his_o spirit_n prepare_v and_o fit_a man_n for_o this_o state_n build_v they_o up_o and_o stamp_v his_o own_o and_o his_o father_n name_n upon_o they_o but_o also_o he_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o his_o walk_n palace_n and_o place_n of_o his_o delight_n here_o say_v he_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o psal_n 135.14_o yea_o these_o church_n be_v his_o choose_a and_o most_o pleasant_a habitation_n psal_n 132.13_o where_o he_o rest_v and_o repose_v himself_o five_o 14._o and_o that_o for_o ever_o not_o to_o look_v on_o or_o visit_v they_o now_o and_o then_o but_o to_o rest_v himself_o and_o dwell_v there_o for_o ever_o not_o for_o a_o few_o day_n but_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o rev._n 2.1_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tell_v the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n that_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o distinct_a particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n rev._n 1.20_o and_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 9.16_o say_v he_o i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n now_o particular_a congregational_a church_n be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n but_o they_o can_v be_v of_o man_n devise_v and_o set_v up_o because_o god_n own_v they_o and_o confirm_v they_o with_o his_o presence_n desire_n and_o choose_v they_o for_o his_o rest_n and_o dwell_v in_o they_o continual_o with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v of_o god_n for_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n will_v not_o own_o the_o device_n of_o man_n in_o and_o about_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n but_o abhor_v and_o loathe_v they_o condemn_v and_o reject_v they_o as_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a thing_n leu._n 10.2_o sam._n 6._o and_o much_o less_o will_v he_o delight_v and_o rest_n in_o they_o three_o that_o particular_a congregational-churche_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v further_a evince_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v any_o jew_n or_o gentile_n convert_v to_o christ_n but_o assoon_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n they_o join_v to_o or_o congregat_v into_o church_n so_o act_v 2.41_o 42._o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n vers_fw-la 47._o and_o act_n 5.14_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v that_o assoon_o as_o a_o number_n be_v convert_v they_o congregat_v as_o be_v the_o first_o work_n they_o be_v to_o do_v after_o they_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n col._n 2.6_o and_o ever_o after_o they_o be_v call_v church_n of_o christ_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n a_o multitude_n of_o they_o you_o read_v of_o in_o the_o act_n epistle_n of_o paul_n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n and_o what_o they_o do_v therein_o be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o according_a to_o what_o they_o teach_v they_o from_z and_z in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 2_o pet._n 1._o ult_n now_o what_o they_o do_v and_o practise_v by_o apostolical_a direction_n and_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o bind_a force_n and_o power_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o heb._n 6.12_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a saint_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o we_o can_v hardly_o find_v any_o one_o of_o they_o continue_v out_o of_o a_o church-state_n any_o time_n after_o their_o conversion_n we_o seldom_o read_v in_o divine_a history_n of_o any_o believer_n but_o what_o have_v relation_n to_o one_o church_n or_o other_o plant_v and_o water_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n 1_o cor._n 3.6_o by_o which_o say_v universal_a practice_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n own_o institution_n for_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n dare_v not_o do_v then_o as_o many_o dare_v do_v now_o namely_o to_o live_v in_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o duty_n and_o privilege_n the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n easy_o persuade_v they_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o christ_n in_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o his_o whole_a reveal_v will_n and_o they_o can_v not_o congregate_v and_o join_v into_o church_n nor_o abide_v and_o worship_n god_n in_o they_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unless_o they_o have_v know_v that_o what_o they_o do_v therein_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o duty_n four_o this_o truth_n be_v further_o confirm_v by_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o order_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n as_o church_n and_o not_o as_o to_o individual_a and_o single_a believer_n almost_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n be_v write_v for_o and_o direct_v to_o believer_n as_o inchurch_v and_o incorporate_v into_o body_n and_o distinct_a congregation_n and_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o they_o under_o the_o stile_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o in_o which_o epistle_n be_v all_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o order_n for_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n walk_v and_o practice_n contain_v which_o shall_v be_v afterward_o open_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n be_v write_v and_o send_v to_o he_o to_o direct_v he_o how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o show_v he_o what_o his_o work_n and_o duty_n be_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 14_o 15._o so_o other_o epistle_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o that_o state_n and_o relation_n there_o be_v rule_n and_o law_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o order_n for_o their_o walking_n and_o practice_n there_o they_o be_v instruct_v and_o teach_v how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o god_n the_o father_n and_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o ruler_n towards_o their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o towards_o one_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n there_o they_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o particular_a work_n and_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o show_v how_o they_o shall_v perform_v they_o as_o also_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o move_v and_o