







 
   
     
       
         An exact enqviry after ancient truths, both in scripture and fathers touching the subsistence of the Church of God, digested into three parts : viz. I. True worship. II. Dominion, or divine jurisdiction. III. Discipline, reduced from our father Adams time, through all ages, to these present times ... / by W. Fenwick ...
         Fenwick, William, 1616 or 17-ca. 1682.
      
       
         This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A70099 of text R21240 in the  English Short Title Catalog (Wing F724). Textual changes  and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more  computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life.  The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with  MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.  This text has not been fully proofread 
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         EarlyPrint Project
         Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO
         2017
         A70099
         Wing F724
         ESTC R21240
         12119255
         ocm 12119255
         54411
         
           
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         Early English books online.
      
       
         (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A70099)
         Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 54411)
         Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 241:E77, no 30)
      
       
         
           
             An exact enqviry after ancient truths, both in scripture and fathers touching the subsistence of the Church of God, digested into three parts : viz. I. True worship. II. Dominion, or divine jurisdiction. III. Discipline, reduced from our father Adams time, through all ages, to these present times ... / by W. Fenwick ...
             Fenwick, William, 1616 or 17-ca. 1682.
          
           [12], 60 p.
           
             Printed for Edw. Husbands and Lawrence Blaiklock,
             London :
             1643.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in Thomason Collection, British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Church -- Early works to 1800.
           Worship -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A70099  R21240  (Wing F724).  civilwar no An exact enquiry after ancient truths, both in scripture and fathers. Touching the subsistence of the church of God; digested into three par Fenwick, William 1643    28864 10 40 0 0 0 0 17 C  The  rate of 17 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           An
           Exact
           ENQVIRY
           AFTER
           Ancient
           Truths
           ,
           Both
           in
           
             Scripture
          
           and
           
             Fathers
             .
          
        
         
           Touching
           
             The
             subsistence
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ;
          
           Digested
           into
           Three
           Parts
           :
           
             VIZ.
          
           
             
               I.
               True
               Worship
               .
            
             
               II.
               Dominion
               ,
               or
               Divine
               Jurisdiction
               .
            
             
               III.
               Discipline
               ,
               reduced
               from
               our
               Father
               
                 Adams
              
               time
               ,
               through
               all
               Ages
               ,
               to
               these
               present
               Times
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             Very
             usefull
             for
             these
             Times
             :
          
           By
           
             W
             :
             Fenwick
             ,
          
           Utter-Barrester
           of
           
             Grays-Inne
             .
          
        
         
           
             London
             ,
          
           Printed
           for
           
             Edw
             :
             Husbands
          
           and
           
             Lawrence
             Blaiklock
             :
          
           and
           are
           to
           be
           sold
           at
           their
           shops
           in
           the
           Middle
           Temple
           ,
           &
           Temple-Bar
           .
        
      
       
       
       
         
           To
           the
           Right
           Honorable
           ,
           
             Algernon
          
           Earl
           of
           Northumberland
           ,
           Lord
           
             Percy
             ,
             Lucy
             ,
             Poynings
             ,
             Fitzpain
             ,
             Brian
             ,
          
           and
           
             Latimer
             ;
          
           Lord
           high
           Admirall
           of
           ENGLAND
           ,
           Knight
           of
           the
           most
           Noble
           order
           of
           the
           Garter
           ,
           and
           one
           of
           His
           Majesties
           most
           Honorable
           Privy-councell
           .
        
         
           
             Right
             Honorable
             ,
          
        
         
           THe
           unworthy
           oppressed
           Author
           hath
           not
           long
           since
           groaned
           under
           the
           severe
           censure
           of
           the
           late
           high
           Commission
           for
           the
           insuing
           speculations
           ,
           which
           now
           he
           adventures
           to
           present
           unto
           your
           Honour
           ,
           hoping
           for
           a
           candid
           acceptance
           ,
           and
           interpretation
           of
           his
           poor
           indeavours
           for
           the
           good
           of
           
             Zion
             .
          
           Had
           not
           the
           rising
           Sun
           of
           an
           auspicious
           Parliament
           dispelled
           those
           clouds
           of
           oppresion
           and
           tyranny
           ,
           that
           menaced
           a
           drowning
           both
           to
           me
           and
           
           them
           ,
           they
           had
           been
           choked
           in
           their
           
             embrio
             ,
          
           and
           never
           injoyed
           the
           happinesse
           they
           have
           now
           attained
           in
           your
           Honorable
           aspect
           .
           Pardon
           (
           most
           noble
           Lord
           )
           the
           inforced
           presumption
           of
           the
           distressed
           Author
           ,
           which
           implores
           and
           hopes
           for
           your
           honorable
           Patronage
           ,
           and
           humbly
           praying
           for
           the
           daily
           increase
           of
           your
           Honours
           health
           and
           eternall
           happinesse
           ,
           remains
        
         
           
             Your
             Honours
             most
             humble
             ,
             most
             devoted
             Servant
             ,
             
               William
               Fenwick
               .
            
          
        
      
       
         
           The
           Errata
           .
        
         
           PAge
           1.
           line
           27
           ;
           
             for
          
           more
           ,
           
             read
          
           most
           .
           l.
           28.
           
             for
          
           right
           ,
           
             r.
          
           light
           .
           Pag.
           2.
           l.
           29.
           
             for
             .
          
           2
           ,
           
             r.
          
           of
           .
           Line
           34.
           
             for
          
           posterity
           ,
           
             r.
          
           prosperity
           .
           Pag.
           4.
           l.
           24.
           
             for
          
           endeavours
           ,
           
             r.
          
           endnes
           .
           The
           second
           Treatise
           ,
           p.
           2.
           l.
           33.
           
             for
             .
          
           the
           ,
           
             r.
          
           thy
           .
           
             for
          
           of
           ,
           
             r.
          
           unto
           .
           Pag.
           18.
           l.
           3.
           
             for
          
           he
           ,
           
             r.
          
           the
           .
           Pag.
           10
           ,
           l.
           21
           ,
           
             for
          
           in
           ,
           
             r.
          
           from
           .
           Pag.
           11.
           l.
           28.
           
             for
          
           what
           ,
           
             r.
          
           with
           Pag.
           15.
           l.
           1.
           
             for
          
           Angelicall
           ,
           
             r.
          
           Euangelicall
           .
           P.
           20.
           l.
           9.
           
             for
             .
          
           penitent
           ,
           
             r.
          
           impenitent
           .
           Pag.
           23.
           lin
           6.
           
             for
          
           A
           ,
           
             r.
             
          
           As.
           
             for
          
           of
           .
           
             r.
          
           to
           .
           Pag.
           25.
           l.
           9.
           
             read
             ,
          
           are
           first
           .
           Pag.
           54.
           l.
           14.
           
             read
          
           omitted
           .
           Pag.
           55.
           l.
           9.
           
             read
             ,
          
           it
           is
           that
           .
           l.
           29.
           
             reade
             ,
          
           All
           ,
           And
           thus
           .
        
      
       
       
         
           ZIONS
           REQVEST
           To
           her
           Honourable
           ,
           and
           welbeloved
           Sonnes
           now
           happily
           assembled
           in
           the
           long
           and
           much-desired
           Parliament
           of
           
             England
             .
          
        
         
           RIght
           deare
           and
           well-beloved
           of
           God
           your
           Father
           in
           my
           Lord
           ;
           by
           whom
           you
           are
           begotten
           and
           borne
           ,
           and
           welbeloved
           of
           me
           :
           not
           begot
           of
           mortall
           or
           carnall
           seed
           ,
           but
           of
           the
           immortall
           seed
           of
           the
           Word
           ;
           neither
           borne
           nor
           brought
           forth
           of
           the
           mandane
           wombe
           of
           
             Rome
             :
          
           nor
           sprong
           from
           the
           native
           bowels
           of
           my
           humanitie
           ;
           but
           I
           bore
           you
           and
           brought
           you
           forth
           of
           my
           celestiall
           wombe
           :
           the
           eternall
           councell
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           I
           have
           nourished
           and
           brought
           you
           up
           in
           the
           royall
           City
           of
           divine
           
             Salomon
             ,
          
           my
           Lord
           and
           your
           God
           and
           Saviour
           .
        
         
           
           My
           sonnes
           heare
           your
           Fathers
           instruction
           ,
           and
           forsake
           not
           your
           mothers
           teaching
           ;
           for
           they
           shall
           be
           a
           comely
           ornament
           unto
           your
           head
           ,
           and
           as
           chalnes
           to
           your
           necke
           .
           You
           have
           seene
           with
           your
           eyes
           ,
           and
           heard
           with
           your
           eares
           ,
           how
           the
           strumpet
           of
           
             Babell
          
           hath
           boasted
           her selfe
           against
           me
           ,
           and
           with
           her
           impudent
           face
           affirmed
           her selfe
           to
           be
           Queene
           of
           heaven
           and
           earth
           ,
           deluding
           the
           world
           with
           outward
           apparantes
           ,
           whereby
           many
           are
           mistaken
           by
           her
           outward
           glory
           ,
           supposing
           her
           to
           be
           my selfe
           .
        
         
           But
           I
           desire
           you
           ,
           my
           most
           honourable
           and
           deare
           children
           ,
           to
           conceive
           of
           me
           aright
           ,
           and
           be
           not
           deceived
           with
           vaine
           and
           glorious
           showes
           and
           worldly
           pompe
           ;
           For
           my
           glory
           is
           internall
           and
           heavenly
           ,
           more
           splendent
           then
           the
           pure
           gold
           of
           more
           curious
           embroderers
           ,
           which
           no
           eye
           can
           see
           ,
           but
           that
           Divine
           eye
           of
           right
           
           which
           is
           given
           you
           of
           your
           Father
           .
           For
           I
           testifie
           unto
           you
           ,
           that
           I
           am
           not
           to
           be
           considered
           by
           the
           pompe
           and
           glory
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           nor
           yet
           by
           the
           wisedome
           of
           the
           wise
           man
           ,
           or
           by
           the
           nature
           of
           flesh
           and
           blood
           ,
           for
           those
           are
           not
           heavenly
           ,
           but
           earthly
           sensuall
           and
           divelish
           ,
           and
           doe
           not
           ,
           cannot
           ,
           nor
           will
           not
           please
           God
           ,
           but
           conceive
           you
           me
           to
           be
           heavenly
           ,
           spirituall
           .
           and
           divine
           ,
           such
           as
           your
           Father
           hath
           described
           me
           to
           be
           .
        
         
           A
           mountaine
           ,
           even
           Mount
           Zion
           ,
           a
           City
           ,
           the
           City
           of
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           the
           celestiall
           Jerusalem
           ,
           filled
           with
           the
           societie
           of
           innumerable
           Angels
           ,
           and
           the
           assembly
           of
           the
           first
           borne
           ,
           which
           are
           written
           in
           heaven
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           presence
           of
           God
           in
           Trinitie
           sitting
           upon
           the
           Throne
           ,
           Judge
           of
           all
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           unity
           and
           communion
           of
           the
           spirits
           of
           just
           and
           perfect
           men
           ,
           made
           perfect
           with
           that
           individuall
           union
           which
           they
           have
           with
           Jesus
           the
           Mediatour
           of
           the
           New
           Testament
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           blood
           of
           sprinkling
           ,
           which
           speaketh
           better
           things
           then
           that
           of
           
             Abel
             ,
          
           even
           the
           remission
           of
           sinnes
           to
           the
           imputation
           of
           righteousnesse
           for
           justification
           of
           sinners
           ,
           for
           he
           came
           to
           save
           sinners
           ,
           by
           drawing
           sinners
           ,
           to
           repentance
           .
           And
           I
           pray
           you
           shake
           of
           all
           carnall
           apprehensions
           of
           mee
           ,
           and
           conceive
           me
           to
           be
           really
           such
           in
           nature
           and
           condition
           as
           my
           Lord
           hath
           revealed
           me
           by
           the
           mouth
           of
           his
           blessed
           servant
           
             Peter
             ,
             1
             Pet.
             2.
          
           affirming
           mee
           to
           bee
           a
           spirituall
           house
           or
           temple
           ,
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.
             5.
          
           built
           and
           compact
           of
           living
           stones
           ,
           made
           a
           spirituall
           house
           a
           holy
           priesthood
           ,
           to
           offer
           up
           spirituall
           sacrifices
           acceptable
           to
           God
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           who
           is
           my
           foundation
           that
           living
           stone
           ,
           on
           whom
           I
           am
           built
           ,
           though
           hee
           be
           disallowed
           of
           men
           ,
           yet
           chosen
           of
           God
           and
           precious
           .
        
         
           Neither
           suppose
           me
           to
           bee
           a
           politique
           body
           ,
           composed
           of
           a
           temporall
           head
           or
           soveraigne
           Monarchy
           ,
           or
           a
           Nationall
           and
           positive
           lawes
           and
           customes
           (
           which
           though
           they
           bee
           ordained
           of
           God
           ,
           yet
           in
           substance
           they
           are
           humane
           inventions
           and
           traditions
           of
           men
           )
           nor
           consisting
           of
           civill
           and
           humane
           Magistrates
           ,
           endewed
           with
           morall
           gifts
           and
           vertues
           for
           the
           externall
           government
           ,
           power
           and
           posteritie
           of
           humane
           societies
           ,
           politiquely
           and
           wisely
           providing
           for
           the
           defects
           of
           depraved
           nature
           ,
           and
           preventing
           the
           dammage
           ,
           danger
           and
           ruine
           ,
           which
           the
           malice
           of
           Satan
           and
           the
           corrupt
           nature
           of
           man
           ,
           would
           draw
           upon
           the
           societies
           of
           men
           in
           their
           terrestriall
           abode
           .
           Though
           I
           bee
           sometimes
           
           called
           a
           Kingdome
           in
           respect
           of
           my
           eternall
           King
           ,
           the
           Lord
           of
           Lords
           ,
           and
           King
           of
           Kings
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           divine
           spirituall
           power
           and
           heavenly
           dominion
           ,
           which
           never
           shall
           have
           end
           :
           Yet
           am
           I
           never
           anywhere
           in
           Scripture
           described
           to
           bee
           a
           temporall
           or
           earthly
           Kingdome
           .
           But
           on
           the
           contrary
           ,
           my
           Lord
           did
           plainly
           affirme
           and
           teach
           ,
           that
           his
           kingdome
           was
           not
           of
           this
           world
           ,
           
           and
           prohibited
           the
           subjects
           of
           his
           kingdome
           to
           take
           dominion
           and
           government
           upon
           them
           one
           over
           another
           ,
           nor
           set
           up
           a
           Hierarchie
           among
           them
           ,
           as
           the
           Princes
           and
           Lords
           of
           the
           world
           did
           ,
           whose
           manner
           is
           to
           thirst
           after
           preheminence
           and
           dominion
           ,
           but
           that
           in
           his
           divine
           kingdome
           ,
           hee
           that
           would
           be
           the
           greatest
           ,
           should
           be
           the
           least
           ,
           and
           hee
           that
           should
           be
           found
           to
           take
           most
           diligent
           labour
           and
           paines
           in
           ministration
           of
           his
           divine
           Word
           and
           food
           of
           life
           ,
           should
           bee
           esteemed
           a
           faithfull
           servant
           to
           his
           Lord
           and
           Master
           .
        
         
           But
           consider
           me
           as
           I
           am
           the
           minister
           and
           dispensator
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           whom
           is
           committed
           the
           Administration
           of
           that
           hidden
           mysterie
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           was
           promised
           since
           the
           world
           began
           ,
           it
           was
           hid
           from
           all
           ages
           ,
           
           but
           now
           in
           these
           latter
           dayes
           made
           manifest
           to
           his
           Saints
           ,
           To
           whom
           God
           would
           make
           knowne
           what
           is
           the
           riches
           of
           his
           glorious
           Mystery
           among
           the
           Gentiles
           .
        
         
           Which
           riches
           is
           Christ
           in
           you
           the
           hope
           of
           glory
           ,
           and
           Christ
           is
           the
           Image
           of
           the
           invisible
           God
           ,
           the
           first
           begotten
           of
           every
           creature
           :
           that
           Word
           by
           whom
           all
           things
           were
           created
           in
           heaven
           and
           in
           earth
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           before
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           in
           him
           all
           things
           consist
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           the
           head
           of
           the
           body
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           hee
           is
           the
           beginning
           ,
           and
           the
           first
           begotten
           of
           the
           dead
           ,
           that
           in
           all
           things
           hee
           might
           have
           the
           preheminence
           ,
           for
           it
           pleased
           the
           Father
           ,
           that
           in
           him
           all
           fulnesse
           should
           dwell
           ,
           And
           through
           peace
           made
           by
           the
           blood
           of
           that
           his
           Crosse
           to
           reconcile
           to
           himselfe
           through
           him
           (
           even
           through
           Christ
           )
           all
           things
           ,
           both
           which
           are
           in
           heaven
           ,
           and
           which
           are
           in
           earth
           .
           
        
         
           This
           is
           that
           Mysterie
           which
           is
           committed
           to
           me
           your
           mother
           ,
           not
           that
           I
           should
           adde
           or
           diminish
           ,
           but
           that
           I
           should
           deliver
           unto
           you
           ,
           that
           which
           I
           have
           received
           of
           the
           Lord
           ;
           and
           for
           that
           this
           mysterie
           my
           Lord
           Christ
           is
           my
           head
           and
           Soveraigne
           of
           my
           soule
           I
           am
           called
           his
           mysticall
           body
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           cast
           away
           all
           carnall
           and
           wordly
           conceits
           of
           mee
           ,
           
           and
           behold
           me
           in
           that
           mysterie
           ,
           as
           I
           am
           growing
           up
           into
           〈◊〉
           
             Ephes.
             4.
             5.
          
           which
           is
           my
           head
           that
           is
           Christ
           ,
           by
           whom
           through
           the
           unitie
           of
           the
           spirit
           ,
           in
           the
           bond
           of
           peace
           ,
           I
           am
           a
           mysticall
           body
           ,
           like
           a
           naturall
           body
           coupled
           and
           knit
           together
           by
           every
           joynt
           ,
           for
           the
           furniture
           of
           the
           body
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           effectuall
           power
           ,
           which
           is
           in
           every
           part
           ,
           wherby
           the
           body
           receiveth
           encrease
           unto
           the
           edifying
           of
           it selfe
           in
           love
           ;
           And
           through
           this
           unity
           in
           my
           head
           ,
           I
           and
           my
           head
           make
           one
           compleat
           mysticall
           body
           ,
           so
           there
           is
           one
           body
           ,
           one
           spirit
           ,
           called
           unto
           one
           hope
           ,
           of
           our
           vocation
           ;
           
           one
           Lord
           ,
           one
           Baptisme
           ,
           one
           God
           and
           Father
           of
           all
           ,
           which
           is
           above
           all
           ,
           and
           through
           all
           ,
           and
           in
           us
           all
           .
        
         
           But
           as
           a
           naturall
           body
           is
           one
           ,
           and
           hath
           many
           members
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           members
           of
           the
           body
           which
           is
           one
           ,
           though
           they
           bee
           many
           ,
           yet
           are
           but
           one
           body
           ,
           even
           so
           is
           Christ
           ,
           for
           I
           am
           his
           owne
           body
           by
           his
           spirituall
           union
           ;
           but
           marke
           well
           and
           understand
           ,
           this
           body
           is
           not
           one
           member
           ,
           as
           a
           Pope
           ,
           or
           Episcopus
           ,
           to
           take
           preheminence
           ,
           which
           would
           make
           division
           betwixt
           me
           and
           my
           head
           .
        
         
           But
           in
           the
           body
           there
           are
           many
           members
           ,
           so
           in
           me
           the
           body
           〈◊〉
           Church
           of
           Christ
           there
           are
           many
           members
           ,
           and
           hee
           is
           the
           onely
           true
           and
           absolute
           supreme
           head
           .
           And
           none
           but
           he
           can
           give
           many
           and
           divers
           gifts
           and
           administrations
           as
           in
           this
           ,
           
             1
             Cor.
             12
             4.
             5
             ,
             6
             ,
             7.
          
           but
           the
           same
           Spirit
           ,
           the
           same
           Lord
           ,
           and
           though
           there
           〈◊〉
           diversities
           of
           operations
           ,
           yet
           one
           God
           is
           the
           same
           ,
           which
           work
           〈◊〉
           all
           in
           all
           ;
           Now
           if
           my
           head
           be
           God
           ,
           and
           my
           endeavour
           the
           gifts
           of
           the
           spirit
           ,
           who
           can
           impose
           upon
           mee
           any
           other
           gifts
           administration
           or
           operation
           ,
           but
           onely
           my
           Lord
           ,
           surely
           no
           Prince
           ,
           no
           Pepe
           ,
           no
           Prelate
           .
        
         
           But
           consider
           me
           ,
           my
           sonnes
           in
           this
           thing
           ,
           that
           the
           administration
           of
           the
           Spirit
           is
           given
           to
           every
           man
           to
           profit
           withall
           ,
           no
           member
           ,
           nor
           person
           is
           to
           receive
           this
           talent
           ,
           and
           to
           hide
           is
           ,
           for
           God
           doth
           not
           light
           these
           lights
           to
           put
           them
           under
           a
           bushell
           but
           to
           enlighten
           the
           whole
           house
           the
           Church
           ;
           As
           every
           member
           of
           the
           body
           is
           profitable
           to
           other
           ,
           so
           are
           my
           members
           ;
           Therefore
           to
           some
           hee
           gives
           the
           word
           of
           Wisedome
           ,
           to
           another
           the
           word
           of
           Knowledge
           ,
           to
           another
           the
           excellencie
           of
           Faith
           ,
           to
           another
           the
           operation
           of
           great
           workes
           ,
           to
           another
           prophesie
           ,
           to
           another
           diversitie
           of
           tongues
           ,
           and
           to
           another
           interpretation
           of
           Tongues
           ;
           All
           these
           worketh
           one
           and
           the
           same
           spirit
           ,
           distributing
           severally
           as
           
           he
           listeth
           ,
           for
           Christ
           my
           Lord
           and
           head
           is
           God
           ;
           And
           the
           Father
           is
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           hee
           in
           the
           Father
           which
           is
           above
           all
           ,
           and
           through
           you
           all
           ,
           and
           in
           us
           all
           ;
           who
           gives
           unto
           every
           one
           grace
           according
           
           to
           the
           measure
           of
           the
           gift
           of
           Christ
           ;
           for
           it
           was
           prophesied
           of
           him
           ,
           that
           when
           he
           ascended
           (
           who
           had
           first
           descended
           into
           the
           lowest
           dejection
           of
           earthly
           paines
           and
           debasement
           for
           the
           sinnes
           of
           man
           )
           hee
           should
           also
           ascend
           ,
           and
           fit
           on
           the
           right
           hand
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           lead
           captivitie
           captive
           ,
           and
           receive
           of
           God
           the
           Father
           ,
           gifts
           to
           give
           unto
           man
           ;
           Not
           humane
           gifts
           to
           governe
           the
           terrestriall
           affaires
           of
           this
           life
           ,
           but
           divine
           gifts
           to
           guide
           and
           lead
           the
           soules
           of
           men
           into
           the
           way
           of
           peace
           and
           eternall
           felicitis
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           seeing
           my
           ●●●d
           is
           the
           great
           mysterie
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           spirituall
           word
           of
           Life
           ,
           to
           whom
           I
           am
           united
           through
           the
           unitie
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           I
           am
           his
           and
           he
           is
           mine
           ,
           and
           both
           one
           Christ
           ,
           one
           Church
           and
           Mysticall
           body
           or
           spirituall
           Spouse
           ,
           My
           Lord
           give
           me
           ,
           all
           spirituall
           gifts
           to
           translate
           me
           ,
           from
           darknesse
           into
           his
           glorious
           light
           ;
           from
           carnall
           and
           earthly
           things
           ,
           to
           bee
           made
           a
           spirituall
           and
           heavenly
           Spouse
           .
           For
           God
           which
           made
           light
           to
           shine
           out
           of
           darknesse
           ,
           is
           he
           which
           hath
           shined
           in
           our
           hearts
           to
           give
           the
           light
           of
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           in
           the
           face
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           .
           But
           wee
           have
           this
           treasure
           in
           earthen
           vessels
           ,
           that
           the
           excellencie
           of
           that
           power
           ,
           might
           be
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           not
           of
           man
           ;
           For
           these
           causes
           he
           gave
           and
           ordained
           some
           members
           to
           have
           diversitie
           of
           gifts
           and
           administration
           ;
           as
           first
           Apostles
           ,
           secondly
           Prophets
           and
           Evangelists
           ,
           thirdly
           Pastors
           and
           Teachers
           ;
           Then
           such
           as
           doe
           miracles
           (
           for
           miracles
           follow
           the
           Word
           ,
           where
           there
           is
           need
           of
           confirmation
           )
           and
           gifts
           of
           healing
           ,
           helpers
           ,
           as
           
           Deacons
           and
           Governours
           as
           Elders
           .
        
         
           These
           are
           the
           instruments
           of
           ministration
           by
           divers
           gifts
           distinguished
           into
           divers
           administrations
           and
           offices
           which
           are
           distinguished
           by
           their
           spirituall
           operation
           and
           ministration
           of
           one
           and
           the
           same
           word
           and
           ministerie
           of
           God
           .
        
         
           This
           is
           that
           order
           ,
           ordinance
           and
           government
           ,
           or
           spirituall
           jurisdiction
           ,
           which
           my
           Lord
           God
           your
           Father
           hath
           instituted
           for
           the
           repairing
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           for
           the
           worke
           of
           the
           ministery
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           edification
           of
           the
           body
           of
           Christ
           his
           Church
           even
           mee
           your
           Mother
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           to
           continue
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           be
           altered
           and
           restrained
           untill
           we
           all
           meet
           together
           in
           the
           unity
           of
           faith
           ,
           and
           that
           
           acknowledging
           of
           the
           Sonne
           of
           God
           unto
           a
           perfect
           Man
           ,
           and
           unto
           the
           measure
           of
           the
           age
           of
           the
           fulnesse
           of
           Christ
           .
        
         
           Thus
           Right
           Honourable
           my
           Sonnes
           and
           Saints
           of
           God
           your
           Father
           ,
           I
           have
           presented
           my selfe
           unto
           the
           view
           of
           your
           heaven-bred
           judgements
           and
           spirituall
           wisedomes
           ,
           that
           you
           may
           behold
           mee
           all
           glorious
           within
           ,
           and
           not
           judge
           by
           outward
           appearance
           ,
           nor
           by
           politique
           reasons
           ,
           lest
           you
           be
           mistaken
           in
           my
           nature
           and
           condition
           ,
           and
           suppose
           me
           to
           be
           a
           terrestriall
           .
           Hierarchie
           to
           bee
           governed
           by
           positive
           lawes
           ,
           traditions
           ,
           Decrees
           and
           Canons
           of
           men
           ,
           which
           cannot
           search
           the
           reines
           of
           the
           heart
           ,
           nor
           cure
           the
           soule
           ,
           nor
           lead
           her
           into
           blisse
           .
           Therefore
           I
           request
           you
           to
           take
           into
           your
           consideration
           the
           heavie
           burdens
           grievous
           to
           bee
           borne
           ,
           (
           which
           the
           Scribes
           and
           Pharisees
           of
           
             Rome
             ,
          
           who
           pretended
           to
           fit
           in
           
             Moyses
          
           seat
           )
           have
           laid
           upon
           my
           shoulders
           :
           the
           Episeopall
           waight
           whereof
           you
           my
           sonnes
           have
           heretofore
           borne
           ,
           with
           much
           griefe
           ,
           whilst
           they
           advanced
           themselves
           to
           the
           chiefe
           seates
           and
           most
           eminent
           dignities
           ,
           loving
           to
           be
           reputed
           great
           and
           excellent
           Rabbies
           ,
           even
           above
           you
           the
           naturall
           Peeres
           and
           Potentates
           of
           State
           .
        
         
           And
           now
           I
           conclude
           ,
           and
           doe
           offer
           unto
           your
           sacred
           considerations
           the
           holy
           Sinode
           of
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           set
           forth
           for
           a
           perfect
           patterne
           of
           all
           Counsells
           and
           Ecclesiasticall
           causes
           .
           In
           the
           fifteenth
           of
           the
           
             Acts
          
           where
           you
           may
           observe
           that
           Synode
           consisted
           of
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           Elders
           ,
           and
           Brethren
           .
           Their
           consultation
           was
           according
           to
           the
           rule
           of
           the
           written
           Word
           ,
           there
           conclusion
           and
           sentence
           was
           thus
           ;
           It
           seemed
           good
           to
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           and
           to
           us
           to
           lay
           no
           more
           burden
           upon
           you
           then
           these
           things
           necessarie
           .
           That
           is
           ,
           that
           yee
           abstaine
           from
           things
           offered
           to
           Idols
           and
           blood
           ,
           which
           includes
           all
           Ceremoniall
           inventions
           and
           bloudy
           sacrifices
           ,
           and
           prohibits
           from
           that
           which
           is
           strangled
           with
           all
           crueltie
           and
           oppression
           ,
           and
           from
           fornication
           ,
           which
           imports
           uncleane
           conversation
           and
           lusts
           ,
           which
           if
           yee
           forheare
           yee
           shall
           doe
           well
           .
        
         
           And
           though
           I
           here
           claime
           of
           you
           the
           honour
           of
           being
           your
           Mother
           being
           the
           body
           of
           Christ
           and
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           whom
           you
           also
           have
           the
           honour
           and
           prerogative
           to
           be
           the
           sonnes
           of
           God
           ;
           yet
           touching
           my
           earthly
           habitation
           and
           abode
           I
           am
           under
           your
           Dominion
           and
           tuition
           ,
           whom
           my
           Lord
           hath
           placed
           over
           me
           for
           my
           peace
           and
           prosperity
           on
           earth
           .
           And
           that
           through
           Soveraigne
           
           power
           and
           authority
           which
           he
           hath
           ordained
           over
           all
           men
           ,
           to
           the
           end
           you
           may
           give
           his
           Gospell
           a
           free
           passage
           ,
           and
           be
           nursing
           and
           protecting
           Fathers
           of
           mee
           in
           your
           Common-wealth
           ,
           that
           your
           Father
           may
           give
           you
           and
           your
           King
           a
           blessing
           of
           welfare
           and
           happy
           being
           in
           my
           Lord
           Christ
           ,
           in
           whom
           all
           Nations
           are
           blessed
           ,
           and
           blessed
           is
           that
           Nation
           whose
           God
           is
           the
           Lord
           .
        
      
       
       
         
           A
           Breviate
           of
           the
           ensuing
           second
           Treatise
           .
        
         
           
             THe
             subsistence
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             composed
             of
             a
             threefold
             cord
             ,
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Worship
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Dominion
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Discipline
                 .
              
            
          
           
             In
             the
             Tractate
             of
             worship
             are
             declared
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 nature
                 of
                 Divine
                 worship
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 nature
                 of
                 acceptable
                 obedience
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 How
                 this
                 worship
                 corresponds
                 with
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 God
                 ,
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 The
                 manner
                 of
                 publike
                 worship
                 from
                 
                   Adam
                
                 till
                 
                   Moyses
                   .
                
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 The
                 Service
                 used
                 by
                 the
                 Patriarkes
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 The
                 same
                 continued
                 in
                 the
                 Nationall
                 Church
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 The
                 service
                 used
                 in
                 the
                 Synagogues
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 The
                 same
                 observed
                 by
                 the
                 Apostles
                 .
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 The
                 testimony
                 of
                 the
                 Fathers
                 .
              
               
                 10.
                 
                 An
                 amplification
                 ,
                 and
                 undeniable
                 reasons
                 for
                 the
                 puritie
                 of
                 Gods
                 word
                 and
                 worship
                 .
              
            
          
           
             In
             the
             Tractate
             of
             dominion
             or
             divine
             jurisdiction
             ;
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Of
                 the
                 first
                 gradation
                 of
                 this
                 Dominion
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 How
                 Christ
                 ordaines
                 his
                 Vice-royes
                 on
                 earth
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Difference
                 betwixt
                 Regall
                 and
                 divine
                 power
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 The
                 Glasse
                 of
                 Kings
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 How
                 Divine
                 power
                 is
                 derived
                 unto
                 man
                 from
                 the
                 Father
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 through
                 the
                 spirit
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 How
                 the
                 Word
                 is
                 the
                 Divine
                 power
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 authority
                 committed
                 to
                 the
                 Church
                 .
              
