that_o the_o deacon_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 3.13_o do_v purchase_n or_o procure_v unto_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o step_n a_o degree_n a_o seat_n a_o little_a exalt_v and_o metaphorical_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o denote_v dignity_n and_o authority_n this_o good_a degree_n which_o deacon_n may_v obtain_v be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o most_o the_o office_n of_o presbytery_n this_o they_o shall_v be_v promote_v unto_o in_o the_o church_n from_o deacon_n they_o shall_v be_v make_v presbyter_n i_o can_v comply_v with_o this_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n for_o 1._o the_o office_n of_o presbytery_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a work_n no_o where_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a degree_n 2._o the_o difference_n between_o a_o deacon_n and_o a_o presbyter_n be_v not_o in_o degree_n but_o in_o order_n a_o deacon_n make_v a_o presbyter_n be_v not_o advance_v unto_o a_o further_a degree_n in_o his_o own_o order_n but_o leave_v it_o for_o another_o 3._o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v not_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o the_o office_n of_o the_o presbytery_n but_o a_o hindrance_n of_o it_o for_o it_o lie_v whole_o in_o the_o provide_v and_o disposal_n of_o earthly_a thing_n in_o a_o serve_n of_o the_o table_n of_o the_o church_n and_o those_o private_a of_o the_o poor_a but_o preparation_n for_o the_o ministry_n consist_v in_o a_o man_n giving_z himself_o unto_o study_n prayer_n and_o meditation_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v my_o conjecture_n on_o the_o word_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v respect_n unto_o church-order_n with_o decency_n therein_o in_o both_o these_o expression_n shall_v purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o great_a confidence_n in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v of_o the_o same_o signification_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v a_o seat_n raise_v in_o a_o assembly_n to_o hear_v or_o speak_v so_o say_v the_o schol._n on_o sophoc_n oed._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o place_n where_o the_o assembly_n or_o church_n meet_v be_v divide_v round_o about_o with_o seat_n in_o degree_n some_o above_o other_o where_o all_o that_o meet_v might_n without_o trouble_n hear_v he_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n as_o they_o sit_v and_o countenance_n be_v give_v hereunto_o by_o what_o be_v observe_v concern_v the_o custom_n of_o sit_v in_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n so_o ambrose_n traditio_fw-la est_fw-la synagogae_fw-la ut_fw-la sedentes_fw-la disputarent_fw-la siniores_fw-la dignitate_fw-la in_o cathedris_fw-la subsequentes_fw-la in_o subselliis_fw-la novissimi_fw-la in_o pavimento_fw-la it_o be_v the_o tradition_n or_o order_n of_o the_o synogogue_n that_o the_o elder_n in_o dignity_n or_o office_n shall_v discourse_v sit_v in_o chair_n the_o next_o order_n on_o form_n or_o bench_n and_o the_o last_o on_o the_o floor_n so_o speak_v philo_n before_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o we_o meet_v in_o sacred_a place_n place_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o young_a sort_n according_a to_o their_o quality_n sit_v in_o order_n under_o the_o elder_n and_o this_o james_n the_o apostle_n have_v respect_n unto_o in_o the_o primitive_a assembly_n of_o the_o christian_a jew_n for_o reprove_v their_o partiality_n in_o accept_v of_o man_n person_n prefer_v the_o rich_a immoderate_o before_o the_o poor_a he_o instance_v in_o their_o dispose_n of_o they_o unto_o seat_n in_o their_o assembly_n they_o say_v unto_o the_o rich_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sit_v thou_o here_o in_o a_o good_a place_n that_o be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o best_a degree_n and_o to_o the_o poor_a stand_v thou_o there_o on_o the_o floor_n or_o sit_v at_o my_o footstool_n without_o respect_n unto_o those_o other_o qualification_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v wherefore_o the_o apostle_n have_v respect_n unto_o church-assembly_n and_o the_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o intend_v may_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o a_o place_n of_o some_o eminency_n in_o the_o church-assembly_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o such_o deacon_n where_o with_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n they_o may_v assist_v in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n if_o any_o shall_v rather_o think_v that_o both_o of_o the_o expression_n do_v signify_v a_o increase_n in_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a consequence_n of_o man_n faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o office_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o many_o deacon_n of_o old_a be_v eminent_a unto_o martyrdom_n i_o shall_v not_o contend_v against_o it_o 2._o whereas_o there_o be_v qualification_n express_o require_v in_o the_o wife_n of_o deacon_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v grave_a not_o slanderer_n sober_a faithful_a in_o all_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 3.12_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v before_o their_o call_n to_o office_n suppose_v that_o any_o of_o they_o do_v fall_v from_o the_o faith_n as_o become_a papist_n socinian_o or_o quaker_n whether_o their_o husband_n may_v be_v continue_v in_o their_o office_n ans._n 1._o he_o who_o in_o his_o own_o person_n faithful_o discharge_v his_o office_n may_v be_v continue_v therein_o yea_o though_o his_o wife_n shall_v be_v actual_o excommunicate_v out_o of_o the_o church_n every_o one_o of_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o the_o lord_n he_o reject_v we_o not_o for_o what_o we_o can_v remedy_v the_o sin_v person_n shall_v bear_v his_o own_o judgement_n 2._o such_o a_o one_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n as_o a_o husband_n that_o as_o little_a offence_n as_o possible_a may_v be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n by_o his_o wife_n when_o she_o lose_v the_o qualification_n of_o not_o be_v a_o slanderer_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o such_o apostate_n 3._o may_v a_o deacon_n be_v dismiss_v from_o his_o office_n whole_o after_o he_o have_v be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o it_o by_o prayer_n ans._n 1._o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o office_n be_v only_o the_o convenience_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o accommodation_n the_o continuation_n of_o man_n in_o this_o office_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o they_o and_o if_o the_o church_n at_o any_o time_n stand_v not_o in_o need_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o or_o that_o person_n they_o may_v upon_o his_o desire_n discharge_v he_o of_o his_o office._n 2._o thing_n may_v so_o fall_v out_o with_o man_n as_o unto_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n with_o respect_n unto_o either_o their_o person_n in_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o infirmity_n or_o their_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a any_o long_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o this_o office_n in_o which_o case_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v release_v 3._o a_o man_n may_v be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o a_o work_n and_o duty_n by_o prayer_n for_o a_o limit_a season_n suppose_v for_o a_o year_n only_o wherefore_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o a_o man_n on_o just_a reason_n may_v be_v dismiss_v at_o any_o time_n from_o his_o office_n though_o he_o be_v so_o set_v apart_o unto_o it_o 4._o a_o deacon_n by_o unfaithfulness_n and_o other_o offence_n may_v forfeit_v his_o office_n and_o be_v just_o exclude_v from_o it_o lose_v all_o his_o right_n unto_o it_o and_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o on_o just_a reason_n may_v be_v dismiss_v whole_o from_o it_o 5._o for_o any_o one_o to_o desert_n his_o office_n ☜_o through_o forwardness_n covetousness_n sloth_n or_o negligence_n be_v a_o offence_n and_o scandal_n which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o 6._o he_o who_o desire_v a_o dismission_n from_o his_o office_n aught_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n that_o the_o ministry_n which_o he_o hold_v may_v be_v due_o supply_v and_o love_v continue_v between_o he_o and_o the_o church_n 4._o how_o many_o deacon_n may_v there_o be_v in_o one_o congregation_n ans._n as_o many_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o the_o end_n of_o that_o ministry_n and_o they_o may_v be_v at_o all_o time_n increase_v as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v and_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v so_o many_o as_o that_o none_o of_o the_o poor_a be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n nor_o the_o work_n be_v make_v burdensome_a unto_o themselves_o 5._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o deacon_n towards_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n ans._n whereas_o the_o care_n of_o
