hope_v i_o may_v affirm_v and_o assert_v without_o reflection_n on_o or_o offence_n to_o such_o as_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v that_o fear_n god_n believer_n be_v thus_o build_v and_o form_v together_o be_v now_o become_v a_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n and_o be_v according_o own_v by_o he_o as_o such_o and_o now_o they_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n power_n and_o authority_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o and_o for_o his_o church_n use_n and_o benefit_n i_o mean_v they_o or_o this_o church_n so_o form_v and_o build_v have_v all_o these_o essential_o though_o not_o formal_o until_o christ_n set_v one_o or_o more_o teach_v elder_n in_o it_o for_o the_o orderly_o use_v and_o manage_n of_o that_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n give_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o i_o say_v i_o think_v that_o it_o do_v essential_o reside_v in_o they_o as_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n for_o i_o find_v the_o key_n give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o use_n and_o behoof_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 16.18_o 19_o which_o say_v power_n of_o the_o key_n can_v be_v give_v only_o to_o peter_n nor_o unto_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_n church_n that_o it_o shall_v use_v they_o as_o such_o for_o that_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o be_v give_v to_o particular_a church_n as_o form_v up_o of_o believer_n namely_o to_o such_o as_o can_v have_v matter_n bring_v to_o and_o be_v receive_v and_o hear_v by_o they_o from_o a_o offend_a brother_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o such_o a_o church_n be_v here_o mean_v as_o have_v power_n to_o deal_v with_o a_o sin_v member_n in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o therefore_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o be_v nor_o there_o intend_v now_o this_o church_n speak_v of_o have_v power_n to_o elect_v and_o call_v such_o person_n out_o from_o among_o themselves_o to_o use_v and_o exert_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n already_o give_v they_o and_o minister_a to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o judge_v the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v fit_v qualify_v for_o give_v to_o and_o send_v among_o they_o and_o invest_v with_o authority_n and_o ability_n for_o their_o good_n i_o say_v they_o have_v power_n to_o elect_v and_o call_v such_o to_o office_n power_n over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v with_o all_o convenient_a speed_n after_o they_o be_v build_v up_o to_o do_v it_o because_o till_o that_o be_v do_v they_o can_v orderly_o and_o regular_o administer_v or_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o all_o can_v exert_v and_o exercise_v that_o power_n that_o do_v essential_o reside_v in_o themselves_o as_o a_o church_n neither_o can_v any_o private_a member_n while_o such_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o officer_n or_o one_o in_o office_n that_o be_v call_v set_v apart_o and_o whole_o dedicate_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n among_o they_o therefore_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o look_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o and_o call_v to_o office_n such_o as_o they_o judge_v christ_n have_v send_v they_o act._n 6.3_o act._n 14.23_o chap._n v._n show_v what_o officer_n christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o and_o give_v to_o his_o gospel-churche_n and_o what_o be_v their_o office_n and_o work_n in_o a_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n 7._o quest_n what_o officer_n have_v jesus_n christ_n give_v to_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v by_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n give_v to_o his_o church_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n all_o which_o officer_n be_v invest_v with_o different_a power_n and_o entrust_v with_o different_a work_n in_o the_o church_n now_o the_o teaching-ruling_a officer_n have_v several_a name_n and_o appellation_n give_v they_o according_a to_o the_o particular_a part_n and_o branch_n of_o their_o work_n in_o the_o church_n as_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n bishop_n guide_n all_o these_o name_n be_v give_v to_o the_o same_o person_n and_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n sometime_o they_o be_v call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n eph._n 4.11_o sometime_o elder_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o sometime_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n act._n 20.28_o sometime_o guide_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o and_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n order_n and_o degree_n their_o work_n office_n and_o power_n the_o same_o for_o although_o they_o have_v different_a name_n in_o sound_n yet_o not_o of_o work_n power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n the_o person_n be_v the_o same_o their_o office_n power_n and_o authority_n the_o same_o and_o their_o work_n the_o same_o the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_n give_v one_o ordinary_a teach_a officer_n more_o power_n and_o authority_n than_o another_o or_o set_v one_o sort_n of_o teach_v elder_n over_o another_o sort_n nor_o give_v they_o distinct_a and_o different_a work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n but_o so_o as_o that_o whatever_o power_n or_o work_v a_o bishop_n have_v in_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v and_o do_v the_o same_o have_v a_o elder_a or_o pastor_n also_o have_v a_o bishop_n power_n and_o authority_n to_o command_v and_o teach_v so_o have_v a_o elder_a too_o have_v a_o bishop_n i_o mean_v one_o of_o christ_n make_v the_o order_n of_o church-matter_n and_o manage_v the_o discipline_n thereof_o so_o have_v a_o elder_a also_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o for_o they_o be_v the_o same_o beside_o teach_v elder_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v give_v and_o appoint_v mere_a roll_a elder_n to_o his_o church_n also_o for_o the_o well-being_n peace_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v the_o teach_v roll_a elder_n in_o look_v after_o &_o take_v care_n of_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n call_v help_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o they_o be_v express_o call_v rule_v elder_n distinct_o from_o the_o teach_v roll_a elder_n 1_o tim_n 5.17_o and_o help_v government_n in_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o in_o rom._n 12.8_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o rule_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o diligence_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o treach_v minister_a and_o exhort_v ruler_n for_o teacher_n have_v the_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mere_a roll_a elder_n in_o 7_o 8._o verse_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o there_o of_o different_a office_n in_o the_o same_o person_n though_o that_o be_v a_o truth_n but_o of_o different_a person_n and_o officer_n for_o say_v he_o let_v the_o teacher_n wait_v on_o their_o teach_v minister_a and_o exhort_v that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v their_o great_a and_o principal_a work_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o to_o ease_v they_o a_o little_a of_o the_o roll_a part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o fix_o and_o cheerful_o attend_v unto_o and_o perform_v that_o other_o part_n of_o their_o work_n namely_o to_o teach_v and_o minister_v in_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v some_o to_o attend_v only_o ordinary_o to_o the_o work_n of_o rule_v to_o keep_v all_o in_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o charge_v they_o to_o do_v it_o with_o diligence_n rom._n 12.8_o beside_o these_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v deacon_n to_o his_o church_n also_o act._n 6._o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o to_o 14._o vers_fw-la and_o phil._n 1.1_o for_o another_o kind_n of_o work_n namely_o to_o attend_v table_n to_o look_v after_o the_o poor_a and_o provide_v for_o they_o to_o dispose_v of_o the_o church_n distribution_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o church_n 8._o quest_n how_o ought_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o be_v qualify_v or_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o their_o right_a constitution_n and_o officiate_a in_o the_o church_n as_o such_o officer_n answ_n first_o they_o must_v be_v furnish_v with_o ministerial_a gift_n for_o their_o work_n namely_o such_o as_o christ_n promise_v and_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o give_v unto_o man_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o which_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o father_n for_o they_o even_o then_o when_o he_o give_v all_o thing_n into_o his_o hand_n joh._n 3.35_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o soul_n or_o to_o oversee_v and_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n these_o gift_n be_v spiritual_a which_o they_o receive_v not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o christ_n their_o lord_n who_o send_v they_o as_o his_o steward_n into_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n matth._n 24._o as_o his_o servant_n into_o his_o vineyard_n to_o dress_v prune_n and_o order_v it_o to_o keep_v and_o
his_o gospel-ordinance_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a profit_n rom._n 1.5_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o heb._n 3.1_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o eph._n 2.21_o 22._o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o eph._n 2.1.5_o col._n 2.6_o 2_o thes_n 1.5_o this_o church_n so_o unite_v and_o build_v be_v call_v a_o church_n a_o house_n a_o temple_n habitation_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o own_v it_o as_o their_o own_o call_v it_o by_o their_o own_o name_n and_o confirm_v it_o with_o their_o presence_n in_o it_o and_o as_o such_o a_o church_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o gospel-worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o other_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o here_o only_o take_v these_o sew_v hint_n of_o this_o church_n along_o with_o you_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o institute_v church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n namely_o a_o church_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o erection_n of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o form_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o approbation_n 2._o the_o material_n or_o person_n constitute_v this_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a person_n call_v out_o of_o their_o old_a worldly_a state_n of_o death_n blindness_n and_o unbelief_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n that_o be_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n 3._o the_o instrument_n that_o call_v they_o and_o work_v they_o for_o this_o state_n and_o that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n 4._o the_o form_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o their_o own_o free_a special_a and_o voluntary_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n before_o each_o other_o and_o then_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o a_o holy_a band_n or_o engagement_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v together_o through_o divine_a assistance_n in_o love_n peace_n and_o in_o the_o celebration_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o law_n worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n 5._o the_o end_n of_o their_o so_o do_v namely_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a profit_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o definition_n of_o a_o institute_v gospel-church_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v through_o god_n help_n prove_v and_o demonstrate_v hereafter_o under_o several_a head_n 2._o quest_n of_o what_o extent_n shall_v a_o institute_v gospel-church_n be_v or_o how_o many_o person_n shall_v it_o consist_v of_o answ_n it_o shall_v be_v form_v of_o so_o many_o person_n as_o may_v capacitate_v they_o to_o perform_v all_o necessary-church_n act_n in_o pursuance_n of_o christ_n law_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o society_n ought_v to_o walk_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o of_o no_o more_o than_o may_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n now_o how_o many_o person_n precise_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v and_o constitute_v such_o a_o formal_a church_n i_o can_v determine_v but_o undoubted_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o number_n as_o may_v orderly_o and_o regular_o deal_v with_o and_o proceed_v against_o a_o delinquent-member_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n in_o mat._n 18._o and_o as_o the_o church_n shall_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o so_o it_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o person_n in_o it_o than_o as_o be_v say_v may_v comfortable_o and_o convenient_o meet_v or_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o one_o place_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v one_o congregation_n by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v and_o separate_v themselves_o one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o there_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n rom._n 15.6_o 2_o because_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n except_v extraordinary_a case_n to_o wait_v and_o attend_v on_o the_o administration_n of_o their_o own_o officer_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n law_n heb._n 13.17_o enjoin_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o engagement_n and_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o they_o 3_o for_o their_o own_o comfort_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o church_n and_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o namely_o the_o profit_n and_o edification_n of_o all_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o 31._o but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v unless_o they_o can_v all_o hear_v and_o join_v one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o ordinance_n 4_o because_o a_o church_n ought_v to_o observe_v ordinance_n and_o worship_n god_n as_o a_o church_n and_o not_o as_o or_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o single_a and_o individual_a believer_n but_o as_o a_o unite_a body_n and_o society_n they_o must_v all_o at_o once_o and_o in_o the_o same_o numerical_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n join_v together_o as_o with_o one_o heart_n mouth_n mind_n and_o judgement_n design_v aim_v at_o and_z carrying_z on_o the_o same_o holy_a end_n in_o all_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therefore_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o exceed_v such_o a_o number_n of_o member_n as_o may_v convenient_o meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o head_n chap._n ii_o show_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 3._o question_n whether_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n answ_n they_o be_v appoint_v and_o institute_v of_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o will_v appear_v in_o or_o by_o these_o particular_n first_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o former_a and_o builder_n of_o they_o the_o text_n be_v clear_a for_o it_o in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 22._o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n by_o paul_n unto_o the_o particular_a congregational_a church_n of_o the_o believe_a ephesian_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n 27_o 28._o rev._n 2.1_o where_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v they_o a_o distinct_a household_n church_n or_o body_n of_o saint_n gather_v or_o join_v together_o in_o his_o name_n for_o his_o glory_n the_o celebration_n of_o his_o worship_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n i_o say_v christ_n style_v they_o a_o church_n and_o speak_v to_o they_o as_o a_o church_n and_o distinct_a body_n or_o house_n of_o saint_n from_o all_o other_o person_n or_o church_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o church_n be_v not_o form_v and_o build_v by_o man_n but_o by_o the_o will_n power_n light_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o therefore_o the_o particular_a congregational_a church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o the_o same_o vers_n and_o the_o distinct_a particular_a church_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o 2_o thes_n 1.4_o 2_o cor._n 1.1_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n rom._n 16.16_o act._n 20.28_o and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 2._o ult._n the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o appointment_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n his_o son_n who_o be_v also_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o rom._n 9.5_o prepares_z material_n for_o a_o church_n and_o then_o he_o join_v they_o together_o and_o make_v they_o a_o holy_a and_o glorious_a temple_n or_o church_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o and_o chap._n 5.27_o so_o that_o we_o have_v enough_o to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n viz._n that_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n in_o this_o one_o particular_a namely_o because_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o former_a and_o builder_n of_o they_o mat._n 16.18_o isa_n 43.21_o second_o it_o further_o appear_v by_o the_o lord_n be_v own_v of_o they_o promise_v and_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o which_o he_o will_v never_o do_v if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n but_o now_o the_o lord_n declare_v his_o own_n of_o and_o promise_v his_o presence_n and_o abode_n with_o they_o as_o his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o by_o
