_o one_o in_o god_n house_n his_o portion_n in_o due_a season_n where_o this_o rule_n be_v observe_v it_o will_v be_v a_o singular_a furtherance_n to_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n as_o wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o this_o duty_n so_o also_o in_o the_o second_o place_n love_n be_v require_v in_o commiserate_v the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a love_n and_o in_o have_v compassion_n of_o the_o damnable_a estate_n of_o poor_a ignorant_a and_o unbelieve_a soul_n unfeigned_o desire_v and_o labour_v their_o conversion_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n frame_v themselves_o and_o their_o course_n so_o as_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o god_n they_o must_v with_o the_o apostle_n become_v all_o to_o all_o that_o they_o may_v win_v some_o love_n be_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o church_n than_o knowledge_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o say_v the_o apostle_n but_o love_n edifi_v 1_o cor._n 8.1_o knowledge_n without_o love_n make_v man_n proud_a it_o tend_v to_o ostentation_n but_o love_v always_o seek_v and_o labour_v for_o those_o thing_n only_o that_o may_v edify_v then_o do_v man_n swerve_v from_o this_o golden_a rule_n of_o edification_n when_o they_o enact_v law_n ordain_v ceremony_n use_v preach_v general_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o state_n more_o than_o for_o edification_n yea_o from_o than_o they_o commit_v high_a impiety_n in_o this_o kind_n when_o they_o use_v course_n and_o passage_n in_o church-government_n to_o destruction_n not_o to_o edification_n yea_o as_o snare_n to_o entrap_v tender_a conscience_n at_o least_o to_o provoke_v and_o offend_v they_o this_o be_v against_o the_o apostle_n rule_n 2_o cor._n 1_o 3._o our_o power_n say_v he_o be_v give_v for_o edification_n not_o for_o destruction_n put_v the_o case_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v impose_v be_v lawful_a must_v we_o do_v they_o present_o no_o not_o unless_o they_o edify_v our_o brother_n so_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 15.1_o 2._o we_o must_v bear_v with_o the_o weak_a and_o every_o man_n must_v please_v his_o neighbour_n in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o edification_n and_o rom._n 14.19_o let_v we_o follow_v those_o thing_n which_o concern_v peace_n and_o wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o 1_o cor._n 10.23_o the_o apostle_n say_v all_o thing_n be_v lawful_a for_o i_o but_o all_o thing_n edify_v not_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v we_o must_v not_o do_v all_o lawful_a thing_n unless_o they_o edify_v so_o then_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o action_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n they_o must_v be_v do_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v touch_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereby_o the_o officer_n must_v be_v guide_v in_o perform_v their_o action_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n now_o it_o remain_v only_o that_o i_o instance_n as_o i_o promise_v in_o two_o or_o three_o duty_n fit_v they_o to_o the_o person_n and_o rule_n duty_n and_o first_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o the_o first_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o prayer_n now_o as_o these_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o church_n so_o they_o must_v be_v administer_v first_o by_o such_o person_n and_o second_o by_o such_o rule_n as_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n have_v ordain_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o and_o first_o we_o will_v speak_v of_o the_o person_n then_o of_o the_o duty_n first_o the_o person_n to_o deal_v in_o every_o of_o these_o duty_n in_o the_o public_a use_n be_v the_o minister_n be_v they_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o presbyter_n they_o and_o all_o of_o they_o and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v to_o deal_v in_o they_o their_o very_a name_n import_v so_o much_o they_o be_v call_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o so_o prayer_n it_o hold_v by_o proportion_n to_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o law_n for_o they_o and_o none_o else_o be_v to_o offer_v sacrifice_n i_o speak_v of_o ordinary_a case_n but_o necessity_n sometime_o enforce_v otherwise_o yet_o some_o be_v express_o except_v against_o in_o this_o case_n as_o woman_n they_o be_v not_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o and_o therefore_o whereas_o sometime_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o baptize_v this_o be_v a_o horrible_a presumption_n in_o they_o and_o a_o profanation_n of_o god_n mystery_n second_o the_o rule_n whereby_o they_o must_v be_v direct_v in_o do_v these_o duty_n be_v these_o first_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v god_n word_n alone_o and_o that_o which_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o for_o the_o manner_n it_o must_v be_v sincere_o preach_v not_o make_v merchandise_n thereon_o and_o true_o and_o right_o agreeable_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o instant_o and_o continual_o in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n reverent_o and_o conscionable_o and_o powerful_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o the_o live_a god_n second_o the_o sacrament_n those_o and_o none_o other_o must_v be_v administer_v which_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o that_o right_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n institute_v they_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o every_o circumstance_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v baptize_v when_o they_o be_v of_o year_n so_o must_v not_o we_o be_v three_o prayer_n that_o must_v be_v fit_v for_o every_o occasion_n sin_n must_v be_v confess_v judgement_n must_v be_v pray_v against_o blessing_n must_v be_v thankful_o remember_v and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v both_o for_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o all_o fervent_o and_o in_o the_o spirit_n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o instance_n the_o second_o instance_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o second_o duty_n election_n of_o officer_n and_o here_o also_o consider_v first_o the_o person_n that_o must_v perform_v this_o duty_n second_o the_o rule_n they_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o first_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o deal_v in_o it_o for_o minister_n it_o must_v be_v those_o that_o be_v in_o superior_a place_n and_o degree_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o yet_o with_o approbation_n of_o fellow_n minister_n so_o for_o deacon_n or_o churchwarden_n and_o other_o inferior_a officer_n they_o must_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o people_n together_o we_o see_v a_o precedent_n for_o this_o in_o act._n 6._o where_o the_o apostle_n refer_v this_o partly_o to_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v choose_v out_o certain_a from_o among_o themselves_o for_o this_o office_n and_o yet_o still_o they_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o it_o and_o a_o hand_n in_o it_o too_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o that_o place_n second_o the_o rule_n they_o must_v proceed_v by_o in_o this_o duty_n and_o special_o in_o election_n of_o minister_n be_v these_o first_o be_v examination_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o gift_n so_o it_o be_v imply_v of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.21_o 22._o lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o it_o be_v express_v in_o deacon_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o let_v they_o first_o be_v prove_v then_o let_v they_o minister_v if_o