some_o instance_n of_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o office-duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v consist_v they_o be_v but_o some_o of_o they_o and_o those_o only_o propose_v not_o pursue_v and_o press_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o those_o particular_a duty_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n way_n of_o management_n motive_n and_o enforcement_n defect_n and_o cause_n of_o they_o which_o will_v require_v a_o large_a discourse_n these_o may_v suffice_v unto_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o we_o may_v derive_v from_o they_o the_o ensue_a brief_a consideration_n 1._o a_o due_a meditation_n and_o view_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o propose_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v the_o wise_a the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o the_o most_o diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n this_o will_v make_v they_o look_v well_o to_o their_o call_n and_o entrance_n into_o this_o office_n as_o that_o alone_a which_o will_v bear_v they_o out_o and_o justify_v they_o in_o the_o susception_n of_o it_o for_o no_o sense_n of_o insufficiency_n can_v utter_o discourage_v any_o in_o the_o undertake_n of_o a_o work_n which_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n call_v he_o unto_o for_o where_o he_o call_v to_o a_o duty_n he_o give_v competent_a strength_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o say_v under_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n he_o do_v say_v my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o you_o 2._o although_o all_o the_o thing_n mention_v do_v plain_o evident_o and_o undeniable_o belong_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n we_o find_v by_o the_o success_n that_o they_o be_v very_o little_o consider_v by_o the_o most_o that_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o the_o present_a ruin_n of_o religion_n as_o unto_o its_o power_n beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o all_o place_n arise_v principal_o from_o this_o cause_n that_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o undertake_v this_o office_n be_v neither_o in_o any_o measure_n fit_a for_o it_o nor_o do_v either_o conscientious_o attend_v unto_o or_o diligent_o perform_v the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o it_o it_o ever_o be_v and_o every_o will_v be_v true_a in_o general_a like_o priest_n like_o people_n 3._o whereas_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o office_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o have_v a_o mighty_a influence_n upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o primitive_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v frequent_o propose_v unto_o we_o and_o many_o warning_n give_v we_o thereon_o in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o take_v it_o into_o due_a consideration_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o christ_n visitation_n he_o will_v proceed_v on_o such_o article_n as_o those_o here_o lay_v down_o and_o other_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o at_o all_o on_o those_o which_o be_v now_o inquire_v upon_o in_o our_o episcopal_a visitation_n and_o if_o they_o may_v be_v mind_v of_o their_o true_a interest_n and_o concern_v whilst_o they_o possess_v the_o place_n they_o hold_v in_o the_o church_n without_o offence_n i_o will_v advise_v they_o to_o conform_v their_o inquiry_n in_o their_o visitation_n unto_o those_o which_o they_o can_v but_o know_v the_o lord_n christ_n will_v make_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o visitation_n which_o do_v approach_v this_o i_o think_v but_o reasonable_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n for_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o give_v up_o their_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o confidence_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n and_o confusion_n it_o be_v their_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n continual_o to_o bear_v in_o mind_n what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v of_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n to_o take_v benefice_n to_o perform_v legal_a duty_n by_o themselves_o or_o other_o be_v not_o full_o compliant_a with_o what_o pastor_n of_o church_n be_v call_v unto_o 4._o it_o be_v manifest_a also_o from_o hence_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o this_o office_n and_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o it_o for_o any_o one_o man_n to_o undertake_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o pastor_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o especial_o if_o far_o distant_a from_o one_o another_o a_o evil_a this_o be_v like_o that_o of_o mathematical_a prognostication_n at_o rome_n always_o condemn_v and_o always_o retain_v but_o one_o view_n of_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o each_o pastor_n and_o of_o who_o diligent_a performance_n he_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v discard_v this_o practice_n from_o all_o approbation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o that_o be_v sober_a however_o it_o be_v as_o good_a to_o have_v ten_o church_n at_o once_o as_o have_v but_o one_o never_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n towards_o it_o 5._o all_o church_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v the_o weight_n and_o burden_n that_o lie_v upon_o their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n that_o they_o may_v be_v constant_a in_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n for_o they_o as_o also_o to_o provide_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v without_o trouble_n and_o care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n 6._o there_o be_v so_o many_o duty_n necessary_a unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n and_o those_o of_o such_o various_a sort_n and_o kind_n as_o to_o require_v various_a gift_n and_o ability_n unto_o their_o due_a performance_n it_o seem_v very_o difficult_a to_o find_v a_o concurrence_n of_o they_o in_o any_o own_o person_n in_o any_o considerable_a degree_n so_o as_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o office_n itself_o shall_v be_v due_o discharge_v i_o answer_v 1._o the_o end_n both_o of_o the_o office_n and_o of_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o be_v the_o due_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n this_o therefore_o give_v they_o their_o measure_n where_o that_o be_v attain_v the_o office_n be_v due_o discharge_v though_o the_o gift_n whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v thereunto_o be_v not_o eminent_a 2._o where_o a_o man_n be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n and_o apply_v himself_o sincere_o unto_o the_o due_a discharge_n of_o it_o if_o he_o be_v evident_o