church_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ad_fw-la pascendam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la dei_fw-la to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o in_o eph._n 4.11_o he_o that_o be_v christ_n vers_fw-la 10._o give_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o as_o they_o be_v give_v authorize_v and_o send_v of_o god_n or_o set_v by_o he_o in_o the_o church_n so_o he_o have_v allot_v and_o appoint_v they_o their_o several_a distinct_a work_n and_o business_n there_o and_o charge_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o see_v they_o do_v it_o as_o he_o appoint_v act_v 20.17_o 18._o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o take_v special_a care_n about_o their_o qualification_n for_o their_o work_n 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 1._o yea_o he_o give_v and_o bestow_v gift_n and_o ability_n himself_o on_o they_o for_o the_o church_n sake_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n not_o of_o the_o letter_n only_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o himself_z in_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o discharge_v their_o trust_n and_o perform_v their_o work_n eph._n 4._o rom._n 12._o mat._n 28._o ult._n and_o will_v bless_v and_o prosper_v their_o labour_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n benefit_n now_o assure_o god_n will_v never_o have_v make_v such_o provision_n for_o church_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o set_v up_o he_o will_v never_o so_o far_o own_o the_o work_n of_o man_n hand_n without_o his_o mind_n authority_n &_o appointment_n and_o therefore_o see_v god_n have_v provide_v and_o set_v officer_n in_o they_o appoint_v they_o their_o work_n qualify_v &_o fit_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n &_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n must_v be_v of_o divine_a institution_n of_o god_n &_o not_o of_o man_n six_o this_o further_a appear_v by_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o require_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o practise_v in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o give_v officer_n unto_o they_o as_o before-said_a and_o to_o they_o have_v he_o commit_v the_o use_n exercise_n and_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v his_o door_n to_o execute_v his_o law_n and_o to_o manage_v his_o concernment_n and_o houshold-affair_n therein_o namely_o in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n he_o have_v give_v they_o for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o he_o have_v charge_v the_o church_n to_o obey_v and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o exercise_v of_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o his_o name_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n profit_n according_a to_o his_o direction_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o these_o officer_n or_o elder_n have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o correct_v offender_n to_o instruct_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v and_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o or_o remove_v they_o from_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o church_n suffrage_n and_o upon_o repentance_n to_o receive_v they_o in_o again_o mat._n 16.18_o 19_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5.7_o 12_o 13._o 2_o cor._n 2._o the_o neglect_n of_o which_o christ_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o rev._n 2.14_o 20._o and_o as_o the_o church_n have_v by_o their_o elder_n the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o use_v and_o exercise_v the_o same_o so_o each_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v and_o appoint_v officer_n for_o themselves_o namely_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o such_o as_o he_o offer_v and_o present_v to_o they_o and_o give_v a_o place_n and_o interest_n in_o their_o heart_n act_n 14.23_o acts._n 6.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quumque_fw-la ipis_fw-la per_fw-la susfragia_fw-la creassent_fw-la per_fw-la singulas_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la beza_n a_o church_n may_v authoritative_o do_v that_o which_o believer_n can_v so_o do_v in_o a_o single_a and_o individual_a capacity_n as_o believer_n but_o they_o may_v as_o a_o congregat_v body_n and_o as_o a_o incorporate_a society_n who_o have_v voluntary_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o engage_v to_o one_o another_o &_o to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o submit_v to_o &_o walk_v together_o by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o society_n or_o corporation_n these_o have_v not_o single_o but_o joint_o as_o a_o corporation_n the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n when_o you_o be_v come_v together_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 16._o so_o than_o if_o christ_n have_v give_v rule_n law_n and_o power_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n to_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n than_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o indeed_o spiritual_a discipline_n can_v elsewhere_o be_v right_o exercise_v seven_o this_o truth_n be_v further_o confirm_v by_o their_o name_n and_o honourable_a title_n god_n the_o father_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n call_v they_o by_o their_o own_o name_n and_o so_o own_v they_o for_o their_o own_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o know_v you_o not_o that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n defile_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v god_n destroy_v for_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v holy_a which_o temple_n you_o be_v so_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o and_o as_o jesus_n christ_n honour_v they_o with_o the_o high_a stile_n and_o title_n of_o his_o holy_a temple_n so_o also_o his_o habitation_n eph._n 2.22_o and_o his_o household_n eph._n 2.19_o as_o also_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n gal._n 6.10_o and_o further_o he_o entitle_v they_o his_o church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o golden_a candlestick_n rev._n 1.20_o rom._n 16.16_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o 2_o thes_n 1.4_o and_o that_o in_o allusion_n to_o the_o old_a temple_n and_o candlestick_n thereof_o which_o be_v of_o his_o own_o appointment_n moreover_o a_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.5.15_o heb._n 3.5_o 6._o and_o christ_n his_o walk_n rev._n 2.1_o these_o be_v particular_a congregational_a church_n that_o he_o thus_o own_v and_o honour_n with_o such_o title_n viz_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n corinthian_n thessalonian_o eight_o believer_n as_o inchurch_v or_o incorporote_v body_n be_v speak_v to_o by_o name_n the_o great_a this_fw-mi overy_n make_v of_o god_n purpose_n and_o intend_a work_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n be_v direct_v and_o give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n hence_o it_o be_v often_o say_v in_o the_o revelation_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v distinct_a incorporate_v body_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n rev_n 2.7_o 17_o 29._o rev._n 3.6_o 13_o 22._o the_o holy_a ghost_n reveal_v to_o they_o the_o rice_n name_n nature_n and_o work_n of_o antichrist_n what_o he_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v from_o whence_o he_o shall_v come_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o the_o church_n temple_n and_o belove_a city_n of_o god_n and_o what_o his_o end_n shall_v be_v there_o he_o describe_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o church-state_n of_o god_n people_n and_o what_o he_o will_v do_v with_o and_o for_o they_o there_o they_o be_v show_v large_o and_o abundant_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o people_n of_o the_o war_n and_o conflict_n that_o shall_v be_v between_o the_o dragon_n beast_n whore_n false_a prophet_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o follower_n as_o also_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o as_o you_o may_v find_v in_o that_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n all_o which_o show_v that_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v never_o own_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v know_v to_o they_o such_o great_a thing_n as_o he_o there_o declare_v unto_o the_o church_n nine_o if_o particular_a congregational_a church_n have_v not_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n but_o of_o man_n devise_v then_o sure_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v have_v sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o set_n up_o their_o post_n by_o god_n post_n as_o he_o do_v the_o jew_n ezek._n 43.8_o and_o as_o he_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o miscarriage_n in_o their_o church-state_n rev._n 2.3_o and_o the_o corinthian_n and_o galatian_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o never_o find_v they_o reprove_v or_o
dreadful_a end_n of_o the_o tare_n matth._n 13.38_o 39_o 40_o 41_o 42_o 43._o which_o be_v the_o hypocrite_n that_o by_o the_o devil_n instigation_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o 2._o to_o the_o galatian_n 4._o c._n matth._n 13.38_o 39_o it_o be_v true_a that_o such_o be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o the_o best_a church_n let_v their_o guide_n do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o prevent_v it_o because_o they_o can_v make_v a_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o person_n state_n as_o be_v say_v and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v usurper_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v there_o for_o although_o they_o be_v by_o god_n providence_n permit_v to_o creep_v in_o yet_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v not_o there_o with_o his_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n rom._n 9.6_o for_o say_v god_n to_o all_o the_o uncircumcize_v what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v to_o take_v my_o covenant_n into_o your_o mouth_n see_v you_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o word_n behind_o your_o back_n as_o all_o hypocrite_n do_v psal_n 50.16_o 17._o and_o christ_n say_v that_o such_o as_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o reign_v over_o they_o and_o hypocrite_n be_v sure_o will_v not_o shall_v be_v destroy_v luke_n 19.27_o now_o either_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v consist_v of_o saint_n and_o sincere_a heart_a believer_n or_o of_o formal_a hypocritical_a professor_n as_o all_o be_v that_o be_v not_o profane_a man_n or_o real_a saint_n for_o all_o sober_a man_n will_v confess_v that_o open_a profane_a and_o debauch_a person_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v account_v church_n member_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o not_o of_o hypocrite_n because_o they_o be_v the_o most_o loathsome_a and_o abominable_a person_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large-in_a the_o 23_o chap_a of_o matth._n from_o the_o 13._o vers_fw-la to_o the_o 35._o and_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o publican_n and_o harlot_n shall_v go_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n before_o they_o matth._n 21.31_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v sincere-hearted_n believer_n and_o none_o else_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o church_n shall_v account_v such_o for_o hypocrite_n and_o reject_v they_o as_o such_o because_o they_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sincere_a saint_n who_o offer_v to_o join_v in_o fellowship_n with_o they_o but_o i_o only_o say_v that_o hypocrite_n have_v no_o right_n unto_o neither_o ought_v they_o to_o press_v into_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o the_o new-testament_n church_n shall_v consist_v only_o of_o new_a creature_n and_o real_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o that_o all_o church-member_n ought_v to_o be_v sincere_a heart_a believer_n appear_v by_o the_o high_a title_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o scripture_n he_o call_v they_o not_o his_o copper_n but_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n rev._n 1.20_o so_o david_n describe_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n psal_n 45.13_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o her_o clothing_n be_v of_o wrought_v gold_n so_o they_o be_v call_v saint_n holy_a brethren_n and_o belove_a elect_v and_o call_v dear_a child_n of_o god_n and_o call_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n rom._n 1.7_o col._n 3.12_o 2_o thes_n 2.13_o eph._n 5.1_o heb._n 3.1_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o that_o they_o be_v such_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o much_o assurance_n and_o hence_o he_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n 1_o thes_n 1.4_o 5._o and_o he_o tell_v the_o philippian_n that_o god_n have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o they_o and_o will_v perfect_v it_o and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o few_o but_o in_o all_o of_o they_o chap._n 1.5_o 6._o and_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n be_v call_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o and_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o as_o also_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v form_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n and_o make_v his_o habitation_n by_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o and_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n rom._n 8._o and_o peter_n say_v that_o they_o be_v lively_a stone_n build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n and_o a_o holy_a priesthood_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o paul_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n seal_v once_o that_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o have_v seal_v they_o up_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 1.13.4.30_o now_o these_o glorious_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o city_n or_o church_n of_o god_n psal_n 87.3_o such_o honourable_a title_n belong_v not_o unto_o mere_a formal_a professor_n but_o only_o unto_o the_o real_a member_n of_o christ_n not_o unto_o those_o that_o have_v a_o name_n only_o but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v so_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n 3._o a_o three_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o end_n of_o church_n or_o the_o end_n of_o god_n in_o institute_v and_o appoint_v they_o i_o will_v name_v a_o few_o 1._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o that_o be_v for_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o to_o rest_n and_o repose_v himself_o in_o they_o as_o in_o his_o holy_a walk_n garden_n house_n and_o temple_n 2_o cor._n 6.16_o rev_n 2.1_o psal_n 132.13_o 14._o for_o the_o lord_n have_v chisen_v zion_n he_o have_v desire_v it_o for_o his_o habitation_n this_o be_v my_o rest_n for_o ever_o here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o oh_o that_o all_o church-member_n will_v serious_o mind_v this_o and_o in_o zeph._n 3.16_o 17._o it_o be_v say_v in_o that_o day_n speak_v of_o gospel-time_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o jerusalem_n fear_v thou_o not_o and_o unto_o zion_n let_v not_o thy_o hand_n be_v slack_a the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o be_v mighty_a he_o will_v save_v he_o will_v rejoice_v over_o thou_o with_o joy_n he_o will_v rest_v in_o his_o love_n he_o will_v joy_n over_o thou_o with_o sing_v as_o man_n refresh_v themselves_o and_o delight_n to_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o their_o dear_a and_o hearty_a friend_n and_o relation_n so_o do_v god_n in_o his_o church_n and_o as_o the_o bridegroom_n rejoice_v over_o his_o bride_n so_o do_v god_n over_o &_o in_o his_o own_o church_n isa_n 62.5_o now_o than_o if_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o holy_a end_n of_o god_n then_o sure_o they_o must_v be_v church_n of_o holy_a person_n not_o of_o hypocrite_n for_o god_n hate_v and_o abhor_v their_o presence_n and_o service_n isa_n 1.13_o 16._o isa_n 66.3_o prov._n 15.8_o 2._o they_o be_v intend_v and_o erect_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o authority_n for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n when_o great_a man_n build_v stete_o house_n it_o be_v for_o their_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o so_o when_o god_n build_v himself_o a_o spiritual_a house_n it_o be_v for_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o distinguish_v his_o people_n from_o other_o solomon_n tell_v god_n that_o he_o have_v build_v god_n a_o house_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o also_o for_o his_o name_n 1_o kings_z 8_o 13_o 19_o which_o he_o do_v by_o the_o lord_n appointment_n and_o direction_n so_o god_n appoint_v and_o set_v up_o particular_a holy_a temple_n by_o his_o spirit_n for_o his_o name_n and_o glory_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glorious_a grace_n and_o be_v the_o live_a witness_n to_o his_o name_n truth_n and_o way_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o habitation_n of_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o fame_n and_o renown_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o light_n therefore_o and_o that_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o mouth_n they_o shall_v glorify_v god_n rom._n 15.6_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o prince_n court_n be_v set_v up_o for_o their_o glory_n as_o suitable_a to_o their_o state_n and_o dignity_n so_o do_v god_n erect_v and_o set_v up_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o church_n of_o believer_n for_o his_o glory_n as_o have_v a_o resemblance_n of_o his_o state_n and_o dignity_n and_o it_o be_v gospel_n holiness_n that_o become_v his_o house_n before_o ver_fw-la psal_n 93.5_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o god_n call_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n