            
          
           
             In
             the
             Tractate
             of
             Government
             and
             Discipline
             .
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 Of
                 the
                 calling
                 of
                 Ministers
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 manner
                 of
                 their
                 ordination
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 The
                 orders
                 and
                 degrees
                 of
                 Pastours
                 ,
                 and
                 their
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Denominations
                 under
                 the
                 Law
                 and
                 Gospell
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Of
                 Discipline
                 and
                 censures
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Of
                 Excommunication
                 .
              
            
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           The
           subsistence
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           .
        
         
           
           THe
           subsistence
           of
           Gods
           Church
           is
           composed
           of
           a
           threefold
           thred
           ,
           which
           cannot
           easily
           be
           broken
           .
        
         
           
             1.
             
             The
             first
             is
             spirituall
             and
             divine
             worship
             
               
                 worship
                 .
              
            
          
           
             2.
             
             Spirituall
             and
             divine
             Jurisdiction
             ,
             or
             
               Jure
               Divino
               .
            
             
               
                 dominion
                 .
              
            
          
           
             3.
             
             Spirituall
             and
             divine
             discipline
             or
             government
             
               
                 discipline
                 .
              
            
          
        
         
           I
           call
           this
           threefold
           cord
           of
           grace
           Divine
           and
           Spirituall
           because
           the
           universall
           Minister
           of
           Gods
           dispensation
           of
           all
           saving
           grace
           ;
           is
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           ,
           the
           third
           person
           of
           the
           Trinitie
           .
        
         
           These
           are
           correlative
           subsistences
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           so
           depending
           one
           upon
           another
           ,
           that
           they
           cannot
           be
           separated
           or
           untwisled
           without
           either
           some
           defect
           or
           dismembring
           of
           the
           Church
           in
           her selfe
           ,
           or
           utter
           dissolving
           of
           her
           ,
           in
           essence
           and
           nature
           to
           be
           any
           true
           Church
           ,
        
         
           Also
           ,
           without
           these
           distinct
           subsistences
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           she
           cannot
           exercise
           the
           gifts
           and
           graces
           of
           Gods
           Spirit
           ,
           nor
           the
           functions
           and
           offices
           ordained
           of
           God
           for
           ministration
           of
           the
           Word
           ;
           For
           this
           cause
           I
           call
           them
           subsistences
           in
           the
           essence
           of
           the
           Church
           like
           ,
           unto
           the
           subsistences
           of
           the
           Trinitie
           in
           the
           essence
           of
           God
           himselfe
           .
        
         
           
             Of
             Spirituall
             and
             Diuine
             worship
             .
          
           
             
             The
             Worship
             which
             God
             requires
             ,
             must
             bee
             such
             as
             is
             
             agreeable
             to
             his
             owne
             nature
             ,
             and
             the
             good
             pleasure
             of
             his
             owne
             will
             ;
             
             therefore
             true
             divine
             worship
             is
             tyed
             to
             the
             prescript
             commandement
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             the
             devising
             invention
             of
             man
             ,
             therefore
             to
             obey
             is
             better
             then
             sacrifice
             ,
             and
             to
             hearken
             is
             better
             then
             the
             fat
             of
             Rammes
             .
             
          
        
         
           
             The
             nature
             of
             acceptable
             Obedience
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             a
             supernaturall
             and
             filiall
             worke
             of
             God
             internally
             and
             spiritually
             wrought
             ,
             seated
             and
             invested
             by
             Gods
             Spirit
             into
             the
             intellect
             ,
             making
             man
             a
             new
             creature
             created
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             unto
             good
             workes
             ;
             which
             God
             hath
             ordained
             
             that
             he
             should
             walke
             in
             them
             ,
             being
             renewed
             in
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             mind
             ,
             to
             offer
             himselfe
             unto
             God
             a
             living
             sacrifice
             in
             an
             understanding
             worshipping
             of
             God
             .
             
          
           
             This
             worship
             and
             sacrifice
             ,
             is
             described
             by
             the
             Prophet
             
             
               David
            
             to
             be
             a
             broken
             and
             contrite
             spirit
             ,
             called
             a
             well-pleasing
             sacrifice
             to
             God
             ,
             presenting
             a
             sin-offering
             ,
             as
             
               Psal.
            
             51
             ,
             17.
             also
             in
             the
             116
             ,
             it
             is
             called
             the
             sacrifice
             of
             praise
             and
             thanksgiving
             .
          
        
         
           
             How
             this
             Worship
             is
             correspondent
             to
             the
             nature
             of
             God
             .
          
           
             The
             Lord
             doth
             shew
             it
             in
             the
             fourth
             of
             
               John
            
             23.
             and
             24.
             saying
             ,
             the
             true
             worshippers
             ,
             shall
             worship
             God
             in
             spirit
             and
             truth
             ,
             that
             is
             in
             the
             Spirit
             of
             sanctification
             dwelling
             in
             the
             mind
             ,
             helping
             our
             infirmities
             with
             sighes
             and
             groanes
             ,
             which
             cannot
             be
             exprest
             ;
             and
             in
             the
             truth
             of
             his
             Word
             dwelling
             in
             us
             in
             all
             wisedome
             and
             spirituall
             understanding
             ,
             such
             as
             these
             the
             Father
             requireth
             should
             worship
             him
             ,
             because
             God
             is
             a
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             they
             that
             worship
             him
             ,
             must
             worship
             him
             in
             spirit
             and
             truth
             ,
             and
             not
             in
             the
             ignorance
             of
             the
             mind
             ,
             nor
             in
             the
             invention
             and
             will-worship
             of
             man
             ;
             For
             this
             cause
             the
             Psalmist
             saith
             in
             the
             51.
             6.
             
             
               Thou
               O
               Lord
               lovest
               truth
               in
               the
               inward
               affections
               ;
            
             and
             in
             the
             50.
             
             Psalme
             he
             saith
             ,
             
               Offer
               to
               God
               the
               sacrifice
               of
               praise
               ,
               and
               pay
               the
               vowes
               of
               the
               most
               high
               ,
               and
               call
               upon
               God
               ;
               for
               the
               Lord
               loveth
               truth
               in
               the
               inward
               parts
               .
            
          
           
           
             This
             is
             the
             pure
             and
             simple
             worship
             of
             God
             ,
             without
             the
             glory
             and
             beautie
             of
             outward
             Ceremonies
             ,
             agreeing
             with
             the
             simple
             pure
             essence
             and
             nature
             of
             God
             himselfe
             .
          
           
             Consider
             wel
             
               Pauls
            
             Caveat
             in
             the
             
               Coloss.
            
             2
             ,
             8.
             18.
             20
             ,
             21
             ,
             22
             
             23.
             warning
             all
             men
             to
             beware
             of
             humane
             wisedome
             ,
             and
             deceitfull
             inventions
             and
             traditions
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Rudiments
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             not
             after
             Christ
             ;
             the
             outward
             shew
             of
             holinesse
             which
             puffes
             up
             mens
             hearts
             with
             selfe-conceit
             ,
             being
             burthened
             with
             traditions
             ,
             which
             having
             a
             glorious
             shew
             of
             holinesse
             ,
             of
             wisedome
             and
             voluntary
             religion
             ,
             wherein
             men
             are
             out
             of
             measure
             superstitious
             in
             zeale
             ,
             not
             sparing
             their
             bodily
             labour
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             manner
             of
             the
             publike
             worship
             of
             Gods
             Church
             from
             
               Adam
            
             till
             
               Moyses
               .
            
          
           
             
             In
             this
             first
             age
             ;
             whilest
             the
             Church
             was
             domesticall
             in
             the
             family
             of
             
               Adam
            
             and
             
               Noah
               ,
            
             and
             
               Abram
               .
            
             The
             first-borne
             and
             eldest
             of
             every
             family
             was
             ordained
             of
             God
             by
             creation
             ,
             to
             be
             a
             King
             for
             the
             common
             good
             ;
             A
             Priest
             to
             offer
             prayer
             to
             God
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             a
             Prophet
             to
             instruct
             them
             .
          
           
             
             Of
             this
             royall
             dignitie
             we
             read
             ,
             that
             God
             gave
             dominion
             unto
             
               Adam
            
             over
             his
             posteritie
             and
             all
             sublunary
             creatures
             ,
             
               Gen.
            
             1.
             28.
             
             This
             is
             the
             fountaine
             ,
             of
             Soveraigntie
             succeeding
             in
             the
             birth-right
             of
             the
             dignitie
             of
             the
             first-borne
             ,
             untill
             
               Cain
            
             lost
             it
             by
             killing
             his
             brother
             
               Abel
               ,
               C
               ham
            
             lost
             it
             for
             scoffing
             his
             Father
             
               Noah
               ;
               Esan
            
             sold
             it
             for
             a
             mease
             of
             portage
             ;
             and
             
               Reuben
            
             lost
             it
             for
             desiling
             his
             fathers
             bed
             .
          
           
             Then
             God
             tooke
             it
             into
             his
             owne
             hands
             ,
             and
             reserved
             soveraigntie
             and
             the
             dignitie
             of
             preheminence
             of
             the
             first-borne
             for
             his
             owne
             onely
             begotten
             sonne
             ,
             the
             first
             begotten
             of
             every
             creature
             ,
             the
             Lyon
             of
             
               Judah
               ,
            
             who
             is
             King
             of
             Kings
             ,
             and
             Lord
             of
             Lords
             ,
             by
             whom
             Kings
             raigne
             ,
             and
             Princes
             decree
             Justice
             .
          
           
             
             Also
             man
             in
             Creation
             was
             the
             Prophet
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             God
             breathed
             in
             his
             face
             the
             breath
             of
             life
             ,
             and
             made
             him
             a
             living
             soule
             )
             even
             that
             word
             ,
             which
             in
             the
             beginning
             was
             with
             God
             ,
             and
             was
             God
             ,
             was
             the
             light
             and
             life
             of
             man
             ;
             
               Adam
            
             
             
             was
             taught
             of
             God
             before
             his
             fall
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             second
             Chapter
             of
             
               Genesis
               :
            
             and
             also
             after
             his
             fall
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             third
             Chapter
             of
             
               Genesis
               :
            
             the
             seed
             of
             the
             woman
             should
             break
             the
             serpents
             head
             ,
             which
             doctrine
             he
             received
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             taught
             his
             posterity
             .
          
           
             
             His
             Priesthood
             was
             manifest
             ,
             in
             that
             hee
             taught
             his
             sonnes
             to
             offer
             sacrifices
             of
             praise
             and
             thanksgiving
             to
             God
             ;
             the
             outward
             signes
             thereof
             ,
             they
             brought
             to
             their
             Father
             as
             their
             high
             Priest
             a
             figure
             of
             Christ
             ,
             
             
               Gen.
            
             4.
             3.
             also
             
               Hevah
            
             gave
             thanks
             to
             God
             for
             her
             issue
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             services
             used
             amongst
             the
             Patriarks
             .
          
           
             Their
             practise
             and
             service
             in
             this
             age
             was
             plain
             and
             simple
             ,
             praise
             ,
             prayer
             ,
             and
             thanksgiving
             to
             God
             :
             which
             consisted
             in
             confessing
             their
             sinfulnesse
             ,
             and
             acknowledging
             the
             mercie
             of
             God
             in
             his
             promise
             ,
             as
             after
             the
             birth
             of
             
               Seth
            
             and
             
               Enoch
               ,
            
             then
             (
             it
             is
             said
             )
             began
             men
             to
             call
             on
             the
             name
             of
             God
             ,
             
               Genes
               .
            
             4.
             26.
             
             And
             in
             every
             family
             they
             taught
             and
             declared
             the
             promise
             of
             God
             to
             be
             the
             word
             of
             life
             ;
             as
             
               Lamech
            
             confessed
             at
             the
             birth
             of
             
               Noah
               ,
               Gen.
            
             5.
             29.
             and
             
               Noah
            
             and
             
               Enoch
            
             are
             witnessed
             to
             be
             Preachers
             of
             righteousnesse
             .
             This
             manner
             of
             worship
             was
             more
             manifest
             after
             the
             flood
             ,
             in
             the
             life
             of
             
               Abraham
            
             by
             his
             obedience
             ,
             his
             familiar
             talking
             with
             God
             ,
             as
             in
             
               Chap.
            
             15.
             16
             ,
             18
             ,
             19
             ,
             20.
             and
             
               Isaacks
            
             conversation
             ,
             who
             went
             out
             to
             meditate
             and
             pray
             ,
             in
             the
             evening
             ;
             so
             
               Jacob
            
             worshipped
             God
             leaning
             on
             his
             staffe
             and
             blessed
             his
             sonne
             .
          
           
             
             Thus
             the
             pure
             and
             unspotted
             worship
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             was
             used
             both
             private
             and
             publique
             among
             his
             people
             ,
             was
             onely
             praise
             ,
             prayer
             ,
             and
             thanksgiving
             ,
             with
             teaching
             and
             Divine
             instruction
             ;
             And
             to
             this
             manner
             of
             worship
             none
             durst
             adde
             nor
             diminish
             ;
             only
             God
             himselfe
             did
             (
             in
             the
             dayes
             of
             
               Abraham
               )
            
             and
             unto
             this
             worship
             ,
             the
             signe
             of
             the
             everlasting
             covenant
             ,
             
             betwixt
             God
             and
             his
             saithfull
             servant
             
               Abraham
               ,
            
             and
             his
             faithfull
             seed
             ;
             to
             make
             a
             separation
             and
             visible
             distinction
             betwixt
             his
             people
             and
             the
             people
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             the
             seed
             of
             nature
             ;
             under
             which
             Covenant
             was
             promised
             the
             spirit
             of
             Regeneration
             ,
             or
             spiritual
             Circumcision
             ,
             in
             these
             words
             ,
             I
             wil
             
             be
             thy
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             God
             of
             thy
             seed
             ,
             the
             seed
             of
             regeneration
             .
             Here
             we
             may
             observe
             ,
             that
             to
             the
             spirituall
             and
             Divine
             worship
             of
             God
             ,
             none
             can
             add
             any
             thing
             but
             God
             alone
             ,
             and
             God
             will
             add
             nothing
             but
             Divine
             Doctrine
             necessary
             to
             salvation
             :
             And
             that
             ,
             figured
             under
             plaine
             and
             simple
             signes
             ;
             lest
             the
             naturall
             corruption
             of
             man
             (
             prone
             to
             superstition
             and
             externall
             sanctity
             )
             should
             leane
             and
             cleave
             to
             the
             signes
             ,
             and
             forget
             the
             heavenly
             things
             signified
             ,
             and
             to
             seeke
             holinesse
             in
             the
             action
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             same
             worship
             and
             service
             practised
             in
             the
             Nationall
             Church
             .
          
           
             
             When
             
               Israel
            
             of
             twelve
             tribes
             became
             a
             multitude
             ,
             and
             a
             great
             Nation
             ,
             whom
             God
             exercised
             and
             humbled
             under
             the
             bondage
             of
             
               Pharaoh
               ,
            
             that
             hee
             might
             shew
             forth
             his
             mighty
             power
             ,
             mercy
             ,
             and
             loving
             kindnesse
             to
             his
             people
             
               Israel
               ,
            
             hee
             sent
             them
             a
             deliverer
             ,
             even
             his
             servant
             
               Moses
               .
               Moses
            
             added
             nothing
             to
             the
             service
             of
             the
             first
             age
             :
             but
             God
             added
             also
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             the
             Passeover
             ,
             to
             declare
             unto
             them
             ,
             that
             as
             
             none
             was
             to
             be
             esteemed
             the
             people
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             those
             that
             were
             under
             the
             signe
             of
             the
             Covenant
             of
             God
             ;
             so
             none
             should
             be
             delivered
             from
             the
             destroying
             wrath
             of
             God
             :
             but
             those
             that
             were
             redeemed
             ,
             reconciled
             ,
             and
             washed
             ,
             or
             sprinkled
             with
             the
             blood
             of
             the
             unspotted
             Lamb
             of
             God
             ;
             the
             promised
             seed
             of
             the
             woman
             ,
             the
             word
             of
             life
             ,
             made
             flesh
             ,
             in
             whose
             death
             and
             shedding
             of
             his
             blood
             ,
             they
             were
             saved
             and
             delivered
             from
             spirituall
             bondage
             and
             death
             ;
             and
             this
             was
             to
             be
             observed
             for
             a
             perpetuall
             ordinance
             among
             Gods
             people
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             
             And
             after
             the
             Israelites
             and
             people
             of
             God
             were
             congregated
             and
             gathered
             together
             ,
             and
             brought
             out
             of
             the
             bondage
             of
             Egypt
             ,
             the
             Lord
             by
             the
             ministration
             of
             
               Moses
            
             and
             
               Aaron
               ;
            
             writ
             ,
             divulged
             ,
             and
             ministred
             ,
             the
             Divine
             precepts
             of
             the
             law
             of
             God
             :
             the
             knowledge
             and
             perfection
             whereof
             ,
             man
             had
             lost
             and
             forgot
             by
             transgression
             .
             Out
             of
             which
             law
             ,
             
               Moses
            
             by
             the
             commandement
             of
             God
             ,
             extracted
             Ecclesiastical
             ordinances
             for
             
               Aaron
               ,
            
             and
             the
             legall
             Priesthood
             and
             Levites
             ,
             for
             serving
             
             of
             the
             Tabernacle
             ,
             to
             instruct
             the
             people
             by
             types
             and
             figures
             in
             the
             Divine
             and
             heavenly
             mysteries
             of
             God
             under
             the
             law
             ,
             (
             as
             by
             a
             Schoolemaster
             )
             till
             the
             mysterie
             of
             God
             should
             be
             manifested
             in
             the
             flesh
             ,
             and
             dwell
             with
             men
             .
             And
             of
             this
             Doctrine
             all
             the
             Prophets
             testified
             and
             writ
             declaring
             and
             fore-telling
             the
             comming
             of
             that
             Messias
             .
          
           
             All
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             Tabernacle
             ,
             and
             after
             that
             the
             Temple
             with
             the
             typicall
             Sacrifices
             ,
             was
             but
             to
             set
             forth
             that
             spirituall
             and
             Divine
             glory
             and
             power
             :
             which
             was
             to
             come
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             manifested
             in
             the
             flesh
             :
             and
             then
             the
             outward
             and
             earthly
             glory
             should
             be
             abolished
             and
             done
             away
             ,
             that
             the
             Divine
             and
             invisible
             power
             thereof
             ,
             might
             onely
             remaine
             ,
             and
             shine
             in
             the
             hearts
             and
             soules
             of
             the
             Elect
             ,
             as
             the
             Prophet
             
               Ioel
            
             2.
             28.
             
             And
             afterward
             will
             I
             poure
             out
             my
             spirit
             upon
             all
             flesh
             ;
             and
             your
             sonnes
             and
             your
             daughters
             shall
             prophecie
             ,
             
               Ier.
            
             31.
             33.
             
             After
             those
             dayes
             (
             saith
             the
             Lord
             )
             I
             will
             put
             my
             law
             in
             their
             inward
             parts
             ,
             and
             write
             it
             in
             their
             hearts
             ,
             and
             I
             say
             ;
             this
             is
             the
             Covenant
             which
             I
             will
             make
             with
             them
             ,
             my
             spirit
             is
             upon
             thee
             ,
             &
             my
             word
             which
             I
             have
             put
             in
             thy
             mouth
             ,
             shall
             not
             depart
             out
             of
             thy
             mouth
             ,
             nor
             out
             of
             the
             mouth
             of
             thy
             seed
             (
             saith
             the
             Lord
             )
             from
             henceforth
             and
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             
             But
             in
             all
             this
             they
             held
             the
             daily
             publique
             service
             pure
             and
             undefiled
             ,
             without
             rites
             or
             any
             other
             ceremonies
             ,
             but
             only
             the
             reading
             of
             the
             word
             ,
             and
             ministring
             the
             Sacrament
             ,
             and
             teaching
             on
             the
             Sabbath
             dayes
             .
          
           
             And
             the
             Jewes
             for
             their
             Divine
             Services
             had
             their
             Synagogues
             in
             every
             Citie
             and
             Towne
             ;
             and
             Christ
             did
             by
             his
             owne
             practise
             and
             presence
             observe
             the
             same
             upon
             the
             Sabbath
             day
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             
               Luke
            
             the
             4.
             16.
             17.
             as
             his
             custome
             was
             ,
             he
             went
             into
             the
             Synagogue
             on
             the
             Sabbath
             day
             ,
             and
             stood
             up
             to
             read
             ,
             and
             there
             was
             delivered
             to
             him
             the
             book
             of
             
               Isaiah
               ;
            
             and
             
               Acts
               13.
               14.
               15.
               
               Paul
            
             and
             
               Barnabas
            
             went
             into
             the
             Synagogue
             on
             the
             Sabbath
             day
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             forme
             of
             service
             used
             in
             the
             Synagogues
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             they
             began
             their
             Service
             with
             a
             generall
             verball
             confession
             ,
             which
             they
             gathered
             out
             of
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             
               Levit.
            
             
             26.
             20.
             
             
               Numb.
               5.
               6.
               7.
               
               Nehem.
            
             9.
             23.
             
             The
             forme
             of
             this
             confession
             is
             set
             forth
             in
             the
             Jewes
             Talmond
             :
             We
             have
             sinned
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             we
             have
             done
             wickedly
             ,
             we
             have
             dealt
             deceitfully
             in
             thy
             fight
             ,
             we
             thy
             people
             and
             all
             the
             house
             of
             
               Israel
               ,
            
             we
             repent
             our selves
             thereof
             ,
             and
             are
             ashamed
             for
             the
             same
             :
             and
             therefore
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             we
             beseech
             thee
             forgive
             us
             our
             sinnes
             ,
             our
             iniquities
             ,
             and
             our
             transgressions
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             written
             in
             the
             book
             of
             
               Moses
            
             thy
             servant
             .
          
           
             Then
             followed
             the
             reading
             of
             the
             Law
             and
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             then
             after
             followed
             the
             expounding
             and
             exhortation
             ,
             then
             the
             Service
             ended
             with
             a
             generall
             thanks
             for
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             as
             
               Paul
            
             saith
             for
             all
             persons
             ,
             1
             
               Tim.
            
             2.
             1.
             2.
             
             And
             thus
             their
             Service
             was
             concluded
             with
             blessings
             upon
             the
             people
             from
             the
             mouth
             of
             the
             Minister
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             same
             Service
             and
             Method
             observed
             by
             the
             Apostles
             .
          
           
             Christ
             left
             no
             other
             forme
             of
             Service
             in
             Gods
             worship
             ,
             but
             onely
             such
             as
             was
             used
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             the
             Jewes
             ,
             naked
             and
             
             simple
             prayer
             ,
             praise
             ,
             and
             thanks
             :
             reading
             ,
             preaching
             ,
             and
             exhortation
             with
             the
             ministration
             of
             the
             Sacraments
             ;
             commanding
             his
             Disciples
             to
             goe
             teach
             all
             Nations
             ,
             baptising
             them
             in
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             the
             Sonne
             ,
             and
             the
             Spirit
             .
          
           
             
             The
             Apostles
             observed
             their
             Masters
             commandement
             in
             every
             circumstance
             proper
             for
             the
             ministration
             of
             those
             Divine
             mysteries
             ;
             To
             all
             that
             Christ
             ordained
             they
             neither
             added
             nor
             diminished
             any
             thing
             .
          
           
             Springing
             from
             superstition
             of
             time
             ,
             and
             place
             ,
             and
             circumstances
             ,
             for
             they
             knew
             that
             Ordination
             was
             not
             tyed
             to
             a
             day
             ,
             an
             houre
             ,
             or
             any
             solemne
             time
             or
             season
             ,
             but
             was
             instituted
             for
             the
             benefit
             of
             the
             soule
             of
             man
             ,
             therefore
             they
             thought
             fit
             to
             minister
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             every
             Lords
             day
             .
             Neither
             did
             they
             use
             any
             other
             order
             or
             gesture
             ,
             but
             after
             the
             same
             manner
             sitting
             as
             Christ
             did
             institute
             it
             ,
             fearing
             the
             curse
             of
             God
             to
             adde
             or
             diminish
             ;
             And
             held
             that
             manner
             of
             order
             most
             worthy
             and
             fit
             to
             be
             observed
             in
             Divine
             mysteries
             ,
             which
             their
             Lord
             had
             formerly
             observed
             ,
             knowing
             the
             power
             &
             efficacie
             
             
             
             to
             be
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             consist
             in
             Rites
             and
             Ceremonies
             ,
             or
             circumstances
             of
             time
             and
             place
             .
          
           
             After
             the
             ascension
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             he
             Apostles
             and
             the
             whole
             Church
             (
             consisting
             of
             120
             persons
             )
             assembled
             at
             
               Ierusalem
            
             in
             an
             upper
             Chamber
             ,
             and
             abode
             together
             with
             the
             11
             Apostles
             ,
             and
             continued
             with
             one
             accord
             in
             prayer
             and
             supplication
             :
             And
             then
             ,
             and
             there
             ,
             
               Peter
            
             taught
             and
             preached
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             publique
             assembly
             ,
             and
             with
             their
             whole
             consent
             ,
             they
             chose
             
               Matthias
            
             to
             supply
             
               Iudas
            
             his
             place
             .
             
               Acts
            
             1.
             13
             ,
             14
             ,
             15.
             also
             2.
             42.
             and
             they
             continued
             in
             the
             Apostles
             Doctrine
             and
             fellowship
             ,
             and
             breaking
             of
             bread
             and
             prayer
             .
             In
             which
             words
             is
             set
             forth
             the
             whole
             form
             of
             their
             Service
             and
             worship
             used
             in
             the
             Apostolique
             times
             ,
             which
             consisted
             in
             preaching
             the
             true
             Doctrine
             of
             Christ
             ,
             their
             unity
             of
             faith
             and
             love
             ,
             ministration
             of
             the
             Sacraments
             and
             Prayer
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             Testimony
             of
             the
             Fathers
             .
          
           
             
             On
             the
             day
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             which
             is
             called
             Sonday
             (
             that
             is
             the
             Lords
             day
             )
             there
             is
             an
             assembling
             and
             comming
             together
             of
             all
             manner
             of
             people
             ,
             (
             dwelling
             either
             in
             the
             Fields
             or
             in
             the
             Cities
             )
             into
             one
             place
             ,
             and
             there
             are
             read
             the
             Acts
             ,
             or
             Records
             of
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             and
             the
             Writings
             of
             the
             Prophets
             ;
             so
             long
             as
             the
             time
             would
             suffer
             ,
             then
             when
             the
             Reader
             hath
             left
             off
             reading
             ,
             (
             that
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             he
             which
             was
             President
             or
             Chiefe
             in
             the
             assembly
             ,
             )
             the
             Bishop
             or
             Pastor
             delivered
             an
             admonition
             or
             exhortat
             :
             on
             by
             way
             of
             discourse
             ,
             tending
             to
             the
             stirring
             of
             them
             up
             ,
             to
             follow
             and
             practise
             those
             good
             things
             .
             Afterwards
             wee
             rise
             all
             at
             once
             ,
             and
             send
             our
             prayers
             unto
             God
             .
             And
             prayer
             being
             ended
             ,
             the
             bread
             and
             wine
             is
             brought
             ,
             and
             he
             that
             directeth
             the
             action
             ,
             delivereth
             with
             all
             the
             power
             and
             might
             he
             hath
             ,
             prayers
             and
             thanksgiving
             ,
             the
             people
             assenting
             say
             Amen
             .
             Then
             followeth
             the
             distribution
             to
             every
             one
             present
             ,
             and
             the
             communicating
             of
             the
             things
             which
             were
             blessed
             by
             thanksgiving
             ,
             and
             they
             send
             of
             the
             same
             to
             those
             that
             were
             absent
             ,
             by
             the
             Deacons
             ;
             In
             the
             end
             ,
             they
             which
             are
             of
             ability
             ,
             and
             are
             moved
             therewithall
             ,
             give
             every
             one
             according
             as
             it
             pleaseth
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             remaineth
             
             abideth
             with
             him
             that
             is
             president
             ,
             with
             which
             he
             makes
             provision
             for
             the
             fatherlesse
             ,
             widowes
             ,
             sicke
             persons
             ,
             captives
             and
             needy
             strangers
             .
          
           
             The
             same
             Author
             in
             another
             place
             of
             the
             same
             Apologie
             :
             After
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             that
             we
             have
             washed
             ,
             that
             is
             baptized
             him
             ,
             that
             hath
             received
             the
             fajth
             ,
             and
             joyned
             himselfe
             with
             us
             ,
             wee
             bring
             him
             into
             the
             Assembly
             and
             Congregation
             of
             the
             brethren
             ,
             where
             they
             are
             come
             together
             to
             make
             their
             common
             prayers
             both
             for
             themselves
             and
             for
             him
             ,
             and
             for
             all
             manner
             of
             persons
             whatsoever
             ;
             When
             prayers
             are
             thus
             ended
             wee
             salute
             one
             another
             with
             an
             holy
             kisse
             ,
             and
             then
             there
             is
             brought
             to
             the
             Pastor
             the
             Bread
             and
             the
             Cup
             ,
             and
             hee
             giveth
             praise
             and
             glory
             to
             the
             Father
             of
             all
             things
             in
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Sonne
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
             and
             maketh
             a
             great
             thankes-giving
             ,
             for
             that
             hee
             hath
             vouchsafed
             to
             make
             them
             worthy
             of
             these
             things
             :
             which
             being
             ended
             the
             people
             joyne
             and
             put
             their
             blessing
             thereto
             ,
             saying
             ,
             Amen
             ;
             Afterward
             the
             Pastor
             blessing
             them
             :
             those
             whom
             wee
             call
             Deacons
             gives
             to
             every
             one
             who
             are
             present
             ,
             and
             they
             carry
             to
             those
             that
             are
             absent
             ;
             And
             this
             food
             is
             called
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             thankes-giving
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             lawfull
             for
             any
             one
             to
             receive
             ,
             which
             hath
             not
             before
             received
             the
             truth
             of
             our
             Doctrine
             of
             Faith
             ,
             and
             hath
             not
             beene
             washed
             with
             Baptisme
             of
             regeneration
             for
             remission
             of
             sinnes
             .
          
           
             
             Also
             ,
             
               Tertullian
            
             in
             his
             Apologie
             about
             few
             yeares
             after
             ;
             Now
             ,
             saith
             he
             ;
             I
             will
             declare
             unto
             you
             the
             practises
             of
             the
             Christian
             function
             ,
             to
             the
             end
             that
             when
             I
             have
             refuted
             the
             evill
             I
             may
             shew
             you
             the
             good
             .
             We
             come
             together
             into
             one
             Congregation
             to
             have
             recourse
             unto
             God
             by
             prayer
             ,
             forcing
             him
             as
             it
             were
             by
             joyning
             together
             of
             all
             our
             prayers
             ,
             and
             this
             violent
             enforcement
             is
             very
             well
             pleasing
             to
             God
             ;
             Wee
             pray
             for
             Emperours
             ,
             for
             their
             Officers
             and
             Potentates
             ;
             and
             for
             the
             estate
             present
             ;
             for
             the
             quieting
             of
             matters
             ,
             wee
             come
             together
             for
             communicating
             of
             the
             holy
             Scriptures
             ;
             as
             the
             present
             times
             doe
             presseus
             ,
             or
             to
             prevent
             somewhat
             to
             come
             ,
             or
             to
             make
             acknowledgement
             of
             the
             present
             ;
             And
             thus
             wee
             feed
             our
             faith
             with
             holy
             speeches
             ,
             we
             relieve
             and
             succour
             our
             hope
             ,
             we
             make
             strong
             our
             confidence
             ,
             and
             therewithall
             likewise
             
             fortifie
             our
             Discipline
             and
             manner
             of
             government
             by
             the
             urgent
             and
             uncessant
             rehearsall
             ,
             and
             renowing
             of
             the
             memorie
             of
             good
             precepts
             .
             In
             our
             Congregations
             is
             used
             likewise
             exhortations
             ,
             reprehensions
             ,
             and
             the
             exercise
             of
             sacred
             censures
             ,
             for
             then
             matters
             are
             judged
             with
             great
             advisement
             ,
             as
             is
             wont
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             of
             such
             men
             as
             assuredly
             know
             that
             the
             face
             of
             God
             is
             towards
             them
             ;
             Behold
             and
             see
             their
             doings
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             a
             great
             foreshew
             of
             the
             judgement
             to
             come
             :
             if
             any
             one
             amongst
             us
             have
             sinned
             so
             deeply
             as
             to
             be
             excluded
             from
             the
             Communion
             of
             prayer
             and
             the
             Assembly
             ;
             and
             of
             all
             manner
             of
             having
             any
             thing
             to
             doe
             with
             this
             societie
             and
             fellowship
             ,
             whereof
             the
             Elders
             that
             are
             best
             approved
             and
             found
             most
             faithfull
             ,
             doe
             sit
             as
             presidents
             in
             the
             Assembly
             advanced
             ,
             and
             called
             to
             that
             dignity
             ,
             not
             through
             any
             summes
             of
             money
             ;
             but
             by
             the
             weight
             and
             sway
             of
             the
             good
             testimonie
             ,
             which
             they
             have
             given
             .
          
