full_a of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o wisdom_n and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v do_v when_o only_a deacon_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o who_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n the_o same_o be_v mention_v again_o act_v 14.23_o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o election_n and_o suffrage_n for_o the_o word_n there_o use_v will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o sense_n however_o it_o be_v ambiguous_o express_v in_o our_o translation_n neither_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o the_o use_n of_o that_o word_n apply_v unto_o the_o communication_n of_o any_o office_n or_o power_n to_o any_o person_n or_o person_n in_o a_o assembly_n wherein_o it_o denote_v any_o other_o action_n but_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o this_o it_o do_v constant_o in_o all_o writer_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o long_a time_n preserve_v inviolate_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o ancient_n do_v abundant_o testify_v yea_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o can_v never_o be_v utter_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v still_o retain_v in_o those_o church_n which_o yet_o reject_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o this_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o abide_v therein_o for_o as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o person_n become_v a_o church_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n christ_n make_v his_o subject_n willing_a not_o slave_n his_o rule_n over_o they_o be_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o their_o own_o will_n and_o he_o will_v have_v they_o every_o way_n free_a in_o their_o obedience_n a_o church-state_n be_v a_o estate_n of_o absolute_a liberty_n under_o christ_n not_o for_o man_n to_o do_v what_o they_o will_v but_o for_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n free_o without_o compulsion_n now_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o this_o liberty_n than_o to_o have_v their_o guide_n ruler_n and_o overseer_n impose_v on_o they_o without_o their_o consent_n beside_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o discharge_v its_o duty_n towards_o christ_n in_o every_o institution_n of_o he_o which_o herein_o they_o can_v if_o they_o have_v not_o their_o free_a consent_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o be_v consider_v as_o mute_a person_n or_o brute_n creature_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ordinary_a way_n of_o communicate_v authority_n unto_o any_o in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o voluntary_a submission_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o unto_o they_o for_o as_o all_o other_o imaginable_a way_n may_v fail_v and_o have_v do_v so_o where_o they_o have_v be_v trust_v unto_o so_o they_o be_v irrational_a and_o unscriptural_a as_o to_o their_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o the_o delegation_n of_o any_o power_n whatever_o five_o unto_o this_o election_n succeed_v the_o solemn_a set_n apart_o of_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o this_o work_n and_o ministry_n by_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n before_o constitute_v in_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o person_n be_v so_o to_o be_v set_v apart_o qu._n 26._o may_v a_o person_n be_v call_v to_o or_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o office_n or_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o may_v he_o hold_v the_o relation_n and_o exercise_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o elder_a or_o minister_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n answ._n neither_o of_o these_o have_v either_o warrant_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v the_o first_o of_o they_o consistent_a with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ministry_n nor_o the_o latter_a with_o the_o duty_n thereof_o nor_o either_o of_o they_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n act_v 14.23_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o act_n 20.28_o explication_n there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o question_n and_o answer_n to_o be_v speak_v unto_o several_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v a_o person_n to_o be_v call_v or_o employ_v in_o any_o church_n in_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o office_n or_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v or_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v or_o unto_o the_o rule_n or_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o like_a manner_n unto_o any_o other_o part_n or_o parcel_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n with_o a_o exemption_n of_o other_o duty_n from_o his_o charge_n or_o care_n if_o this_o be_v do_v by_o consent_n and_o agreement_n for_o any_o time_n or_o season_n it_o be_v unwarrantable_a and_o disorderly_a what_o may_v be_v do_v occasional_o upon_o a_o emergency_n or_o in_o case_n of_o weakness_n or_o disability_n befalling_a any_o elder_a as_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v not_o here_o inquire_v after_o for_o first_o if_o the_o person_n so_o call_v or_o employ_v have_v receive_v gift_n fit_v he_o for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o exercise_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v by_o any_o consent_n or_o agreement_n see_v they_o be_v give_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v trade_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 7._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o this_o he_o which_o have_v receive_v such_o gift_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v unto_o and_o pursue_v second_o if_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v such_o gift_n as_o complete_o to_o enable_v he_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o administer_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o call_v he_o unto_o that_o work_n wherein_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o go_v before_o they_o in_o qualify_a he_o for_o it_o yea_o to_o do_v so_o will_v be_v most_o irregular_a for_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n give_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enlarge_v or_o straighten_v the_o power_n or_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n thereof_o neither_o can_v or_o ought_v any_o person_n that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o give_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o