his_o glory_n isa_n 46.13_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v a_o church_n of_o his_o own_o plant_n and_o a_o covenant_n people_n and_o for_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o the_o little_a remnant_n sake_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v among_o they_o and_o who_o glorify_v he_o indeed_o &_o in_o truth_n god_n bestow_v his_o grace_n stamp_v his_o image_n and_o infuse_v his_o holiness_n into_o man_n to_o meeten_v they_o for_o his_o temple_n and_o temple-work_n and_o then_o form_n and_o set_v they_o up_o in_o his_o own_o beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o a_o church-state_n that_o there_o as_o a_o body_n compact_v they_o may_v shine_v forth_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o praise_n in_o the_o world_n as_o many_o glitter_a daimond_n in_o a_o gold_n ring_n do_v shine_v more_o glorious_o upon_o a_o man_n hand_n than_o a_o hundred_o time_n so_o many_o more_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o here_o and_o there_o will_v do_v so_o a_o company_n of_o man_n which_o be_v make_v precious_a stone_n fit_v for_o a_o house_n of_o god_n be_v well_o and_o orderly_o set_v in_o a_o church-state_n or_o in_o a_o house_n of_o god_n do_v shine_v more_o glorious_o there_o than_o many_o more_o can_v do_v in_o a_o single_a and_o individual_a capacity_n and_o stand_v alone_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n 3._o god_n institutes_n and_o build_v believer_n into_o spiritual_a house_n for_o his_o people_n spiritual_a profit_n and_o advantage_n that_o god_n may_v there_o impart_v his_o love_n cant._n 7.12_o and_o communicate_v his_o grace_n truth_n and_o counsel_n unto_o they_o as_o to_o his_o avow_a and_o public_a household_n and_o family_n eph._n 2.19_o christ_n walk_n and_o god_n the_o father_n dwell_v there_o &_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a and_o frequent_a manner_n rev._n 2.1_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o rev._n 2.7.11_o etc._n etc._n and_o assure_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o walk_v nor_o god_n the_o father_n dwell_v there_o empty_a hand_a but_z distributes_z plentiful_o of_o their_o love_n and_o fullness_n as_o great_a prince_n where_o they_o go_v and_o lodge_v they_o will_v give_v like_o themselves_o unto_o the_o household_n servant_n and_o much_o more_o will_v god_n as_o some_o can_n and_o more_o may_v experience_n the_o church-enjoyment_n of_o serious_a holy_a man_n be_v the_o fair_a full_a clear_a and_o strong_a of_o all_o they_o have_v at_o any_o time_n and_o that_o because_o god_n dwell_v there_o as_o in_o his_o holy_a and_o delightful_a temple_n and_o walk_v there_o as_o in_o his_o pleasant_a garden_n and_o walk_n and_o where_o god_n most_o dwell_v and_o walk_n and_o take_v most_o pleasure_n there_o he_o impart_v most_o of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o king_n 8.10_o 11._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n fill_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o priest_n can_v not_o stand_v to_o minister_v because_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_o great_a there_o and_o his_o distribution_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o solomon_n and_o other_o saint_n so_o many_o and_o great_a as_o that_o the_o people_n go_v home_o joyful_a and_o glad_a of_o heart_n vers_fw-la 66._o and_o in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 7.16_o say_v god_n speak_v of_o the_o temple_n my_o eye_n and_o my_o heart_n shall_v be_v there_o perpetual_o now_o if_o god_n do_v so_o now_o that_o material_a temple_n make_v of_o wood_n and_o stone_n as_o to_o manifest_v his_o glory_n so_o much_o there_o impart_v so_o rich_o of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o his_o people_n and_o promise_v to_o dwell_v there_o continual_o how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o do_v so_o unto_o his_o new-testament_n church_n of_o believer_n they_o shall_v find_v that_o prophetical_a promise_n make_v good_a to_o they_o in_o psal_n 102.16_o when_o the_o lord_n shall_v build_v up_o zion_n he_o shall_v appear_v in_o his_o glory_n beside_o a_o church-state_n be_v a_o safe_a as_o well_o as_o a_o thrive_a comfortable_a state_n for_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n right_o and_o due_o form_v and_o make_v up_o be_v a_o garden_n enclose_v cant._n 4.12_o a_o spring_n shut_v up_o a_o fountain_n seal_v or_o bar_v whilst_o wood_n and_o stone_n lie_v scatter_v abroad_o they_o may_v be_v steal_v and_o carry_v away_o from_o the_o owner_n so_o while_o believer_n walk_v apart_o and_o lie_v up_o and_o down_o scatter_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v seduce_v and_o lead_v away_o from_o christ_n with_o some_o of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o so_o in_o measure_n full_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.17_o but_o now_o in_o a_o church-state_n or_o formal_a house_n of_o god_n they_o be_v safe_a and_o more_o secure_a because_o there_o they_o be_v hedge_v in_o with_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n there_o they_o be_v watch_v over_o by_o their_o fellow-member_n and_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v their_o overseer_n and_o watchman_n there_o they_o be_v as_o in_o the_o orderly_o institute_v family_n or_o household_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n and_o walk_n of_o christ_n and_o under_o the_o eye_n and_o with_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o christ_n whilst_o a_o army_n of_o soldier_n walk_v as_o single_a and_o individual_a person_n scatter_v abroad_o they_o lie_v open_a to_o destruction_n by_o their_o enemy_n but_o when_o they_o be_v form_v up_o and_o walk_v together_o under_o officer_n and_o military_a discipline_n every_o one_o know_v his_o place_n and_o keep_v it_o know_v the_o command_v of_o their_o general_n and_o observe_v they_o they_o be_v safe_a and_o ready_a to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o offend_v their_o enemy_n particular_a and_o right_o constitute_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v like_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n cant._n 6.4_o 10._o march_v under_o the_o constant_a conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o captain_n general_n eph._n 1.22_o 23._o heb._n 2.10_o 4._o they_o be_v form_v and_o set_v up_o by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a seat_n and_o subject_n as_o of_o his_o glorious_a presence_n so_o of_o his_o law_n ordinance_n power_n and_o authority_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v observe_v and_o obey_v his_o law_n declare_v before_o all_o man_n their_o own_n of_o he_o for_o their_o lord_n by_o their_o open_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o as_o such_o and_o that_o by_o their_o distinct_a and_o singular_a follow_v of_o he_o in_o incorporate_a body_n they_o may_v manifest_v to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o disciple_n that_o they_o have_v choose_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o his_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o obedience_n that_o they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o but_o he_o and_o that_o they_o have_v take_v up_o in_o he_o as_o in_o their_o happiness_n and_o eternal_a blessedness_n col._n 2.6_o 1_o cor._n 6.19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 5.15_o that_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 15.19_o and_o set_v apart_o by_o his_o grace_n for_o himself_o to_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o themselves_o his_o holy_a yoke_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o law_n so_o likewise_o that_o his_o subject_n may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o mouth_n together_o present_a their_o service_n and_o homage_n unto_o he_o as_o their_o only_a lord_n head_n and_o king_n for_o church_n as_o church_n or_o believer_n walk_v according_a to_o his_o appointment_n and_o direction_n in_o church_n be_v capable_a of_o his_o holy_a supper_n that_o glorious_a pledge_n and_o seal_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o they_o it_o be_v call_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o particular_a congregat_v church_n at_o corinth_n we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n vers_fw-la 17._o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o give_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o only_a but_o unto_o believer_n as_o in_o a_o church-state_n or_o incorporate_v into_o a_o body_n or_o communion_n together_o have_v the_o name_n form_n and_o order_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o house_n of_o god_n the_o israelite_n be_v not_o to_o permit_v any_o to_o eat_v the_o passover_n until_o they_o become_v member_n of_o their_o church_n exod._n 12.47_o 48._o neither_o will_v christ_n jesus_n have_v any_o to_o eat_v his_o supper_n out_o of_o a_o church-state_n where_o and_o when_o they_o may_v have_v it_o in_o a_o church-state_n and_o as_o be_v note_v before_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o almost_o all_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n and_o law_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v give_v and_o direct_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o to_o believer_n as_o inchurch_v as_o also_o teacher_n and_o ruling_n elder_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o give_v
then_o the_o stony_a ground_n will_v be_v in_o as_o good_a and_o safe_a a_o condition_n as_o the_o good_a ground_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v apparent_a matth._n 13._o and_o matth._n 7._o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o build_v on_o christ_n by_o faith_n but_o be_v voct_v in_o themselves_o and_o build_v their_o vain_a hope_n on_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n job_n 8._o matth._n 7._o and_o in_o many_o other_o scripture_n be_v manifest_a therefore_o if_o there_o person_n be_v not_o build_v on_o christ_n their_o church-state_n be_v not_o but_o upon_o the_o sand._n hence_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o only_o sound_a believer_n be_v build_v on_o christ_n and_o so_o they_o be_v the_o person_n only_o that_o christ_n will_v have_v build_v up_o into_o holy-temple_n because_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n build_v he_o himself_o say_v he_o will_v build_v upon_o himself_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v inpregnable_o in_o all_o weather_n and_o that_o be_v only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v unite_v unto_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o have_v choose_v he_o for_o their_o only_a rock_n and_o foundation_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o not_o of_o such_o as_o do_v secret_o reject_v he_o obj._n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o text_n in_o matth._n 16._o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n i_o answer_v and_o i_o be_o speak_v too_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o say_v that_o all_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v unite_v unto_o and_o build_v upon_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o that_o these_o aught_o to_o congregate_v and_o become_v church_n of_o god_n and_o none_o else_o and_o that_o according_a unto_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o such_o that_o promise_n in_o matth._n belong_v to_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v secure_v by_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n although_o they_o be_v form_v up_o according_a to_o christ_n his_o institution_n into_o particular_a congregational_a church_n and_o although_o after_o they_o be_v thus_o form_v they_o may_v be_v break_v in_o a_o sense_n and_o scatter_v as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v act._n 8.1_o yet_o they_o be_v still_o secure_v by_o that_o promise_n and_o have_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o faith_n love_n tear_n and_o prayer_n in_o judgement_n and_o affection_n the_o lord_n jesus_n suffer_v in_o name_n and_o glory_n by_o the_o fall_n of_o his_o church_n or_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o as_o he_o that_o build_v his_o house_n on_o the_o sand_n be_v call_v a_o foolish_a man_n by_o spectator_n matth._n 7._o and_o if_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o build_v either_o for_o want_v of_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o good_a matter_n or_o wise_a and_o careful_a cement_n and_o form_v up_o the_o material_n how_o great_o will_v the_o wisdom_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n suffer_v by_o the_o tongue_n of_o his_o enemy_n because_o such_o church_n take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o walk_v by_o his_o law_n and_o as_o the_o fall_n of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o reproach_n to_o christ_n so_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o grief_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a member_n of_o christ_n also_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o or_o out_o of_o those_o church_n thus_o fall_v and_o it_o will_v great_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n against_o the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reality_n in_o his_o gospel_n religion_n and_o therefore_o christ_n can_v endure_v to_o see_v his_o house_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o take_v care_n that_o all_o that_o he_o build_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v so_o build_v and_o secure_v as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overthrow_v they_o nor_o by_o any_o mean_n prevail_v against_o they_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v found_v secure_v &_o support_v by_o his_o promise_n and_o spirit_n i_o may_v produce_v many_o other_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o none_o but_o real_a believer_n ought_v to_o be_v form_v up_o into_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o concern_v the_o privilege_n and_o promise_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o which_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o on_o a_o other_o head_n which_o be_v two_o high_a and_o glorious_a for_o the_o inglorious_a profess_v hypocrity_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v entail_v only_o on_o the_o true_a heir_n of_o they_o viz._n the_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o child_n of_o god_n hypocrite_n who_o refuse_v to_o have_v christ_n on_o his_o own_o term_n and_o who_o prefer_v their_o lust_n before_o he_o and_o their_o own_o righteousness_n before_o christ_n and_o daily_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n 1_o john_n 5._o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o there_o be_v a_o little_a remnant_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o who_o they_o do_v only_o belong_v and_o they_o and_o only_o they_o may_v claim_v they_o as_o their_o own_o again_o because_o only_a believer_n be_v christ_n willing_a subject_n such_o as_o have_v free_o put_v their_o neck_n under_o his_o yoke_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o in_o universal_a obedience_n to_o he_o and_o that_o have_v hearty_o choose_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o governor_n and_o his_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o practice_n but_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o other_o man_n do_v reject_v he_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v have_v the_o lord_n jesus_n bow_v down_o to_o their_o term_n but_o they_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o he_o they_o say_v as_o those_o in_o joh._n 6.60_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a yoke_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o and_o therefore_o although_o we_o will_v profess_v he_o that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v he_o rule_v over_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o call_v they_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n bread_n or_o to_o his_o true_a subject_n privilege_n and_o blessing_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o moreover_o only_o true_a believer_n be_v clean_a and_o pure_a all_o other_o be_v unclean_a they_o be_v stranger_n to_o he_o and_o his_o people_n unwashed_a and_o uncircumcize_v in_o ear_n and_o heart_n they_o be_v not_o justify_v nor_o sanctify_v nor_o purge_v from_o their_o uncleanness_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o come_v near_o to_o or_o touch_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v holy_a pure_a thing_n and_o sanctify_v unto_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o his_o enchurched-member_n i_o will_v not_o be_v tedious_a and_o therefore_o shall_v wave_v all_o further_a consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n although_o i_o can_v multiply_v reason_n to_o prove_v that_o only_o real_a true_a believer_n shall_v be_v church-member_n but_o i_o shall_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o a_o objection_n advance_v against_o this_o truth_n which_o be_v this_o but_o we_o read_v of_o tare_n in_o the_o field_n among_o the_o good_a wheat_n good_a and_o bad_a fish_n catch_v in_o the_o neat_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o also_o many_o evil_a member_n in_o several_a of_o the_o congregational_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o church_n may_v consist_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n all_o this_o may_v be_v true_a and_o yet_o the_o truth_n insist_v on_o not_o at_o all_o touch_v or_o weaken_v thereby_o it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v evil_a member_n in_o those_o gospel_n church_n and_o they_o prove_v evil_a member_n indeed_o and_o great_a affliction_n to_o bless_a paul_n and_o the_o good_a member_n of_o they_o but_o what_o then_o aught_o they_o to_o have_v be_v there_o or_o be_v they_o know_v to_o be_v such_o indeed_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o good_a man_n when_o they_o admit_v they_o be_v they_o there_o by_o christ_n call_n and_o with_o his_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n although_o he_o permit_v they_o to_o creep_v in_o among_o his_o people_n now_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o that_o they_o be_v admit_v when_o know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o afterward_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o privilege_n while_o such_o and_o that_o christ_n approve_v there_o be_v there_o i_o say_v until_o that_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v usurper_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o discourse_v of_o who_o be_v in_o the_o
