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world_n or_o their_o state_n of_o death_n blindness_n and_o unbelief_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n unite_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a band_n by_o special_a and_o voluntary_a agreement_n who_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n under_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v together_o as_o saint_n in_o love_n peace_n and_o in_o the_o constant_a celebration_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o
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
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
when_o we_o meet_v let_v our_o come_n together_o be_v for_o the_o better_a and_o not_o for_o the_o worse_o sure_o i_o think_v it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o give_v i_o love_a visit_n as_o well_o as_o i_o you_o and_o that_o when_o you_o come_v you_o show_v a_o readiness_n to_o spend_v our_o time_n and_o improve_v our_o visit_n to_o the_o profit_n of_o our_o soul_n unless_o the_o meeting_n be_v design_v for_o other_o business_n the_o strangeness_n of_o some_o be_v no_o small_a burden_n to_o my_o spirit_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o their_o conscience_n do_v dispense_v with_o such_o omission_n how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o such_o do_v real_o love_v one_o another_o who_o regard_v not_o each_o other_o company_n nor_o though_o they_o live_v near_o together_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o give_v they_o a_o visit_n in_o a_o whole_a year_n together_o for_o true_a love_n incline_v to_o communion_n free_a and_o openhearted_n society_n together_o and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v burdensome_a to_o 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host_n mal._n 2.7_o mark_v it_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v always_o or_o most_o go_v to_o their_o people_n but_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v to_o they_o thus_o the_o disciple_n come_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o their_o case_n and_o true_o friend_n you_o will_v great_o rejoice_v my_o heart_n if_o i_o may_v see_v the_o same_o practise_v by_o you_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o serious_a manner_n i_o do_v assure_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v very_o welcome_a to_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v most_o free_o afford_v you_o my_o help_n and_o give_v you_o what_o assistance_n i_o can_v and_o i_o do_v further_o request_v and_o entreat_v you_o that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o visit_v you_o that_o then_o i_o may_v find_v you_o ready_a to_o entertain_v i_o with_o some_o profitable_a discourse_n that_o may_v better_v we_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n for_o that_o be_v the_o best_a entertainment_n i_o desire_v or_o expect_v from_o you_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v turn_v to_o the_o best_a account_n now_o and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n these_o be_v some_o of_o my_o reasonable_a request_n to_o you_o for_o myself_o which_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o deny_v i_o 2._o i_o have_v a_o few_o request_n to_o you_o for_o god_n and_o your_o head_n and_o king_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1._o that_o you_o will_v still_o remember_v how_o you_o have_v receive_v he_o as_o your_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o col._n 2.6_o examine_v the_o foundation_n you_o stand_v upon_o and_o take_v not_o up_o with_o reformation_n without_o regeneration_n and_o real_a union_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o too_o too_o many_o church-member_n sit_v down_o short_a of_o christ_n a_o new_a state_n and_o a_o thorough_a change_n of_o heart_n that_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o their_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n and_o with_o their_o church-priviledge_n we_o read_v of_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n in_o fellowship_n with_o five_o wise_a virgin_n and_o we_o read_v of_o bad_a fish_n in_o the_o net_n with_o the_o good_a of_o tare_n grow_v among_o the_o good_a wheat_n and_o of_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o church_n which_o christ_n shall_v gather_v out_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n matth._n 25.2_o matth._n 13.47_o 48_o 49_o 50._o isa_n 33.14_o take_v good_a heed_n that_o none_o of_o you_o be_v such_o you_o have_v pass_v the_o test_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o they_o take_v you_o for_o true_a saint_n in_o their_o char_n table_n judgement_n but_o you_o may_v be_v notorious_a hypocrite_n for_o all_o that_o and_o you_o must_v pass_v under_o the_o infallible_a trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n too_o who_o can_v and_o will_v make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o you_o therefore_o do_v you_o endeavour_v to_o know_v your_o own_o state_n by_o serious_a and_o diligent_a search_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o 2_o pet._n 1.10_o you_o may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n you_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o his_o people_n in_o church-fellowship_n whilst_o you_o be_v stranger_n to_o christ_n and_o know_v that_o if_o you_o be_v hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n you_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o you_o defile_v his_o holy_a temple_n and_o his_o soul_n abhor_v you_o but_o i_o say_v if_o upon_o your_o serious_a trial_n of_o yourselves_o you_o find_v indeed_o that_o you_o be_v new_a creature_n and_o have_v real_o receive_v christ_n the_o lord_n on_o his_o own_o term_n then_o do_v you_o walk_v in_o he_o and_o worthy_a of_o he_o col._n 1.10_o own_o he_o trust_v he_o love_v he_o obey_v he_o subject_a and_o live_v to_o he_o as_o to_o your_o head_n lord_n and_o king_n receive_v and_o walk_v by_o his_o law_n and_o rule_n only_o and_o give_v he_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o headship_n and_o authority_n over_o you_o in_o and_o by_o your_o so_o do_v luk._n 