defective_a with_o respect_n to_o any_o especial_a duty_n or_o duty_n of_o it_o that_o defect_n be_v to_o be_v supply_v by_o call_v any_o other_o unto_o his_o assistance_n in_o office_n who_o be_v qualify_v to_o make_v that_o supply_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o like_a must_v be_v say_v concern_v such_o pastor_n as_o through_o age_n or_o bodily_a weakness_n be_v disable_v from_o attendance_n unto_o any_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n for_o still_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v provide_v for_o 7._o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o church_n and_o what_o relation_n with_o respect_n unto_o communion_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v unto_o they_o who_o pastor_n be_v evident_o defective_a in_o or_o neglective_a of_o these_o thing_n so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o any_o competent_a measure_n attend_v unto_o and_o we_o may_v in_o particular_a instance_n in_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o of_o the_o pastoral_a duty_n before_o insist_v on_o suppose_v a_o man_n be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o preach_v the_o word_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v his_o flock_n or_o have_v any_o ability_n yet_o do_v not_o will_v not_o give_v himself_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n or_o not_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n unto_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o edification_n and_o suppose_v the_o same_o person_n be_v open_o defective_a as_o unto_o a_o exemplary_a conversation_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a lay_v the_o stumble_a block_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o other_o what_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o his_o ministry_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o that_o church_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o constituent_a part_n as_o its_o ruler_n i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n real_o to_o confer_v the_o pastoral_a office_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o ordination_n whatever_o unto_o any_o who_o be_v open_o and_o evident_o destitute_a of_o all_o those_o previous_a qualification_n which_o the_o scripture_n require_v in_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office._n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o latitude_n to_o be_v allow_v
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
person_n but_o only_o propose_v thing_n as_o their_o conjecture_n but_o of_o very_a many_o opinion_n or_o conjecture_n that_o be_v advance_v in_o this_o case_n all_o of_o they_o but_o of_o one_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o modesty_n of_o grant_v that_o divers_a sort_n of_o elder_n be_v here_o intend_v which_o without_o more_o than_o ordinary_a confidence_n can_v be_v deny_v but_o some_o by_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o do_v understand_v bishop_n that_o be_v diocesan_n and_o by_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n ordinary_a preach_a presbyter_n which_o plain_o give_v they_o the_o advantage_n of_o pre-eminence_n reverence_n and_o maintenance_n above_o the_o other_o some_z by_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o understand_v ordinary_a bishop_n and_o presbyter_n and_o by_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n evangelist_n so_o carry_v the_o text_n out_o of_o the_o present_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n deacon_n be_v esteem_v by_o some_o to_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o to_o be_v intend_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o preach_v minister_n in_o the_o latter_a some_z speak_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o elder_n both_o of_o the_o same_o order_n or_o minister_n some_o that_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o other_o that_o be_v employ_v about_o inferior_a office_n as_o read_v and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v the_o conceit_n of_o scultetus_n mr._n mede_n weigh_v most_o of_o these_o conjecture_n and_o at_o length_n prefer_v one_o of_o his_o own_o before_o they_o all_o namely_o that_o by_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v intend_v and_o by_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o some_o discern_v the_o weakness_n and_o improbability_n of_o all_o these_o conjecture_n and_o how_o easy_o they_o may_v be_v disprove_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o a_o direct_a denial_n of_o that_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v plain_o assert_v in_o the_o text_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n here_o intend_v and_o describe_v which_o they_o countenance_v themselves_o in_o by_o exception_n unto_o the_o application_n of_o some_o term_n in_o the_o text_n which_o we_o shall_v immediate_o consider_v grotius_fw-la as_o be_v before_o intimate_v dispute_v against_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o such_o temporary_a lay-elder_n as_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o sundry_a of_o the_o reform_a church_n but_o when_o he_o have_v do_v he_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o such_o conjunct_a associate_n in_o rule_n from_o among_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v in_o every_o church_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o sundry_a argument_n and_o these_o he_o will_v have_v either_o nominate_v by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n wherefore_o omit_v all_o contest_v about_o the_o forementioned_a conceit_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n i_o shall_v propose_v one_o argument_n from_o these_o word_n and_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o exception_n of_o those_o of_o the_o latter_a sort_n preach_v elder_n although_o they_o rule_v well_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n unless_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n but_o there_o be_v elder_n who_o rule_v well_o that_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n though_o they_o do_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n therefore_o there_o be_v elder_n that_o rule_v well_o who_o be_v not_o teach_v or_o preach_v elder_n that_o be_v who_o be_v rule_v elder_n only_o the_o proposition_n be_v evident_a in_o its_o own_o light_n from_o the_o very_a term_n of_o it_o for_o to_o preach_v be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n preach_v or_o teach_v elder_n that_o do_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v preach_v or_o teach_v elder_n that_o do_v not_o preach_v or_o teach_v and_o to_o say_v that_o preacher_n who_o office_n and_o duty_n be_v to_o preach_v be_v worthy_a of_o that_o double_a honour_n which_o be_v due_a on_o the_o account_n of_o preach_v though_o they_o do_v not_o preach_v be_v uncouth_a and_o irrational_a it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o a_o man_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o preach_v shall_v be_v esteem_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o office_n who_o do_v not_o as_o a_o officer_n teach_v or_o preach_v the_o assumption_n consist_v upon_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o he_o who_o say_v the_o elder_n who_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n say_v there_o be_v or_o may_v be_v elder_n who_o rule_v well_o who_o do_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o be_v who_o be_v not_o oblige_v so_o to_o do_v the_o argument_n from_o these_o word_n may_v be_v otherwise_o frame_v but_o this_o contain_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o this_o testimony_n sundry_a thing_n be_v except_v unto_o this_o testimony_n and_o our_o application_n of_o it_o those_o which_o be_v of_o any_o weight_n consist_v in_o a_o contest_v about_o two_o word_n in_o the_o text_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o place_n their_o confidence_n of_o evasion_n in_o one_o of_o they_o and_o some_o in_o another_o the_o argument_n from_o both_o be_v