annex_v thereunto_o this_o covenant_n be_v the_o sole_a formal_a cause_n of_o their_o church_n state_n which_o they_o be_v charge_v so_o often_o to_o have_v break_v and_o which_o they_o so_o often_o solemn_o renew_v unto_o god._n 19_o this_o be_v that_o covenant_n which_o be_v to_o be_v abolish_v whereon_o the_o church_n state_n that_o be_v build_v thereon_o be_v utter_o take_v away_o for_o hereon_o the_o hebrew_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a church_n of_o god_n because_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v so_o be_v abolish_v and_o take_v away_o as_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v at_o large_a heb._n 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o promise_n will_v ☞_o still_o continue_v unto_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o abraham_n act._n 2.38_o 39_o but_o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v utter_o take_v away_o 20._o upon_o the_o removal_n therefore_o of_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o church_n state_n found_v thereon_o all_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o church_n privilege_n be_v also_o take_v away_o the_o thing_n substitute_v in_o their_o room_n be_v total_o of_o another_o kind_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o make_v with_o abraham_n be_v continue_v and_o transfer_v unto_o the_o gospel_n worshipper_n the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o it_o give_v unto_o he_o be_v change_v but_o another_o substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o but_o whereas_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n covenant_n be_v in_o themselves_o carnal_a only_o and_o no_o way_n spiritual_a but_o as_o they_o be_v typical_a and_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o it_o be_v burdensome_a yea_o a_o yoke_n intolerable_a the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o the_o new_a church_n state_n whereinto_o we_o be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o duty_n belong_v unto_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o easy_a but_o withal_o have_v such_o holy_a and_o eminent_a privilege_n as_o the_o church_n can_v no_o way_n enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o first_o church_n covenant_n nor_o can_v be_v believer_n make_v partaker_n of_o they_o before_o that_o covenant_n be_v abolish_v wherefore_o 21._o the_o same_o way_n for_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o church_n state_n for_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o more_o excellent_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o must_v still_o be_v continue_v for_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o power_n and_o privilege_n by_o a_o covenant_n or_o mutual_a consent_n with_o a_o engagement_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o common_a with_o other_o voluntary_a relation_n and_o society_n be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o erect_v the_o church_n state_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v express_o require_v of_o all_o believer_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o polity_n rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n 1._o the_o thing_n last_o treat_v of_o concern_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o essential_a constituent_a part_n of_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n it_o remain_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v organical_a or_o a_o body_n corporate_a a_o spiritual_o political_a society_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n wherewith_o it_o be_v entrust_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v now_o whereas_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o this_o estate_n by_o the_o set_n fix_v or_o place_v officer_n in_o it_o method_n will_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v first_o treat_v of_o they_o their_o nature_n name_n power_n and_o the_o way_n of_o come_v unto_o their_o office_n but_o whereas_o all_o thing_n concern_v they_o be_v found_v in_o the_o grant_n of_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n of_o polity_n and_o rule_n therein_o by_o jesus_n christ_n i_o shall_v first_o treat_v somewhat_o thereof_o in_o general_n that_o which_o we_o intend_v on_o various_a consideration_n and_o in_o divers_a respect_n be_v call_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n the_o polity_n the_o rule_n the_o government_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v its_o authority_n or_o power_n it_o be_v polity_n be_v skill_n and_o wisdom_n to_o act_v that_o power_n unto_o its_o proper_a end_n it_o be_v rule_n be_v the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n according_a unto_o that_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n it_o be_v government_n be_v the_o exercise_n and_o application_n of_o that_o authority_n according_a unto_o that_o skill_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v its_o proper_a object_n and_o it_o be_v call_v its_o discipline_n principal_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o end_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o material_a whether_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o accurate_o distinguish_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v intend_v in_o they_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o general_a the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v unto_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o direction_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o unto_o its_o edification_n this_o power_n in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la or_o fundamental_o be_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la or_o its_o exercise_n in_o they_o that_o be_v especial_o call_v thereunto_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v now_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n by_o some_o be_v a_o plain_a secular_a dominion_n have_v any_o affinity_n hereunto_o be_v just_o doubt_v that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o act_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o man_n be_v ministerial_a only_o be_v evident_a for_o 1._o all_o this_o authority_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n be_v vest_v in_o he_o alone_o 2._o it_o be_v over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n only_o which_o no_o authority_n can_v reach_v but_o he_o and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v he_o whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o afterward_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o the_o ministerial_a exercise_n of_o this_o power_n and_o rule_n by_o virtue_n thereof_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o itself_o rom._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o chap._n 13.10_o ephes._n 4.14_o 15._o 3._o this_o be_v the_o especial_a nature_n and_o especial_a end_n of_o all_o power_n grant_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o church_n namely_o a_o ministry_n unto_o edification_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o the_o end_n whereunto_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v for_o it_o have_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o dominion_n over_o the_o person_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n accompany_v with_o secular_a grandeur_n wealth_n and_o power_n the_o lord_n christ_n never_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o any_o authority_n for_o any_o such_o end_n yea_o they_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o he_o luk._n 22.25_o matth._n 20.26_o 27_o 28._o jesus_n call_v his_o disciple_n unto_o he_o and_o say_v you_o know_v that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o but_o whosoever_o will_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o minister_n and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o servant_n even_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minister_v unto_o but_o to_o minister_v all_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o romanist_n be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o secure_v their_o papal_a domination_n from_o this_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o whereas_o their_o utmost_a pretence_n and_o defence_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o dominion_n and_o power_n absolute_o that_o be_v forbid_v but_o the_o unlawful_a tyrannical_a oppressive_a exercise_n of_o power_n such_o as_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n never_o be_v there_o any_o dominion_n in_o the_o world_n no_o not_o among_o the_o gentile_n more_o cruel_a oppressive_a and_o bloody_a than_o that_o of_o the_o pope_n have_v be_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o reflect_v on_o the_o rule_n or_o government_n of_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v good_a and_o righteous_a yea_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n who_o their_o subject_n for_o their_o moderate_a and_o equal_a rule_n with_o their_o usefulness_n unto_o their_o country_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
spiritual_a gift_n in_o preach_v with_o a_o refusal_n of_o undertake_v a_o ministerial_a office_n or_o without_o design_n so_o to_o do_v upon_o a_o lawful_a call_n can_v be_v approve_v 3._o the_o rule_n propose_v concern_v only_o ordinary_a case_n and_o the_o ordinary_a state_n of_o the_o church_n extraordinary_a case_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o warranty_n in_o themselves_o for_o extraordinary_a act_n and_o duty_n 12._o the_o call_v of_o person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n be_v a_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o the_o political_a magistrate_n not_o of_o the_o pope_n not_o of_o any_o single_a prelate_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o indeed_o although_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n about_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o call_v of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n yet_o none_o who_o understand_v aught_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o church_n alone_o be_v impower_v by_o christ_n to_o put_v forth_o and_o exert_v but_o this_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o call_v of_o man_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n therein_o the_o call_v of_o person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n in_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o election_n 2._o ordination_n as_o it_o be_v common_o call_v or_o sacred_a separation_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o unto_o the_o former_a four_o thing_n must_v be_v inquire_v into_o 1._o what_o be_v previous_a unto_o it_o or_o preparatory_a for_o it_o 2._o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v 3._o it_o be_v necessity_n or_o the_o demonstration_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o institution_n 4._o what_o influence_n it_o have_v into_o the_o communication_n of_o pastoral-office-power_n unto_o a_o pastor_n so_o choose_v 1._o that_o which_o be_v previous_a unto_o it_o be_v the_o meetness_n of_o the_o person_n for_o his_o office_n and_o work_n that_o be_v to_o be_v choose_v it_o can_v never_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n to_o call_v or_o choose_v a_o unmeet_a a_o unqualified_a a_o unprepared_a person_n unto_o this_o office._n no_o pretend_a necessity_n no_o outward_a motive_n can_v enable_v or_o warrant_v it_o so_o to_o do_v nor_o can_v it_o by_o any_o outward_a act_n whatever_o the_o rule_n or_o solemnity_n of_o it_o be_v communicate_v ministerial_a authority_n unto_o person_n utter_o unqualify_v for_o and_o uncapable_a of_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o this_o have_v be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o debase_v the_o ministry_n and_o almost_o ruine_v the_o church_n itself_o either_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o those_o who_o suppose_v themselves_o entrust_v with_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o ordination_n or_o by_o imposition_n on_o they_o by_o secular_a power_n and_o patron_n of_o live_n as_o they_o be_v call_v with_o the_o state_v regulation_n of_o their_o proceed_n herein_o by_o a_o defective_a law_n whence_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o antecedent_n preparatory_a qualification_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o ministry_n two_o way_n be_v the_o meetness_n of_o any_o one_o make_v know_v and_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o 1._o by_o a_o evidence_n give_v of_o the_o qualification_n in_o he_o beforementioned_a the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o call_v or_o choose_v any_o one_o to_o office_n who_o be_v not_o know_v unto_o they_o of_o who_o frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o walk_v they_o have_v not_o have_v some_o experience_n not_o a_o novice_n or_o one_o late_o come_v unto_o they_o he_o must_v be_v one_o who_o by_o his_o way_n and_o walk_v have_v obtain_v a_o good_a report_n even_o among_o they_o that_o be_v without_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v know_v unless_o they_o be_v enemy_n or_o scoffer_n and_o one_o that_o have_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n evidence_v his_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a trust_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v negligent_a herein_o or_o if_o at_o all-adventure_n they_o will_v impose_v a_o officer_n in_o his_o house_n upon_o he_o without_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o meetness_n upon_o due_a enquiry_n it_o be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n unto_o he_o and_o provocation_n of_o he_o herein_o principal_o be_v church_n make_v the_o overseer_n of_o their_o own_o purity_n and_o edification_n to_o deny_v they_o a_o ability_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o or_o a_o liberty_n for_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o be_v error_n and_o tyranny_n but_o that_o flock_n which_o christ_n purchase_v and_o purify_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v little_a better_o than_o a_o herd_n of_o brute_n beast_n where_o there_o be_v a_o defect_n of_o this_o personal_a knowledge_n for_o want_n of_o opportunity_n it_o may_v be_v supply_v by_o testimony_n of_o unquestionable_a authority_n 2._o by_o a_o trial_n of_o his_o gift_n for_o edification_n these_o be_v those_o spiritual_a endowment_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n grant_v and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v profit_v by_o they_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o and_o we_o must_v at_o present_a take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o every_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v so_o in_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o it_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v in_o some_o competent_a measure_n what_o gift_n of_o man_n be_v suit_v unto_o their_o own_o edification_n but_o yet_o in_o make_v a_o judgement_n hereof_o one_o directive_n mean_n be_v the_o advice_n of_o other_o elder_n and_o church_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v use_v off_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n and_o the_o avoidance_n of_o offence_n in_o their_o walk_n in_o that_o communion_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o election_n call_v or_o choice_n of_o a_o person_n know_v try_a and_o judge_v meet_o qualify_v for_o the_o pastoral_n office_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n that_o be_v of_o the_o fraternity_n with_o their_o elder_n if_o they_o have_v any_o for_o a_o pastor_n may_v be_v choose_v unto_o a_o church_n which_o have_v other_o teacher_n elder_n or_o officer_n already_o instate_v in_o it_o in_o this_o case_n their_o concurrence_n in_o the_o choice_n intend_v be_v necessary_a by_o way_n of_o common_a suffrage_n not_o of_o authority_n or_o office-power_n for_o election_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n but_o of_o liberty_n and_o power_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o fraternity_n be_v equal_a if_o there_o be_v no_o officer_n state_v in_o the_o church_n before_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n on_o the_o first_o ordination_n of_o elder_n among_o they_o this_o election_n belong_v unto_o the_o fraternity_n 3._o that_o therefore_o which_o we_o have_v now_o to_o prove_v be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o meet_v person_n shall_v be_v call_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n or_o any_o other_o office_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o election_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v antecedent_o unto_o a_o sacred_a solemn_a separation_n unto_o their_o respective_a office_n for_o 1._o under_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v three_o way_n whereby_o man_n be_v call_v unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o they_o be_v so_o extraordinary_o and_o immediate_o by_o the_o nomination_n and_o designation_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o aaron_n be_v call_v unto_o the_o priesthood_n and_o other_o afterward_o as_o samuel_n to_o be_v prophet_n 2._o by_o a_o law_n of_o carnal_a generation_n so_o all_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o aaron_n succeed_v into_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priesthood_n without_o any_o other_o call_v 3._o by_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v the_o call_n of_o all_o the_o ordinary_a elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n deut._n 1.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v to_o yourselves_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n make_v a_o judgement_n on_o their_o qualification_n for_o the_o office_n whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v man_n know_v unto_o they_o for_o wise_a understanding_n righteous_a walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o look_v out_o and_o then_o to_o present_v they_o unto_o moses_n for_o their_o separation_n unto_o office_n which_o be_v election_n it_o be_v true_a that_o exod._n 13.15_o it_o be_v
helpful_a to_o each_o other_o in_o the_o common_a work_n which_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o but_o such_o as_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o these_o gift_n be_v not_o call_v unto_o this_o work_n nor_o any_o part_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o power_n that_o be_v exercise_v herein_o be_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n our_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o for_o edification_n and_o not_o for_o destruction_n 2_o cor._n 10.8_o it_o be_v grant_v unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n not_o formal_o to_o reside_v in_o they_o as_o the_o power_n of_o a_o king_n be_v in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o ministerial_o and_o instrumental_o only_a for_o it_o must_v be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n himself_o whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v spiritual_o affect_v with_o reference_n unto_o spiritual_a end_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v or_o lose_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n have_v their_o sin_n remit_v or_o retain_v and_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v a_o due_a regard_n unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n among_o they_o that_o desire_v to_o commend_v their_o conscience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o what_o they_o do_v 4._o the_o especial_a design_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o government_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o holiness_n love_n compassion_n care_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o all_o the_o discipline_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o whilst_o this_o be_v not_o attend_v unto_o when_o the_o officer_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o endeavour_v in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o their_o power_n and_o office_n to_o set_v forth_o these_o virtue_n of_o christ_n to_o exemplify_v that_o impression_n of_o they_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v in_o his_o law_n and_o rule_n with_o the_o divine_a testimony_n which_o he_o give_v of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o person_n they_o utter_o deviate_v from_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n for_o man_n to_o act_v herein_o in_o a_o way_n of_o domination_n with_o a_o visible_a elation_n of_o mind_n and_o spirit_n above_o their_o brethren_n with_o anger_n wrath_n and_o passion_n by_o rule_n order_n and_o law_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v without_o the_o least_o consideration_n of_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v and_o what_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o his_o heart_n towards_o all_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o reflect_v the_o high_a dishonour_n imaginable_a upon_o christ_n himself_o he_o who_o come_v into_o the_o court_n of_o the_o king_n in_o westminster_n hall_n when_o fill_v with_o judge_n grave_a learned_a and_o righteous_a most_o ordinary_o be_v allow_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o king_n himself_o his_o wisdom_n justice_n moderation_n and_o clemency_n by_o the_o law_n which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o and_o their_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o but_o god_n forbid_v that_o christian_n shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n concern_v the_o holiness_n wisdom_n love_n and_o compassion_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o representation_n which_o as_o be_v pretend_v be_v make_v of_o he_o and_o they_o in_o some_o court_n wherein_o church-rule_n and_o discipline_n be_v admistre_v when_o any_o have_v offend_v of_o old_a their_o censure_n by_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o bewail_v of_o they_o 2_o cor._n 12.24_o and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o sorrow_n pity_n and_o compassion_n whereby_o in_o that_o censure_n they_o evidence_v the_o compassion_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o sinner_n this_o be_v scarce_o answer_v by_o those_o pecuniary_a mulct_n and_o other_o penalty_n which_o with_o indignation_n and_o contempt_n be_v inflict_v on_o such_o as_o be_v make_v offender_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n certain_o those_o who_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o sincerity_n and_o have_v a_o due_a honour_n for_o the_o gospel_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o begin_v to_o think_v meet_a that_o this_o stain_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v be_v wash_v away_o 2_o dly_z the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o church_n all_o his_o law_n unto_o this_o end_n be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o other_o law_n be_v effectual_a can_v oblige_v or_o operate_v upon_o the_o object_n or_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o church-rule_n if_o the_o church_n make_v a_o thousand_o rule_n or_o canon_n or_o law_n for_o government_n neither_o any_o of_o they_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o in_o general_a have_v any_o the_o least_o power_n to_o oblige_v man_n unto_o obedience_n or_o compliance_n with_o they_o but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o virtual_o and_o material_o they_o contain_v what_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o derive_v force_n from_o thence_o as_o the_o judge_n in_o our_o court_n of_o justice_n be_v bind_v to_o judge_n and_o determine_v in_o all_o case_n out_o of_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o when_o they_o do_v not_o their_o sentence_n be_v of_o no_o validity_n but_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v reverse_v but_o if_o wilful_o or_o of_o choice_n they_o shall_v introduce_v law_n or_o rule_n not_o legal_o establish_v in_o this_o nation_n judge_v according_a unto_o they_o it_o will_v render_v they_o high_o criminal_a and_o punishable_a it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o it_o be_v by_o his_o law_n alone_o that_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o application_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o they_o unto_o particular_a case_n and_o occasion_n to_o make_v to_o bring_v to_o execute_v any_o other_o rule_n law_n or_o canon_n in_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n be_v to_o usurp_v on_o his_o kingly_a dominion_n whereunto_o all_o legislative_a power_n in_o the_o church_n be_v appropriate_a nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o thing_n can_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o church_n that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v require_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n wherein_o for_o the_o end_n of_o church-rule_n there_o be_v or_o can_v be_v any_o more_o leave_v unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o it_o but_o only_o the_o application_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n unto_o this_o application_n to_o be_v make_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n the_o wisdom_n and_o skill_n before_o describe_v be_v requisite_a and_o that_o alone_a where_o there_o be_v other_o law_n rule_n or_o canon_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o where_o the_o administration_n of_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o law_n civil_a or_o political_a there_o be_v a_o skill_n in_o they_o require_v unto_o that_o administration_n as_o all_o will_v confess_v so_o be_v the_o wisdom_n we_o before_o describe_v and_o that_o alone_a necessary_a unto_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v the_o instrument_n and_o mean_n whereof_o be_v his_o word_n and_o law_n alone_o 3_o dly_z the_o matter_n of_o this_o rule_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a and_o so_o the_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n both_o these_o be_v act_n of_o church-power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o the_o elder_n only_o in_o a_o church_n that_o be_v organical_a and_o complete_a in_o its_o officer_n there_o be_v that_o in_o they_o both_o which_o be_v found_v in_o and_o warrant_v from_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o equity_n every_o righteous_a voluntary_a society_n coalesce_v therein_o rightful_o upon_o know_a law_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o regulation_n of_o it_o unto_o certain_a end_n have_v natural_o a_o power_n inherent_a in_o it_o and_o inseparable_a from_o it_o to_o receive_v into_o its_o incorporation_n such_o as_o be_v meet_a for_o it_o do_v voluntary_o offer_v themselves_o thereunto_o as_o also_o to_o reject_v or_o withhold_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o society_n from_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n this_o power_n be_v inherent_a in_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v antecedent_o unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o officer_n in_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o mutual_a confederation_n they_o may_v receive_v into_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o society_n those_o that_o be_v meet_v and_o withdraw_v the_o same_o privilege_n from_o those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a but_o in_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
