and_o herein_o alone_o do_v the_o order_n honour_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v church_n member_n therefore_o be_v to_o search_v and_o inquire_v after_o the_o particular_a duty_n which_o as_o such_o be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o as_o also_o to_o consider_v what_o influence_n their_o special_a state_n and_o condition_n as_o they_o be_v church_n member_n aught_o to_o have_v into_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o obedience_n as_o they_o be_v christian_n for_o this_o privilege_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o edification_n that_o be_v their_o fartherance_n in_o their_o whole_a course_n of_o walk_v before_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v neglect_v if_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o name_n to_o live_v in_o this_o or_o that_o church_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n that_o be_v state_v and_o solemn_o administer_v only_o that_o which_o will_v have_v be_v to_o their_o advantage_n may_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n unto_o they_o what_o these_o especial_a duty_n be_v in_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o they_o be_v of_o too_o large_a a_o consideration_n here_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v inculcate_v of_o they_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o commit_v to_o their_o charge_n for_o the_o church_n due_a performance_n of_o its_o duty_n be_v their_o honour_n crown_n and_o reward_n qu._n 35._o whence_o do_v you_o reckon_v prayer_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o moral_n and_o natural_a worship_n among_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n an._n on_o many_o account_n as_o 1_o because_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v his_o church_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therein_o 2_o because_o he_o bestow_v on_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n gift_n and_o ability_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n thereof_o 3_o he_o have_v appoint_v that_o all_o his_o other_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v administer_v with_o prayer_n whereby_o it_o become_v a_o part_n of_o they_o 4_o because_o himself_o minister_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n as_o the_o great_a high_a priest_n of_o his_o church_n to_o present_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n 5_o because_o in_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o especial_a regard_n have_v unto_o himself_o and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o his_o mediation_n 1_o luke_n 18.1_o chap._n 21.36_o rom._n 12.5_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2._o 2_o ephe._n 4.8_o 12_o 13._o rom._n 8.15_o 16._o gal._n 4.6_o 3_o act_n 2.42_o 1_o tim._n 4.5_o 4_o rev._n 8_o 3_o 4._o heb._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o chap._n 6.20_o chap._n 10.20.21_o 22._o 5_o john_n 14.13_o chap._n 15.16_o 22_o 26._o ephe._n 3.14_o 15._o qu._n 36._o may_v not_o the_o church_n in_o the_o solemn_a warship_n of_o god_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v use_n of_o and_o content_v itself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n compose_v by_o other_o and_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o an._n so_o to_o do_v will_v be_v 1_o contrary_a to_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o prayer_n itself_o which_o be_v that_o believer_n may_v therein_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o spiritual_a supply_n according_a to_o the_o present_a condition_n want_n and_o exigency_n of_o their_o soul_n 2_o to_o the_o maâ—n_a end_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n aim_v at_o in_o supply_v man_n with_o gift_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mimistry_n tend_v to_o render_v the_o the_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n preservation_n and_o continuance_n néedless_a and_o useless_a moreover_o 3_o it_o will_v render_v the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n unto_o several_a precept_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o use_n stir_v up_o and_o exercise_v of_o their_o gift_n impossible_a and_o 4_o thereby_o hinder_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n 1_o rom._n 8.26_o phil._n 4.6_o heb._n 4.16_o 1_o pet._n 4.7_o 2_o ephes._n 4.8_o 12_o 13._o 3_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 2_o tim._n 1.6_o 7._o colos._n 4.17_o matth._n 25.14_o 15_o 16._o 4_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o quest._n 37._o be_v the_o constant_a work_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n necessary_a answ._n it_o be_v so_o both_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o minister_n themselves_o of_o who_o that_o duty_n be_v strict_o require_v and_o who_o principal_o therein_o labour_n and_o watch_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o flock_n and_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o fartherance_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n by_o instruction_n reproof_n exhortation_n and_o consolation_n matth._n 24.45_o 46_o 47_o 48_o 49_o 50_o 51._o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 17_o 18._o ephes._n 4.12_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 4_o 15_o 16._o chap._n 5.17_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o chap._n 3.14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o chapter_n 4.2_o quest._n 38._o who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n answ._n profess_v believer_n if_o not_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o their_o infant_n séed_o matth._n 28.19_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o