           
             I
             have
             onely
             reported
             the
             testimony
             of
             these
             two
             Authors
             of
             the
             Primitive
             times
             to
             shew
             the
             pure
             simplicity
             of
             Gods
             worship
             in
             their
             publike
             service
             ,
             which
             was
             no
             other
             but
             the
             same
             in
             order
             and
             forme
             with
             the
             worship
             used
             in
             the
             
               Jewes
            
             Church
             ,
             onely
             in
             this
             they
             differed
             from
             the
             Christians
             ,
             that
             after
             their
             services
             and
             exhortation
             they
             ministred
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             Baptisme
             when
             there
             was
             occasion
             .
             And
             then
             the
             
               Catechumeni
            
             were
             dismissed
             with
             this
             word
             
               (
               Missa
               :
               )
            
             then
             the
             Elders
             which
             were
             all
             the
             best
             approved
             of
             Congregation
             were
             admitted
             to
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             the
             Lords
             body
             and
             blood
             ministred
             with
             prayer
             under
             the
             signes
             of
             Bread
             and
             Wine
             ,
             and
             singing
             of
             Psalmes
             ,
             then
             the
             Minister
             blessed
             them
             ,
             and
             then
             with
             the
             same
             word
             
               (
               ●ie
               Missa
               )
            
             the
             Congregation
             was
             dismissed
             .
          
           
             
             This
             word
             did
             properly
             signifie
             ,
             depart
             or
             be
             gone
             or
             leave
             to
             depart
             ,
             but
             by
             use
             it
             did
             after
             signifie
             the
             first
             service
             and
             the
             second
             service
             ,
             which
             they
             called
             the
             first
             
               Missa
            
             and
             the
             second
             
               Missa
               ,
            
             and
             in
             corruption
             of
             time
             it
             came
             to
             signifie
             the
             Masse
             ,
             and
             Idolatrous
             sacrifice
             ,
             from
             hence
             the
             Papists
             lyingly
             saigne
             to
             derive
             their
             Masse
             ;
             from
             the
             Apostles
             and
             the
             Fathers
             of
             the
             Primitive
             times
             .
          
           
             Wee
             may
             also
             observe
             from
             the
             Apostles
             and
             the
             primitive
             
             Congregations
             ,
             that
             they
             had
             this
             tradition
             ,
             they
             ministred
             the
             Sacraments
             every
             Sabbath
             ,
             and
             every
             one
             did
             bring
             something
             according
             to
             their
             abilitie
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             of
             bread
             ,
             meat
             ,
             and
             wine
             ,
             which
             was
             set
             on
             a
             Table
             in
             the
             middest
             of
             the
             house
             of
             prayer
             ,
             and
             this
             they
             called
             an
             offering
             ,
             the
             more
             to
             encourage
             the
             people
             to
             this
             bounty
             and
             charity
             ,
             and
             this
             was
             covered
             till
             the
             first
             service
             was
             done
             ,
             and
             the
             preaching
             ,
             then
             the
             Cloath
             was
             taken
             of
             ,
             and
             then
             the
             Bishop
             ,
             or
             Pastor
             ,
             or
             president
             came
             to
             the
             side
             of
             the
             Table
             ,
             and
             gave
             thankes
             and
             prayed
             for
             all
             men
             ,
             and
             after
             tooke
             Bread
             and
             Wine
             ,
             and
             consecrated
             them
             with
             prayers
             ;
             Sometimes
             onely
             with
             the
             Lords
             prayer
             rehearsing
             the
             words
             of
             the
             Institution
             of
             our
             Lord
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             1
             
               Cor.
            
             12.
             11.
             
             And
             brake
             the
             Bread
             ,
             and
             the
             Wine
             was
             poured
             out
             ,
             and
             distributed
             to
             the
             people
             thereto
             admitted
             ;
          
           
             The
             rest
             of
             the
             offerings
             were
             given
             to
             the
             poore
             ,
             the
             needy
             and
             the
             widowes
             by
             the
             Deacons
             .
          
           
             
             And
             
               Platina
            
             in
             the
             life
             of
             
               Telesphorus
            
             saith
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             Apostles
             times
             all
             things
             were
             done
             nakedly
             ,
             plainly
             and
             simply
             in
             the
             action
             of
             this
             mysterie
             ;
             And
             in
             
               Rome
            
             where
             the
             mysterie
             of
             iniquitie
             was
             to
             take
             roote
             ,
             and
             bee
             seated
             ,
             all
             things
             continued
             ,
             and
             were
             done
             after
             the
             same
             order
             ,
             doctrines
             and
             traditions
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostles
             taught
             ;
             As
             
               Irenaus
            
             doth
             witnesse
             for
             twelve
             Bishops
             successively
             from
             the
             Apostles
             unto
             
               Eleutherius
               ;
            
             Nay
             ;
             the
             simplicitie
             and
             puritie
             of
             worship
             continued
             without
             addition
             or
             diminution
             untill
             
               Constantine
            
             the
             great
             his
             time
             .
          
        
         
           
             An
             amplification
             what
             undeniable
             reasons
             for
             the
             puritie
             of
             Gods
             Worship
             and
             service
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             evident
             and
             undeniable
             that
             Gods
             worship
             ,
             and
             the
             Divine
             service
             hath
             beene
             ever
             from
             
               Adam
               ,
            
             and
             practised
             by
             his
             posteritie
             in
             the
             first
             age
             plaine
             ,
             simple
             ,
             pure
             ,
             and
             naked
             prayer
             ,
             praise
             and
             thankes
             ,
             without
             any
             invention
             of
             man
             ,
             or
             externall
             Ceremonie
             ,
             nor
             yet
             any
             Sacramentall
             signes
             ,
             save
             onely
             that
             
               Adam
            
             taught
             his
             sonnes
             to
             bring
             unto
             him
             ,
             as
             to
             their
             high
             Priest
             presenting
             the
             person
             of
             the
             promised
             seed
             ,
             
             before
             the
             incarnation
             ,
             their
             first
             fruits
             in
             thankfulnesse
             ,
             having
             onely
             the
             naked
             and
             simple
             ,
             ministration
             of
             the
             word
             promised
             to
             be
             made
             man
             ,
             preached
             by
             
               Adam
               ,
               Seth
               ,
            
             and
             
               Enoch
               ,
            
             and
             
               Noah
               ,
            
             to
             feed
             their
             holy
             faith
             ,
             God
             enlightning
             them
             with
             the
             inspiration
             of
             his
             spirit
             ,
             making
             them
             the
             Prophets
             of
             God
             .
          
           
             
             And
             the
             Divine
             reasons
             why
             God
             used
             no
             Sacramentall
             signes
             ,
             nor
             figurative
             Sacrifices
             was
             ,
             for
             that
             
               Adam
            
             and
             his
             posterity
             had
             not
             altogether
             forgot
             that
             Divine
             light
             of
             life
             ,
             which
             hee
             was
             endued
             with
             in
             his
             creation
             ,
             though
             hee
             had
             newly
             lost
             the
             possession
             thereof
             ,
             yet
             he
             was
             more
             capable
             of
             inspiration
             ,
             then
             the
             next
             generations
             were
             ,
             who
             had
             smothered
             even
             the
             light
             of
             nature
             by
             multiplying
             their
             transgressions
             :
             And
             this
             was
             a
             principall
             cause
             why
             they
             lived
             in
             this
             age
             above
             960.
             
          
           
             
             But
             in
             the
             second
             age
             God
             did
             not
             onely
             for
             their
             overgrowth
             of
             sinfulnesse
             cut
             short
             the
             dayes
             of
             man
             ,
             but
             hee
             also
             did
             choose
             himselfe
             a
             people
             from
             the
             loynes
             of
             
               Abraham
               ,
            
             and
             renewed
             unto
             him
             the
             promise
             of
             his
             blessed
             seed
             ,
             and
             made
             him
             a
             great
             Nation
             and
             Church
             unto
             himselfe
             ,
             and
             to
             this
             Church
             and
             people
             God
             gave
             Sacramentall
             signes
             to
             distinguish
             them
             from
             all
             other
             Nations
             to
             be
             his
             owne
             ,
             and
             ordained
             them
             Statutes
             ,
             Lawes
             ,
             and
             ordinances
             to
             instruct
             them
             as
             under
             a
             Schoolemaster
             ,
             and
             by
             signes
             to
             lead
             them
             unto
             the
             spirituall
             power
             ,
             and
             efficacie
             of
             the
             Incarnation
             of
             Christ
             and
             his
             death
             unto
             the
             remission
             of
             sinnes
             .
          
           
             But
             it
             is
             undeniable
             and
             manifest
             ,
             that
             hee
             required
             no
             other
             manner
             of
             worship
             and
             service
             of
             them
             ,
             then
             hee
             did
             of
             the
             first
             people
             ,
             for
             God
             is
             unchangeable
             in
             his
             nature
             ;
             therefore
             he
             cannot
             nor
             will
             not
             have
             any
             other
             kinde
             of
             worship
             :
             but
             one
             simple
             pure
             worship
             of
             praise
             ,
             prayer
             ,
             and
             thanksgigiving
             ,
             and
             feeding
             of
             this
             worship
             with
             the
             plaine
             ministration
             of
             his
             promised
             word
             of
             life
             preached
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             
             But
             why
             was
             this
             second
             age
             burthened
             with
             ordinances
             and
             figures
             ?
             because
             this
             age
             was
             drowned
             with
             the
             growth
             of
             sinne
             ,
             and
             incapable
             of
             light
             ,
             for
             sinne
             by
             the
             law
             became
             more
             raging
             and
             sinfull
             ;
             and
             the
             law
             was
             weak
             ,
             and
             could
             not
             prevaile
             with
             man
             because
             of
             sinne
             ,
             for
             mans
             sinfulness
             :
             
             was
             so
             great
             ,
             that
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             law
             which
             is
             righteousnesse
             ,
             could
             not
             dwell
             in
             flesh
             and
             blood
             but
             it
             must
             be
             consumed
             :
             for
             this
             cause
             the
             law
             became
             death
             unto
             man
             ,
             and
             man
             ,
             by
             the
             law
             became
             dead
             :
             for
             the
             law
             did
             not
             onely
             reprove
             ,
             but
             condemne
             .
             But
             in
             this
             third
             age
             the
             righteousnesse
             of
             the
             law
             became
             incarnate
             ,
             and
             was
             made
             man
             ,
             that
             man
             might
             be
             made
             the
             righteousnesse
             of
             the
             law
             :
             Thus
             that
             Christ
             ,
             who
             was
             promised
             to
             the
             first
             age
             ,
             is
             become
             our
             righteousnesse
             :
             so
             that
             now
             the
             spirit
             is
             communicated
             in
             a
             fuller
             measure
             ,
             and
             more
             evident
             and
             powerfull
             then
             it
             was
             unto
             the
             Jewes
             in
             figurative
             types
             and
             ceremonies
             .
          
           
             And
             this
             is
             the
             reason
             why
             all
             things
             are
             become
             more
             spirituall
             ,
             and
             God
             will
             have
             his
             worship
             now
             to
             be
             known
             to
             be
             onely
             spirit
             and
             truth
             ;
             for
             through
             him
             we
             are
             become
             new
             creatures
             unto
             God
             the
             Father
             ,
             created
             in
             Christ
             ,
             not
             to
             a
             new
             worship
             ,
             but
             to
             the
             same
             worship
             more
             pure
             and
             perfectly
             to
             worship
             in
             spirit
             then
             heretofore
             .
          
           
             The
             reason
             (
             why
             Christ
             would
             institute
             no
             other
             worship
             ,
             nor
             allow
             none
             to
             be
             true-worshippers
             ;
             
             but
             those
             that
             worshipped
             in
             spirit
             and
             truth
             ,
             simply
             ,
             plainly
             ,
             and
             nakedly
             ,
             is
             extracted
             from
             Gods
             owne
             Essentiall
             nature
             ,
             God
             is
             a
             spirit
             ,
             and
             therefore
             will
             be
             worship'd
             in
             spirit
             and
             truth
             .
             Also
             God
             is
             one
             simple
             pure
             spirituall
             Essence
             ,
             therefore
             he
             will
             have
             no
             invention
             ,
             nor
             no
             mixture
             of
             any
             Rites
             ,
             Ceremonies
             ,
             or
             observations
             but
             plainenesse
             .
             And
             againe
             ,
             God
             will
             with
             the
             simple
             plainenesse
             of
             his
             worship
             and
             preaching
             confound
             the
             wisedome
             and
             superstitious
             curiosity
             of
             man
             ,
             
             for
             the
             naturall
             corruption
             of
             man
             not
             savouring
             nor
             discerning
             the
             beauty
             and
             sweetnesse
             of
             spirituall
             things
             ,
             
             doth
             out
             of
             a
             slavish
             feare
             and
             superstitious
             curiosity
             ,
             seeke
             a
             will-worship
             of
             his
             owne
             invention
             which
             God
             hates
             ;
             But
             the
             enlightned
             soule
             sees
             most
             heavenly
             and
             glorious
             delights
             in
             the
             plaine
             and
             simple
             ministration
             of
             Gods
             word
             ;
             for
             the
             minde
             not
             sticking
             in
             the
             outward
             forme
             and
             signes
             of
             the
             mysteries
             :
             shee
             flies
             with
             the
             wings
             of
             Divine
             speculations
             into
             the
             presence
             of
             God
             and
             his
             Angels
             ,
             as
             
               Tertullian
            
             saith
             speaking
             of
             the
             soule
             .
             We
             have
             a
             sister
             (
             saith
             hee
             )
             among
             us
             ,
             unto
             whom
             is
             given
             the
             gift
             of
             Revelation
             ,
             in
             the
             middest
             of
             Divine
             Service
             ,
             she
             
             is
             east
             into
             an
             extasie
             ,
             she
             is
             brought
             into
             the
             company
             of
             Angels
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             into
             the
             presence
             of
             the
             Lord
             himselfe
             .
             Againe
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Scriptures
             that
             are
             read
             ,
             the
             Psalmes
             that
             are
             sung
             ,
             the
             Sermons
             that
             are
             made
             ,
             and
             prayers
             which
             are
             offered
             :
             new
             matter
             of
             vision
             is
             administred
             and
             offered
             unto
             her
             .
          
           
             Now
             those
             that
             have
             not
             this
             spirituall
             sence
             ,
             and
             eye
             to
             taste
             and
             see
             how
             good
             and
             gracious
             the
             Lord
             is
             ,
             and
             to
             behold
             how
             beautifull
             his
             Tabernacles
             are
             ,
             
             they
             think
             it
             was
             the
             ignorance
             or
             poverty
             of
             the
             age
             that
             suffered
             the
             worship
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             his
             ministration
             to
             be
             clad
             in
             such
             base
             and
             meane
             array
             and
             cloathing
             ,
             and
             comparing
             her
             to
             the
             worldly
             pomp
             of
             Idolatrous
             and
             superstitious
             worship
             ,
             they
             were
             ashamed
             to
             show
             the
             Church
             in
             such
             plaine
             roabes
             before
             the
             Gentiles
             and
             Iewes
             ;
             therefore
             every
             Metropolitane
             after
             the
             Nicene
             Counsell
             having
             got
             the
             sole
             government
             into
             their
             hands
             ,
             devised
             some
             sentences
             out
             of
             the
             Scripture
             to
             beautifie
             the
             service
             and
             the
             Sacraments
             ,
             and
             some
             rites
             and
             ceremonies
             to
             correspond
             both
             with
             Iew
             and
             Gentile
             in
             serving
             God
             ;
             All
             which
             things
             though
             at
             the
             first
             the
             Inventers
             had
             a
             good
             intent
             ,
             and
             the
             words
             and
             rites
             carried
             a
             glorious
             show
             of
             holinesse
             ;
             yet
             because
             they
             were
             not
             the
             things
             that
             God
             ordained
             ,
             nor
             thought
             fit
             to
             be
             done
             or
             to
             have
             done
             in
             his
             service
             and
             ministration
             :
             
             therefore
             they
             brought
             forth
             in
             the
             end
             a
             malignant
             effect
             both
             in
             worship
             and
             Doctrine
             ,
             Idolatry
             and
             Superstition
             with
             damnable
             heresies
             in
             the
             end
             ;
             which
             the
             first
             Inventers
             never
             dreamed
             of
             .
          
           
             For
             when
             man
             adds
             other
             words
             ;
             or
             some
             other
             thing
             to
             the
             Sacraments
             ,
             then
             Christ
             did
             use
             in
             his
             institution
             ,
             doth
             hee
             not
             disallow
             of
             the
             wisedome
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             thereby
             make
             his
             owne
             filthinesse
             appears
             under
             his
             skirts
             ?
             as
             the
             Lord
             saith
             ,
             
               Exod.
            
             19.
             last
             verse
             ,
             where
             man
             is
             prohibited
             invention
             .
             To
             beware
             of
             this
             ,
             
               Cyprian
            
             in
             his
             Epistle
             to
             
               Adrian
            
             the
             Emperour
             ,
             adviseth
             to
             hold
             our selves
             fast
             to
             the
             institution
             of
             Christs
             the
             Apostles
             did
             so
             as
             appeares
             by
             
               Paul
               ,
               1
               Cor.
            
             11.
             12.
             
             It
             is
             truth
             (
             saith
             
               Cyprian
               )
            
             seeing
             that
             neither
             any
             Apostles
             neither
             Angels
             from
             heaven
             could
             declare
             any
             thing
             unto
             us
             ;
             beside
             that
             which
             Christ
             hath
             once
             taught
             ,
             I
             cannot
             but
             mervaile
             
             how
             against
             all
             Angelicall
             and
             Apostolicall
             Doctrine
             men
             dare
             to
             offer
             in
             some
             places
             water
             in
             the
             Cup
             .
             Again
             he
             saith
             ,
             they
             should
             ask
             counsell
             of
             those
             whom
             they
             follow
             ;
             for
             if
             in
             the
             sacrifice
             which
             is
             Christ
             we
             should
             not
             follow
             any
             other
             then
             Christ
             ,
             it
             must
             of
             necessity
             follow
             that
             wee
             must
             obey
             and
             doe
             as
             Christ
             hath
             done
             and
             commanded
             us
             to
             doe
             :
             so
             he
             saith
             in
             his
             Gospel
             ;
             If
             you
             doe
             the
             things
             I
             command
             you
             to
             doe
             ,
             I
             will
             call
             you
             no
             more
             servants
             but
             sonne
             ;
             And
             the
             Father
             doth
             witnesse
             ,
             that
             Christ
             is
             onely
             to
             be
             heard
             ,
             Aying
             from
             heaven
             this
             is
             my
             beloved
             Sonne
             ,
             heare
             him
             ;
             thereupon
             we
             are
             not
             to
             regard
             what
             those
             before
             us
             have
             judged
             meet
             ;
             because
             we
             are
             not
             to
             apply
             our selves
             to
             follow
             the
             customs
             of
             man
             ,
             but
             the
             truth
             and
             verity
             of
             God
             .
             And
             the
             same
             Author
             to
             stop
             the
             month
             of
             all
             will-worshippers
             faith
             ;
             if
             any
             of
             our
             predecessors
             either
             through
             ignorance
             or
             foolish
             simplicity
             have
             held
             otherwise
             then
             the
             Lord
             hath
             taught
             ,
             either
             by
             his
             precept
             or
             by
             his
             example
             ;
             God
             will
             pardon
             such
             his
             simplicity
             through
             his
             rich
             and
             abundant
             mercy
             ;
             But
             unto
             us
             now
             ,
             who
             are
             forewarned
             and
             taught
             the
             contrary
             by
             himselfe
             ,
             it
             cannot
             be
             pardoned
             .
          
           
             These
             enforcing
             and
             undeniable
             reasons
             cannot
             be
             withstood
             ,
             but
             teach
             and
             stirre
             us
             up
             to
             seek
             the
             first
             purity
             ,
             simple
             and
             plaine
             manner
             of
             worship
             ,
             and
             to
             shake
             off
             all
             rites
             ,
             ceremonies
             ,
             and
             superstitions
             ,
             and
             to
             rest
             satisfied
             with
             the
             simplicity
             of
             preaching
             ,
             and
             to
             cleave
             to
             the
             prescript
             Institution
             of
             Christ
             in
             using
             the
             Sacrements
             .
          
           
             Thus
             much
             for
             the
             worship
             of
             God
             .
          
        
      
       
       
         
           Of
           Divine
           Iurisdiction
           ,
           the
           second
           subsistence
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           .
        
         
           AS
           Divine
           worship
           is
           the
           first
           subsistence
           ,
           in
           the
           unitie
           of
           the
           visible
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           which
           all
           the
           faithfull
           are
           congregated
           (
           as
           it
           were
           in
           one
           body
           )
           
           into
           the
           unitie
           of
           the
           spirit
           in
           the
           bond
           of
           peace
           ,
           even
           so
           Divine
           dominion
           must
           be
           the
           second
           subsistence
           dwelling
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           filling
           the
           Church
           with
           life
           and
           vigour
           through
           all
           members
           ,
           as
           the
           soule
           in
           the
           body
           ,
           also
           it
           is
           like
           sinewes
           and
           arteries
           knitting
           and
           coupling
           together
           the
           body
           by
           every
           joynt
           for
           the
           Furniture
           thereof
           (
           according
           to
           the
           effectuall
           power
           which
           is
           in
           the
           measure
           of
           every
           ,
           part
           )
           receiving
           increase
           of
           the
           body
           unto
           the
           edifying
           of
           it selfe
           in
           love
           .
        
         
           
           Now
           all
           powers
           are
           of
           God
           from
           above
           from
           the
           Father
           of
           light
           ,
           as
           from
           a
           fountaine
           from
           whence
           all
           good
           gifts
           and
           gracious
           givings
           doe
           proceed
           by
           his
           mighty
           Word
           
           through
           his
           holy
           Spirit
           flowing
           into
           the
           vessels
           of
           humanity
           and
           running
           through
           them
           with
           a
           perpetuall
           successive
           duration
           ,
           returning
           into
           the
           Ocean
           of
           Gods
           glory
           .
        
         
           
           The
           first
           receptacle
           of
           all
           divine
           power
           and
           dominion
           communicated
           from
           the
           Father
           is
           Christ
           the
           Mediatour
           God
           and
           man
           to
           whom
           all
           power
           is
           given
           ,
           both
           in
           heaven
           and
           in
           earth
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           first
           begotten
           of
           every
           creature
           ;
           
           And
           as
           
             Daniel
          
           saw
           in
           his
           Vision
           one
           like
           the
           Sonne
           of
           Man
           come
           in
           the
           cloudes
           of
           heaven
           ,
           and
           approach
           to
           the
           Antient
           of
           dayes
           ,
           and
           they
           brought
           him
           before
           him
           ,
           and
           he
           gave
           him
           Dominion
           ,
           Honour
           ,
           and
           a
           Kingdome
           ,
           that
           all
           people
           ,
           Nations
           and
           languages
           should
           serue
           him
           ,
           for
           this
           cause
           we
           are
           taught
           to
           conclude
           our
           petitions
           with
           this
           obedient
           acknowledgement
           ,
           for
           thine
           is
           the
           kingdome
           ,
           the
           power
           ,
           or
           dominion
           ,
           and
           the
           glory
           .
           
        
         
           This
           kingdome
           is
           one
           entire
           kingdome
           of
           distinct
           gradations
           ,
           
           yet
           individuall
           ,
           like
           the
           wheeles
           in
           the
           vision
           of
           
             Exechiel
             ,
          
           one
           within
           another
           ,
           as
           the
           kingdome
           of
           Providence
           ,
           
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           militant
           ,
           with
           the
           Soules
           triumphant
           ,
           and
           the
           dominions
           ,
           powers
           ,
           and
           principalities
           of
           Angels
           ministring
           before
           him
           .
        
         
           The
           dominion
           given
           unto
           Christ
           as
           he
           is
           the
           Sonne
           of
           man
           (
           
             *
          
           Christ
           God
           and
           Man
           )
           is
           the
           personall
           power
           of
           the
           Fathers
           eternall
           begotten
           Word
           ,
           by
           individuall
           union
           of
           Divine
           nature
           ,
           with
           the
           humanity
           communicated
           to
           Gods
           elect
           .
           whereby
           hee
           is
           the
           ingraven
           forme
           of
           the
           Fathers
           owne
           person
           unto
           the
           world
           ,
           holding
           up
           all
           things
           by
           his
           mighty
           Word
           .
        
         
           This
           Word
           by
           the
           ministeriall
           proceeding
           of
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           is
           that
           Scepter
           of
           righteousnesse
           ,
           whereby
           he
           guideth
           and
           ruleth
           his
           kingdomes
           ,
           as
           
             David
          
           saith
           ,
           thy
           Throne
           ,
           O
           God
           is
           for
           ever
           ,
           the
           Scepter
           of
           thy
           kingdome
           is
           a
           Scepter
           of
           righteousnesse
           .
        
         
           
           This
           is
           that
           Scepter
           of
           righteousnesse
           by
           the
           precepts
           and
           power
           whereof
           Kings
           raign
           ,
           and
           Princes
           decree
           Justice
           ;
           For
           this
           cause
           Christ
           is
           called
           the
           King
           of
           Kings
           ,
           and
           Lord
           of
           Lords
           ,
           the
           onely
           ruler
           of
           Princes
           .
        
         
           
             Of
             the
             first
             gradation
             .
          
           
             
             For
             the
             first
             gradation
             of
             Gods
             great
             kingdome
             ,
             God
             by
             Divine
             ordination
             in
             nature
             in
             the
             Creation
             gave
             a
             blessing
             and
             dominion
             unto
             
               Adam
               ,
            
             to
             fill
             the
             earth
             with
             his
             seed
             ,
             and
             to
             subdue
             it
             under
             his
             obedience
             .
             For
             this
             cause
             it
             is
             said
             ,
             the
             heaven
             of
             heavens
             is
             the
             Lords
             ,
             the
             earth
             he
             hath
             given
             to
             the
             Children
             of
             men
             ;
             from
             hence
             God
             claimes
             the
             first
             borne
             to
             be
             his
             substitutes
             on
             earth
             ,
             which
             honour
             in
             the
             beginning
             was
             due
             to
             them
             ,
             as
             the
             dignity
             of
             their
             birth-right
             by
             Gods
             ordination
             ,
             which
             continued
             in
             the
             Family
             of
             
               Adam
               ,
            
             
             till
             
               Cain
            
             lost
             it
             by
             killing
             his
             brother
             
               Abell
               ;
               Cham
            
             lost
             it
             by
             scoffing
             his
             father
             
               Noah
               ;
               Esau
            
             sold
             it
             for
             a
             messe
             of
             Pottage
             ,
             and
             
               Reuben
            
             lost
             it
             by
             defiling
             of
             his
             fathers
             bed
             .
             Then
             by
             the
             law
             of
             that
             ordinance
             the
             dignitie
             of
             Birth-right
             was
             of
             divine
             right
             conferred
             upon
             the
             Tribe
             of
             
               Judah
               ,
            
             and
             reserved
             in
             the
             line
             of
             
               Iudah
            
             for
             the
             Lyon
             of
             
               Judah
               ,
            
             who
             is
             the
             image
             
             of
             the
             invisible
             God
             ,
             the
             first
             begotten
             of
             every
             creature
             ,
             and
             for
             that
             all
             things
             were
             created
             by
             him
             and
             for
             him
             ,
             
             and
             that
             he
             is
             before
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             in
             him
             all
             things
             consist
             ;
             And
             also
             being
             the
             ordained
             Lambe
             of
             God
             before
             the
             foundation
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             he
             is
             therefore
             made
             the
             head
             of
             the
             body
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             King
             of
             
               Israel
               ,
            
             that
             in
             all
             things
             bee
             might
             have
             dominion
             and
             preheminence
             both
             of
             things
             in
             earth
             ,
             and
             things
             in
             heaven
             ;
             For
             it
             was
             the
             Fathers
             pleasure
             that
             in
             him
             all
             fulnesse
             should
             dwell
             ,
             from
             this
             fountaine
             all
             soveraigntie
             is
             derived
             .
          
        
         
           
             How
             Christ
             doth
             constitute
             his
             Vice-royes
             on
             earth
             ,
             Kings
             ,
             Princes
             ,
             and
             Potentates
             ,
             
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             The
             first
             ordination
             of
             Soveraignty
             being
             thus
             (
             as
             I
             have
             shewed
             )
             of
             Divine
             right
             conferred
             upon
             the
             naturall
             Sonne
             of
             God
             sitting
             upon
             his
             highest
             Throne
             of
             glory
             ,
             farre
             above
             all
             powers
             and
             principalities
             ,
             he
             doth
             by
             his
             divine
             and
             all
             foreseeing
             providence
             constitute
             whom
             it
             pleaseth
             him
             to
             sit
             upon
             his
             earthly
             Thrones
             ,
             over
             any
             Nation
             ,
             people
             ,
             or
             language
             ,
             induing
             them
             with
             proper
             gifts
             of
             his
             owne
             spirit
             for
             rule
             and
             government
             ;
             Thus
             doth
             God
             constitute
             Kings
             and
             Princes
             ,
             and
             Rulers
             ,
             after
             what
             manner
             soever
             it
             bee
             done
             on
             earth
             ,
             whether
             by
             lineall
             descent
             or
             Nationall
             choise
             ,
             or
             by
             the
             sword
             ,
             howsoever
             the
             hand
             of
             Providence
             doth
             direct
             ,
             appoint
             and
             establish
             ,
             1
             
               Sam.
               2.
               4.
               Psal.
               123.
               
               Hee
               raiseth
               the
               poore
               out
               of
               the
               dust
               ,
               and
               lifteth
               the
               beggar
               out
               of
               the
               dung
               ,
               to
               set
               them
               among
               Princes
               ,
               and
               to
               make
               them
               inherit
               the
               seat
               of
               glory
               ;
            
             Also
             ,
             
               hee
               pulleth
               downe
               and
               setteth
               up
               at
               his
               pleasure
               .
            
             
          
           
             
             It
             is
             profitable
             for
             us
             to
             observe
             that
             
               Adam
            
             by
             his
             transgression
             ,
             lost
             neither
             the
             natural
             faculties
             of
             his
             soule
             ,
             nor
             the
             honour
             and
             dignity
             of
             his
             birth-right
             and
             dominion
             though
             at
             the
             first
             ,
             (
             by
             losing
             that
             breath
             of
             life
             which
             was
             the
             light
             and
             life
             of
             his
             soule
             ,
             and
             that
             made
             him
             the
             perfect
             Image
             of
             God
             )
             they
             were
             weakened
             and
             blemished
             in
             capacitie
             .
             For
             if
             he
             had
             lost
             his
             naturall
             faculties
             ,
             hee
             had
             lost
             the
             forme
             of
             his
             being
             ,
             and
             if
             his
             birth-right
             and
             dignity
             of
             dominion
             had
             beene
             abolished
             before
             it
             had
             beene
             conferred
             
             upon
             another
             ,
             then
             should
             nature
             have
             been
             deprived
             of
             the
             ministration
             of
             judgement
             ,
             Justice
             ,
             and
             equity
             ,
             which
             would
             have
             brought
             forth
             an
             utter
             dissolution
             of
             the
             whole
             generation
             of
             man
             ;
             But
             after
             the
             sonnes
             of
             
               Adam
               ,
            
             as
             it
             were
             forfeited
             their
             dignity
             and
             birth-right
             of
             dominion
             by
             multiplying
             transgression
             ,
             then
             God
             the
             Father
             conferred
             the
             preheminence
             thereof
             upon
             the
             Sonne
             of
             Man
             (
             even
             Christ
             )
             that
             he
             might
             consecrate
             and
             appoint
             ,
             whom
             it
             seemed
             good
             unto
             him
             to
             sit
             upon
             his
             temporall
             Throne
             ,
             so
             that
             birth-right
             and
             preheminence
             might
             be
             his
             in
             whom
             all
             fulnesse
             dwelt
             .
             And
             that
             by
             him
             Judgement
             ,
             Justice
             and
             equity
             might
             reigne
             with
             men
             .
          