inconsistent_a if_o that_o sense_n of_o one_o of_o these_o word_n which_o be_v plead_v as_o a_o relief_n against_o this_o testimony_n be_v embrace_v that_o which_o unto_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o other_o must_v be_v reject_v such_o shift_n do_v a_o opposition_n unto_o the_o truth_n put_v man_n to_o 1._o some_z say_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d especial_o be_v not_o distinctive_a but_o descriptive_a only_o that_o be_v it_o do_v not_o distinguish_v one_o sort_n of_o elder_n from_o another_o but_o only_o describe_v that_o single_a sort_n of_o they_o by_o a_o adjunct_n of_o their_o office_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o they_o say_v be_v as_o much_o as_o see_v that_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n see_v that_o they_o also_o labour_v or_o especial_o consider_v that_o they_o labour_v etc._n etc._n that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o it_o be_v thus_o to_o be_v interpret_v must_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o ancient_a translation_n or_o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o from_o its_o precise_a signification_n and_o application_n in_o other_o author_n learn_v in_o this_o language_n or_o that_o it_o be_v enforce_v from_o the_o context_n or_o matter_n treat_v of_o but_o none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v pretend_v 1._o the_o render_n of_o the_o word_n in_o old_a translation_n we_o have_v before_o consider_v they_o agree_v in_o maxim_n illi_fw-la qui_fw-la which_o be_v distinctive_a 2._o the_o use_n of_o it_o in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v constant_o distinctive_a whether_o apply_v to_o thing_n or_o person_n act._n 20.39_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sorrow_v chief_o at_o the_o word_n of_o see_v his_o face_n no_o more_o their_o sorrow_n herein_o be_v distinct_a from_o all_o their_o other_o trouble_n gal._n 6.10_o let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o chief_o especial_o unto_o the_o household_n of_o faith._n it_o put_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o especial_a privilege_n which_o be_v the_o direct_a use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o that_o place_n of_o the_o same_o apostle_n phil._n 4.22_o all_o the_o saint_n salute_v you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d especial_o they_o that_o be_v of_o caesar_n house_n two_o sort_n of_o saint_n be_v plain_o express_v first_o such_o as_o be_v so_o in_o general_a such_o as_o be_v so_o also_o but_o under_o this_o especial_a privilege_n and_o circumstance_n that_o they_o be_v of_o caesar_n house_n which_o the_o other_o be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v here_o with_o respect_n unto_o elder_n all_o rule_n well_o but_o some_o moreover_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o a_o man_n provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o especial_a those_o of_o his_o own_o house_n especial_o child_n or_o servant_n which_o live_v in_o his_o own_o house_n and_o be_v thereby_o distinguish_v from_o other_o of_o a_o more_o remote_a relation_n 2_o tim._n 4.13_o bring_v the_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d especial_o the_o parchment_n not_o because_o they_o be_v parchment_n but_o among_o the_o book_n the_o
parchment_n in_o particular_a and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n 2_o pet._n 2.9_o 10._o the_o lord_n know_v how_o to_o reserve_v the_o wicked_a to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v punish_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n especial_o those_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n who_o shall_v be_v single_v out_o to_o exemplary_a punishment_n it_o be_v but_o once_o more_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n namely_o act._n 26.3_o where_o it_o include_v a_o distinction_n in_o the_o thing_n under_o consideration_n whereas_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v principal_o use_v by_o this_o apostle_n in_o his_o write_n wherein_o it_o be_v distinctive_a and_o comparative_a of_o the_o thing_n and_o person_n that_o respect_n be_v have_v unto_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v here_o use_v in_o another_o sense_n or_o be_v otherwise_o apply_v unless_o they_o can_v prove_v from_o the_o context_n that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o their_o peculiar_a interpretation_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o other_o author_n be_v concurrent_a with_o that_o of_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n herodian_a lib._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o syrian_n be_v natural_o lover_n of_o fetival_n especial_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o antioch_n it_o be_v the_o same_o phrase_n of_o speech_n with_o that_o here_o use_v for_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o antioch_n be_v syrian_n but_o all_o the_o syrian_n dwell_v not_o at_o antioch_n there_o be_v a_o distinction_n and_o distribution_n make_v of_o the_o syrian_n into_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o be_v syrian_n only_o and_o such_o as_o be_v syrian_n dwell_v at_o antioch_n the_o metropolis_n of_o the_o country_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o all_o english_a man_n be_v stout_a and_o courageous_a especial_o the_o londoner_n he_o will_v both_o affirm_v the_o londoner_n to_o be_v englishman_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o countryman_n so_o all_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v elder_n but_o all_o elder_n do_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n nor_o be_v it_o their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v these_o we_o call_v rule_v elder_n and_o as_o i_o judge_v right_o 4._o the_o sense_n which_o the_o word_n will_v give_v be_v so_o interpret_v as_o that_o a_o distinction_n of_o elder_n be_v not_o make_v in_o they_o be_v absurd_a the_o subject_n and_o predicate_v of_o the_o proposition_n be_v term_n convertible_a it_o must_v be_v so_o if_o the_o proposition_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o have_v a_o distinction_n in_o it_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n only_o it_o be_v say_v be_v here_o intend_v i_o ask_v who_o they_o be_v and_o of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v say_v the_o same_o with_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o the_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n intend_v be_v of_o another_o sort_n we_o obtain_v what_o we_o plead_v for_o as_o full_o as_o if_o two_o sort_n be_v allow_v who_o then_o be_v these_o elder_n these_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n these_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n be_v they_o not_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n yes_o it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v they_o and_o no_o other_o then_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o rule_n well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o if_o they_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n then_o elder_n and_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v term_n convertible_a but_o elder_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v subject_a and_o predicate_v in_o this_o proposition_n wherefore_o there_o be_v few_o of_o any_o learning_n or_o judgement_n that_o make_v use_v of_o this_o evasion_n but_o allow_v a_o distinction_n to_o be_v make_v they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v as_o to_o work_n and_o employment_n and_o not_o as_o unto_o office._n those_o who_o in_o the_o disharge_n of_o their_o office_n as_o elder_n do_v so_o labour_v as_o be_v intend_v and_o include_v in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o denote_v a_o peculiar_a kind_n of_o work_n in_o the_o ministry_n yea_o say_v some_o this_o word_n denote_v the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n who_o be_v not_o confine_v unto_o any_o one_o place_n but_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o those_o of_o this_o mind_n