act_n 16.33_o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o colos._n 2.12_o 13._o with_o genesis_n 17.10_o 11_o 12._o quest._n 39_o where_o and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o be_v administer_v answ._n in_o the_o church_n or_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o right_o prepare_v and_o due_o assemble_v or_o to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v so_o assemble_v 1_o cor._n 11.20_o 21_o 22_o 28_o 29_o 33._o acts._n 2.46_o quest._n 40._o how_o often_o be_v that_o ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v answ._n every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o wéek_v or_o at_o least_o as_o often_o as_o opportunity_n and_o conveniency_n may_v be_v obtain_v 1_o cor._n 11.26_o act_n 20.7_o quest._n 41._o what_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n it_o consist_v in_o the_o due_a exereise_n of_o that_o authority_n and_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n have_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o continuance_n increase_n and_o preservation_n in_o purity_n order_n and_o holiness_n according_a to_o his_o appointment_n matth._n 16.19_o rom._n 12.8_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o rev._n 2.2_o 20._o explication_n sundry_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v about_o this_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o first_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n make_v unto_o it_o by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o mediator_n head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n for_o all_o discipline_n be_v a_o act_n of_o power_n and_o this_o be_v exercise_v in_o and_o about_o thing_n internal_a and_o spiritual_a no_o man_n can_v of_o themselves_o or_o by_o grant_n of_o any_o other_o have_v any_o right_a or_o authority_n to_o or_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o whoever_o have_v any_o interest_n herein_o or_o right_o hereunto_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v unto_o he_o from_o above_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n for_o as_o all_o church_n power_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n by_o the_o authority_n and_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n vest_v in_o he_o alone_o matth._n 28.18_o ephes._n 1.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o so_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o be_v spiritual_a the_o object_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o conscience_n and_o gospel_n privilege_n of_o believer_n with_o the_o end_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v all_o manifest_a that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o other_o right_a nor_o foundation_n this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v to_o be_v fix_v that_o no_o authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v speak_v before_o second_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v communicate_v this_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v his_o word_n or_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n concern_v it_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o be_v exact_o limit_v and_o bound_v thereby_o and_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v grant_v and_o convey_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o word_n see_v that_o christ_n communicate_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n any_o other_o way_n what_o ever_o of_o that_o nature_n be_v beside_o it_o or_o beyond_o it_o be_v mere_a usurpation_n and_o null_n in_o its_o exercise_n herein_o be_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o guide_n and_o rule_n
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
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
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
account_n that_o the_o people_n may_v fear_v that_o glorious_a and_o dreadful_a name_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n deut._n 28.58_o which_o name_n he_o have_v so_o often_o engage_v in_o his_o command_n say_v thou_o shall_v do_v it_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n propose_v his_o authority_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o command_a and_o our_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o jesus_n come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v all_o power_n be_v give_v i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o all_o our_o obedience_n as_o the_o great_a and_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n as_o the_o one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v james_n 4.12_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o his_o house_n heb._n 3.4_o 5_o 6._o unto_o who_o every_o knee_n be_v to_o bow_v and_o every_o conscience_n to_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o he_o who_o hear_v not_o his_o voice_n be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n act_v 3.23_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o soul_n which_o will_v not_o hear_v that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v destroy_v from_o among_o the_o people_n second_o god_n have_v frequent_o promise_v his_o special_a presence_n in_o and_o with_o his_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o old_a both_o unto_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o place_n wherein_o they_o be_v according_a to_o his_o appointment_n to_o be_v celebrate_v those_o of_o place_n be_v also_o of_o his_o special_a institution_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o difference_n of_o and_o respect_n unto_o place_n be_v take_v away_o john_n 4.21_o the_o hour_n come_v when_o you_o shall_v neither_o in_o this_o