           
             Thus
             the
             Regall
             power
             of
             Princes
             is
             derived
             from
             Christ
             by
             the
             rule
             of
             divine
             ordination
             in
             nature
             ,
             (
             for
             he
             that
             is
             the
             Author
             of
             nature
             ,
             is
             the
             observerr
             and
             preserver
             of
             all
             the
             ordinances
             in
             nature
             )
             so
             that
             this
             royall
             office
             is
             restored
             to
             man
             by
             ordination
             in
             Christ
             ;
             But
             the
             priestly
             and
             propheticall
             office
             man
             hath
             from
             God
             by
             union
             and
             communion
             with
             Christ
             ,
             and
             by
             inspiration
             and
             supernaturall
             donation
             through
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ;
             For
             this
             cause
             a
             Tyrant
             may
             bee
             a
             lawfull
             King
             by
             ordination
             of
             God
             ,
             yet
             no
             Christian
             member
             of
             Christ
             .
          
        
         
           
             Difference
             betwixt
             Regall
             ordination
             and
             Divine
             power
             .
          
           
             From
             hence
             we
             may
             extract
             an
             evident
             difference
             betwixt
             the
             power
             of
             royall
             ordination
             in
             nature
             ,
             and
             the
             supernaturall
             power
             of
             God
             which
             is
             given
             to
             his
             Church
             on
             earth
             ;
             That
             is
             a
             ministeriall
             power
             to
             distribute
             Judgement
             ,
             Justice
             ,
             and
             equity
             amongst
             men
             ,
             with
             absolute
             power
             of
             coaction
             to
             punish
             actuall
             offences
             ,
             with
             corporall
             or
             pecuniary
             punishment
             upon
             body
             ,
             lands
             ,
             and
             goods
             .
             This
             other
             is
             a
             supernaturall
             power
             and
             divine
             efficacy
             properly
             given
             to
             the
             elect
             of
             God
             by
             inspiration
             ,
             whereby
             they
             have
             union
             and
             communion
             with
             Christ
             ,
             and
             one
             with
             another
             for
             every
             ones
             owne
             particular
             prerogative
             of
             son
             ship
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             edification
             one
             of
             another
             ,
             and
             to
             some
             men
             it
             is
             given
             in
             a
             peculiar
             
             manner
             ,
             and
             a
             greater
             measure
             of
             divine
             power
             and
             gifts
             ,
             for
             the
             ministration
             ,
             writing
             ,
             teaching
             ,
             and
             preaching
             of
             the
             Word
             and
             Sacraments
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             that
             which
             was
             revealed
             by
             God
             to
             the
             antient
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             was
             taught
             by
             Christ
             ,
             and
             after
             written
             by
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             from
             the
             pen
             and
             mouth
             of
             the
             Apostles
             ;
             And
             this
             power
             is
             a
             ministeriall
             power
             ,
             mighty
             in
             operation
             to
             bind
             and
             loose
             the
             conscience
             ,
             to
             open
             and
             shut
             heaven
             and
             hell
             ,
             by
             declaring
             the
             judgement
             of
             God
             against
             unpentient
             sinners
             ,
             and
             his
             mercy
             in
             Christ
             to
             the
             penitent
             man
             ,
             as
             he
             hath
             taught
             and
             revealed
             ;
             for
             this
             power
             doth
             not
             follow
             the
             judgement
             and
             will
             of
             man
             ,
             nor
             succession
             of
             profession
             ,
             but
             is
             tyed
             and
             limited
             to
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Word
             and
             will
             of
             God
             ;
             Therefore
             what
             they
             bind
             on
             earth
             by
             this
             ministeriall
             power
             ,
             Christ
             bindes
             in
             heaven
             by
             his
             absolute
             power
             .
             By
             this
             there
             is
             no
             power
             of
             coaction
             given
             to
             the
             Church
             over
             the
             body
             ,
             nor
             purse
             ,
             nor
             life
             ,
             but
             onely
             over
             the
             soule
             and
             conscience
             ,
             and
             to
             rule
             by
             instruction
             ,
             admonition
             ,
             and
             correction
             .
             
             That
             makes
             men
             civill
             and
             sociable
             ,
             and
             restraineth
             vice
             for
             feare
             of
             punishment
             :
             this
             other
             makes
             men
             spirituall
             and
             divine
             ,
             meeke
             and
             lowly
             ,
             and
             full
             of
             loving
             kindnesse
             ,
             and
             rooteth
             out
             sinne
             in
             the
             heart
             ,
             making
             men
             refraine
             and
             shun
             sinne
             and
             wickednesse
             ,
             for
             the
             love
             of
             God
             and
             goodnesse
             it selfe
             .
             Herein
             the
             kingdome
             of
             Providence
             and
             Grace
             doe
             both
             agree
             to
             make
             man
             happy
             and
             blessed
             in
             this
             life
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             life
             to
             come
             ;
             For
             this
             cause
             it
             was
             said
             to
             
               Abraham
               ;
               In
               thy
               seed
               all
               nations
               shall
               bee
               blessed
               ;
            
             And
             
               David
            
             saith
             ,
             
               Blessed
               is
               the
               Nation
               whose
               God
               is
               the
               Lord
               .
            
             
             For
             no
             Kingdome
             nor
             Common-wealth
             can
             be
             blessed
             ,
             which
             doth
             not
             entertaine
             the
             true
             Church
             of
             God
             in
             her
             bosome
             ,
             or
             in
             which
             the
             Church
             is
             not
             involved
             ;
             For
             this
             cause
             God
             doth
             make
             good
             Kings
             a
             blessing
             to
             his
             people
             ,
             and
             commands
             his
             Saints
             to
             pray
             for
             Kings
             ,
             Princes
             ,
             and
             Governours
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             lead
             a
             peaceable
             and
             happy
             life
             under
             them
             ,
             and
             that
             there
             his
             Gospell
             may
             have
             a
             free
             passage
             ;
             And
             so
             Kings
             and
             Princes
             become
             nursing
             fathers
             ,
             and
             nursing
             mothers
             ;
             And
             in
             this
             combination
             betwixt
             Church
             and
             Common-wealth
             ,
             righteousnesse
             and
             peace
             doe
             kisse
             each
             other
             .
             But
             if
             they
             be
             wicked
             Princes
             ,
             
             then
             they
             are
             sent
             for
             a
             punishment
             and
             scourge
             of
             God
             to
             the
             the
             people
             ,
             and
             when
             God
             hath
             whipped
             his
             people
             ,
             then
             he
             burnes
             his
             roddes
             with
             judgements
             .
             Therefore
             bee
             wise
             yee
             Kings
             ,
             be
             learned
             ye
             Judges
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             serve
             the
             Lord
             in
             feare
             ,
             and
             rejoyce
             in
             trembling
             ,
             kisse
             the
             Son
             lest
             he
             be
             angry
             ,
             
             and
             ye
             perish
             in
             the
             way
             ,
             when
             his
             wrath
             shall
             suddenly
             burne
             ,
             blessed
             are
             all
             they
             that
             trust
             in
             him
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             glasse
             of
             Kings
             .
          
           
             The
             glasse
             wherein
             Kings
             are
             to
             see
             themselves
             by
             reflexion
             ,
             and
             the
             pattern
             whereby
             they
             are
             to
             distribute
             judgement
             ,
             
             justice
             ,
             and
             equity
             ,
             is
             the
             Divine
             nature
             and
             holy
             Trinity
             of
             God
             himselfe
             .
          
           
             For
             as
             the
             nature
             of
             God
             is
             strong
             and
             mighty
             full
             of
             pitty
             and
             compassion
             ,
             slow
             to
             anger
             ,
             and
             abundant
             in
             goodnesse
             and
             truth
             ,
             whose
             purity
             of
             nature
             expelleth
             and
             consumeth
             every
             impure
             and
             imperfect
             thing
             ,
             even
             so
             doth
             God
             require
             his
             King
             should
             be
             like
             unto
             him
             on
             earth
             ,
             as
             he
             is
             in
             heaven
             ,
             for
             he
             hath
             set
             none
             above
             him
             on
             earth
             .
             Therefore
             as
             God
             is
             in
             purity
             of
             essence
             a
             law
             unto
             himselfe
             ,
             and
             a
             consuming
             fire
             of
             evill
             ,
             so
             ought
             a
             King
             in
             his
             politique
             capacity
             to
             be
             a
             law
             unto
             himselfe
             by
             conforming
             himselfe
             in
             a
             spirituall
             assimilation
             to
             the
             nature
             of
             God
             in
             purity
             of
             justice
             ,
             punishing
             the
             evill
             and
             cherishing
             the
             good
             .
          
           
             Also
             as
             the
             person
             of
             the
             Father
             in
             its
             essence
             is
             the
             fountain
             of
             his
             eternall
             law
             which
             he
             hath
             begotten
             and
             ordained
             with
             himselfe
             for
             himselfe
             to
             doe
             all
             things
             by
             ;
             so
             is
             the
             King
             in
             his
             politique
             capacity
             ,
             the
             fountaine
             of
             politique
             lawes
             which
             hee
             hath
             as
             it
             were
             begotten
             in
             his
             body
             politique
             to
             rule
             and
             governe
             his
             people
             by
             .
          
           
             And
             as
             the
             eternall
             law
             of
             God
             is
             the
             begotten
             Counsell
             of
             the
             Trinity
             in
             the
             Deity
             ,
             so
             are
             the
             lawes
             politique
             the
             begoten
             Counsell
             of
             a
             politique
             Trinity
             which
             is
             the
             Soveraign
             ,
             the
             Nobles
             and
             Magistrates
             ,
             and
             the
             Councell
             of
             Commons
             ,
             resembling
             the
             Divine
             Trinity
             in
             Unity
             ,
             the
             indivisible
             subsistence
             of
             a
             Kingdome
             ;
             So
             that
             Kings
             are
             by
             this
             pattern
             and
             
             rule
             bound
             to
             keepe
             the
             lawes
             of
             their
             Kingdomes
             inviolate
             ,
             and
             to
             doe
             all
             things
             by
             their
             lawes
             ,
             as
             God
             doth
             all
             things
             by
             his
             word
             :
             And
             this
             is
             the
             greatest
             prerogative
             of
             a
             King
             ,
             that
             he
             keepe
             his
             owne
             lawes
             freely
             without
             compulsion
             like
             God
             himselfe
             .
          
           
             And
             likewise
             as
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             is
             the
             universall
             Minister
             and
             Divine
             Dispensator
             of
             all
             divine
             powers
             ,
             gifts
             ,
             and
             graces
             of
             God
             ,
             proceeding
             from
             the
             Father
             and
             the
             Sonne
             ;
             even
             so
             are
             the
             Peeres
             ,
             Princes
             ,
             Judges
             ,
             Magistrates
             ,
             and
             Ministers
             of
             Justice
             in
             a
             Common-wealth
             ,
             proceeding
             from
             the
             King
             and
             his
             lawes
             :
             The
             universall
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Royall
             powers
             and
             lawes
             of
             the
             Kingdome
             .
             For
             though
             they
             be
             many
             as
             members
             in
             diversity
             of
             Dispensation
             of
             Justice
             ,
             Judgement
             ,
             and
             equity
             of
             the
             lawes
             ,
             yet
             are
             they
             all
             but
             as
             one
             spirit
             of
             the
             body
             politique
             ,
             as
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             being
             one
             ,
             is
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             diversity
             of
             Administrations
             properly
             called
             the
             seaven
             spirits
             before
             the
             throne
             of
             God
             ,
             
               Revel.
            
             1.
             
             And
             as
             the
             individuall
             unity
             of
             this
             distinct
             Trinitie
             is
             the
             subsistence
             of
             the
             God-head
             ;
             Even
             so
             is
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             King
             with
             his
             Lawes
             ,
             and
             his
             Princes
             and
             Magistrates
             ,
             the
             subsistence
             of
             a
             body
             politique
             or
             Common-wealth
             ;
             Therefore
             
               Solomon
            
             saith
             ,
             Judgement
             and
             Justice
             is
             the
             establishment
             of
             the
             Throne
             .
             For
             this
             similitudes
             sake
             ,
             Kings
             ,
             Princes
             ,
             and
             Magistrates
             are
             called
             Gods
             :
             I
             have
             said
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             ,
             yee
             are
             Gods
             ,
             but
             yee
             shall
             die
             like
             men
             ,
             for
             they
             are
             in
             all
             things
             to
             bee
             in
             their
             Common-wealth
             as
             God
             himselfe
             ;
             Therefore
             wee
             are
             taught
             to
             pray
             ,
             Thy
             will
             ,
             O
             God
             be
             done
             on
             earth
             as
             it
             is
             in
             heaven
             ,
             that
             Kings
             may
             rule
             by
             thee
             ,
             and
             Princes
             decree
             Justice
             on
             earth
             as
             thou
             dost
             in
             heaven
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             that
             orbe
             wherein
             Kings
             are
             to
             walke
             as
             the
             Sunne
             in
             his
             spheare
             ;
             but
             if
             Kings
             make
             their
             owne
             will
             and
             lust
             ,
             their
             law
             and
             rule
             of
             Justice
             ,
             Judgement
             and
             equitie
             ,
             then
             they
             are
             exorbitant
             ,
             and
             then
             God
             in
             whose
             hands
             are
             the
             hearts
             of
             Kings
             ,
             causeth
             their
             Counsellers
             to
             goe
             as
             spoyled
             ,
             and
             makes
             their
             Judges
             as
             fooles
             ,
             and
             he
             looseth
             the
             collar
             of
             Kings
             ,
             and
             girdeth
             their
             loynes
             as
             with
             a
             girdle
             ,
             and
             leadeth
             away
             Princes
             as
             a
             prey
             ,
             and
             overthroweth
             the
             mighty
             ,
             or
             
             Pwreth
             contempt
             upon
             Princes
             ,
             and
             maketh
             the
             strength
             of
             the
             mighty
             weake
             ,
             
               Job
            
             12.
             17
             ,
             18
             ,
             19
             ,
             20
             ,
             21.
             
             
          
        
         
           
             How
             divine
             and
             supernaturall
             power
             is
             derived
             unto
             man
             from
             the
             Father
             by
             the
             Word
             through
             the
             Spirit
             .
          
           
             A
             civill
             ministeriall
             power
             of
             Justice
             is
             derived
             of
             Kings
             ,
             Princes
             and
             Magistrates
             from
             Christ
             ,
             as
             he
             is
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             first
             begotten
             of
             every
             creature
             ,
             and
             therefore
             most
             worthy
             to
             have
             preheminence
             above
             all
             ,
             in
             whom
             all
             things
             consist
             ,
             for
             the
             temporall
             blisse
             and
             happinesse
             of
             man
             on
             earth
             .
             So
             is
             divine
             and
             supernaturall
             power
             derived
             from
             Christ
             ,
             not
             onely
             as
             he
             is
             the
             first
             begotten
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             also
             as
             he
             is
             the
             light
             and
             life
             of
             man
             ,
             without
             whom
             man
             cannot
             be
             a
             living
             soule
             ,
             and
             as
             he
             is
             the
             eternall
             Mediatour
             betwixt
             God
             and
             man
             ,
             that
             promised
             seed
             ,
             the
             Redeemer
             of
             the
             Elect
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             predestinated
             Lambe
             ,
             slaine
             from
             before
             the
             foundation
             of
             the
             world
             ,
             for
             the
             remission
             of
             sinnes
             ,
             their
             ordained
             King
             ,
             Priest
             ,
             and
             Prophet
             ,
             of
             God
             the
             Father
             in
             a
             spirituall
             and
             more
             peculiar
             manner
             ,
             and
             measure
             of
             mysticall
             union
             and
             communion
             ,
             then
             either
             can
             be
             ,
             or
             ever
             was
             ,
             or
             ever
             shall
             be
             in
             all
             the
             ordinances
             of
             God
             in
             nature
             ,
             For
             this
             cause
             that
             all
             men
             might
             know
             that
             he
             was
             ,
             and
             is
             ,
             the
             spirituall
             King
             of
             Glory
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             came
             not
             into
             the
             world
             to
             deprive
             Kings
             and
             Princes
             of
             their
             subordinate
             power
             and
             prerogative
             :
             therefore
             he
             told
             them
             plainly
             ,
             that
             his
             kingdome
             was
             not
             of
             this
             world
             ,
             
             and
             he
             told
             his
             Apostles
             that
             among
             them
             there
             should
             bee
             no
             such
             government
             or
             dominion
             in
             his
             Church
             ,
             as
             the
             Princes
             have
             on
             earth
             among
             men
             ,
             
             but
             the
             chiefest
             among
             them
             should
             be
             he
             that
             tooke
             the
             most
             paines
             to
             serve
             the
             rest
             with
             food
             of
             life
             .
          
           
             The
             Church
             is
             called
             a
             kingdome
             ,
             because
             as
             in
             earthly
             kingdomes
             Kings
             and
             Princes
             have
             power
             by
             their
             politique
             lawes
             over
             the
             bodies
             ,
             goods
             ,
             and
             lives
             of
             men
             :
             for
             their
             wealefull
             being
             on
             earth
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             :
             so
             in
             this
             kingdome
             Christ
             onely
             and
             absolutely
             from
             the
             Father
             through
             
             the
             Spirit
             hath
             power
             by
             the
             divine
             .
             Word
             and
             law
             of
             God
             over
             the
             soules
             of
             men
             for
             their
             eternall
             happinesse
             and
             salvation
             of
             his
             elect
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             just
             judgement
             and
             condemnation
             of
             the
             reprobate
             ,
             to
             shew
             forth
             the
             abundant
             riches
             of
             his
             grace
             in
             that
             ,
             and
             in
             this
             to
             shew
             forth
             his
             wrath
             and
             power
             ,
             suffering
             with
             long
             patience
             the
             vessels
             of
             wrath
             prepared
             for
             destruction
             ,
             and
             in
             both
             the
             exceeding
             excellencie
             of
             his
             glory
             doth
             appeare
             and
             is
             effected
             .
          
           
             Also
             ,
             it
             is
             called
             the
             kingdome
             of
             God
             ,
             because
             God
             the
             Father
             is
             the
             immediate
             fountaine
             from
             whence
             it
             floweth
             ;
             the
             person
             of
             the
             Sonne
             the
             head
             ,
             to
             which
             the
             whole
             body
             and
             every
             member
             really
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             mysticall
             manner
             is
             united
             and
             incorporated
             into
             him
             their
             head
             ,
             because
             God
             the
             Spirit
             is
             the
             immediate
             minister
             and
             dispensator
             of
             all
             divine
             gifts
             ,
             and
             spirituall
             blessings
             in
             heavenly
             things
             ;
             For
             this
             cause
             the
             Church
             in
             Scriptures
             is
             sometimes
             compared
             to
             a
             house
             or
             building
             compact
             together
             and
             built
             of
             living
             stones
             ,
             Christ
             being
             the
             corner
             stone
             or
             foundation
             :
             and
             thus
             it
             is
             a
             spirituall
             house
             of
             Saints
             .
             It
             is
             resembled
             to
             a
             naturall
             body
             composed
             of
             a
             head
             (
             Christ
             )
             and
             many
             members
             knit
             unto
             it
             ,
             and
             one
             unto
             another
             ;
             and
             sometimes
             it
             is
             described
             by
             the
             similitude
             of
             a
             throne
             set
             in
             heaven
             ,
             and
             he
             that
             sits
             thereon
             is
             assimilated
             to
             be
             one
             in
             Deitie
             ,
             but
             three
             in
             distinct
             subsistences
             ,
             like
             to
             three
             pretious
             Jewels
             ;
             The
             first
             appearing
             like
             a
             Jasper
             of
             a
             pleasant
             never
             fading
             flourishing
             greene
             ,
             the
             mother
             of
             all
             pearles
             ;
             The
             second
             a
             Sardine
             which
             is
             of
             a
             reddish
             flesh
             colour
             ;
             The
             third
             is
             in
             aspect
             as
             a
             Rain-bow
             that
             is
             of
             the
             Emerald
             colour
             ,
             as
             the
             eye
             can
             behold
             nothing
             more
             sweet
             or
             delightsome
             .
          
           
             These
             colours
             represent
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             Trinitie
             of
             the
             God-head
             ,
             and
             round
             about
             the
             Throne
             were
             twenty
             foure
             Seats
             ,
             and
             upon
             the
             seats
             twenty
             foure
             Elders
             sitting
             cloathed
             in
             white
             rayment
             ,
             and
             on
             their
             heads
             crownes
             of
             gold
             ;
             This
             name
             of
             Elders
             is
             here
             given
             to
             all
             the
             members
             and
             congregation
             of
             Christ
             in
             his
             kingdome
             ;
             and
             their
             white
             rayment
             is
             to
             expresse
             the
             righteousnesse
             of
             Christ
             ,
             which
             is
             imputed
             and
             freely
             put
             upon
             them
             ,
             and
             making
             them
             Kings
             ,
             Priests
             ,
             
             and
             Prophets
             to
             God
             the
             Father
             ;
             Their
             Crownes
             are
             to
             declare
             their
             Royall
             dignitie
             which
             they
             have
             by
             Christ
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             to
             be
             noted
             ,
             that
             whatsoever
             Christ
             is
             in
             himselfe
             ,
             either
             personally
             ,
             naturally
             ,
             or
             officially
             ,
             all
             his
             members
             are
             partakers
             of
             the
             same
             ,
             in
             some
             measure
             according
             to
             the
             gift
             of
             Christ
             ,
             by
             union
             ,
             communion
             ,
             inspiration
             ,
             and
             through
             externall
             and
             instrumentall
             ministration
             of
             his
             Word
             .
          
           
             This
             is
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ;
             now
             those
             things
             which
             are
             individually
             belonging
             to
             the
             Church
             ,
             at
             first
             the
             protecting
             power
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             alwayes
             ready
             to
             defend
             and
             revenge
             the
             cause
             of
             his
             Saints
             ,
             for
             God
             takes
             their
             cause
             into
             his
             owne
             hand
             ,
             saying
             ,
             Vengeance
             is
             mine
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             repay
             it
             .
             And
             God
             hath
             said
             touch
             not
             mine
             annointed
             ,
             and
             doe
             my
             Prophets
             no
             harme
             ;
             For
             this
             cause
             (
             in
             this
             signe
             of
             the
             Church
             )
             there
             is
             said
             to
             proceed
             out
             of
             the
             Throne
             lightnings
             and
             thunders
             ,
             and
             voyces
             ,
             because
             God
             doth
             punish
             the
             wicked
             horribly
             for
             the
             Churches
             sake
             :
             none
             can
             escape
             his
             hands
             ,
             that
             oppresse
             his
             Saints
             ,
             for
             the
             Lord
             will
             roare
             out
             of
             Sion
             ,
             and
             will
             put
             forth
             his
             voyce
             out
             of
             
               Jerusalem
               .
            
          
           
             A
             second
             sort
             of
             gifts
             are
             inward
             graces
             of
             Sanctification
             expressed
             in
             this
             vision
             by
             seven
             Lampes
             of
             fire
             burning
             before
             the
             Throne
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             seven
             Spirits
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             internall
             sanctification
             of
             Gods
             Spirit
             filling
             every
             soule
             with
             gifts
             like
             oyle
             of
             grace
             ,
             and
             fire
             of
             zeale
             to
             burne
             with
             praises
             before
             the
             Throne
             ;
             Like
             to
             the
             lampes
             in
             the
             Temple
             ,
             
               Exod.
            
             27
             ,
             20.
             by
             seven
             ,
             signifying
             by
             a
             definite
             number
             ,
             manifold
             gifts
             indefinite
             .
          
           
             Next
             are
             outward
             gifts
             ,
             which
             are
             allegorically
             called
             a
             sea
             of
             glasse
             before
             the
             Throne
             like
             Crystall
             ,
             which
             expresseth
             the
             spirituall
             pure
             and
             unspotted
             worship
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             ministration
             of
             his
             Word
             as
             transparent
             to
             the
             eye
             of
             the
             inlightned
             mind
             ,
             as
             Crystall
             glasse
             is
             to
             the
             eye
             of
             the
             body
             ,
             through
             which
             the
             Saints
             may
             see
             the
             glory
             and
             majesty
             of
             God
             in
             the
             face
             of
             Christ
             Jesus
             .
             As
             this
             worship
             is
             pure
             without
             any
             spot
             of
             mans
             invention
             ,
             and
             consists
             (
             as
             in
             the
             first
             tract
             is
             said
             )
             of
             prayer
             ,
             praise
             and
             thankes
             ,
             arising
             and
             alwayes
             nourished
             by
             the
             doctrine
             of
             the
             word
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             the
             sea
             doth
             signifie
             ,
             
             because
             it
             is
             an
             Ocean
             of
             living
             waters
             pure
             like
             Crystall
             ;
             This
             Sea
             therefore
             declares
             the
             whole
             worship
             of
             God
             .
             And
             in
             respect
             that
             the
             Saints
             inlightned
             by
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             are
             called
             burning
             Lampes
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             them
             like
             a
             sea
             of
             oyle
             to
             enrich
             and
             encrease
             their
             lights
             .
          
           
             Another
             outward
             gift
             is
             described
             to
             be
             foure
             Beasts
             ;
             And
             in
             the
             middest
             of
             the
             Throne
             ,
             and
             round
             about
             the
             Throne
             were
             foure
             beasts
             ,
             the
             first
             like
             a
             Lyon
             ,
             the
             second
             a
             Calfe
             ,
             the
             third
             a
             face
             like
             a
             man
             ,
             the
             fourth
             like
             a
             flying
             Eagle
             ,
             and
             their
             bodyes
             are
             full
             of
             eyes
             before
             and
             behind
             ;
             These
             are
             the
             ministers
             and
             servants
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             attend
             the
             ministration
             of
             the
             Word
             and
             Doctrine
             ,
             and
             are
             placed
             betwixt
             the
             Throne
             and
             the
             Elders
             ,
             as
             embassadours
             and
             messengers
             of
             God
             to
             his
             people
             ,
             their
             place
             is
             in
             a
             neerer
             station
             to
             the
             Throne
             then
             the
             Elders
             .
             They
             are
             compared
             to
             beasts
             to
             expresse
             their
             qualities
             ,
             which
             is
             required
             for
             the
             conditions
             of
             the
             times
             and
             seasons
             ,
             as
             the
             strength
             and
             courage
             of
             a
             Lyon
             ,
             the
             patience
             of
             an
             Oxe
             ,
             the
             prudence
             and
             wisedome
             of
             a
             man
             ,
             the
             Eagle-like
             contempt
             of
             earthly
             things
             ,
             and
             sharper
             sight
             in
             spirituall
             and
             heavenly
             things
             .
          
           
             The
             number
             is
             foure
             ,
             to
             double
             the
             number
             of
             the
             tribe
             of
             
               Levi
            
             under
             the
             law
             ,
             to
             answer
             the
             number
             of
             Elders
             ,
             which
             is
             double
             to
             the
             twelve
             Patriarkes
             .
          
           
             Their
             bodyes
             are
             full
             of
             eyes
             behind
             and
             before
             ,
             which
             describes
             that
             sharpnesse
             of
             riches
             and
             understanding
             in
             divine
             things
             ,
             wherewith
             they
             are
             inducd
             by
             the
             gift
             of
             the
             Spirit
             to
             discerne
             things
             past
             ,
             things
             present
             ,
             and
             things
             to
             come
             .
          
           
             These
             beasts
             each
             one
             of
             them
             hath
             sixe
             wings
             placed
             round
             about
             them
             ,
             and
             full
             of
             eyes
             within
             the
             wings
             ;
             these
             wings
             are
             not
             for
             that
             use
             that
             the
             wings
             are
             to
             the
             beasts
             in
             
               E●●●●●…el
               ,
            
             two
             to
             hide
             the
             face
             ,
             and
             two
             to
             flye
             ,
             and
             two
             to
             hide
             their
             feet
             :
             but
             they
             are
             placed
             about
             their
             bodyes
             as
             it
             were
             for
             furtherance
             and
             assistance
             in
             their
             proper
             place
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             flye
             withall
             from
             place
             to
             place
             .
          
           
             These
             wings
             therefore
             signifie
             Governours
             ,
             and
             assistants
             or
             helpers
             ,
             by
             whom
             the
             ministers
             are
             ayded
             in
             their
             function
             ,
             
             and
             doe
             more
             swiftly
             and
             readily
             afford
             succour
             to
             every
             part
             of
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             These
             wings
             are
             full
             of
             eyes
             within
             .
             These
             signifie
             the
             inward
             gifts
             of
             knowledge
             which
             are
             not
             placed
             in
             so
             neere
             a
             measure
             to
             the
             Throne
             ,
             as
             the
             eyes
             in
             the
             body
             ,
             but
             they
             are
             of
             the
             same
             nature
             of
             knowledge
             in
             divine
             things
             ,
             to
             this
             end
             they
             stand
             as
             in
             a
             watch
             tower
             ,
             to
             behold
             and
             discerne
             every
             ones
             manners
             and
             conversation
             ,
             and
             to
             reprove
             and
             exhort
             privately
             ,
             and
             to
             helpe
             the
             ministers
             in
             Censure
             and
             Discipline
             of
             the
             Church
             ;
             therefore
             
               Paul
            
             saith
             ,
             obey
             your
             overseers
             and
             leaders
             ,
             and
             yeeld
             submission
             unto
             them
             ,
             for
             they
             watch
             for
             your
             soules
             ,
             as
             those
             that
             shall
             give
             account
             .
             These
             gifts
             are
             limited
             within
             and
             under
             the
             wings
             ,
             as
             to
             meddle
             onely
             with
             that
             which
             is
             committed
             unto
             their
             power
             ,
             1
             
               Pet.
            
             5.
             2.
             they
             are
             not
             to
             be
             strikers
             or
             busie-bodies
             ,
             and
             they
             are
             to
             watch
             over
             Christian
             people
             onely
             ,
             for
             what
             have
             wee
             to
             doe
             to
             judge
             them
             that
             are
             without
             ●
             1
             
               Cor.
            
             5.
             12.
             13.
             
          
           
             They
             that
             desire
             to
             behold
             the
             patterne
             of
             Gods
             Church
             ,
             as
             she
             is
             on
             earth
             in
             Christ
             ,
             consider
             well
             this
             vision
             ,
             and
             reade
             it
             seriously
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             more
             fully
             expressed
             by
             Master
             
               Brightmans
            
             Exposition
             upon
             the
             fourth
             chapter
             of
             the
             Revelation
             .
          
           
             This
             patterne
             is
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             Church
             militant
             ,
             as
             she
             is
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             judgement
             of
             God
             the
             Father
             ,
             who
             onely
             knoweth
             who
             are
             his
             .
             The
             beauty
             and
             glory
             thereof
             is
             not
             seene
             with
             mortall
             eyes
             :
             for
             she
             is
             not
             composed
             of
             mortall
             ,
             but
             immortall
             seed
             ,
             even
             begotten
             of
             the
             immortall
             seed
             of
             the
             word
             of
             God
             ,
             1
             
               Pet.
            
             1.
             23.
             for
             it
             is
             the
             ministration
             of
             God
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
             communicating
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             Word
             unto
             the
             hearts
             of
             the
             elect
             ,
             which
             doth
             beget
             them
             anew
             or
             regenerate
             ,
             and
             unite
             them
             unto
             Christ
             ,
             and
             those
             are
             the
             supernaturall
             powers
             ,
             the
             word
             of
             God
             cōmunicated
             unto
             man
             ,
             and
             gathereth
             them
             into
             one
             head
             Christ
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             well
             compact
             union
             makes
             them
             one
             Church
             all
             communicating
             of
             one
             spirit
             ,
             one
             faith
             ,
             and
             in
             one
             Lord
             and
             Father
             of
             all
             ,
             who
             is
             above
             all
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             ,
             and
             through
             us
             all
             ,
             blessed
             for
             ever
             ,
          
        
         
           Amen
           .
        