or_o benefactor_n their_o rule_n as_o unto_o the_o kind_a and_o administration_n of_o it_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n he_o approve_v of_o and_o such_o a_o power_n or_o pre-eminence_n it_o be_v namely_o good_a and_o just_a in_o itself_o not_o tyrannical_a and_o oppressive_a that_o the_o two_o disciple_n desire_v in_o his_o kingdom_n which_o give_v occasion_n unto_o this_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o for_o in_o this_o power_n or_o dominion_n two_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o over_o the_o person_n good_n and_o life_n of_o man_n by_o court_n coercive_a jurisdiction_n process_n of_o law_n and_o external_n force_v in_o punishment_n 2._o the_o state_n grandeur_n pre-eminence_n wealth_n exaltation_n above_o other_o which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o power_n both_o these_o in_o the_o least_o participation_n of_o they_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n whatever_o be_v forbid_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v admit_v in_o his_o kingdom_n or_o to_o have_v any_o place_n therein_o on_o what_o pretence_n soever_o he_o will_v have_v nothing_o of_o lordship_n domination_n pre-eminence_n in_o lordly_a power_n in_o his_o church_n no_o court_n no_o coercive_a jurisdiction_n no_o exercise_n of_o any_o humane_a authority_n do_v he_o allow_v therein_o for_o by_o these_o mean_n do_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n those_o that_o be_v the_o benefactor_n of_o their_o country_n rule_n among_o they_o and_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o what_o in_o opposition_n hereunto_o he_o prescribe_v unto_o his_o own_o disciple_n the_o great_a the_o best_a in_o office_n grace_n and_o gift_n namely_o a_o ministry_n only_o to_o be_v discharge_v in_o the_o way_n of_o service_n how_o well_o this_o great_a command_n and_o direction_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v and_o be_v comply_v withal_o by_o those_o who_o have_v take_v on_o they_o to_o be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n be_v sufficient_o know_v wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v ministerial_a consist_v in_o a_o authoritative_a declaration_n and_o application_n of_o the_o command_n and_o will_v of_o christ_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n wherein_z those_o who_o exercise_v it_o be_v servant_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o introduction_n of_o humane_a authority_n into_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o kind_n destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o make_v his_o kingdom_n to_o be_v of_o this_o world_n and_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v in_o their_o measure_n like_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n nor_o be_v it_o ofttimes_o from_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o more_o like_o they_o than_o they_o be_v the_o church_n be_v the_o house_n of_o christ_n his_o family_n his_o kingdom_n to_o act_v any_o power_n in_o its_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o he_o which_o derive_v not_o from_o he_o which_o be_v not_o communicate_v by_o his_o legal_a grant_n or_o to_o act_v any_o power_n by_o way_n process_n rule_n and_o law_n not_o of_o his_o appointment_n be_v a_o invasion_n of_o his_o right_n and_o dominion_n it_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v if_o the_o church_n be_v his_o family_n his_o house_n his_o kingdom_n for_o what_o father_n will_v endure_v that_o any_o power_n shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o his_o family_n as_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o child_n and_o estate_n but_o his_o own_o what_o earthly_a prince_n will_v bear_v with_o such_o a_o intrusion_n into_o his_o right_n and_o dominion_n foreign_a papal_a power_n be_v severe_o exclude_v here_o in_o england_n because_o it_o entrenche_n on_o the_o right_n of_o the_o crown_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n not_o derive_v from_o the_o king_n according_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o take_v care_n that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o do_v not_o encroach_v upon_o the_o dominion_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o authority_n not_o derive_v from_o he_o or_o by_o law_n and_o rule_n not_o enact_v by_o he_o but_o more_o foreign_a unto_o his_o kingdom_n than_o the_o canon_n law_n or_o the_o pope_n rule_n be_v unto_o the_o law_n of_o this_o nation_n lest_o we_o fall_v under_o the_o statute_n of_o praemunire_n matth._n 10.26_o 27_o 28._o the_o power_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n then_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n by_o such_o rule_n and_o for_o such_o end_n as_o wherein_o and_o whereby_o his_o authority_n be_v to_o be_v act_v the_o person_n concern_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n both_o those_o that_o rule_n and_o those_o that_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v as_o unto_o all_o their_o civil_a and_o political_a concern_v in_o this_o world_n be_v subject_a unto_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o place_n wherein_o they_o inhabit_v and_o there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n which_o concern_v the_o outward_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o this_o world_n but_o whereas_o the_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v mere_o spiritual_a as_o unto_o its_o object_n which_o be_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o as_o unto_o its_o end_n which_o be_v the_o tendency_n of_o their_o soul_n unto_o god_n their_o spiritual_a obedience_n in_o christ_n and_o eternal_a life_n it_o be_v a_o frenzy_n to_o dream_v of_o any_o other_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o this_o rule_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n alone_o to_o sum_n up_o this_o discourse_n if_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a of_o they_o have_v only_o a_o ministerial_a power_n commit_v unto_o they_o and_o be_v precise_o limit_v thereunto_o if_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o they_o be_v servant_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o its_o edification_n if_o all_o lordly_a domination_n in_o a_o exaltation_n above_o the_o church_n or_o the_o member_n of_o it_o in_o dignity_n and_o authority_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n by_o external_a coercive_a jurisdiction_n be_v forbid_v unto_o they_o if_o the_o whole_a power_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o carnal_a mighty_a through_o god_n and_o not_o through_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v by_o spiritual_a mean_n for_o spiritual_a end_n only_o it_o be_v apparent_a how_o it_o have_v be_v lose_v in_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o lordly_a domination_n a_o secular_a coercive_a jurisdiction_n with_o law_n and_o power_n no_o way_n derive_v from_o christ_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n alive_a to_o reconcile_v the_o present_a government_n of_o some_o church_n either_o as_o unto_o the_o officer_n who_o have_v the_o administration_n of_o that_o rule_n or_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n whereby_o they_o act_n and_o proceed_v or_o power_n which_o they_o exercise_v or_o the_o jurisdiction_n which_o they_o claim_v or_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o proceed_n in_o its_o administration_n unto_o any_o tolerable_a consistency_n with_o the_o principle_n rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n give_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o this_o alone_a be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o preserve_v their_o loyalty_n entire_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v in_o their_o own_o practice_n seek_v after_o the_o reduction_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o his_o command_n and_o appointment_n in_o the_o public_a disposal_n of_o nation_n we_o have_v no_o concernment_n 4._o whereas_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o power_n and_o authority_n for_o its_o rule_n unto_o edification_n give_v and_o commit_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n unto_o his_o church_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o inquire_v how_o ☞_o this_o power_n be_v communicate_v what_o it_o be_v and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v which_o shall_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o ensue_a observation_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a church_n power_n commit_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n unto_o his_o apostle_n who_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a subject_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o grant_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o it_o to_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o according_a unto_o any_o rule_v prescribe_v thereunto_o for_o their_o office_n as_o it_o be_v apostolical_a be_v antecedent_n unto_o the_o existence_n of_o any_o gospel_n church_n state_n proper_o so_o call_v neither_o have_v any_o church_n the_o least_o concurrence_n or_o influence_n into_o their_o call_n or_o mission_n howbeit_o when_o there_o be_v a_o church_n state_n the_o
church_n be_v call_v and_o gather_v by_o their_o ministry_n they_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o place_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o office_n with_o power_n unto_o their_o edification_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o their_o constitution_n act._n 1.14_o 15._o chap._n 6.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o chap._n 12.28_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 2._o this_o power_n be_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o law_n or_o constitution_n of_o christ_n but_o by_o a_o cessation_n of_o those_o act_n whence_o it_o do_v flow_v and_o whereon_o it_o do_v depend_v for_o unto_o this_o apostolical_a office_n and_o power_n there_o be_v require_v 1._o a_o immediate_a personal_a call_n from_o christ_n himself_o 2._o a_o commission_n equal_o extensive_a unto_o all_o nation_n for_o their_o conversion_n and_o unto_o all_o church_n equal_o for_o their_o edification_n 3._o a_o authority_n in_o all_o church_n comprehensive_a of_o all_o that_o power_n which_o be_v in_o the_o ordinary_a constitution_n of_o they_o distribute_v among_o many_o 4._o a_o collation_n of_o extraordinary_a gift_n as_o of_o infallibility_n in_o teach_v of_o work_a miracle_n speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o the_o like_a whereas_o therefore_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v cease_v and_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o act_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n towards_o any_o this_o office_n and_o power_n do_v absolute_o cease_v for_o any_o to_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v successor_n unto_o these_o apostle_n as_o some_o with_o a_o strange_a confidence_n and_o impertinency_n have_v do_v be_v to_o plead_v that_o they_o be_v personal_o and_o immediate_o call_v by_o christ_n unto_o their_o office_n that_o they_o have_v authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o all_o nation_n and_o all_o church_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n and_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n whereof_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ostentation_n be_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o certain_o when_o some_o of_o they_o consider_v one_o another_o and_o talk_v of_o be_v the_o apostle_n successor_n it_o be_v but_o aruspex_fw-la aruspicens_fw-la 3._o lest_o of_o all_o in_o the_o ordinary_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o continuation_n thereof_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v a_o vicar_n or_o rather_o as_o be_v pretend_v a_o successor_n with_o a_o plenitude_n of_o all_o church_n power_n to_o be_v by_o he_o parcel_v out_o unto_o other_o this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v overthrow_v all_o church_n rule_n and_o order_n introduce_v luciferian_a pride_n and_o antichristian_a tyranny_n in_o their_o room_n and_o whereas_o the_o only_a way_n of_o christ_n act_n his_o authority_n over_o the_o church_n and_o of_o communicate_v authority_n unto_o they_o to_o be_v act_v by_o they_o in_o his_o name_n be_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n unto_o that_o end_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o pope_n of_o rome_n place_v himself_o in_o his_o stead_n for_o these_o end_n do_v thereby_o sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v god._n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_o confute_v among_o all_o sober_a christian_n and_o those_o who_o embrace_v it_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o contend_v with_o the_o mahometan_n who_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n leave_v john_n the_o baptist_n to_o be_v his_o successor_n as_o haly_n succeed_v unto_o mahomet_n 5._o all_o these_o by_o who_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v unto_o its_o edification_n be_v as_o unto_o their_o office_n and_o power_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n set_v or_o place_v in_o it_o not_o as_o lord_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o as_o helper_n of_o their_o joy_n 1_o cor._n 2.2_o chap._n 3.21_o 22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 1.24_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o for_o the_o church_n be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o lamb_n wife_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n the_o enfeoffment_n into_o this_o power_n be_v her_o due_a and_o dowry_n all_o particular_a person_n be_v but_o her_o servant_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v steward_n and_o set_v over_o all_o their_o fellow_n servant_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o give_v they_o the_o trust_n of_o power_n to_o rule_v his_o spouse_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o to_o grant_v what_o they_o please_v unto_o she_o 6._o but_o as_o this_o whole_a church_n power_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o christ_n so_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o office-authority_n do_v receive_v that_o authority_n from_o he_o by_o the_o only_a way_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o namely_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n through_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o v._o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v in_o general_a concern_v church_n power_n we_o must_v treat_v yet_o particular_o of_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o from_o christ_n and_o of_o its_o distribution_n as_o unto_o its_o residence_n in_o the_o church_n 1._o every_o individual_a believer_n have_v power_n or_o right_o give_v unto_o he_o upon_o his_o believe_v to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n 1.12_o hereby_o as_o such_o he_o have_v a_o right_a and_o title_n radical_o and_o original_o unto_o with_o a_o interest_n in_o all_o church_n privilege_n to_o be_v actual_o possess_v and_o use_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n by_o he_o prescribe_v for_o he_o that_o be_v a_o son_n of_o god_n have_v a_o right_a unto_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o family_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v oblige_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o herein_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o right_n unto_o church_n power_n for_o both_o it_o and_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o purchase_a inheritance_n whereunto_o right_o be_v grant_v by_o adoption_n wherefore_o the_o first_o original_a grant_n of_o all_o church_n power_n and_o privilege_n be_v make_v unto_o believer_n as_o such_o they_o it_o be_v with_o these_o two_o limitation_n 1._o that_o as_o such_o only_o they_o can_v exercise_v any_o church_n power_n but_o upon_o their_o due_a observation_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o duty_n give_v unto_o this_o end_n such_o be_v joint_a confession_n and_o confederation_n 2._o that_o each_o individual_a do_v actual_o participate_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o especial_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n which_o peculiarly_a respect_n woman_n that_o do_v believe_v 2._o wherever_o there_o be_v two_o or_o three_o of_o these_o believer_n the_o small_a number_n right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o actual_o to_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o their_o mutual_a edification_n whereunto_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n among_o they_o matth._n 18.19_o 20._o to_o meet_v and_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o exhort_v instruct_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o or_o to_o pray_v together_o as_o v_o 19_o there_o be_v a_o especial_a right_n or_o power_n require_v thereunto_o this_o be_v grant_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o least_o number_n of_o consent_v believer_n and_o this_o be_v a_o second_o preparation_n unto_o the_o communication_n of_o church_n power_n unto_o the_o former_a faith_n only_o be_v require_v unto_o this_o profession_n with_o mutual_a consent_n unto_o and_o agreement_n in_o the_o evangelical_n duty_n mention_v be_v to_o be_v add_v 3._o where_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n be_v increase_v so_o as_o that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a as_o unto_o their_o number_n to_o observe_v and_o perform_v all_o church_n duty_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n prescribe_v for_o their_o performance_n they_o have_v right_o and_o power_n grant_v unto_o they_o to_o make_v a_o joint_a solemn_a confession_n of_o their_o faith_n especial_o as_o unto_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o mediation_n matth._n 16.16_o 18._o as_o also_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o a_o holy_a agreement_n or_o confederation_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatever_o that_o he_o have_v command_v hereon_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n in_o his_o institution_n and_o command_n he_o give_v they_o power_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o order_n which_o he_o grant_v unto_o his_o church_n and_o enstate_v they_o in_o all_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n thereof_o these_o believer_n i_o say_v thus_o congregat_v into_o a_o church_n state_n have_v immediate_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o power_n to_o take_v care_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v among_o they_o as_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v do_v in_o and_o by_o his_o
church_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o church_n essential_a and_o homogeneal_a unto_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v grant_v all_o that_o church_n power_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o make_v it_o the_o seat_n of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n wherein_o he_o will_v dwell_v nor_o since_o the_o cease_n of_o extraordinary_a officer_n be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n possible_a for_o the_o congregate_a of_o any_o church_n than_o what_o do_v virtual_o include_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v mention_v 4._o but_o yet_o this_o church_n state_n be_v not_o complete_a nor_o be_v the_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n attainable_a in_o this_o state._n for_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v such_o thing_n in_o and_o unto_o it_o which_o in_o this_o state_n it_o can_v observe_v for_o he_o have_v give_v authority_n unto_o his_o church_n to_o be_v exercise_v both_o in_o its_o rule_n and_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n the_o thing_n before_o mention_v be_v all_o of_o they_o act_n of_o right_n and_o power_n but_o not_o of_o authority_n 5._o wherefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v ordain_v office_n and_o appoint_v officer_n to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.13_o 14._o unto_o these_o be_v all_o church_n authority_n grant_v for_o all_o authority_n be_v a_o act_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v that_o which_o give_v unto_o what_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o authority_n 6._o therefore_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n before_o describe_v right_o and_o power_n be_v grant_v by_o christ_n to_o call_v choose_v appoint_v and_o set_v apart_o person_n make_v meet_v for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o office_n appoint_v by_o he_o in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o ordinary_a officer_n may_v be_v fix_v in_o the_o church_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o and_o shall_v far_o confirm_v afterward_o that_o which_o hereon_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o be_v how_o or_o by_o what_o mean_n or_o by_o what_o act_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n the_o lord_n christ_n do_v communicate_v office-power_n and_o therewith_o the_o office_n itself_o unto_o any_o person_n whereon_o their_o authority_n be_v direct_o from_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o act_n or_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o collation_n of_o this_o authority_n the_o act_n of_o christ_n herein_o may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o head_n 1._o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v the_o office_n themselves_o and_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o edification_n as_o also_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o limit_v the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o officer_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o or_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n to_o appoint_v any_o office_n or_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n have_v not_o appoint_v and_o where_o there_o be_v any_o such_o they_o can_v have_v no_o church_n authority_n proper_o so_o call_v for_o that_o entire_o rise_v from_o and_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n by_o christ_n himself_o and_o hence_o in_o the_o first_o place_n all_o the_o authority_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n proceed_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o for_o that_o which_o give_v be_v unto_o any_o thing_n give_v it_o also_o its_o essential_a property_n 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n as_o its_o head_n of_o his_o kingly_a power_n over_o it_o and_o care_n of_o it_o whereon_o the_o continuation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n do_v depend_v where_o ever_o he_o have_v a_o church_n call_v he_o furnish_v some_o person_n with_o such_o gift_n ability_n and_o endowment_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o office_n in_o the_o power_n work_n and_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v most_o unquestionable_o evident_a both_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o in_o his_o institution_n that_o there_o be_v some_o especial_a ability_n and_o qualification_n require_v to_o the_o discharge_n of_o every_o church_n office._n wherefore_o where_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o communicate_v of_o these_o ability_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o by_o virtue_n of_o they_o church_n order_n may_v be_v observe_v church_n power_n exercise_v and_o all_o church_n ordinance_n administer_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o constitute_v officer_n than_o to_o erect_v or_o create_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n rom._n 12.6_o this_o collation_n of_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n for_o office_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o any_o do_v not_o immediate_o constitute_v all_o those_o or_o any_o of_o they_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n on_o who_o they_o be_v collate_v without_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o method_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n yet_o be_v it_o so_o prerequisite_a thereunto_o that_o no_o person_n not_o make_v partaker_n of_o they_o in_o the_o measure_n before_o mention_v can_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a rite_n order_n or_o power_n be_v real_o vest_v in_o the_o ministry_n 3._o this_o communication_n of_o office-power_n on_o the_o part_n of_o christ_n consist_v in_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o person_n gift_v and_o qualify_v by_o himself_o aught_o to_o be_v actual_o admit_v into_o their_o office_n so_o as_o to_o administer_v the_o power_n and_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o for_o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o ordination_n whereof_o we_o shall_v speak_v afterward_o be_v efficacious_a unto_o this_o end_n of_o communicate_v office-power_n mere_o from_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o can_v have_v no_o causal_n influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o power_n for_o although_o sundry_a thing_n belong_v hereunto_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v that_o where_o one_o man_n be_v set_v over_o other_o in_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o before_o he_o have_v no_o natural_a right_n unto_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o choice_n and_o some_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n as_o that_o especial_a prayer_n be_v use_v in_o and_o about_o affair_n that_o need_v especial_a divine_a assistance_n and_o favour_n and_o there_o may_v be_v some_o circumstance_n of_o outward_a action_n herein_o not_o to_o be_v determine_v but_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o present_a posture_n of_o occasion_n yet_o nothing_o have_v any_o causal_a influence_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office-power_n but_o what_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n by_o virtue_n hereof_o all_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n do_v derive_v all_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o he_o alone_o 4._o he_o have_v hereon_o give_v command_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o officer_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v so_o appoint_v so_o prepare_v or_o qualify_v so_o call_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a unto_o the_o limitation_n which_o himself_o also_o have_v give_v unto_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o officer_n for_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o thereon_o admit_v unto_o a_o unlimited_a power_n to_o be_v exercise_v at_o their_o pleasure_n in_o a_o lordly_a or_o despotical_a manner_n but_o their_o power_n be_v state_v bound_v limit_a and_o confine_v as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o its_o act_n its_o manner_n of_o administration_n its_o end_n and_o as_o unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o swell_a over_o these_o bank_n by_o ambition_n the_o break_n up_o of_o these_o bound_n by_o pride_n and_o love_n of_o domination_n by_o the_o introduction_n of_o a_o power_n over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o outward_a concern_v exercise_v in_o a_o legal_a coercive_a lordly_a manner_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o church_n power_n in_o they_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o but_o after_o that_o some_o man_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n prescribe_v and_o limit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n which_o be_v real_o exclusive_a of_o lordship_n dominion_n and_o all_o elation_n above_o their_o