do_v allow_v that_o two_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v intend_v in_o the_o word_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v any_o better_a success_n in_o this_o their_o conjecture_n than_o the_o other_o have_v in_o the_o former_a answer_n 1._o i_o grant_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n here_o use_v signify_v to_o labour_v with_o pain_n and_o diligence_n ad_fw-la ultimum_fw-la virium_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la fatigationem_fw-la unto_o the_o utmost_a of_o man_n strength_n and_o unto_o weariness_n but_o 2._o so_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o who_o ever_o do_v not_o so_o labour_n be_v negligent_a in_o his_o office_n and_o worthy_a of_o severe_a blame_v instead_o of_o double_a honour_n for_o 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whence_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o labour_n of_o a_o minister_n and_o so_o of_o any_o minister_n in_o his_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 3.8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o one_o that_o be_v every_o one_o employ_v in_o the_o ministry_n whether_o to_o plant_v or_o to_o water_n to_o convert_v man_n or_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n shall_v receive_v his_o own_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o own_o labour_n he_o that_o do_v not_o strive_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o ministry_n shall_v never_o receive_v a_o reward_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o his_o own_o labour_n and_o so_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o general_a word_n use_v to_o express_v the_o work_n of_o any_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whereon_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o teacher_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n joh._n 4.38_o i_o send_v you_o to_o reap_v that_o whereon_o you_o bestow_v no_o labour_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d other_o have_v labour_v and_o you_o have_v enter_v into_o their_o labour_n that_o be_v of_o the_o prophet_n and_o john_n the_o baptist._n yea_o it_o be_v so_o unto_o the_o labour_n that_o woman_n may_v take_v in_o the_o serve_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 16.6_o salute_v mary_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o labour_v much_o which_o be_v more_o than_o simple_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vers._n 12._o salute_v tryphoena_n and_o tryphosa_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o labour_v in_o the_o lord._n vers._n 13._o salute_v the_o belove_a persis_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o labour_v much_o in_o the_o lord_n so_o wide_o from_o truth_n be_v it_o that_o this_o word_n shall_v signify_v a_o labour_n peculiar_a to_o some_o sort_n of_o minister_n which_o all_o be_v not_o in_o common_a oblige_v unto_o 3._o if_o the_o labour_n of_o evangelist_n or_o of_o they_o who_o travel_v up_o and_o down_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n be_v intend_v than_o it_o be_v so_o either_o because_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n or_o because_o it_o be_v constant_o use_v elsewhere_o to_o express_v that_o kind_n of_o labour_n but_o the_o contrary_a unto_o both_o of_o these_o be_v evident_a from_o all_o place_n wherein_o it_o be_v use_v so_o be_v it_o express_o apply_v to_o fix_a elder_n 1_o thess._n 5.12_o we_o exhort_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o that_o labour_n among_o you_o who_o be_v the_o ruler_n and_o instructer_n it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o this_o word_n express_v no_o more_o but_o what_o be_v the_o ordinary_a indispensable_a duty_n of_o every_o teach_v elder_a pastor_n or_o minister_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o than_o those_o elder_n that_o be_v pastor_n or_o teacher_n that_o do_v not_o perform_v and_o discharge_v it_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n nor_o will_v the_o apostle_n give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v any_o way_n remiss_a or_o negligent_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n see_v 1_o thess._n 5.12_o there_o be_v therefore_o two_o sort_n of_o duty_n confess_o here_o mention_v and_o command_v the_o first_o be_v rule_v well_o the_o other_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n suppose_v that_o both_o these_o ruling_n and_o teach_v be_v
shall_v appoint_v in_o the_o same_o church_n many_o more_o teach_v elder_n though_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o elder_n intend_a be_v many_o i_o shall_v add_v for_o a_o close_a of_o all_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o church_n in_o be_v but_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o in_o sacred_a order_n as_o some_o call_v they_o or_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a office_n as_o unto_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n for_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o person_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n much_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o chancellor_n official_o commissary_n and_o the_o like_a officer_n who_o be_v absolute_o lay-man_n and_o not_o at_o all_o in_o their_o holy_a order_n some_o will_v place_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o only_o rule_v elder_a as_o they_o suppose_v but_o the_o generality_n of_o all_o protestant_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n both_o lutheran_n and_o reform_a do_v both_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o rule_v elder_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o their_o office_n lie_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o order_n and_o discipline_n which_o they_o can_v forgo_v without_o extreme_a confusion_n yea_o without_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o church_n and_o although_o some_o among_o we_o consider_v particular_a church_n only_o as_o small_a society_n may_v think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o such_o office_n or_o officer_n for_o rule_n in_o they_o yet_o when_o such_o church_n consist_v of_o some_o thousand_o without_o any_o opportunity_n of_o distribute_v themselves_o into_o several_a congregation_n as_o at_o charenton_n in_o france_n it_o be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v observe_v in_o they_o by_o two_o or_o three_o minister_n alone_o hence_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n we_o have_v instance_n of_o ten_o twenty_o yea_o forty_o elder_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n wherein_o they_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o institution_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n whereby_o each_o ten_o family_n be_v to_o have_v a_o peculiar_a ruler_n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o reformation_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o church_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o attend_v unto_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o call_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n chap._n viii_o the_o nature_n of_o church-polity_n or_o rule_n with_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n have_v declare_v who_o be_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n something_o must_v be_v add_v concern_v the_o rule_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v therein_o hereof_o i_o have_v treat_v before_o in_o general_a that_o which_o i_o now_o design_n be_v what_o in_o particular_a respect_v they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n only_o whereunto_o some_o consideration_n must_v be_v premise_v 1._o there_o be_v power_n authority_n and_o rule_v grant_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o some_o person_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n or_o community_n of_o the_o people_n how_o far_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v denominate_v democratical_a from_o the_o necessary_a consent_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o