mountain_n nor_o yet_o at_o jerusalem_n worship_v the_o father_n but_o the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o we_o be_v command_v in_o all_o place_n equal_o to_o make_v our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n but_o his_o presence_n be_v promise_v and_o continue_v with_o the_o due_a celebration_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o he_o appoint_v for_o his_o service_n maâ—_n 28.20_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o they_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n with_o man_n and_o he_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o they_o be_v his_o people_n rev._n 21.3_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v in_o midst_n of_o they_o mat._n 8.18_o 20._o and_o this_o promise_a presence_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n which_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n implant_v upon_o his_o ordinance_n to_o communicate_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o his_o church_n it_o be_v his_o covenant_n that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v accompany_v his_o word_n for_o ever_o unto_o that_o purpose_n isa._n 59.21_o 2._o in_o the_o special_a blessing_n which_o he_o give_v his_o people_n in_o those_o duty_n both_o in_o the_o acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o testify_v his_o good_a will_n unto_o they_o exod._n 29.42_o 43_o 45._o at_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o meet_v with_o the_o people_n say_v the_o lord_n there_o will_v i_o meet_v with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n shall_v be_v sanctify_v by_o my_o glory_n and_o i_o will_v dwell_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n zech._n 2.10_o 11._o ezek._n 20.40_o 41._o i_o will_v accept_v you_o with_o your_o sweet_a savour_n ezek._n 43.27_o in_o both_o give_v they_o intimate_a communion_n with_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n john_n 1.3_o by_o all_o these_o he_o give_v that_o special_a presence_n which_o he_o require_v a_o especial_a reverence_n and_o regard_n of_o faith_n unto_o whereby_o his_o name_n be_v yet_o far_o sanctify_v 3._o god_n have_v give_v special_a promise_n or_o promise_n of_o his_o special_a grace_n unto_o they_o that_o attend_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o worship_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o hereunto_o also_o belong_v that_o sacred_a relation_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v between_o the_o sacramental_a element_n and_o the_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o exhibit_v and_o confirm_v and_o the_o mix_n of_o these_o promise_n with_o faith_n according_a as_o they_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o any_o particular_a institution_n belong_v also_o to_o the_o right_a sanctification_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n so_o also_o 4._o do_v our_o delight_n in_o they_o now_o this_o delight_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o much_o commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o propose_v unto_o our_o example_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o carnal_a self-pleasing_a or_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o outward_a mode_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a soul-refreshing_a contemplation_n on_o the_o will_v wisdom_n grace_n and_o condescension_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o be_v please_v of_o his_o own_o sovereign_n mere_a will_n and_o grace_n so_o to_o manifest_v himself_o unto_o such_o poor_a sinful_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v so_o to_o condescend_v unto_o out_o weakness_n so_o to_o communicate_v himself_o unto_o we_o so_o to_o excite_v and_o draw_v forth_o our_o soul_n unto_o himself_o and_o to_o give_v we_o such_o pledge_n of_o his_o gracious_a intercourse_n with_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o soul_n draw_v forth_o to_o delight_n in_o god_n last_o whereas_o great_a opposition_n lie_v oftentimes_o against_o the_o church_n obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o much_o persecution_n befall_v it_o on_o that_o account_n great_a weariness_n also_o be_v apt_a from_o the_o remainder_n of_o unbelief_n carnal_a wisdom_n indwelling_a sin_n weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o believer_n themselves_o to_o arise_v in_o the_o course_n thereof_o and_o many_o temptation_n also_o beset_v they_o on_o every_o hand_n to_o turn_v they_o aside_o from_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a celebration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n belong_v unto_o this_o duty_n and_o this_o perseverance_n respect_v both_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n both_o which_o be_v of_o the_o high_a concernment_n for_o we_o diligent_o to_o attend_v unto_o first_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o herein_o do_v we_o principal_o glorify_v god_n and_o give_v due_a honour_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n when_o we_o abide_v in_o our_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n against_o difficulty_n opposition_n and_o persecution_n this_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o rev._n 2.13_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v and_o this_o he_o require_v of_o we_o indispensable_o if_o we_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n or_o ever_o hope_v to_o obtain_v the_o reward_n mat._n 10.38_o 39_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o it_o be_v he_o who_o endure_v unto_o the_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v matth._n 24.13_o and_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o they_o alone_o do_v he_o give_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2.10_o give_v we_o caution_n not_o to_o lose_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v wrought_v that_o we_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n 2_o john_n 8._o and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o perseverance_n and_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n therein_o first_o the_o inward_a principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n our_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v from_o decay_n rev_n 2._o 4_o 5._o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n chap._n 3.3_o remember_v how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v second_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o
