sake_n that_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v from_o the_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n iv_o he_o exhort_v to_o another_o duty_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o and_o with_o their_o elder_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v connexion_n with_o the_o former_a duty_n either_o as_o a_o effect_n and_o then_o you_o must_v understand_v it_o thus_o in_o your_o conscientious_a know_v esteem_v and_o love_v your_o elder_n your_o mutual_a peace_n will_v be_v best_a maintain_v and_o preserve_v but_o if_o any_o do_v despise_v their_o elder_n schism_n and_o division_n will_v present_o arise_v or_o else_o this_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o yourselves_o may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o former_a as_o a_o mean_n and_o then_o you_o may_v understand_v it_o thus_o mutual_a peace_n will_v help_v you_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o your_o elder_n according_a to_o your_o duty_n but_o if_o you_o be_v divide_v one_o from_o another_o you_o will_v fail_v in_o your_o duty_n to_o your_o elder_n and_o quarrel_n with_o they_o also_o from_o these_o verse_n i_o propose_v these_o point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o you_o i._o that_o such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v labour_v among_o they_o and_o admonish_v they_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o know_v esteem_v and_o love_n most_o abundant_o they_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n iii_o that_o the_o elder_n be_v faithful_o attend_v to_o his_o work_n and_o the_o people_n conscientious_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o elder_n and_o mutual_a peace_n be_v strict_o join_v together_o i_o will_v make_v what_o haste_n i_o can_v a_o little_a to_o open_v and_o apply_v these_o doctrine_n to_o you_o doct._n i._o that_o such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v labour_v among_o they_o and_o admonish_v they_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o open_v unto_o you_o their_o dignity_n and_o their_o duty_n and_o so_o to_o apply_v it_o i._o for_o their_o dignity_n first_o they_o be_v set_v over_o a_o church_n second_o in_o the_o lord_n 1._o they_o be_v set_v over_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v not_o set_v over_o many_o church_n but_o each_o over_o that_o particular_a church_n where_o christ_n do_v place_v we_o it_o be_v a_o human_a device_n to_o set_v one_o man_n over_o many_o church_n but_o elder_n be_v over_o particular_a church_n and_o in_o the_o right_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n they_o be_v over_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o though_o as_o to_o their_o person_n they_o may_v be_v under_o they_o as_o luther_n say_v in_o regard_n of_o my_o person_n i_o will_v fall_v down_o before_o any_o man_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n which_o i_o administer_v i_o look_v upon_o even_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v but_o as_o dust._n whatever_o weakness_n or_o darkness_n may_v be_v in_o a_o elder_a yet_o in_o his_o holy_a administration_n he_o be_v over_o even_o all_o the_o people_n as_o the_o master_n of_o a_o ship_n whilst_o he_o guide_v the_o ship_n aright_o in_o the_o work_n of_o guide_v the_o ship_n be_v over_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o ship_n cauâ—â—â—_n mr._n shepherd_n s_o cauâ—â—â—_n though_o a_o king_n be_v in_o it_o yet_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o master_n to_o order_n and_o guide_v the_o ship_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o elder_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o but_o you_o be_v not_o from_o thence_o to_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v proper_o your_o servant_n to_o be_v command_v by_o you_o but_o they_o be_v servant_n that_o be_v they_o be_v to_o lay_v out_o themselves_o whole_o in_o seek_v the_o profit_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n and_o 36._o aâ—_n act_v 13._o 36._o they_o be_v also_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v his_o work_n to_o the_o church_n thus_o in_o col._n 4._o 12._o epaphras_n who_o be_v one_o of_o you_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n salute_v you_o always_o labour_v fervent_o for_o you_o in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a in_o meekness_n instruct_v they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 24._o and_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n they_o must_v not_o persuade_v any_o to_o believe_v man_n or_o please_v man_n do_v i_o now_o persuade_v man_n or_o god_n or_o do_v i_o seek_v to_o please_v man_n for_o if_o i_o yet_o please_v man_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n gal._n 1._o 10._o in_o the_o same_o sense_n they_o be_v call_v man_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 11._o dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n they_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n they_o receive_v their_o authority_n from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n they_o depend_v on_o christ_n