it_o in_o its_o exercise_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o whereas_o this_o consent_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n unto_o christ_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n require_v that_o all_o they_o do_v in_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v voluntary_a as_o unto_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o exercise_n be_v in_o dutiful_a compliance_n with_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o rule_n it_o change_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o government_n and_o therefore_o where_o any_o thing_n be_v act_v and_o dispose_v in_o the_o church_n by_o suffrage_n or_o the_o plurality_n of_o voice_n the_o vote_n of_o the_o fraternity_n be_v not_o determine_v and_o authoritative_a but_o only_o declarative_a of_o consent_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n where_o the_o church_n be_v organical_a or_o in_o complete_a order_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o authority_n and_o rule_n institute_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n be_v not_o liable_a unto_o dispute_n where_o there_o be_v bishop_n pastor_n elder_n guide_n ruler_n steward_n institute_v give_v grant_v call_v ordain_v and_o some_o to_o be_v rule_v sheep_n lamb_n brethren_n oblige_v by_o command_n to_o obey_v they_o follow_v they_o submit_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n regard_v they_o as_o over_o they_o there_o be_v rule_n and_o authority_n in_o some_o person_n and_o that_o commit_v unto_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o in_o the_o practical_a part_n or_o exercise_n of_o rule_n due_a respect_n be_v not_o have_v unto_o their_o authority_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n when_o the_o people_n judge_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o such_o only_a and_o in_o they_o do_v the_o right_a of_o their_o use_n and_o exercise_n reside_v that_o their_o elder_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o the_o dispose_n of_o church_n affair_n or_o in_o act_n of_o church_n power_n but_o only_o their_o own_o suffrage_n or_o what_o they_o can_v obtain_v by_o reason_v and_o think_v there_o be_v no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o authority_n in_o any_o thing_n a_o evil_a apt_a to_o grow_v in_o church_n it_o overthrow_v all_o that_o beautiful_a order_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v ordain_v and_o if_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n of_o this_o complaint_n that_o where_o the_o people_n have_v their_o due_a liberty_n grant_v unto_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o assume_v that_o power_n unto_o themselves_o which_o belong_v not_o unto_o they_o a_o evil_n attend_v with_o troublesome_a impertinency_n and_o disorder_n tend_v unto_o anarchy_n let_v they_o remember_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n how_o upon_o the_o confinement_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o the_o guide_n bishop_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n they_o have_v change_v the_o nature_n of_o church-power_n and_o enlarge_v their_o usurpation_n until_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n issue_v in_o absolute_a tyranny_n wherefore_o no_o fear_n of_o consequent_n that_o may_v ensue_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o darkness_n ignorance_n weakness_n lust_n corruption_n or_o secular_a interest_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o entice_v we_o unto_o the_o least_o alteration_n of_o the_o rule_n by_o any_o prudential_a provision_n of_o our_o own_o 3._o this_o authority_n in_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v neither_o autocratical_a or_o sovereign_n nor_o nomothetical_a or_o legislative_a nor_o despotical_a or_o absolute_a but_o organical_a and_o ministerial_a only_o the_o endless_a controversy_n which_o have_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n about_o a_o autocratical_a and_o monarchical_a government_n in_o the_o church_n about_o power_n to_o make_v law_n to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n yea_o to_o kill_v and_o destroy_v they_o with_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o power_n we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o a_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v destructive_a of_o the_o kingly_a office_n of_o christ_n contrary_a to_o express_v command_n of_o scripture_n and_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n isa._n 33.22_o jam._n 4.12_o mat._n 17.5_o chap._n 23.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o luke_n 22.25_o 26._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o 1_o cor._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 25._o 4._o as_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o by_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v be_v mere_o ministerial_a with_o respect_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n wherewith_o he_o have_v make_v it_o free_a so_o in_o its_o nature_n it_o be_v spiritual_a pure_o and_o only_o so_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v express_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o for_o its_o object_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n whereunto_o it_o extend_v which_o no_o other_o humane_a power_n do_v nor_o do_v it_o reach_v those_o other_o concern_v of_o man_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o any_o political_a power_n its_o end_n be_v spiritual_a namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v spiritual_a
talent_n whether_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a which_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o be_v rich_a and_o some_o be_v poor_a some_o be_v old_a and_o some_o be_v young_a some_o in_o peace_n some_o in_o trouble_n some_o have_v receive_v more_o spiritual_a gift_n than_o other_o and_o have_v more_o opportunity_n for_o their_o exercise_n it_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n that_o all_o be_v admonish_v instruct_v and_o exhort_v to_o attend_v unto_o their_o respective_a duty_n not_o only_o public_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n but_o personal_o as_o occasion_n do_v require_v according_a to_o the_o observation_n which_o those_o in_o rule_n do_v make_v of_o their_o forwardness_n or_o remissness_n in_o they_o in_o particular_a and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o instance_n man_n be_v to_o be_v warn_v that_o they_o contribute_v unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o other_o occasion_n of_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o the_o ability_n that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n have_v entrust_v they_o withal_o and_o to_o admonish_v they_o that_o be_v defective_a herein_o in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o there_o may_v be_v a_o equality_n in_o the_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.14_o and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o a_o alike_a nature_n be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o 4._o they_o be_v to_o watch_v against_o the_o beginning_n of_o any_o church-disorder_n such_o as_o those_o that_o infest_a the_o church_n of_o corinth_n or_o any_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n with_o remissness_n as_o unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o they_o which_o some_o be_v subject_a unto_o as_o the_o apostle_n intimate_v heb._n 10.25_o on_o the_o constancy_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o this_o part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n the_o very_a be_v and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n do_v great_o depend_v the_o want_n hereof_o have_v open_v a_o door_n unto_o all_o the_o trouble_n division_n and_o schism_n that_o in_o all_o age_n have_v invade_v and_o perplex_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o within_o themselves_o and_o from_o thence_o also_o have_v decay_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o order_n insensible_o