gift_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o a_o due_a and_o orderly_a manner_n nor_o to_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o to_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v their_o whole_a authority_n and_o to_o discharge_v their_o whole_a duty_n so_o that_o arbitrary_a constitution_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v irregular_a and_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n into_o church_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o same_o person_n to_o more_o church_n than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o his_o undertake_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o they_o as_o a_o elder_a or_o minister_n and_o this_o also_o be_v irregular_a and_o unwarrantable_a now_o a_o man_n may_v hold_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o elder_a pastor_n or_o minister_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o two_o way_n first_o formal_o and_o direct_o by_o all_o equal_a formal_a interest_n in_o they_o undertake_v the_o pastoral_n charge_v equal_o and_o alike_o of_o they_o be_v call_v alike_o to_o they_o and_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o relation_n 2_o virtual_o when_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o one_o church_n he_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o ministerial_a act_n in_o or_o towards_o another_o the_o first_o way_n be_v unlawful_a and_o destructive_a both_o of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n for_o as_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n respective_o that_o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o act_v 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o their_o office_n
in_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v as_o when_o a_o office_n with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o invest_v any_o man_n in_o that_o office_n or_o to_o give_v he_o that_o power_n than_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n prescribe_v in_o the_o law_n to_o that_o end_n the_o way_n then_o whereby_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n do_v come_v to_o participate_v of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n be_v by_o their_o and_o the_o church_n due_a observance_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n give_v by_o he_o for_o their_o election_n and_o set_v apart_o unto_o that_o office_n heb._n 4.3_o act_n 14.24_o five_o on_o this_o account_n they_o receive_v their_o power_n from_o christ_n himself_o alone_o and_o that_o immediate_o for_o the_o mean_v use_v for_o their_o participation_n of_o it_o be_v not_o recipient_a of_o the_o power_n itself_o formal_o nor_o do_v authoritative_o collate_v or_o confer_v it_o only_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v execute_v in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v make_v overseer_n by_o the_o holy-ghost_n act_v 20.28_o though_o they_o have_v their_o power_n by_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o have_v it_o not_o from_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v that_o power_n whereof_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n as_o be_v say_v formal_o resident_a in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n before_o their_o participation_n of_o it_o but_o real_o in_o christ_n himself_o alone_o and_o moral_o in_o his_o word_n or_o law_n and_o thence_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o six_o this_o authority_n and_o power_n thus_o receive_v from_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o they_o exert_v and_o put_v forth_o in_o all_o their_o ministerial_a administration_n in_o all_o which_o they_o do_v as_o minister_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n either_o in_o his_o worship_n or_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o they_o exercise_v that_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o law_n appoint_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n and_o from_o that_o authority_n be_v due_a order_n give_v unto_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o a_o obligation_n unto_o obedience_n to_o act_n of_o rule_n do_v thence_o also_o ensue_v so_o that_o they_o which_o despise_v they_o despise_v the_o authority_n of_o christ._n seven_o when_o as_o elder_n they_o do_v or_o declare_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o as_o such_o put_v forth_o any_o authority_n commit_v unto_o they_o from_o and_o by_o the_o church_n but_o only_o declare_v the_o consent_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n but_o the_o authority_n which_o they_o act_n by_o and_o which_o they_o put_v forth_o be_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o themselves_o as_o such_o by_o jesus_n christ._n eight_o this_o authority_n be_v comprise_v in_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ_n which_o themselves_o exert_v only_o ministerial_o and_o therefore_o when_o ever_o they_o act_v any_o thing_n authoritative_o which_o they_o be_v not_o enable_v for_o or_o warrant_v in_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o or_o contrary_a unto_o rule_n all_o such_o act_n as_o to_o any_o spiritual_a effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o obligation_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la null_a and_o be_v no_o way_n ratify_v in_o heaven_n where_o all_o their_o orderly_a act_n be_v make_v valid_a that_o be_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n nine_o the_o reason_n therefore_o why_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o elder_n therein_o be_v not_o because_o from_o thence_o any_o authority_n do_v accrue_v unto_o they_o anew_o which_o virtual_o and_o radical_o they_o have_v not_o before_o but_o because_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v require_v to_o the_o orderly_a act_n of_o their_o power_n which_o without_o it_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o rule_v and_o therefore_o ineffectual_a as_o also_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o no_o act_n can_v take_v place_n in_o the_o church_n without_o or_o against_o its_o own_o consent_n while_o its_o obedience_n be_v voluntary_a and_o of_o choice_n but_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o then_o shall_v the_o elder_n do_v in_o case_n the_o church_n refuse_v to_o consent_v unto_o such_o act_n as_o be_v indeed_o according_a to_o rule_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o they_o be_v first_o diligent_o to_o instruct_v they_o from_o the_o word_n in_o their_o duty_n make_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o