for_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o work_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o unless_o they_o forfeit_v their_o call_v by_o such_o error_n and_o scandalous_a enormity_n as_o deserve_v excommunication_n till_o than_o they_o be_v over_o you_o and_o be_v your_o ruler_n 2._o they_o be_v over_o the_o church_n in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o a_o earthly_a dignity_n no_o magisterial_a dictatorship_n no_o rigid_a authority_n no_o secular_a grandeur_n belong_v to_o they_o so_o our_o lord_n tell_v his_o apostle_n in_o luke_n 22._o 26._o you_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o i._n e._n you_o shall_v not_o exercise_v lordship_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o rigid_a way_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v as_o the_o young_a and_o he_o that_o be_v chief_a it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v render_v governor_n matth._n 2._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o that_o do_v serve_v we_o be_v not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n heritage_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o the_o mean_n of_o the_o elder_n execute_v their_o office_n be_v not_o carnal_a mean_n but_o spiritual_a not_o carnal_a force_n nor_o carnal_a policy_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a through_o god_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o elder_n must_v not_o make_v their_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o their_o act_n in_o the_o church_n of_o chirst_n it_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o design_v brief_o to_o open_v unto_o you_o how_o they_o be_v over_o the_o church_n in_o the_o lord_n first_o in_o general_n and_o second_o in_o particular_a i._o in_o general_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o all_o the_o name_n and_o title_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o church_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v both_o speak_v authority_n entrust_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o do_v also_o import_v a_o tender_a care_n kindness_n compassion_n and_o watchfulness_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o flock_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 5._o how_o shall_v he_o care_v for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n they_o do_v also_o import_v their_o faithfulness_n and_o subjection_n to_o their_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1._o they_o be_v call_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n mal._n 2._o 7._o they_o be_v call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n angel_n send_v 20._o the_o word_n here_o use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o render_v angel_n as_o 2_o sam._n 14._o 17_o 20._o by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o church_n rev._n 1._o 20._o they_o be_v call_v ambassador_n to_o treat_v with_o sinner_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o they_o must_v not_o speak_v their_o own_o word_n but_o their_o lord_n word_n they_o must_v not_o seek_v their_o own_o will_n or_o their_o own_o glory_n but_o his_o that_o send_v they_o and_o they_o be_v compassionate_o to_o entreat_v poor_a rebel_n to_o seek_v peace_n with_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v careful_o to_o watch_v to_o preserve_v peace_n between_o christ_n and_o poor_a soul_n 2._o they_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o people_n so_o elijah_n be_v call_v my_o father_n my_o father_n 2_o king_n 2._o 12._o even_o idolater_n do_v own_o this_o title_n micha_n in_o mount_n ephraim_n judge_n 17._o 10._o desire_v the_o levite_n to_o be_v a_o father_n to_o he_o the_o man_n of_o dan_n tell_v the_o levite_n
care_v for_o the_o tender_a lamb_n they_o must_v care_v for_o those_o that_o be_v oppress_v with_o infirmity_n they_o must_v not_o over-drive_a the_o flock_n and_o they_o must_v diligent_o know_v the_o state_n of_o their_o flock_n whether_o increase_v or_o decay_v in_o grace_n they_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o avoid_v that_o reproof_n that_o god_n give_v by_o ezekiel_n against_o the_o shepherd_n in_o that_o day_n ezek._n 34._o 2_o 3_o 4._o woe_n be_v to_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n that_o feed_v themselves_o shall_v not_o the_o shepherd_n feed_v the_o flock_n you_o eat_v the_o fat_a and_o clothe_v you_o with_o the_o wool_n you_o kill_v they_o that_o be_v feed_v but_o you_o feed_v not_o the_o flock_n the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v nor_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v you_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v neither_o have_v you_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o neither_o have_v you_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v but_o with_o force_n and_o with_o cruelty_n have_v you_o rule_v they_o oh_o this_o be_v a_o severe_a reproof_n a_o dreadful_a charge_n to_o be_v give_v in_o against_o any_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v shepherd_n or_o pastor_n it_o behoove_v we_o all_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a and_o to_o be_v faithful_a 