6.46_o remember_v that_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n buy_v with_o a_o price_n even_o the_o price_n of_o christ_n blood_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v his_o servant_n and_o subject_n therefore_o be_v you_o not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n in_o his_o matter_n and_o concernment_n 1_o cor._n 7.23_o 2._o do_v you_o stand_v up_o and_o be_v zealous_a for_o and_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o your_o lord_n and_o king_n rev._n 3.19_o you_o be_v redeem_v to_o it_o tit._n 2.14_o and_o your_o head_n expect_v it_o from_o you_o keep_v your_o heart_n with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o suffer_v no_o stranger_n no_o lust_n self_n or_o any_o creature_n to_o usurp_v and_o possess_v his_o throne_n in_o you_o show_v your_o zeal_n against_o all_o intruder_n and_o fight_v they_o off_o when_o ever_o they_o assault_v you_o or_o attempt_v to_o get_v possession_n of_o your_o heart_n be_v you_o zealous_a for_o and_o in_o his_o pure_a gospel-worship_n and_o ordinance_n for_o and_o in_o uphold_v sanctify_a and_o celebrate_v of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n 3._o encourage_v and_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n in_o each_o other_o heart_n and_o to_o enrich_v one_o another_o with_o the_o truth_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v for_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o you_o will_v thereby_o please_v and_o glorify_v he_o 1_o thes_n 5.11_o judas_n 20._o you_o shall_v labour_v to_o augment_v increase_n and_o nourish_v the_o grace_n comfort_n and_o experience_n provoke_v strengthen_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o to_o love_n trust_v fear_v honour_n and_o serve_v christ_n more_o and_o better_a for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v you_o 1_o thes_n 5.18_o 4._o honour_n christ_n by_o reprove_v your_o sinning-brethren_n and_o endeavour_v all_o you_o can_v to_o hide_v it_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o and_o to_o restore_v they_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n not_o suffer_v sin_n to_o rest_n upon_o they_o gal._n 6.1_o leu._n 19.17_o lift_v they_o out_o of_o the_o ditch_n of_o sin_n whereinto_o temptation_n have_v cast_v they_o and_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a secrecy_n and_o privacy_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o your_o brethren_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n who_o have_v sin_v sin_n especial_o in_o church-member_n carry_v reproach_n in_o its_o mouth_n on_o christ_n his_o way_n and_o temple_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n and_o reason_n and_o for_o the_o selfsame_a cause_n that_o we_o be_v to_o honour_n christ_n and_o prevent_v all_o reproach_n to_o his_o name_n gospel_n and_o people_n we_o shall_v hide_v each_o other_o sin_n as_o long_o as_o possible_a and_o there_o be_v hope_n and_o endeavour_v private_o to_o heal_v offence_n 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 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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 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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
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 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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
water_n it_o for_o his_o use_n that_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o intend_v to_o employ_v and_o make_v such_o use_n of_o they_o there_o he_o enrich_v all_o that_o he_o send_v with_o his_o own_o ministerial_a gift_n eph._n 4.8_o 10_o 11_o 12._o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n he_o that_o descend_v be_v the_o same_o also_o that_o ascend_v up_o far_o above_o all_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v fill_v all_o thing_n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n here_o be_v a_o account_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o the_o person_n receive_v they_o and_o also_o the_o end_n for_o which_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o rom._n 12.6_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12._o as_o you_o may_v read_v there_o at_o large_a from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n where_o you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a gift_n themselves_o which_o be_v call_v spiritual_a vers_fw-la 1_o 2._o the_o author_n or_o immediate_a donor_n of_o they_o 7._o as_o also_o the_o end_n of_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o unto_o man_n and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v exercise_v and_o lay_v out_o 7_o 28._o and_o in_o other_o verse_n there_o these_o ministerial_a gift_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o believer_n because_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v nor_o call_v to_o the_o work_n and_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o give_v to_o they_o who_o jesus_n christ_n send_v into_o his_o church_n and_o incline_v the_o church_n heart_n to_o call_v and_o accept_v they_o for_o their_o officer_n and_o minister_n second_o as_o they_o must_v be_v gift_v with_o ministerial_a spiritual_a gift_n so_o they_o must_v be_v grace_v also_o with_o special_a save_a grace_n for_o the_o spiritual_a and_o evangelical_a discharge_n of_o their_o ministerial_a work_n in_o the_o church_n or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n although_o they_o may_v be_v of_o the_o letter_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o they_o must_v be_v call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o the_o marvellous_a save_a light_n of_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o light_n eph._n 5.8_o before_o they_o can_v hold_v forth_o indeed_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o other_o they_o must_v be_v first_o teach_v of_o god_n themselves_o before_o they_o can_v spiritual_o teach_v other_o and_o be_v tutor_v in_o christ_n school_n before_o they_o will_v be_v wise_a builder_n up_o of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n mark_v 4.11_o they_o must_v