matter_n under_o consideration_n 2_o to_o declare_v unto_o they_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o dissent_n in_o obstruct_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a disadvantage_n 3_o to_o wait_v patient_o for_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o their_o ministry_n in_o give_v light_n and_o obedience_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o 4_o in_o case_n of_o the_o church_n continuance_n in_o any_o failure_n of_o duty_n to_o seek_v for_o advice_n and_o counsel_n from_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n all_o which_o particular_n may_v be_v enlarge_v will_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_a design_n and_o work_n permit_v it_o quest._n 29._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o their_o elder_n pastor_n or_o teacher_n answ._n 1_o to_o have_v they_o in_o reverence_n and_o honour_n for_o their_o office_n and_o work_n sake_n 2_o to_o obey_v they_o conscientious_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o speak_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o to_o pray_v earnest_o for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v and_o to_o exhort_v they_o if_o need_v require_v to_o fulfil_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 4_o to_o communicate_v unto_o they_o of_o their_o temporal_n for_o their_o comfortable_a subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n unto_o other_o 5_o wise_o to_o order_n thing_n by_o their_o direction_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v among_o they_o without_o fear_n 6_o to_o abide_v with_o and_o stand_v by_o they_o in_o their_o suffering_n for_o the_o gospel_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o 1_o 1_o thes._n §_o 12_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 2_o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o cor._n 16.16_o 3_o ephes._n 6.18_o 19_o colos._n 4.3_o 2_o thes._n 3.1_o colos._n 4.17_o 4_o gal._n 6.6_o 1_o cor._n 9.14_o 5_o 1_o cor._n 16.10_o 6_o 2_o tim._n 1.16_o 17_o 18._o 2_o tim._n 4.16_o quest._n 30._o be_v there_o any_o difference_n in_o the_o office_n or_o office_n of_o the_o guide_n ruler_n elder_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o office_n of_o they_o that_o be_v teacher_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o among_o they_o all_o but_o where_o there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o same_o church_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v peculiar_o assign_v unto_o such_o especial_a work_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n power_n as_o their_o gift_n receive_v from_o he_o do_v peculiar_o fit_v they_o for_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v rom._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 1_o cor._n 8.11_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o chap._n 5.2_o explication_n the_o office_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o and_o there_o be_v many_o name_n that_o be_v equal_o accommodate_v unto_o all_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o as_o elder_n bishop_n guide_n they_o be_v all_o alike_o elder_n alike_o bishop_n alike_o guide_v have_v the_o one_o office_n in_o common_a among_o they_o and_o every_o one_o the_o whole_a entire_a unto_o himself_o but_o there_o be_v name_n also_o give_v unto_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v not_o as_o to_o office_n but_o as_o to_o their_o work_n and_o employment_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n such_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes._n 4.11_o which_o be_v place_v as_o distinct_a person_n in_o their_o work_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o office_n now_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o difference_n lie_v first_o in_o the_o different_a gift_n that_o they_o have_v
power_n consist_v in_o a_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v set_v over_o so_o they_o be_v command_v to_o attend_v unto_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o and_o whereunto_o they_o be_v so_o ordain_v act._n 20.28_o 1_o peter_n 1.2_o and_o that_o with_o all_o diligence_n care_n and_o watchfulness_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n heb._n 13.17_o which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o do_v towards_o more_o church_n than_o one_o the_o same_o duty_n be_v at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v perform_v towards_o all_o and_o because_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o the_o elder_n pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o church_n be_v ministerial_a â—_o cor._n 4.1_o consist_v in_o a_o power_n of_o act_v upon_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o office_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o authority_n to_o delegate_v another_o or_o other_o to_o act_v their_o part_n or_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n which_o will_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o autocratorical_a authority_n and_o not_o of_o obedience_n or_o ministry_n the_o latter_a way_n also_o of_o relation_n unto_o many_o church_n be_v unwarrantable_a for_o 1_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o law_n nor_o constitution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n can_v be_v produce_v to_o give_v it_o countenance_n but_o elder_n be_v ordain_v to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o command_v to_o attend_v unto_o they_o 2_o no_o rule_n be_v give_v unto_o any_o elder_n how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o reference_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a power_n as_o there_o be_v rule_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v relate_v 3_o there_o be_v no_o example_n to_o give_v it_o countenance_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n 4_o the_o authority_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o have_v no_o foundation_n 1_o not_o in_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a ability_n or_o faculty_n of_o do_v what_o a_o man_n be_v able_a but_o a_o right_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v power_n to_o do_v that_o right_o and_o lawful_o which_o before_o he_o can_v not_o do_v this_o gift_n will_v not_o give_v to_o any_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v do_v it_o to_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v they_o 2_o not_o in_o their_o election_n for_o they_o be_v choose_v in_o and_o by_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o stand_v in_o especial_a relation_n who_o choice_n can_v give_v