prevail_v in_o many_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n first_o one_o grow_v remiss_a in_o attend_v unto_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o then_o another_o first_o to_o one_o degree_n then_o to_o another_o until_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v infect_v a_o diligent_a watch_n over_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o beginning_n of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n will_v either_o heal_v and_o recover_v they_o that_o offend_v or_o it_o will_v warn_v other_o and_o keep_v the_o church_n from_o be_v either_o corrupt_a or_o defile_v heb._n 3_o chap._n 12._o 5._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o also_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o such_o as_o who_o inward_a or_o outward_a condition_n do_v expose_v they_o unto_o more_o than_o ordinary_a trial_n in_o their_o sickness_n that_o be_v the_o poor_a the_o afflict_a the_o tempt_v in_o any_o kind_n this_o in_o general_n be_v a_o moral_a duty_n a_o work_n of_o mercy_n but_o it_o be_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a church-duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o institution_n and_o one_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n be_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v all_o that_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a relief_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o and_o useful_a to_o they_o in_o their_o trouble_n and_o distress_n and_o if_o this_o duty_n be_v diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v add_v much_o unto_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o our_o order_n and_o be_v a_o abide_n reserve_v with_o relief_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o outward_a condition_n expose_v they_o to_o strait_n and_o sorrow_n in_o such_o a_o season_n i_o add_v hereunto_o as_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n the_o visitation_n of_o those_o who_o suffer_v unto_o restraint_n and_o imprisonment_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o profession_n adherence_n unto_o church-assembly_n or_o the_o discharge_v of_o any_o pastoral_n or_o office-duty_n in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o case_n wherewith_o we_o be_v not_o unacquainted_a nor_o be_v like_o so_o to_o be_v some_o look_n on_o this_o as_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o yet_o enjoy_v their_o liberty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o their_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n will_v allow_v they_o provide_v their_o discharge_n of_o it_o be_v useful_a unto_o those_o who_o they_o visit_v and_o inoffensive_a unto_o other_o but_o this_o duty_n diligent_o attend_v unto_o by_o the_o elder_n represent_v therein_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n yea_o of_o christ_n himself_o unto_o his_o prisoner_n be_v a_o great_a spring_n of_o relief_n and_o comfort_n unto_o they_o and_o by_o the_o elder_n may_v the_o church_n be_v acquaint_v what_o yet_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n on_o their_o account_n the_o care_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n herein_o be_v most_o eminent_a 6._o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o office_n to_o advise_v with_o and_o give_v direction_n unto_o the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o make_n provision_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n be_v principal_o executive_a as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o inquisition_n into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n with_o the_o warn_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o liberality_n for_o their_o supply_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n 7._o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o through_o suffer_v persecution_n and_o affliction_n that_o the_o poor_a be_v multiply_v among_o they_o so_o as_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v not_o able_a to_o provide_v for_o their_o relief_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n if_o any_o supply_v be_v send_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o love_n and_o bounty_n of_o other_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v deposit_v with_o these_o elder_n and_o dispose_v according_a to_o their_o advice_n with_o that_o of_o the_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 11.30_o 8._o it_o be_v also_o their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o advantage_n which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o peculiar_a inspection_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n their_o way_n and_o their_o walk_n to_o acquaint_v the_o pastor_n or_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o may_v be_v of_o singular_a use_n unto_o they_o for_o their_o direction_n in_o the_o present_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n he_o who_o make_v it_o not_o his_o business_n to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n which_o he_o minister_v unto_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n as_o to_o their_o knowledge_n their_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n their_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n and_o apply_v not_o himself_o in_o his_o ministry_n to_o search_v out_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a unto_o their_o edification_n he_o fight_v uncertain_o in_o his_o whole_a work_n as_o a_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n but_o whereas_o their_o obligation_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n confine_v they_o much_o unto_o a_o retirement_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o time_n they_o can_v by_o themselves_o obtain_v that_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o whole_a flock_n but_o that_o other_o may_v great_o assist_v therein_o from_o their_o daily_a inspection_n converse_n and_o observation_n 9_o and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o meet_v and_o consult_v with_o the_o teaching-elders_a about_o such_o thing_n of_o importance_n as_o be_v to_o be_v propose_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o consent_n and_o compliance_n hence_o nothing_o crude_a or_o indigested_a nothing_o unsuit_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n will_v at_o any_o time_n be_v propose_v therein_o so_o to_o give_v occasion_n unto_o contest_v or_o jangle_n dispute_v contrary_a unto_o order_n or_o decency_n but_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o gravity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o ruler_n 10._o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o due_a liberty_n of_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v not_o impose_v on_o by_o any_o diotrephes_n in_o office_n or_o without_o it_o 11._o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n to_o consult_v together_o with_o the_o other_o elder_n concern_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o present_a duty_n of_o the_o church_n from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o their_o preservation_n from_o violence_n according_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ._n 12._o whereas_o there_o