      
       
       
         
           How
           the
           Word
           is
           the
           divine
           power
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           authority
           committed
           to
           the
           Church
           .
        
         
           WHen
           wee
           speake
           of
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           consider
           that
           the
           word
           in
           essence
           ,
           and
           property
           of
           being
           is
           God
           with
           God
           in
           eternity
           ,
           eternitie
           it selfe
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           described
           in
           the
           first
           of
           
             Iohns
          
           Gospell
           ,
           and
           though
           it
           cannot
           bee
           divided
           in
           it selfe
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           to
           bee
           distinguished
           after
           the
           personall
           order
           of
           the
           Trinitie
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           we
           may
           say
           the
           Word
           in
           the
           person
           of
           the
           Father
           is
           the
           unbegotten
           Word
           in
           the
           person
           of
           the
           Sonne
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           begotten
           Word
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           person
           of
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ,
           it
           is
           the
           proceeding
           Word
           .
           So
           that
           by
           the
           proceeding
           Word
           all
           things
           flow
           from
           the
           Father
           and
           the
           Sonne
           .
        
         
           By
           the
           order
           of
           this
           proceeding
           power
           the
           world
           was
           made
           by
           the
           word
           of
           God
           .
           As
           the
           Psalmist
           saith
           ,
           
             Psal.
             33.
             6.
             
             By
             the
             word
             of
             the
             Lord
             were
             the
             heavens
             made
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             hoast
             of
             them
             by
             the
             breath
             of
             his
             mouth
             .
          
           By
           this
           proceeding
           power
           of
           the
           Word
           man
           was
           made
           a
           living
           soule
           ,
           as
           
             Gen.
             2.
             7.
             
             And
             God
             breathed
             in
             his
             face
             the
             breath
             of
             life
             ,
             and
             the
             man
             was
             a
             living
             soule
             ;
          
           and
           
             Ioh.
             1.
             4.
             in
             it
             was
             life
             ,
             and
             that
             life
             was
             the
             light
             of
             man
             ,
             not
             naturall
             reason
             ,
             but
             supernaturall
             light
             which
             inlightened
             nature
             .
          
        
         
           By
           this
           proceeding
           word
           
             Adam
          
           was
           restored
           after
           his
           fall
           ,
           by
           promising
           to
           make
           the
           Word
           the
           seed
           of
           the
           Woman
           ,
           and
           to
           breake
           the
           Serpents
           head
           .
           
             Gen.
          
           3.
           15.
           for
           God
           by
           the
           proceeding
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           saying
           he
           will
           put
           enmity
           betwixt
           Satan
           (
           whose
           nature
           is
           wicked
           and
           evill
           altogether
           )
           and
           the
           humane
           generation
           or
           seed
           which
           Satan
           had
           made
           like
           
           himselfe
           ,
           he
           thereby
           promiseth
           that
           by
           his
           proceeding
           Word
           ,
           he
           would
           make
           his
           Word
           the
           feed
           of
           the
           Woman
           ,
           whereby
           it
           should
           be
           of
           a
           contrary
           nature
           to
           wickednesse
           ,
           of
           a
           heavenly
           pure
           and
           holy
           nature
           and
           condition
           powerfull
           against
           Satan
           .
        
         
           Thus
           by
           the
           proceeding
           Word
           ,
           the
           word
           (
           God
           )
           is
           made
           the
           word
           of
           promise
           ,
           and
           the
           Promise
           is
           made
           life
           ,
           and
           thus
           it
           comes
           to
           passe
           that
           the
           Just
           shall
           live
           by
           faith
           .
        
         
           By
           this
           proceeding
           word
           all
           the
           Elect
           of
           the
           Father
           are
           called
           ,
           are
           sanctified
           ,
           are
           washed
           ,
           are
           inspired
           ,
           and
           by
           inspiration
           are
           made
           sonnes
           of
           God
           ,
           Kings
           ,
           Priests
           ,
           and
           Prophets
           ,
           for
           by
           inspiration
           of
           the
           proceeding
           Word
           ,
           God
           the
           Word
           dwelleth
           in
           them
           ,
           for
           in
           the
           proceeding
           Word
           ,
           is
           both
           the
           begotten
           Word
           ,
           and
           the
           unbegotten
           Word
           the
           Father
           ,
           as
           Christ
           saith
           ,
           my
           Father
           and
           I
           are
           one
           ,
           and
           the
           proceeding
           Spirit
           is
           one
           with
           the
           Father
           and
           the
           Sonne
           ,
           so
           these
           three
           are
           one
           in
           themselves
           ,
           and
           beare
           record
           in
           heaven
           ,
           and
           they
           also
           agree
           in
           one
           by
           inspiration
           in
           the
           soules
           of
           the
           faithfull
           ,
           or
           the
           Church
           which
           makes
           three
           to
           beare
           record
           on
           earth
           ,
           as
           the
           water
           of
           Sanctification
           ,
           and
           the
           blood
           of
           justification
           ,
           and
           our
           spirit
           enlightned
           with
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ;
           it
           beares
           witnesse
           with
           our
           spirits
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           the
           sonnes
           and
           servants
           of
           God
           .
           For
           this
           cause
           the
           faithfull
           are
           called
           the
           Temple
           of
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           2
           
             Cor.
             6.
             16.
             as
             God
             hath
             said
             ,
             I
             will
             dwell
             among
             them
             and
             walke
             there
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             bee
             their
             God
             ,
             and
             they
             shall
             bee
             my
             people
             .
          
           Also
           ,
           know
           yee
           not
           that
           your
           body
           is
           the
           temple
           of
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           which
           is
           in
           you
           ,
           which
           yee
           have
           from
           God
           ?
           Ye
           are
           not
           your
           owne
           ,
           for
           ye
           are
           bought
           with
           a
           price
           ,
           therefore
           glorifie
           God
           in
           body
           and
           in
           Spirit
           for
           they
           are
           Gods
           .
        
         
           As
           the
           proceeding
           Word
           hath
           proceeded
           by
           inspiration
           to
           dwell
           in
           man
           ,
           which
           is
           his
           internall
           ministration
           :
           so
           he
           proceedeth
           by
           externall
           ministration
           to
           divulge
           and
           write
           the
           same
           proceeding
           Word
           by
           the
           instrumentall
           pen
           and
           voyce
           of
           man
           for
           mans
           instruction
           ,
           at
           first
           written
           by
           his
           Prophet
           
             Moyses
             ,
          
           and
           after
           by
           the
           rest
           of
           Prophets
           and
           Apostles
           ,
           and
           Evangelists
           to
           feed
           and
           preserve
           their
           holy
           faith
           &
           worship
           of
           
           God
           among
           the
           faithfull
           ;
           As
           
             Paul
          
           witnesseth
           ,
           2
           
             Tim.
             3.
             15.
             16.
             
             Thou
             hast
             knowne
             the
             holy
             Scriptures
             of
             a
             child
             ,
             which
             are
             able
             to
             make
             thee
             wise
             unto
             salvation
             ,
             through
             the
             faith
             which
             is
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             .
          
           For
           the
           whole
           Scripture
           is
           given
           by
           inspiration
           of
           God
           and
           is
           profitable
           to
           teach
           ,
           to
           convince
           ,
           to
           correct
           ,
           to
           instruct
           in
           righteousnesse
           .
        
         
           Thus
           the
           proceeding
           Word
           doth
           proportion
           it selfe
           to
           mans
           capacity
           ,
           first
           it
           becomes
           the
           word
           of
           promise
           in
           the
           seed
           of
           the
           woman
           ,
           then
           the
           inspirated
           word
           to
           dwell
           in
           the
           mind
           ,
           and
           also
           it
           is
           the
           ministeriall
           Word
           ,
           declared
           ,
           written
           ,
           taught
           ,
           and
           preached
           for
           mans
           instruction
           ,
           and
           all
           is
           one
           Word
           :
           for
           this
           cause
           the
           Apostle
           
             Peter
          
           saith
           ,
           we
           have
           a
           most
           sure
           word
           of
           the
           Prophets
           ,
           to
           which
           yee
           doe
           well
           ,
           that
           yee
           take
           heed
           ,
           as
           unto
           a
           light
           that
           shineth
           in
           a
           darke
           place
           ,
           untill
           the
           day
           dawne
           ,
           and
           the
           day
           starre
           arise
           in
           your
           hearts
           ,
           and
           from
           hence
           it
           is
           evident
           ,
           that
           the
           Scripture
           is
           the
           very
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           proceedeth
           out
           of
           God
           by
           inspiration
           ,
           by
           instrumentall
           publishing
           ,
           and
           writing
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           the
           written
           Word
           being
           the
           same
           proceeding
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           (
           even
           God
           declared
           in
           writing
           .
           )
           The
           Scriptures
           therefore
           are
           the
           Fountaines
           of
           living
           water
           ,
           and
           the
           ground
           of
           truth
           ,
           for
           preaching
           ,
           teaching
           ,
           and
           instruction
           ,
           exhortation
           and
           correction
           .
        
         
           And
           therefore
           the
           Scriptures
           are
           to
           be
           had
           in
           Divine
           estimation
           ,
           for
           they
           containe
           the
           divine
           Word
           it selfe
           ,
           and
           the
           Pastors
           and
           teachers
           thereof
           (
           being
           thereunto
           called
           of
           God
           by
           a
           full
           measure
           of
           inspiration
           )
           are
           to
           be
           esteemed
           the
           Messengers
           and
           Embassadours
           of
           God
           .
        
         
           
           And
           this
           is
           alwayes
           to
           be
           understood
           ,
           that
           no
           man
           can
           attaine
           to
           the
           interpretation
           of
           the
           written
           Word
           by
           naturall
           ingenuitie
           or
           humane
           learning
           ,
           or
           art
           or
           industrie
           ,
           though
           all
           be
           needfull
           instruments
           and
           meanes
           of
           knowledge
           ,
           but
           onely
           by
           inspiration
           of
           the
           proceeding
           Word
           ,
           as
           
             ver.
          
           21.
           20.
           21.
           so
           that
           first
           ye
           know
           this
           that
           no
           prophecie
           of
           the
           Scripturis
           of
           any
           private
           interpretation
           .
           For
           as
           the
           prophecie
           came
           not
           in
           old
           time
           by
           the
           will
           of
           men
           ,
           but
           holy
           men
           of
           God
           spake
           ●●
           they
           were
           moved
           by
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           ;
           so
           must
           holy
           then
           of
           
           God
           speake
           and
           interpret
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           moved
           by
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           .
        
         
           
           And
           that
           we
           may
           know
           the
           interpretation
           to
           be
           of
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           (
           being
           the
           proceeding
           Word
           ,
           and
           hee
           that
           indicted
           the
           same
           Word
           from
           the
           Father
           and
           the
           Sonne
           by
           inspiration
           )
           cannot
           give
           any
           other
           sence
           or
           understanding
           to
           the
           written
           Word
           ,
           then
           is
           agreeable
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           Word
           in
           the
           person
           of
           the
           Sonne
           and
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           the
           Word
           in
           the
           person
           of
           the
           Sonne
           ,
           is
           the
           revealed
           will
           of
           God
           the
           Father
           made
           manifest
           in
           the
           flesh
           .
           Therefore
           we
           may
           discerne
           whether
           the
           interpretation
           be
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           or
           no
           (
           by
           this
           )
           
             Iohn
             4.
             2.
             3.
             
          
           
           
             Every
             spirit
             that
             confesseth
             that
             Jesus
             Christ
             is
             come
             in
             the
             flesh
             ,
             is
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             every
             spirit
             that
             confesseth
             not
             that
             Iesus
             is
             come
             in
             the
             flesh
             is
             not
             of
             God
             ;
          
           For
           the
           confession
           is
           not
           an
           out
           ward
           confession
           of
           the
           lips
           ,
           nor
           an
           historicall
           confession
           of
           the
           mind
           ,
           nor
           a
           voluntary
           supposition
           and
           opinion
           of
           carnall
           reason
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           the
           confession
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           declares
           and
           manifests
           to
           the
           heart
           ,
           that
           the
           Word
           that
           is
           come
           in
           the
           flesh
           is
           the
           very
           true
           God
           (
           as
           Christ
           said
           )
           to
           know
           thee
           and
           him
           whom
           thou
           hast
           sent
           ,
           Christ
           ,
           to
           be
           the
           very
           true
           God
           (
           as
           
             Peter
          
           confessed
           )
           thou
           art
           that
           Christ
           ,
           that
           Sonne
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Christ
           told
           him
           that
           flesh
           and
           blood
           did
           not
           teach
           him
           this
           ,
           but
           his
           Father
           revealed
           it
           unto
           him
           .
        
         
           This
           word
           of
           God
           not
           having
           beene
           after
           this
           order
           knowne
           and
           considered
           ,
           hath
           beene
           the
           cause
           and
           occasion
           of
           much
           mistake
           and
           errours
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           but
           understanding
           the
           Word
           in
           the
           true
           nature
           and
           property
           of
           Gods
           order
           and
           manner
           of
           working
           ,
           leadeth
           us
           by
           the
           hand
           from
           one
           gradation
           to
           another
           ,
           and
           stoppeth
           the
           mouth
           of
           all
           men
           that
           speake
           against
           the
           Scriptures
           and
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           .
        
         
           For
           considering
           the
           word
           of
           God
           in
           these
           gradations
           we
           shall
           evidently
           perceive
           and
           understand
           ,
           that
           the
           power
           and
           authoritie
           giuen
           and
           committed
           to
           the
           Church
           ,
           is
           no
           other
           thing
           ,
           but
           the
           proceeding
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           ministring
           the
           begotten
           Word
           from
           the
           Father
           manifested
           in
           the
           flesh
           ,
           which
           ministration
           is
           two
           fold
           ,
           internall
           by
           inspiration
           through
           hearing
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           because
           man
           is
           an
           intellectuall
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           
           therefore
           a
           proper
           Tabernacle
           for
           the
           divine
           Word
           to
           dwell
           in
           ;
           Also
           externall
           ministration
           ,
           because
           man
           dwells
           in
           an
           elementary
           ,
           earthly
           ,
           and
           naturall
           tabernacle
           ,
           therefore
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           applyeth
           himselfe
           to
           mans
           infirmity
           ,
           and
           doth
           use
           in
           his
           externall
           ministration
           ,
           elementary
           ,
           earthy
           ,
           and
           naturall
           instruments
           by
           which
           as
           a
           meanes
           and
           ordinance
           the
           proceeding
           Word
           ,
           and
           the
           power
           thereof
           is
           daily
           communicated
           unto
           man
           both
           to
           ingraft
           him
           into
           the
           Word
           ,
           and
           to
           nourish
           him
           in
           the
           Word
           unto
           everlasting
           life
           ;
           For
           this
           manner
           of
           externall
           ministration
           is
           necessary
           for
           man
           so
           long
           as
           hee
           dwelleth
           in
           this
           body
           or
           earthly
           house
           .
        
         
           The
           instruments
           which
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           doth
           use
           in
           the
           dispensation
           of
           the
           ministeriall
           Word
           ,
           are
           either
           proper
           ,
           as
           some
           members
           of
           the
           Church
           set
           apart
           for
           the
           worke
           of
           the
           ministery
           ,
           or
           lesse
           proper
           as
           the
           signes
           of
           the
           Sacraments
           .
           I
           may
           call
           those
           the
           externall
           gifts
           which
           God
           gives
           to
           his
           Church
           ,
           for
           it
           is
           said
           that
           unto
           every
           one
           of
           us
           is
           given
           grace
           or
           the
           gifts
           of
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           measure
           of
           the
           gift
           in
           Christ
           .
           For
           wee
           may
           discerne
           the
           Church
           is
           a
           compact
           body
           knit
           to
           the
           head
           Christ
           ,
           and
           consisteth
           of
           many
           members
           ,
           yet
           in
           unity
           of
           the
           spirit
           they
           are
           one
           body
           ,
           and
           although
           there
           be
           but
           one
           Spirit
           ,
           yet
           are
           there
           diversities
           of
           gifts
           ,
           diversities
           of
           administrations
           ,
           diversities
           of
           operations
           ,
           yet
           all
           one
           and
           the
           same
           spirit
           ,
           and
           these
           diversities
           of
           gifts
           ,
           make
           diversities
           of
           functions
           ;
           So
           there
           are
           many
           functions
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           but
           God
           worketh
           all
           in
           all
           .
           But
           the
           manifestation
           of
           the
           spirit
           is
           given
           to
           every
           man
           to
           profit
           withall
           ,
           but
           peculiar
           gifts
           without
           the
           which
           the
           Church
           cannot
           at
           any
           time
           be
           ,
           and
           therefore
           most
           proper
           ,
           of
           which
           it
           is
           said
           that
           Christ
           ascended
           on
           high
           ,
           and
           lead
           captivity
           captive
           ,
           and
           received
           gifts
           to
           give
           unto
           men
           ,
           as
           some
           to
           bee
           Apostles
           ,
           some
           Prophets
           ,
           some
           Evangelists
           ,
           and
           some
           Pastors
           and
           Teachers
           .
           Here
           is
           to
           bee
           observed
           ,
           that
           the
           divine
           power
           by
           internall
           dispensation
           is
           given
           in
           common
           to
           all
           ,
           and
           every
           member
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           so
           that
           all
           have
           common
           interest
           in
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           peculiar
           power
           thereby
           to
           admonish
           ,
           comfort
           and
           instruct
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           pray
           for
           one
           another
           ,
           and
           beare
           one
           
           anothers
           burdens
           ,
           especially
           they
           are
           all
           Kings
           ,
           Priests
           ,
           and
           Prophets
           in
           their
           Families
           .
           For
           every
           Father
           ought
           to
           use
           the
           office
           of
           an
           Elder
           in
           his
           house
           ,
           
             Deut
             6.
             6
             ,
             7.
             
             Deut.
          
           4.
           9.
           
        
         
           But
           for
           the
           externall
           dispensation
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           the
           power
           and
           efficacy
           thereof
           is
           committed
           unto
           peculiar
           men
           ,
           wherof
           Apostles
           ,
           Prophets
           ,
           Evangelists
           ,
           Pastors
           ,
           &
           teachers
           ,
           are
           in
           the
           first
           ranke
           and
           functions
           ,
           and
           the
           power
           and
           efficacy
           which
           is
           given
           them
           ,
           is
           onely
           the
           ministration
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           they
           have
           not
           that
           absolute
           power
           which
           Christ
           hath
           ,
           to
           know
           who
           are
           his
           from
           the
           beginning
           ,
           and
           to
           have
           compassion
           ,
           on
           whom
           he
           would
           have
           compassion
           ,
           and
           to
           shew
           mercy
           ,
           on
           whom
           hee
           would
           show
           mercy
           .
           For
           Christ
           had
           not
           this
           absolute
           power
           as
           he
           was
           the
           Son
           of
           man
           ,
           but
           as
           he
           was
           the
           person
           of
           God
           ;
           For
           as
           he
           was
           Man
           ,
           he
           came
           not
           to
           do
           his
           owne
           will
           ,
           but
           the
           will
           of
           his
           Father
           ;
           So
           likewise
           when
           he
           sent
           his
           Apostles
           and
           Disciples
           to
           teach
           all
           Nations
           ,
           he
           sent
           them
           ,
           as
           he
           was
           sent
           of
           his
           Father
           .
           So
           send
           I
           you
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           which
           was
           not
           to
           doe
           their
           owne
           will
           ,
           nor
           to
           teach
           their
           owne
           doctrine
           ,
           but
           to
           do
           his
           will
           as
           he
           did
           his
           Fathers
           will
           ,
           and
           to
           teach
           his
           doctrine
           which
           he
           taught
           them
           ,
           as
           his
           Father
           taught
           him
           :
           so
           by
           the
           Word
           they
           are
           to
           do
           and
           teach
           ,
           but
           nothing
           beside
           the
           Word
           ,
           or
           without
           the
           Word
           .
           More
           at
           large
           of
           this
           in
           the
           Treatise
           of
           Discipline
           .
        
         
           Thus
           we
           see
           the
           word
           of
           life
           is
           God
           in
           the
           person
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           the
           unbegotten
           Word
           ,
           in
           the
           Sonne
           the
           begotten
           Word
           ,
           and
           the
           incarnate
           Word
           ,
           In
           the
           person
           of
           the
           Spirit
           it
           is
           the
           proceeding
           Word
           ,
           and
           the
           ministeriall
           Word
           ,
           and
           this
           ministeriall
           Word
           is
           the
           power
           ,
           and
           the
           authority
           committed
           to
           the
           Church
           ;
           So
           the
           Ministers
           cannot
           doe
           any
           thing
           but
           by
           the
           power
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           and
           this
           Word
           is
           Christ
           who
           abideth
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           whole
           Church
           alwayes
           unto
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           ;
           So
           Christ
           is
           the
           chiefe
           ,
           and
           they
           are
           his
           servants
           and
           embassadours
           .
        
      
       
       
         
           Of
           the
           third
           Subsistence
           of
           the
           Church
           Government
           and
           Discipline
           .
        
         
           AS
           Divine
           worship
           cannot
           bee
           wi●hout
           the
           divine
           power
           of
           the
           ministeriall
           Word
           ,
           from
           whence
           it
           extracts
           both
           the
           nutriment
           and
           efficacie
           ,
           so
           neither
           worship
           ,
           nor
           the
           Divine
           Word
           can
           be
           without
           order
           ,
           government
           and
           discipline
           ,
           whereby
           the
           whole
           spirituall
           body
           (
           the
           Church
           )
           is
           preserved
           in
           spirituall
           health
           and
           blessednesse
           ,
           shining
           in
           spirituall
           decencie
           and
           divine
           beauty
           .
           As
           
             Psal.
             45.
             13.
             14.
             
             The
             Kings
             daughter
             is
             all
             glorious
             within
             .
          
           And
           her
           heavenly
           glory
           is
           most
           excellently
           set
           forth
           in
           
             Can●●●…es
             6.
             10.
             
             Who
             is
             shee
             that
             looketh
             forth
             as
             the
             morning
             ,
             faire
             as
             the
             Moone
             ,
             pure
             as
             the
             Sunne
             ,
             terrible
             as
             an
             army
             with
             banners
             ?
          
           Without
           externall
           pompe
           ,
           temporall
           confusion
           ,
           or
           humane
           policy
           ;
           for
           God
           hateth
           nothing
           more
           in
           the
           government
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           and
           in
           his
           worship
           ,
           then
           pompe
           and
           policy
           ,
           and
           loveth
           nothing
           more
           then
           to
           have
           his
           Church
           excell
           in
           meeknesse
           ,
           holinesse
           ,
           and
           simplicity
           ,
           like
           himselfe
           ,
           as
           hee
           saith
           ,
           Bee
           ye
           holy
           ,
           for
           I
           am
           holy
           .
           And
           learne
           of
           me
           ,
           for
           I
           am
           meeke
           and
           lowly
           .
           And
           he
           exalteth
           the
           humble
           and
           meeke
           ,
           but
           the
           proud
           he
           sends
           empty
           away
           .
        
         
           
           When
           we
           speake
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           it
           is
           to
           bee
           considered
           in
           what
           fence
           we
           take
           the
           Church
           ,
           for
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           is
           in
           a
           twofold
           aspect
           to
           be
           apprehended
           ,
           one
           as
           she
           is
           in
           a
           mysticall
           union
           the
           body
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           Spouse
           of
           Christ
           ,
           the
           Lambe
           ,
           the
           Bride
           ,
           in
           this
           sence
           shee
           is
           spirituall
           ,
           pure
           and
           holy
           without
           spot
           ,
           without
           wrinkle
           ,
           his
           undefiled
           .
           The
           other
           as
           she
           dwelleth
           in
           her
           naturall
           humanitie
           ,
           and
           abideth
           here
           on
           earth
           ,
           wherein
           shee
           is
           invironed
           with
           manifold
           temptations
           ,
           
           infirmities
           and
           afflictions
           ,
           fighting
           against
           the
           world
           ,
           the
           flesh
           and
           the
           divell
           ,
           and
           in
           this
           condition
           she
           is
           elementary
           ,
           naturall
           and
           visible
           ;
           Therefore
           God
           in
           his
           wisedome
           and
           goodnesse
           to
           man
           hath
           ordained
           externall
           dispensation
           ,
           thereby
           to
           communicate
           the
           holy
           and
           invisible
           mysteries
           of
           his
           Word
           to
           man
           through
           visible
           instruments
           ,
           elementary
           and
           naturall
           ,
           proper
           for
           mans
           capacity
           and
           nature
           ,
           lest
           naturall
           infirmities
           should
           become
           an
           excuse
           that
           God
           should
           not
           speake
           unto
           man
           ;
           For
           this
           cause
           God
           doth
           minister
           the
           mighty
           power
           of
           his
           Word
           ,
           by
           the
           weake
           and
           simple
           voyce
           of
           man
           ;
           Teaching
           man
           by
           letters
           ,
           syllables
           ,
           words
           and
           sentences
           ,
           divine
           truth
           ,
           and
           making
           evident
           to
           the
           mind
           and
           sences
           of
           man
           ,
           by
           elementary
           signes
           ,
           tropes
           and
           allegories
           ,
           and
           so
           demonstrating
           inscrutable
           mysteries
           ,
           and
           divine
           secrets
           of
           grace
           ,
           power
           and
           glory
           .
        
         
           The
           first
           beames
           of
           the
           glorious
           gospell
           of
           Christ
           (
           which
           
             Paul
          
           calls
           the
           Image
           of
           the
           living
           God
           )
           that
           shines
           unto
           man
           ,
           is
           the
           publike
           and
           visible
           ministration
           ,
           whose
           glory
           compared
           with
           the
           glorious
           ministration
           of
           the
           law
           .
           2
           
             Cor.
          
           3.
           7.
           
           (
           which
           none
           was
           able
           to
           behold
           and
           live
           ,
           which
           made
           mountaines
           tremble
           ,
           and
           the
           Israelites
           excuse
           themselves
           )
           is
           farre
           more
           exceeding
           glorious
           ,
           which
           we
           all
           are
           able
           to
           behold
           with
           openface
           shining
           through
           the
           vaile
           of
           Christs
           humanitie
           ,
           wherein
           as
           in
           a
           glasse
           or
           Crystall
           wee
           see
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           in
           the
           love
           of
           the
           Father
           ,
           and
           are
           changed
           into
           the
           same
           image
           from
           glory
           to
           glory
           ,
           as
           by
           the
           Spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           .
        
         
           And
           the
           thing
           that
           is
           ministred
           ,
           is
           the
           glorious
           gospell
           of
           Christ
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           doctrine
           of
           Christ
           ,
           or
           the
           mystery
           of
           the
           Father
           ;
           and
           it
           carrieth
           alwayes
           this
           Character
           with
           it
           to
           know
           it
           to
           be
           the
           true
           doctrine
           of
           God
           .
           
           It
           giveth
           all
           glory
           to
           God
           the
           Father
           by
           Christ
           ,
           and
           it
           glorifies
           Christ
           through
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           for
           Christ
           saith
           ,
           that
           which
           is
           the
           Fathers
           ,
           is
           mine
           ,
           therefore
           the
           Spirit
           shall
           take
           of
           mine
           ,
           and
           give
           it
           you
           .
        
         
           Outward
           ministration
           is
           called
           the
           face
           and
           countenance
           of
           God
           ;
           Therefore
           the
           Prophet
           
             David
          
           saith
           ,
           
             O.
             Lord
             God
             of
             hoasts
             turne
             us
             againe
             ,
             and
             make
             thy
             face
             to
             shine
             upon
             us
             ,
             and
             wee
             shall
             
             be
             saved
             .
          
           It
           was
           
             Davids
          
           delight
           ,
           and
           his
           whole
           hearts
           desire
           .
           
             Psal.
             27.
             4.
             
             One
             thing
             have
             I
             desired
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             will
             I
             require
             :
             that
             I
             may
             dwell
             in
             the
             temple
             of
             the
             Lord
             all
             my
             dayes
             ,
             to
             behold
             the
             beauty
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             to
             visit
             his
             temple
             .
          
        
         
           
           The
           first
           ordination
           of
           this
           ministration
           was
           instituted
           and
           practised
           by
           God
           himselfe
           in
           Paradise
           ,
           preaching
           unto
           
             Adam
          
           in
           a
           created
           voyce
           in
           the
           coole
           of
           the
           day
           ,
           and
           by
           that
           meeke
           voyce
           Gods
           presence
           was
           knowne
           unto
           man
           ;
           
             I
             heard
             thy
             voyce
             and
             was
             afraid
             .
          
           The
           voyce
           or
           word
           of
           God
           (
           for
           it
           is
           a
           significant
           voyce
           ,
           making
           it selfe
           to
           be
           understood
           )
           howsoever
           God
           useth
           weake
           and
           despised
           instruments
           to
           expresse
           himselfe
           to
           mans
           capacity
           ,
           yet
           his
           voyce
           is
           mighty
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           29.
           
           
             Psal.
          
           Reade
           the
           whole
           Psalme
           .
           
             For
             the
             voyce
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             powerfull
             ,
             the
             voyce
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             full
             of
             Majesty
             .
          
           And
           as
           
             Paul
          
           describes
           it
           ,
           it
           is
           mighty
           in
           operation
           ,
           and
           sharper
           then
           any
           two
           edged
           sword
           ,
           piercing
           through
           ,
           even
           to
           the
           dividing
           of
           the
           soule
           and
           the
           spirit
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           joynts
           and
           the
           marrow
           ,
           and
           is
           a
           discerner
           of
           the
           thoughts
           and
           intents
           of
           the
           heart
           ;
           For
           this
           cause
           preaching
           is
           called
           the
           power
           of
           God
           unto
           salvation
           .
           But
           if
           the
           glorious
           beauty
           and
           power
           of
           Gods
           ministration
           seeme
           weake
           and
           foolish
           unto
           some
           men
           ,
           because
           it
           is
           ministred
           by
           the
           voyce
           of
           man
           ,
           and
           the
           weake
           signes
           of
           the
           Sacraments
           being
           of
           no
           strength
           nor
           beauty
           in
           themselves
           ,
           It
           is
           because
           the
           glorious
           Gospell
           is
           hid
           unto
           them
           that
           perish
           ,
           and
           becomes
           the
           savour
           of
           death
           unto
           death
           ,
           because
           the
           God
           of
           this
           world
           hath
           blinded
           the
           eyes
           of
           them
           that
           beleeve
           not
           ,
           lest
           the
           light
           of
           the
           glorious
           Gospell
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           should
           shine
           unto
           them
           .
        