brethren_n leave_v they_o servant_n to_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n sake_n they_o begin_v to_o prescribe_v bound_n unto_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o interest_n which_o they_o call_v rule_n or_o canon_n and_o never_o leave_v enlarge_a they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n until_o they_o enstate_v the_o most_o absolute_a tyranny_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world._n by_o these_o way_n and_o mean_n do_v the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v office_n power_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v thereunto_o whereon_o they_o become_v not_o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o man_n no_o not_o of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o the_o act_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n but_o only_o as_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o but_o the_o officer_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n himself_o 2._o it_o be_v hence_o evident_a that_o in_o the_o communication_n of_o church_n power_n in_o office_n unto_o any_o person_n call_v thereunto_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v formal_o in_o act_n of_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n hence_o it_o do_v not_o give_v unto_o such_o officer_n a_o power_n or_o authority_n that_o be_v formal_o and_o actual_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o community_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o grant_n or_o law_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o act_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o delegation_n from_o they_o but_o only_o they_o design_v choose_v set_v apart_o the_o individual_a person_n who_o thereon_o be_v entrust_v with_o office-power_n by_o christ_n himself_o according_a as_o be_v before_o declare_v this_o be_v the_o power_n and_o right_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v with_o respect_n unto_o their_o officer_n namely_o to_o design_n call_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o the_o person_n by_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n unto_o those_o office_n whereunto_o by_o his_o law_n he_o have_v annex_v church_n power_n and_o authority_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o the_o dispute_v about_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o church_n power_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n that_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v either_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n or_o of_o any_o in_o the_o church_n especial_o of_o the_o officer_n they_o be_v the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o power_n needful_a unto_o such_o duty_n who_o be_v immediate_o call_v unto_o they_o hereby_o all_o thing_n become_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ._n for_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o right_a to_o perform_v church_n duty_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n wherefore_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o give_v unto_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v which_o have_v a_o double_a exercise_n first_o in_o the_o call_n or_o choose_v of_o officer_n second_o in_o their_o voluntary_a act_n with_o they_o and_o under_o they_o in_o all_o duty_n of_o rule_n 1._o all_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v by_o christ_n unto_o the_o officer_n or_o ruler_n of_o it_o as_o unto_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n whereunto_o office-power_n be_v require_v and_o 2._o every_o individual_a person_n have_v the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n as_o unto_o his_o own_o consent_n or_o dissent_v in_o what_o he_o be_v himself_o concern_v that_o this_o power_n under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v original_o grant_v unto_o the_o whole_a profess_v church_n of_o believer_n and_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a it_o shall_v reside_v in_o any_o other_o who_o be_v subject_a unto_o death_n or_o if_o to_o be_v renew_v upon_o any_o occasional_a intermission_n be_v so_o full_o prove_v by_o all_o protestant_a writer_n against_o the_o papist_n that_o it_o need_v not_o on_o this_o occasion_n be_v again_o insist_v on_o vi_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v speak_v concern_v the_o polity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v take_v objective_o for_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o state_n and_o the_o law_n of_o its_o rule_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v it_o subjective_o as_o it_o be_v a_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n or_o understanding_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v the_o government_n in_o it_o appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o rule_v it_o according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n or_o this_o wisdom_n be_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12.9_o whereby_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v enable_v to_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o all_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o attain_n of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v require_v 1._o fervent_a prayer_n for_o it_o jam._n 1.5_o 2._o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o and_o understand_v the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o this_o purpose_n ezra_n 7.6_o 7_o 9_o 1_o tim._n 2.14_o 15._o 3._o humble_a wait_v on_o god_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o all_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v about_o ezek._n 43.11_o 4._o a_o conscientious_a exercise_n of_o the_o skill_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v talent_n trade_v with_o due_o will_v increase_v 5._o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o the_o account_n which_o be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o great_a trust_n be_v call_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 13.17_o how_o much_o this_o wisdom_n have_v be_v neglect_v in_o church_n government_n yea_o how_o much_o it_o be_v despise_v in_o the_o world_n be_v evident_a unto_o all_o it_o be_v skill_n in_o the_o canon_n law_n in_o the_o proceed_n of_o vexatious_a court_n with_o the_o learning_n subtilty_n and_o art_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o that_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a skill_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n without_o this_o a_o man_n be_v esteem_v no_o way_n meet_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o church_n government_n and_o according_a as_o any_o do_v arrive_v unto_o a_o dexterity_n in_o this_o polity_n they_o be_v esteem_v eminent_o useful_a but_o these_o thing_n belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v by_o christ_n nor_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n think_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o so_o they_o do_v what_o be_v the_o use_n of_o this_o art_n and_o trade_n as_o unto_o political_a end_n we_o inquire_v nor_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n require_v unto_o this_o end_n with_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v of_o it_o more_o despise_v more_o neglect_v by_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n than_o by_o those_o who_o pretence_n unto_o ecclesiastical_a rule_n and_o authority_n will_v make_v it_o most_o necessary_a unto_o they_o two_o thing_n follow_v on_o the_o supposition_n lay_v down_o 1._o that_o the_o wisdom_n intend_v be_v not_o promise_v unto_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n nor_o be_v they_o require_v to_o seek_v for_o it_o by_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o before_o lay_v down_o but_o respect_n be_v have_v herein_o only_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n hereon_o depend_v the_o equity_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o people_n unto_o their_o ruler_n for_o wisdom_n for_o rule_n be_v peculiar_o grant_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o seek_v after_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n wherefore_o those_o who_o on_o every_o occasion_n be_v ready_a to_o advance_v their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o affair_n and_o proceed_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o be_v proud_a and_o disorderly_a i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o give_v any_o countenance_n unto_o the_o out-cry_n of_o some_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v suppose_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o ruler_n and_o to_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n better_o than_o they_o whereas_o the_o government_n which_o they_o exercise_v belong_v not_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n determine_v and_o limit_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o mean_a christian_n can_v easy_o discern_v nor_o be_v it_o pretend_v by_o themselves_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v nothing_o herein_o but_o leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o church_n to_o order_v
all_o thing_n as_o they_o see_v necessary_a which_o church_n they_o be_v wherefore_o if_o that_o will_v please_v they_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o skill_n for_o the_o management_n of_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n according_a to_o the_o canon_n law_n with_o such_o other_o rule_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a as_o they_o have_v frame_v and_o in_o the_o legal_a proceed_n of_o ecclesiastical_a court_n as_o they_o be_v call_v there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v equal_a unto_o they_o or_o will_v contend_v with_o they_o 2._o it_o hence_o also_o follow_v that_o those_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v diligent_o endeavour_v the_o attain_n of_o and_o increase_n in_o this_o wisdom_n give_v evidence_n thereof_o on_o all_o occasion_n that_o the_o church_n may_v safe_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o rule_n but_o hereunto_o so_o many_o thing_n do_v belong_v as_o can_v in_o this_o place_n be_v meet_o treat_v of_o somewhat_o that_o appertain_v to_o they_o shall_v afterward_o be_v consider_v chap._n iu._n the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o be_v essential_a with_o respect_n unto_o its_o nature_n and_o be_v or_o as_o it_o be_v organical_a with_o respect_n unto_o its_o order_n the_o constituent_a cause_n and_o part_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o its_o essence_n and_o be_v be_v its_o institution_n matter_n and_o form_n whereof_o we_o have_v treat_v it_o be_v order_n as_o it_o be_v organical_a be_v found_v in_o that_o communication_n of_o power_n unto_o it_o from_o christ_n which_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n the_o organize_a of_o a_o church_n be_v the_o place_n or_o implant_n in_o it_o those_o officer_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o act_v and_o exercise_v his_o authority_n therein_o for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o exertion_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v that_o be_v the_o officer_n of_o it_o not_o that_o all_o officer_n be_v call_v to_o rule_n but_o that_o none_o be_v call_v to_o rule_v that_o be_v not_o so_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o their_o work_n be_v distribute_v into_o prophecy_n and_o ministry_n rom._n 12.6.7_o the_o bishop_n or_o elder_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v authority_n to_o teach_v and_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v common_o call_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o also_o of_o rule_v which_o be_v call_v a_o power_n of_o jurisdiction_n corrupt_o and_o some_o have_v only_a power_n for_o rule_n of_o which_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o in_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world._n those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v distinguish_v into_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o distinction_n between_o the_o elder_n themselves_o be_v not_o like_a that_o between_o elder_n and_o deacon_n which_o be_v as_o unto_o the_o whole_a kind_n or_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n but_o only_o with_o respect_n unto_o work_n and_o order_n whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v distinct_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v bishop_n or_o elder_n concern_v who_o there_o have_v be_v mighty_a contention_n in_o the_o late_a age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o principle_n we_o have_v hitherto_o proceed_v on_o discharge_v we_o from_o any_o especial_a interest_n or_o concernment_n in_o this_o controversy_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o church_n of_o divine_a or_o apostolical_a constitution_n none_o in_o be_v in_o the_o second_o or_o three_o century_n but_o only_o a_o particular_a congregation_n the_o foundation_n of_o that_o contest_v which_o be_v about_o pre-eminence_n and_o power_n in_o the_o same_o person_n over_o many_o church_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n indeed_o strife_n about_o power_n superiority_n and_o jurisdiction_n over_o one_o another_o among_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o scandal_n it_o start_v early_o in_o the_o church_n be_v extinguish_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o apostle_n 9.10_o rebuke_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o other_o yet_o through_o the_o pride_n ambition_n and_o avarice_n of_o man_n have_v grow_v to_o be_v the_o stain_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o church_n in_o most_o age_n for_o neither_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n forbid_v such_o ambitious_a designing_n nor_o the_o proposal_n of_o his_o own_o example_n in_o this_o particular_a case_n nor_o the_o experience_n of_o their_o own_o insufficiency_n for_o the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n have_v be_v able_a to_o restrain_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o covet_v after_o and_o contend_v for_o a_o prerogative_n in_o church-power_n over_o other_o for_o though_o this_o ambition_n and_o all_o the_o fruit_n or_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v under_o a_o severe_a interdict_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yet_o when_o man_n like_a achan_n see_v the_o wedge_n of_o gold_n and_o the_o goodly_a babylonish_n garment_n that_o they_o think_v to_o be_v in_o power_n domination_n and_o wealth_n they_o covet_v they_o and_o take_v they_o to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god._n if_o man_n will_v but_o a_o little_a serious_o consider_v what_o there_o be_v in_o that_o care_n of_o soul_n even_o of_o all_o they_o over_o who_o they_o pretend_v church-power_n rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n concern_v they_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v abate_v of_o their_o earnestness_n in_o contend_v for_o the_o enlargement_n of_o their_o cure_n the_o claim_n of_o episcopacy_n as_o consist_v in_o a_o rank_n of_o person_n distinct_a from_o the_o office_n of_o presbyter_n be_v manage_v with_o great_a variety_n it_o be_v not_o agree_v whether_o they_o be_v distinct_a in_o order_n above_o they_o or_o only_o as_o unto_o a_o certain_a degree_n among_o they_o of_o the_o same_o order_n it_o be_v not_o determine_v what_o do_v constitute_v that_o pretend_a distinct_a order_n nor_o wherein_o that_o degree_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o the_o same_o order_n do_v consist_v nor_o what_o basis_n it_o stand_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o agree_v whether_o this_o order_n of_o bishop_n have_v any_o church-power_n appropriate_v unto_o it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v act_v single_o by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o presbyter_n or_o how_o far_o that_o concurrence_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o act_n of_o church-order_n or_o power_n there_o be_v no_o bound_n or_o limit_n of_o the_o diocese_n which_o they_o claim_v the_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o as_o church_n whereunto_o they_o be_v peculiar_o relate_v derive_v either_o from_o divine_a institution_n or_o tradition_n or_o general_a rule_n of_o reason_n respect_v both_o or_o either_o of_o they_o or_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o gift_n and_o ability_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o wherein_o church-order_n or_o edification_n be_v concern_v those_o who_o plead_v for_o diocesan_n episcopacy_n will_v not_o proceed_v any_o far_a but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o superiority_n in_o bishop_n over_o presbyter_n in_o order_n or_o degree_n but_o whether_o this_o must_v be_v over_o presbyter_n in_o one_o church_n only_o or_o in_o many_o distinct_a church_n whether_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o not_o only_o hinder_v they_o utter_o from_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n towards_o the_o most_o of_o they_o who_o they_o esteem_v their_o flock_n and_o necessitate_v they_o unto_o a_o rule_n by_o unscriptural_a church-officer_n law_n and_o power_n they_o suppose_v do_v not_o belong_v unto_o their_o cause_n whereas_o indeed_o the_o weight_n and_o moment_n of_o it_o do_v lie_v in_o and_o depend_v on_o these_o thing_n innumerable_a other_o uncertainty_n difference_n and_o variance_n there_o be_v about_o this_o singular_a episcopacy_n which_o we_o be_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o nor_o shall_v i_o insist_v on_o any_o of_o those_o which_o have_v be_v already_o mention_v but_o yet_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o clear_n of_o the_o evangelical_n pastoral_n office_n which_o be_v now_o under_o consideration_n unto_o what_o have_v be_v plead_v before_o about_o the_o non_fw-fr institution_n of_o any_o church_n beyond_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v utter_o exclusive_a of_o all_o pretence_n of_o the_o present_a episcopacy_n i_o shall_v brief_o as_o in_o a_o diversion_n add_v the_o argument_n which_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n be_v every_o way_n the_o same_o person_n in_o the_o same_o office_n have_v the_o same_o function_n without_o distinction_n in_o
discharge_v of_o this_o office._n many_o have_v be_v the_o contest_v about_o these_o thing_n occasion_v by_o the_o ignorance_n and_o disorderly_a affection_n of_o some_o person_n i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v the_o truth_n herein_o with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o and_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o call_v itself_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_a 1._o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o office._n he_o give_v it_o appoint_v it_o erect_v it_o in_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n and_o authority_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o as_o he_o give_v appoint_v ordain_v a_o extraordinary_a office_n of_o apostleship_n so_o he_o ordain_v appoint_a and_o give_v the_o ordinary_a office_n of_o pastorship_n or_o teach_v they_o have_v both_o the_o same_o divine_a original_a 2._o he_o appoint_v this_o office_n for_o continuance_n or_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n ephes._n 4.13_o matth._n 28.19_o and_o therefore_o he_o take_v order_n by_o his_o apostle_n that_o for_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o office_n pastor_n elder_n or_o bishop_n shall_v be_v call_v and_o ordain_v unto_o the_o care_n and_o discharge_v of_o it_o in_o all_o church_n which_o be_v do_v by_o they_o according_o act._n 14.22_o 23._o chap._n 20.28_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o tit._n 1.5_o wherein_o he_o give_v rule_n unto_o all_o church_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o prescribe_v they_o their_o duty_n 3._o on_o this_o office_n and_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o the_o order_n rule_n and_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n act._n 20.28_o col._n 4.17_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o rev._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o etc._n etc._n hereon_o a_o double_a necessity_n of_o the_o continuation_n of_o this_o office_n do_v depend_v first_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o precept_n or_o command_n of_o it_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o obedience_n which_o it_o owe_v to_o christ_n and_o second_o of_o its_o be_v the_o principal_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o towards_o his_o church_n wherefore_o although_o he_o can_v himself_o feed_v his_o church_n in_o the_o wilderness_n where_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o outward_a institute_v mean_n of_o edification_n yet_o where_o this_o office_n fail_v through_o its_o neglect_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n confusion_n and_o destruction_n that_o will_v ensue_v thereon_o no_o promise_n of_o feed_v or_o edification_n 4._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v command_n unto_o the_o church_n for_o obedience_n unto_o those_o who_o enjoy_v and_o exercise_v this_o office_n among_o they_o now_o all_o these_o command_n be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a nor_o can_v any_o obedience_n be_v yield_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o their_o observance_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o this_o office._n and_o the_o church_n lose_v as_o much_o in_o grace_n and_o privilege_n as_o it_o lose_v in_o command_n for_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n do_v grace_n in_o its_o exercise_n consist_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 5._o this_o office_n be_v accompany_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o none_o can_v take_v or_o assume_v to_o themselves_o all_o power_n and_o authority_n whether_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a which_o be_v not_o either_o found_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o collate_v by_o divine_a ordination_n be_v usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n no_o man_n can_v of_o himself_o take_v either_o sword._n to_o invade_v a_o office_n which_o include_v power_n and_o authority_n over_o other_o be_v to_o disturb_v all_o right_n natural_a divine_a and_o civil_a that_o such_o a_o authority_n be_v include_v in_o this_o office_n be_v evident_a 1._o from_o the_o name_n ascribe_v unto_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v vest_v as_o pastor_n bishop_n elder_n ruler_n all_o of_o they_o require_v of_o it_o 2._o from_o the_o work_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v feed_v by_o rule_n and_o teach_v 3._o from_o the_o execution_n of_o church-power_n in_o discipline_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n commit_v unto_o they_o 4._o from_o the_o command_n give_v for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o which_o respect_n authority_n 5._o from_o their_o appointment_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o exert_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n which_o can_v be_v do_v no_o other_o way_n 6._o christ_n have_v appoint_v a_o stand_a rule_n of_o the_o call_n of_o man_n unto_o this_o office_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v immediate_o but_o if_o man_n may_v enter_v upon_o it_o and_o discharge_v it_o without_o any_o such_o call_v that_o rule_n with_o the_o way_n of_o the_o call_v prescribe_v be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a affront_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n than_o to_o act_v in_o it_o in_o neglect_n of_o or_o opposition_n unto_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n in_o it_o 7._o there_o be_v a_o accountable_a trust_n commit_v unto_o those_o who_o undertake_v this_o office._n the_o whole_a flock_n the_o ministry_n itself_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o they_o all_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o col._n 4.17_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o 2_o tim._n 2.2_o 16_o 23._o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o heb._n 13.17_o they_o who_o must_v give_v a_o account_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o wicked_a or_o foolish_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o intrude_v himself_o into_o a_o trust_n which_o be_v not_o commit_v unto_o he_o they_o be_v brand_v as_o profligate_o wicked_a who_o attempt_v any_o such_o thing_n among_o man_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o impudent_a falsification_n and_o what_o shall_v he_o be_v esteem_v who_o intrude_v himself_o into_o the_o high_a trust_n that_o any_o creature_n be_v capable_a off_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o its_o discharge_n at_o the_o last_o day_n without_o any_o divine_a call_n or_o warranty_n 8._o there_o be_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o office_n especial_a promise_n grant_v and_o annex_v of_o present_a assistance_n and_o future_a eternal_a reward_n matth._n 28.19_o 1_o pet._n 5.4_o either_o these_o promise_n belong_v unto_o they_o who_o take_v this_o office_n on_o themselves_o without_o any_o call_n or_o they_o do_v not_o if_o they_o do_v not_o then_o have_v they_o neither_o any_o especial_a assistance_n in_o their_o work_n nor_o can_v expect_v any_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o they_o than_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n may_v obtain_v the_o benefit_n of_o divine_a promise_n without_o any_o divine_a designation_n 9_o the_o general_a force_n of_o the_o rule_n heb._n 5.4_o include_v a_o prohibition_n of_o undertake_v any_o sacred_a office_n without_o a_o divine_a call_n and_o so_o the_o instance_n of_o such_o prohibition_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o unto_o the_o duty_n annex_v unto_o a_o office_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o vzziah_n invade_v the_o priesthood_n or_o of_o take_v a_o ministerial_a office_n without_o call_n or_o mission_n as_o jerem._n 27.9_o 14_o 15._o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o order_n of_o god_n institution_n may_v be_v plead_v in_o this_o case_n 10._o whoever_o therefore_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o pastoral_a office_n without_o a_o lawful_a outward_a call_n do_v take_v unto_o himself_o power_n and_o authority_n without_o any_o divine_a warranty_n which_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n interest_n himself_n in_o a_o accountable_a trust_n no_o way_n commit_v unto_o he_o have_v no_o promise_n of_o assistance_n in_o or_o reward_n for_o his_o work_n but_o engage_v in_o that_o which_o be_v destructive_a of_o all_o church-order_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o church_n itself_o 11._o yet_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v annex_v unto_o this_o assertion_n by_o way_n of_o limitation_n as_o 1._o many_o thing_n perform_v by_o virtue_n of_o office_n in_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o other_o not_o call_v to_o office_n in_o a_o way_n of_o charity_n such_o be_v the_o moral_a duty_n of_o exhort_v admonish_a comfort_a instruct_v and_o pray_v with_o and_o for_o one_o another_o 2._o spiritual_a gift_n may_v be_v exercise_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o without_o office-power_n where_o order_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v it_o but_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o