righteousness_n worthiness_n interest_n and_o sufficiency_n and_o choose_v and_o appropriate_v he_o to_o themselves_o for_o their_o righteousness_n worthiness_n portion_n and_o sufficiency_n upon_o the_o sight_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o nothingness_n emptiness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o own_o and_o with_o a_o heart_n satisfy_v with_o persuasion_n of_o the_o lovelynesse_n fullness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n 5._o and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v serious_o humble_o self-debasing_o and_o hearty_o do_v so_o far_o as_o man_n may_v judge_v be_v it_o do_v or_o do_v they_o make_v know_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o at_o least_o seem_o with_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o what_o they_o declare_v you_o may_v also_o be_v much_o help_v in_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n as_o fit_v by_o he_o for_o church_n membership_n by_o the_o end_v they_o propound_v unto_o themselves_o and_o declare_v unto_o you_o in_o desire_v membership_n with_o you_o if_o they_o do_v serious_o profess_v that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n and_o as_o they_o judge_v the_o call_v of_o christ_n as_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n and_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o live_v any_o long_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o church-ordinance_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o join_v in_o fellowship_n to_o meet_v with_o and_o enjoy_v god_n to_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n to_o fit_a and_o enable_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n and_o conform_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o other_o end_n before_o name_v to_o which_o they_o do_v serious_o bind_v themselves_o to_o god_n to_o perform_v and_o prosecute_v as_o also_o to_o walk_v and_o carry_v themselves_o in_o his_o church_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v such_o may_v undoubted_o be_v account_v worthy_a member_n and_o be_v receive_v in_o as_o such_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o congregational_a gospel-church_n 6._o quest_n what_o be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la or_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n or_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n shall_v believer_n and_o fit_a material_n be_v form_v up_o and_o become_v a_o beautiful_a formal_a house_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o he_o to_o dwell_v in_o answ_n first_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o experience_n that_o every_o house_n consist_v of_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o as_o man_n can_v have_v house_n to_o dwell_v in_o without_o matter_n and_o form_n or_o material_n form_v up_o and_o lay_v together_o in_o order_n by_o the_o art_n of_o man_n so_o can_v god_n proper_o have_v a_o spiritual_a house_n without_o matter_n and_o form_n god_n allude_v to_o man_n house_n and_o the_o old_a jewish_a temple_n when_o he_o call_v and_o style_v his_o gospel_n church_n his_o house_n and_o temple_n so_o likewise_o city_n and_o corporation_n that_o be_v of_o man_n form_n and_o we_o all_o know_v that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o material_n scatter_v abroad_o lie_v here_o and_o there_o make_v not_o a_o house_n although_o they_o be_v well_o fit_v and_o frame_v for_o a_o house_n but_o it_o be_v the_o orderly_o form_v they_o up_o together_o that_o make_v a_o house_n david_n provide_v many_o excellent_a material_n to_o build_v god_n a_o house_n yet_o say_v god_n thou_o shall_v not_o build_v it_o but_o solomon_n thy_o son_n shall_v and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o house_n until_o solomon_n day_n he_o make_v the_o house_n of_o david_n material_n so_o a_o company_n or_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o here_o and_o there_o make_v not_o a_o gospel-church_n or_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n how_o holy_a and_o excellent_a soever_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o material_n for_o the_o temple_n make_v a_o temple_n in_o david_n day_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o experience_n to_o imagine_v it_o neither_o be_v a_o number_n of_o believer_n meet_v occasional_o together_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o some_o ordinance_n though_o often_o therefore_o a_o church_n although_o they_o know_v and_o love_v each_o other_o and_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o good_a state_n of_o each_o other_o neither_o do_v their_o live_n together_o within_o the_o bound_n or_o limit_n of_o a_o parish_n make_v they_o a_o church_n nor_o all_o of_o they_o together_o because_o they_o want_v the_o constitutive_a cause_n or_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o a_o church_n or_o house_n of_o god_n hence_o say_v the_o text_n in_o allusion_n unto_o material_a house_n and_o the_o jewish_a temple_n which_o be_v once_o the_o place_n of_o the_o special_a worship_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n deut._n 12.5_o 11._o 2_o chron._n 7.15_o 16._o you_o be_v build_v and_o fit_o frame_v for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n and_o be_v so_o frame_v and_o that_o not_o by_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n you_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v so_o build_v into_o a_o holy-temple_n 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o now_o if_o a_o number_n of_o company_n of_o believer_n dwell_v near_o together_o as_o in_o city_n usual_o they_o do_v and_o their_o occasional_a meeting_n together_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o some_o ordinance_n do_v make_v they_o a_o formal_a house_n of_o god_n what_o need_v of_o build_v they_o up_o into_o a_o house_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n to_o i_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o text_n last_z vers_n concern_v the_o holy_a spirit_n namely_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a agent_n and_o doer_n of_o it_o which_o clear_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a concernment_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o believer_n to_o have_v they_o well_o and_o orderly_o form_v together_o into_o a_o church_n house_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o else_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v never_o thus_o appropriate_v it_o and_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o unto_o himself_o as_o be_v only_o able_a to_o do_v it_o as_o his_o own_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v too_o great_a for_o man_n &_o angel_n to_o do_v but_o from_o and_o by_o he_o and_o i_o think_v if_o it_o be_v so_o light_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o matter_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n rather_o than_o a_o honour_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o have_v entitle_v himself_o to_o it_o and_o have_v take_v it_o upon_o himself_o as_o the_o sole_a cause_n thereof_o and_o as_o the_o jewish_a temple_n be_v so_o to_o be_v build_v and_o form_v as_o that_o it_o may_v continue_v in_o its_o beauty_n and_o glory_n so_o undoubted_o ought_v the_o lord_n spiritual_a temple_n now_o not_o for_o a_o few_o day_n but_o for_o ever_o for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v rather_o like_o the_o israelite_n tent_n and_o tabernacle_n in_o the_o wilderness_n transcient_a and_o remove_n from_o place_n to_o place_n while_o they_o be_v journey_v towards_o their_o rest_n but_o when_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o their_o land_n than_o they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o fix_a temple_n to_o meet_v god_n in_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o and_o of_o the_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o ephesus_n allude_v unto_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o fix_a settle_a place_n of_o god_n worship_n when_o he_o say_v they_o be_v a_o holy_a temple_n and_o habitation_n of_o god_n now_o if_o person_n occasional_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n make_v a_o gospel_n church_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n than_o they_o may_v be_v here_o to_o day_n and_o go_v to_o morrow_n in_o such_o a_o place_n be_v a_o church_n &_o temple_n of_o god_n yesterday_n but_o none_o to_o day_n for_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v but_o transcient_a they_o be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o one_o another_o with_o who_o they_o sometime_o walk_v than_o to_o other_o of_o god_n people_n which_o they_o never_o see_v till_o to_o day_n and_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v so_o they_o may_v go_v to_o five_o or_o ten_o several_a place_n to_o morrow_n and_o five_o take_v up_o with_o one_o minister_n and_o ten_o with_o another_o etc._n etc._n for_o a_o week_n month_n or_o year_n as_o they_o please_v if_o they_o be_v not_o form_v and_o build_v together_o and_o bind_v fast_o together_o as_o a_o house_n temple_n or_o family_n under_o the_o rule_n inspection_n and_o teach_v of_o fix_a state_v officer_n for_o either_o they_o belong_v to_o one_o fix_a household_n and_o family_n or_o to_o none_o at_o all_o they_o have_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o none_o
at_o all_o for_o if_o they_o be_v as_o a_o common_a without_o any_o bound_n or_o property_n as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o not_o fix_v and_o tie_v some_o where_o how_o many_o absurdity_n will_v unavoidable_o follow_v as_o first_o while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o move_n and_o wander_a condition_n they_o be_v not_o a_o house_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o scatter_a stone_n and_o timber_n and_o so_o can_v bear_v the_o name_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o holy_a temple_n and_o church_n of_o god_n 2._o they_o can_v while_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n be_v call_v own_a or_o account_v a_o holy_a church_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n either_o by_o god_n or_o men._n 3._o neither_o shall_v they_o have_v neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o expect_v or_o look_v for_o church-blessing_n and_o privilege_n or_o claim_v the_o good_a of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o saint_n as_o a_o form_v fix_a temple_n or_o house_n of_o god_n as_o that_o god_n shall_v dwell_v &_o walk_v with_o &_o among_o they_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o do_v in_o his_o church_n and_o temple_n 2_o cor._n 6.16_o rev._n 2.1_o eph._n 2.22_o neither_o can_v they_o orderly_o participate_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o ordinance_n belong_v to_o the_o fix_a household_n of_o god_n not_o to_o scatter_a saint_n occasional_o meet_v together_o as_o saint_n only_o without_o any_o tie_n or_o obligation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o their_o minister_n that_o shall_v minister_v it_o unto_o they_o these_o and_o other_o privilege_n they_o can_v claim_v while_o they_o walk_v irregular_o and_o disorderly_o 4._o they_o make_v the_o ordinance_n &_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n null_a and_o void_a and_o of_o no_o force_n and_o virtue_n at_o all_o and_o so_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v they_o in_o vain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n profit_n or_o concernment_n unto_o saint_n for_o it_o will_v inevitable_o follow_v i_o think_v that_o in_o case_n their_o loose_a walking_n without_o any_o fix_a order_n or_o obligation_n on_o each_o other_o to_o live_v together_o as_o a_o distinct_a household_n or_o family_n of_o god_n be_v the_o condition_n wherein_o they_o shall_v live_v and_o walk_v that_o then_o they_o have_v find_v out_o a_o better_a way_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o profit_n than_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v and_o so_o they_o do_v practical_o control_v he_o and_o in_o effect_n say_v that_o they_o be_v wise_a than_o christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o they_o have_v find_v out_o a_o more_o please_a and_o profitable_a way_n for_o themselves_o than_o christ_n appoint_v and_o institute_v for_o they_o so_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v have_v spare_v their_o pain_n in_o that_o matter_n &_o so_o the_o institution_n and_o the_o love_n wisdom_n care_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o case_n be_v all_o throw_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n 5._o there_o can_v be_v no_o discipline_n orderly_a or_o profitable_o exercise_v among_o believer_n while_o in_o a_o unchurch_v state_n and_o condition_n for_o how_o can_v offend_v person_n after_o the_o first_o &_o second_o admonition_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o a_o offend_a person_n his_o sin_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o of_o their_o deal_n with_o he_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n as_o command_v matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o if_o there_o be_v no_o fix_a church_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o how_o can_v the_o cause_n be_v hear_v and_o the_o offender_n deal_v withal_o according_a to_o that_o charge_n by_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v none_o what_o power_n have_v any_o believer_n one_o over_o another_o but_o by_o their_o mutual_a consent_n and_o engagement_n one_o to_o another_o to_o give_v and_o take_v reproof_n and_o admonition_n to_o and_o of_o one_o another_o or_o how_o can_v they_o call_v offender_n to_o a_o account_n and_o require_v their_o attendance_n and_o subjection_n to_o their_o execute_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v a_o form_v body_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o joint_a relation_n not_o as_o believer_n only_o but_o as_o unite_a and_o engage_v believer_n to_o one_o another_o in_o that_o society_n the_o ruler_n of_o a_o corporation_n may_v not_o exercise_v authority_n or_o execute_v their_o corporation_n law_n on_o such_o person_n as_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o although_o they_o be_v the_o king_n subject_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v incorporate_v neither_o may_v a_o thousand_o person_n in_o a_o place_n exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o each_o other_o because_o they_o live_v and_o often_o converse_v together_o neither_o have_v many_o believer_n such_o power_n over_o each_o other_o while_o they_o walk_v as_o so_o many_o single_a &_o individual_a person_n without_o a_o church-relation_n to_o one_o another_o as_o they_o may_v have_v in_o a_o church-relation_n as_o the_o forementioned_a text_n evince_n beside_o 6._o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discharge_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n unto_o they_o while_o they_o walk_v loose_o and_o disorderly_o for_o how_o can_v they_o watch_v and_o feed_v they_o as_o their_o own_o particular_a flock_n and_o charge_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o fix_a relation_n between_o they_o and_o they_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o which_o they_o can_v do_v unless_o their_o flock_n be_v tie_v to_o they_o and_o have_v mutual_o choose_v each_o other_o as_o be_v say_v before_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n unto_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n and_o they_o be_v to_o wait_v on_o and_o submit_v to_o their_o regular_a ministration_n church-officer_n must_v officiate_v in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o must_v know_v and_o work_v within_o their_o own_o bound_n and_o to_o their_o own_o charge_n so_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a congregat_v church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v charge_v to_o feed_v and_o watch_v over_o that_o particular_a church_n as_o their_o own_o peculiar_a flock_n and_o charge_n act_v 20.17_o 28._o and_o so_o be_v the_o several_a angel_n or_o officer_n of_o these_o other_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n all_o which_o be_v call_v church_n which_o have_v matter_n and_o form_n and_o beside_o these_o evil_a consequence_n there_o be_v many_o other_o that_o i_o can_v name_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a and_o time_n will_v permit_v which_o will_v sufficient_o evince_v the_o truth_n plead_v for_o now_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v how_o believer_n shall_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n form_n up_o themselves_o into_o a_o church-state_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o profit_n and_o spiritual_a welfare_n or_o what_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o lie_v show_v they_o the_o form_n of_o the_o house_n and_o the_o fashion_n of_o it_o and_o the_o go_n out_o thereof_o and_o the_o come_n in_o thereof_o and_o all_o the_o form_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o law_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o ezek._n 43.11_o first_o the_o person_n intend_v to_o join_v themselves_o together_o &_o to_o become_v a_o church_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o his_o name_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o for_o the_o orderly_a celebration_n of_o all_o the_o lord_n appointment_n and_o worship_n in_o a_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o each_o other_o fitness_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o jesus_n christ_n have_v receive_v rom._n 15.16_o and_o regenerate_v joh._n 3.3_o wrought_v and_o make_v ready_a for_o it_o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o that_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o sanctify_v to_o his_o use_n member_n of_o christ_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o charitable_a judgement_n that_o they_o be_v such_o that_o so_o they_o may_v take_v each_o other_o and_o have_v their_o heart_n kint_v to_o one_o another_o in_o spiritual_a real_a love_n as_o such_o and_o so_o have_v confidence_n in_o and_o of_o each_o other_o that_o they_o will_v live_v together_o as_o such_o in_o their_o church-state_n god_n will_v not_o have_v a_o ox_n and_o a_o ass_n draw_v together_o in_o over_o yoke_n neither_o will_v he_o have_v visible_a saint_n and_o sinner_n join_v together_o and_o build_v he_o a_o gospel-church_n or_o holy_a temple_n to_o dwell_v in_o what_o have_v the_o uncircumcize_v to_o do_v in_o the_o lord_n holy_a temple_n with_o the_o circumcise_v if_o god_n house_n must_v be_v a_o holy_a temple_n yea_o holiness_n to_o god_n isa_n 63.15_o than_o it_o must_v consist_v of_o and_o be_v form_v of_o holy_a person_n for_o unclean_a and_o unholy_a person_n can_v make_v a_o holy_a spiritual_a house_n for_o his_o glorious_a presence_n therefore_o such_o as_o