the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n matth._n 26.27_o 1_o cor._n 11.25_o and_o all_o these_o grace_n which_o they_o teach_v they_o also_o exhibit_v and_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o they_o unto_o beleiver_n moreover_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o beleiver_n who_o have_v conscientious_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o their_o due_a observance_n may_v be_v produce_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o the_o instruction_n edification_n consolation_n spiritual_a strength_n courage_n and_o resolution_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o and_o by_o they_o have_v be_v witness_v unto_o in_o their_o life_n and_o end_n and_o they_o to_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n do_v but_o in_o vain_a pretend_v a_o regard_n unto_o god_n in_o any_o thing_n whatever_o farthermore_o god_n have_v appoint_v our_o duty_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o glorify_v he_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o can_v we_o otherwise_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n but_o as_o we_o own_o his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o what_o we_o do_v herein_o be_v principal_o evident_a in_o those_o duty_n which_o lie_v under_o the_o eye_n and_o observation_n of_o men._n some_o duty_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v which_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v discern_v in_o believer_n such_o be_v their_o faith_n inward_a holiness_n purity_n of_o heart_n heavenly_a mindedness_n sincere_a mortification_n of_o indwelling_a sin_n some_o who_o performance_n ought_v to_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o as_o personal_a prayer_n and_o alm_n matth._n 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o some_o there_o be_v which_o be_v very_o liable_a to_o misconstruction_n among_o man_n as_o zeal_n in_o many_o of_o the_o act_n of_o it_o but_o this_o conscientious_a observation_n of_o institute_v worship_n and_o therein_o avow_v our_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o the_o world_n may_v see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o that_o which_o unless_o in_o case_n of_o persecution_n aught_o not_o to_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o and_o that_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n at_o and_o therefore_o have_v god_n appoint_v that_o by_o this_o mean_n and_o way_n we_o shall_v honour_v and_o glorify_v he_o in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o we_o neglect_v we_o do_v evident_o cast_v off_o all_o regard_n unto_o his_o concernment_n in_o this_o world_n herein_o it_o be_v that_o we_o manifest_v ourselves_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n of_o he_o and_o his_o word_n which_o he_o so_o indispensable_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n mark_v 8.38_o for_o say_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n hereby_o do_v we_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o friend_n john_n 13.35_o for_o these_o peculiarly_a be_v his_o command_n and_o if_o we_o suffer_v for_o they_o than_o we_o do_v most_o proper_o suffer_v as_o christian_n which_o be_v our_o glory_n that_o 1_o pet._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o on_o their_o part_n he_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o but_o on_o your_o part_n he_o be_v glorify_v but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n or_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o as_o a_o evil_a doer_n or_o as_o a_o busiâ—_n body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n but_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v god_n â—n_o this_o behalf_n and_o a_o happy_a and_o a_o bless_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o special_a command_n of_o christ._n far_o to_o encourage_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n the_o holy_a faithful_a god_n have_v give_v we_o many_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o afford_v unto_o we_o his_o especial_a sanctify_a blessing_n presence_n in_o our_o attendance_n on_o his_o worship_n according_a to_o his_o appointment_n for_o as_o he_o promise_v of_o old_a that_o he_o will_v make_v glorious_a the_o place_n of_o his_o foot_n or_o abode_n among_o his_o people_n isa._n 60.13_o that_o he_o will_v meet_v they_o in_o his_o sanctuary_n the_o place_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o there_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o bless_v they_o and_o be_v their_o god_n exod._n 29.42_o 43_o 44_o 45._o deut._n 14.24_o so_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v his_o presence_n to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o assemble_v together_o in_o his_o name_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o worship_n which_o in_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v appoint_v matth._n 18.20_o