8._o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d teacher_n or_o doctor_n isa_n 20._o v._n 30._o thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v thy_o teacher_n they_o shall_v no_o more_o be_v remove_v into_o corner_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v therefore_o that_o be_v inculcate_v as_o the_o qualification_n of_o a_o bishop_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 2._o he_o must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v and_o they_o must_v hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n and_o be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v gainsayers_a titus_n 1._o 8._o they_o must_v exhort_v instruct_v and_o comfort_v the_o church_n with_o all_o authority_n these_o thing_n command_v and_o teach_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 11._o charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n cap._n 6._o 17._o they_o must_v reprove_v public_o such_o as_o do_v sin_n public_o they_o must_v give_v a_o open_a reproof_n for_o open_a sin_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 20._o they_o that_o sin_n rebuke_v before_o all_o that_o other_o also_o may_v fear_v and_o they_o must_v take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o and_o to_o their_o doctrine_n there_o must_v be_v great_a care_n and_o great_a solicitousness_n 16._o 1_o tim._n 4._o 16._o in_o we_o that_o what_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v indeed_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o cordial_o believe_v and_o submit_v unto_o by_o ourselves_o as_o such_o 9_o and_o last_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elder_n or_o presbyter_n if_o any_o man_n be_v sick_a let_v he_o send_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n james_n 5._o 14._o the_o elder_n that_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v who_o be_o also_o a_o elder_a 1_o pet._n 5._o 1._o but_o with_o elder_n there_o must_v be_v wisdom_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o give_v counsel_n and_o gravity_n they_o must_v not_o be_v novice_n they_o must_v rule_v well_o and_o be_v example_n to_o the_o people_n thus_o in_o general_n from_o their_o name_n and_o title_n i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o they_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n ii_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o a_o little_a in_o particular_a what_o you_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o this_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o power_n communicate_v by_o christ_n word_n of_o command_n or_o institution_n the_o constitution_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v prescribe_v it_o matth._n 28._o 20._o teach_v they_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o thing_n i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o if_o any_o do_v assume_v more_o than_o christ_n do_v grant_v and_o command_v in_o his_o word_n such_o be_v usurper_n thief_n and_o robber_n vain_o pretend_v to_o what_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o derive_v from_o christ_n by_o his_o word_n 2._o the_o rule_n that_o chrst_o have_v entrust_v and_o commit_v to_o they_o by_o his_o word_n be_v the_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n glory_n and_o the_o church_n edification_n they_o be_v to_o care_v for_o all_o the_o spiritual_a concernment_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o they_o be_v to_o care_v for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 5._o 3._o they_o have_v their_o power_n immediate_o by_o the_o church_n but_o not_o from_o the_o church_n christ_n do_v apply_v the_o office_n though_o the_o church_n design_n the_o person_n the_o church_n choose_v they_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v they_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o they_o be_v send_v by_o christ_n john_n 13._o 20._o he_o that_o receive_v whosoever_o i_o send_v receive_v i_o and_o he_o that_o receive_v i_o receive_v he_o that_o send_v i_o they_o be_v ambassador_n for_o christ_n they_o do_v act_n in_o his_o stead_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v to_o they_o as_o a_o king_n in_o his_o absence_n may_v appoint_v officer_n to_o wait_v upon_o his_o queen_n and_o to_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o may_v also_o give_v rule_n that_o upon_o the_o death_n of_o any_o of_o they_o she_o shall_v church_n dr._n goodwin_n government_n of_o church_n choose_v new_a one_o yet_o still_o their_o authority_n be_v such_o as_o the_o king_n have_v vouchsafe_v in_o his_o commission_n to_o they_o not_o what_o the_o queen_n give_v they_o by_o choose_v they_o 4._o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o a_o free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o uncompelled_a obedience_n to_o they_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o the_o elder_n exercise_v according_a to_o his_o law_n your_o obedience_n i_o say_v must_v be_v free_a and_o voluntary_a yet_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v they_o because_o they_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o law_n they_o do_v not_o act_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o