first_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n before_o they_o can_v make_v other_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n they_o must_v not_o learn_v their_o lesson_n without_o in_o man_n or_o god_n book_n but_o they_o must_v also_o experience_n and_o be_v able_a to_o read_v the_o gospel_n within_o that_o they_o preach_v to_o other_o they_o must_v first_o learn_v and_o be_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o and_o in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n before_o they_o can_v be_v good_a pilot_n and_o guide_n of_o other_o thither_o they_o must_v first_o be_v quicken_v and_o enliven_v themselves_o by_o &_o with_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n before_o they_o can_v claim_v a_o right_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n or_o hold_v forth_o and_o right_o communicate_v the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o other_o many_o think_v that_o grace_n be_v not_o necessary_a in_o a_o minister_n or_o for_o the_o ministry_n where_o be_v ministerial_a gift_n and_o as_o they_o say_v a_o blameless_a conversation_n but_o sure_o the_o special_a grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a necessary_a and_o useful_a thing_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v for_o the_o fit_a and_o qualify_a a_o gospel-minister_n a_o churchofficer_n and_o guide_n but_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o how_o can_v they_o bring_v out_o of_o their_o treasury_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a for_o the_o profit_n of_o man_n if_o there_o be_v none_o lay_v in_o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n and_o a_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n bring_v forth_o evil_a thing_n matth._n 12.35_o and_o man_n can_v gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n and_o fig_n of_o thistle_n matth._n 7.16_o and_o what_o be_v hypocrite_n but_o such_o be_v they_o not_o in_o darkness_n and_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n fool_n and_o blind_a notwithstanding_o their_o great_a gift_n be_v not_o all_o unregenerate_a and_o graceless_a person_n raven_a wolf_n although_o cover_v with_o sheepskin_n and_o do_v not_o christ_n caution_n his_o sheep_n against_o they_o and_o charge_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o they_o mat._n 7.15_o and_o when_o christ_n send_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n say_v he_o to_o they_o i_o send_v you_o forth_o as_o sheep_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n matth._n 10.16_o christ_n do_v not_o say_v i_o send_v forth_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n to_o convert_v nourish_v and_o build_v up_o my_o sheep_n unto_o eternal_a life_n moreover_o minister_n must_v not_o only_o preach_v to_o man_n from_o the_o head_n the_o subject_n of_o mere_a gift_n but_o from_o their_o heart_n also_o from_o strong_a affection_n tender_a bowel_n of_o compassion_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o soul_n which_o they_o can_v do_v until_o they_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n holy_a and_o gracious_a man_n for_o how_o can_v they_o love_v and_o pity_v other_o soul_n who_o have_v no_o love_n and_o pity_n for_o their_o own_o and_o how_o can_v they_o affectionate_o persuade_v man_n who_o know_v not_o experimental_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 5.11_o how_o can_v such_o open_a the_o mystery_n and_o spirituality_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o man_n who_o be_v never_o teach_v it_o themselves_o and_o how_o can_v they_o so_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o life_n who_o be_v yet_o dead_a in_o sin_n themselves_o as_o to_o enliven_v other_o therefore_o all_o the_o minister_n that_o jesus_n christ_n empower_n and_o send_v into_o his_o church_n in_o special_a love_n and_o mercy_n he_o first_o grace_v with_o his_o special_a light_n &_o life_n join_v and_o unite_v they_o to_o himself_o and_o put_v some_o of_o his_o own_o image_n nature_n and_o quality_n upon_o they_o before_o he_o send_v they_o or_o will_v be_v with_o they_o and_o bless_v they_o can_n or_o will_v such_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o to_o water_n and_o break_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n unto_o they_o who_o take_v no_o care_n about_o their_o own_o soul_n nor_o care_v what_o become_v of_o they_o and_o if_o jesus_n christ_n will_v have_v none_o but_o real_a heart_a believer_n and_o live_a member_n of_o his_o body_n in_o his_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v then_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v or_o approve_v of_o graceless_a and_o unregenerate_a guide_n and_o overseer_n in_o they_o and_o if_o his_o church_n be_v holy_a temple_n appoint_v for_o his_o presence_n and_o residence_n his_o glory_n and_o delight_n as_o they_o be_v as_o have_v be_v show_v then_o assure_o he_o will_v not_o have_v carnal_a and_o unbelieving_a steward_n in_o they_o to_o manage_v all_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o they_o and_o if_o all_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a as_o they_o be_v and_o church-officer_n i_o mean_v the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v his_o mouth_n to_o they_o and_o the_o church_n mouth_n to_o he_o and_o to_o administer_v his_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o thing_n in_o his_o name_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n spiritual_a profit_n then_o sure_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a men._n for_o will_v he_o own_v such_o for_o his_o minister_n as_o have_v no_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o or_o relation_n to_o he_o who_o have_v no_o peculiar_a love_n for_o he_o nor_o dependence_n on_o he_o who_o have_v not_o heart_n to_o obey_v he_o and_o make_v he_o the_o great_a end_n of_o their_o work_n and_o who_o never_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o into_o their_o own_o heart_n will_v the_o holy_a and_o love_a head_n and_o husband_n of_o his_o church_n set_v over_o they_o christlesse_a lifeless_a and_o graceless_a man_n as_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v who_o neither_o