their_o heart_n so_o to_o pray_v and_o wait_v psal_n 10.17_o rom._n 8.26.27_o or_o they_o can_v never_o have_v so_o do_v it_o it_o be_v god_n that_o enable_v they_o to_o lie_v down_o and_o submit_v their_o will_n and_o judgement_n to_o he_o it_o be_v god_n that_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o one_o another_o and_o that_o knit_v they_o together_o in_o love_n so_o as_o to_o choose_v and_o accept_v of_o each_o other_o in_o that_o holy_a relation_n and_o it_o be_v god_n that_o make_v their_o way_n plain_a before_o they_o and_o now_o what_o hinder_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o free_o unite_v and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o walk_v together_o as_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n eleven_o all_o thing_n and_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o their_o union_n and_o communion_n together_o and_o become_v a_o house_n or_o church_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v together_o as_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o that_o state_n and_o relation_n be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o make_v ready_a for_o it_o they_o shall_v now_o appoint_v and_o mutual_o agree_v to_o set_v apart_o a_o day_n to_o perfect_a and_o complete_a what_o be_v so_o well_o begin_v and_o first_o they_o shall_v call_v in_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o some_o other_o church_n or_o church_n especial_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o if_o they_o can_v that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o be_v satisfy_v of_o their_o proceed_n and_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n gal._n 2.9_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o solemn_a set_n apart_o of_o their_o elder_n and_o help_v they_o with_o their_o prayer_n 2._o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o lord_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o entreat_v he_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o be_v with_o they_o guide_n and_o direct_v they_o bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o in_o their_o proceedure_n and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n for_o the_o elder_a or_o elder_n they_o be_v about_o to_o choose_v and_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o set_v over_o themselves_o to_o feed_v they_o and_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o a_o double_a portion_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o furnish_v they_o more_o abundant_o with_o his_o gift_n and_o special_a grace_n and_o make_v they_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n that_o god_n will_v knit_v their_o heart_n so_o fast_o together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n as_o that_o they_o may_v for_o ever_o live_v together_o in_o hearty_a love_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o they_o may_v free_o constant_o and_o cheerful_o perform_v their_o respective_a duty_n to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v do_v they_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o choose_v and_o set_v apart_o their_o elder_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n shall_v appoint_v one_o of_o their_o brethren_n to_o express_v and_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v and_o now_o in_o a_o more_o solemn_a manner_n do_v elect_v and_o choose_v out_o such_o a_o person_n or_o person_n from_o among_o themselves_o act_v 6._o to_o be_v their_o elder_n and_o teacher_n to_o rule_v seed_n watch_v over_o and_o minister_n to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o person_n fit_v and_o send_v to_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n as_o they_o humble_o judge_v and_o further_o they_o may_v declare_v that_o they_o do_v thankful_o and_o cordial_o receive_v and_o accept_v they_o for_o their_o elder_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n unto_o they_o for_o those_o end_n and_o service_n and_o when_o the_o say_v elder_n be_v thus_o choose_v and_o set_v apart_o as_o also_o ordain_v than_o they_o may_v declare_v their_o hearty_a acceptance_n of_o the_o choice_n and_o of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o charge_n and_o for_o their_o mutual_a satisfaction_n and_o strengthen_v their_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o and_o confidence_n in_o each_o other_o as_o also_o for_o the_o fast_o knit_v the_o church_n and_o elder_n together_o i_o think_v it_o convenient_a if_o not_o necessary_a that_o they_o do_v mutual_o promise_v and_o covenant_n to_o one_o another_o before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o they_o will_v real_o and_o unfeigned_o perform_v their_o respective_a work_n and_o duty_n one_o to_o another_o namely_o such_o as_o jesus_n christ_n require_v of_o they_o according_a as_o he_o require_v and_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v it_o may_v be_v convenient_a that_o the_o officer_n or_o messenger_n of_o other_o church_n that_o be_v present_a do_v declare_v that_o they_o approve_v of_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o own_v they_o as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o elder_n now_o set_v over_o they_o as_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o christ_n now_o that_o the_o church_n congregat_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v and_o approve_v of_o all_o the_o officer_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o have_v be_v show_v before_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o it_o here_o but_o proceed_v quest_n what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n or_o elder_n in_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o for_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n have_v christ_n set_v they_o there_o answ_n first_o their_o work_n be_v and_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o preach_v his_o word_n and_o to_o open_v and_o make_v know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o and_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o ability_n to_o reveal_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n acts._n 20.27_o 28._o they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o their_o own_o or_o other_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n and_o that_o diligent_o sincere_o frequent_o and_o faithful_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o 2_o cor._n 2.17_o prov._n 27.23_o acts._n 18.25_o math._n 24.45_o this_o they_o must_v do_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o they_o be_v to_o feed_v babe_n with_o milk_n and_o man_n or_o grow_v christian_n with_o strong_a meat_n heb._n 5.12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 2._o that_o be_v to_o administer_v and_o apply_v suitable_a and_o proper_a truth_n to_o they_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o condition_n they_o must_v earnest_o beseech_v and_o entreat_v as_o they_o see_v occasion_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o 2_o cor._n 6.1_o reprove_v and_o rebuke_v transgressor_n with_o all_o authority_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o tit._n 2._o ult_n they_o be_v to_o comfort_v the_o feeble-minded_n and_o support_v the_o weak_a 1_o thes_n 5._o they_o must_v study_v the_o word_n and_o their_o church_n soul_n case_n and_o condition_n that_o they_o may_v right_o divide_v and_o present_v unto_o they_o seasonable_a food_n and_o physic_n cordial_n and_o corrisives_n for_o they_o will_v need_v all_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o and_o thereby_o make_v full_a proof_n of_o their_o ministry_n 2_o tim._n 4.5_o this_o they_o must_v do_v public_o and_o private_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o ability_n and_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a patience_n wisdom_n and_o meekness_n 2_o tim._n 2._o ult_n second_o as_o they_o must_v so_o attend_v to_o their_o preach_a work_n in_o the_o church_n so_o likewise_o to_o their_o roll_a work_n they_o have_v the_o office_n power_n of_o preach_v and_o rule_v from_o christ_n not_o from_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o for_o they_o only_o elect_v call_v and_o set_v they_o apart_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o all_o which_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o church_n for_o their_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o of_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v clear_a 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o namely_o such_o as_o have_v the_o roll_a power_n also_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n which_o say_v rule_v power_n consist_v in_o require_v attention_n in_o charge_v command_a appoint_v rebuke_v and_o reprove_v in_o call_v together_o the_o church_n and_o dismiss_v they_o in_o require_v speech_n and_o silence_n in_o order_v and_o dispose_n of_o matter_n in_o the_o church_n in_o a_o authoritative_a way_n examine_v matter_n and_o call_v person_n to_o a_o account_n and_o in_o admit_v member_n and_o execute_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n on_o offender_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 4.11_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o titus_n 1.13_o tit._n 2.15_o math._n 24.45_o to_o this_o part_n of_o their_o work_n office_n and_o power_n they_o must_v attend_v in_o the_o wise_a seasonable_a exercise_n of_o it_o as_o occasion_n be_v or_o may_v be_v offer_v without_o this_o authority_n of_o rule_v from_o christ_n they_o will_v be_v but_o lame_a minister_n and_o never_o able_a to_o carry_v on_o
well_o as_o they_o let_v your_o love_n to_o they_o and_o esteem_v of_o they_o be_v see_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o expression_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v as_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o forbear_v whatever_o may_v discourage_v they_o and_o do_v all_o you_o can_v to_o encourage_v and_o forward_o they_o in_o their_o work_n but_o be_v sure_a that_o your_o visit_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a but_o to_o spiritual_a profit_n and_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o fruit_n of_o your_o cordial_a love_n to_o and_o esteem_v of_o they_o or_o else_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o paint_a image_n and_o white_v sepulcher_n and_o you_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o ezekiel_n hearer_n be_v to_o he_o who_o with_o their_o mouth_n do_v show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v of_o another_o mould_n ezek._n 33.30_o ult_n 4._o stand_v by_o they_o and_o help_v to_o bear_v their_o burden_n when_o you_o know_v they_o and_o they_o require_v your_o assistance_n bear_v you_o one_o another_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6.2_o if_o you_o know_v they_o fall_v into_o or_o under_o any_o sin_n or_o temptation_n set_v your_o hand_n to_o lift_v they_o up_o again_o if_o they_o fall_v under_o affliction_n help_v to_o bear_v they_o for_o they_o be_v like_o the_o good_a samaritan_n in_o this_o matter_n luk._n 10._o and_o not_o like_o the_o cruel_a priest_n and_o levite_n who_o see_v the_o wound_a man_n lie_v welter_v in_o his_o blood_n and_o cry_v out_o of_o his_o wound_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o shift_v for_o himself_o 31.32_o verse_n no_o but_o show_v yourselves_o good_a samaritan_n who_o simpathize_v with_o and_o actual_o help_v he_o in_o his_o distress_n according_a to_o his_o need_n if_o your_o minister_n must_v sympathize_v with_o you_o and_o help_v you_o in_o your_o need_n than_o you_o must_v do_v the_o same_o to_o they_o show_v bowel_n of_o love_n and_o pity_n to_o they_o and_o set_v your_o hand_n and_o shoulder_n too_o to_o help_v they_o under_o their_o sin_n temptation_n and_o other_o trial_n and_o affliction_n and_o if_o possible_a to_o lift_v they_o out_o of_o they_o be_v they_o reproach_v help_v to_o bear_v their_o burden_n be_v they_o persecute_v by_o man_n help_v to_o bear_v their_o burden_n and_o do_v the_o like_a in_o all_o other_o weighty_a case_n for_o they_o oh_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o pretend_v high_o for_o heaven_n but_o care_v not_o what_o become_v of_o their_o painful_a minister_n who_o can_v hear_v of_o their_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n and_o galio_n like_a care_v for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n nor_o serious_o mind_n whether_o they_o sink_v or_o swim_v but_o like_o paul_n pretend_a friend_n who_o when_o they_o see_v he_o in_o deadly_a danger_n forsake_v he_o 2_o tim._n 4.16_o and_o leave_v he_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o himself_o 5._o blame_v not_o their_o ministry_n to_o one_o another_o especial_o behind_o their_o back_n neither_o slight_a and_o undervalue_v their_o gift_n grace_n or_o any_o of_o their_o endeavour_n and_o labour_n in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n although_o they_o may_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n suit_n or_o please_v your_o humour_n thought_n or_o opinion_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o administration_n to_o please_v christ_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o light_n and_o judgement_n their_o persuasion_n and_o conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n edification_n and_o not_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o their_o church-member_n either_o in_o their_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n and_o those_o church_n that_o will_v impose_v their_o own_o apprehension_n and_o opinion_n on_o their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n and_o load_v they_o with_o burden_n of_o work_n and_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n never_o command_v they_o be_v in_o their_o so_o do_v no_o less_o than_o tyrannical-usurper_n over_o they_o for_o if_o elder_n may_v not_o impose_v any_o thing_n or_o matter_n on_o the_o church_n but_o the_o yoke_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n much_o less_o may_v the_o church_n impose_v their_o own_o opinion_n on_o their_o elder_n we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v too_o hard_a a_o matter_n for_o any_o man_n to_o please_v all_o man_n and_o experience_n show_v that_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a a_o matter_n for_o any_o elder_n of_o church_n to_o please_v all_o their_o member_n but_o that_o one_o or_o other_o will_v be_v offend_v at_o this_o another_z at_z that_o and_o then_o divulge_v their_o dislike_n of_o this_o or_o that_o in_o they_o unto_o other_o and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o dislike_n of_o it_o also_o and_o then_o to_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o tattle_v and_o talk_v of_o it_o one_o to_o another_o until_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o into_o further_a mischief_n therefore_o minister_n may_v no_o further_o seek_v to_o please_v their_o church_n then_o in_o and_o by_o their_o so_o do_v they_o may_v please_v christ_n their_o lord_n and_o what_o that_o be_v i_o shall_v think_v that_o their_o elder_n shall_v understand_v as_o well_o if_o not_o better_a than_o they_o paul_n seek_v not_o to_o please_v man_n but_o god_n in_o his_o ministry_n gal._n 1.10_o some_o professor_n do_v delight_v themselves_o in_o this_o evil_a work_n namely_o in_o seek_v matter_n and_o make_v fault_n against_o their_o elder_n and_o then_o possess_v other_o with_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o gratify_v and_o please_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o please_v they_o in_o nothing_o all_o their_o work_n be_v blame-worthy_a in_o their_o account_n but_o as_o this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o prejudice_n against_o their_o elder_n so_o they_o do_v thereby_o declare_v their_o own_o folly_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o own_o nakedness_n with_o a_o witness_n yea_o they_o dishonour_v christ_n hinder_v the_o profit_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n by_o their_o so_o contemn_v his_o and_o their_o ministry_n and_o great_o grieve_v and_o stumble_v their_o teacher_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o with_o sad_a heart_n therefore_o do_v you_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o this_o evil_a for_o the_o devil_n will_v tempt_v you_o to_o it_o that_o he_o may_v hurt_v your_o soul_n afflict_v your_o teacher_n and_o hinder_v the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v commend_v and_o esteem_v whatever_o be_v their_o virtue_n whatever_o you_o may_v see_v lovely_a in_o they_o and_o if_o you_o see_v any_o defect_n or_o unavoidable_a weakness_n in_o they_o to_o cast_v a_o mantle_n of_o love_n over_o they_o and_o by_o all_o mean_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o in_o each_o other_o heart_n a_o due_a esteem_n of_o and_o respect_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o ministry_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o hinder_v but_o furthr_v and_o encourage_v by_o your_o mean_n 6._o join_v with_o your_o teacher_n and_o that_o by_o afford_v they_o your_o concurrence_n and_o utmost_a assistance_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o promote_v good_a thing_n in_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o hinder_v or_o load_v such_o overture_n design_n and_o endeavour_n of_o your_o minister_n by_o your_o absence_n groundless_a dispute_n or_o by_o your_o sullen_a silence_n there_o when_o they_o propound_v any_o matter_n to_o you_o for_o your_o profit_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o your_o soul_n the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o then_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v well_o the_o reason_n which_o they_o give_v for_o what_o they_o do_v or_o desire_n shall_v be_v do_v or_o omit_v by_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n or_o altogether_o and_o if_o you_o can_v null_a and_o answer_v they_o or_o bring_v better_o for_o the_o contrary_a than_o you_o shall_v quiet_o thankful_o and_o peaceable_o accept_v of_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o design_n and_o not_o put_v difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n by_o some_o singular_a notion_n of_o your_o own_o do_v as_o nathan_n do_v when_o david_n propound_v a_o case_n to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v meet_v god_n shall_v have_v a_o house_n build_v for_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n and_o give_v he_o some_o reason_n for_o his_o proposition_n nathan_n reply_n go_v do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n 2_o sam._n 7._o he_o see_v it_o a_o most_o reasonable_a and_o useful_a a_o undertake_n and_o free_o comply_v with_o david_n and_o encourage_v he_o to_o go_v on_o and_o proceed_v why_o shall_v not_o you_o comply_v with_o your_o teacher_n when_o they_o design_n and_o propound_v some_o good_a work_n to_o be_v carry_v on_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n or_o other_o man_n and_o