declare_v the_o consent_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o common_a affair_n of_o the_o church_n the_o church_n do_v in_o consent_v exercise_n their_o liberty_n and_o their_o privilege_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o that_o no_o act_n can_v take_v place_n in_o the_o church_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n but_o whilst_o the_o church_n do_v thus_o exercise_v their_o liberty_n and_o the_o elder_n do_v declare_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o still_o they_o act_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o name_n matth._n 28._o 3_o last_o verse_n all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_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 that_o i_o have_v command_v you_o note_v here_o that_o because_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o therefore_o i_o do_v authorise_v you_o to_o disciple_n and_o baptize_v all_o nation_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o institution_n of_o worship_n that_o i_o have_v command_v you_o all_o gospel_n ministration_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o power_n that_o be_v give_v to_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o only_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o also_o with_o respect_n to_o ordinary_a elder_n that_o be_v their_o successor_n for_o so_o it_o follow_v lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o in_o tit._n 2._o 15._o these_o thing_n teach_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o all_o authority_n let_v no_o man_n despise_v thou_o they_o must_v not_o act_v imperious_o nor_o precarious_o but_o they_o be_v to_o act_v in_o their_o ministration_n with_o all_o authority_n and_o this_o authority_n be_v not_o their_o own_o authority_n but_o christ_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v be_v free_o own_v no_o man_n must_v despise_v they_o thus_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o their_o dignity_n they_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n ii_o consider_v their_o work_n they_o labour_v among_o you_o and_o admonish_v you_o and_o here_o let_v i_o show_v you_o summary_o first_o what_o their_o work_n be_v and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v a_o labour_n i._o as_o for_o their_o work_n the_o apostle_n speak_v eph._n 4
that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o he_o to_o be_v a_o father_n to_o 12._o judge_n 18._o 12._o a_o whole_a tribe_n than_o to_o a_o private_a house_n joram_n call_v elisha_n my_o father_n 2_o king_n 6._o 21._o so_o also_o do_v joash_n 2_o king_n 13._o 14._o and_o especial_o such_o minister_n as_o christ_n make_v use_v of_o to_o be_v instrument_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n be_v their_o father_n therefore_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 12._o they_o be_v father_n must_v travail_v in_o birth_n that_o christ_n may_v be_v form_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o minister_v as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o galatian_n gal._n 4._o 19_o he_o do_v on_o their_o behalf_n and_o they_o must_v also_o be_v tender_o affectionate_a and_o solicitous_a for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o people_n as_o you_o know_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o how_o we_o exhort_v and_o comfort_v and_o charge_v every_o one_o of_o you_o as_o a_o father_n do_v his_o child_n 1_o thess_n 2._o 11._o they_o be_v father_n that_o must_v comfort_v and_o exhort_v and_o charge_v the_o people_n but_o withal_o they_o must_v not_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o absolute_a paternal_a power_n as_o to_o require_v any_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v or_o to_o do_v what_o they_o command_v without_o show_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o thus_o god_n reveal_v his_o mind_n and_o that_o thus_o god_n command_v we_o to_o do_v for_o any_o such_o paternal_a power_n be_v forbid_v by_o christ_n call_v no_o man_n father_n on_o earth_n for_o one_o be_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n matth._n 23._o 9_o 3._o they_o be_v call_v guide_n or_o ruler_n or_o leader_n heb._n 13._o 7_o 17_o 24._o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v guide_n or_o leader_n and_o so_o you_o may_v find_v it_o in_o the_o margin_n of_o your_o bibles_n and_o it_o do_v import_v guide_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v attribute_v to_o christ_n matth._n 2._o 6._o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o out_o of_o bethlehem_n shall_v come_v a_o governor_n that_o shall_v rule_v my_o people_n israel_n christ_n be_v a_o governor_n and_o a_o guide_n isaiah_n 55._o 4._o and_o be_v to_o guide_v they_o be_v to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o their_o people_n it_o be_v true_a of_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n and_o proportionable_o of_o under_o shepherd_n each_o of_o they_o that_o their_o sheep_n must_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o he_o lead_v they_o out_o and_o when_o he_o put_v forth_o his_o own_o sheep_n he_o go_v before_o they_o