quicken_v they_o to_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o although_o all_o sort_n of_o duty_n be_v there_o lay_v down_o and_o command_v namely_o such_o as_o respect_v other_o relation_n and_o capacity_n as_o of_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o chief_a and_o great_a end_n matter_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o they_o as_o believer_n in_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n as_o will_v further_o appear_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o special_a and_o particular_a duty_n of_o church_n member_n as_o such_o now_o then_o if_o god_n have_v give_v his_o law_n rule_n and_o order_n unto_o church_n or_o to_o believer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n state_n and_o condition_n for_o their_o holy_a and_o regular_a walk_v towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o as_o in_o that_o relation_n then_o undoubted_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a institution_n for_o sure_o the_o holy_a and_o jealous_a god_n will_v never_o so_o far_o own_o and_o privilege_v the_o device_n and_o institution_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n that_o so_o near_o concern_v his_o worship_n and_o glory_n as_o to_o dignify_v they_o with_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o ordinance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o his_o own_o church_n that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o appointment_n five_o this_o truth_n be_v further_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o officer_n he_o have_v give_v to_o they_o for_o their_o well-being_n order_v and_o manage_n of_o church-affair_n and_o concernment_n in_o his_o name_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o profit_n these_o officer_n be_v specify_v and_o enumerate_v in_o eph._n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o phil._n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o elsewhere_o as_o in_o act_n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o be_v not_o give_v by_o man_n but_o god_n authorize_v &_o empower_v by_o he_o to_o act_n and_o officiate_v as_o such_o in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v they_o in_o his_o church_n and_o act_v 20.28_o say_v paul_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o
fear_n or_o love_v he_o or_o his_o church_n sincere_o to_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o impart_v his_o secret_n and_o counsel_n to_o they_o sure_o no._n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v with_o save_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o ministerial_a gift_n for_o office_n power_n and_o work_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o may_v argue_v this_o point_n very_o large_o and_o copious_o do_v i_o intend_v a_o large_a discourse_n as_o i_o do_v not_o but_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a brevity_n in_o all_o thing_n i_o shall_v mention_v and_o present_v to_o consideration_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o discourse_n 3._o and_o therefore_o three_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v and_o be_v qualify_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o special_a grace_n but_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n also_o it_o be_v not_o such_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o will_v sufficient_o qualify_v and_o enable_v man_n to_o discharge_v their_o ministerial_a work_n in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v not_o be_v willing_a ready_a nor_o apt_a to_o teach_v without_o the_o spirit_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o without_o the_o spirit_n 2_o tim._n 2.15_o and_o therefore_o have_v jesus_n christ_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n in_o their_o ministerial_a work_n who_o be_v his_o minister_n mat._n 28.18_o 20._o joh._n 14.15_o and_o 16._o chapter_n they_o must_v preach_v and_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n watch_v over_o feed_v and_o water_v the_o church_n by_o the_o spirit_n for_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n can_v do_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o help_v they_o to_o teach_v warm_a strengthen_v and_o quicken_v they_o to_o comfort_n lead_v and_o guide_v they_o and_o whenever_o christ_n send_v any_o shepherd_n into_o his_o sheepfold_n in_o love_n and_o mercy_n he_o send_v they_o and_o they_o come_v there_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o their_o heart_n look_v over_o paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o you_o may_v find_v this_o truth_n confirm_v thus_o god_n promise_v his_o new_a testament_n church_n long_o before_o they_o subsist_v or_o have_v a_o be_v in_o the_o world_n jer._n 3.15_o and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o pastor_n according_a to_o my_o own_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v you_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o make_v man_n able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o not_o create_v grace_n and_o gift_n only_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n act_v 2.4_o and_o as_o they_o be_v move_v or_o carry_v forth_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o a_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v build_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o habitation_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n from_o christ_n joh._n 16.13_o 14_o 15._o all_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n bestow_v on_o man_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n their_o life_n strength_n and_o success_n be_v by_o and_o from_o the_o spirit_n their_o work_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v accompany_v and_o abide_v with_o his_o own_o minister_n there_o four_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v and_o adorn_v with_o singular_a spirit_n with_o excellent_a and_o choice_a spirit_n and_o frame_n of_o heart_n they_o shall_v excel_v other_o in_o such_o quality_n and_o virtue_n as_o these_o first_o they_o shall_v be_v singular_a and_o excel_a in_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n to_o discern_v the_o difference_n of_o thing_n that_o differ_v and_o to_o judge_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o 1_o cor._n 2._o they_o shall_v abound_v in_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o conformity_n to_o their_o lord_n christ_n second_o they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o gospel_n simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n