         
           These
           riches
           are
           sent
           unto
           us
           of
           God
           (
           from
           the
           Father
           of
           lights
           by
           the
           Sonne
           ,
           of
           the
           fulnesse
           of
           all
           rich
           grace
           ,
           through
           the
           Spirit
           the
           over-flowing
           waters
           of
           life
           and
           blessednesse
           )
           and
           we
           have
           it
           in
           earthen
           vessels
           ,
           that
           the
           excellency
           of
           the
           power
           may
           appeare
           to
           be
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           not
           of
           man
           ,
           and
           those
           that
           are
           sent
           of
           God
           ,
           are
           qualified
           with
           the
           word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           by
           having
           the
           Word
           ,
           they
           are
           knowne
           to
           be
           sene
           of
           God
           ;
           For
           they
           teach
           and
           preach
           not
           themselves
           ,
           but
           Jesus
           Christ
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           approve
           themselves
           messengers
           and
           servants
           to
           
           the
           Saints
           for
           Jesus
           sake
           .
           For
           the
           word
           of
           God
           wee
           are
           alwayes
           to
           conceive
           to
           be
           the
           eternall
           Sonne
           of
           God
           by
           generation
           ,
           and
           to
           proceed
           from
           God
           by
           spiration
           in
           creation
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           communicated
           unto
           man
           since
           his
           fall
           by
           supernaturall
           inspiration
           ,
           and
           united
           unto
           man
           ,
           and
           man
           unto
           it
           by
           incarnation
           ,
           and
           ministred
           unto
           man
           by
           externall
           dispensation
           .
           Thus
           the
           Word
           descends
           unto
           man
           by
           inspiration
           ,
           and
           dwels
           in
           man
           through
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           for
           the
           Lord
           is
           that
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           where
           the
           Spirit
           of
           the
           Lord
           is
           ,
           there
           is
           the
           Word
           ,
           for
           the
           Word
           and
           the
           spirit
           cannot
           be
           divided
           nor
           separated
           ,
           they
           are
           one
           .
           For
           this
           cause
           God
           useth
           the
           externall
           ministration
           of
           his
           Word
           and
           Spirit
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           inspire
           and
           regenerate
           the
           mind
           of
           man
           .
           After
           this
           manner
           are
           the
           ministers
           and
           messengers
           that
           are
           sent
           of
           God
           indued
           with
           the
           Word
           and
           Spirit
           of
           God
           .
           Therefore
           let
           no
           man
           say
           that
           hee
           hath
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           if
           hee
           want
           the
           light
           of
           the
           Word
           ,
           neither
           can
           any
           man
           have
           the
           Word
           but
           by
           the
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           the
           Word
           and
           Spirit
           are
           both
           made
           manifest
           in
           this
           ,
           that
           they
           reveale
           the
           hid
           things
           of
           God
           ,
           even
           the
           mysterie
           of
           God
           in
           Christ
           .
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           2.
           9.
           10.
           which
           in
           
             Col.
          
           2.
           3.
           is
           called
           a
           full
           assurance
           of
           understanding
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           the
           mysterie
           of
           God
           in
           Christ
           ,
           for
           he
           which
           commanded
           light
           to
           shine
           out
           of
           darknesse
           ,
           shines
           into
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           Messengers
           ,
           to
           give
           the
           light
           of
           the
           knowledge
           of
           God
           in
           the
           face
           of
           Christ
           .
        
         
           
             Of
             the
             calling
             of
             Ministers
             .
          
           
             As
             the
             externall
             Ministration
             cannot
             be
             without
             the
             Word
             and
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             so
             the
             Church
             cannot
             bee
             without
             Ministers
             and
             messengers
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             ministration
             is
             publicke
             and
             externall
             ,
             
             so
             the
             visible
             Church
             and
             Congregations
             have
             power
             of
             divine
             right
             to
             call
             and
             appoint
             ,
             such
             as
             God
             hath
             internally
             qualified
             ,
             to
             the
             externall
             and
             publicke
             exercise
             thereof
             ;
             For
             as
             by
             internall
             inspiration
             they
             are
             indued
             with
             a
             more
             then
             ordinary
             measure
             of
             the
             Word
             and
             Spirit
             ,
             so
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             well
             knowne
             ,
             and
             conversant
             in
             the
             Congregation
             or
             facietie
             of
             that
             Church
             wherein
             they
             live
             ,
             that
             by
             a
             
             mutuall
             consent
             they
             may
             be
             approved
             and
             thought
             worthy
             to
             be
             called
             to
             the
             publick
             ministration
             and
             dispensation
             of
             the
             VVord
             .
             This
             was
             the
             practise
             of
             the
             Apostles
             and
             primitive
             Church
             ,
             
               Acts
               1.
               21.
               22.
               
               Wherefore
               of
               these
               men
               that
               have
               companied
               with
               us
               all
               the
               time
               that
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               went
               in
               and
               out
               with
               us
               ,
               beginning
               from
               the
               Baptisme
               of
            
             John
             ,
             
               unto
               the
               same
               day
               that
               he
               was
               taken
               up
               from
               us
               ,
               must
               one
               be
               ordained
               to
               be
               a
               witnesse
               with
               us
               of
               his
               resurrection
               ,
               and
               they
               appointed
               two
               .
            
             Also
             ,
             
               Act.
               6.
               1.
               2.
               
               When
               the
               nuber
               of
               the
               Disciples
               was
               multiplied
               ,
               then
               the
               twelve
               called
               the
               multitude
               of
               the
               Disciples
               together
               unto
               them
               ,
               and
               said
               unto
               them
               ,
               it
               is
               not
               meet
               that
               we
               should
               leave
               the
               ministration
               of
               the
               Word
               and
               serve
               tables
               ,
               wherefore
               brethren
               looke
               you
               out
               among
               you
               seven
               men
               of
               honest
               report
               full
               of
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               ,
               and
               of
               wisedome
               ,
               whom
               we
               may
               appoint
               ouer
               this
               businesse
               .
            
          
           
             And
             it
             is
             to
             be
             observed
             ,
             that
             nothing
             was
             to
             bee
             done
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             either
             by
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             or
             by
             those
             that
             in
             the
             ministration
             succeeded
             them
             ,
             without
             the
             consent
             of
             the
             whole
             Church
             ,
             which
             then
             at
             first
             were
             called
             Disciples
             .
          
        
         
           
             Of
             the
             manner
             of
             their
             externall
             ordination
             .
          
           
             Touching
             the
             manner
             of
             their
             Ordination
             that
             we
             find
             in
             the
             first
             of
             the
             Acts
             ,
             they
             prayed
             and
             said
             ;
             
               Thou
               Lord
               which
               knowest
               the
               hearts
               of
               all
               men
               ,
               shew
               which
               of
               these
               two
               thou
               hast
               chosen
               ,
               and
               then
               they
               gave
               forth
               lots
               ,
               and
               the
               lot
               fell
               upon
               Matthias
               .
            
             And
             also
             afterwards
             in
             the
             sixt
             of
             the
             Acts
             ,
             the
             multitude
             of
             the
             Disciples
             or
             brethren
             those
             seven
             and
             set
             them
             before
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             and
             when
             they
             had
             prayed
             ,
             they
             laid
             their
             hands
             upon
             them
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             first
             place
             of
             Scripture
             it
             is
             said
             ,
             the
             Disciples
             appointed
             two
             ,
             and
             left
             the
             choyce
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             therefore
             they
             give
             forth
             lots
             ,
             because
             it
             was
             an
             extraordinary
             calling
             to
             an
             Apostleship
             to
             succeed
             
               Judas
               ;
            
             But
             in
             the
             second
             place
             it
             is
             said
             ,
             they
             chose
             
               Srephin
            
             a
             man
             full
             of
             faith
             and
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
             and
             
               Philip
            
             and
             
               Prochorus
               ,
            
             and
             others
             ,
             
               &c.
               
            
             And
             it
             is
             remarkable
             that
             the
             Church
             received
             instruction
             from
             the
             
             Apostles
             as
             a
             rule
             to
             be
             observed
             in
             choosing
             Deacons
             and
             Elders
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             first
             of
             the
             Acts
             they
             were
             admonished
             by
             
               Peter
            
             to
             choose
             such
             as
             were
             conversant
             in
             the
             Church
             from
             their
             beginning
             .
             By
             which
             I
             conceive
             ,
             they
             ought
             to
             bee
             of
             knowne
             conversation
             ,
             and
             men
             of
             good
             report
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             should
             be
             full
             of
             faith
             and
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
             as
             
               Steven
            
             was
             ,
             or
             men
             endued
             with
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             and
             with
             wisedome
             .
             These
             are
             the
             respects
             which
             ought
             to
             bee
             had
             in
             choosing
             Pastors
             ,
             Deacons
             ,
             and
             Governours
             in
             the
             Church
             ;
             For
             all
             gifts
             of
             learning
             and
             humane
             Sciences
             ,
             howsoever
             they
             be
             excellent
             and
             worthy
             much
             praise
             and
             honour
             ,
             yet
             without
             these
             Characters
             of
             grace
             they
             are
             nothing
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             be
             esteemed
             .
          
        
         
           
             Of
             the
             orders
             and
             degrees
             of
             Pastors
             ,
             and
             their
             denominations
             both
             under
             the
             Law
             and
             the
             Gospell
             .
          
           
             It
             is
             evident
             that
             the
             orders
             and
             degrees
             of
             Ministers
             and
             Governours
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             under
             the
             Law
             were
             Priests
             ,
             Levites
             and
             Elders
             ,
             God
             also
             sending
             among
             them
             Prophets
             of
             extraordinary
             inspiration
             ,
             for
             revelation
             of
             the
             VVord
             to
             teach
             ,
             admonish
             and
             exhort
             the
             people
             .
          
           
             
             The
             Priests
             office
             was
             figurative
             ,
             prefiguring
             Christ
             untill
             his
             comming
             ,
             offering
             sacrifices
             to
             figure
             the
             sacrifice
             of
             his
             body
             ,
             instructing
             the
             people
             in
             the
             promised
             seed
             unto
             the
             remission
             of
             their
             sinnes
             ,
             whose
             manifestation
             in
             the
             flesh
             should
             be
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             all
             figures
             and
             shadowes
             in
             the
             law
             ,
             which
             thereby
             were
             abrogated
             .
          
           
             
             The
             Levites
             were
             given
             unto
             
               Aaron
               ,
            
             as
             an
             addition
             to
             his
             office
             ,
             as
             in
             
               Numb.
            
             3.
             6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9.
             to
             minister
             unto
             him
             ,
             to
             keepe
             his
             charge
             ,
             and
             the
             charge
             of
             the
             whole
             Congregation
             to
             doe
             the
             service
             ,
             and
             to
             keepe
             the
             instruments
             of
             the
             tabernacle
             of
             the
             Congregation
             .
          
           
             
             The
             Elders
             ,
             (
             though
             every
             Father
             of
             a
             Family
             bee
             called
             Elder
             ,
             and
             also
             the
             twelve
             tribes
             of
             
               Iacob
               )
            
             yet
             those
             are
             properly
             Elders
             who
             are
             chosen
             and
             appointed
             to
             be
             Governours
             and
             Rulers
             both
             in
             Church
             and
             Common-wealth
             .
             For
             the
             Governours
             in
             
               Pharaohs
            
             house
             were
             called
             Elders
             ,
             and
             the
             
             Rulers
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             as
             first
             in
             the
             Tabernacle
             ,
             as
             
               Numb.
            
             11.
             25
             ,
             26.
             and
             Temple
             were
             also
             called
             Elders
             .
             And
             the
             Lord
             stirred
             up
             Prophets
             among
             them
             both
             of
             the
             Levites
             and
             Priests
             ,
             and
             others
             ,
             as
             occasion
             required
             ,
             never
             leaving
             his
             Church
             without
             a
             Prophet
             and
             Rulers
             till
             
               Shilo
            
             came
             .
          
           
             And
             when
             that
             faithfull
             Prophet
             of
             God
             came
             into
             the
             world
             ,
             whose
             effectuall
             power
             ,
             and
             fulnesse
             of
             all
             divine
             perfection
             abolished
             all
             figures
             and
             darke
             resembling
             shadowes
             ,
             then
             in
             his
             owne
             person
             and
             humane
             presence
             ,
             hee
             spread
             abroad
             the
             glad
             tydings
             of
             his
             glorious
             Gospell
             ,
             causing
             the
             light
             of
             his
             truth
             to
             shine
             evident
             without
             vaile
             or
             vizard
             ,
             notwithstanding
             he
             neither
             altered
             nor
             abolished
             the
             order
             of
             ministration
             ,
             nor
             the
             manner
             of
             government
             ,
             but
             established
             the
             same
             by
             his
             owne
             example
             ,
             and
             the
             practise
             of
             his
             Apostles
             .
             And
             therefore
             he
             said
             that
             Christ
             when
             he
             ascended
             on
             high
             ,
             he
             led
             captivity
             captive
             ,
             and
             gave
             gifts
             unto
             men
             ,
             As
             
               Ephes
            
             4
             11.
             he
             gave
             some
             to
             be
             Apostles
             ,
             some
             Prophets
             ,
             some
             Evangelists
             ,
             and
             some
             Pastours
             and
             Teachers
             .
          
           
             
             In
             this
             place
             of
             Scripture
             he
             onely
             setteth
             forth
             the
             principall
             functions
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             whereof
             the
             first
             paire
             ,
             as
             namely
             Apostles
             and
             Evangelists
             were
             of
             immediate
             calling
             ,
             and
             appropriated
             to
             the
             time
             ,
             ordained
             by
             Christ
             ,
             onely
             for
             the
             propagation
             and
             first
             progression
             of
             the
             Gospell
             ,
             the
             gifts
             of
             prophecie
             and
             working
             of
             miracles
             ,
             attending
             the
             confirmation
             of
             their
             doctrine
             ;
             As
             the
             necessitie
             of
             those
             times
             required
             ,
             and
             as
             Christ
             had
             promised
             ,
             
               Marke
               16.
               17
               ,
               18.
               
               And
               these
               signes
               shall
               follow
               them
               that
               beleeve
               in
               my
               Name
               :
               they
               shall
               cast
               out
               devils
               ,
               they
               shall
               speake
               with
               new
               tongues
               ,
               they
               shall
               take
               up
               Serpents
               ,
               and
               if
               they
               drink
               any
               deadly
               poyson
               ,
               it
               shall
               not
               hurt
               them
               ,
               they
               shall
               lay
               their
               hands
               on
               the
               sicke
               ,
               and
               they
               shall
               recover
               .
            
          
           
             
             The
             second
             paire
             ,
             are
             Pastors
             and
             Teachers
             distinguished
             by
             their
             ordination
             ,
             for
             these
             were
             ordained
             internally
             by
             the
             outward
             dispensation
             of
             hearing
             the
             Word
             preached
             by
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             then
             externally
             chosen
             by
             the
             Church
             ,
             as
             
               Acts
            
             the
             sixth
             ,
             after
             consecrated
             by
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             by
             prayer
             ,
             and
             laying
             on
             of
             hands
             of
             the
             Apostles
             and
             Elders
             ,
             
               Acts
            
             14.
             23.
             
             
             This
             order
             of
             ministers
             is
             ordinarie
             ,
             and
             to
             continue
             in
             the
             Church
             unto
             the
             comming
             of
             our
             Lord
             to
             Judgement
             .
          
           
             
             Both
             these
             paires
             are
             but
             one
             and
             the
             same
             function
             and
             office
             ,
             and
             have
             but
             one
             and
             the
             same
             Commission
             ,
             which
             was
             given
             by
             the
             immediate
             ordination
             of
             Christ
             to
             his
             Apostles
             .
             For
             as
             God
             the
             Father
             sent
             his
             beloved
             Sonne
             to
             bee
             a
             light
             unto
             the
             Gentiles
             ,
             and
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             people
             
               Israel
               ,
            
             in
             declaring
             unto
             them
             the
             glad
             tydings
             of
             salvation
             in
             his
             death
             unto
             the
             remission
             of
             sinnes
             .
             So
             Christ
             sayd
             to
             his
             Disciples
             ;
             
               As
               my
               Father
               sent
               me
               ,
               so
               send
               I
               you
               .
            
             John
             20.
             21
             ,
             22.
             
          
           
             
             The
             power
             and
             authority
             committed
             unto
             them
             by
             this
             commission
             is
             the
             breath
             of
             life
             ,
             out
             of
             the
             mouth
             of
             Christ
             proceeding
             from
             the
             Father
             and
             the
             Sonne
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             said
             ;
             
               Man
               lives
               not
               by
               bread
               onely
               ,
               but
               by
               every
               word
               that
               proceedeth
               out
               of
               the
               mouth
               of
               God
               ;
            
             Therefore
             he
             breathed
             on
             them
             and
             said
             ,
             
               Receive
               ye
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               .
            
             For
             the
             word
             which
             Christ
             spake
             or
             breathed
             out
             of
             his
             mouth
             ,
             hee
             affirmed
             to
             be
             spirit
             and
             life
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               John
               6.
               
               The
               flesh
               profiteth
               nothing
               ,
               but
               the
               word
               that
               I
               speake
               is
               spirit
               and
               life
               .
            
          
           
             
             The
             substance
             of
             this
             Commission
             is
             mandatory
             ,
             
               Matt.
            
             28.
             19.
             
             
               Goe
               teach
               all
               Nations
               ,
               baptizing
               them
               in
               the
               name
               of
               the
               Father
               ,
               of
               the
               Sonne
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               .
            
          
           
             The
             doctrinall
             part
             of
             their
             commission
             ,
             is
             teaching
             them
             to
             observe
             all
             things
             whatsoever
             I
             have
             commanded
             you
             ,
             and
             
               Marke
            
             26.
             15.
             hath
             it
             in
             these
             words
             ;
             
               Preach
               the
               Gospell
               to
               every
               creature
               .
            
             Now
             the
             summe
             of
             the
             doctrine
             ,
             which
             Christ
             taught
             ,
             is
             set
             downe
             more
             plainly
             by
             St.
             
               Luke
               .
               24.
               44.
               
               These
               are
               the
               words
               that
               I
               spake
               unto
               you
               ,
               whilst
               I
               was
               yet
               with
               you
               ,
               that
               all
               things
               must
               be
               fulfilled
               ,
               which
               were
               written
               in
               the
               law
               ,
               and
               the
               Prophets
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               Psalmes
               concerning
               mee
               .
               And
               he
            
             (
             who
             was
             spirit
             ,
             life
             and
             light
             )
             
               opened
               their
               understandings
               that
               they
               might
               understand
               the
               Scriptures
               ;
               and
               said
               ,
               Thus
               it
               is
               written
               ,
               and
               thus
               it
               behoved
               Christ
               to
               suffer
               and
               rise
               from
               the
               dead
               the
               third
               day
               ;
               And
               that
               repentance
               and
               remission
               of
               sins
               should
               be
               preached
               in
               his
               Name
               among
               all
               Nations
               ,
               beginning
               at
               Ierusalem
               .
            
             And
             after
             this
             manner
             doe
             the
             Pastors
             and
             Ministers
             blesse
             ,
             teach
             ,
             and
             sanctifie
             the
             people
             .
          
           
           
             Thus
             Christ
             by
             preaching
             and
             teaching
             unto
             them
             the
             word
             of
             God
             ,
             out
             of
             his
             mouth
             ,
             he
             opened
             their
             understandings
             in
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
             and
             thereby
             they
             received
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
             for
             this
             is
             Christs
             manner
             of
             breathing
             upon
             them
             ,
             
               Iohn
            
             20.
             when
             hee
             said
             ,
             
               receive
               yee
               the
               holy
               Ghost
               .
            
             But
             in
             
               Luke
            
             he
             saith
             ,
             
               Behold
               ,
               I
               send
               the
               promise
               of
               my
               Father
               upon
               you
               ;
            
             Which
             is
             to
             say
             ,
             I
             will
             send
             a
             visible
             token
             of
             the
             Spirit
             upon
             you
             ,
             or
             the
             efficacie
             of
             the
             Spirit
             upon
             you
             .
             Therefore
             he
             sayd
             ,
             
               Tarry
               yee
               in
               the
               Citie
               of
               Ierusalem
               ,
               untill
               you
               bee
               endued
               with
               power
               from
               on
               high
               .
            
             Not
             but
             that
             they
             had
             received
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             before
             ,
             but
             not
             the
             manifestation
             and
             evident
             power
             thereof
             ,
             as
             afterwards
             it
             did
             fall
             upon
             them
             in
             the
             similitude
             of
             fiery
             cloven
             tongues
             ,
             
               Acts
            
             2.
             
          
           
             The
             fruites
             and
             operative
             effects
             of
             ministration
             of
             the
             Spirit
             is
             set
             forth
             ,
             
               Iohn
            
             2.
             23.
             
             Whose
             soever
             sinnes
             ye
             remit
             ,
             they
             are
             remitted
             unto
             them
             ,
             and
             whose
             soever
             sinnes
             ye
             retaine
             ,
             they
             are
             retained
             .
             For
             this
             is
             the
             power
             and
             efficacie
             of
             the
             ministeriall
             Word
             (
             as
             hath
             beene
             formerly
             showne
             )
             which
             floweth
             from
             the
             absolute
             power
             of
             Christ
             ,
             which
             was
             given
             unto
             him
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             as
             he
             affirmed
             to
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             
               Matt.
               28.
               18.
               
               All
               power
               is
               given
               me
               in
               heaven
               and
               in
               Earth
               .
            
          
           
             And
             this
             ministration
             of
             the
             Gospell
             is
             that
             key
             of
             
               David
            
             committed
             unto
             Christ
             ,
             by
             which
             he
             should
             open
             and
             no
             man
             shut
             ,
             and
             should
             shut
             ,
             and
             no
             man
             should
             open
             .
             And
             in
             the
             16.
             of
             
               Matthew
            
             16
             17.
             
             &
             18.
             ver.
             it
             is
             evident
             ,
             that
             this
             power
             of
             the
             keyes
             ,
             is
             onely
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Gospell
             of
             Christ
             ,
             or
             rather
             as
             
               Peter
            
             confessed
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             to
             bee
             that
             Christ
             ,
             that
             Sonne
             of
             the
             living
             God
             ,
             which
             he
             received
             not
             by
             the
             intelligence
             of
             flesh
             and
             blood
             ,
             but
             by
             Revelation
             from
             God
             the
             Father
             ,
             this
             power
             changeth
             the
             whole
             corrupt
             nature
             of
             man
             ,
             and
             gives
             him
             another
             denomination
             or
             qualitie
             ,
             making
             him
             a
             strong
             and
             immoveable
             rock
             ,
             turning
             
               Peter
            
             to
             
               Petra
               .
            
             Thus
             after
             this
             manner
             is
             the
             revelation
             and
             power
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             given
             in
             generall
             to
             every
             one
             that
             receiveth
             the
             knowledge
             of
             Christ
             ,
             to
             beleeve
             that
             he
             is
             that
             Christ
             ,
             that
             Sonne
             of
             the
             living
             God
             ,
             (
             God
             himselfe
             )
             against
             this
             rocke
             the
             gates
             of
             hell
             ,
             the
             powers
             and
             principalities
             of
             
             darknesse
             ,
             and
             worldly
             Governours
             cannot
             prevaile
             .
             But
             the
             particular
             and
             publicke
             ministration
             thereof
             ,
             is
             committed
             to
             the
             Pastors
             and
             teachers
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ,
             by
             whose
             ministration
             and
             publicke
             dispensation
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             the
             hearts
             and
             consciences
             of
             men
             are
             opened
             and
             shut
             ,
             bound
             and
             loosed
             every
             day
             ,
             as
             
               Lydia
            
             and
             others
             in
             the
             
               Acts
               ,
            
             in
             which
             the
             Word
             becomes
             the
             savour
             of
             life
             unto
             some
             ,
             and
             the
             savour
             of
             death
             unto
             others
             ;
             And
             this
             ministeriall
             power
             is
             also
             given
             unto
             them
             for
             divine
             censure
             and
             publicke
             correction
             ,
             to
             roote
             out
             abominable
             and
             unsufferable
             vices
             in
             the
             Church
             and
             Congregations
             ,
             as
             shall
             be
             shewed
             in
             his
             proper
             place
             .
          
        
         
           
             Of
             the
             nominations
             under
             the
             Law
             ,
             and
             under
             the
             Gospell
             .
          
           
             Under
             the
             Law
             it
             is
             undeniable
             ,
             that
             the
             Ministers
             and
             Governours
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             were
             called
             Priests
             ,
             Levites
             ,
             and
             Elders
             .
             Also
             ,
             in
             the
             Christian
             Church
             (
             leaving
             out
             the
             extraordinary
             functions
             of
             Apostles
             and
             Evangelists
             )
             they
             are
             called
             Pastors
             ,
             Teachers
             ,
             Helpers
             and
             Governours
             ;
             As
             these
             rankes
             are
             expressed
             in
             the
             1
             
               Cor.
            
             12.
             28.
             
          
           
             Of
             helpers
             ,
             wee
             reade
             they
             were
             added
             to
             the
             Christian
             Church
             in
             the
             sixth
             of
             the
             
               Acts
               ,
            
             
             whose
             office
             seemes
             to
             be
             in
             the
             place
             of
             the
             Levites
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             called
             Deacons
             .
             
             And
             Governours
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             as
             neither
             the
             Synagogue
             nor
             the
             Christian
             Church
             could
             bee
             well
             governed
             without
             ,
             called
             Elders
             in
             both
             Churches
             ;
             As
             
               Ambrose
            
             speaking
             in
             his
             Homilies
             upon
             the
             fifth
             of
             
               Timothie
               ,
            
             and
             the
             first
             verse
             ,
             saith
             to
             this
             effect
             ,
             Both
             the
             Synagogue
             and
             afterward
             the
             Church
             had
             Elders
             ,
             without
             whose
             counsell
             nothing
             was
             done
             in
             the
             Church
             (
             though
             in
             his
             times
             they
             were
             almost
             lost
             ,
             as
             he
             saith
             in
             the
             same
             place
             )
             which
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             by
             what
             negligence
             it
             is
             growne
             out
             of
             use
             I
             know
             not
             ,
             unlesse
             peradventure
             by
             their
             negligence
             ,
             or
             rather
             the
             pride
             of
             the
             teachers
             ,
             whilest
             they
             alone
             would
             be
             all
             ,
             and
             doe
             all
             .
             It
             these
             governours
             were
             so
             decayed
             in
             his
             time
             ,
             how
             much
             more
             are
             they
             now
             worne
             out
             of
             memorie
             in
             these
             our
             dayes
             ?
          
           
           
             
             But
             who
             list
             to
             peruse
             the
             history
             of
             the
             primitive
             times
             ,
             may
             observe
             that
             so
             long
             as
             this
             government
             stood
             in
             equall
             dependancie
             with
             their
             Pastors
             ,
             there
             could
             no
             heresie
             ever
             get
             footing
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ;
             But
             after
             it
             was
             lost
             and
             neglected
             ,
             the
             
               Arrian
            
             heresie
             crept
             into
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             filled
             the
             universall
             Church
             ,
             and
             all
             Kingdomes
             with
             ambition
             ,
             contention
             ,
             heresies
             and
             warre
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             
               Revelation
               .
            
          
           
             
             The
             name
             of
             Elders
             is
             now
             become
             an
             uncouth
             and
             abhorred
             name
             ,
             though
             it
             hath
             beene
             alwayes
             used
             from
             the
             beginning
             both
             in
             Church
             and
             Common-wealth
             to
             signifie
             both
             politique
             and
             Ecclesiasticall
             Governours
             .
          
           
             For
             if
             we
             consider
             the
             derivation
             of
             the
             word
             (
             Priest
             )
             it
             is
             no
             other
             but
             Elder
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             Greeke
             it
             is
             called
             (
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             )
             which
             in
             Latine
             is
             
               (
               Senex
               )
            
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             being
             rendred
             
               Presbiter
               ,
            
             and
             in
             English
             ,
             
               Elder
               ,
            
             being
             the
             comparative
             of
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             .
             And
             in
             this
             sence
             the
             Apostles
             called
             themselves
             
               Elders
               ,
            
             as
             
               John
            
             in
             his
             second
             Epistle
             ,
             1.
             verse
             .
             The
             denominations
             of
             Pastors
             ,
             Teachers
             ,
             Bishops
             and
             Elders
             in
             the
             Church
             were
             promiscuously
             used
             ,
             becaūse
             though
             they
             were
             distinguished
             by
             particular
             duties
             and
             administrations
             ,
             yet
             all
             was
             of
             one
             and
             the
             same
             spirit
             and
             power
             ,
             As
             
               Paul
               ,
               2
               Tin
               .
            
             1.
             11.
             accounted
             himselfe
             a
             Preacher
             ,
             and
             teacher
             of
             the
             Gentiles
             aswell
             as
             an
             Apostle
             .
          
           
             
             But
             there
             is
             no
             name
             that
             belongs
             to
             the
             functions
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             doth
             so
             much
             trouble
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             the
             whole
             world
             ,
             as
             the
             name
             
               Episcopus
               ;
            
             Which
             though
             I
             find
             it
             but
             once
             or
             twice
             named
             in
             the
             New
             Testament
             ,
             (
             as
             though
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             thought
             it
             not
             convenient
             often
             to
             use
             that
             name
             )
             foreknowing
             ,
             and
             foreseeing
             how
             much
             mischiefe
             it
             would
             bring
             forth
             to
             the
             Christian
             Church
             ,
             yet
             I
             finde
             it
             a
             name
             much
             and
             frequontly
             used
             by
             the
             Antient
             Fathers
             ,
             and
             Historians
             ,
             insomuch
             as
             for
             the
             reverend
             and
             high
             esteeme
             it
             got
             among
             them
             ,
             it
             is
             advanced
             to
             signifie
             preheminence
             ,
             and
             a
             spirituall
             office
             and
             dignitie
             ,
             and
             honour
             above
             temporall
             Monarchs
             ;
             or
             rather
             at
             least
             in
             some
             of
             their
             owne
             conceits
             and
             expressions
             higher
             then
             a
             Monarch
             ,
             a
             Pope
             of
             universall
             supremacie
             above
             all
             ,
             that
             is
             called
             God
             .
             Notwithstanding
             ,
             
             that
             the
             name
             derived
             from
             the
             Greeke
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             signifieth
             no
             more
             but
             to
             survey
             ,
             to
             consider
             of
             the
             deportment
             of
             the
             flocke
             ,
             by
             God
             committed
             unto
             his
             charge
             ,
             as
             of
             which
             he
             is
             to
             render
             an
             account
             :
             so
             that
             the
             etymologie
             of
             the
             word
             will
             not
             imply
             that
             lording
             power
             ,
             which
             they
             doe
             arrogate
             unto
             themselves
             .
          
           
             But
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             ,
             which
             signifies
             busie-bodyes
             ,
             or
             medlers
             in
             other
             mens
             matters
             ,
             derived
             of
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             ,
             in
             Latine
             
               (
               alvis
               )
            
             and
             the
             word
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             ,
             which
             is
             in
             the
             language
             of
             this
             age
             usually
             rendred
             
               Bishop
               ,
            
             seemes
             to
             me
             a
             very
             opposite
             word
             to
             decipher
             the
             lording
             Bishops
             of
             our
             times
             ,
             which
             like
             the
             Angels
             that
             left
             their
             primitive
             station
             ,
             omitting
             the
             proper
             worke
             of
             their
             ministeriall
             functions
             doe
             moue
             in
             an
             improper
             orbe
             of
             secular
             affaires
             ,
             and
             so
             may
             well
             be
             called
             
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
               {non-Roman}
            
             ,
             Busie-bodies
             ,
             or
             busie
             Bishops
             .
          
           
             
             If
             any
             desire
             to
             know
             the
             office
             and
             dutie
             of
             a
             Bishop
             ,
             as
             the
             holy
             Scripture
             setteth
             it
             forth
             ,
             let
             them
             reade
             the
             third
             Chapter
             of
             
               Paul
            
             to
             
               Timothie
               ,
            
             and
             also
             the
             first
             of
             
               Peter
               ,
            
             the
             fifth
             Chapter
             ,
             the
             second
             and
             third
             verses
             ,
             where
             the
             office
             of
             a
             Bishop
             is
             described
             under
             the
             name
             of
             an
             Elder
             .
          
        
         
           
             Of
             antient
             and
             primitive
             government
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             .
          
           
             
             The
             antient
             Apostolike
             and
             Primitive
             Government
             was
             under
             Pastors
             ,
             Deacons
             and
             Elders
             in
             every
             Congregation
             .
          
           
             The
             manner
             of
             their
             government
             was
             twofold
             ,
             the
             first
             part
             whereof
             was
             particular
             to
             every
             man
             in
             his
             function
             ;
             The
             second
             part
             was
             joyntly
             and
             publickly
             together
             ,
             and
             none
             without
             another
             .
          
           
             
             The
             Pastor
             ,
             Teacher
             ,
             or
             Bishop
             ,
             his
             particular
             function
             or
             office
             was
             as
             a
             President
             ,
             overseer
             ,
             and
             director
             ,
             not
             only
             as
             a
             Teacher
             ,
             but
             also
             as
             an
             Elder
             ,
             watching
             over
             the
             health
             of
             their
             soules
             ,
             and
             outward
             manners
             and
             conversation
             ,
             caring
             for
             the
             spirituall
             good
             ,
             and
             salvation
             of
             every
             one
             ,
             whose
             office
             is
             set
             forth
             in
             the
             first
             of
             
               Timothie
               ,
            
             the
             3.
             
               chap.
               2.
               3.
               4.
               