and_o the_o sheep_n follow_v he_o for_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n john_n 10_o 3_o 4._o but_o be_v guide_n they_o must_v not_o be_v blind_a guide_n woe_n be_v to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v such_o they_o must_v direct_v the_o church_n especial_o in_o all_o weighty_a affair_n that_o concern_v the_o common_a good_a of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v to_o guide_v with_o counsel_n with_o good_a reason_n and_o with_o scripture_n not_o with_o selfwill_a and_o with_o rigour_n 4._o they_o be_v steward_n 1_o titus_n 7._o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n therefore_o they_o must_v be_v faithful_a so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o second_o verse_n it_o be_v require_v of_o steward_n that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a and_o they_o must_v be_v diligent_a and_o careful_a to_o give_v every_o one_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n luke_n 12._o 42_o 43._o who_o then_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n who_o his_o lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v and_o they_o must_v remember_v that_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o their_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v and_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n with_o joy_n oh_o how_o great_a will_v be_v the_o terror_n of_o that_o day_n 5._o they_o be_v watchman_n ezek._n 3._o 17._o son_n of_o man_n i_o have_v make_v thou_o a_o watchman_n unto_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n therefore_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o give_v they_o warning_n from_o i_o faithful_n watchman_n must_v receive_v the_o word_n from_o god_n and_o must_v give_v warning_n from_o god_n and_o let_v not_o any_o think_v that_o we_o be_v severe_a in_o our_o warn_v for_o it_o be_v from_o god_n that_o we_o give_v warn_v my_o lord_n i_o stand_v continual_o upon_o the_o watchtower_n in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o i_o be_o set_v in_o my_o ward_n whole_a night_n so_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o watchman_n be_v describe_v isa_n 21._o 8._o let_v none_o say_v in_o mockery_n watchman_n what_o of_o the_o night_n watchman_z what_o of_o the_o night_n we_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n ver._n 11_o 12._o the_o morning_n come_v a_o bright_a morning_n of_o national_a peace_n but_o if_o you_o repent_v not_o the_o night_n also_o come_v of_o some_o dismal_a trouble_n or_o thick_a darkness_n than_o what_o ever_o yet_o you_o have_v feel_v if_o you_o will_v inquire_v then_o inquire_v serious_o and_o if_o you_o will_v return_v return_v with_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o come_v to_o christ_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n if_o you_o do_v not_o it_o will_v be_v a_o uncomfortable_a reflection_n that_o conscience_n will_v make_v in_o a_o day_n of_o evil_n this_o evil_n come_v upon_o we_o because_o we_o do_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o watchman_n warn_v we_o we_o obey_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o our_o teacher_n and_o despise_a instruction_n 6._o they_o be_v call_v overseer_n or_o bishop_n feed_v the_o church_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n whereof_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n act_n 20._o 28._o if_o a_o man_n desire_v the_o office_n of_o a_o bishop_n he_o desire_v a_o good_a work_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 1._o but_o hereby_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o some_o do_v groundless_o suppose_v any_o superior_a order_n or_o degree_n of_o preeminency_n that_o some_o man_n have_v in_o the_o ministry_n over_o other_o no_o it_o import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o common_a work_n of_o all_o elder_n to_o oversee_v the_o flock_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o they_o which_o require_v great_a care_n and_o diligence_n titus_n 1._o 5._o the_o apostle_n tell_v he_o he_o leave_v he_o to_o ordain_v elder_n and_o at_o the_o six_o verse_n he_o give_v the_o character_n of_o a_o elder_a if_o any_o be_v blameless_a etc._n etc._n and_o he_o prove_v it_o in_o the_o seven_o verse_n for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a they_o be_v to_o oversee_v the_o flock_n with_o great_a care_n and_o with_o great_a diligence_n therefore_o they_o must_v take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n but_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 2._o 7._o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shepherd_n or_o pastor_n and_o they_o must_v feed_v the_o people_n with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n jer._n 3._o 15._o it_o be_v true_a of_o christ_n the_o chief_a shepherd_n and_o proportionable_o of_o each_o under_o shepherd_n that_o the_o people_n must_v hear_v his_o word_n and_o follow_v he_o a_o stranger_n will_v they_o not_o follow_v but_o will_v flee_v from_o he_o for_o they_o know_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n john_n 10._o 4_o 5._o they_o be_v to_o give_v they_o wholesome_a food_n wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o