ministerial_a power_n over_o any_o but_o themselves_o 3_o not_o in_o their_o set_n apart_o by_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o this_o be_v only_o unto_o that_o office_n work_n and_o power_n whereunto_o they_o be_v choose_v they_o be_v not_o choose_v for_o one_o end_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o another_o 4_o not_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n for_o that_o give_v no_o new_a power_n but_o only_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o receive_v qu._n 27._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n an._n 1_o to_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o faith_n love_n knowledge_n méekness_n patience_n readiness_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o constancy_n therein_o 2_o to_o watch_v for_o the_o soul_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a concernment_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n commit_v to_o they_o 3_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n diligent_o divide_v it_o aright_o 4_o to_o preserve_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n 5_o to_o administer_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n due_o and_o orderly_o 6_o to_o stir_v up_o and_o exercise_v the_o gift_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a work_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n 7_o to_o instruct_v admonish_v cherish_v and_o comfort_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o condition_n occasion_n and_o necessity_n do_v require_v 8_o to_o attend_v with_o diligence_n skill_n and_o wisdom_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o 1_o 1_o tim._n 3.10_o 11_o 13._o chap._n 4.12_o 2_o tim._n 2.3_o coloss._n 1.24_o phil._n 2.17_o chap._n 3.17_o 2_o heb._n 13.17_o act_n 20.28_o 3_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o 4_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o act_n 20.28_o judas_n 3_o 5_o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 6_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o 7_o act_n 20.18_o 19_o 20_o 25_o 26._o 1_o thes._n 3.5_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o 8_o rom._n 12.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o answer_n be_v full_a and_o plain_a qu._n 28._o wherein_o principal_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v an._n 1_o in_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o guidance_n thereof_o in_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o 2_o whatever_o they_o do_v as_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o rule_n they_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o name_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o their_o power_n be_v derive_v unto_o they_o nor_o as_o member_n only_o of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o covenant_n but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o who_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n be_v receive_v so_o that_o 3_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o church_n power_n by_z and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n thence_o proceed_v which_o arise_v immediate_o from_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 2_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o coloss._n 4.17_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 8._o 3_o 1_o tim._n 4.11_o titus_n 2.15_o 1_o peter_n 1.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o explication_n the_o answer_n unto_o this_o question_n explain_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o and_o how_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o the_o right_n state_v whereof_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o whole_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v therefore_o here_o be_v far_o explain_v to_o this_o end_n we_o may_v consider_v first_o that_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o vest_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sole_a head_n and_o monarch_n thereof_o god_n the_o father_n have_v commit_v it_o unto_o he_o and_o entrust_v he_o with_o it_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o work_n of_o mediation_n matth._n 28.18_o second_o that_o he_o do_v communicate_v of_o this_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o trust_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o in_o his_o name_n unto_o person_n by_o he_o appoint_v so_o much_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o bless_a end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v they_o for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o power_n in_o his_o church_n for_o any_o end_n whatever_o but_o by_o delegation_n from_o he_o what_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o he_o be_v mere_a usurpation_n and_o whoever_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o rule_n or_o authority_n or_o power_n in_o the_o church_n not_o grant_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o or_o not_o right_o derive_v from_o he_o be_v a_o oppressor_n a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n this_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o the_o absolute_a investiture_n of_o all_o power_n in_o he_o alone_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o three_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v this_o power_n unto_o man_n be_v by_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n whereby_o he_o have_v grant_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o such_o and_o such_o power_n shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n and_o that_o by_o such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o be_v derive_v unto_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o be_v the_o first_o recipient_a seat_n and_o subject_n moral_o of_o all_o church_n power_n whatever_o matth._n 16.19_o matth._n 18.18_o 19_o 20._o four_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o any_o person_n come_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o power_n regular_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o obedience_n unto_o and_o due_a observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n