               &
            
             6.
             verses
             .
             Hee
             must
             be
             a
             man
             blamelesse
             ,
             continent
             ,
             vigilant
             ,
             
             sober
             ,
             of
             good
             behaviour
             ,
             given
             to
             hospitality
             ,
             apt
             to
             teach
             ,
             not
             given
             to
             wine
             ,
             no
             striker
             ,
             nor
             greedy
             of
             filthy
             lucre
             ,
             no
             brawler
             ,
             not
             covetous
             ,
             one
             that
             ruleth
             well
             his
             owne
             house
             ,
             having
             his
             Children
             in
             subjection
             with
             all
             gravity
             ,
             hee
             must
             not
             be
             a
             novice
             ,
             lest
             through
             pride
             he
             fall
             into
             condemnation
             ,
             and
             he
             ought
             to
             be
             of
             good
             report
             among
             the
             adversaries
             ,
             that
             the
             word
             of
             God
             be
             not
             evill
             spoken
             of
             .
             Also
             
               Peter
            
             exhorts
             Bishops
             under
             the
             name
             of
             Elders
             ,
             
             (
             acknowledging
             himselfe
             also
             to
             be
             an
             Elder
             )
             saying
             ,
             Feed
             the
             flocke
             of
             God
             ,
             which
             dependeth
             upon
             you
             ,
             caring
             for
             it
             ,
             not
             by
             constraint
             ,
             but
             willingly
             ,
             not
             for
             filthy
             lucre
             ,
             but
             of
             a
             ready
             mind
             ,
             not
             as
             though
             yee
             were
             Lords
             over
             Gods
             heritage
             ,
             but
             that
             ye
             may
             be
             ensamples
             to
             the
             flocke
             .
             And
             as
             
               Paul
            
             advised
             
               Timothy
            
             to
             preach
             the
             word
             of
             God
             ,
             
               Bee
               instant
               in
               season
               ,
               and
               out
               of
               season
               ,
               reprove
               ,
               rebuke
               ,
               exhort
               ,
               with
               all
               long
               suffering
               and
               doctrine
               .
            
             
             And
             after
             the
             same
             manner
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             same
             sence
             Christ
             excited
             
               Peter
               ,
            
             that
             the
             more
             he
             loved
             him
             ,
             the
             more
             he
             should
             labour
             ,
             to
             feed
             his
             lambes
             ,
             his
             sheepe
             ,
             his
             flocke
             .
          
           
             But
             Lordly
             preheminence
             Christ
             did
             not
             onely
             forbid
             ,
             saying
             ,
             The
             Lords
             of
             the
             Gentiles
             have
             power
             over
             them
             ,
             but
             it
             shall
             not
             be
             so
             among
             you
             ,
             but
             also
             saith
             ,
             
               Hee
               that
               would
               bee
               the
               greatest
               among
               you
               ,
               let
               him
               doe
               most
               service
               to
               the
               rest
               .
            
             
             But
             that
             fearefull
             admonition
             of
             Christ
             ,
             me
             thinkes
             should
             shake
             the
             hearts
             of
             our
             Bishops
             with
             feare
             ,
             that
             use
             predominance
             over
             their
             fellowes
             and
             Church
             of
             God
             .
             
               Mat
               ,
               24.
               
               Who
               is
               a
               faithfull
               and
               wise
               servant
               ,
               whom
               God
               hath
               made
               ruler
               over
               his
               household
               ,
               to
               give
               them
               meat
               in
               due
               season
               ?
               Blessed
               is
               that
               servant
               whom
               the
               Lord
               shall
               find
               doing
               so
               ,
               he
               shall
               make
               him
               ruler
               over
               all
               his
               goods
               .
               But
               if
               that
               evill
               servant
               ,
               shall
               say
               in
               his
               heart
               ,
               My
               Master
               doth
               deferre
               his
               comming
               ,
               and
               begin
               to
               smite
               his
               fellowes
               ,
               and
               to
               eat
               and
            
             
               *
            
             
               arinke
               with
               the
               drunken
               :
               that
               servants
               Master
               will
               come
               in
               a
               day
               when
               he
               looketh
               not
               for
               him
               ,
               and
               in
               an
               houre
               that
               hee
               is
               not
               aware
               of
               :
               and
               will
               cut
               him
               off
               ,
               and
               give
               him
               his
               portion
               with
               hypocrites
               :
               there
               shall
               be
               weeping
               and
               gnashing
               of
               teeth
               .
            
          
           
             The
             office
             of
             Deacons
             ,
             (
             of
             their
             ordination
             ,
             I
             have
             spoken
             before
             upon
             the
             sixth
             of
             the
             
               Acts
               )
            
             is
             that
             they
             stand
             in
             
             place
             of
             the
             Levites
             ,
             to
             attend
             on
             the
             hand
             of
             the
             Pastors
             ,
             aswell
             to
             helpe
             to
             catechise
             ,
             to
             teach
             ,
             administer
             the
             Sacraments
             ,
             as
             to
             care
             for
             the
             poore
             ,
             and
             to
             take
             the
             charge
             of
             the
             goods
             and
             revenues
             of
             the
             Church
             ;
             but
             for
             their
             conversation
             and
             qualitie
             ,
             it
             is
             set
             forth
             by
             
               Paul
               ,
            
             in
             the
             first
             of
             
               Timothy
               ,
            
             the
             third
             chapter
             ,
             the
             8
             ,
             9
             ,
             10
             ,
             11
             ,
             12
             ,
             13.
             verses
             .
             
               A
               Deacon
               must
               be
               grave
               ,
               not
               double
               tongued
               ,
               not
               given
               to
               strong
               drinke
               ,
               not
               given
               to
               filthy
               lucre
               ,
               holding
               the
               mystery
               of
               faith
               in
               a
               pure
               conscience
               .
               Let
               him
               first
               be
               proved
               ,
               then
               let
               him
               use
               the
               office
               of
               a
               Deacon
               ,
               being
               found
               blamelesse
               .
               Even
               so
               must
               their
               wives
               bee
               grave
               ,
               no
               slanderers
               ,
               sober
               ,
               faithfull
               in
               all
               things
               .
               Let
               a
               Deacon
               be
               the
               husband
               of
               one
               wife
               ,
               ruling
               their
               children
               ,
               and
               their
               owne
               houses
               well
               .
               For
               they
               that
               have
               used
               the
               office
               of
               a
               Deacon
               well
               ,
               purchase
               to
               themselves
               a
               good
               degree
               ,
               and
               great
               boldnesse
               in
               the
               faith
               which
               is
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               .
            
          
           
             And
             if
             Pastors
             and
             teachers
             would
             have
             the
             like
             zeale
             and
             consideration
             with
             themselves
             ,
             which
             the
             Apostles
             had
             ,
             
               Acts
            
             the
             sixth
             and
             the
             second
             ,
             and
             would
             have
             judged
             every
             thing
             an
             obstacle
             ,
             whatsoever
             might
             withdraw
             and
             hinder
             them
             in
             the
             preaching
             of
             Gods
             word
             ,
             and
             their
             care
             of
             soules
             ,
             and
             would
             make
             it
             their
             delight
             and
             labour
             ,
             to
             give
             themselves
             continually
             to
             prayer
             and
             ministration
             ,
             they
             would
             discerne
             ,
             that
             they
             can
             no
             more
             be
             without
             Deacons
             one
             or
             two
             in
             a
             Congregation
             ,
             then
             their
             bodies
             can
             be
             well
             without
             hands
             ,
             neither
             would
             they
             nourish
             that
             indigne
             opinion
             ,
             that
             ignorant
             ;
             Nay
             ,
             often
             improbous
             Church-wardens
             can
             serve
             in
             their
             place
             and
             office
             as
             some
             alledge
             .
          
           
             
             Now
             touching
             the
             particular
             dutie
             and
             office
             of
             Elders
             ,
             which
             in
             this
             our
             age
             is
             taken
             in
             a
             corrupt
             and
             improper
             sence
             calling
             them
             lay
             Elders
             ,
             which
             in
             Scripture
             from
             the
             antient
             originall
             ,
             are
             tearmed
             Elders
             of
             
               Israel
               ,
            
             or
             of
             the
             Tabernacle
             ,
             as
             to
             say
             ,
             Elders
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             people
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             distinguish
             them
             from
             civill
             Elders
             and
             Governours
             :
             and
             they
             are
             either
             such
             as
             by
             natures
             ordination
             are
             Fathers
             of
             Christian
             families
             ,
             or
             such
             as
             are
             publickely
             chosen
             by
             the
             severall
             Congregations
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             approved
             by
             their
             Pastors
             and
             Teachers
             .
          
           
           
             
             Their
             office
             and
             duties
             were
             such
             ,
             as
             
               Ambrose
            
             said
             ,
             without
             whose
             counsell
             nothing
             was
             done
             in
             the
             Church
             ;
             and
             that
             both
             the
             Synagogue
             ,
             and
             the
             Christian
             Church
             had
             Elders
             ;
             They
             were
             to
             be
             chosen
             men
             ,
             such
             as
             
               Jethro
            
             advised
             
               Moyses
               ,
               Exod.
            
             18.
             chosen
             out
             of
             the
             people
             ,
             men
             of
             courage
             ,
             such
             as
             feare
             God
             ,
             men
             of
             truth
             hating
             covetousnesse
             ,
             and
             place
             such
             over
             the
             people
             to
             rule
             thousands
             ,
             hundreds
             ,
             fifties
             ,
             and
             tens
             .
             But
             these
             Elders
             are
             here
             rather
             to
             be
             for
             civill
             affaires
             then
             Church
             cares
             ;
             But
             thus
             we
             must
             conceive
             that
             Church
             Elders
             might
             as
             well
             be
             exercised
             in
             ministration
             of
             Justice
             for
             the
             Common-wealth
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             ministration
             of
             Discipline
             for
             the
             Church
             .
             For
             this
             is
             the
             proper
             duty
             even
             of
             Kings
             ,
             Princes
             ,
             and
             their
             Magistrates
             ;
             as
             also
             of
             fathers
             of
             Families
             ,
             because
             the
             Common-weale
             of
             
               Israel
            
             is
             involved
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             in
             a
             Christian
             Common-weale
             ;
             For
             so
             ought
             our
             Christian
             Kingdomes
             to
             bee
             composed
             ,
             as
             Magistrates
             may
             be
             chosen
             Church
             Elders
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             .
             For
             blessed
             is
             the
             Nation
             ,
             whose
             God
             is
             the
             Lord
             ,
             
               *
            
             And
             in
             such
             a
             Kingdome
             Christ
             raigneth
             as
             a
             King
             in
             
               excelsis
               ,
            
             and
             his
             Vice-roy
             by
             him
             ,
             and
             for
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             flourishing
             propagation
             of
             the
             ministery
             of
             the
             Word
             is
             the
             soule
             of
             such
             a
             Common-wealth
             .
          
           
             
             But
             there
             is
             an
             evident
             difference
             betwixt
             the
             Elders
             that
             governe
             the
             Common-wealth
             ,
             and
             the
             Elders
             that
             governe
             the
             Church
             ;
             Distinct
             they
             are
             in
             their
             ordination
             ,
             and
             in
             their
             endowments
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             manner
             of
             exercise
             ,
             and
             execution
             of
             their
             office
             ;
             For
             Magistrates
             and
             Elders
             in
             a
             Kingdome
             are
             those
             who
             are
             appointed
             of
             the
             King
             or
             chiefe
             Governour
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             first
             of
             
               Peter
            
             2.
             13
             ,
             14.
             
             Submit
             your selves
             unto
             all
             ordinances
             of
             man
             for
             the
             Lords
             sake
             ,
             whether
             to
             Kings
             as
             superiours
             ,
             or
             to
             Governours
             as
             sent
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             their
             office
             is
             for
             punishment
             of
             evill
             doers
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             praise
             of
             them
             that
             doe
             well
             .
             And
             these
             are
             such
             as
             
               Moyses
            
             ordained
             by
             the
             counsell
             of
             
               Jethro
            
             before
             exprest
             .
             But
             
               Moyses
            
             by
             Gods
             expresse
             appointment
             did
             afterward
             ordaine
             other
             Elders
             chosen
             out
             of
             those
             Elders
             ,
             whom
             God
             indued
             with
             the
             speciall
             gifts
             of
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             for
             helping
             of
             
               Moyses
            
             in
             governing
             
             of
             the
             Congregation
             of
             the
             Tabernacle
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             set
             downe
             
               Numb.
            
             11.
             16.
             17.
             25.
             26.
             
             
               Then
               the
               Lord
               sayd
               unto
            
             Moyses
             ,
             
               Gather
               unto
               me
               seventy
               men
               of
               the
               Elders
               of
               Israel
               ,
               whom
               thou
               knowest
               that
               they
               are
               Elders
               of
               the
               people
               ,
               and
               Governours
               over
               them
               :
               and
               bring
               them
               unto
               the
               Tabernacle
               ,
               and
               let
               them
               stand
               there
               with
               thee
               .
               And
               I
               will
               come
               downe
               ,
               and
               talke
               there
               with
               thee
               ,
               and
               take
               of
               the
               spirit
               which
               is
               upon
               thee
               ,
               and
               put
               upon
               them
               ,
               and
               they
               shall
               beare
               the
               burthen
               of
               the
               people
               with
               thee
               ,
               so
               thou
               shalt
               not
               beare
               it
               alone
               .
            
             So
             these
             were
             another
             sort
             of
             Elders
             .
             Then
             the
             Elders
             that
             governed
             over
             the
             people
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             24
             ,
             25.
             and
             26
             ,
             verses
             .
             
               So
               Moyses
               went
               out
               ,
               and
               told
               the
               people
               the
               words
               of
               the
               Lord
               ;
               and
               gathered
               seventy
               men
               of
               the
               Elders
               of
               the
               people
               ,
               and
               set
               them
               round
               about
               the
               Tabernacle
               .
               There
               the
               Lord
               came
               downe
               in
               a
               cloud
               ,
               and
               spake
               unto
               him
               ,
               and
               tooke
               of
               the
               spirit
               that
               was
               upon
            
             Moyses
             ,
             
               and
               put
               upon
               the
               seventy
               antient
               men
               :
               and
               when
               the
               spirit
               rested
               upon
               them
               ,
               then
               they
               prophesied
               and
               did
               not
               cease
               .
            
          
           
             Here
             their
             ordination
             is
             of
             God
             ,
             their
             indowment
             is
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             their
             office
             and
             duty
             is
             to
             prophecie
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             cease
             ;
             and
             the
             end
             why
             they
             were
             to
             prophecie
             ,
             is
             to
             beare
             the
             burden
             of
             the
             people
             with
             
               Moyses
               ,
            
             for
             the
             people
             murmured
             ,
             and
             often
             tempted
             and
             provoked
             the
             Lord
             to
             wrath
             .
             And
             though
             they
             received
             daily
             instruction
             ,
             and
             publicke
             ministration
             of
             the
             word
             of
             God
             from
             
               Moyses
            
             and
             
               Aaron
               ,
            
             yet
             the
             seed
             of
             truth
             fell
             sometimes
             among
             stony
             ground
             ,
             and
             sometime
             upon
             thorny
             ground
             ,
             &
             sometime
             in
             the
             high
             way
             ,
             and
             either
             took
             no
             deepe
             root
             ,
             or
             it
             was
             choaked
             ,
             or
             otherwise
             picked
             up
             and
             carryed
             away
             by
             the
             sowles
             of
             the
             ayre
             ,
             so
             that
             their
             murmurings
             ,
             grudgings
             ,
             and
             rebellions
             were
             such
             a
             burthen
             to
             
               Moyses
               ,
            
             and
             an
             insupportable
             griefe
             that
             
               Moyses
            
             wished
             rather
             to
             die
             than
             to
             live
             .
             Therefore
             God
             ordained
             these
             kind
             of
             Elders
             to
             be
             an
             assistance
             in
             his
             publicke
             ministration
             ,
             that
             as
             
               Moyses
            
             among
             the
             Jewes
             ,
             and
             
               Paul
            
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             planted
             the
             Word
             in
             publicke
             .
             So
             these
             might
             be
             as
             
               Apollo's
            
             to
             water
             it
             in
             private
             ,
             and
             that
             by
             their
             vigilancie
             and
             diligence
             in
             every
             place
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             they
             might
             be
             ready
             to
             suppresse
             by
             divine
             instruction
             ,
             exhortation
             ,
             
             and
             admonition
             out
             of
             the
             word
             of
             God
             .
             Murmurings
             ,
             grudgings
             ,
             contentions
             ,
             strife
             ,
             cursings
             ,
             railings
             ,
             and
             all
             sorts
             of
             inordinate
             walkings
             .
             
             This
             was
             the
             private
             and
             particular
             duty
             of
             these
             sorts
             of
             Elders
             by
             the
             power
             of
             the
             Word
             to
             kill
             the
             Cockatrice
             in
             the
             egge
             ,
             and
             to
             pull
             up
             the
             weeds
             of
             sinne
             by
             the
             roots
             .
             For
             this
             cause
             they
             are
             described
             in
             the
             fourth
             of
             the
             Revelation
             to
             be
             the
             wings
             of
             the
             foure
             beasts
             placed
             round
             about
             their
             bodyes
             ,
             full
             of
             eyes
             within
             ;
             for
             they
             are
             knit
             unto
             the
             Ministers
             in
             a
             peculiar
             and
             inseparable
             neerenesse
             ,
             and
             their
             discerning
             operation
             is
             not
             to
             extend
             beyond
             the
             bounds
             of
             the
             Professors
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             for
             as
             
               Paul
            
             saith
             ,
             what
             have
             wee
             to
             doe
             with
             those
             that
             are
             without
             ?
          
           
             
             These
             sorts
             of
             Elders
             are
             so
             necessarily
             annexed
             to
             the
             publicke
             ministration
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             as
             that
             the
             Church
             cannot
             be
             without
             them
             ,
             but
             that
             by
             the
             want
             thereof
             she
             doth
             expose
             her selfe
             to
             all
             kind
             of
             dangers
             externall
             and
             internall
             ,
             like
             a
             bird
             without
             wings
             .
             Therefore
             Christ
             tooke
             not
             away
             this
             kind
             of
             Elders
             ,
             but
             rather
             established
             them
             in
             their
             function
             and
             office
             ,
             both
             in
             private
             and
             publicke
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             18.
             of
             
               Matth.
               15.
               16.
               17.
               
               If
               thy
               brother
               trespasse
               ,
               got
               and
               tell
               him
               his
               fault
               ,
               betweene
               thee
               and
               him
               alone
               :
               if
               hee
               heare
               thee
               ,
               thou
               hast
               wonne
               thy
               brother
               .
               If
               he
               heare
               thee
               not
               ,
               take
               yet
               with
               thee
               one
               or
               two
               that
               by
               the
               mouth
               of
               two
               or
               three
               witnesses
               every
               word
               may
               be
               ●●●firmed
               .
               And
               if
               he
               will
               not
               vouchsafe
               to
               heare
               them
               ,
               then
               tell
               the
               Church
               .
            
             Which
             is
             to
             make
             the
             offence
             and
             the
             offender
             knowne
             to
             the
             Congregation
             ;
             the
             Elders
             acquainting
             the
             Pastor
             ,
             the
             Pastor
             acquainting
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             they
             all
             joyne
             in
             publicke
             censure
             and
             discipline
             .
          
           
             
             
               Paul
            
             hath
             some
             rules
             which
             pertaine
             to
             private
             admonition
             ,
             for
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             done
             in
             all
             gravitie
             ,
             prudence
             ,
             and
             in
             much
             love
             .
             
               Galat.
               6.
               1.
               
               If
               a
               man
               bee
               fallen
               by
               occasion
               into
               any
               sinne
               ,
               yee
               which
               are
               spirituall
               ,
               restore
               such
               a
               one
               with
               the
               spirit
               of
               meeknesse
               ,
               considering
               thy selfe
               lest
               thou
               also
               bee
               tempted
               .
               Beare
               one
               anothers
               burdens
               ,
               and
               so
               fulfill
               the
               law
               of
               Christ
               .
            
             The
             Elders
             ought
             to
             excell
             in
             brotherly
             love
             and
             wisedome
             ,
             and
             to
             use
             their
             exhortations
             with
             much
             temperance
             ,
             
             as
             
               Paul
            
             hath
             set
             before
             them
             in
             another
             place
             .
             1
             
               Tim.
               5.
               1.
               
               Rebuke
               not
               an
               Elder
               ,
               but
               exhort
               him
               as
               a
               fathers
               and
               the
               younger
               men
               as
               brethren
               .
               The
               elder
               women
               as
               mothers
               ,
               and
               the
               younger
               as
               sisters
               with
               all
               purenesse
               .
            
          
           
             
             And
             there
             is
             another
             particular
             dutie
             which
             pertaines
             to
             these
             Elders
             ,
             as
             also
             to
             the
             Pastors
             and
             Ministers
             ,
             which
             is
             to
             visit
             the
             sicke
             ,
             and
             those
             that
             are
             burthened
             or
             troubled
             in
             conscience
             ,
             as
             
               Iames
            
             saith
             ,
             
               If
               any
               be
               sicke
               ,
               let
               him
               call
               for
               the
               Elders
               of
               the
               Church
               ,
               and
               let
               them
               pray
               for
               him
               ,
               and
               anoynt
               him
               with
               oyle
               in
               the
               name
               of
               the
               Lord
               .
            
             For
             oyle
             is
             an
             embleme
             of
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             ,
             which
             by
             comfortable
             exhortations
             out
             of
             the
             word
             of
             God
             with
             prayer
             is
             like
             oyle
             unto
             the
             bones
             ,
             or
             as
             wine
             that
             glads
             the
             heart
             .
             Such
             refreshment
             are
             the
             Elders
             to
             the
             sicke
             ,
             for
             the
             prayer
             of
             faith
             shall
             save
             the
             sicke
             ,
             and
             the
             Lord
             shall
             raise
             him
             up
             ,
             and
             if
             he
             have
             committed
             sinne
             it
             shall
             be
             forgiven
             him
             .
             And
             for
             this
             cause
             there
             is
             a
             mutuall
             confession
             among
             Christians
             ,
             when
             any
             thing
             doth
             vehemently
             oppresse
             the
             conscience
             ,
             therefore
             saith
             
               James
            
             confesse
             your
             faults
             one
             to
             another
             ,
             and
             pray
             one
             for
             another
             ,
             that
             yee
             may
             be
             healed
             ,
             for
             the
             prayer
             of
             a
             righteous
             man
             availeth
             much
             ;
             if
             it
             be
             fervent
             .
          
        
         
           
             Of
             Discipline
             and
             censure
             .
          
           
             Now
             I
             come
             to
             the
             second
             part
             of
             government
             ,
             which
             consisteth
             also
             in
             these
             three
             functions
             .
             The
             first
             sort
             is
             called
             promiscuously
             ,
             Pastors
             ,
             Teachers
             ,
             Bishops
             ,
             for
             they
             have
             received
             the
             gift
             of
             one
             and
             the
             same
             spirit
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             measure
             of
             Christ
             ,
             as
             
               Ephes.
            
             4.
             
             For
             the
             gathering
             together
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
             for
             the
             worke
             of
             the
             ministery
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             edification
             of
             the
             body
             of
             Christ
             ,
             untill
             wee
             all
             meet
             together
             in
             the
             unitie
             of
             faith
             ,
             and
             knowledge
             of
             the
             Sonne
             of
             God
             unto
             a
             perfect
             Man
             ,
             and
             unto
             the
             measure
             of
             the
             age
             of
             the
             fulnesse
             of
             Christ
             .
             The
             second
             sort
             is
             Deacons
             .
             The
             third
             is
             called
             by
             a
             generall
             name
             in
             common
             to
             them
             and
             the
             Pastors
             ,
             Teachers
             and
             Bishops
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             name
             of
             Elders
             ,
             for
             that
             in
             their
             publicke
             execution
             of
             Discipline
             ,
             they
             are
             joyntly
             united
             ,
             so
             
             that
             though
             the
             Pastor
             have
             the
             leading
             voyce
             and
             precedencie
             ,
             
             yet
             he
             is
             not
             to
             execute
             ,
             nor
             pronounce
             sentence
             in
             the
             Churh
             ●●thout
             the
             Elders
             ,
             nor
             yet
             to
             ordaine
             either
             Deacons
             ,
             Elders
             ,
             or
             Pastors
             ,
             without
             their
             counsell
             ,
             and
             the
             generall
             consent
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             so
             that
             the
             Pastors
             ,
             Teachers
             and
             Bishops
             ,
             are
             not
             to
             beare
             the
             burthen
             alone
             ,
             it
             would
             bee
             too
             heavy
             for
             them
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             for
             
               Moyses
               ,
            
             if
             they
             bore
             the
             like
             conscience
             to
             God
             as
             
               Moyses
            
             did
             ;
             and
             if
             it
             were
             too
             heavy
             a
             burden
             for
             one
             man
             in
             those
             dayes
             ,
             when
             the
             Church
             was
             but
             one
             Nation
             ,
             and
             but
             one
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             had
             but
             one
             Tabernacle
             ;
             How
             must
             it
             not
             now
             needs
             be
             a
             farre
             greater
             weight
             ,
             when
             the
             Church
             is
             many
             Nations
             ,
             farre
             and
             wide
             dispersed
             ,
             and
             many
             distinct
             Congregations
             .
          
           
             But
             notwithstanding
             the
             Elders
             be
             joyned
             in
             one
             power
             with
             the
             Pastors
             and
             Bishops
             ,
             so
             that
             nothing
             ought
             to
             bee
             done
             without
             them
             ,
             the
             Pastors
             have
             this
             preheminence
             ,
             that
             the
             worke
             both
             of
             Discipline
             ,
             censure
             ,
             and
             ordination
             of
             Elders
             ,
             Pastors
             and
             Deacons
             ,
             is
             attributed
             unto
             them
             as
             most
             proper
             to
             their
             function
             ;
             For
             this
             cause
             
               Paul
            
             tells
             
               Titus
               ,
            
             in
             his
             Epistle
             ,
             
               cap.
            
             1.
             that
             he
             left
             him
             in
             
               Crete
               :
            
             that
             hee
             should
             continue
             to
             redresse
             things
             that
             remained
             ,
             and
             ordaine
             Elders
             in
             every
             Citie
             ,
             as
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             I
             appointed
             thee
             .
             And
             
               Acts
            
             the
             1423.
             
             
             
               And
               when
               they
               ordained
               them
               Elders
               by
               election
               in
               every
               Church
               ,
               and
               prayed
               and
               fasted
               ;
               they
               commended
               them
               to
               the
               Lord
               ,
               in
               whom
               they
               beleeved
               .
            
             For
             neither
             divine
             censure
             ,
             nor
             ordination
             could
             be
             done
             without
             them
             ,
             neither
             would
             the
             Apostles
             nor
             Pastors
             of
             the
             primitive
             times
             ,
             for
             the
             space
             of
             two
             hundred
             and
             fifty
             yeares
             ,
             either
             censure
             or
             ordaine
             any
             Elders
             ,
             Pastors
             ,
             or
             Deacons
             ,
             without
             the
             Election
             ,
             and
             counsell
             of
             the
             Church
             and
             Elders
             .
             But
             a
             little
             after
             these
             times
             ,
             when
             pride
             began
             to
             creepe
             into
             the
             hearts
             of
             the
             Pastors
             ,
             Teachers
             ,
             and
             Bishops
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             zeale
             and
             care
             of
             the
             Elders
             grew
             cold
             and
             negligent
             ,
             as
             
               Cyprian
            
             Bishop
             of
             
               Carthage
               ,
               lib.
            
             4.
             speaking
             of
             the
             cause
             of
             the
             then
             present
             persecutions
             ,
             among
             other
             things
             (
             saith
             )
             What
             plagues
             ,
             what
             stripes
             ,
             doe
             we
             not
             deserve
             ,
             when
             no
             not
             the
             Confessours
             and
             Elders
             doe
             keepe
             Discipline
             ?
             And
             from
             this
             degree
             of
             luke-warmnesse
             
             it
             came
             to
             be
             omitted
             ,
             and
             after
             the
             
               Nicene
            
             Councell
             quite
             extinct
             ,
             and
             wiped
             out
             of
             memory
             ;
             So
             that
             no
             marvell
             if
             our
             age
             call
             it
             the
             new-brought-in
             discipline
             and
             government
             of
             Pastors
             ,
             Elders
             and
             People
             .
          
           
             In
             this
             discourse
             of
             Discipline
             ,
             I
             must
             have
             relation
             to
             that
             which
             is
             gone
             before
             ,
             for
             that
             which
             is
             part
             of
             government
             in
             the
             theoricke
             is
             also
             a
             part
             of
             Discipline
             in
             the
             practicke
             ,
             therefore
             though
             I
             have
             shewed
             that
             election
             and
             ordination
             are
             necessary
             relatives
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             that
             as
             proper
             to
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             this
             other
             to
             the
             Pastours
             ,
             and
             how
             they
             were
             practised
             by
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             needfull
             to
             reforme
             the
             Judgements
             and
             opinions
             of
             men
             ,
             to
             shew
             how
             it
             is
             most
             proper
             for
             Congregations
             to
             choose
             their
             Pastours
             and
             Elders
             ,
             and
             Deacons
             ,
             and
             also
             their
             consent
             and
             counsell
             in
             their
             ordination
             .
          
           
             
             To
             satisfie
             any
             indifferent
             judgement
             ,
             it
             is
             best
             to
             make
             it
             a
             perpetuall
             rule
             and
             patterne
             ,
             to
             follow
             the
             example
             of
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             an
             enforcing
             reason
             ,
             that
             is
             necessary
             that
             the
             people
             ,
             whose
             
               summum
               bonum
               ,
            
             doth
             instrumentally
             consist
             in
             their
             Pastor
             should
             be
             well
             acquainted
             ,
             and
             sufficiently
             experimented
             in
             his
             life
             and
             conversation
             ,
             as
             also
             in
             his
             doctrine
             which
             they
             ought
             to
             taste
             by
             their
             care
             ,
             (
             for
             the
             earth
             tasteth
             words
             as
             the
             palate
             doth
             meat
             )
             before
             they
             make
             choyce
             of
             him
             ,
             though
             it
             may
             bee
             they
             cannot
             ,
             nor
             is
             it
             required
             at
             their
             hands
             to
             trie
             his
             schollarship
             ,
             but
             their
             capacities
             (
             if
             it
             be
             a
             Congregation
             that
             hath
             lived
             ,
             and
             been
             nourished
             under
             a
             wholsome
             and
             structifying
             ministery
             )
             may
             well
             judge
             and
             taste
             the
             sweetnesse
             of
             the
             divine
             gift
             of
             Preaching
             by
             the
             care
             ,
             and
             so
             trie
             his
             doctrine
             ,
             as
             the
             men
             of
             
               Berea
            
             did
             the
             doctrine
             of
             
               Paul
               ;
            
             and
             it
             may
             so
             happen
             in
             some
             Congregations
             ,
             that
             are
             well
             edified
             in
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             have
             among
             themselves
             some
             of
             their
             Deacons
             able
             and
             sufficient
             to
             succeed
             their
             deceased
             Pastor
             ,
             and
             withall
             I
             doe
             not
             thinke
             it
             fit
             to
             exclude
             the
             choyce
             and
             presentation
             of
             the
             Universities
             ,
             nor
             to
             debarre
             their
             Letters
             of
             commendation
             ;
             nor
             for
             one
             Congregation
             to
             supply
             the
             want
             of
             another
             ,
             for
             all
             Congregations
             are
             members
             one
             of
             another
             ,
             and
             every
             
             Christian
             University
             is
             a
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             they
             all
             make
             but
             one
             Church
             to
             God
             .
          