for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o therein_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n his_o gracious_a dwell_a place_n with_o men._n rev._n 21.3_o now_o when_o god_n offer_v unto_o we_o his_o presence_n his_o gracious_a blessing_n sanctify_a and_o save_a presence_n and_o that_o in_o and_o by_o promise_n which_o shall_v never_o fail_v what_o unspeakable_a guilt_n must_v we_o needs_o contract_v upon_o our_o own_o soul_n if_o we_o neglect_v or_o despise_v the_o tender_n of_o such_o grace_n but_o because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v slothful_a and_o be_v slow_a of_o heart_n in_o admit_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o fall_v not_o in_o with_o the_o light_n and_o principle_n of_o nature_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o unto_o a_o diligence_n in_o our_o attendance_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o look_v upon_o our_o obedience_n herein_o as_o our_o whole_a loyalty_n unto_o he_o in_o that_o conjugal_a covenant_n which_o he_o be_v please_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o take_v beleiver_n into_o with_o himself_o jer._n 3.14_o turn_v o_o backslide_a child_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o marry_v unto_o you_o and_o will_v take_v you_o one_o of_o a_o city_n and_o two_o of_o a_o family_n and_o will_v bring_v you_o unto_o zion_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o pastor_n according_a unto_o my_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v you_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n come_v unto_o zion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o lead_n and_o conduct_n of_o pastor_n according_a to_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n be_v our_o answer_v the_o relation_n wherein_o we_o stand_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o be_v marry_v unto_o we_o and_o thereupon_o he_o teach_v we_o that_o as_o a_o husband_n he_o be_v jealous_a of_o our_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n account_v our_o neglect_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o profanation_n of_o it_o by_o invention_n and_o addition_n of_o our_o own_o to_o be_v spiritual_a disloyalty_n whoredom_n and_o adultery_n which_o his_o soul_n abhor_v for_o which_o he_o will_v cast_v off_o any_o church_n or_o people_n and_o that_o for_o ever_o see_v exod._n 20.5_o deut._n 4.23_o 24._o jos._n 24.19_o ezek._n 16._o whatever_o he_o will_v bear_v withal_o in_o his_o church_n he_o will_v not_o bear_v with_o that_o which_o his_o jealousy_n be_v exercise_v about_o if_o it_o transgress_v therein_o he_o will_v give_v it_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n which_o repudiate_v condition_n be_v the_o state_n of_o many_o church_n in_o the_o world_n however_o they_o please_v and_o boast_v themselves_o in_o their_o meritricious_a ornament_n and_o practice_n to_o give_v yet_o far_o strength_n unto_o all_o these_o consideration_n that_o we_o may_v not_o only_o have_v rule_n and_o precept_n but_o example_n also_o for_o our_o instruction_n god_n have_v give_v many_o signal_n instance_n of_o his_o severity_n against_o person_n who_o by_o ignorance_n neglect_n or_o regardlesness_n have_v miscarry_v in_o not_o observe_v exact_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n in_o and_o about_o his_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o nadab_n and_o abide_v the_o son_n of_o aaron_n levit._n 10.1_o 2._o of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abirain_n numb_a 16.3_o 8_o 9_o 32_o 35._o of_o the_o son_n of_o ely_n a_o sin_n not_o to_o be_v expiate_v with_o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n forever_o 1_o sam._n 2.28_o 29._o of_o vzza_n in_o put_v the_o ark_n into_o a_o cart_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v bear_v it_o upon_o his_o shoulder_n 1_o chron._n 16.13_o of_o vzzia_n the_o king_n in_o offer_v incense_n contrary_n to_o god_n institution_n that_o duty_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o aaron_n 2_o chron._n
he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3.3_o require_v regeneration_n as_o a_o indispensable_a condition_n in_o a_o member_n of_o his_o church_n a_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o his_o temple_n be_v now_o to_o be_v build_v of_o live_a stone_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o man_n spiritual_o and_o save_o quicken_v from_o their_o death_n in_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o holy-ghost_n whereof_o they_o be_v partaker_n make_v a_o meet_a habitation_n for_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o which_o receive_v vital_a supply_n from_o christ_n its_o head_n increase_v in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n edify_v itself_o in_o love_n ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n do_v ascribe_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o a_o participation_n in_o this_o effectual_a vocation_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v saint_n call_v sanctify_a justify_v and_o accept_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n rom._n 1.5_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o 1_o cor._n 4.15_o heb._n 3.1_o jam._n 1.18_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 6.11_o so_o many_o of_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o that_o relation_n and_o condition_n be_v such_o as_o none_o can_v perform_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o own_o benefit_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o the_o end_n of_o all_o obedience_n unless_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o effectual_a call_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o ephes._n 4.16_o add_v hereunto_o