the_o people_n must_v distinguish_v between_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o stranger_n but_o still_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o chief_a shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 25._o &_o 5._o 4._o and_o all_o man_n that_o he_o do_v set_v over_o one_o or_o other_o of_o his_o church_n they_o be_v but_o under_o shepherd_n all_o that_o they_o deliver_v true_o and_o sound_o they_o have_v it_o from_o christ_n that_o one_o shepherd_n eccles_n 12._o 11._o and_o they_o must_v be_v under_o shepherd_n imitate_v the_o example_n of_o our_o great_a shepherd_n of_o who_o it_o be_v prophesy_v in_o isa_n 40._o 11._o he_o shall_v feed_v his_o flock_n like_o a_o shepherd_n he_o shall_v gather_v the_o lamb_n with_o his_o arm_n and_o carry_v they_o in_o his_o bosom_n and_o shall_v gentle_o lead_v those_o that_o be_v with_o young_a thus_o must_v shepherd_n in_o the_o church_n do_v they_o must_v
let_v not_o any_o say_v i_o overdo_v in_o press_v you_o i_o have_v the_o great_a apostle_n give_v i_o a_o example_n in_o my_o text_n most_o serious_o and_o most_o affectionate_o press_v this_o exhortation_n we_o have_v rather_o be_v altogether_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n but_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o you_o shall_v be_v unmindful_a of_o your_o duty_n the_o apostle_n see_v it_o to_o be_v needful_a and_o we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v needful_a to_o exhort_v you_o and_o stir_v up_o your_o mind_n by_o way_n of_o remembrance_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v total_o negligent_a in_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o modesty_n and_o self-denial_n as_o will_v turn_v to_o your_o loss_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o will_v thus_o love_v and_o show_v the_o effect_n of_o your_o love_n to_o your_o elder_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o 1._o you_o must_v understand_v aright_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o your_o duty_n to_o your_o elder_n be_v not_o willing_o ignorant_a of_o your_o duty_n let_v not_o prejudice_n turn_v away_o your_o mind_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v resolve_v against_o it_o know_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n that_o the_o station_n wherein_o christ_n have_v set_v your_o elder_n call_v for_o those_o duty_n at_o your_o hand_n let_v not_o evil_a custom_n desire_v of_o reputation_n or_o of_o domination_n or_o desire_v to_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o any_o lessen_v your_o due_a respect_n to_o your_o elder_n but_o get_v a_o deep_a impression_n on_o your_o conscience_n that_o this_o be_v your_o duty_n strive_v not_o against_o the_o conviction_n of_o it_o consider_v christ_n command_v you_o and_o their_o work_n do_v great_o oblige_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v so_o carry_v it_o to_o they_o put_v your_o conscience_n under_o the_o awe_n of_o christ_n command_n and_o love_v they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n if_o this_o motive_n affect_v you_o you_o will_v do_v your_o duty_n with_o more_o delight_n to_o yourselves_o and_o with_o great_a acceptation_n to_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o do_v not_o watch_v for_o the_o fail_n of_o your_o elder_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v somewhat_o whereby_o to_o confirm_v your_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o justify_v your_o murmur_n against_o they_o be_v not_o like_a flesh_n fâ—ies_n that_o love_n to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o sore_a place_n they_o be_v man_n subject_a to_o like_a passion_n with_o yourselves_o they_o be_v angel_n in_o office_n but_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o angel_n in_o perfect_a holiness_n therefore_o do_v you_o cover_v their_o infirmity_n with_o a_o mantle_n of_o love_n never_o take_v pleasure_n in_o discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o your_o spiritual_a father_n 3._o let_v your_o love_n be_v constant_a do_v not_o you_o fall_v under_o that_o reproof_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o galatian_n gal._n 4._o 15_o 16._o where_o be_v then_o the_o blessedness_n you_o speak_v of_o for_o i_o bear_v you_o record_v that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a you_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o your_o own_o eye_n and_o have_v give_v they_o to_o i_o be_o i_o therefore_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n let_v that_o love_n that_o appear_v warm_a in_o your_o first_o join_v in_o this_o relation_n be_v still_o increase_a let_v it_o not_o present_o decay_v be_v not_o like_a child_n that_o be_v never_o please_v but_o with_o new_a thing_n be_v not_o of_o a_o unstable_a mind_n always_o affect_v change_n i_o be_o afraid_a that_o i_o have_v tire_v you_o in_o speak_v to_o these_o two_o doctrine_n i_o will_v say_v therefore_o but_o little_a to_o the_o 3_o doctrine_n that_o the_o elder_n faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o people_n conscientious_a discharge_n of_o thâ—â—r_a duty_n and_o mutual_a peace_n be_v