           
             But
             what
             shall
             I
             say
             of
             Patrons
             presentations
             ?
             I
             know
             not
             ,
             unlesse
             I
             should
             say
             they
             are
             too
             frequently
             the
             seed
             of
             Simony
             ;
             For
             except
             the
             Nobles
             and
             Peeres
             of
             this
             Kingdome
             doe
             freely
             bestow
             their
             presentations
             .
             I
             feare
             there
             are
             not
             many
             that
             doe
             the
             like
             ,
             and
             to
             speake
             truly
             of
             their
             first
             donation
             ,
             it
             was
             not
             done
             purely
             .
             For
             the
             Donors
             in
             reserving
             a
             presentation
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             their
             heires
             ,
             they
             kept
             backe
             a
             part
             of
             the
             possession
             they
             had
             dedicated
             to
             God
             ,
             as
             did
             
               Ananias
            
             and
             
               Saphira
               ;
            
             And
             so
             if
             they
             bee
             righty
             considered
             ,
             they
             are
             are
             as
             unnecessary
             evills
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             as
             Deanes
             and
             Prebends
             ,
             which
             no
             man
             can
             tell
             to
             what
             use
             they
             serve
             in
             the
             Church
             .
             But
             if
             Patrons
             cannot
             be
             admitted
             by
             our
             law
             ,
             let
             them
             present
             three
             or
             foure
             at
             the
             least
             ,
             that
             the
             Church
             may
             have
             her
             choyce
             ,
             and
             as
             much
             as
             may
             be
             avoyd
             that
             horrid
             crime
             of
             Simony
             .
          
           
             
             And
             as
             for
             ordination
             ,
             though
             the
             power
             thereof
             rest
             in
             the
             Pastors
             and
             
               *
            
             Bishops
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             great
             arrogancie
             and
             presumption
             to
             forsake
             the
             Apostolike
             and
             Primitive
             practise
             ,
             and
             usurpe
             a
             singularity
             and
             predominancie
             to
             themselves
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             would
             disdaine
             the
             humility
             of
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             and
             condemne
             the
             wisedome
             of
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             .
          
           
             But
             that
             which
             doth
             foster
             and
             nourish
             men
             in
             a
             good
             opinion
             of
             this
             errour
             to
             attribute
             such
             absolute
             power
             to
             the
             Bishops
             and
             Clergie
             ,
             is
             that
             mysticall
             doctrine
             of
             Antichrist
             ,
             which
             in
             that
             smoakie
             darknesse
             thrust
             upon
             the
             world
             for
             an
             undeniable
             truth
             ,
             that
             the
             Church
             in
             her
             essence
             is
             to
             bee
             conceived
             to
             bee
             the
             Bishops
             and
             Clergie
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             onely
             have
             the
             unerrable
             Spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             that
             thereby
             they
             have
             power
             to
             doe
             all
             things
             ,
             as
             much
             ,
             and
             as
             absolutely
             as
             Christ
             himselfe
             when
             he
             was
             on
             earth
             ,
             as
             once
             a
             Romish
             Priest
             averred
             to
             me
             ,
             that
             the
             Priests
             or
             Clergie
             were
             the
             soule
             of
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             The
             nourishing
             and
             maintaining
             of
             this
             opinion
             is
             the
             cause
             why
             the
             world
             hath
             so
             long
             ,
             and
             so
             madly
             doated
             after
             Episcopacie
             ;
             But
             if
             we
             thinke
             it
             fit
             to
             cast
             away
             the
             pride
             and
             
             ambition
             of
             man
             ,
             abhorre
             this
             opinion
             ,
             and
             let
             the
             worke
             bee
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             not
             of
             man
             .
          
        
         
           
             Of
             Excommunication
             .
          
           
             Now
             touching
             Excommunication
             ,
             which
             is
             that
             supreme
             Discipline
             and
             divine
             power
             which
             purgeth
             and
             segregateth
             the
             drosse
             from
             the
             pure
             gold
             in
             the
             temple
             of
             God
             .
             This
             part
             of
             Discipline
             is
             of
             so
             high
             and
             holy
             a
             nature
             and
             qualitie
             ,
             as
             that
             of
             a
             Christian
             ,
             it
             ought
             to
             bee
             had
             in
             a
             most
             reverend
             estimation
             above
             all
             the
             powers
             of
             earth
             :
             for
             it
             is
             thunderbolt
             and
             lightning
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             upon
             whom
             it
             falleth
             and
             pierceth
             ,
             it
             doth
             consume
             with
             a
             terrible
             flame
             ,
             and
             grind
             him
             to
             powder
             with
             a
             direfull
             fall
             .
          
           
             
             This
             power
             is
             committed
             unto
             the
             Church
             ,
             not
             to
             Bishops
             alone
             ,
             nor
             to
             the
             Pastors
             or
             Clergie
             onely
             ,
             neither
             have
             the
             Elders
             this
             power
             appropriate
             unto
             them
             ,
             but
             the
             Church
             .
             As
             
               Mat.
               18
               17.
               
               If
               he
               will
               not
               heare
               ,
               then
               tell
               it
               unto
               the
               Church
               .
            
             Now
             the
             Church
             is
             not
             properly
             to
             bee
             conceived
             to
             consist
             in
             any
             one
             person
             ,
             who
             is
             but
             a
             member
             of
             the
             whole
             ,
             nor
             can
             she
             be
             said
             to
             be
             any
             one
             proper
             function
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             but
             the
             whole
             Church
             consisting
             of
             one
             head
             Christ
             ,
             and
             many
             members
             indued
             with
             divers
             and
             many
             administrations
             and
             gifts
             of
             one
             and
             the
             same
             spirit
             ,
             and
             in
             this
             sence
             every
             particular
             publicke
             Congregation
             is
             an
             entire
             Church
             ,
             and
             a
             member
             of
             the
             universall
             Church
             throughout
             the
             world
             ,
             because
             a
             Congregation
             containes
             in
             it selfe
             the
             whole
             Church
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             she
             hath
             one
             and
             the
             same
             head
             (
             Christ
             )
             one
             and
             the
             same
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             one
             and
             the
             same
             ministration
             of
             the
             same
             Word
             and
             Sacrament
             ,
             and
             one
             and
             the
             same
             God
             and
             Father
             of
             all
             ,
             above
             all
             ,
             in
             all
             ,
             and
             through
             all
             ,
             and
             one
             .
             And
             thus
             having
             the
             same
             Word
             and
             Doctrine
             ,
             the
             same
             functions
             of
             Pastors
             ,
             Teachers
             ,
             Deacons
             and
             Elders
             ,
             the
             same
             Sacraments
             ,
             Administration
             ,
             Discipline
             and
             Government
             ,
             so
             that
             hereby
             they
             are
             united
             one
             into
             another
             ,
             and
             one
             in
             all
             ,
             and
             all
             in
             all
             .
          
           
             
             The
             private
             exercise
             of
             this
             part
             of
             Discipline
             I
             have
             spoken
             
             of
             ,
             which
             by
             degrees
             in
             private
             admonition
             ,
             if
             it
             bring
             not
             forth
             the
             fruits
             of
             repentance
             and
             amendment
             ,
             proceeds
             to
             the
             first
             degree
             of
             publicke
             correction
             ,
             
               (
               Tell
               the
               Church
               .
               )
            
          
           
             This
             information
             is
             made
             by
             the
             Elders
             ,
             who
             have
             used
             the
             private
             discipline
             of
             exhortation
             ,
             with
             much
             wisedome
             and
             patience
             upon
             some
             particular
             persons
             ,
             who
             with
             hardnesse
             of
             heart
             have
             resisted
             the
             power
             of
             God
             through
             ungodlinesse
             .
          
           
             They
             declare
             the
             offence
             to
             the
             Pastor
             ,
             and
             the
             Pastor
             in
             the
             publicke
             assembly
             acquainteth
             the
             people
             with
             the
             offence
             ,
             and
             if
             the
             delinquent
             be
             present
             ,
             hee
             is
             caused
             to
             stand
             upbefore
             the
             Pastor
             ,
             who
             reproves
             him
             with
             the
             sharpe
             Judgements
             of
             God
             against
             his
             sinne
             ,
             by
             the
             Word
             seeking
             to
             enlighten
             his
             mind
             ,
             and
             mollifie
             his
             heart
             ;
             Which
             if
             it
             prevaile
             with
             him
             ,
             hee
             falleth
             upon
             his
             knees
             ,
             and
             desireth
             the
             Congregation
             to
             pray
             for
             him
             ,
             which
             done
             ,
             the
             Pastor
             pronounceth
             unto
             him
             the
             remission
             of
             sinnes
             ,
             if
             the
             Church
             judge
             him
             penitent
             ,
             if
             they
             find
             him
             still
             obstinate
             and
             of
             an
             unrelenting
             heart
             .
             then
             they
             pronounce
             him
             debarred
             from
             the
             holy
             Communion
             of
             the
             Supper
             of
             the
             Lord
             and
             continue
             him
             upon
             the
             stoole
             of
             repentance
             with
             much
             exhortation
             ,
             patience
             ,
             and
             long
             forbearing
             ,
             till
             they
             convince
             him
             ,
             or
             otherwise
             separate
             him
             from
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             for
             a
             time
             ;
             if
             after
             hee
             continue
             in
             his
             foulenesse
             of
             sinne
             ,
             then
             hee
             is
             againe
             called
             to
             the
             Congregation
             and
             admonished
             ,
             which
             if
             then
             it
             take
             no
             effect
             ,
             her
             is
             excommunicated
             by
             laying
             on
             of
             the
             hands
             of
             all
             the
             Elders
             ,
             after
             that
             hee
             is
             accounted
             as
             an
             enemie
             ,
             or
             as
             
               Paul
            
             saith
             ,
             Anathema
             to
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             wholly
             and
             finally
             given
             over
             to
             Satan
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             words
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             the
             18.
             
             
               Matth.
               18.
               
               Whomsoever
               yee
               bind
               on
               earth
               ,
               shall
               bee
               bound
               in
               heaven
               ,
               and
               whom
               yee
               shall
               loose
               on
               earth
               ,
               shall
               bee
               loosed
               in
               heaven
               .
            
          
           
             Judge
             ,
             I
             pray
             you
             ,
             if
             all
             the
             politicke
             wits
             in
             the
             world
             could
             ever
             have
             devised
             such
             a
             pure
             and
             subtile
             discipline
             ,
             as
             should
             spie
             into
             the
             inward
             secrets
             of
             the
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             intentions
             of
             the
             heart
             ,
             and
             should
             purge
             the
             conscience
             ,
             
             and
             should
             cut
             off
             the
             consuming
             cankers
             ,
             and
             rotten
             members
             from
             the
             body
             of
             the
             Church
             .
             What
             Romish
             Apothecary
             could
             ever
             have
             composed
             such
             a
             soule-saving
             medicine
             ?
          
           
             Observe
             how
             the
             holy
             Spirit
             hath
             commanded
             this
             discipline
             to
             bee
             alwayes
             practized
             in
             the
             Church
             .
             When
             
               Achans
            
             covetousnesse
             troubled
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             by
             moving
             Gods
             wrath
             against
             them
             ,
             a
             diligent
             search
             was
             commanded
             to
             bee
             made
             ,
             and
             being
             found
             out
             ,
             
               Achan
            
             and
             his
             house
             were
             cut
             off
             .
             
               Josh.
            
             7.
             
             And
             also
             ,
             if
             there
             bee
             a
             scorner
             or
             contentious
             person
             (
             saith
             
               Solomon
               )
            
             cast
             out
             the
             scorner
             ,
             and
             so
             strife
             will
             goe
             out
             ,
             and
             so
             contention
             shall
             cease
             .
             Also
             ,
             
               Rom.
            
             16.
             17.
             18.
             
             Now
             saith
             
               Paul
               ,
               I
               beseech
               you
               brethren
               ,
               marke
               them
               diligently
               which
               cause
               division
               and
               offences
               ,
               contrary
               to
               the
               doctrine
               which
               yee
               have
               learned
               ,
               and
               avoid
               them
               .
            
             And
             more
             plainly
             in
             the
             2
             
               Thess.
               36.
               10.
               
               Wee
               command
               you
               brethren
               ,
               in
               the
               Name
               of
               Christ
               ,
               that
               yee
               withdraw
               your selves
               from
               every
               brother
               that
               walkes
               inordinately
               ,
               and
               not
               after
               the
               instructions
               which
               yee
               received
               of
               us
               .
            
             And
             in
             the
             foureteenth
             verse
             he
             saith
             ;
             
               If
               any
               man
               obey
               not
               your
               saying
               ,
               note
               him
               by
               a
               letter
               ,
               and
               have
               no
               company
               with
               him
               ,
               that
               hee
               may
               bee
               ashamed
               ,
               yet
               account
               him
               not
               as
               an
               enemy
               ,
               but
               admonish
               him
               as
               a
               brother
               .
            
             But
             if
             he
             come
             to
             the
             last
             degree
             Excommunion
             ,
             then
             saith
             our
             Lord
             Christ
             ,
             let
             him
             be
             anathema
             .
          
           
             But
             if
             you
             would
             see
             the
             Apostles
             practice
             in
             this
             discipline
             ,
             See
             1
             
               Cor.
            
             5.
             chap.
             4
             and
             5.
             verses
             ,
             
               Paul
            
             having
             certaine
             intelligence
             that
             there
             was
             odious
             fornication
             among
             them
             ,
             hee
             writ
             thus
             unto
             them
             ;
             
               When
               yee
               are
               gathered
               together
               ,
               and
               my
               spirit
               ,
               in
               the
               Name
               of
               our
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               that
               such
               a
               one
               ,
               I
               say
               ,
               by
               the
               power
               of
               our
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               bee
               delivered
               unto
               Sathan
               for
               the
               destruction
               of
               the
               flesh
               ,
               that
               the
               spirit
               may
               bee
               saved
               in
               the
               day
               of
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               .
            
          
           
             And
             out
             of
             this
             text
             make
             a
             profitable
             observation
             ,
             that
             
               Paul
            
             will
             not
             have
             Excommunication
             ,
             (
             though
             but
             in
             the
             second
             degree
             )
             executed
             in
             any
             private
             manner
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             publicke
             assembly
             gathered
             together
             ,
             neither
             doth
             hee
             allow
             
             it
             to
             be
             done
             in
             any
             name
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             Name
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ;
             Neither
             doth
             hee
             attribute
             the
             power
             ,
             either
             to
             himselfe
             or
             the
             Church
             ,
             but
             onely
             to
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             .
          
           
             Now
             ,
             and
             lastly
             ,
             I
             must
             conclude
             with
             the
             last
             part
             of
             Discipline
             ,
             that
             is
             Synodicall
             assemblies
             ,
             which
             are
             of
             three
             degrees
             .
             The
             first
             is
             particular
             to
             every
             Congregation
             ,
             which
             consists
             of
             the
             Pastors
             the
             Deacons
             ,
             and
             the
             Elders
             of
             that
             Church
             ,
             whose
             customes
             is
             the
             best
             reformed
             Churches
             to
             meet
             once
             a
             weeke
             ,
             or
             as
             need
             requires
             ,
             to
             take
             an
             account
             of
             all
             things
             that
             concerne
             the
             duties
             of
             the
             Elders
             and
             the
             Church-revenues
             ,
             the
             Pastor
             being
             their
             chiefe
             guide
             ;
             Those
             things
             about
             which
             they
             chiefly
             busie
             themselves
             ,
             are
             first
             to
             catalogue
             the
             Professors
             of
             their
             Congregation
             ,
             their
             Catechuminists
             distinguished
             from
             those
             that
             are
             thought
             fit
             to
             be
             admitted
             to
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             the
             body
             and
             blood
             of
             Christ
             ,
             their
             Baptized
             ,
             their
             penitents
             ,
             their
             Excommunicates
             ,
             their
             number
             of
             Elders
             and
             Deacons
             ,
             Pastors
             and
             Teachers
             ,
             one
             or
             two
             ,
             as
             the
             place
             requires
             .
          
           
             In
             this
             their
             assembly
             they
             consider
             the
             spirituall
             estate
             ,
             and
             condition
             of
             the
             flocke
             ,
             examine
             the
             revenues
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             the
             necessities
             of
             the
             poore
             ,
             and
             what
             things
             soever
             they
             find
             meet
             to
             edification
             .
             The
             Pastor
             exhorting
             the
             Elders
             to
             diligence
             ,
             care
             ,
             and
             zeale
             in
             the
             worke
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             the
             Deacons
             to
             honesty
             ,
             compasson
             ,
             and
             a
             good
             conscience
             .
          
           
             
             The
             second
             order
             of
             Synodes
             is
             in
             the
             reformed
             Churches
             ,
             called
             the
             assemblies
             of
             the
             Presbyteries
             ,
             held
             monethly
             ,
             or
             quarterly
             ,
             under
             which
             they
             comprehend
             the
             Pastors
             and
             Church
             Elders
             ,
             for
             every
             Pastor
             brings
             with
             him
             two
             or
             three
             Elders
             ,
             after
             the
             quantity
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             this
             Synode
             is
             a
             company
             of
             Pastors
             and
             Elders
             of
             a
             shire
             or
             wapontake
             .
          
           
             In
             these
             Assemblies
             they
             examine
             the
             spirituall
             condition
             of
             every
             parish
             ,
             take
             view
             of
             their
             order
             ,
             diligence
             ,
             doctrine
             ,
             and
             manners
             ,
             as
             well
             the
             doctrine
             and
             manners
             of
             the
             Pastors
             and
             Elders
             ,
             as
             of
             the
             younger
             people
             And
             there
             they
             proceed
             to
             such
             further
             order
             and
             censure
             ,
             as
             by
             the
             holy
             Scriptures
             they
             are
             taught
             .
             And
             in
             these
             Synodes
             all
             errours
             
             in
             opinion
             ,
             heresies
             and
             Schismes
             ,
             that
             are
             found
             noysome
             to
             the
             Congregation
             are
             reproved
             ,
             and
             the
             parties
             exhorted
             and
             admonished
             .
             In
             these
             their
             Synodes
             they
             alwayes
             from
             time
             to
             time
             choose
             one
             President
             to
             guide
             the
             affaires
             ,
             and
             thus
             they
             avoyd
             that
             preheminence
             ,
             which
             Episcopacie
             greedily
             hunts
             after
             .
          
           
             
             The
             third
             degree
             is
             the
             superlative
             assembly
             of
             Presbyteries
             ,
             which
             is
             either
             Nationall
             or
             Provinciall
             ,
             which
             in
             some
             Churches
             are
             held
             yearely
             ,
             or
             otherwise
             as
             occasions
             fit
             ;
             over
             which
             the
             prince
             and
             Soveraigne
             is
             the
             Principall
             Elder
             ,
             and
             the
             Presbyters
             and
             Elders
             appoint
             one
             Pastor
             for
             the
             time
             President
             of
             the
             assembly
             ,
             who
             moderates
             and
             guides
             the
             affaires
             .
          
           
             The
             matters
             handled
             in
             this
             Synode
             are
             a
             generall
             review
             of
             both
             the
             former
             Synods
             ,
             and
             specially
             to
             take
             care
             of
             the
             preservation
             of
             the
             puritie
             of
             Doctrine
             ,
             and
             suppressing
             of
             Heretickes
             ,
             and
             errours
             ,
             and
             all
             misdemeanours
             ,
             and
             Schismes
             in
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             And
             whatsoever
             is
             done
             in
             any
             of
             these
             Synods
             is
             certified
             from
             one
             to
             another
             ,
             and
             through
             the
             Nationall
             Church
             of
             all
             their
             most
             materiall
             censures
             which
             may
             concerne
             them
             in
             generall
             ,
             wherby
             the
             Church
             is
             preserved
             in
             a
             sweet
             and
             pleasant
             decorum
             ,
             unitie
             ,
             puritie
             and
             peace
             .
          
           
             The
             unerrable
             patterne
             of
             these
             Synods
             is
             taken
             from
             the
             practise
             of
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             
               Acts
            
             15.
             shewing
             by
             what
             rules
             of
             temperance
             and
             wisedome
             they
             ought
             to
             judge
             and
             give
             sentence
             ,
             taking
             the
             Scripture
             for
             their
             rule
             ,
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             for
             their
             guide
             ,
             not
             laying
             any
             burden
             on
             the
             Church
             by
             Lawes
             ,
             Decrees
             ,
             or
             Canons
             ,
             as
             I
             have
             before
             spoken
             .
          
           
             And
             this
             Divine
             rule
             and
             patterne
             was
             kept
             and
             observed
             throughout
             all
             the
             Primitive
             times
             ,
             till
             the
             great
             Councell
             of
             Nice
             ,
             as
             by
             the
             Chronography
             of
             
               Socrates
               .
               scholast.
               .
            
             may
             be
             observed
             ,
             yet
             the
             earthly
             glory
             of
             
               Babel
            
             hath
             so
             long
             dazeled
             the
             eyes
             of
             most
             men
             ,
             that
             they
             call
             the
             truth
             novelty
             .
          
           
             But
             if
             men
             were
             of
             a
             free
             spirit
             and
             cleere
             judgement
             ,
             not
             inthralled
             with
             prejudicate
             opinions
             ,
             nor
             darkned
             with
             the
             more
             then
             Egyptian
             mists
             of
             
               Rome
               ,
            
             they
             might
             here
             behold
             
             the
             virgin
             puritie
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ,
             both
             in
             her
             Worship
             ,
             Jurisdiction
             ,
             Doctrine
             ,
             Government
             and
             Discipline
             ,
             to
             have
             beene
             from
             the
             beginning
             of
             the
             world
             one
             and
             the
             same
             .
          
           
             Thus
             have
             I
             adventured
             to
             present
             unto
             the
             eyes
             of
             men
             ,
             the
             true
             face
             of
             the
             Christian
             Church
             shining
             in
             her
             spirituall
             Iustre
             ,
             and
             Christ
             Jesus
             our
             Lord
             raigning
             and
             ruling
             over
             the
             soules
             and
             consciences
             of
             man
             ,
             not
             intrenching
             upon
             the
             temporall
             power
             of
             Kings
             and
             Princes
             .
          
           
             Now
             the
             Lord
             give
             unto
             us
             understanding
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             holy
             Apostle
             
               Paul
            
             I
             will
             bow
             the
             knees
             of
             my
             soule
             ,
             unto
             the
             Father
             of
             my
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             of
             whom
             is
             named
             the
             whole
             Family
             in
             heaven
             and
             in
             earth
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             grant
             us
             according
             to
             the
             riches
             of
             his
             glory
             ,
             that
             wee
             may
             be
             strengthened
             by
             his
             Spirit
             in
             the
             inner
             man
             ,
             that
             Christ
             may
             dwell
             in
             our
             hearts
             by
             Faith
             ,
             that
             wee
             being
             rooted
             and
             grounded
             in
             love
             ,
             may
             be
             able
             to
             comprehend
             with
             all
             Saints
             ,
             what
             is
             the
             breadth
             ,
             and
             length
             ,
             and
             depth
             ,
             and
             height
             ,
             and
             to
             know
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             ,
             which
             passeth
             all
             knowledge
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             filled
             with
             all
             fulnesse
             of
             God
             .
             Unto
             him
             therefore
             that
             is
             able
             to
             doe
             exceeding
             abundantly
             above
             all
             that
             we
             can
             aske
             or
             thinke
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             power
             that
             worketh
             in
             us
             ,
             be
             praise
             in
             the
             Church
             by
             Jesus
             Christ
             thorough
             all
             Generations
             for
             ever
             ,
             Amen
             .
             
               Eph.
            
             3.
             14.
             
          
           
             Soli
             Deo
             Gloria
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A70099e-710
           
             Prov.
             1.
             8.
             
          
           
             Iohn
             18.
             26.
             
             Math.
             20.
             25.
             
          
           
             Col.
             1.
             26.
             27.
             
          
           
             Col
             1.
             15.
             16.
             18.
             19.
             
          
           
             1
             Chro.
             12.
             12.
             
          
           
             Ephes
             4.
             7
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             Ephes
             4.
             11.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A70099e-1490
           
             The
             subsistence
             of
             Gods
             Church
             threefold
             .
          
           
             The
             nature
             of
             God
             is
             the
             
          
           
             rule
             of
             divine
             worship
             .
          
           
             1
             Sam
             5.
             22.
             
          
           
             Ephes.
             3.
             10.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12
             1.
             
          
           
             The
             law
             required
             a
             bloudy
             sacrifice
             ,
             the
             Gospell
             a
             contrite
             heart
             .
          
           
             A
             Caveat
             .
          
           
             The
             domesticall
             Church
             .
          
           
             1
             King
             .
          
           
             Prophet
             .
             2.
             
               Gen
            
             2.
             
          
           
             Ioh.
             16.
             
          
           
             Priest
             .
          
           
             V●●●…
             1.
             
          
           
             The
             primitive
             worship
             .
          
           
             Circumcision
             .
          
           
             The
             nationall
             Church
             .
          
           
             Passeover
             .
          
           
             The
             word
             first
             ministred
             by
             God
             himself
             to
             
               Adam
            
             in
             the
             Garden
             ,
             then
             by
             
               Adam
               ,
               Seth
               ,
               Enoch
               &
               Noah
               ,
            
             then
             by
             
               Moses
               ,
               Aaron
            
             and
             by
             the
             Prophets
             .
          
           
             The
             publike
             worship
             under
             the
             law
             .
          
           
             Acts
             1.
             13.
             14.
             
          
           
             They
             avoyded
             Rites
             and
             Ceremonies
             as
             burdens
             not
             lawfull
             to
             be
             layd
             on
             the
             people
             of
             God
             .
          
           
             Iustinus
             Martyr
             .
             Apolo
             .
             2.
             
               about
               the
               yeare
            
             130.
             
          
           
             Tertullian
             .
          
           
             The
             faigned
             and
             false
             originall
             of
             the
             Masse
             .
          
           
             
               Platina
               .
            
             To
             tie
             the
             Ministers
             &
             people
             of
             God
             to
             set
             uniform
             :
             prayers
             is
             to
             incarcerate
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             .
             In
             the
             whole
             time
             of
             the
             primitive
             Church
             we
             find
             no
             other
             uniform
             prayer
             ,
             save
             the
             Lords
             prayer
             used
             in
             administration
             of
             the
             Sacrament
             .
          
           
             Why
             God
             used
             no
             sacramentall
             signes
             .
          
           
             Why
             God
             shortned
             the
             dayes
             of
             mans
             life
             .
          
           
             The
             reason
             why
             the
             second
             age
             was
             clogged
             with
             Ceremonies
             .
          
           
             Why
             Christ
             did
             institute
             no
             new
             worship
             ,
             but
             approved
             and
             practised
             the
             old
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             2.
             
          
           
             Why
             man
             studies
             to
             invent
             new
             worship
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             in-let
             of
             set
             prayers
             compiled
             into
             a
             Service-book
             
          
           
             Mans
             invention
             in
             the
             worship
             of
             God
             is
             of
             dangerous
             consequence
             to
             the
             Church
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A70099e-3600
           
             Eph.
             4.
             4.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12.
             1.
             
          
           
             Iam.
             1.
             17.
             
          
           
             Colos.
             1.
             15.
             
          
           
             Dan.
             7.
             13.
             
          
           
             The
             kindome
             of
             God
             is
             threefold
             .
          
           
             Providence
             .
             Grace
             .
             Glory
             .
          
           
             *
             God
             ,
             the
             anointed
             man
             .
             Of
             God
             ,
             the
             only
             proper
             Saviour
             ,
             Iesus
             .
             God
             by
             his
             Incarnation
             ,
             hath
             united
             himselfe
             to
             his
             creatures
             ,
             and
             supporteth
             and
             preserveth
             all
             things
             by
             his
             mighty
             power
             .
          
           
             The
             word
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             the
             patterne
             and
             rule
             of
             all
             goodlawes
             .
          
           
             Dominion
             was
             by
             God
             given
             first
             to
             
               Adam
            
             the
             first-borne
             of
             man
             .
             
               Gen.
            
             1.
             28.
             
          
           
             This
             Dominion
             lost
             by
             the
             sons
             of
             
               Adam
               .
            
             Then
             to
             be
             conferred
             upon
             Christ
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             and
             man
             .
          
           
             Restored
             in
             Christ
             to
             man
             .
          
           
             Dan.
             2.
             21.
             
          
           
             A
             digression
             .
          
           
             Civill
             government
             is
             to
             cut
             sin
             by
             the
             middle
             ,
             but
             supernaturall
             is
             to
             pull
             it
             up
             by
             the
             rootes
             .
          
           
             The
             Church
             of
             God
             ,
             is
             the
             soule
             of
             a
             good
             Common-wealth
             ,
             and
             as
             a
             sensitive
             soule
             is
             bestial
             ,
             without
             the
             rational
             ,
             so
             is
             a
             body
             politique
             without
             the
             Church
             ,
             bestiall
             and
             tyrannicall
             .
          
           
             2
             Psal.
          
           
             The
             Trinitie
             a
             true
             patterne
             to
             a
             Christian
             King
             .
             
               Prov.
            
             34.
             
          
           
             When
             God
             withdrawes
             the
             love
             of
             subjects
             .
          
           
             Ioh.
             18.
             26.
             
          
           
             Math.
             20.
             25
             ,
             26.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A70099e-4640
           
             As
             the
             Scriptures
             were
             first
             given
             :
             so
             are
             they
             to
             be
             interpreted
             by
             inspiration
             .
          
           
             A
             way
             to
             know
             the
             interpretation
             to
             be
             of
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             .
          
           
             The
             Papist
             confesseth
             Christ
             in
             name
             ,
             but
             denieth
             his
             power
             in
             the
             flesh
             ,
             in
             that
             they
             say
             his
             death
             is
             not
             sufficient
             for
             actuall
             sins
             ,
             thence
             are
             pennance
             ,
             pardons
             ,
             satisfactions
             ,
             Purgatory
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A70099e-5010
           
             The
             Church
             of
             God
             considerable
             in
             a
             twofold
             aspect
             .
          
           
             Ioh.
             16.
             15
             ,
             16.
             
          
           
             The
             first
             ordination
             of
             the
             ministration
             of
             the
             Word
             .
          
           
             Pastors
             ought
             before
             their
             admission
             to
             be
             well
             known
             to
             the
             Congregations
             where
             they
             are
             to
             reside
             .
          
           
             The
             Priest
             .
             
               Numb.
            
             3.
             10.
             
          
           
             The
             Levite
             .
          
           
             The
             Elder
             .
          
           
             Apostles
             and
             Evangelists
             .
          
           
             Pastors
             and
             Teachers
             .
          
           
             Their
             Commission
             .
          
           
             The
             Authority
             committed
             .
          
           
             The
             substance
             of
             the
             Commission
             .
             Blessing
             them
             .
             The
             doctrinall
             part
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             Helpers
             in
             government
             .
          
           
             Governours
             .
          
           
             The
             good
             effects
             of
             this
             government
             in
             the
             primitive
             times
             .
          
           
             Elders
             derived
             .
          
           
             Episcopus
             ,
             unde
             &
             quid
             sit
             ?
          
           
             The
             office
             of
             a
             Bishop
             delineated
             by
             Scripture
             .
          
           
             The
             primitive
             government
             twofold
             .
          
           
             The
             Pastors
             function
             .
          
           
             Pet.
             1.
             5.
             1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3.
             
          
           
             2
             Tim.
             4.
             2.
             
          
           
             Matt.
             20.
             25
             ,
             26
             ,
             27
             ,
             28.
             
          
           
             *
             With
             those
             that
             are
             drunk
             with
             the
             desire
             and
             coveting
             of
             power
             and
             riches
             .
             The
             Deacons
             office
             .
          
           
             The
             office
             of
             Elders
             .
          
           
             Ambrosius
             .
          
           
             *
             Thus
             the
             Church
             is
             incorporated
             in
             the
             Common-wealth
             ,
             &
             the
             Common-weale
             in
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             A
             cleare
             difference
             and
             remarkeable
             distinction
             betwixt
             Elders
             of
             the
             Church
             and
             Common-wealth
             .
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             5.
             17.
             
          
           
             The
             necessity
             of
             Church
             Elders
             .
          
           
             Rules
             of
             private
             admonition
             .
          
           
             Another
             duty
             of
             Pastors
             and
             Elders
             .
          
           
             Bishop
             our
             superintendent
             .
          
           
             Verse
             23.
             
          
           
             The
             Apostles
             practise
             is
             the
             best
             of
             patterns
             .
          
           
             Ordination
             .
          
           
             *
             Or
             superintendour
             .
          
           
             Die
             Ecclesie
             ,
             non
             Episcopo
             ,
             non
             Pastori
             tantum
             .
          
           
             The
             private
             admonition
             by
             Elders
             .
          
           
             The
             Assembly
             or
             Synod
             of
             Presbyteries
             within
             a
             shire
             or
             Wapontake
             .
          
           
             The
             generall
             Synode
             .
          
        
      
      
  