that_o these_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o only_o command_v to_o separate_v themselves_o as_o to_o their_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o the_o world_n that_o be_v man_n in_o their_o worldly_a state_n and_o condition_n but_o be_v also_o require_v when_o any_o among_o they_o trasgress_v against_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o this_o holy_a call_n above_o describe_v to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o society_n and_o communion_n 1_o cor._n 5.13_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v who_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o these_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o second_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o namely_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o three_o the_o general_a end_n of_o their_o call_n which_o be_v all_o speak_v to_o in_o this_o answer_n quest._n 20._o by_o what_o mean_n do_v person_n so_o call_v become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n answ._n they_o be_v constitute_v a_o church_n and_o interest_v in_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o gospel-church_n by_o the_o will_n promise_n authority_n and_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o engagement_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o due_a subjection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o his_o authority_n as_o their_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o in_o a_o holy_a observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n matth._n 18.20_o chap._n 28.18_o 19_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o exod._n 24.3_o deut._n 5.27_o psalm_n 110.3_o isa._n 44.5_o chap._n 59.21_o ephes._n 4.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 2._o cor._n 8.5_o explication_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v constitute_v such_o a_o church-state_n as_o that_o which_o we_o inquire_v about_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o unto_o a_o church_n so_o constitute_v he_o have_v also_o by_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n annex_v all_o those_o privilege_n and_o power_n which_o we_o find_v a_o church_n to_o be_v entrust_v withal_o this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o stand_n and_o unalterable_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o charter_n of_o their_o spiritual_a society_n and_o incorporation_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v any_o person_n be_v interest_v in_o the_o right_n of_o a_o church_n any_o otherwise_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o law_n and_o constitution_n this_o therefore_o be_v first_o to_o be_v lay_v down_o that_o the_o sole_a moral_a foundation_n of_o that_o church-state_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o word_n law_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n he_o alone_o have_v authority_n to_o erect_v such_o a_o society_n he_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o this_o house_n as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n over_o it_o heb._n 3.3_o 6._o neither_o without_o it_o can_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n appoint_v such_o a_o state_n or_o erect_v a_o church_n and_o all_o acceptable_a act_n of_o man_n herein_o be_v no_o other_o but_o act_n of_o pure_a obedience_n unto_o christ._n farthermore_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n do_v prepare_v and_o fit_a man_n to_o be_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n member_n of_o his_o church_n the_o work_n of_o send_v forth_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n of_o translate_n they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n into_o light_n he_o have_v take_v upon_o himself_o and_o do_v effectual_o accomplish_v it_o in_o every_o generation_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o build_v his_o church_n matth._n 18.20_o for_o unto_o all_o person_n so_o call_v he_o give_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o to_o do_v mat._n 28.20_o in_o particular_a that_o they_o profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o their_o obedience_n in_o join_v themselves_o in_o that_o state_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o observe_v all_o his_o other_o law_n and_o institution_n with_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n require_v therein_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n they_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v now_o obey_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o all_o thing_n among_o his_o command_n this_o of_o join_v themselves_o in_o church_n society_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o matth._n 18.20_o that_o be_v to_o dwell_v among_o they_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n isa._n 59.21_o be_v the_o very_a first_o this_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o command_n and_o promise_v of_o his_o they_o be_v warrant_v and_o enable_v to_o do_v nor_o do_v they_o need_v any_o other_o warrant_n the_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v man_n out_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o be_v then_o make_v willing_a and_o ready_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n psalm_n 110.3_o they_o consent_v choose_v and_o agree_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n and_o hereby_o do_v they_o become_v a_o church_n for_o their_o become_v a_o church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o willing_a obedience_n unto_o christ._n this_o obedience_n be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o will_n guide_v by_o rule_n for_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o