strict_o join_v together_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o and_o when_o you_o see_v these_o join_v together_o then_o do_v you_o see_v zion_n in_o her_o beauty_n then_o will_v you_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v look_v upon_o zion_n the_o city_n of_o our_o solemnity_n thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v jerusalem_n a_o quiet_a habitation_n a_o tabernacle_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v down_o etc._n etc._n isa_n 33._o 20._o brief_o let_v i_o mention_v every_o part_n of_o this_o doctrine_n 1._o the_o elder_n discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o a_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o they_o and_o to_o promote_v mutual_a peace_n therefore_o say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o col._n 4._o 17._o you_o may_v not_o expect_v love_n nor_o reverence_n if_o you_o do_v not_o faithful_o fulfil_v the_o ministry_n that_o you_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n if_o elder_n be_v proud_a and_o haughty_a and_o self-willed_a they_o lose_v their_o hold_n of_o the_o people_n love_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o we_o have_v not_o dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n if_o elder_n do_v not_o themselves_o practice_n and_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o practise_v all_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v command_v if_o elder_n 4._o mat._n 23._o 4._o be_v slothful_a and_o dronish_a they_o may_v not_o expect_v the_o people_n shall_v high_o esteem_v they_o in_o love_n mal._n 2._o 9_o therefore_o have_v i_o make_v you_o contemptible_a and_o base_a before_o all_o the_o people_n according_a as_o you_o have_v not_o keep_v my_o way_n but_o have_v be_v partial_a in_o my_o love_n if_o elder_n do_v not_o faithful_o advise_v the_o church_n if_o they_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o please_a of_o some_o particular_a man_n and_o do_v not_o consult_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o church_n then_o there_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v mutual_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n a_o elder_n carriage_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v like_o that_o of_o mordecay_n esther_n 10._o 3._o who_o be_v accept_v of_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o brethren_n seek_v the_o wealth_n of_o his_o people_n and_o speak_v peace_n to_o all_o his_o seed_n so_o if_o a_o elder_a expect_v to_o be_v accept_v of_o his_o brethren_n he_o must_v seek_v the_o wealth_n of_o his_o people_n and_o speak_v peace_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n 2._o that_o people_n conscientious_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o encourage_v the_o elder_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o mutual_a peace_n if_o the_o people_n behave_v themselves_o proud_o and_o contemptuous_o against_o their_o elder_n if_o they_o strive_v with_o they_o and_o obstinate_o resist_v their_o admonition_n and_o reproof_n they_o will_v weaken_v their_o hand_n and_o sink_v their_o spirit_n and_o give_v occasion_n for_o strife_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n for_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o matter_n a_o little_a fire_n kindle_v but_o if_o the_o people_n carry_v it_o love_o to_o their_o elder_n and_o say_v thou_o be_v we_o peace_n be_v to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o helper_n for_o thy_o god_n help_v thou_o then_o shall_v the_o elder_n succeed_v in_o their_o work_n and_o labour_n have_v a_o free_a access_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o people_n then_o shall_v all_o offence_n and_o occasion_n of_o division_n be_v great_o prevent_v 3._o mutual_a peace_n do_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n tend_v to_o help_v the_o elder_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o help_v the_o people_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n peace_n do_v promote_v â—ll_o godliness_n and_o all_o honesty_n and_o do_v promote_v the_o edification_n of_o all_o rom._n 14._o 19_o let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o in_o cap._n 15._o v._n 2._o let_v every_o one_o please_v be_v neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n behold_v how_o pleasant_a and_o good_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n there_o the_o lord_n command_v the_o blessing_n even_o life_n for_o evermore_o psal_n 133._o but_o if_o a_o spirit_n of_o division_n do_v prevail_v in_o a_o church_n than_o the_o devil_n get_v advantage_n to_o hinder_v the_o good_a success_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o obstruct_v the_o elder_n in_o do_v their_o duty_n who_o can_v live_v comfortable_o nor_o labour_n industrious_o if_o they_o be_v in_o a_o fire_n and_o a_o flame_n of_o division_n and_o the_o devil_n get_v advantage_n also_o to_o alienate_v the_o people_n from_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o bring_v all_o mischief_n into_o the_o church_n james_n 3._o 14_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a envy_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o