ten_o thing_n 1._o in_o look_v after_o the_o conversation_n of_o such_o as_o propound_v themselves_o to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n admit_v not_o any_o scandalous_a person_n among_o they_o that_o if_o they_o be_v such_o they_o may_v be_v debar_v and_o keep_v out_o if_o otherwise_o together_o with_o other_o qualification_n they_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o this_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v one_o part_n and_o end_n of_o church-power_n to_o keep_v the_o church_n clear_a from_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o authoritative_o and_o not_o as_o private_a member_n may_v do_v it_o only_o 2._o in_o the_o absence_n or_o upon_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o pastor_n they_o may_v admit_v or_o take_v member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o take_v they_o into_o church-membership_n by_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o show_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o privilege_n in_o a_o church-state_n and_o herein_o they_o represent_v the_o church_n and_o act_v authoritative_o therein_o for_o they_o this_o be_v another_o part_n of_o their_o office_n work_n and_o power_n and_o it_o require_v good_a ability_n to_o do_v it_o well_o and_o to_o purpose_n 3._o they_o may_v when_o need_n require_v command_v speech_n and_o silence_n in_o church-meeting_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o disorder_n and_o disorderly_a member_n in_o their_o word_n and_o carriage_n and_o they_o may_v authoritative_o and_o public_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v such_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n which_o private_a brethren_n may_v not_o do_v 4._o they_o may_v in_o some_o case_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n if_o at_o home_n call_v and_o assemble_v the_o church_n together_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o some_o apparent_a evil_n or_o promote_a of_o some_o good_a thing_n or_o work_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o case_n the_o pastor_n shall_v know_o neglect_a to_o do_v his_o duty_n in_o the_o case_n or_o case_n aforesaid_a doubtless_o the_o ruling-elders_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o obey_v their_o call_n for_o they_o do_v it_o by_o the_o authority_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o may_v not_o be_v do_v by_o any_o member_n that_o be_v not_o a_o elder_a but_o in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o elder_a and_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o they_o may_v authoritative_o propound_v the_o cause_n and_o end_n for_o which_o they_o call_v they_o there_o and_o require_v their_o assistance_n 5._o their_o work_n be_v to_o inspect_v and_o careful_o diligent_o wise_o and_o faithful_o to_o look_v after_o the_o walking_n and_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o work_n they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o what_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o by_o other_o report_n but_o to_o inquire_v after_o they_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o place_n and_o office_n to_o see_v if_o the_o member_n keep_v close_o to_o church-meeting_n and_o reverent_o attend_v they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o to_o reprove_v admonish_v &_o exhort_v they_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o that_o they_o may_v know_v their_o duty_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o sinful_a neglect_n repent_v of_o and_o amend_v they_o and_o that_o by_o their_o good_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n they_o may_v be_v provoke_v and_o encourage_v to_o and_o in_o their_o work_n ruling-elders_a shall_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o also_o in_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o speak_v word_n in_o season_n to_o he_o that_o be_v weary_a be_v able_a and_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apt_a to_o teach_v 1_o tim._n 3.2_o as_o well_o as_o the_o pastor_n the_o one_o more_o private_o and_o particular_o and_o the_o other_o more_o public_o for_o as_o the_o deacon_n work_n be_v to_o look_v after_o the_o want_n and_o corporal_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o teacher_n to_o mind_n and_o look_v after_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o make_v provision_n for_o they_o according_a to_o their_o need_n so_o ruling-elders_a have_v their_o work_n namely_o to_o look_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o encourage_v and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o tractable_a and_o obedient_a and_o to_o reprove_v convince_v and_o persuade_v the_o disobedient_a that_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o ought_v 6._o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v often_o visit_v they_o and_o see_v how_o they_o do_v and_o how_o they_o walk_v what_o they_o want_v and_o wherein_o they_o need_v their_o assistance_n and_o help_a hand_n and_o when_o they_o know_v it_o to_o hold_v it_o out_o unto_o they_o free_o and_o ready_o certain_o elder_n shall_v be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o their_o congregation_n and_o with_o their_o walking_n also_o for_o if_o any_o miscarry_v through_o their_o default_n or_o neglect_v the_o guilt_n will_v lie_v at_o their_o door_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v require_v it_o at_o their_o hand_n oh_o that_o elder_n will_v seriouf_o consider_v it_o and_o lay_v this_o matter_n near_o their_o heart_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o penetrate_v and_o pierce_v their_o conscience_n and_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v in_o good_a earnest_n wherefore_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o for_o what_o end_v they_o have_v rule_n and_o discipline_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n that_o under_o deep_a conviction_n they_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o discharge_v their_o work_n and_o perform_v their_o trust_n mind_v their_o duty_n and_o prosecute_v the_o end_n of_o their_o appointment_n that_o god_n may_v be_v well_o please_v with_o and_o bless_v they_o own_o and_o delight_n to_o use_v they_o for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o receive_v benefit_n by_o their_o wisdom_n diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n may_v rejoice_v in_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o 7._o they_o must_v take_v up_o controversy_n and_o endeavour_v to_o end_v strife_n and_o debate_n in_o the_o church_n when_o such_o evil_n happen_v which_o be_v find_v too_o frequent_a through_o the_o pride_n and_o prejudice_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o great_a adversary_n to_o the_o peace_n beauty_n order_n and_o prosperity_n of_o church_n ruling-elders_a must_v not_o suffer_v any_o quarrel_n or_o contention_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a either_o between_o a_o few_o or_o many_o but_o present_o interpose_v their_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o reconcile_v the_o cause_n and_o person_n and_o set_v all_o in_o joint_n again_o for_o such_o evil_n if_o let_v alone_o will_v prove_v like_o cancer_n in_o the_o body_n and_o increase_v to_o more_o ungodliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v therefore_o the_o elder_n shall_v inquire_v into_o they_o and_o search_v out_o such_o as_o do_v the_o wrong_n begin_v the_o strife_n and_o such_o as_o they_o find_v be_v addict_v to_o take_v up_o prejudices_fw-la against_o and_o foment_n debate_v with_o their_o brethren_n and_o correct_v the_o offender_n and_o relieve_v the_o wrong_a and_o oppress_v as_o they_o see_v cause_n there_o must_v be_v no_o hammer_n no_o knock_v hear_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o we_o to_o they_o who_o give_v occasion_n for_o strife_n and_o debate_n and_o to_o such_o as_o do_v improve_v occasion_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n also_o so_o likewise_o to_o negligent_a and_o careless_a elder_n who_o do_v or_o may_v know_v these_o evil_n and_o yet_o let_v they_o alone_o or_o seek_v to_o heal_v they_o in_o a_o slight_a manner_n as_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o or_o be_v not_o indeed_o much_o concern_v in_o they_o but_o sure_o this_o be_v one_o of_o your_o great_a work_n as_o you_o have_v the_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o your_o hand_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o you_o may_v authoritative_o take_v up_o controversy_n and_o require_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o hearken_v to_o you_o and_o you_o may_v do_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n great_a service_n in_o this_o matter_n therefore_o mind_n it_o in_o good_a earnest_n 8._o their_o work_n be_v to_o assist_v and_o encourage_v the_o teaching-elders_a and_o to_o promote_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o must_v stand_v by_o and_o stand_v up_o for_o their_o teacher_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v wrong_v obstruct_a or_o discourage_v by_o any_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v prevent_v it_o by_o their_o power_n and_o wisdom_n do_v any_o backbite_v they_o rprove_v they_o do_v any_o slight_a or_o contemn_v their_o ministry_n reprove_v they_o &_o show_v they_o the_o
and_o authority_n only_o that_o you_o must_v observe_v and_o walk_v by_o 3._o diligent_o you_o must_v exercise_v your_o power_n with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n rom._n 12.8_o he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n that_o be_v he_o must_v frequent_o attend_v to_o his_o ruling-work_n and_o what_o he_o do_v therein_o he_o must_v do_v with_o all_o his_o ability_n he_o must_v be_v earnest_a and_o fervent_a in_o it_o and_o set_v himself_o to_o it_o as_o to_o his_o work_n and_o business_n he_o must_v not_o be_v slothful_a negligent_a or_o careless_a in_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n no_o but_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v diligent_a and_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n in_o what_o he_o do_v rom._n 12.11_o the_o negligent_a servant_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n luk._n 12_o 47._o they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o their_o flock_n prov._n 27.23_o for_o although_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o rule_v elder_n flock_v as_o they_o be_v the_o teach_v rule_v elder_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n their_o flock_n and_o charge_n to_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o inspect_v their_o manner_n and_o walking_n 4._o ready_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o teaching-elders_a in_o this_o also_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o example_n to_o the_o flock_n it_o be_v sad_a indeed_o when_o they_o look_v not_o after_o they_o nor_o mind_n their_o work_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o when_o they_o be_v constrain_v and_o as_o it_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o their_o teacher_n and_o can_v for_o shame_v but_o do_v something_o then_o but_o somewhat_o unwilling_o cold_o and_o indifferent_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n or_o a_o matter_n by_o the_o by_o and_o which_o they_o will_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o can_v they_o handsome_o evade_v and_o pass_v it_o by_o they_o grudge_v at_o it_o and_o account_v it_o their_o burden_n not_o their_o delight_n but_o sure_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o delight_n to_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o they_o shall_v most_o ready_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o do_v it_o 5._o conscientious_o and_o dutiful_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o duty_n their_o work_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v good_a shall_v lie_v deep_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o powerful_a on_o their_o conscience_n and_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o church_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o office-power_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o church_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o upon_o choice_n conscientious_o and_o dutiful_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v their_o place_n work_n and_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n authority_n who_o have_v for_o these_o end_n set_v they_o in_o the_o church_n appoint_v and_o enjoin_v they_o such_o work_n and_o service_n there_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o good_a they_o must_v not_o only_o bear_v rule_n but_o they_o must_v rule_v well_o too_o for_o those_o end_n or_o else_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n and_o service_n there_o now_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o rule_v well_o as_o command_v unless_o they_o use_v and_o exercise_v their_o office-power_n so_o namely_o wise_o diligent_o ready_o and_o willing_o cheerful_o conscientious_o and_o dutiful_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n 6._o they_o ought_v to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o use_v their_o power_n in_o the_o church_n with_o much_o love_n tenderness_n meekness_n impartiality_n and_o sometime_o as_o need_n require_v with_o severity_n too_o they_o must_v not_o exalt_v themselves_o and_o carry_v it_o in_o a_o lordly_a manner_n towards_o their_o brethren_n because_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o and_o may_v command_v they_o but_o they_o must_v see_v that_o they_o temper_v their_o power_n and_o the_o exercise_n and_o use_v of_o it_o with_o love_n tenderness_n humility_n and_o meekness_n they_o shall_v so_o carry_v themselves_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v not_o slight_v and_o despise_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n envy_v for_o their_o haughtiness_n they_o shall_v so_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o that_o they_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o all_o to_o think_v that_o they_o love_v they_o and_o respect_v their_o good_a in_o all_o they_o do_v so_o likewise_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v just_a and_o impartial_a in_o their_o proceedure_n towards_o all_o and_o not_o respect_v person_n in_o judgement_n but_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o stubborn_a and_o obstinate_a person_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v severe_a in_o deal_v with_o they_o when_o they_o can_v otherwise_o prevail_v on_o they_o to_o convince_v humble_a and_o reform_v they_o judas_n 22.23_o 7._o and_o in_o all_o their_o endeavour_n way_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v intend_v design_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o union_n peace_n holiness_n comfort_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o honour_n of_o religion_n encouragement_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n all_o which_o bless_a end_n they_o shall_v wise_o zealous_o sincere_o serious_o industrous_o and_o faithful_o prosecute_v and_o with_o all_o their_o might_n strive_v and_o labour_v to_o obtain_v and_o by_o all_o mean_n and_o that_o with_o much_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o hope_v and_o pray_v seek_v and_o wait_v to_o accomplish_v in_o the_o lord_n time_n they_o must_v not_o make_v one_o or_o two_o attempt_n to_o reconcile_v difference_n rectify_v disorder_n dissuade_v from_o sin_n persuade_v to_o duty_n to_o heal_v wound_n and_o encourage_v to_o repentance_n and_o so_o leave_v it_o without_o look_v after_o the_o issue_n and_o the_o success_n of_o their_o labour_n but_o they_o must_v follow_v on_o their_o work_n until_o the_o end_n be_v obtain_v they_o as_o well_o as_o their_o teach_a elder_n must_v look_v well_o to_o their_o herd_n prov._n 27.23_o they_o must_v see_v that_o they_o rule_v well_o and_o with_o diligence_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o rom._n 12.8_o and_o that_o they_o approve_v themselves_o faithful_a steward_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o make_v full_a proof_n thereof_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o rule_v elder_n or_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v qualify_v for_o so_o high_a and_o honourable_a work_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr i_o shall_v brief_o name_v some_o of_o their_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o but_o some_o of_o they_o and_o such_o as_o be_v indeed_o necessary_a for_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v will_v not_o rule_v well_o nor_o be_v profitable_a to_o the_o church_n first_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o special_a grace_n with_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n they_o shall_v be_v not_o only_o real_a saint_n but_o eminent_a saint_n too_o they_o must_v not_o only_o have_v peculiar_a grace_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o grace_n also_o sure_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n as_o shine_a light_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o discern_v case_n and_o person_n and_o make_v a_o sound_n and_o true_a judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o matter_n they_o may_v be_v call_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v they_o must_v not_o be_v novice_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n &_o gospel_n the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o must_v walk_v but_o they_o must_v have_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n col._n 3.16_o to_o help_v they_o in_o their_o work_n they_o can_v rule_v well_o unless_o they_o do_v understand_v and_o can_v speak_v well_o nor_o unless_o they_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o office_n work_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sober_a grave_a and_o serious_a person_n and_o not_o of_o vain_a light_a and_o frothy_a behaviour_n in_o their_o spirit_n &_o carriage_n they_o shall_v be_v of_o prompt_a ready_a mind_n and_o spirit_n for_o their_o work_n and_o not_o of_o dull_a lumpish_a and_o heavy_a temper_n for_o if_o they_o be_v such_o they_o will_v not_o act_v upon_o choice_n free_o but_o by_o constraint_n and_o that_o will_v render_v they_o unprofitable_a and_o undesirable_a to_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o blameless_a life_n and_o spotless_a conversation_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o warm_a and_o lively_a affection_n abound_v in_o love_n zeal_n and_o fervour_n of_o