proceed_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o appointment_n afterward_o to_o be_v unfold_v and_o herein_o upon_o their_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n do_v believer_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n become_v a_o gospel_n church_n and_o be_v real_o and_o true_o interest_v in_o all_o the_o power_n right_n and_o privilege_n that_o be_v grant_v unto_o any_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o in_o this_o obedience_n they_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o alone_o he_o require_v in_o any_o person_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o these_o privilege_n first_o they_o confess_v he_o his_o person_n his_o authority_n his_o law_n his_o grace_n second_o they_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n thus_o do_v god_n take_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o a_o church-state_n of_o old_a he_o propose_v unto_o they_o the_o church_n obedience_n that_o he_o require_v of_o they_o and_o they_o voluntary_o and_o free_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o exod._n 24.3_o and_o moses_n come_v and_o tell_v the_o people_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o judgement_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v with_o one_o voice_n and_o say_v all_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v will_v we_o do_v so_o deut._n 5.7_o and_o hereby_o they_o have_v their_o solemn_a admission_n into_o their_o church-state_n and_o relation_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o like_a course_n they_o take_v when_o ever_o there_o be_v need_n of_o renew_v their_o engagement_n josh._n 24.18_o 21_o 22._o and_o the_o people_n say_v we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v our_o god_n and_o joshua_n say_v unto_o the_o people_n you_o be_v witness_n against_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v choose_v the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o they_o say_v we_o be_v witness_n this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o that_o people_n which_o be_v solemn_o renew_v so_o often_o as_o the_o
in_o a_o way_n appoint_v for_o continuance_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o which_o be_v constant_o incumbent_a on_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n quest._n 23._o who_o be_v the_o ordinary_a officer_n or_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v always_o continue_v therein_o answ._n those_o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n bishop_n elder_n and_o guide_n act_n 14.23_o act_n 20.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes._n 4.11_o phil._n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o chap._n 5.17_o titus_n 1.5_o 7._o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o explication_n several_a name_n be_v on_o several_a account_n partly_o design_v their_o authority_n partly_o their_o duty_n and_o partly_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o discharge_n thereof_o assign_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o they_o be_v call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes._n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o sometime_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n phil._n 1.1_o act._n 20.28_o titus_n 1.5_o sometime_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o act._n 14.23_o act._n 20.17_o sometime_o guide_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o by_o all_o which_o name_n and_o sundry_a other_o whereby_o they_o be_v express_v the_o same_o sort_n order_n and_o degree_n of_o person_n be_v intend_v nor_o be_v any_o one_o of_o these_o name_n apply_v or_o accommodate_v unto_o any_o but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v also_o in_o like_a manner_n so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o pastor_n or_o a_o teacher_n be_v also_o a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n a_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n a_o guide_n or_o ruler_n a_o minister_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o of_o all_o other_o name_v assign_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n that_o of_o bishop_n can_v least_o of_o all_o be_v think_v to_o have_v design_v any_o special_a order_n or_o degree_n of_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v but_o four_o time_n or_o in_o four_o place_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o denote_v any_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o each_o of_o they_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o express_v by_o the_o other_o name_n of_o elder_n and_o minister_n be_v intend_v so_o act._n 20.28_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n verse_n the_o 17._o phil._n 1.1_o there_o be_v many_o bishop_n in_o that_o one_o particular_a church_n who_o have_v only_a deacon_n join_v with_o they_o that_o be_v they_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o it_o tit._n 1.8_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o elder_n to_o be_v ordain_v vers_fw-la the_o 5._o which_o person_n be_v also_o direct_o intend_v 1_o tim._n 3.2_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o coincidence_n of_o the_o direction_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n about_o they_o and_o the_o immediate_a adjoin_v of_o deacon_n unto_o they_o vers_fw-la 8._o so_o that_o no_o name_n can_v be_v fix_v on_o with_o less_o probability_n to_o assert_v from_o it_o a_o special_a supreme_a order_n or_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o ministry_n than_o this_o of_o bishop_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o any_o such_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o sort_n of_o these_o church-officer_n or_o minister_n over_o another_o not_o in_o particular_a in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n enumerate_v as_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o eph._n 4.11_o rom._n 12.