speak_v concern_v the_o appointment_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n their_o usefulness_n in_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o work_n and_o employment_n be_v evident_a for_o whereas_o a_o constant_a care_n in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n that_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o evil_a speak_v of_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o importance_n and_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v to_o give_v up_o themselves_o continual_o unto_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n can_v attend_v unto_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a oversight_n thereof_o the_o usefulness_n of_o these_o elder_n who_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a work_n it_o be_v to_o have_v regard_n unto_o the_o holy_a walk_v of_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o but_o whereas_o in_o most_o church_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o regard_n unto_o the_o personal_a holiness_n of_o the_o member_n of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o no_o account_n shall_v be_v have_v of_o they_o who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o look_v after_o it_o and_o promote_v it_o the_o qualification_n of_o these_o elder_n with_o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o set_v apart_o unto_o their_o office_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o teach_v elder_n before_o insist_v on_o need_v not_o be_v here_o again_o repeat_v their_o authority_n also_o in_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v every_o way_n the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o elder_n and_o they_o be_v to_o act_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o with_o equal_a respect_n and_o regard_n from_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o business_n of_o rule_n be_v peculiar_o commit_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o require_v to_o attend_v thereunto_o with_o diligence_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n the_o work_n thereof_o be_v principal_o they_o as_o that_o of_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n do_v especial_o belong_v unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o institution_n be_v abuse_v when_o either_o unmeet_a person_n be_v call_v to_o this_o office_n or_o those_o that_o be_v call_v do_v not_o attend_v unto_o their_o duty_n with_o diligence_n or_o do_v act_v only_o in_o it_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o teach_v officer_n without_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o authority_n or_o due_a respect_n from_o the_o church_n quest._n 32._o be_v there_o no_o other_o ordinary_a office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o that_o of_o elder_n answ._n yes_o of_o deacon_n also_o quest._n 33._o what_o be_v the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n approve_a man_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a belong_v thereunto_o and_o other_o outward_a occasion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o the_o collection_n keep_v and_o distribution_n of_o the_o alm_n and_o other_o supply_v of_o the_o church_n set_v apart_o and_o commend_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n therein_o by_o prayer_n act_n 6.3_o 5_o 6._o phil._n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o explication_n the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v unto_o it_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o election_n and_o set_v apart_o be_v all_o of_o they_o plain_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n act_v 6.1_o 2_o 3._o there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o grecian_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n wherefore_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n who_o they_o set_v before_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o likewise_o must_v the_o deacon_n be_v grave_a not_o double_o tongue_v not_o give_v to_o much_o wine_n not_o give_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o let_v these_o also_o first_o be_v prove_v then_o let_v they_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v find_v blameless_a the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n rule_v their_o child_n and_o their_o own_o house_n well_o for_o they_o that_o have_v use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n well_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o great_a boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o whereas_o many_o have_v grow_v weary_a of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o office_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v lose_v among_o the_o most_o of_o christian_n by_o some_o the_o name_n be_v retain_v but_o apply_v to_o another_o work_n duty_n and_o employment_n than_o this_o to_o which_o it_o be_v peculiar_o appropriate_v in_o the_o scripture_n their_o proper_a and_o original_a work_n of_o take_v care_n for_o the_o poor_a they_o say_v be_v provide_v for_o by_o other_o and_o therefore_o that_o office_n be_v needless_a another_o unto_o another_o purpose_n under_o the_o same_o name_n be_v erect_v such_o be_v deacon_n that_o may_v read_v service_n preach_v and_o baptise_v when_o they_o have_v licence_n thereunto_o but_o this_o choice_n to_o reject_v a_o office_n of_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n under_o pretence_n of_o provision_n make_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o another_o way_n and_o the_o erect_n of_o one_o not_o appoint_v by_o he_o seem_v not_o equal_a but_o whereas_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o appointment_n in_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o be_v call_v after_o his_o name_n some_o think_v that_o if_o what_o he_o have_v appoint_v may_v be_v colourable_o perform_v another_o way_n without_o respect_n unto_o his_o institution_n that_o be_v far_o the_o best_a but_o omit_v the_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n the_o thing_n that_o concern_v this_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v as_o be_v say_v clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n first_o the_o person_n call_v unto_o it_o be_v to_o be_v of_o honest_a report_n furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n especial_o with_o wisdom_n act_v 6.3_o and_o those_o other_o endowment_n useful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n mention_v 1_o tim._n 3.8_o second_o the_o way_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o office_n be_v by_o the_o choice_n or_o election_n of_o the_o church_n act_v 6.2_o 3_o 5._o whereupon_o they_o be_v solemn_o to_o be_v set_v apart_o by_o prayer_n three_o their_o work_n or_o duty_n consist_v in_o a_o daily_a ministration_n unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a saint_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n vers._n 1_o 2._o four_o to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v ordain_v that_o every_o first_o day_n