right_n unto_o its_o exercise_n it_o be_v require_v moreover_o that_o he_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o his_o office_n in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o peculiar_a prayer_n in_o the_o dedication_n of_o any_o unto_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o notion_n that_o can_v never_o be_v obliterated_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v in_o these_o thing_n nor_o cast_v out_o of_o their_o practice_n of_o what_o sort_n they_o have_v be_v among_o many_o we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o there_o have_v be_v less_o regard_n unto_o the_o other_o duty_n namely_o that_o these_o prayer_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o fast_v but_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a by_o virtue_n of_o apostolical_a example_n act._n 14.23_o the_o conduct_n of_o this_o work_n belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o one_o be_v to_o be_v so_o ordain_v it_o do_v belong_v unto_o extraordinary_a officer_n whilst_o they_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o the_o cessation_n of_o their_o office_n it_o be_v devolve_v on_o the_o ordinary_a state_v officer_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o i_o say_v in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o such_o officer_n before_o fix_v in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o any_o one_o be_v to_o be_v only_o ordain_v and_o in_o case_n there_o be_v none_o the_o assistance_n of_o pastor_n or_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v desire_v unto_o the_o conduct_n and_o regulation_n of_o the_o duty_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o authoritative_a influence_n of_o this_o ordination_n into_o the_o communication_n of_o office_n or_o office-power_n whilst_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a and_o to_o belong_v essential_o unto_o the_o call_v unto_o office._n for_o when_o sundry_a duty_n as_o these_o of_o election_n and_o ordination_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n it_o be_v not_o for_o i_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o peculiar_a efficacy_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o see_v neither_o of_o they_o without_o the_o other_o have_v any_o at_o all_o hereunto_o be_v add_v as_o a_o external_n adjunct_n imposition_n of_o hand_n significant_a of_o the_o person_n so_o call_v to_o office_n in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n for_o although_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_o prove_v that_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ceremony_n be_v design_v unto_o continuance_n after_o a_o cessation_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereof_o it_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o outward_a mean_n in_o extraordinary_a officer_n yet_o we_o do_v free_o grant_v it_o unto_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n provide_v that_o there_o be_v no_o apprehension_n of_o its_o be_v the_o sole_a authoritative_a conveyance_n of_o a_o successive_a flux_n of_o office-power_n which_o be_v destructive_a of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o this_o may_v at_o present_a suffice_v as_o unto_o the_o call_v of_o meet_a person_n unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o consequent_o any_o other_o office_n in_o the_o church_n the_o thing_n follow_v be_v essential_o necessary_a unto_o it_o so_o as_o that_o authority_n and_o right_o to_o feed_v and_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o officer_n of_o his_o house_n that_o may_v be_v give_v unto_o any_o one_o thereby_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o charter_n grant_v by_o he_o unto_o the_o church_n itself_o the_o first_o be_v that_o antecedent_o unto_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o such_o a_o person_n with_o respect_n unto_o office_n he_o be_v furnish_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o with_o grace_n and_o gift_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o office_n whereunto_o he_o be_v to_o be_v call_v this_o divine_a designation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v rest_v on_o the_o kingly_a office_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o church_n where_o this_o be_v whole_o want_v it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o church_n under_o heaven_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o outward_a order_n or_o act_n to_o communicate_v pastoral_n or_o ministerial_a power_n unto_o any_o person_n whatever_o second_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o exploration_n or_o trial_n of_o those_o gift_n and_o ability_n as_o unto_o their_o accommodation_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o that_o church_n whereunto_o any_o person_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v a_o pastor_n or_o minister_n but_o although_o the_o right_a of_o judge_v herein_o belong_v unto_o and_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o for_o who_o else_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v for_o they_o or_o be_v entrust_v so_o to_o do_v yet_o be_v it_o their_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n to_o desire_v the_o assistance_n and_o guidance_n of_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n in_o other_o church_n three_o the_o first_o act_n of_o power_n commit_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o constitution_n of_o ordinary_a officer_n in_o it_o be_v that_o election_n of_o a_o person_n qualify_v and_o try_v unto_o his_o office_n which_o we_o have_v now_o vindicate_v four_o there_o be_v require_v hereunto_o the_o solemn_a ordination_n inauguration_n dedication_n or_o set_v apart_o of_o the_o person_n so_o choose_v by_o the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o the_o outward_a sign_n of_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n this_o be_v that_o order_n which_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o direct_v unto_o and_o although_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o a_o defect_n in_o any_o of_o these_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v from_o unavoidable_a hindrance_n do_v disannul_v the_o call_n of_o a_o person_n to_o the_o pastoral_n office_n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o where_o they_o be_v not_o all_o due_o attend_v unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v neglect_v and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n infringe_v wherefore_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o all_o authority_n for_o office_n and_o of_o office_n itself_o sole_o by_o a_o flux_n of_o power_n from_o the_o first_o ordainer_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o pretend_a successor_n in_o all_o age_n under_o all_o the_o innumerable_a miscarriage_n whereunto_o they_o be_v subject_a and_o have_v actual_o fall_v into_o without_o any_o respect_n unto_o the_o consent_n or_o call_v of_o the_o church_n by_o rule_n law_n and_o order_n foreign_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o evangelical_n church_n and_o all_o the_o end_n of_o their_o institution_n as_o shall_v be_v manifest_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a chap._n v._o the_o especial_a duty_n of_o pastor_n of_o church_n we_o have_v declare_v the_o way_n whereby_o pastor_n be_v give_v unto_o and_o instate_v in_o the_o church_n that_o which_o shall_v ensue_v be_v a_o account_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office._n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o many_o large_a discourse_n both_o among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o late_a i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o touch_v on_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o most_o necessary_a consideration_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o principal_a duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n by_o diligent_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n relate_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o god_n will_v give_v unto_o his_o church_n pastor_n according_a to_o his_o own_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v they_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n jer._n 3.15_o this_o be_v by_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o no_o otherwise_o this_o feed_v be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n as_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o so_o that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o or_o can_v or_o will_v not_o feed_v the_o flock_n be_v no_o pastor_n whatever_o outward_a call_n or_o work_v he_o may_v have_v in_o the_o church_n the_o care_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v to_o peter_n and_o in_o he_o unto_o all_o true_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o feed_v joh._n 21.15_o 16._o according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o all_o encumbrance_n that_o they_o may_v give_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n act._n 6._o their_o work_n be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o thereby_o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n act._n 20._o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v every_o where_o give_v they_o
depend_v upon_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n hence_o the_o first_o duty_n of_o a_o church_n without_o officer_n be_v to_o obtain_v they_o according_a to_o rule_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o complete_a administration_n without_o a_o antecedent_n complete_n of_o order_n be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n act._n 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o church_n the_o practice_n therefore_o propose_v be_v irregular_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ._n the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v two_o fold_n as_o essential_a as_o organical_a the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n as_o essential_a and_o its_o power_n thence_o arise_v be_v first_o for_o its_o preservation_n second_o for_o its_o perfection_n 1._o for_o its_o preservation_n in_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n 2._o for_o its_o perfection_n in_o the_o election_n of_o officer_n no_o part_n of_o this_o power_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n as_o essential_o consider_v can_v be_v delegated_a but_o must_v be_v act_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o can_v delegate_v power_n to_o some_o to_o admit_v member_n so_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n they_o can_v delegate_v power_n to_o any_o to_o elect_a officer_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o a_o church_n essential_o the_o reason_n be_v thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o essence_n of_o any_o thing_n belong_v unto_o it_o formal_o as_o such_o and_o so_o can_v be_v transfer_v the_o church_n therefore_o can_v delegate_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n inquire_v after_o shall_v it_o be_v suppose_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o power_n of_o order_n as_o the_o church_n be_v essential_o consider_v which_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o if_o the_o church_n may_v delegate_v or_o substitute_v other_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o ordinance_n whatsoever_o without_o elder_n or_o pastor_n than_o it_o may_v perfect_v the_o saint_n and_o complete_a the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n without_o they_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o and_o second_o it_o will_v render_v the_o ministry_n only_o convenient_a and_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o a_o particular_a church_n in_o order_n as_o organical_a be_v the_o adequate_a subject_n of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o not_o as_o essential_a because_o as_o essential_a it_o never_o do_v nor_o can_v enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n namely_o the_o ministry_n in_o particular_a whereby_o it_o be_v constitute_v organical_a yet_o on_o this_o supposition_n the_o church_n as_o essential_o consider_v be_v the_o sole_a adequate_a subject_n of_o all_o ordinance_n though_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a object_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n but_o that_o be_v various_a for_o instance_n 1._o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n its_o first_o object_n be_v the_o world_n for_o conversion_n its_o next_o professor_n for_o edification_n 2._o baptism_n it_o be_v only_a object_n be_v neither_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o professor_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reckon_v to_o they_o by_o god_n appointment_n that_o be_v their_o infant_n seed_n 3._o the_o supper_n its_o object_n be_v a_o particular_a church_n only_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o institution_n one_o special_a end_n of_o it_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n thereon_o depend_v ordinance_n whereof_o the_o church_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n and_o the_o only_a object_n can_v be_v administer_v authoritative_o but_o by_o officer_n only_o 1._o because_o none_o but_o christ_n steward_n have_v authority_n in_o and_o towards_o his_o house_n as_o such_o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o matth._n 24.25_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o office-authority_n to_o represent_v christ_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o to_o feed_v the_o whole_a flock_n thereby_o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o there_o be_v no_o footstep_n of_o any_o such_o practice_n among_o the_o church_n of_o god_n who_o walk_v in_o order_n neither_o in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o in_o all_o antiquity_n but_o it_o be_v object_v by_o those_o who_o allow_v this_o practice_n that_o if_o the_o church_n may_v appoint_v or_o send_v a_o person_n forth_o to_o preach_v or_o appoint_v a_o brother_n to_o preach_v unto_o themselves_o then_o they_o may_v appoint_v he_o to_o administer_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o supper_n answ._n here_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o supposition_n the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o body_n of_o it_o can_v send_v out_o any_o brother_n authoritative_o to_o preach_v two_o thing_n be_v require_v thereunto_o collation_n of_o gift_n and_o communication_n of_o office_n neither_o of_o which_o the_o church_n under_o that_o consideration_n can_v do_v to_o one_o that_o be_v send_v forth_o but_o where_o god_n give_v gift_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o a_o call_v by_o his_o providence_n the_o church_n only_o comply_v therewith_o not_o in_o communicate_v authority_n to_o the_o person_n but_o in_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o his_o work._n the_o same_o be_v the_o case_n in_o desire_v a_o brother_n to_o teach_v among_o they_o the_o duty_n be_v moral_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o gift_n and_o call_v be_v from_o god_n alone_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o exercise_n be_v only_o administer_v by_o the_o church_n it_o be_v far_a add_v by_o the_o same_o person_n that_o if_o a_o brother_n or_o one_o who_o be_v a_o disciple_n only_o may_v baptise_v than_o he_o may_v also_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n be_v desire_v of_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o supposition_n be_v not_o grant_v nor_o prove_v but_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o difference_n between_o these_o ordinance_n the_o object_n of_o one_o be_v professor_n as_o such_o at_o large_a the_o object_n of_o the_o other_o be_v professor_n as_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o to_o return_v 4._o it_o be_v incumbent_n on_o they_o to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n receive_v and_o profess_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o defend_v it_o against_o all_o opposition_n this_o be_v one_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n one_o principal_a mean_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n this_o be_v commit_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n unto_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n frequent_o and_o emphatical_o repeat_v the_o charge_n of_o it_o unto_o timothy_n and_o in_o he_o unto_o all_o to_o who_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v 1_o epist._n 1.1_o 3_o 4._o chap._n 4.6_o 7_o 16._o chap._n 6.20_o 2_o epist._n 1.14_o 22._o chap._n 3.14_o 15_o 16._o the_o same_o he_o give_v in_o charge_n unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act._n 20.28_o 29_o 30._o what_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n be_v commit_v unto_o his_o trust_n 1_o tim._n 1.11_o be_v true_a of_o all_o pastor_n of_o church_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n and_o call_v and_o they_o shall_v all_o aim_n at_o the_o account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o his_o ministry_n herein_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n 2_o tim._n 3.7_o the_o church_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v so_o principal_o in_o its_o ministry_n and_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o of_o the_o pernicious_a heresy_n and_o error_n that_o have_v infest_a and_o ruin_v the_o church_n those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n entire_a in_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o have_v many_o of_o they_o speak_v perverse_a thing_n to_o draw_v away_o disciple_n after_o they_o bishop_n presbyter_n public_a teacher_n have_v be_v the_o ringleader_n in_o heresy_n wherefore_o this_o duty_n especial_o at_o this_o time_n when_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v on_o all_o side_n impugn_a from_o all_o sort_n of_o adversary_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n to_o be_v attend_v unto_o sundry_a thing_n be_v require_v hereunto_o as_o 1._o a_o clear_a sound_v comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o the_o entire_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n attain_v by_o all_o mean_v useful_a and_o common_o prescribe_v unto_o that_o end_n especial_o diligent_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o illumination_n and_o understanding_n man_n can_v preserve_v that_o for_o other_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o themselves_o truth_n may_v be_v lose_v by_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o by_o wickedness_n and_o the_o defect_n herein_o in_o many_o be_v deplorable_a 2._o love_n
〈◊〉_d catechist_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 4.15_o instructor_n of_o those_o that_o be_v young_a in_o the_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o whereof_o be_v eminent_a famous_a and_o useful_a and_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a in_o those_o day_n when_o the_o church_n be_v great_a and_o numerous_a for_o whereas_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n in_o it_o be_v original_o commit_v unto_o the_o pastor_n as_o belong_v entire_o unto_o his_o office_n the_o discharge_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v numerous_a be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o man_n or_o it_o may_v be_v more_o in_o the_o same_o office_n where_o all_o be_v oblige_v unto_o a_o especial_a attendance_n on_o one_o part_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n it_o please_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o appoint_v such_o as_o in_o distinct_a office_n shall_v be_v associate_v with_o they_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o sundry_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n so_o be_v deacon_n ordain_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o outward_a concern_v of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o interest_n in_o rule_n or_o right_o to_o teach_v so_o be_v as_o we_o shall_v prove_v elder_n ordain_v to_o assist_v and_o help_v in_o rule_n without_o any_o call_n to_o preach_v or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o be_v teacher_n appoint_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n and_o other_o in_o the_o truth_n who_o have_v no_o right_a to_o rule_v or_o the_o administration_n of_o other_o ordinance_n and_o thus_o although_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n yet_o be_v supply_v with_o assistance_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v comfortable_o discharge_v by_o they_o and_o if_o this_o order_n be_v observe_v in_o all_o church_n not_o only_o many_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v prevent_v but_o the_o order_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n great_o promote_v 2._o he_o who_o be_v peculiar_o call_v to_o be_v a_o teacher_n with_o reference_n unto_o a_o distinction_n from_o a_o pastor_n may_v yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o elder_a also_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o teach_v elder_a and_o where_o there_o be_v in_o any_o officer_n a_o concurrence_n of_o both_o these_o a_o right_n unto_o rule_n as_o a_o elder_a and_o power_n to_o teach_v or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o be_v the_o same_o office_n and_o office-power_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o pastor_n 3._o on_o the_o forego_n supposition_n there_o yet_o remain_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n which_o as_o far_o as_o light_n may_v be_v take_v from_o their_o name_n and_o distinct_a asscription_n unto_o they_o consist_v material_o in_o the_o different_a gift_n which_o those_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o office_n have_v receive_v which_o the_o church_n in_o their_o call_n ought_v to_o have_v respect_n unto_o and_o formal_o in_o the_o peculiar_a exercise_n of_o those_o gift_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n according_a unto_o the_o assignation_n of_o their_o especial_a work_n unto_o they_o which_o themselves_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o upon_o what_o have_v be_v before_o discourse_v concern_v the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o may_v be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o whether_o there_o ought_v only_o to_o be_v one_o of_o each_o sort_n and_o i_o say_v 1._o take_v teacher_n in_o the_o three_o sense_n for_o those_o who_o be_v only_o so_o and_o have_v no_o far_o interest_n in_o office-power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o edification_n and_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v and_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o institution_n will_v prevent_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o man_n preach_v constant_o who_o be_v in_o no_o office_n in_o the_o church_n for_o although_o i_o do_v grant_v that_o those_o who_o have_v once_o be_v regular_o or_o solemn_o set_v a_o part_n or_o ordain_v unto_o the_o ministry_n have_v the_o right_n of_o constant_a preach_a inherent_a in_o they_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o incumbent_a on_o they_o though_o they_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o those_o church_n wherein_o and_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v peculiar_o ordain_v yet_o for_o man_n to_o give_v themselves_o up_o constant_o unto_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n who_o never_o be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o church_n thereunto_o i_o know_v not_o that_o it_o can_v be_v justify_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o question_n that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n in_o the_o same_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n act._n 14.22_o act._n 20.28_o phil._n 1.1_o tit._n 1.5_o but_o if_o there_o be_v sundry_a sort_n of_o elder_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o pastor_n who_o peculiar_o feed_v the_o flock_n those_o teach_v elder_n of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v and_o those_o ruler_n concern_v who_o we_o shall_v treat_v in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o no_o determination_n of_o this_o enquiry_n can_v be_v take_v from_o the_o multiplication_n of_o they_o in_o any_o church_n 3._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o order_n very_o early_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o pastor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d praeses_fw-la quick_o call_v episcopus_fw-la by_o way_n of_o distinction_n with_o many_o elder_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o teach_v and_o deacon_n minister_a in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n whereby_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o its_o authority_n represent_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o in_o each_o particular_a church_n there_o may_v be_v many_o pastor_n with_o a_o equality_n of_o power_n if_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v it_o 4._o it_o be_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n from_o its_o primitive_a constitution_n and_o deviation_n from_o its_o first_o order_n by_o a_o occasional_a coalescency_n of_o many_o church_n into_o one_o by_o a_o new_a form_n of_o church_n never_o appoint_v by_o christ_n which_o come_v not_o in_o until_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n that_o give_v occasion_n to_o corrupt_v this_o order_n into_o a_o episcopal_a pre-eminence_n which_o degenerate_v more_o and_o more_o into_o confusion_n under_o the_o name_n of_o order_n and_o the_o absolute_a equality_n of_o many_o pastor_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o church_n be_v liable_a unto_o many_o inconvenience_n if_o not_o diligent_o watch_v against_o 5._o wherefore_o let_v the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v unto_o its_o original_a constitution_n which_o be_v congregational_a and_o no_o other_o and_o i_o do_v judge_n that_o the_o order_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v so_o early_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n namely_o of_o one_o pastor_n or_o bishop_n in_o one_o church_n assist_v in_o rule_n and_o all_o holy_a administration_n with_o many_o elder_n teach_v or_o rule_v only_o do_v not_o so_o overthrow_v church-order_n as_o to_o render_v its_o rule_n or_o discipline_n useless_a 6._o but_o whereas_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o unto_o office_n or_o power_n intimate_v between_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v where_o there_o be_v many_o teach_v elder_n in_o any_o church_n a_o equality_n in_o office_n and_o power_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v but_o yet_o this_o take_v not_o off_o from_o the_o due_a preference_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n nor_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o precedency_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o order_n in_o all_o church_n assembly_n nor_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n which_o gift_n age_n ability_n prudence_n and_o experience_n which_o may_v belong_v unto_o some_o according_a to_o rule_n may_v give_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n or_o of_o rule_v elder_n 1._o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n therein_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n all_o elder_n in_o office_n have_v rule_n and_o none_o have_v rule_n in_o the_o church_n but_o elder_n as_o such_o rule_n do_v belong_v unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o especial_a office_n be_v entrust_v with_o all_o church-power_n but_o therefore_o they_o be_v elder_n also_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o joh._n 1._o 3_o joh._n 1._o see_v act