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n of_o any_o special_a office_n that_o shall_v be_v peculiar_a unto_o such_o officer_n or_o of_o any_o gift_n or_o qualification_n that_o shall_v be_v require_v in_o they_o or_o of_o any_o special_a way_n of_o call_v or_o set_v apart_o to_o their_o office_n nor_o of_o any_o kind_n of_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v relate_v unto_o different_z from_o the_o church_n that_o other_o elder_n or_o pastor_n do_v minister_n in_o nor_o of_o any_o special_a rule_n or_o direction_n for_o their_o trial_n nor_o any_o command_n for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n â—uly_o discharge_v their_o trust_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n no_o intimation_n be_v give_v unto_o either_o elder_n or_o minister_n to_o obey_v they_o or_o direction_n how_o to_o respect_v they_o nor_o unto_o they_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v and_o deliver_v promiscuous_o and_o equal_o concern_v all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o these_o appellation_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o one_o sort_n of_o minister_n not_o one_o more_o than_o another_o and_o for_o what_o be_v plead_v by_o some_o from_o the_o example_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o any_o person_n can_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v evangelist_n 1_o tim._n 4.5_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o their_o office_n upon_o antecedent_n prophecy_n 1_o tim._n 1.18_o and_o to_o be_v send_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o in_o some_o employment_n for_o a_o season_n which_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o attend_v unto_o titus_n 1.5_o chap._n 3.12_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v another_o duty_n and_o office_n commit_v unto_o they_o than_o those_o who_o be_v only_a bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o the_o scripture_n quest._n 24._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o officer_n or_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a answ._n 1_o the_o former_a be_v call_v to_o their_o office_n immediate_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n or_o revelation_n make_v by_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o his_o name_n to_o that_o purpose_n the_o latter_a by_o the_o suffrage_n choice_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o 2._o the_o former_a both_o in_o their_o office_n and_o work_n be_v independent_a on_o and_o antecedent_n unto_o all_o or_o any_o church_n who_o calling_n and_o gather_v depend_v on_o their_o office_n as_o its_o consequent_a and_o effect_n the_o latter_a in_o both_o consequent_a unto_o the_o call_n gather_v and_o constitute_v of_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o a_o effect_n thereof_o in_o their_o tendency_n unto_o compleatness_n and_o perfection_n 3._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o former_a be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o immediate_o by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o any_o intervenient_a act_n of_o any_o church_n extend_v itself_o equal_o unto_o all_o church_n whatever_o that_o of_o the_o latter_a be_v derive_v unto_o they_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o election_n and_o designation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o confine_v unto_o that_o church_n wherein_o and_o whereby_o it_o be_v so_o derive_v unto_o they_o 4._o they_o differ_v also_o in_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o several_a distinct_a work_n and_o employment_n 1_o matth._n 10.2_o luke_n 10.1_o gal._n 1.1_o act_n 1.26_o act_n 6.3_o act_n 14.23_o 2_o joh._n 20.21_o 22_o 23._o gal._n 1.1_o ephes._n 2.20_o rev._n 21.14_o act_n 14.23_o titus_n 1.5_o 7._o 3_o matth._n 28_o 18_o 19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 11.28_o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o colos._n 4.17_o 4_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 29_o 30._o the_o answer_n hereunto_o be_v such_o as_o need_v no_o further_a explication_n quest._n 25._o what_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o due_a constitution_n of_o a_o elder_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n 1_o that_o he_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o evangelical_n discharge_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 2_o that_o he_o be_v unblameable_a holy_a and_o exemplary_a in_o his_o conversation_n 3_o that_o he_o have_v a_o willing_a mind_n to_o give_v up_o himself_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 4_o that_o he_o be_v call_v and_o choose_v by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n 5_o that_o he_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n unto_o his_o work_n and_o ministry_n 1_o ephes._n 4.8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o 2_o titus_n 1.7_o 8_o 9_o 2_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 3_o 1._o peâ—_n 5.2_o 3._o 4_o act_n 14.23_o 5_o act_n 13.2_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o explication_n five_o thing_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o due_a and_o solemn_a constitution_n of_o a_o minister_n guide_n elder_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o they_o do_v not_o all_o equal_o belong_v unto_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o call_n so_o they_o be_v all_o indispensable_o necessary_a
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