the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v contribute_v according_a as_o god_n enable_v they_o of_o their_o substance_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o poor_a 1_o cor._n 16.2_o and_o also_o occasional_o as_o necessity_n shall_v require_v or_o god_n move_v their_o heart_n by_o his_o grace_n five_o hereunto_o be_v to_o be_v add_v whatever_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v be_v confer_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o its_o outward_a advantage_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o end_n mention_v act_v 4.34_o 35._o six_o these_o supply_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o deacon_n they_o be_v from_o 〈◊〉_d to_o minister_v with_o diligence_n and_o wisdom_n unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a that_o so_o the_o needy_a may_v be_v supply_v that_o there_o may_v be_v none_o that_o lack_v the_o rich_a may_v contribute_v of_o their_o riches_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n that_o they_o which_o minister_v well_o in_o this_o office_n may_v purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o all_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v glorify_v with_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n it_o belong_v therefore_o unto_o person_n call_v unto_o this_o office_n first_o to_o
of_o the_o church_n express_v which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o exceed_v in_o any_o thing_n herein_o be_v bound_n and_o limit_n fix_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o three_o this_o power_n or_o authority_n thus_o grant_v and_o convey_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n with_o skill_n and_o diligence_n rom._n 12.6_o 1_o cor._n 12._o and_o the_o skill_n require_v hereunto_o be_v a_o gift_n or_o a_o ability_n of_o mind_n bestow_v by_o the_o holy-ghost_n upon_o man_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n by_o he_o appoint_v or_o a_o spiritual_a wisdom_n whereby_o man_n know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o their_o several_a place_n for_o its_o due_a edification_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o this_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o person_n time_n and_o action_n with_o their_o circumstance_n be_v such_o a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o whereof_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n answer_v to_o the_o distinct_a duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n on_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o member_n on_o the_o other_o and_o where_o this_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n be_v want_v there_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v preserve_v or_o carry_v on_o hereunto_o also_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n be_v to_o be_v add_v without_o which_o ability_n and_o power_n will_v never_o obtain_v their_o proper_a end_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o four_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discipline_n be_v continuance_n increase_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o first_o institution_n 1_o cor._n 5.7_o this_o power_n have_v christ_n give_v his_o church_n for_o its_o conservation_n without_o which_o it_o must_v necessary_o decay_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o where_o any_o church_n be_v call_v and_o gather_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o destitute_a of_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o preserve_v itself_o in_o that_o state_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v unto_o it_o and_o that_o which_o be_v one_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n be_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o discipline_n the_o power_n and_o privilege_n whereof_o the_o lord_n have_v leave_v unto_o they_o and_o entrust_v they_o withal_o for_o their_o own_o preservation_n in_o order_n purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o they_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o he_o rev._n 2.14_o 15_o 20._o chap._n 3.2_o as_o be_v also_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o as_o they_o be_v commend_v who_o attend_v unto_o the_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o it_o revel_v 2.2_o chap._n 3.9_o the_o disuse_n also_o of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o defilement_n abomination_n and_o confusion_n that_o have_v spread_v themselves_o over_o many_o church_n in_o the_o world_n quest._n 42._o unto_o who_o be_v the_o power_n and_o administration_n of_o this_o discipline_n commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n answ._n as_o to_o the_o authority_n to_o be_v exert_v in_o it_o in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v concern_v unto_o the_o elder_n as_o unto_o trial_n judgement_n and_o consent_n in_o and_o unto_o its_o exercise_n unto_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n as_o unto_o love_n care_n and_o watchfuless_a in_o private_a and_o particular_a case_n to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 24.45_o ephes._n 4.13_o 14._o act_n 20.28_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o chap._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o pet._n 2.3_o 1_o thes._n 5.12_o gal._n 6.1_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 4.14_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 4_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o explication_n it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o this_o power_n be_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ._n now_o this_o law_n assign_v the_o mean_n and_o way_n whereby_o any_o person_n do_v obtain_v a_o interest_n therein_o and_o make_v the_o just_a allotment_n to_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o what_o this_o law_n constitution_n or_o word_n of_o christ_n assign_v unto_o any_o as_o such_o that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n soever_o they_o come_v to_o be_v entrust_v therein_o thus_o that_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o first_o formal_o reside_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n unorganize_v or_o distinct_a from_o they_o though_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o their_o office_n by_o their_o suffrage_n and_o choice_n but_o they_o be_v themselves_o as_o such_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o office_n power_n for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n christ._n nor_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o this_o power_n of_o discipline_n whatever_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o