21.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o they_o be_v some_o of_o they_o on_o other_o account_n call_v bishop_n pastor_n teacher_n minister_n guide_n but_o what_o belong_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o in_o point_n of_o rule_n or_o what_o interest_n they_o have_v therein_o it_o belong_v unto_o they_o as_o elder_n and_o not_o otherwise_o act._n 20.17_o 18._o so_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n where_o the_o word_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o difference_n in_o age_n but_o be_v use_v in_o a_o moral_a sense_n elder_n be_v the_o same_o with_o ruler_n or_o governor_n whether_o in_o office_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a especial_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n be_v constant_o call_v its_o elder_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n with_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o power_n or_o office_n intend_v by_o it_o be_v traduce_v to_o signify_v man_n in_o authority_n signeiores_fw-la eldermani_fw-la in_o all_o place_n 2._o church-power_n act_v in_o its_o rule_n be_v call_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o a_o expression_n derive_v from_o the_o key_n that_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o office-power_n in_o the_o family_n of_o king_n isa._n 22.22_o and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o denote_v the_o communication_n of_o church-power_n unto_o other_o which_o be_v absolute_o and_o universal_o vest_v in_o himself_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o key_n of_o david_n revel_v 3.7_o mat._n 16.19_o 3._o these_o key_n be_v usual_o refer_v unto_o two_o head_n namely_o the_o one_o of_o order_n the_o other_o of_o jurisdiction_n 4._o by_o the_o key_n of_o order_n the_o spiritual_a right_n power_n and_o authority_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n doctrinal_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v intend_v 5._o by_o jurisdiction_n the_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v design_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o call_v or_o esteem_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n until_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o church-rule_n or_o discipline_n be_v deprave_v and_o change_v therefore_o neither_o the_o word_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o or_o which_o it_o be_v apply_v unto_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v unto_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o its_o rule_n it_o be_v expressive_a of_o and_o direct_v unto_o that_o corrupt_a administration_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a according_a unto_o the_o canon_n law_n by_o which_o all_o church-rule_n and_o order_n be_v destroy_v i_o do_v therefore_o at_o once_o dismiss_v all_o dispute_n about_o it_o as_o of_o thing_n foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v as_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n the_o civil_a jurisdiction_n of_o supreme_a magistrate_n about_o the_o external_o of_o religion_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n but_o that_o these_o key_n do_v include_v the_o twofold_a distinct_a power_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n be_v free_o grant_v 6._o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o in_o that_o of_o rome_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a distribution_n make_v of_o these_o key_n unto_o some_o that_o be_v unto_o one_o special_a sort_n or_o order_n of_o man_n they_o be_v both_o grant_v both_o the_o key_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n which_o be_v unto_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o some_o other_o under_o various_a canonical_a restriction_n and_o limitation_n as_o dean_n and_o arch-deacon_n unto_o some_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o order_n only_o without_o the_o least_o interest_n in_o jurisdiction_n or_o rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n which_o be_v the_o parochial_a minister_n or_o mere_a presbyter_n without_o any_o additional_a title_n or_o power_n as_o of_o commissary_n surrogate_v or_o the_o like_a and_o unto_o a_o three_o sort_n there_o be_v grant_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n or_o jurisdiction_n almost_o plenipotent_a who_o have_v no_o share_n in_o the_o key_n of_o order_n that_o be_v be_v never_o ordain_v separate_v dedicate_v unto_o any_o office_n in_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o chancellor_n etc._n etc._n 7._o these_o chancellor_n be_v the_o only_a lay-elder_n that_o i_o know_v any_o where_o in_o any_o church_n that_o be_v person_n entrust_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o its_o censure_n who_o be_v not_o ordain_v unto_o any_o church-office_n but_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o laity_n or_o the_o people_n all_o church_n ruler_n by_o institution_n be_v elder_n to_o be_v a_o elder_a of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o ruler_n in_o it_o be_v all_o one_o wherefore_o these_o person_n be_v ruler_n in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o thus_o continue_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o people_n be_v lay-elder_n who_o i_o wonder_v how_o so_o many_o of_o the_o church_n come_v so_o serious_o to_o oppose_v see_v this_o order_n of_o man_n be_v own_v by_o none_o but_o themselves_o the_o truth_n be_v and_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v no_o know_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v who_o order_n be_v know_v unto_o we_o and_o be_v of_o any_o public_a consideration_n but_o they_o do_v dispose_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o part_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n who_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o authoritative_n preach_v of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n commit_v unto_o they_o for_o even_o those_o who_o place_n the_o whole_a external_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n do_v it_o as_o they_o judge_v he_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n entrust_v by_o christ_n with_o church-power_n and_o those_o who_o deny_v any_o such_o officer_n as_o be_v usual_o call_v rule_v elder_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n either_o appoint_v by_o the_o magistrate_n or_o choose_v by_o the_o people_n and_o that_o with_o cogent_a argument_n see_v grot._n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la potestat_fw-la cap._n 8._o but_o this_o distribution_n mention_v of_o church-power_n be_v unscriptural_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o antiquity_n it_o be_v so_o as_o unto_o the_o two_o latter_a branch_n of_o it_o that_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v the_o power_n of_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v the_o conscience_n doctrinal_o or_o ministerial_o to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o conscience_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o office_n which_o give_v they_o this_o power_n not_o to_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n of_o rule_n or_o discipline_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v in_o the_o court_n of_o the_o church_n be_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v countenance_n unto_o and_o as_o by_o this_o mean_n those_o be_v abridge_v and_o deprive_v of_o their_o power_n to_o who_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o elder_n due_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n so_o in_o the_o three_o branch_n there_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o church-power_n unto_o such_o as_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v exclude_v from_o any_o interest_n therein_o the_o enormity_n of_o which_o constitution_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a insist_v upon_o but_o enquiry_n must_v be_v make_v what_o the_o scripture_n direct_v unto_o herein_o and_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o pastoral_n feeding_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n and_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n all_o agree_v herein_o unless_o it_o be_v erastus_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o who_o seem_v to_o oppose_v it_o but_o their_o argument_n lie_v not_o against_o rule_n in_o general_n which_o be_v brutish_a but_o only_o a_o rule_n by_o external_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o they_o grant_v the_o general_a assertion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o rule_n for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o only_o they_o contend_v about_o the_o subject_n of_o power_n require_v thereunto_o a_o spiritual_a rule_n by_o virtue_n of_o mutual_a voluntary_a confederation_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n purity_n and_o order_n in_o the_o church_n few_o of_o that_o opinion_n deny_v at_o least_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o they_o do_v oppose_v for_o to_o deny_v all_o rule_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o administration_n of_o censure_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o spiritual_a power_n internal_o inherent_a in_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a political_a
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
unto_o a_o present_a exercise_n by_o such_o circumstance_n as_o nature_n and_o providence_n do_v suggest_v the_o care_n also_o of_o the_o whole_a work_n be_v as_o be_v say_v still_o incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n only_o the_o ordinary_a execution_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o deacon_n nor_o be_v this_o a_o temporary_a institution_n for_o that_o season_n and_o so_o the_o officer_n appoint_v extraordinary_a but_o be_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o church_n throughout_o all_o generation_n for_o 1._o the_o work_n itself_o as_o a_o distinct_a work_n of_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n be_v never_o to_o cease_v it_o be_v to_o abide_v for_o ever_o the_o poor_a you_o shall_v have_v always_o with_o you_o 2._o the_o reason_n of_o its_o institution_n be_v perpetual_a namely_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o themselves_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o pray_v preach_a and_o this_o ministration_n 3._o they_o be_v afterward_o not_o only_o in_o this_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n but_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentile_n reckon_v among_o the_o fix_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n phil._n 1.1_o and_o 4._o direction_n be_v give_v for_o their_o continuation_n in_o all_o church_n with_o a_o prescription_n of_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o call_v into_o this_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 10_o 11._o 5._o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n be_v direct_v and_o a_o office_n commit_v unto_o they_o let_v they_o be_v first_o prove_v then_o let_v they_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n 6._o a_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n be_v annex_v unto_o the_o diligent_a discharge_n of_o this_o office_n vers._n 13._o hence_o those_o who_o afterward_o utter_o pervert_v all_o church_n order_n take_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n and_o care_n of_o the_o deacon_n that_o work_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n and_o for_o which_o end_v alone_o their_o office_n be_v institute_v in_o the_o church_n assign_v other_o work_n unto_o they_o whereunto_o they_o be_v not_o call_v nor_o appoint_v yet_o think_v meet_v to_o continue_v the_o name_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o a_o office_n because_o of_o the_o evident_a institution_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o continuation_n and_o whereas_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v swell_v with_o pride_n and_o ambition_n in_o the_o church_n no_o sort_n of_o its_o officer_n content_v themselves_o with_o their_o primitive_a institution_n but_o strive_v by_o various_a degree_n to_o somewhat_o in_o name_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v high_a and_o aloft_n there_o arise_v from_o the_o name_n of_o this_o office_n the_o meteor_n of_o a_o archdeacon_n with_o strange_a power_n and_o authority_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o church_n for_o many_o age_n but_o this_o belong_v unto_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n whereunto_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n but_o some_o think_v it_o not_o inconvenient_a even_o to_o sport_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o church_n order_n and_o constitution_n this_o office_n of_o deacon_n be_v a_o office_n of_o service_n which_o give_v not_o any_o authority_n or_o power_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v a_o office_n it_o give_v authority_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o special_a work_n of_o it_o under_o a_o general_a notion_n of_o authority_n that_o be_v a_o right_a to_o attend_v unto_o it_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v thereunto_o but_o this_o right_n be_v confine_v unto_o the_o particular_a church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v of_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v they_o to_o make_v their_o collection_n and_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n be_v they_o to_o administer_v extraordinary_a collection_n from_o or_o for_o other_o church_n be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o dispose_v by_o the_o elder_n act_n 11.30_o whereas_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o office_n be_v in_o general_a to_o free_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n from_o avocation_n by_o outward_a thing_n such_o as_o wherein_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v it_o belong_v unto_o the_o deacon_n not_o only_o to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a but_o to_o manage_v all_o other_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n such_o as_o be_v provide_v for_o the_o place_n of_o the_o church-assembly_n of_o the_o element_n for_o the_o sacrament_n of_o keep_v collect_v and_o dispose_v of_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o its_o officer_n and_o incidency_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n or_o persecution_n hereon_o be_v they_o oblige_v to_o attend_v the_o elder_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o they_o and_o receive_v direction_n from_o they_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n until_o the_o avarice_n and_o ambition_n of_o the_o superior_a clergy_n enclose_v all_o alm_n and_o donation_n unto_o themselves_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n whereof_o be_v excellent_o describe_v and_o trace_v by_o paulus_n sharpius_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o matter_n beneficiary_a that_o maintenance_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o they_o be_v to_o distribute_v be_v to_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o voluntary_a contribution_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v make_v ordinary_o every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n and_o as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2._o and_o this_o contribution_n of_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v 1._o in_o a_o way_n of_o bounty_n not_o spare_o 2_o cor._n 9.5_o 6_o 7._o 2._o in_o a_o way_n of_o equality_n as_o unto_o man_n ability_n 2_o cor._n 8.13_o 14._o 3._o with_o respect_n unto_o present_a success_n and_o thrive_a in_o affair_n whereof_o a_o portion_n be_v due_a to_o god_n as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o 1_o cor._n 16.2_o 4._o with_o willingness_n and_o freedom_n 2_o cor._n 8.12_o chap._n 7._o wherefore_o it_o belong_v unto_o the_o deacon_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o office_n 1._o to_o acquaint_v the_o church_n with_o the_o present_a necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a 2._o to_o stir_v up_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o unto_o a_o free_a contribution_n according_a unto_o their_o ability_n 3._o to_o admonish_v those_o that_o be_v negligent_a herein_o who_o give_v not_o according_a to_o their_o porportion_n and_o to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n with_o those_o who_o persist_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o poor_a unto_o who_o the_o contribution_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v minister_v belong_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o office._n as_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v poor_a indeed_o and_o do_v not_o pretend_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v for_o advantage_n 2._o what_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o poverty_n with_o respect_n unto_o their_o relation_n and_o circumstance_n that_o they_o may_v have_v suitable_a supply_n 3._o that_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o walk_v according_a unto_o rule_n 4._o in_o particular_a that_o they_o work_v and_o labour_n according_a to_o their_o ability_n for_o he_o that_o will_v not_o labour_n must_v not_o eat_v at_o the_o public_a charge_n 5._o to_o comfort_n counsel_n and_o exhort_v they_o unto_o patience_n submission_n contentment_n with_o their_o condition_n and_o thankfulness_n all_o which_o may_v be_v enlarge_v and_o confirm_v but_o that_o they_o be_v obvious_a the_o qualification_n of_o person_n to_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office_n be_v distinct_o lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o upon_o the_o trial_n knowledge_n and_o approbation_n of_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o qualification_n their_o call_n to_o this_o office_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o a_o separation_n unto_o it_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n act._n 6.3_o 5_o 6._o and_o the_o adjunct_n of_o their_o ministration_n be_v 1._o mercy_n to_o represent_v the_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n towards_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o flock_n rom._n 12.8_o 2._o cheerfulness_n to_o relieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v against_o thought_n of_o be_v troublesome_a and_o burdensome_a to_o other_o 3._o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n by_o which_o they_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o great_a boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o inquire_v into_o some_o few_o thing_n relate_v unto_o this_o office_n and_o those_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o as_o 1._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o he_o affirm_v
one_o to_o forbear_v for_o a_o season_n from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o privilege_n in_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o case_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n which_o will_v be_v take_v at_o it_o and_o ensue_v thereon_o and_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v refuse_v a_o submission_n unto_o they_o in_o this_o act_n of_o rule_n the_o church_n have_v no_o way_n for_o its_o relief_n but_o to_o proceed_v unto_o the_o total_a removal_n of_o such_o a_o person_n from_o their_o whole_a communion_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n must_v not_o be_v obstruct_v by_o the_o refractoriness_n of_o any_o one_o among_o they_o this_o excommunication_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o be_v a_o act_n of_o church-authority_n exert_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n namely_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v authoritative_a for_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n proper_o so_o call_v but_o what_o reside_v in_o the_o officer_n of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o office_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v mere_o ministerial_a without_o any_o formal_a authority_n that_o be_v of_o the_o deacon_n but_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n in_o exercise_n but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n and_o there_o be_v two_o reason_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n as_o to_o the_o authoritative_a exercise_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office-power_n in_o every_o church_n do_v join_v in_o the_o authoritative_a excommunication_n as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o case_n insist_v on_o 1_o cor._n 5._o and_o there_o be_v no_o office-power_n now_o remain_v but_o what_o be_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o rule_n but_o all_o rule_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o ruler_n only_o we_o may_v add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o all_o its_o member_n of_o the_o correction_n and_o salvation_n of_o offender_n be_v principal_o incumbent_a on_o they_o or_o commit_v unto_o they_o as_o we_o have_v declare_v as_o also_o that_o they_o be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v when_o and_o for_o what_o this_o sentence_n ought_v to_o be_v denounce_v against_o any_o which_o require_v their_o best_a skill_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o spiritual_a rule_n and_o therefore_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a be_v charge_v as_o a_o neglect_n on_o the_o angel_n or_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o it_o be_v commend_v in_o they_o and_o therefore_o unto_o they_o it_o do_v belong_v with_o respect_n unto_o their_o office_n and_o be_v thereon_o a_o office-act_n or_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n howbeit_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o interest_n yea_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o fraternity_n of_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v consider_v herein_o for_o indeed_o wherever_o the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o it_o he_o do_v not_o any_o where_o recommend_v it_o unto_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n but_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o the_o brethren_n therein_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o place_n before_o quote_v wherefore_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v concern_v herein_o both_o in_o point_n of_o duty_n interest_n and_o power_n 1._o in_o point_n of_o duty_n for_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o mutual_a watch_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n over_o each_o other_o and_o of_o the_o care_n incumbent_a on_o every_o one_o of_o they_o for_o the_o good_a the_o honour_n the_o reputation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v their_o duty_n joint_o and_o several_o to_o endeavour_v the_o purge_n out_o from_o among_o they_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o those_o end_n and_o they_o who_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n be_v dead_a and_o useless_a member_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o in_o interest_n they_o have_v also_o a_o concernment_n therein_o they_o be_v to_o look_v that_o no_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o among_o they_o lest_o themselves_o be_v at_o length_n defile_v thereby_o it_o be_v usual_o say_v that_o the_o good_a be_v not_o defile_v by_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o that_o be_v wicked_a in_o a_o participation_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n in_o what_o be_v say_v with_o reference_n unto_o wicked_a undiscovered_a hypocrite_n or_o such_o as_o be_v not_o scandalous_o flagitious_a but_o to_o promote_v this_o persuasion_n so_o as_o to_o beget_v a_o opinion_n in_o church-member_n that_o they_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o the_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o live_v of_o those_o with_o who_o they_o walk_v in_o all_o duty_n of_o spiritual_a communion_n open_o avow_v themselves_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n with_o they_o be_v a_o diabolical_a engine_n invent_v to_o countenance_n church_n in_o horrible_a security_n unto_o their_o ruin_n but_o yet_o beside_o that_o defilement_n which_o may_v be_v contract_v in_o a_o joint_a participation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n with_o such_o person_n there_o be_v other_o way_n almost_o innumerable_a whereby_o their_o example_n if_o pass_v by_o without_o animadversion_n may_v be_v pernicious_a unto_o their_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n wherefore_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o point_n of_o spiritual_a interest_n as_o they_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o concur_v in_o the_o ejection_n out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o obstinate_a offender_n 3._o in_o point_n of_o power_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n be_v commit_v unto_o and_o rest_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n according_a as_o they_o concur_v and_o practice_v so_o it_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n or_o suspend_v for_o it_o be_v they_o who_o must_v withdraw_v communion_n from_o they_o or_o the_o sentence_n be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o validity_n this_o punishment_n must_v be_v inflict_v by_o the_o many_o who_o also_o be_v to_o restore_v he_o who_o be_v so_o rebuke_v wherefore_o excommunication_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o mere_a nullity_n but_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o authority_n nor_o of_o office_n but_o of_o power_n reside_v in_o the_o community_n result_v from_o their_o common_a suffrage_n guide_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o officer_n or_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n i_o shall_v again_o take_v up_o this_o enquiry_n immediate_o and_o speak_v unto_o it_o more_o distinct_o lest_o what_o be_v here_o speak_v shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o any_o our_o next_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o object_n of_o this_o church_n censure_n or_o who_o they_o be_v that_o ought_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o 1._o they_o must_v be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n by_o which_o the_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v denounce_v against_o they_o and_o this_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o they_o can_v be_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n one_o church_n can_v excommunicate_v the_o member_n of_o another_o they_o be_v unto_o they_o as_o unto_o this_o matter_n without_o and_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o judge_v they_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o right_a to_o proceed_v against_o any_o herein_o be_v in_o their_o own_o voluntary_a engagement_n to_o observe_v and_o keep_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n whereunto_o they_o be_v admit_v the_o offence_n be_v give_v unto_o that_o church_n in_o the_o first_o place_n if_o not_o only_o and_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n for_o its_o own_o edification_n and_o there_o be_v a_o nullity_n in_o the_o sentence_n which_o be_v ordain_v decree_v or_o denounce_v by_o any_o who_o be_v not_o officer_n of_o that_o church_n in_o particular_a wherein_o the_o sin_n be_v commit_v 2._o these_o church-member_n that_o may_v be_v just_o excommunicate_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o continue_v obstinate_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n after_o private_a and_o public_a admonition_n the_o process_n from_o the_o first_o offence_n in_o admonition_n be_v so_o state_v in_o ordinary_a case_n matth._n 18._o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n far_o to_o declare_v it_o the_o time_n that_o be_v to_o be_v allot_v unto_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v speak_v unto_o afterward_o and_o unto_o a_o right_a judgement_n of_o obstinacy_n in_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n it_o be_v require_v 1._o that_o the_o sin_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v such_o as_o be_v own_v to_o be_v such_o by_o all_o without_o doubt_v dispute_n or_o haesitation_n it_o must_v be_v some_o sin_n that_o be_v