spirit_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v man_n of_o courage_n fear_v god_n like_a moses_n his_o 70_o elder_n exod._n 18.21_o and_o be_v free_a from_o notorious_a and_o apparent_a covetousness_n and_o worldly_a mindedness_n they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a in_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o in_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o pity_n compassion_n of_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v they_o must_v not_o be_v angry_a passionate_a person_n or_o man_n of_o sour_a froward_a and_o peevish_a spirit_n and_o carriage_n for_o these_o abomination_n will_v very_o much_o blemish_v they_o and_o cause_n prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o mind_n of_o observer_n they_o must_v not_o be_v tattler_n meddler_n nor_o busy-body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n neither_o shall_v they_o be_v slothful_a negligent_a or_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o these_o be_v some_o of_o their_o necessary_a qualification_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n and_o how_o ought_v they_o to_o demean_v and_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o their_o rule_v elder_n ans_fw-fr when_o they_o do_v rule_v well_o and_o use_v their_o office_n power_n diligent_o faithful_o and_o profitable_o for_o the_o peace_n welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o ministry_n propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o do_v they_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n love_n and_o respect_n from_o the_o church_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o give_v it_o to_o they_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n who_o enjoin_v and_o require_v it_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o as_o also_o for_o their_o work_n and_o office_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n christ_n his_o sake_n who_o officer_n they_o be_v who_o image_n they_o bear_v and_o who_o work_n and_o service_n they_o do_v and_o be_v employ_v themselves_o in_o they_o must_v have_v not_o only_o simple_a honour_n love_n and_o respect_n from_o you_o but_o double_a they_o must_v have_v much_o more_o than_o any_o private_a brethren_n have_v when_o they_o rule_v well_o and_o that_o upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n 1._o as_o they_o be_v christ_n and_o your_o elder_n and_o officer_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n do_v represent_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o you_o in_o and_o by_o their_o work_n and_o office-power_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o as_o or_o because_o they_o rule_v well_o and_o use_v their_o office-power_n for_o your_o profit_n and_o benefit_n do_v they_o careful_o diligent_o and_o industrous_o attend_v to_o and_o follow_v their_o work_n and_o seek_v your_o good_a then_o remember_v that_o you_o owe_v they_o double_a honour_n love_n and_o respect_n and_o see_v you_o give_v it_o to_o they_o moreover_o church-member_n shall_v yield_v they_o their_o cheerful_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o their_o lawful_a command_n and_o appointment_n for_o their_o good_a and_o give_v they_o all_o possible_a encouragement_n in_o their_o work_n and_o not_o weaken_v their_o hand_n and_o make_v their_o work_n heavy_a and_o burdensome_a to_o they_o but_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o make_v it_o easy_a and_o sweet_a to_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n you_o shall_v also_o pray_v importunate_o for_o they_o that_o god_n will_v make_v they_o able_a willing_a and_o faithful_a to_o and_o in_o their_o work_n and_o bless_v and_o prosper_v their_o labour_n with_o success_n do_v they_o mind_v their_o work_n and_o labour_n for_o your_o good_a why_o than_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a that_o you_o shall_v mind_v they_o and_o give_v they_o their_o due_n that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v in_o their_o work_n and_o diligence_n by_o your_o duty_n to_o they_o in_o a_o word_n you_o shall_v carry_v yourselves_o towards_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o to_o spiritual_a magistrate_n and_o christ_n officer_n to_o you_o for_o your_o good_n as_o paul_n speak_v of_o civil_a magistrate_n rom._n 13.4_o for_o say_v he_o they_o be_v god_n minister_n to_o thou_o for_o good_a so_o your_o roll_a elder_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o you_o for_o good_a therefore_o behave_v yourselves_o towards_o they_o and_o do_v for_o they_o as_o such_o not_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n among_o you_o but_o as_o they_o be_v good_a elder_n to_o you_o and_o such_o as_o rule_v well_o for_o your_o profit_n do_v they_o rule_v well_o mind_n and_o attend_v to_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n why_o then_o love_v honour_n and_o respect_v they_o as_o such_o do_v they_o labour_v with_o and_o take_v pain_n among_o you_o and_o be_v they_o diligent_a serious_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o office_n then_o pray_v much_o for_o they_o bless_v and_o thank_v god_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v accept_v and_o esteem_v of_o they_o carry_v yourselves_o submissive_o &_o obedient_o to_o they_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n and_o encourage_v their_o heart_n to_o and_o in_o their_o work_n and_o do_v all_o you_o can_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v for_o they_o do_v they_o walk_v holy_o humble_o wise_o zealous_o and_o fruitful_o do_v you_o follow_v their_o example_n imitate_v their_o step_n and_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a write_v after_o their_o copy_n and_o by_o so_o do_v you_o will_v honour_v christ_n and_o comfort_v they_o quest_n what_o other_o officer_n have_v jesus_n christ_n set_v in_o his_o church_n ans_fw-fr deacon_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v in_o his_o great_a love_n to_o and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n appoint_v and_o give_v to_o they_o this_o sort_n of_o officer_n also_o for_o their_o comfort_n profit_n and_o well_o be_v and_o they_o need_v they_o likewise_o for_o as_o the_o teach_v elder_n may_v not_o attend_v most_o to_o their_o roll_a work_n but_o to_o study_v read_v doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n and_o then_o not_o to_o serve_v table_n act_n 6._o so_o the_o rule_v elder_n leave_v their_o work_n to_o attend_v two_o which_o be_v not_o to_o serve_v table_n neither_o but_o to_o look_v after_o other_o church-matter_n and_o concernment_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v that_o deacon_n be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o officer_n by_o their_o name_n and_o work_v there_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o also_o their_o work_n use_v and_o qualification_n we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o in_o act_n 6.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o phil._n 1.1_o so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v such_o a_o office_n and_o such_o officer_n be_v appoint_v for_o and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n quest_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v deacons_n be_v or_o what_o be_v their_o qualification_n by_o divine_a appointment_n ans_fw-fr they_o must_v be_v man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n act_v 6.3_o they_o must_v be_v grave_a not_o double-tongued_a not_o give_v to_o much_o wine_n not_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n even_o so_o must_v their_o wife_n be_v grave_a not_o slanderer_n sober_a faithful_a in_o all_o thing_n rule_v their_o child_n and_o their_o own_o house_n well_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 11_o 12._o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n you_o that_o be_v deacon_n mind_v these_o thing_n and_o consider_v serious_o if_o you_o be_v so_o qualify_v for_o that_o office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o you_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v humble_a yourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n entreat_v he_o to_o qualify_v you_o with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o good_a mean_n to_o obtain_v what_o be_v yet_o want_v in_o you_o for_o the_o well_o and_o profitable_a performance_n of_o your_o work_n as_o become_v such_o officer_n in_o a_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o deacon_n work_v in_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr in_o general_n their_o work_n be_v to_o serve_v table_n act_n 6._o but_o more_o particular_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o and_o distribute_v to_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o necessity_n act._n 6._o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o of_o they_o to_o want_v through_o their_o negligence_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o inquire_v what_o poor_a there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o their_o want_n be_v and_o according_o to_o supply_v they_o in_o order_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o church_n contribution_n and_o wise_o consider_v if_o what_o they_o do_v receive_v from_o they_o will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o satisfy_v other_o emergency_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o case_n they_o do_v not_o to_o acquaint_v one_o of_o the_o elder_n that_o
another_o wealth_n 1_o cor._n 10.24_o now_o we_o exhort_v you_o brethren_n warn_v the_o unruly_a 1_o thes_n 5.14_o and_o admonish_v the_o disorderly_a 2_o thes_n 3.15_o for_o this_o good_a work_n and_o their_o wise_a &_o conscientious_a do_v of_o it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n commend_v the_o church_n at_o rome_n chap._n 15.14_o and_o say_v god_n in_o levit._n 19.17_o thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_v he_o and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o admonish_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n but_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a in_o math._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o the_o lord_n press_v this_o duty_n and_o work_n on_o you_o and_o show_v you_o how_o you_o shall_v perform_v it_o therefore_o you_o must_v mind_n and_o careful_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o according_a to_o your_o direction_n there_o and_o not_o otherwise_o you_o must_v watch_v and_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v a_o sinner_n or_o sin_v member_n by_o your_o first_o private_a admonition_n in_o case_n the_o evil_n be_v private_a and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o with_o thou_o and_o see_v what_o that_o will_v do_v but_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v the_o work_n nor_o obtain_v the_o end_n on_o thy_o brother_n soul_n than_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o by_o their_o teacher_n or_o elder_n they_o may_v be_v inform_v of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o their_o deal_n with_o and_o proceed_n against_o he_o as_o command_v this_o be_v another_o of_o your_o great_a and_o indispensible_a work_v and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o be_v especial_o the_o elder_n work_n and_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v not_o they_o only_o but_o you_o also_o who_o be_v private_a member_n oh_o therefore_o be_v you_o persuade_v to_o mind_n careful_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o to_o practice_v this_o work_n and_o duty_n for_o unless_o you_o do_v so_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n honour_n and_o purity_n you_o will_v do_v christ_n and_o they_o singular_a service_n seven_o you_o must_v forbear_v and_o forgive_v one_o another_o for_o this_o be_v another_o of_o your_o command_a duty_n eph._n 4.2_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n vers_n 32._o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o and_o in_o col._n 3.13_o forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o any_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o do_v thy_o brother_n sin_n against_o thou_o or_o do_v thou_o any_o injury_n thou_o shall_v tell_v he_o of_o it_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o search_v out_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o see_v if_o he_o do_v it_o unadvised_o through_o weakness_n or_o ignorance_n and_o without_o any_o design_n to_o wrong_v thou_o or_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o witting_o and_o know_o and_o until_o thou_o be_v sure_o that_o he_o do_v it_o know_o and_o witting_o or_o wilful_o thou_o must_v forbear_v censure_v he_o as_o have_v so_o do_v it_o for_o else_o thou_o will_v prove_v a_o usurper_n and_o a_o false_a judge_n which_o christ_n forbid_v math._n 7.1_o 2._o rom._n 14._o but_o if_o upon_o a_o impartial_a search_n thou_o find_v he_o to_o have_v wrong_v thou_o through_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n thou_o must_v judge_v charitable_o of_o he_o and_o carry_v thyself_o towards_o he_o as_o god_n do_v towards_o thou_o under_o thy_o weakness_n and_o ignorances_n thou_o must_v not_o be_v rash_a and_o severe_a towards_o he_o either_o in_o thy_o carriage_n or_o censure_n but_o if_o it_o clear_o appear_v upon_o impartial_a enquiry_n that_o he_o do_v know_o and_o wilful_o do_v thou_o wrong_n then_o thou_o must_v carry_v thyself_o towards_o and_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o wilful_a transgressor_n thou_o must_v lay_v his_o sin_n before_o he_o and_o show_v he_o what_o law_n he_o have_v transgress_v what_o evil_a he_o have_v do_v thou_o what_o wrong_v to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o offence_n he_o have_v do_v to_o christ_n by_o break_v his_o holy_a law_n admonish_v he_o again_o and_o again_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o censure_v he_o not_o too_o severe_o until_o you_o find_v he_o obstinate_a and_o stubborn_a for_o until_o then_o you_o must_v forbear_v he_o while_o you_o be_v wait_v on_o he_o and_o on_o god_n for_o he_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o give_v he_o repentance_n unto_o life_n but_o if_o your_o endeavour_n be_v bless_v to_o those_o end_n you_o must_v ready_o forgive_v he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v once_o true_o and_o save_o convince_v of_o and_o humble_v for_o his_o sin_n be_v sure_a that_o he_o will_v most_o free_o own_v and_o confess_v it_o to_o thou_o as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v thou_o amends_o and_o give_v thou_o all_o possible_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o wrong_n he_o have_v do_v thou_o and_o this_o he_o will_v do_v not_o by_o constraint_n but_o free_o willing_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n without_o thy_o seek_n to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o a_o person_n be_v not_o powerful_o and_o save_o convince_v of_o and_o humble_v for_o his_o sin_n while_o he_o hang_v off_o and_o must_v be_v seek_v after_o to_o make_v satisfafaction_n to_o such_o as_o he_o have_v wrong_v for_o be_v his_o heart_n real_o melt_v into_o the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o dare_v not_o yea_o can_v not_o be_v quiet_a until_o he_o have_v give_v all_o possible_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o wrong_a luk._n 19.8_o but_o now_o in_o case_n he_o remain_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o reproof_n what_o be_v you_o to_o do_v then_o why_o then_o he_o shall_v take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o and_o deal_v with_o he_o and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o by_o their_o elder_n may_v see_v what_o they_o can_v do_v with_o he_o but_o if_o they_o can_v prevail_v on_o he_o to_o repent_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n then_o i_o think_v the_o offend_a may_v prosecute_v the_o law_n against_o he_o for_o the_o law_n be_v make_v for_o the_o lawless_a and_o disobedient_a 1_o tim._n 1.9_o 10._o but_o yet_o he_o shall_v be_v still_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v he_o whenever_o he_o shall_v repent_v pray_v and_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v repent_v and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o although_o it_o be_v long_o first_o actual_o and_o cordial_o forgive_v he_o and_o renew_v his_o kindness_n and_o brotherly_a love_n to_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o sin_v eight_o it_o be_v your_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o hearken_v too_o and_o receive_v instruction_n admonition_n and_o reproof_n one_o from_o another_o also_o for_o if_o some_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v at_o some_o time_n to_o give_v they_o sure_o other_o who_o need_v they_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o receive_v they_o prov._n 8.33_o hear_v instruction_n and_o be_v wise_a for_o he_o that_o despise_v reproof_n sin_v but_o he_o that_o keep_v instruction_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n prov._n 10.17_o and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o in_o prov._n 12.1_o whoso_o love_v instruction_n love_v knowledge_n but_o he_o that_o hate_v reproof_n be_v brutish_a such_o as_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o reproof_n be_v mark_v out_o for_o scorner_n in_o prov._n 9.8_o and_o he_o that_o be_v often_o reprove_v and_o yet_o harden_v his_o neck_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n prov._n 29.1_o such_o as_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o reproof_n and_o admonition_n or_o slight_a and_o refuse_v they_o do_v thereby_o rebel_v against_o trample_v upon_o and_o contemn_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o a_o mean_n of_o his_o appoint_v for_o their_o happiness_n and_o so_o they_o murder_v their_o own_o soul_n with_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v give_v to_o save_v they_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o hearken_v to_o and_o receive_v your_o brethren_n reproof_n counsel_n and_o admonition_n withal_o humility_n patience_n and_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n with_o all_o love_n meekness_n and_o thanfulnesse_n to_o god_n and_o the_o giver_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v great_a mercy_n to_o you_o and_o they_o be_v your_o real_a and_o profitable_a friend_n such_o as_o seek_v your_o good_a and_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v your_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o i_o wonder_v not_o at_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o such_o as_o refuse_v instruction_n and_o reproof_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n for_o 〈◊〉_d do_v despise_v the_o mean_n as_o in_o their_o present_a