elder_n but_o be_v immediate_o grant_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n first_o in_o this_o way_n and_o manner_n the_o authority_n above_o describe_v be_v give_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o such_o unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n this_o authority_n be_v before_o explain_v in_o answer_n unto_o the_o 28_o question_n as_o also_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o they_o receive_v it_o and_o it_o be_v that_o power_n of_o office_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a duty_n in_o the_o teach_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n from_o mat._n 16.19_o which_o expression_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o in_o general_a liable_a unto_o many_o interpretation_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o declaration_n make_v of_o it_o in_o those_o particular_a instance_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v nor_o be_v it_o a_o twofold_a power_n or_o authority_n that_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o one_o to_o teach_v and_o another_o to_o rule_v common_o call_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n but_o it_o be_v one_o power_n of_o office_n the_o duty_n whereof_o be_v of_o several_a kind_n refer_v unto_o the_o two_o general_a head_n first_o of_o teach_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o 2_o of_o rule_n or_o government_n by_o virtue_n hereof_o be_v they_o make_v ruler_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n matth._n 24.45_o steward_n in_o his_o house_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 20.28_o 1_o peter_n 5.2_o guide_n unto_o the_o church_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o not_o that_o they_o have_v a_o supreme_a or_o autocratorical_a power_n commit_v unto_o they_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v what_o seem_v right_a and_o good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n see_v they_o be_v express_o bind_v up_o unto_o the_o term_n of_o their_o commission_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o to_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o and_o only_o what_o christ_n have_v command_v nor_o have_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o any_o dominion_n in_o or_o over_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o law_n rule_n or_o privilege_n of_o it_o or_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o alter_v change_n add_v diminish_v or_o bind_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o mark_v 10.42_o 43_o 44._o but_o it_o be_v a_o power_n mere_o ministerial_a in_o who_o exercise_n they_o be_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n accountable_a servant_n heb._n 13.17_o matth._n 24.45_o and_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o this_o authority_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n they_o exert_v and_o put_v forth_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o not_o either_o as_o declare_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o or_o act_v what_o be_v delegated_a unto_o they_o thereby_o but_o as_o ministerial_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n commit_v unto_o themselves_o second_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n woman_n be_v except_v by_o especial_a prohibition_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o 35._o 1_o tim._n 2.11_o 12._o be_v by_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n interest_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o power_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o first_o to_o consider_v try_v and_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o and_o about_o all_o person_n thing_n and_o cause_n in_o reference_n whereunto_o
it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v thus_o the_o brethren_n at_o jerusalem_n join_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n act._n 15.23_o and_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o to_o who_o letter_n be_v send_v about_o it_o likewise_o do_v the_o same_o verse_n the_o 30_o 31_o 32._o and_o this_o they_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n and_o concernment_n to_o do_v chap._n 21_o 22._o and_o they_o be_v blame_v who_o apply_v not_o themselves_o unto_o this_o duty_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5_o 6._o thence_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o privilege_n in_o christ_n and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o order_n of_o all_o thing_n among_o they_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o these_o be_v direct_v unto_o the_o church_n themselves_o either_o joint_o with_o their_o elder_n or_o distinct_o from_o they_o phil._n 1.1_o and_o the_o whole_a preservation_n of_o church-order_n be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o this_o duty_n recommend_v unto_o they_o neither_o can_v what_o they_o do_v in_o compliance_n with_o their_o guide_n and_o ruler_n be_v any_o part_n of_o their_o obedience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n unless_o they_o make_v previous_o thereunto_o a_o rational_a consideration_n and_o judgement_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v neither_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v rule_v without_o its_o knowledge_n or_o against_o its_o will_n nor_o in_o any_o thing_n be_v blind_a obedience_n acceptable_a to_o god_n second_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o privilege_n of_o give_v and_o testify_v their_o consent_n unto_o all_o act_n of_o church_n power_n which_o though_o it_o belong_v not_o formal_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o their_o validity_n and_o efficacy_n and_o that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v and_o act_v what_o be_v do_v and_o effect_v thereby_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 13._o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o they_o who_o have_v this_o privilege_n of_o consent_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n into_o the_o action_n and_o validity_n of_o it_o have_v also_o the_o liberty_n of_o dissent_n when_o any_o thing_n be_v propose_v to_o be_v do_v the_o warrant_n whereof_o from_o the_o word_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o performance_n be_v not_o evident_a unto_o they_o qu._n 43._o wherein_o do_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n for_o discipline_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v an._n 1_o in_o personal_a private_a admonition_n of_o any_o member_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o sin_n error_n or_o any_o miscarriage_n know_v unto_o themselves_o 2_o in_o public_a admonition_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n persist_v in_o and_o bring_v orderly_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o church_n 3_o in_o the_o ejection_n of_o obstinate_a offender_n from_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 4_o in_o exhort_v comfort_v and_o restore_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o exercise_n of_o church_n privilege_n such_o as_o be_v recover_v from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n all_o according_a to_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o matth._n 18.15_o 1_o thess._n 5.14_o 1_o cor._n 4.14_o titus_n 1.13_o chap._n 2.15_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o 2_o 1_o tim._n 5.19.20_o matth._n 18.16_o 17._o 3_o titus_n 3.