judge_v and_o condemn_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o in_o the_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n yea_o such_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n witness_v that_o continue_v in_o without_o repentance_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n if_o the_o thing_n itself_o to_o be_v animadvert_v on_o be_v dubious_a or_o disputable_a whether_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n or_o no_o especial_o such_o a_o sin_n either_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n or_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v or_o from_o other_o circumstance_n so_o as_o that_o the_o guilty_a person_n be_v not_o self-condemned_n nor_o be_v other_o full_o satisfy_v in_o their_o mind_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o excommunication_n in_o such_o case_n and_o if_o it_o be_v once_o allow_v to_o be_v apply_v towards_o any_o sin_n but_o such_o as_o be_v evident_a to_o be_v so_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n not_o only_o will_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v make_v difficult_a a_o matter_n of_o dispute_n unfit_a for_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o will_v leave_v it_o unto_o the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o prostitute_v unto_o litigious_a brawl_n quarrel_n and_o difference_n wherein_o interest_n and_o partiality_n may_v take_v place_n which_o be_v to_o profane_v this_o divine_a institution_n but_o confine_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v unto_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o express_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n if_o persist_v in_o and_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o will_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a from_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n proceed_v that_o horrible_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o excommunication_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o which_o for_o sundry_a age_n prevail_v in_o the_o world._n for_o as_o it_o be_v most_o apply_v unto_o thing_n holy_a just_a and_o good_a or_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o gospel_n duty_n as_o man_n owe_v to_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o be_v exercise_v with_o respect_n unto_o irregularity_n that_o be_v make_v such_o mere_o by_o the_o arbitrary_a constitution_n and_o law_n of_o man_n and_o that_o in_o case_n frivolous_a trifle_a and_o of_o no_o importance_n it_o be_v find_v necessary_a to_o be_v manage_v in_o and_o by_o such_o court_n such_o process_n such_o form_n of_o law_n such_o plead_n and_o intricacy_n of_o craft_n such_o a_o burden_n of_o cost_n and_o charge_n as_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o bewail_v or_o deride_v 2._o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o unto_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o sin_n unto_o the_o particular_a offender_n be_v confess_v or_o not_o deny_v or_o clear_o prove_v how_o far_o this_o be_v to_o extend_v and_o what_o ground_n of_o procedure_v there_o may_v be_v in_o report_n or_o fame_n concur_v with_o lead_v circumstance_n we_o shall_v inquire_v afterward_o and_o although_o in_o such_o case_n of_o public_a fame_n a_o good_a testimony_n from_o those_o of_o credit_n and_o repute_v in_o the_o church_n give_v unto_o the_o suppose_a guilty_a person_n be_v of_o use_n and_o sufficient_a in_o some_o case_n single_o to_o oppose_v unto_o public_a report_n yet_o to_o require_v a_o man_n to_o purge_v himself_o by_o other_o from_o any_o feign_a scandalous_a imputation_n be_v a_o unwarrantable_a tyranny_n 3._o it_o be_v also_o require_v that_o the_o previous_a process_n in_o and_o by_o private_a and_o public_a admonition_n and_o that_o repeat_v with_o patient_a wait_v for_o the_o success_n of_o each_o of_o they_o be_v due_o premise_v whether_o this_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n shall_v be_v afterward_o inquire_v into_o ordinary_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o offender_n and_o to_o leave_v he_o without_o either_o provocation_n from_o the_o church_n or_o excuse_v in_o himself_o so_o suit_v to_o be_v expressive_a of_o the_o grace_n and_o patience_n of_o christ_n towards_o sinner_n so_o requisite_a unto_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o their_o proceedure_n as_o that_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o will_v probable_o render_v the_o sentence_n useless_a and_o ineffectual_a a_o cry_v out_o i_o admonish_v a_o first_o a_o second_o a_o three_o time_n and_o so_o to_o excommunication_n be_v a_o very_a absurd_a observation_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n 4._o it_o be_v require_v that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v censure_v as_o unto_o his_o profession_n of_o repentance_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o obstinacy_n on_o the_o other_o be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o love_n and_o compassion_n there_o be_v few_o who_o be_v so_o profligate_o wicked_a but_o that_o when_o the_o sin_n wherewith_o they_o be_v charge_v be_v evident_o such_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n and_o when_o it_o be_v just_o prove_v against_o they_o they_o will_v make_v some_o profession_n of_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n whether_o this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o in_o most_o case_n it_o be_v to_o suspend_v the_o present_a proceed_n of_o the_o church_n or_o quite_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o upon_o consideration_n of_o present_a circumstance_n and_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o own_o edification_n only_o this_o rule_n must_v be_v continual_o observe_v that_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o haste_n or_o undue_a precipitation_n herein_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v in_o all_o these_o case_n as_o the_o bane_n of_o church-rule_n and_o order_n again_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o administration_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v consider_v and_o hereunto_o be_v require_v 1._o prayer_n without_o which_o it_o can_v no_o way_n be_v administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o administration_n of_o any_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o prayer_n be_v a_o horrible_a profanation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n hereof_o in_o any_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o excommunicate_v other_o be_v a_o open_a proclamation_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o their_o act_n and_o sentence_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o without_o any_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n without_o solemn_a invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n thereby_o engage_v his_o presence_n and_o authority_n in_o what_o they_o do_v be_v that_o principal_o which_o have_v set_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o mankind_n at_o liberty_n from_o any_o concernment_n in_o this_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n and_o whence_o those_o that_o administer_v it_o expect_v no_o other_o success_n of_o what_o they_o do_v but_o what_o they_o can_v give_v it_o by_o outward_a force_n and_o where_o this_o fail_v excommunication_n be_v quick_o lay_v aside_o as_o it_o be_v when_o the_o pope_n threaten_v the_o canton_n of_o the_o swisser_n that_o if_o they_o comply_v not_o with_o some_o of_o his_o imposition_n he_o will_v excommunicate_v they_o whereon_o they_o send_v he_o word_n they_o will_v not_o be_v excommunicate_v which_o end_v the_o matter_n wherefore_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n give_v unto_o his_o church_n the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o lose_v direct_v they_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n he_o direct_v they_o to_o ask_v assistance_n by_o prayer_n when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o matth._n 18.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o the_o apostle_n direct_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v unto_o this_o sentence_n when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o call_v on_o his_o name_n in_o brief_a without_o prayer_n neither_o be_v the_o ordinance_n itself_o sanctify_v unto_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v any_o meet_a to_o administer_v it_o nor_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n either_o own_v or_o engage_v nor_o divine_a assistance_n attain_v neither_o be_v what_o be_v do_v any_o more_o excommunication_n than_o any_o rash_a curse_n be_v so_o that_o many_o proceed_v inordinate_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o men._n and_o the_o prayer_n require_v herein_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v previous_a for_o guidance_n and_o direction_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n it_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o mistake_n when_o man_n act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o engage_v his_o authority_n in_o what_o he_o will_v not_o own_o and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n the_o best_a of_o church_n be_v liable_a
of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o be_v nothing_o but_o voluntary_a convention_n of_o the_o officer_n or_o elder_n bishop_n and_o presbyter_n with_o some_o other_o of_o neighbour_a church_n on_o the_o occasion_n of_o difference_n or_o heresy_n among_o they_o in_o and_o from_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a there_o be_v assembly_n of_o bishop_n and_o other_o call_v together_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n to_o advise_v about_o matter_n of_o faith._n in_o after_o age_n those_o which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o western_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o italy_n germany_n france_n and_o england_n be_v of_o a_o mix_a nature_n advise_v about_o thing_n civil_a and_o political_a as_o well_o as_o sacred_a and_o religious_a especial_o with_o respect_n unto_o mutual_a contest_v between_o pope_n and_o prince_n in_o they_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n be_v lose_v and_o bury_v and_o all_o religion_n almost_o destroy_v thus_o this_o laudable_a practice_n of_o church_n act_v their_o mutual_a communion_n by_o meeting_n in_o synod_n or_o assembly_n by_o their_o delegate_n or_o messenger_n to_o advise_v about_o thing_n of_o their_o common_a concernment_n and_o joint_a edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v found_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o countenance_v by_o primitive_a apostolical_a example_n be_v turn_v by_o the_o design_v interest_n and_o ambition_n of_o man_n unto_o the_o enstate_v of_o all_o church-power_n in_o such_o synod_n and_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o power_n give_v unto_o no_o church_n nor_o all_o of_o they_o together_o as_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o instance_n innumerable_a and_o whereas_o they_o have_v make_v such_o a_o noise_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v fill_v so_o many_o volume_n with_o their_o act_n and_o do_n yet_o some_o of_o they_o who_o under_o the_o pope_n will_v place_v all_o religion_n in_o they_o do_v grant_n and_o contend_v that_o they_o be_v a_o mere_a humane_a invention_n so_o bellarmine_n affirm_v pighius_fw-la to_o have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr coelest_n hierarch_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 1._o but_o for_o his_o part_n he_o judge_v that_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o they_o have_v a_o divine_a original_a by_o virtue_n of_o that_o word_n where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o i_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o matth._n 18._o de_fw-fr council_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o which_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o superstructure_n pretend_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o of_o these_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n the_o elder_n or_o officer_n of_o they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o principal_n for_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a care_n of_o public_a edification_n incumbent_a on_o they_o which_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v on_o all_o just_a occasion_n they_o be_v presume_v just_o to_o know_v best_a the_o state_n of_o their_o own_o church_n and_o to_o be_v best_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o matter_n under_o consideration_n and_o they_o do_v better_o represent_v the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o be_v send_v than_o any_o private_a brethren_n can_v do_v and_o so_o receive_v that_o respect_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o also_o they_o be_v most_o meet_a to_o report_v and_o recommend_v the_o synodal_n determination_n unto_o their_o church_n and_o a_o contrary_a practice_n will_v quick_o introduce_v confusion_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o alone_o shall_v be_v so_o send_v or_o delegated_a by_o the_o church_n but_o many_o have_v other_o join_v with_o they_o and_o have_v so_o until_o prelatical_a usurpation_n overturn_v their_o liberty_n so_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n send_v from_o antioch_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o that_o church_n whatever_o be_v impudent_o pretend_v to_o the_o contrary_a concur_v in_o the_o decree_n and_o determination_n there_o make_v 5._o that_o which_o be_v term_v the_o call_n of_o these_o synod_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o voluntary_a consent_n of_o the_o church_n concern_v to_o meet_v together_o by_o their_o delegate_n and_o messenger_n for_o the_o end_n before_o declare_v i_o no_o way_n deny_v but_o that_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n may_v convene_v by_o his_o authority_n the_o bishop_n pastor_n or_o minister_n with_o such_o other_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v meet_a within_o his_o own_o territory_n yea_o and_o receive_v into_o his_o convention_n meet_v man_n out_o of_o the_o territory_n of_o other_o by_o their_o consent_n to_o advise_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o give_v he_o advice_n about_o such_o concernment_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o church_n under_o his_o dominion_n and_o regulate_v himself_o according_o it_o have_v be_v practise_v with_o good_a success_n and_o may_v be_v with_o bad_a also_o and_o i_o do_v deny_v that_o church_n have_v power_n without_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o convene_v themselves_o in_o synod_n to_o exercise_v any_o exterior_a jurisdiction_n that_o shall_v affect_v the_o person_n of_o his_o subject_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v allow_v but_o whereas_o the_o synod_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o any_o civil_a affair_n wherein_o the_o person_n of_o man_n be_v outward_o concern_v have_v no_o jurisdiction_n in_o any_o kind_n can_v make_v no_o determination_n but_o only_o doctrinal_a declaration_n of_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v unto_o their_o call_n beyond_o their_o own_o consent_n but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v meet_v in_o external_a peace_n by_o the_o permission_n of_o the_o magistrate_n which_o when_o they_o can_v obtain_v they_o must_v deport_v themselves_o as_o in_o case_n of_o other_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ._n 6._o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o synod_n in_o what_o measure_n extent_n and_o number_n soever_o they_o be_v assemble_v for_o although_o this_o may_v be_v easy_o collect_v from_o what_o have_v be_v declare_v concern_v their_o original_a nature_n cause_n use_v and_o end_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o because_o of_o the_o many_o difference_n that_o be_v about_o it_o there_o be_v a_o threefold_a power_n ascribe_v unto_o synod_n the_o first_o be_v declarative_a consist_v in_o a_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n the_o second_o be_v constitutive_a appoint_v and_o ordain_v thing_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v and_o observe_v by_o and_o upon_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o three_o executive_a in_o act_n of_o jurisdiction_n towards_o person_n and_o church_n the_o person_n who_o the_o authority_n plead_v may_v affect_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o have_v their_o proper_a representative_n present_v in_o such_o synod_n who_o be_v direct_o concern_v in_o its_o conciliary_a determination_n 2._o such_o as_o have_v no_o such_o representative_n in_o they_o who_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o concern_v but_o in_o the_o doctrine_n material_o consider_v declare_v in_o they_o wherefore_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o church_n receive_v comply_v with_o or_o obey_v the_o determination_n and_o decree_n of_o synod_n must_v be_v either_o 1._o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n give_v unto_o those_o determination_n by_o the_o synod_n from_o the_o scripture_n or_o 2._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o synod_n itself_o affect_v the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o those_o concern_v in_o the_o first_o way_n wherein_o the_o assent_n and_o obedience_n of_o church_n be_v resolve_v ultimate_o into_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o judgement_n which_o they_o make_v thereof_o not_o only_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v own_v but_o there_o be_v a_o authoritative_a proposal_n of_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o if_o due_o seek_v and_o regard_v whence_o great_a respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a unto_o they_o the_o power_n of_o a_o synod_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o decree_n respect_v either_o 1._o the_o thing_n or_o doctrine_n declare_v and_o be_v recommendatory_a of_o they_o on_o its_o authority_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n or_o 2._o person_n to_o censure_n excommunicate_a or_o punish_v those_o who_o receive_v they_o not_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o just_a power_n of_o synod_n may_v be_v positive_o and_o negative_o declare_v in_o the_o two_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o the_o authority_n of_o a_o synod_n declare_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n
of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n design_v the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v by_o such_o qualification_n as_o may_v render_v he_o meet_v and_o able_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n and_o work._n for_o ordinary_a vocation_n be_v not_o a_o collation_n of_o gracious_a spiritual_a ability_n suit_v and_o make_v man_n meet_v for_o the_o pastoral_n office_n but_o it_o be_v the_o communication_n of_o right_n and_o power_n for_o the_o regular_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o gift_n and_o ability_n receive_v antecedent_o unto_o that_o call_n unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o the_o office_n itself_o do_v consist_v and_o if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o these_o qualification_n and_o endowment_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o we_o may_v learn_v they_o in_o their_o great_a example_n and_o pattern_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o good_a shepherd_n who_o the_o sheep_n be_v the_o shepherd_z and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n do_v design_n in_o the_o undertake_n and_o exercise_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n to_o give_v a_o type_n and_o example_n unto_o all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o same_o office_n under_o he_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o conformity_n unto_o he_o herein_o no_o man_n can_v assure_v his_o own_o conscience_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v or_o can_v be_v lawful_o call_v unto_o this_o office._n the_o qualification_n of_o christ_n unto_o and_o the_o gracious_a quality_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o soul_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o pastoral_a office_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o four_o head_n 1._o that_o furniture_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n unto_o he_o in_o a_o unmeasurable_a fullness_n whereby_o he_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office._n this_o be_v express_v with_o respect_n unto_o his_o undertake_n of_o it_o isa._n 11.2_o 3._o chap._n 61.1_o 2_o 3._o luk._n 4.14_o herein_o be_v he_o anoint_v with_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n above_o his_o fellow_n heb._n 1.9_o but_o this_o unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o a_o certain_a measure_n require_v in_o all_o who_o be_v call_v or_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n ephes._n 4.1_o that_o there_o be_v spiritual_a power_n gift_n and_o ability_n require_v unto_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n i_o have_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o another_o treatise_n as_o also_o what_o they_o be_v and_o where_o there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o spiritual_a ability_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n as_o in_o prayer_n preach_v and_o the_o like_a no_o outward_a call_n or_o order_n can_v constitute_v any_o man_n a_o evangelical_n pastor_n as_o unto_o particular_a person_n i_o will_v not_o contend_v as_o unto_o a_o absolute_a nullity_n in_o the_o office_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o deficiency_n in_o spiritual_a gift_n unless_o it_o be_v gross_a and_o such_o as_o render_v they_o utter_o useless_a unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n i_o only_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n and_o manner_n be_v call_v or_o set_v apart_o unto_o this_o office_n in_o who_o there_o be_v not_o some_o indication_n of_o god_n designation_n of_o he_o thereunto_o by_o his_o furniture_n with_o spiritual_a gift_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n understanding_n and_o utterance_n for_o prayer_n and_o preach_v with_o other_o ministerial_a duty_n in_o some_o competent_a measure_n 2._o compassion_n and_o love_n to_o the_o flock_n be_v glorious_o eminent_a in_o this_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n after_o other_o evidence_n hereof_o he_o give_v they_o that_o signal_n confirmation_n in_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o they_o this_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n he_o insist_o upon_o himself_o joh._n 10._o and_o herein_o also_o his_o example_n ought_v to_o lie_v continual_o before_o the_o eye_n of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office._n their_o entrance_n shall_v be_v accompany_v with_o love_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o if_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v not_o animate_v with_o love_n unto_o their_o flock_n wolf_n or_o hireling_n or_o thief_n they_o may_v be_v but_o shepherd_n they_o be_v not_o neither_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o gospel-ministry_n more_o lose_v or_o deface_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o by_o any_o mean_n than_o by_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v among_o the_o most_o of_o a_o inconformity_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o love_n unto_o the_o flock_n alas_o it_o be_v scarce_o once_o think_v of_o among_o the_o most_o of_o they_o who_o in_o various_a degree_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o pastoral_n office_n where_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o it_o what_o evidence_n be_v give_v of_o it_o in_o any_o kind_n it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o instead_o of_o lay_v down_o their_o own_o life_n for_o they_o do_v not_o by_o innumerable_a way_n destroy_v their_o soul_n 3._o there_o be_v and_o be_v in_o this_o great_a shepherd_n a_o continual_a watchfulness_n over_o the_o whole_a flock_n to_o keep_v it_o to_o preserve_v it_o to_o feed_v to_o lead_v and_o cherish_v it_o to_o purify_v and_o cleanse_v it_o until_o it_o be_v present_v unspotted_a unto_o god._n he_o do_v never_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_n he_o water_v his_o vineyard_n every_o moment_n keep_v it_o night_n and_o day_n that_o none_o may_v hurt_v it_o lose_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v commit_v to_o he_o see_v is._n 40.11_o i_o speak_v not_o distinct_o of_o previous_a qualification_n unto_o a_o outward_a call_v only_o but_o with_o a_o mixture_n of_o those_o quality_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o office._n and_o herein_o also_o be_v the_o lord_n christ_n to_o be_v our_o example_n and_o hereunto_o do_v belong_v 1_o constant_a prayer_n for_o the_o flock_n 2._o diligence_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n with_o wisdom_n as_o unto_o time_n season_n the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o general_n their_o light_a knowledge_n way_n walk_v ignorance_n temptation_n trial_n defection_n weakness_n of_o all_o sort_n growth_n and_o decay_n etc._n etc._n 3._o personal_a admonition_n exhortation_n consolation_n instruction_n as_o their_o particular_a case_n do_v require_v 4._o all_o with_o a_o design_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o evil_a and_o to_o present_v they_o without_o blame_n before_o christ_n jesus_n at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o these_o and_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n present_v themselves_o with_o some_o earnestness_n unto_o my_o mind_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a discharge_n myself_o of_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o hope_v a_o more_o convenient_a place_n and_o season_n to_o give_v they_o a_o large_a treat_v and_o somewhat_o yet_o far_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o the_o next_o chapter_n 4._o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o his_o whole_a ministry_n and_o in_o all_o the_o end_n of_o it_o have_v its_o continual_a residence_n in_o the_o holy_a soul_n of_o the_o great_a shepherd_n hence_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o a_o expression_n intimate_v that_o it_o be_v inexpressible_a the_o zeal_n of_o thy_o house_n have_v eat_v i_o up_o this_o also_o must_v accompany_v the_o discharge_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n or_o it_o will_v find_v no_o acceptance_n with_o he_o and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o a_o dead_a faithless_a fruitless_a ministry_n 5._o as_o he_o be_v absolute_o in_o himself_o holy_a harmless_a undefiled_a separate_a from_o sinner_n so_o a_o conformity_n unto_o he_o in_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o in_o some_o degree_n of_o eminency_n above_o other_o be_v require_v in_o they_o who_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o office._n again_o none_o can_v or_o may_v take_v this_o office_n upon_o he_o or_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o which_o be_v peculiarly_a its_o own_o with_o authority_n but_o he_o who_o be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o thereunto_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o continuation_n of_o all_o church-order_n and_o power_n of_o the_o regular_a administration_n of_o all_o sacred_a ordinance_n yea_o of_o the_o very_o be_v of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v organical_a depend_v on_o this_o assertion_n some_o deny_v the_o continuation_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o and_o of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o it_o as_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n some_o judge_n that_o person_n neither_o call_v nor_o set_v apart_o unto_o this_o office_n may_v discharge_v all_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o it_o some_o that_o a_o temporary_a delegation_n of_o power_n unto_o any_o by_o the_o church_n be_v all_o the_o warranty_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o undertake_n and_o