hand_n to_o pour_v in_o wine_n and_o oil_n into_o my_o wound_n luk._n 10.33_o 34._o sure_o none_o who_o be_v indeed_o concern_v in_o their_o own_o soul_n concernment_n but_o will_v easy_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v there_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o spiritual_o natural_a care_n in_o sound-hearted_n church-member_n to_o one_o another_o 1_o cor._n 12.25_o they_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v and_o weep_v with_o they_o that_o weep_v rom._n 12.15_o and_o remember_v they_o that_o be_v in_o bond_n as_o be_v bind_v with_o they_o heb._n 13.3_o you_o may_v expect_v it_o yea_o require_v it_o of_o one_o another_o for_o you_o who_o be_v join_v together_o in_o church-fellowship_n and_o relation_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o each_o other_o soul_n concern_v as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v with_o one_o another_o and_o one_o of_o god_n holy_a end_n in_o unite_n and_o join_v they_o together_o in_o one_o body_n and_o spiritual_a society_n be_v that_o they_o may_v help_v succour_n admonish_v reprove_v exhort_v edify_v comfort_n watch_v over_o serve_v and_o heal_v one_o another_o to_o further_o each_o other_o in_o all_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o gospel-holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o also_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o from_o sin_n and_o affliction_n four_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v privilege_v and_o benefit_v with_o a_o ministry_n and_o minister_n of_o their_o own_o so_o that_o they_o need_v not_o go_v to_o stranger_n to_o fetch_v bread_n but_o to_o such_o as_o they_o have_v a_o special_a interest_n in_o and_o relation_n to_o they_o have_v minister_n or_o pastor_n and_o elder_n send_v by_o christ_n and_o set_v among_o they_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o authority_n to_o feed_v and_o nourish_v they_o to_o teach_v and_o establish_v they_o to_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v they_o to_o exhort_v and_o comfort_v they_o to_o watch_v and_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o to_o minister_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o and_o to_o attend_v on_o the_o service_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o all_o in_o all_o their_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n math._n 28.20_o they_o be_v such_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o bless_v to_o they_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n and_o to_o succeed_v their_o ministry_n and_o prosper_v their_o endeavour_n to_o the_o spiritual_a profit_n of_o their_o soul_n psal_n 132.15_o 16._o jer._n 3.15_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o other_o saint_n who_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o their_o own_o between_o who_o there_o be_v so_o near_o a_o relation_n union_n and_o communion_n for_o their_o teacher_n can_v call_v their_o auditor_n their_o own_o flock_n as_o the_o church_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n may_v call_v their_o church_n their_o own_o for_o the_o church_n and_o their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v each_o other_o by_o free_a hearty_a and_o mutual_a choice_n and_o by_o cordial_a and_o mutual_a engagement_n their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o of_o christ_n his_o death_n and_o ascension_n eph._n 4.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o church_n may_v claim_v their_o pastor_n gift_n authority_n and_o ministerial_a ability_n as_o they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o their_o own_o right_a and_o property_n give_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n for_o their_o good_a to_o edification_n they_o may_v repair_v to_o and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o in_o any_o material_a soul-case_n or_o case_n however_o some_o look_v on_o and_o account_v of_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o have_v ever_o value_v it_o as_o a_o great_a church-priviledge_n namely_o that_o they_o have_v a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a ministry_n of_o their_o own_o who_o work_n and_o business_n be_v to_o wait_v on_o the_o service_n and_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o they_o be_v send_v to_o they_o and_o settle_v among_o they_o by_o christ_n in_o love_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o prayer_n choice_n and_o desire_n they_o shall_v be_v &_o be_v undoubted_o bless_v in_o their_o labour_n to_o the_o profit_n of_o all_o sincere_a heart_n among_o they_o five_o gospel-churche_n be_v the_o proper_a seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v one_o part_n of_o their_o honour_n glory_n and_o renown_n what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o minister_n and_o ministry_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n true_a of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor_fw-la 12.28_o and_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n apostle_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n so_o eph._n 4._o that_o be_v he_o have_v appoint_v teacher_n and_o all_o other_o ordinance_n for_o and_o place_v they_o in_o his_o church_n the_o church_n be_v his_o temple_n house_n habitation_n vineyard_n walk_n his_o rest_a and_o dwell_v place_n as_o be_v show_v now_o where_o do_v god_n set_v and_o six_o his_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o in_o they_o to_o who_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n give_v to_o who_o be_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o discipline_n give_v but_o to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o they_o and_o none_o else_o that_o we_o can_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v give_v to_o and_o set_v among_o they_o his_o gospel-worship_n and_o ordinance_n among_o they_o he_o dwell_v and_o of_o they_o he_o expect_v the_o honour_n and_o worship_v due_a unto_o his_o name_n psal_n 29.2_o god_n keep_v house_n in_o his_o gospel_n church_n and_o there_o he_o have_v his_o household_n about_o he_o wait_v on_o and_o do_v honour_n to_o he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v all_o according_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n he_o have_v give_v they_o his_o ordinance_n and_o gospel-institution_n to_o express_v and_o manifest_v their_o dependence_n on_o and_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o as_o to_o their_o head_n and_o king_n god_n make_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o his_o then_o institute_v worship_n and_o ordinance_n and_o under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n he_o have_v make_v new_a testament_n particular_a church_n the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o his_o gospel-ordinance_n the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o can_v be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o they_o for_o that_o can_v assemble_v or_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o celebrate_v and_o observe_v they_o the_o world_n or_o visible_a unbeliever_n can_v be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o where_o say_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o neither_o be_v they_o capable_a while_o in_o their_o state_n of_o enmity_n against_o christ_n of_o they_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v the_o church_n dowry_n right_n and_o privilege_n and_o none_o other_o person_n or_o society_n whatsoever_o while_o believer_n neglect_v to_o walk_v in_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o this_o and_o many_o other_o privilege_n and_o soul-advantage_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a wrong_n they_o do_v their_o soul_n thereby_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o gospel-churche_n as_o moses_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n deut._n 4.7_o 8._o for_o what_o people_n be_v there_o so_o great_a who_o have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n we_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o and_o what_o people_n be_v there_o so_o great_a that_o have_v statute_n and_o judgement_n so_o righteous_a as_o all_o this_o law_n which_o i_o set_v before_o you_o this_o day_n six_o gospel-churche_n or_o believer_n inchurch_v be_v privilege_v with_o safety_n and_o security_n they_o be_v garden_n enclose_v cant._n 4.12_o a_o garden_n enclose_v be_v my_o sister_n my_o spouse_n a_o spring_n shut_v up_o a_o fountain_n seal_v a_o wall_n or_o hedge_n in_o our_o garden_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o beast_n and_o evil_a man_n and_o we_o be_v more_o careful_a of_o and_o at_o great_a cost_n and_o pain_n in_o and_o about_o they_o than_o about_o our_o field_n so_o the_o lord_n jesus_n lay_v out_o and_o expend_v more_o care_n cost_n and_o charge_n in_o and_o about_o his_o gospel-garden_n than_o about_o other_o man_n be_v most_o watchful_a and_o careful_a of_o and_o about_o their_o house_n and_o place_n of_o residence_n and_o abode_n where_o they_o live_v expect_v and_o take_v most_o delight_n now_o where_o do_v god_n make_v his_o abode_n and_o christ_n the_o lord_n keep_v his_o court_n be_v it_o not_o in_o his_o church_n as_o be_v before_o prove_v they_o be_v his_o temple_n house_n vineyard_n garden_n habitation_n walk_n and_o palace_n his_o delight_n and_o rest_a place_n and_o will_v he_o not_o be_v most_o
they_o and_o that_o where_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o you_o may_v find_v they_o there_o you_o may_v obtain_v the_o milk_n and_o honey_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n of_o make_v you_o fat_a and_o flourish_a of_o a_o bless_a ministry_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o of_o divine_a love_n and_o sweet_a provision_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o security_n i_o can_v have_v persuade_v you_o to_o join_v unto_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o other_o reason_n but_o i_o think_v these_o may_v suffice_v such_o as_o be_v of_o willing_a heart_n and_o of_o meek_a and_o humble_a soft_a and_o holy_a spirit_n quest_n what_o end_n shall_v all_o man_n aim_v at_o and_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n in_o join_v with_o and_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n or_o to_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n shall_v they_o become_v church-member_n answ_n 1._o to_o please_v and_o honour_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n and_o king_n in_o his_o church_n and_o to_o show_v their_o respect_n unto_o he_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o declare_v their_o dependence_n on_o he_o for_o all_o thing_n and_o their_o subjection_n to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n christ_n the_o lord_n have_v do_v many_o good_a work_n to_o pleasure_v they_o exalt_v &_o honour_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o please_v exalt_v and_o honour_v he_o esa_n 56.4_o col._n 1.10_o this_o glorious_a end_n every_o church-member_n must_v have_v in_o his_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o walk_v in_o church_n 2._o to_o express_v their_o high_a resentment_n of_o his_o savour_n to_o they_o and_o their_o cordial_a thank_v fullness_n for_o they_o they_o be_v great_o privilege_v and_o high_o dignify_v in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o membership_n there_o and_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o express_v their_o gratitude_n to_o their_o head_n and_o king_n but_o by_o accept_v they_o dutiful_a and_o faithful_a improvement_n of_o they_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v good_a man_n do_v show_v how_o they_o value_v they_o by_o their_o accept_n and_o use_v they_o church_n and_o their_o privilege_n be_v not_o small_a matter_n in_o their_o account_n or_o light_a matter_n in_o their_o esteem_n but_o they_o be_v high_a and_o honourable_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n there_o likewise_o psal_n 27.4_o psal_n 63.1_o 2_o 3._o psal_n 84._o 3._o they_o shall_v aim_v at_o and_o design_n to_o have_v and_o hold_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n god_n be_v know_v in_o these_o palace_n psal_n 48.3_o and_o to_o be_v see_v in_o these_o gallery_n there_o he_o open_v himself_o and_o break_v open_v the_o treasure_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n unto_o his_o people_n and_o there_o he_o stand_v hold_v out_o his_o golden_a sceptre_n there_o he_o wait_v to_o meet_v his_o spouse_n to_o kiss_v and_o embrace_v they_o to_o entertain_v and_o speak_v friendly_a to_o they_o he_o meet_v they_o that_o rejoice_v and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o remember_v he_o in_o his_o way_n esa_n 64.5_o the_o way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v in_o his_o church_n there_o he_o dwell_v keep_v house_n manifest_v himself_o unto_o his_o household_n and_o rest_v himself_o take_v his_o delight_n and_o show_v forth_o his_o glory_n to_o they_o and_o thither_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o meet_v he_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o rev._n 2.1_o joh._n 14.21_o 23._o 4._o believer_n shall_v enter_v into_o and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o church-fellowship_n to_o increase_v and_o augment_v their_o grace_n and_o to_o better_v their_o heart_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o and_o that_o they_o may_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n joh._n 1.16_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n eph._n 3.19_o that_o they_o may_v eat_v of_o their_o father_n bread_n and_o drink_n of_o his_o wine_n be_v make_v fat_a and_o flourish_a and_o fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n psal_n 92._o psal_n 132._o col._n 1.10_o 5_o to_o keep_v their_o heart_n warm_a strong_a and_o lively_a for_o god_n his_o work_n and_o service_n and_o that_o they_o may_v obtain_v and_o enjoy_v all_o encouragement_n for_o and_o in_o their_o work_n trial_n and_o difficulty_n to_o fence_v and_o arm_v themselves_o against_o all_o their_o enemy_n assault_n on_o they_o and_o be_v enable_v to_o fight_v against_o and_o conquer_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o run_v their_o holy_a race_n cheerful_o and_o courageous_o and_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n act._n 20.24_o 1_o cor._n 9.24_o rom._n 8._o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v warm_a on_o believer_n soul_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v more_o spring_n of_o joy_n and_o harvest_n of_o profit_n than_o be_v or_o can_v be_v find_v elsewhere_o there_o be_v a_o river_n the_o stream_n whereof_o make_v glad_a the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a place_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o most_o high_a psal_n 46.4_o there_o be_v no_o spring_n like_o the_o church_n spring_n nor_o any_o harvest_n like_o the_o church_n harvest_n the_o full_a clear_a and_o most_o fatten_a stream_n of_o live_a water_n flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n christ_n on_o the_o church_n and_o the_o most_o comely_a and_o fruitful_a branch_n be_v or_o may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o they_o may_v be_v the_o warm_a sweet_a strong_a lively_a chearfull_a fruitfull_a and_o the_o most_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v such_o they_o shall_v join_v themselves_o to_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 6._o that_o they_o may_v adorn_v the_o gospel_n convince_v the_o world_n encourage_v their_o brethren_n and_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n way_n authority_n and_o headship_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n but_o they_o be_v all_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o of_o great_a concernment_n and_o therefore_o and_o for_o these_o end_n they_o shall_v walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n 7._o to_o augment_v and_o increase_v your_o experience_n to_o obtain_v more_o acquaintance_n with_o yourselves_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o you_o and_o in_o you_o and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v more_o clear_o and_o firm_o seal_v up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n 8._o to_o pay_v your_o vow_n and_o make_v good_a your_o promise_n to_o perform_v your_o covenant_n and_o discharge_v your_o work_n to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n your_o head_n you_o owe_v they_o personal_a and_o church-homage_n and_o service_n you_o be_v bind_v and_o engage_v to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o your_o god_n command_v and_o appoint_v you_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v according_a to_o your_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n matth._n 28._o ult_n joh._n 14.15_o which_o you_o do_v not_o can_v do_v unless_o you_o walk_v in_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v yourselves_o under_o all_o his_o law_n ordinance_n and_o institution_n but_o that_o you_o may_v so_o do_v you_o put_v or_o aught_o to_o put_v yourselves_o under_o they_o by_o join_v yourselves_o to_o and_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o his_o people_n in_o church-fellowship_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o holy_a end_n all_o believer_n shall_v have_v in_o their_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o their_o aim_n and_o design_n they_o must_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o carnal_a self-end_n in_o this_o and_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v certain_o crowd_n in_o and_o carry_v a_o great_a stroke_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n abhor_v they_o and_o can_v endure_v to_o have_v his_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o concernment_n subject_v and_o make_v to_o serve_v man_n carnal_a interest_n he_o will_v have_v no_o other_o aim_n and_o end_n in_o church-member_n heart_n but_o his_o own_o whereby_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v and_o our_o soul_n profit_v and_o other_o encourage_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o he_o we_o have_v no_o dispensation_n or_o allowance_n give_v we_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o design_n to_o augment_v and_o increase_v our_o trade_n and_o worldly_a profit_n or_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o church_n benevolence_n in_o and_o by_o our_o walk_n with_o they_o or_o to_o greaten_v our_o name_n and_o increase_v our_o friendship_n and_o acquaintance_n among_o man_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o capacitate_v we_o to_o do_v the_o more_o good_a to_o man_n to_o have_v large_a opportunity_n to_o serve_v christ_n our_o brethren_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o our_o aim_n end_n and_o design_n must_v be_v the_o lord_n namely_o to_o please_v and_o honour_n god_n to_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n