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o matth._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o gal._n 5.12_o 4_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o gal._n 6.1_o 2_o thess._n 3.15_o qu._n 44._o may_v the_o church_n cast_v any_o person_n out_o of_o its_o communion_n without_o previous_a admonition_n an._n it_o may_v in_o some_o case_n where_o the_o offence_n be_v notorious_a and_o the_o scandal_n grievous_a so_o that_o nothing_o be_v do_v against_o other_o general_a rule_n 1_o cor._n 4._o qu._n 45._o wherein_o do_v the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a consist_v an._n 1_o in_o a_o meek_a consideration_n of_o the_o condition_n and_o temptation_n of_o offender_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o offence_n when_o orderly_o propose_v unto_o the_o church_n 2_o in_o judge_v with_o the_o elder_n according_a to_o rule_v what_o in_o all_o case_n of_o offence_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o offender_n themselves_o and_o for_o the_o edification_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 3_o in_o their_o consent_n unto_o and_o concurrence_n in_o the_o admonition_n ejection_n pardon_v and_o restore_v of_o offender_n as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v gal._n 6.1_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 4_o 5_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 2_o cor._n 2_o 6_o 7_o 8._o qu._n 46._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a member_n in_o reference_n unto_o the_o discipline_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n an._n it_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o mutual_a watch_n over_o one_o another_o to_o exhort_v each_o other_o unto_o holiness_n and_o perseverance_n and_o if_o they_o observe_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o way_n and_o walking_n of_o of_o any_o of_o their_o fellow_n member_n not_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o profession_n which_o therefore_o give_v they_o offence_n to_o admonish_v they_o thereof_o in_o private_a with_o love_n meekness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o in_o case_n they_o prevail_v not_o unto_o their_o amendment_n to_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o some_o other_o brethren_n in_o the_o same_o work_n and_o if_o they_o fail_v in_o success_n therein_o also_o to_o report_v the_o matter_n by_o the_o elder_n direction_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n matth._n 18.16_o 17_o 18._o 1_o thess._n 5.14_o explication_n in_o these_o question_n a_o enquiry_n be_v make_v after_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o reproof_n and_o correction_n of_o miscarriage_n according_a to_o the_o distribution_n of_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n before_o explain_v the_o first_o act_n hereof_o consist_v in_o private_a admonition_n for_o so_o have_v our_o lord_n ordain_v that_o in_o case_n any_o brother_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v in_o any_o thing_n wâ—lk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o or_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v observe_v and_o who_o be_v thereby_o offend_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o admonish_v the_o person_n or_o person_n so_o offend_v of_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o offence_n concern_v which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o what_o be_v previous_o require_v thereunto_o and_o that_o be_v first_o that_o in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v love_n without_o dissimulation_n they_o be_v to_o be_v kind_o affection_a one_o to_o another_o with_o brotherly_a love_n rom._n 12.9_o 10._o which_o as_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n so_o they_o be_v great_o exhort_v thereunto_o heb._n 13.1_o this_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n the_o most_o excellent_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o preserve_a church_n order_n and_o farther_v the_o edification_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 13._o without_o which_o well_o seat_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o church_n member_n no_o duty_n of_o their_o relation_n can_v ever_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n second_o this_o love_n be_v to_o exert_v and_o put_v forth_o itself_o in_o tender_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n for_o the_o good_a of_o each_o other_o which_o be_v to_o work_v by_o mutual_a exhortation_n information_n instruction_n according_a as_o opportunity_n do_v offer_v themselves_o or_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o any_o do_v seem_v to_o require_v heb._n 3.13_o chap._n 10.24_o second_o this_o duty_n of_o admonish_a offender_n private_o and_o personal_o be_v common_a to_o the_o elder_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v it_o belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o elder_n as_o such_o but_o as_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o society_n and_o yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n the_o elder_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v it_o with_o more_o authority_n moral_o though_o office_n power_n proper_o be_v not_o exercise_v therein_o by_o virtue_n also_o of_o their_o constant_a general_a watch_n over_o the_o whole_a flock_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o discern_v miscarriage_n in_o any_o of_o the_o member_n soon_o than_o other_o but_o as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n this_o duty_n be_v equal_o incumbent_a on_o every_o member_n of_o it_o according_a as_o the_o obligation_n on_o they_o to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o and_o to_o exercise_v especial_a love_n