mention_n of_o any_o ordinary_a elder_n distinct_a from_o the_o apostle_n ordain_v in_o that_o church_n for_o all_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o yet_o abide_v there_o for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o this_o time_n make_v only_o some_o occasional_a excursion_n unto_o other_o place_n be_v able_a to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n they_o be_v indeed_o mention_v as_o those_o who_o be_v well_o know_v in_o the_o church_n not_o long_o afterward_o chap._n 11.30_o but_o the_o first_o instance_n of_o the_o call_v or_o ordinary_a teaching-elders_a or_o pastor_n be_v not_o record_v that_o of_o deacon_n be_v so_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v concern_v it_o unto_o our_o purpose_n 1._o that_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o be_v of_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o that_o fullness_n of_o church-power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v furnish_v by_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o that_o they_o do_v not_o exert_v that_o authority_n but_o upon_o such_o reason_n of_o it_o as_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o the_o church_n which_o they_o declare_v v_o 2._o 3._o that_o the_o action_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o twelve_o in_o general_a without_o name_v any_o person_n who_o speak_v for_o the_o rest_n which_o render_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o romanist_n from_o the_o former_a place_n where_o peter_n be_v say_v to_o have_v speak_v unto_o the_o disciple_n whereon_o they_o will_v have_v the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o to_o have_v be_v by_o his_o concession_n and_o grant_n not_o of_o their_o own_o right_n altogether_o vain_a for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o much_o interest_v and_o concern_v in_o what_o be_v then_o speak_v by_o peter_n as_o they_o be_v at_o this_o time_n when_o the_o whole_a be_v ascribe_v unto_o the_o twelve_o 4._o that_o the_o church_n be_v great_o multiply_v that_o time_n on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o conversion_n unto_o the_o faith_n record_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n it_o be_v probable_a indeed_o that_o many_o yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v return_v unto_o their_o own_o habitation_n for_o the_o next_o year_n there_o be_v church_n in_o all_o judea_n galilee_n and_o samaria_n chap._n 9.31_o and_o peter_n go_v about_o throughout_o all_o quarter_n to_o visit_v the_o saint_n that_o dwell_v in_o they_o ver_fw-la 32._o of_o who_o conversion_n we_o read_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o fall_v out_o at_o jerusalem_n at_o pentecost_n but_o a_o great_a multitude_n they_o be_v v_o 1_o 2._o 5._o this_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o brethren_n v_o 3._o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n be_v congregat_v by_o the_o apostle_n v_o 2._o who_o will_v not_o ordain_v any_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n 6._o they_o judge_v on_o the_o whole_a matter_n propose_v unto_o they_o and_o give_v their_o approbation_n thereof_o before_o they_o enter_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o v_o 5._o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n 7._o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v choose_v unto_o the_o office_n intend_v be_v declare_v by_o the_o apostle_n v_o 3._o of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n 8._o these_o quality_n the_o multitude_n be_v to_o judge_v upon_o and_o so_o absolute_o of_o the_o meetness_n of_o any_o for_o this_o office._n 9_o the_o choice_n be_v whole_o commit_v and_o leave_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n as_o that_o which_o of_o right_o do_v belong_v unto_o they_o look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o which_o they_o make_v use_v off_o choose_v they_o unto_o the_o office_n by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n v_o 5._o 10._o have_v thus_o choose_v they_o they_o present_v they_o as_o their_o choose_a officer_n unto_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v by_o they_o set_v apart_o unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n v_o 6._o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o more_o evident_a convince_a instance_n and_o example_n of_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n by_o the_o multitude_n or_o fraternity_n of_o the_o church_n than_o be_v give_v we_o herein_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n why_o this_o order_n and_o process_n shall_v be_v observe_v why_o the_o apostle_n will_v not_o themselves_o nominate_v and_o appoint_v person_n who_o they_o see_v and_o know_v meet_v for_o this_o office_n to_o receive_v it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n which_o they_o will_v not_o abridge_v nor_o infringe_v so_o be_v it_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v chrysostom_n on_o the_o place_n and_o so_o it_o ought_v now_o to_o be_v but_o the_o usage_n begin_v then_o to_o decline_v it_o be_v well_o if_o some_o will_v consider_v how_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n treat_v that_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v so_o much_o now_o despise_v and_o utter_o exclude_v from_o all_o concern_n in_o church_n affair_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o servile_a subjection_n but_o they_o have_v in_o this_o pattern_n and_o precedent_n for_o the_o future_a order_n of_o the_o call_n of_o meet_a person_n to_o office_n in_o the_o church_n their_o interest_n power_n and_o privilege_n secure_v unto_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o can_v never_o just_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o herein_o but_o only_o a_o record_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o manage_v church_n affair_n it_o be_v marvellous_a to_o i_o that_o any_o who_o will_v be_v think_v to_o succeed_v they_o in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o office_n shall_v dare_v to_o depart_v from_o the_o example_n set_v before_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o prefer_v their_o own_o way_n and_o invention_n above_o it_o i_o shall_v ever_o judge_v that_o there_o be_v more_o safety_n in_o a_o strict_a adherence_n unto_o this_o apostolical_a practice_n and_o example_n than_o in_o a_o compliance_n with_o all_o the_o canon_n of_o council_n or_o church_n afterward_o the_o only_a objection_n usual_o insist_v on_o that_o be_v by_o bellarmine_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o election_n of_o deacon_n to_o manage_v the_o alm_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v somewhat_o of_o their_o temporal_n nothing_o can_v thence_o be_v conclude_v unto_o the_o right_n or_o way_n of_o call_v bishop_n pastor_n or_o elder_n who_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n they_o may_v indeed_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v entrust_v with_o their_o purse_n or_o what_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v out_o of_o they_o but_o it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o fitness_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v their_o spiritual_a pastor_n nor_o to_o have_v the_o choice_n of_o they_o nothing_o can_v be_v weak_a than_o this_o pretence_n or_o evasion_n for_o 1._o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o call_v of_o person_n unto_o office_n in_o the_o church_n in_o general_n whereof_o we_o have_v here_o a_o rule_n whereunto_o no_o exception_n be_v any_o way_n enter_v 2._o this_o can_v be_v fair_o plead_v by_o they_o who_o appoint_v deacon_n to_o preach_v baptise_v and_o officiate_v public_o in_o all_o holy_a thing_n except_v only_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o eucharist_n 3._o if_o the_o people_n be_v meet_v and_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o they_o who_o be_v of_o honest_a report_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v here_o require_v of_o they_o they_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v who_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v their_o pastor_n 4._o the_o argument_n hold_v strong_o on_o the_o other_o side_n namely_o that_o if_o it_o be_v right_a and_o equal_a if_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a appointment_n and_o apostolical_a practice_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v choose_v those_o who_o be_v to_o collect_v and_o distribute_v their_o charitable_a benevolence_n because_o of_o their_o concernment_n therein_o much_o more_o be_v they_o to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o liberty_n right_o and_o privilege_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n unto_o who_o they_o commit_v the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o lord_n 3._o according_o they_o do_v use_v the_o same_o liberty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o elder_n act._n 14.23_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v say_v erasmus_n vatablus_n beza_n all_o our_o old_a english_a translation_n appoint_v ordain_v create_v elder_n by_o election_n or_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o disciple_n have_v pray_v with_o fast_n the_o whole_a
cyprian_n speak_v see_v matth._n 7.17_o joh._n â—5_n 39_o gal._n 11.9_o 1_o thess._n 5.19_o 20_o 21._o 1_o joh._n 4.1_o 2_o joh._n 10.11_o what_o be_v object_v hereunto_o from_o the_o unfitness_n and_o disability_n of_o the_o people_n to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v their_o pastor_n and_o ruler_n labour_n with_o a_o threefold_a weakness_n for_o 1._o it_o reflect_v dishonour_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o command_v they_o the_o observance_n and_o discharge_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v no_o way_n meet_v for_o 2._o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o that_o degenerate_a state_n of_o church_n in_o their_o member_n as_o to_o light_n knowledge_n wisdom_n and_o holiness_n which_o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fall_v into_o which_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v the_o force_n of_o argument_n in_o it_o when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lament_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v reform_v 3._o it_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o supply_n of_o assistance_n provide_v for_o the_o people_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v they_o therein_o which_o be_v otherwise_o see_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o such_o election_n be_v make_v and_o those_o of_o other_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n be_v by_o the_o common_a advice_n and_o declaration_n of_o their_o judgement_n to_o be_v assistant_n unto_o they_o three_o the_o church_n be_v a_o voluntary_a society_n person_n otherwise_o absolute_o free_a as_o unto_o all_o the_o rule_n law_n and_o end_n of_o such_o a_o society_n do_v of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o free_a choice_n coalesce_v into_o it_o this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o church_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v they_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o herein_o neither_o by_o prescription_n nor_o tradition_n nor_o succession_n have_v any_o one_o more_o power_n or_o authority_n than_o another_o but_o they_o be_v all_o equal_a it_o be_v gather_v into_o this_o society_n mere_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o it_o be_v so_o collect_v it_o have_v neither_o right_n power_n privilege_n rule_n nor_o bond_n as_o such_o but_o what_o be_v give_v prescribe_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o christ._n moreover_o it_o abide_v and_o continue_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o principle_n as_o whereon_o it_o be_v collect_v namely_o the_o will_n of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o subject_v unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n this_o be_v as_o necessary_a unto_o its_o present_a continuance_n in_o all_o its_o member_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o first_o plantation_n it_o be_v not_o like_o the_o political_a society_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v first_o establish_v by_o force_n or_o consent_n bring_v a_o necessity_n on_o all_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o they_o and_o under_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o rule_n and_o law_n for_o man_n may_v and_o in_o many_o case_n ought_v to_o submit_v unto_o the_o disposal_n of_o temporal_a thing_n in_o a_o way_n it_o may_v be_v not_o convenient_a for_o they_o which_o they_o judge_v not_o well_o off_o and_o which_o in_o many_o thing_n be_v not_o unto_o their_o advantage_n and_o this_o may_v be_v just_a and_o equal_a because_o the_o special_a good_a which_o every_o one_o will_v aim_v at_o be_v not_o absolute_o so_o may_v be_v outbalanced_n by_o a_o general_a good_a nor_o alterable_a but_o by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a in_o particular_a but_o with_o reference_n unto_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a it_o be_v not_o so_o no_o man_n can_v by_o any_o previous_a law_n be_v conclude_v as_o unto_o his_o interest_n in_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o general_n good_a to_o be_v attain_v by_o the_o loss_n of_o any_o of_o they_o none_o therefore_o can_v coalesce_v in_o such_o a_o society_n or_o adhere_v unto_o it_o or_o be_v any_o way_n belong_v unto_o it_o but_o by_o his_o own_o free_a choice_n and_o consent_n and_o it_o be_v inquire_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o any_o rule_n authority_n power_n or_o office_n shall_v arise_v or_o be_v erect_v in_o such_o a_o society_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_a for_o he_o by_o who_o this_o church-state_n be_v erect_v and_o appoint_v may_v and_o do_v appoint_v in_o it_o and_o over_o it_o extraordinary_a officer_n for_o a_o season_n and_o we_o do_v suppose_v that_o as_o he_o have_v by_o his_o divine_a authority_n institute_v and_o appoint_v that_o such_o society_n shall_v be_v that_o he_o have_v make_v grant_n of_o privilege_n and_o power_n to_o they_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a for_o this_o end_n as_o also_o that_o he_o have_v give_v law_n and_o rule_n by_o the_o observance_n whereof_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o those_o privilege_n and_o power_n with_o a_o right_n unto_o their_o exercise_n on_o these_o supposition_n in_o a_o society_n absolute_o voluntary_a among_o those_o who_o in_o their_o conjunction_n into_o it_o by_o their_o own_o consent_n be_v every_o way_n equal_a there_o can_v but_o three_o thing_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o actual_a constitution_n of_o rule_n and_o office_n among_o they_o and_o the_o first_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o they_o that_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v for_o the_o discharge_v of_o such_o a_o office_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n above_o other_o this_o be_v previous_a unto_o all_o government_n beyond_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o natural_a and_o necessary_a principio_fw-la rerum_fw-la gentium_fw-la nationumque_fw-la imperium_fw-la penes_fw-la reges_fw-la erat_fw-la quos_fw-la ad_fw-la fastigium_fw-la huius_fw-la majestatis_fw-la non_fw-la popularis_fw-la ambitio_fw-la sed_fw-la spectata_fw-la inter_fw-la bonos_fw-es moderatio_fw-la provehebat_fw-la just._n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n president_n probati_fw-la quique_fw-la seniores_fw-la honorem_fw-la istum_fw-la non_fw-la pretio_fw-la sed_fw-la testimonio_fw-la adepti_fw-la tertull._n this_o preparation_n and_o furniture_n of_o some_o person_n with_o ability_n and_o meet_a qualification_n for_o office_n and_o work_n in_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v take_v on_o himself_o and_o do_v and_o will_v effect_v it_o in_o all_o generation_n without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v neither_o office_n nor_o rule_n nor_o order_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o new_a relation_n to_o be_v make_v or_o create_v between_o a_o pastor_n bishop_n or_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o before_o between_o they_o a_o bishop_n and_o a_o church_n a_o pastor_n and_o a_o flock_n be_v relata_n it_o must_v be_v introduce_v at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o the_o mutual_a voluntary_a act_n of_o one_o another_o or_o of_o each_o party_n for_o one_o of_o the_o relata_fw-la can_v as_o such_o have_v no_o be_v or_o existence_n without_o the_o other_o now_o this_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v but_o by_o the_o consent_n and_o voluntary_a subjection_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o person_n so_o antecedent_o qualify_v for_o office_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o christ._n for_o it_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o delegation_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n from_o any_o other_o superior_a or_o equal_a unto_o they_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o neither_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o power_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o such_o a_o delegation_n nor_o the_o relation_n unto_o christ_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v pastor_n of_o the_o church_n will_v admit_v of_o a_o interposition_n of_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o delegation_n of_o power_n from_o themselves_o in_o other_o man_n which_o will_v make_v they_o their_o minister_n and_o not_o christ_n nor_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o voluntary_a society_n this_o therefore_o can_v no_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o free_a choice_n election_n consent_n or_o approbation_n it_o can_v i_o say_v be_v so_o regular_o how_o far_o a_o irregularity_n herein_o may_v vitiate_v the_o whole_a call_n of_o a_o minister_n we_o do_v not_o now_o inquire_v now_o this_o choice_n or_o election_n do_v not_o communicate_v a_o power_n from_o they_o that_o choose_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v as_o though_o ☜_o such_o a_o power_n as_o that_o whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v shall_v be_v formal_o inherent_a in_o the_o chooser_n antecedent_n unto_o such_o choice_n for_o this_o will_v make_v those_o that_o be_v choose_v to_o be_v their_o minister_n only_o and_o to_o act_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o name_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o authority_n derive_v from_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o instrumental_a ministerial_a mean_n to_o enstate_v they_o in_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o such_o officer_n by_o the_o constitution_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n who_o minister_n thereon_o they_o
office_n be_v vain_a whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o it_o be_v much_o neglect_v 2._o to_o be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o attend_v unto_o the_o especial_a case_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v unto_o they_o and_o not_o to_o look_v on_o they_o as_o unnecessary_a diversion_n whereas_o a_o due_a application_n unto_o they_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n to_o discountenance_v to_o discourage_v any_o from_o seek_v relief_n in_o perplexity_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o carry_v it_o towards_o they_o with_o a_o seem_a moroseness_n and_o unconcernedness_n be_v to_o turn_v that_o which_o be_v lame_a out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o push_v the_o disease_a and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o express_v the_o care_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o flock_n isa._n 40.11_o yea_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o hearken_v after_o they_o who_o may_v be_v so_o exercise_v to_o seek_v they_o out_o to_o give_v they_o their_o counsel_n and_o direction_n on_o all_o occasion_n 3._o to_o bear_v patient_o and_o tender_o with_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n dulness_n slowness_n to_o believe_v and_o receive_v satisfaction_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v impertinency_n in_o they_o that_o be_v so_o tempt_v these_o thing_n will_v abound_v among_o they_o partly_o from_o their_o natural_a infirmity_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o perhaps_o froward_a but_o especial_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o temptation_n which_o be_v suit_v to_o disorder_n and_o disquiet_v their_o mind_n to_o fill_v they_o with_o perplex_a thought_n and_o to_o make_v they_o jealous_a of_o every_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v spiritual_o concern_v and_o if_o much_o patience_n meekness_n and_o condescension_n be_v not_o exercise_v towards_o they_o they_o be_v quick_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o whole_a pastoral_n office_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n or_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o more_o importance_n nor_o wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v more_o concern_v nor_o more_o eminent_o suit_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n itself_o than_o this_o be_v but_o whereas_o it_o be_v a_o work_n or_o duty_n which_o because_o of_o the_o reason_n mention_v must_v be_v accompany_v with_o the_o exercise_n of_o humility_n patience_n self-denial_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n with_o experience_n with_o wearisome_a diversion_n from_o other_o occasion_n those_o who_o have_v get_v of_o old_a the_o conduct_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n into_o their_o management_n turn_v this_o whole_a part_n of_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n into_o a_o engine_n they_o call_v articular_a confession_n whereby_o they_o wrest_v the_o conscience_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o promotion_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n wealth_n authority_n and_o ofttimes_o to_o worse_a end_n 7._o a_o compassionate_a suffering_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o their_o trial_n and_o trouble_n whether_o internal_a or_o external_a belong_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o render_v they_o more_o like_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n who_o to_o represent_v unto_o the_o church_n be_v their_o principal_a duty_n the_o view_n and_o consideration_n by_o faith_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o compassion_n with_o his_o suffer_a member_n be_v the_o principal_a spring_n of_o consolation_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o all_o its_o distress_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o mind_n herein_o ought_v according_a to_o their_o measure_n to_o be_v in_o all_o that_o have_v the_o pastoral_n office_n commit_v unto_o they_o so_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o himself_o who_o be_v weak_a and_o i_o be_o not_o weak_a who_o be_v offend_v and_o i_o burn_v not_o 2_o cor._n 11.29_o and_o unless_o this_o compassion_n and_o goodness_n do_v run_v through_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a office_n man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v evangelical_n shepherd_n nor_o the_o sheep_n say_v in_o any_o sense_n to_o be_v their_o own_o for_o those_o who_o pretend_v unto_o the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o live_v it_o may_v be_v in_o wealth_n and_o pleasure_n regardless_o of_o the_o suffering_n and_o temptation_n of_o their_o flock_n or_o of_o the_o poor_a of_o it_o or_o relate_v unto_o such_o church_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v not_o answerable_a unto_o the_o institution_n of_o their_o office_n nor_o to_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n therein_o 8._o care_v of_o the_o poor_a and_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a be_v part_n of_o this_o duty_n common_o know_v though_o common_o neglect_v 9_o the_o principal_a care_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o second_o general_a head_n of_o the_o power_n and_o duty_n of_o this_o office_n whereunto_o many_o thing_n in_o particular_a do_v belong_v but_o because_o i_o shall_v treat_v afterward_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n by_o itself_o distinct_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o it_o 10._o there_o be_v a_o communion_n to_o be_v observe_v among_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o profession_n in_o any_o nation_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o what_o be_v require_v thereunto_o shall_v be_v afterward_o declare_v the_o principal_a care_n hereof_o unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o pastor_n of_o they_o whether_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o letter_n of_o mutual_a advice_n of_o congratulation_n or_o consolation_n or_o in_o testimony_n of_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o office_n in_o they_o or_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o convening_n in_o synod_n for_o consultation_n of_o their_o joint_a concernment_n which_o thing_n make_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o primitive_a ecclesiastical_a polity_n their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o it_o 11._o that_o wherewith_o i_o shall_v close_v these_o few_o instance_n of_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n and_o duty_n be_v that_o without_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v neither_o be_v useful_a unto_o man_n nor_o be_v accept_v with_o the_o great_a shepherd_n christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o be_v a_o humble_a holy_a exemplary_a conversation_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n with_o that_o of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o with_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o do_v profess_v do_v undeniable_o prove_v this_o duty_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o indispensable_a in_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o fill_v up_o a_o volume_n with_o ancient_a example_n unto_o this_o purpose_n with_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o first_o writer_n among_o christian_n with_o example_n of_o public_a and_o private_a miscarriage_n herein_o with_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o the_o ruin_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o most_o nation_n where_o it_o have_v be_v profess_v and_o so_o of_o the_o nation_n themselves_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o ambition_n pride_n luxury_n uncleanness_n profaneness_n and_o otherways_o vicious_a conversation_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v call_v the_o clergy_n and_o in_o daily_a observation_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n write_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o whatever_o else_o be_v do_v in_o church_n if_o the_o pastor_n of_o they_o or_o those_o who_o be_v so_o esteem_v be_v not_o exemplary_a in_o gospel_n obedience_n and_o holiness_n religion_n will_v not_o be_v carry_v on_o and_o improve_v among_o the_o people_n if_o person_n light_n or_o profane_a in_o their_o habit_n garb_n and_o converse_v corrupt_v in_o their_o communication_n unsavoury_a and_o barren_a as_o unto_o spiritual_a discourse_n if_o such_o as_o be_v covetous_a oppressive_a and_o contentious_a such_o as_o be_v negligent_a in_o holy_a duty_n in_o their_o own_o family_n and_o so_o can_v stir_v up_o other_o unto_o diligence_n therein_o much_o more_o if_o such_o as_o be_v open_o sensual_a vicious_a and_o debauch_a be_v admit_v into_o this_o office_n we_o may_v take_v our_o leave_n of_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o people_n commit_v unto_o their_o charge_n to_o handle_v this_o property_n or_o adjunct_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n it_o be_v necessary_a distinct_o to_o consider_v and_o explain_v all_o the_o qualification_n assign_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o necessary_a unto_o bishop_n and_o elder_n evidence_v as_o previous_o necessary_a unto_o the_o orderly_o call_v of_o they_o unto_o this_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o tit._n 2.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o which_o be_v a_o work_n not_o consistent_a with_o my_o present_a design_n to_o engage_v in_o these_o be_v
unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n who_o be_v elder_n also_o be_v devest_v of_o the_o right_n of_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n or_o discharge_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o because_o other_o not_o call_v unto_o their_o office_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v assistant_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v help_v in_o the_o government_n for_o the_o right_n and_o duty_n of_o rule_n be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n which_o all_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v the_o right_n be_v still_o in_o they_o and_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o consistent_a with_o their_o more_o excellent_a work_n be_v require_v of_o they_o so_o be_v it_o in_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n exod._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o moses_n have_v before_o the_o sole_a rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o addition_n that_o be_v make_v of_o a_o eldership_n for_o his_o assistance_n there_o be_v no_o diminution_n of_o his_o right_n or_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o according_a to_o his_o precedent_a power_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n derogate_a nothing_o from_o their_o own_o authority_n nor_o discharge_v themselves_o of_o their_o care_n so_o when_o they_o appoint_v deacon_n to_o take_v care_n of_o supply_n for_o the_o poor_a they_o do_v not_o forgo_v their_o own_o right_n nor_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o their_o other_o work_n will_v permit_v they_o gal._n 2.9_o 10._o and_o in_o particular_a the_o apostle_n paul_n manifest_v his_o concernment_n herein_o in_o the_o care_n he_o take_v about_o collection_n for_o the_o poor_a in_o all_o church_n 8._o as_o we_o observe_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unto_o authoritative_a teach_v and_o rule_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n for_o authoritative_n teach_v and_o rule_v be_v teach_v and_o rule_v by_o virtue_n of_o office_n and_o this_o office_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v that_o of_o elder_n as_o it_o be_v undeniable_o attest_v act._n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n all_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o care_n inspection_n oversight_n rule_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o it_o express_o for_o elder_n be_v a_o name_n derive_v from_o the_o jew_n denote_v they_o that_o have_v authority_n in_o the_o church_n ☞_o the_o first_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n in_o all_o language_n respect_n age._n elder_n be_v old_a man_n well_o strike_v in_o year_n unto_o who_o respect_n and_o reverence_n be_v due_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o scripture_n command_v unless_o they_o forfeit_v their_o privilege_n by_o levity_n or_o wickedness_n which_o they_o often_o do_v now_o ancient_a man_n be_v original_o judge_v if_o not_o only_o yet_o the_o most_o meet_a for_o rule_n and_o be_v before_o other_o constant_o call_v thereunto_o hence_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o who_o do_v preside_n and_o rule_n over_o other_o in_o any_o kind_n only_a it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o mention_n of_o ruler_n that_o be_v call_v elder_n but_o such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o subordinate_a power_n and_o authority_n only_o those_o who_o be_v in_o supreme_a absolute_a power_n as_o king_n and_o prince_n be_v never_o call_v elder_n but_o elder_n by_o office_n be_v such_o only_a as_o have_v a_o ministerial_a power_n under_o other_o wherefore_o the_o high_a officer_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v call_v elder_n even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o peter_n in_o particular_a 1_o epist._n chap._n 5._o v._n 1.2_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v only_o a_o ministerial_a power_n and_o so_o it_o be_v declare_v ver_n 4._o the_o pope_n will_v now_o scarce_o take_v it_o well_o to_o be_v esteem_v only_o a_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o the_o turkish_a monarch_n be_v call_v the_o grand_a signior_n but_o those_o who_o will_v be_v in_o the_o church_n above_o elder_n have_v no_o office_n in_o it_o whatever_o usurpation_n they_o may_v make_v over_o it_o 9_o to_o the_o complete_a constitution_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o organical_a state_n it_o be_v require_v that_o there_o be_v many_o elder_n in_o it_o at_o least_o more_o than_o one_o in_o this_o proposition_n lie_v the_o next_o foundation_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v distinct_o consider_v i_o do_v not_o determine_v what_o their_o number_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o determinable_a as_o unto_o all_o church_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n sufficient_o direct_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v proportion_v unto_o the_o work_n and_o end_v design_v where_o a_o church_n be_v numerous_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o increase_a their_o number_n proportionable_a unto_o their_o work._n in_o the_o day_n of_o cyprian_a there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o carthage_n ten_o or_o twelve_o of_o they_o that_o be_v mention_v by_o name_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n under_o cornelius_n where_o the_o church_n be_v small_a the_o number_n of_o elder_n may_v be_v so_o also_o for_o no_o office_n be_v appoint_v in_o the_o church_n for_o pomp_n or_o show_n but_o for_o labour_v only_o and_o so_o many_o be_v necessary_a in_o each_o office_n as_o be_v able_a to_o discharge_v the_o work_n which_o be_v allot_v unto_o they_o but_o that_o church_n be_v it_o small_a or_o great_a be_v not_o complete_a in_o its_o state_n be_v defective_a which_o have_v not_o more_o elder_n than_o one_o who_o have_v not_o so_o many_o as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o work._n 10._o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o judgement_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o be_v absolute_o democratical_a or_o popular_a they_o judge_v that_o all_o church-power_n or_o authority_n be_v seat_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o brethren_n or_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o they_o look_v on_o elder_n or_o minister_n only_o as_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o material_o in_o the_o duty_n they_o perform_v and_o final_o for_o their_o edification_n serve_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o church_n but_o formal_o also_o as_o act_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o a_o mere_a delegation_n and_o not_o any_o of_o their_o own_o receive_v direct_o from_o christ_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n hence_o they_o do_v occasional_o appoint_v person_n among_o themselves_o not_o call_v unto_o not_o vest_v with_o any_o office_n to_o administer_v the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o any_o other_o solemn_a office_n of_o worship_n on_o this_o principle_n and_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o elder_n at_o all_o though_o usual_o they_o do_v confer_v this_o office_n on_o some_o with_o solemnity_n but_o as_o among_o they_o there_o be_v no_o direct_a necessity_n of_o any_o elder_n for_o rule_n so_o we_o treat_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v they_o 11._o some_o place_n the_o government_n of_o many_o particular_a church_n in_o a_o diocesan_n bishop_n with_o those_o that_o act_n under_o he_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n and_o the_o civil_a constitution_n of_o the_o land_n these_o be_v so_o far_o from_o judge_v it_o necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o elder_n for_o rule_n in_o every_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o they_o allow_v no_o rule_n in_o they_o at_o all_o but_o only_o assert_v a_o rule_n over_o they_o but_o a_o church_n where_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o itself_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o its_o own_o ruler_n officer_n guide_n immediate_o preside_v in_o it_o be_v unknown_a to_o scripture_n and_o antiquity_n wherefore_o with_o these_o we_o deal_v not_o in_o this_o discourse_n nor_o have_v any_o apprehension_n that_o the_o power_n of_o present_v man_n for_o any_o pretend_a disorder_n unto_o the_o bishop_n or_o chancellor_n court_n be_v any_o part_n of_o church-power_n or_o rule_n 12._o other_o place_z the_o rule_n of_o particular_a church_n especial_o in_o case_n of_o great_a moment_n in_o a_o association_n conjunction_n or_o combination_n of_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o in_o one_o society_n which_o be_v common_o call_v a_o classis_fw-la so_o in_o all_o act_n of_o rule_n there_o will_v be_v a_o conjunct_a act_n of_o many_o elder_n and_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v the_o best_a provision_n that_o can_v be_v make_v on_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o present_a parochial_a distribution_n but_o those_o also_o of_o this_o
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
these_o act_n of_o the_o church_n essential_o consider_v there_o be_v no_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n as_o unto_o authoritative_a rule_n but_o what_o be_v mere_o doctrinal_a there_o be_v in_o what_o it_o do_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n who_o they_o do_v receive_v or_o reject_v but_o unto_o the_o church_n as_o organical_a as_o there_o be_v elder_n or_o ruler_n instate_v in_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a authority_n commit_v for_o those_o act_n of_o the_o admission_n and_o exclusion_n of_o member_n unto_o this_o end_n be_v the_o key_n of_o rule_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v apply_v with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o 2_o dly_z the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o these_o four_o head_n 1._o mutual_n intense_a peculiar_a love_n among_o themselves_o to_o be_v exercise_v continual_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o 2._o personal_a holiness_n in_o gracious_a moral_a obedience_n 3._o vsefulness_n towards_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n towards_o other_o church_n and_o all_o man_n absolute_o as_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n do_v require_v 4._o the_o due_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n owe_v mutual_o unto_o each_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o place_n and_o order_n which_o they_o hold_v and_o possess_v in_o the_o body_n about_o these_o thing_n be_v church-rule_n to_o be_v exercise_v for_o they_o all_o belong_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o its_o be_v and_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o ends._n 3_o dly_z hereunto_o also_o belong_v the_o disposal_n of_o the_o outward_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o assembly_n and_o in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o that_o be_v perform_v in_o they_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n the_o disposal_n of_o time_n season_n place_n the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o manage_v all_o thing_n in_o church-assembly_n the_o regulation_n of_o speech_n and_o action_n the_o appointment_n of_o season_n for_o extraordinary_a duty_n according_a unto_o the_o general_n rule_v of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n from_o present_a circumstance_n be_v act_n of_o rule_n who_o right_a reside_v in_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v we_o may_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o that_o sort_n of_o elder_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v place_v by_o christ_n for_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n for_o consider_v that_o which_o have_v be_v speak_v before_o concern_v the_o pastoral_a office_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o teaching-elders_a of_o the_o church_n and_o what_o have_v now_o be_v add_v concern_v its_o rule_n in_o general_a i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o any_o one_o man_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o ability_n as_o to_o suppose_v himself_o meet_v and_o able_a for_o the_o discharge_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o both_o sort_n in_o the_o least_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v yea_o suppose_v more_o teaching-elders_a in_o every_o church_n than_o one_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o equal_o bind_v to_o give_v themselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v divert_v from_o that_o work_n by_o any_o inferior_a duty_n if_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o strength_n continual_o it_o will_v appear_v at_o length_n to_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o who_o peculiar_a office_n and_o duty_n be_v to_o attend_v unto_o rule_n with_o diligence_n and_o the_o work_n of_o these_o elder_n consist_v in_o the_o thing_n ensue_v 1._o they_o be_v join_v unto_o the_o teach_v elder_n in_o all_o act_n and_o duty_n of_o church-power_n for_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n such_o be_v those_o before_o declare_v this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o text_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o both_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v join_v and_o do_v concur_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o all_o the_o act_n of_o it_o one_o sort_n of_o they_o labour_v also_o in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v the_o presbytery_n or_o eldership_n compose_v wherein_o reside_v all_o church-authority_n and_o in_o this_o conjunction_n those_o of_o both_o sort_n be_v every_o way_n equal_a determine_v all_o act_n of_o rule_n by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n this_o give_v order_n with_o a_o necessary_a representation_n of_o authority_n unto_o the_o church_n in_o its_o government_n 2._o they_o be_v in_o particular_a to_o attend_v unto_o all_o thing_n wherein_o the_o rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v with_o a_o due_a care_n that_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n be_v due_o observe_v by_o and_o among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o rule_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v whatever_o be_v pretend_v unto_o the_o contrary_n whatever_o be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n in_o opposition_n unto_o it_o or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v foreign_a unto_o the_o gospel_n church-rule_n be_v a_o due_a care_n and_o provision_n that_o the_o institution_n law_n command_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v due_o observe_v and_o nothing_o else_o and_o hereof_o as_o unto_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o elder_n we_o may_v give_v some_o instance_n as_o 1._o to_o watch_v diligent_o over_o the_o way_n walk_v and_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o see_v that_o it_o be_v blameless_a without_o offence_n useful_a exemplary_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n answer_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o profession_n which_o in_o the_o world_n they_o make_v thereof_o and_o upon_o the_o observation_n which_o they_o so_o make_v in_o the_o watch_n wherein_o they_o be_v place_v to_o instruct_v admonish_v charge_n exhort_v encourage_v comfort_n as_o they_o see_v cause_n and_o this_o be_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o with_o courage_n and_o diligence_n 2._o to_o watch_n against_o all_o rise_n or_o appearance_n of_o such_o difference_n and_o division_n on_o the_o account_n of_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a as_o unto_o their_o name_n right_n and_o propriety_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o that_o love_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v in_o a_o peculiar_a and_o eminent_a manner_n to_o be_v find_v among_o his_o disciple_n this_o he_o call_v his_o own_o new_a command_n with_o respect_n unto_o his_o authority_n require_v it_o his_o example_n first_o illustrate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o peculiar_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o he_o reveal_v and_o teach_v wherefore_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o this_o law_n of_o love_n in_o itself_o and_o all_o its_o fruit_n with_o the_o prevention_n removal_n or_o condemnation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o be_v that_o in_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n do_v principal_o consist_v and_o consider_v the_o weakness_n the_o passion_n the_o temptation_n of_o man_n the_o mutual_a provocation_n and_o exasperation_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o fall_v out_o even_o among_o the_o best_a the_o influence_n that_o earthly_a occasion_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v upon_o their_o mind_n the_o frowardness_n sometime_o of_o man_n natural_a temper_n the_o attendance_n unto_o this_o one_o duty_n or_o part_n of_o rule_n require_v the_o utmost_a diligence_n of_o they_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o it_o and_o it_o be_v mere_o either_o the_o want_n of_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o law_n and_o its_o fruit_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o disciple_n or_o a_o undervaluation_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o glory_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n or_o inadvertency_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o its_o decay_n and_o of_o breech_n make_v in_o it_o or_o ignorance_n of_o the_o care_n and_o duty_n that_o be_v necessary_a unto_o its_o preservation_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o work_n of_o a_o especial_a office_n be_v not_o require_v hereunto_o 3._o their_o duty_n be_v to_o warn_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o especial_a church-duty_n that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v negligent_a or_o want_v in_o they_o there_o be_v especial_a duty_n require_v respective_o of_o all_o church-member_n according_a unto_o the_o distinct_a
ascribe_v unto_o they_o ver._n 5._o all_o these_o thing_n do_v suppose_v a_o right_n and_o duty_n thereon_o to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o interest_n in_o excommunication_n to_o reside_v in_o the_o whole_a church_n wherefore_o 5._o there_o be_v some_o act_n belong_v hereunto_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fraternity_n can_v be_v exclude_v from_o without_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n itself_o and_o render_v it_o ineffectual_a such_o be_v the_o previous_a cognizance_n of_o the_o cause_n without_o which_o they_o can_v be_v blame_v for_o any_o neglect_n about_o it_o preparatory_a duty_n unto_o its_o execution_n in_o prayer_n mourn_v and_o admonition_n which_o be_v express_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o and_o a_o testification_n of_o their_o consent_n unto_o it_o by_o their_o common_a suffrage_n without_o these_o thing_n excommunication_n be_v but_o a_o name_n with_o a_o noise_n it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o order_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 6._o hence_o arise_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n that_o be_v consequential_a unto_o his_o exclusion_n from_o among_o they_o such_o be_v pray_v for_o he_o as_o one_o note_v by_o the_o church_n and_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n avoid_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o public_a and_o private_a that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o arise_v from_o their_o own_o voluntary_a act_n in_o his_o exclusion_n and_o such_o as_o without_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o can_v be_v oblige_v unto_o 7._o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n unto_o the_o formal_a compleatness_n of_o this_o sentence_n a_o authoritative_a act_n of_o office-power_n be_v require_v for_o 1._o there_o be_v in_o it_o such_o a_o act_n of_o rule_n as_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n only_o 2._o the_o executive_a power_n of_o the_o key_n in_o bind_v and_o lose_v so_o far_o as_o it_o comprise_v authority_n to_o be_v act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v entrust_v with_o they_o only_o 8._o wherefore_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o in_o answer_n unto_o this_o enquiry_n but_o that_o excommunication_n be_v a_o act_n of_o church-power_n in_o its_o officer_n and_o brethren_n act_v according_a unto_o their_o respective_a right_n interest_n and_o duty_n particular_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n act_n in_o it_o as_o officer_n with_o authority_n the_o brethren_n or_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n with_o power_n yet_o so_o as_o that_o the_o officer_n be_v no_o way_n exclude_v from_o their_o power_n consent_n and_o suffrage_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v the_o same_o interest_n therein_o with_o all_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n have_v no_o interest_n in_o those_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o officer_n which_o be_v peculiar_a unto_o they_o where_o either_o of_o these_o be_v want_v the_o whole_a duty_n be_v vitiate_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o sentence_n render_v ineffectual_a i._o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o excommunication_n just_o deserve_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o case_n of_o trouble_n or_o danger_n that_o may_v ensue_v unto_o the_o church_n therein_o it_o be_v usual_o grant_v that_o so_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v which_o seem_v in_o general_a to_o have_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o austin_n the_o trouble_n and_o danger_n intend_v be_v threefold_a 1._o from_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o from_o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v 3._o from_o the_o church_n 1._o trouble_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o there_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o authority_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o it_o over_o the_o person_n of_o man_n not_o grant_v from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n those_o that_o execute_v it_o may_v be_v liable_a unto_o penalty_n ordain_v in_o such_o case_n 2._o the_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v may_v be_v great_a and_o of_o great_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n so_o as_o that_o if_o they_o receive_v a_o provocation_n hereby_o they_o may_v occasion_v or_o stir_v up_o persecution_n against_o the_o church_n as_o it_o have_v often_o fall_v out_o 3._o the_o church_n itself_o may_v be_v divide_v on_o these_o consideration_n so_o as_o that_o last_a difference_n may_v be_v occasion_v among_o they_o which_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o sentence_n may_v prevent_v for_o answer_n hereunto_o some_o thing_n must_v be_v premise_v as_o 1._o here_o be_v no_o supposition_n of_o any_o thing_n sinful_a or_o moral_o evil_a in_o the_o church_n its_o officer_n or_o any_o of_o its_o member_n by_o refuse_v to_o omit_v the_o pronounce_v of_o this_o sentence_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o sin_n in_o give_v occasion_n unto_o the_o trouble_v mention_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o a_o omission_n of_o duty_n be_v now_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o 2._o we_o must_v suppose_v 1._o that_o the_o cause_n of_o excommunication_n be_v clear_a and_o evident_a both_o as_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o the_o due_a application_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o person_n concern_v so_o as_o that_o no_o rational_a indifferent_a man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v meet_v that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v wherever_o excommunication_n be_v administer_v 2._o that_o sufficient_a time_n and_o space_n of_o repentance_n and_o for_o give_v satisfaction_n unto_o the_o church_n whereof_o afterward_o have_v be_v allow_v unto_o the_o person_n after_o admonition_n 3._o that_o the_o church_n do_v real_o suffer_v in_o honour_n and_o reputation_n by_o tolerate_v such_o a_o scandalous_a offender_n among_o they_o i_o answer_v on_o these_o supposition_n i_o see_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o countenance_v the_o omission_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o sentence_n or_o to_o acquit_v the_o church_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v for_o 1._o the_o first_o presence_n of_o danger_n be_v vain_a there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o jurisdiction_n in_o this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o touch_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v under_o the_o protection_n and_o conservation_n of_o humane_a law_n it_o reach_v not_o the_o person_n of_o man_n in_o their_o life_n or_o liberty_n nor_o their_o estate_n or_o the_o least_o secular_a privilege_n that_o they_o do_v enjoy_v it_o do_v not_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o power_n or_o censure_n of_o other_o nor_o prejudge_v they_o as_o unto_o office_n or_o advantage_n of_o life_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o concernment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n herein_o no_o more_o than_o in_o a_o parent_n disenherit_v a_o rebellious_a child_n 2._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o persecution_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o person_n provoke_v i_o say_v 1._o the_o same_o may_v be_v plead_v as_o unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n wherewith_o the_o world_n be_v provoke_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a profession_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n to_o testify_v against_o sin_n in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n be_v a_o case_n of_o confession_n 2._o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o deter_v by_o this_o consideration_n from_o the_o excommunication_n of_o simon_n magus_n the_o seduce_a jew_n hymeneus_n and_o alexander_n with_o other_o 3._o the_o lord_n christ_n command_v and_o reprove_v his_o church_n according_a as_o they_o be_v strict_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o duty_n or_o neglective_a of_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o fear_n of_o persecution_n thereon_o revel_v 2.3_o and_o 4._o he_o will_v take_v that_o care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o their_o obedience_n unto_o he_o as_o shall_v turn_v all_o the_o consequent_n thereof_o unto_o their_o advantage_n 3._o as_o unto_o danger_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v say_v but_o that_o if_o rule_v order_n love_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o prevent_v such_o difference_n there_o be_v no_o way_n appoint_v of_o christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o as_o they_o be_v abundant_o they_o must_v bear_v their_o own_o blame_n who_o occasion_n such_o difference_n ii_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v what_o if_o such_o a_o offender_n as_o just_o deserve_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o be_v under_o admonition_n in_o order_n thereunto_o in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n shall_v voluntary_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o and_o leave_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v there_o any_o necessity_n to_o proceed_v against_o he_o by_o excommunication_n answ._n 1._o some_z say_v it_o be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o church_n that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v cut_v off_o himself_o from_o the_o