man_n have_v by_o faith_n and_o his_o conjunction_n unto_o a_o visible_a church_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n his_o just_a rejection_n out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o redelivery_n of_o he_o into_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v here_o intend_a and_o this_o be_v a_o act_n suit_v unto_o the_o end_n whereunto_o it_o be_v design_v for_o a_o man_n hereby_o be_v not_o take_v out_o of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n not_o act_v or_o agitate_a by_o the_o devil_n but_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o sedate_n consideration_n of_o his_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o this_o if_o there_o be_v any_o spark_n of_o ingenuous_a grace_n leave_v in_o he_o will_v be_v effectual_o operative_a by_o shame_n grief_n and_o fear_n unto_o his_o humiliation_n especial_o understand_v that_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n herein_o be_v only_o his_o repentance_n and_o restauration_n here_o be_v therefore_o in_o his_o instance_n a_o everlasting_a rule_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n the_o ordinary_a occurrence_n of_o the_o like_a case_n require_v a_o ordinary_a power_n for_o relief_n in_o they_o without_o which_o the_o church_n can_v be_v preserve_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n enjoin_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o necessary_a unto_o its_o glory_n it_o be_v own_o honour_n and_o edification_n to_o reject_v scandalous_a offender_n out_o of_o its_o communion_n be_v evident_o declare_v in_o this_o place_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o it_o have_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n to_o discharge_v see_v without_o they_o it_o can_v be_v discharge_v be_v a_o wild_a imagination_n 4._o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n herein_o with_o such_o other_o particular_a duty_n as_o suppose_v the_o institution_n hereof_o be_v in_o many_o place_n direct_v and_o enjoin_v it_o be_v so_o in_o that_o insist_v on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o record_v lie_v in_o this_o that_o church_n ought_v to_o cut_v off_o from_o among_o they_o scandalous_a offender_n and_o that_o to_o the_o end_v they_o may_v preserve_v themselves_o pure_a and_o that_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n vers._n 2_o 4_o 7._o and_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o that_o excommunication_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n we_o shall_v consider_v afterward_o 2_o cor._n chap._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o the_o apostle_n commend_v the_o church_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o excommunication_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n call_v it_o a_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o he_o by_o they_o vers._n 6._o he_o give_v also_o a_o account_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o sentence_n against_o he_o which_o be_v his_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n vers._n 7._o and_o hereon_o give_v direction_n for_o his_o restauration_n by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n forgive_a he_o and_o confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o he_o man_n may_v fancy_n to_o themselves_o strange_a notion_n of_o excommunication_n with_o reference_n unto_o its_o power_n the_o residence_n of_o that_o power_n its_o effect_n extent_n and_o end_n and_o so_o either_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n erect_v it_o into_o a_o engine_n of_o arbitrary_a domination_n over_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o or_o deny_v on_o the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o force_n in_o his_o church_n but_o we_o can_v be_v teach_v nothing_o more_o plain_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o he_o have_v give_v power_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o communion_n obstinate_a scandalous_a offender_n and_o to_o restore_v they_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n enjoin_v it_o unto_o they_o as_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o woeful_a degeneracy_n in_o church_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n when_o this_o sentence_n be_v so_o administer_v as_o that_o it_o have_v a_o effect_n by_o virtue_n of_o humane_a law_n or_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o man_n but_o no_o influence_n on_o their_o conscience_n unto_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o its_o appointment_n the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n gal._n 5.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o he_o speak_v of_o those_o false_a teacher_n who_o oppose_v and_o overthrow_v what_o lie_v in_o they_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o at_o that_o time_n be_v in_o great_a power_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o galatian_n who_o they_o have_v corrupt_v with_o their_o false_a opinion_n so_o as_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o direct_o enjoin_v their_o immediate_a excision_n yet_o he_o declare_v what_o they_o do_v deserve_v and_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o they_o when_o free_v from_o their_o delusion_n vers._n 12._o i_o will_v they_o be_v even_o cut_v off_o that_o trouble_n you_o man_n have_v exercise_v their_o mind_n in_o curious_a conjecture_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n altogether_o in_o vain_a and_o needless_o the_o curiosity_n of_o some_o of_o the_o best_a of_o the_o ancient_n apply_v it_o unto_o a_o forcible_a eunuchism_n be_v extreme_o fond_a no_o other_o excision_n be_v intend_v but_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o truth_n neither_o the_o subject_a matter_n treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n condemn_v nor_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n or_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v admit_v of_o any_o other_o exposition_n 2_o thessaly_n 3.7_o the_o apostle_n give_v command_v unto_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a what_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v disorderly_a he_o declare_v immediate_o namely_o to_o live_v in_o a_o open_a disobedience_n unto_o any_o of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v unto_o they_o this_o withdraw_a be_v as_o unto_o church-communion_n which_o can_v be_v do_v but_o upon_o some_o act_n of_o the_o church_n deprive_v they_o of_o the_o right_n of_o it_o for_o if_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n herein_o it_o will_v bring_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o vers._n 14._o he_o require_v that_o a_o note_n be_v set_v on_o such_o a_o person_n by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v a_o sentence_n be_v denounce_v against_o he_o before_o the_o duty_n of_o withdraw_a from_o he_o by_o the_o brethren_n be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o see_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n tit._n 3.10_o 11._o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o revel_v 2.2_o 14_o 15_o 20_o 21._o it_o be_v therefore_o evident_a that_o this_o censure_n judgement_n spiritual_a punishment_n be_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o who_o administration_n he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n as_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o edification_n with_o its_o preservation_n in_o honour_n purity_n and_o order_n ☞_o there_o have_v be_v many_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o unto_o its_o order_n and_o kind_n some_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o excommunication_n the_o one_o they_o call_v the_o lesser_a and_o the_o other_o the_o great_a some_o three_o sort_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o more_o sort_n but_o one_o or_o of_o any_o degree_n therein_o a_o segregation_n from_o all_o participation_n in_o church-order_n worship_n and_o privilege_n be_v the_o only_a excommunication_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o whereas_o a_o offend_a person_n may_v cause_v great_a disorder_n in_o a_o church_n and_o give_v great_a scandal_n unto_o the_o member_n of_o it_o before_o he_o can_v be_v regular_o cut_v off_o or_o expel_v the_o society_n some_o do_v judge_v that_o there_o shall_v a_o suspension_n of_o he_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n at_o least_o precede_v total_a or_o complete_a excommunication_n in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n and_o it_o ought_v in_o some_o case_n so_o to_o be_v but_o this_o suspension_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o especial_a institution_n but_o only_o a_o act_n of_o prudence_n in_o church-rule_n to_o avoid_v offence_n and_o scandal_n and_o no_o man_n question_v but_o that_o this_o be_v lawful_a unto_o yea_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o require_v any_o