too_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o 2_o cor._n 2.17_o three_o they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o humility_n in_o all_o meekness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n and_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 6._o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o must_v not_o be_v proud_a and_o lofty_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o carriage_n but_o meek_a and_o lowly_a mat._n 11.29_o 2_o tim._n 2_o 25._o four_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o gentleness_n and_o peaceablenesse_n they_o must_v not_o brawl_v nor_o strive_v 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 1_o tim._n 3.3_o five_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a in_o self-denial_n and_o curb_v the_o flesh_n keep_v under_o carnal_a worldly_a self_n and_o cross_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n 1_o cor._n 9_o ult_n six_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o patience_n and_o contentation_n they_o must_v not_o be_v soon_o angry_a or_o move_v to_o passion_n and_o wrath_n 1_o tim._n 3._o seven_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o a_o sober_a serious_a holy_a chearfulnesse_n and_o sweetness_n pleasantness_n and_o affability_n they_o must_v not_o be_v of_o vain_a and_o frothy_a spirit_n nor_o of_o froward_a sullen_a lumpish_a and_o sad_a carriage_n and_o deportment_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v hateful_a in_o all_o christian_n much_o more_o be_v they_o so_o in_o such_o as_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o light_n and_o example_n to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o good_a behaviour_n the_o apostle_n say_v they_o must_v be_v endue_v withal_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o eight_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n also_o for_o if_o private_a christian_n shall_v abound_v in_o it_o rom._n 12.11_o 2_o cor._n 7.11_o then_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n tit._n 2.14_o rev._n 3.19_o nine_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o love_n pity_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o soul_n they_o must_v not_o be_v of_o hard_a and_o insensible_a spirit_n but_o full_a of_o tender_a earn_v bowel_n towards_o their_o flock_n col._n 3.12_o 1_o pet._n 3.8_o rom._n 12.15_o so_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o be_v paul_n towards_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n they_o have_v to_o do_v withal_o except_v obstinate_a sinner_n who_o trample_v pearl_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o so_o must_v minister_n be_v now_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a say_v paul_n eph._n 4._o ult_n ten_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o heavenly_a mindedness_n they_o must_v not_o be_v covetous_a nor_o greedy_a after_o worldly_a thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v filthy_a lucre_n 1_o tim._n 3.3_o tit._n 1.7_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o they_o must_v declare_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n they_o be_v heavenly_a mind_v and_o live_v above_o they_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v flee_v those_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 6.11_o 2_o pet._n 1._o ult_n and_o follow_v after_o heaverly_o eleven_o they_o must_v be_v singular_a and_o eminent_a in_o gavity_n and_o solidity_n they_o must_v not_o be_v vain_a light_a and_o frothy_a talker_n and_o of_o foolish_a jest_a spirit_n and_o carriage_n but_o grave_n and_o serious_a 1_o tim._n 3._o twelve_o they_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v set_v forward_o and_o entertain_v holy_a and_o profitable_a discourse_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n which_o will_v not_o now_o be_v easy_o find_v i_o fear_v among_o professor_n however_o they_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a apt_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v their_o duty_n although_o other_o be_v not_o to_o do_v they_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o eph._n 4.29_o col._n 4.6_o thirteen_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o arm_v with_o wisdom_n faith_n and_o patience_n to_o endure_v and_o stand_v fast_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n and_o to_o bear_v up_o under_o all_o the_o great_a discouragement_n they_o may_v meet_v withal_o from_o friend_n and_o foe_n for_o they_o will_v be_v try_v by_o both_o hence_o the_o apostle_n charge_v timothy_n to_o follow_v after_o faith_n and_o patience_n 1_o tim._n 6.11_o and_o in_o 1_o tim._n 4.12_o say_v he_o be_v thou_o a_o example_n to_o the_o believer_n in_o faith_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o their_o work_n well_o arm_v and_o fence_v with_o faith_n and_o patience_n for_o it_o will_v be_v try_v to_o the_o utmost_a as_o sad_a experience_n show_v fourteent_o they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o set_v up_o high_a and_o noble_a end_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o their_o office_n and_o work_n in_o the_o church_n the_o great_a
motive_n aim_n and_o end_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n shall_v be_v to_o please_v and_o honour_n jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o to_o edify_v and_o profit_v his_o church_n act_v 20._o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n that_o all_o pastor_n of_o church_n shall_v bring_v with_o they_o and_o labour_n to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o they_o when_o they_o be_v there_o five_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o holy_a and_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o carriage_n also_o these_o be_v in_o part_n describe_v in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 1._o and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o the_o act_n and_o other_o scripture_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v singular_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 4.7_o but_o exercise_n thyself_o unto_o godliness_n for_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v their_o light_n and_o guide_n to_o be_v example_n to_o believer_n and_o all_o man_n 1_o tim._n 4.12_o mat._n 5.16_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o etc._n etc._n they_o will_v by_o blamable_a walking_n more_o dishonour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n more_o grieve_a and_o afflict_v the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n scandalize_v and_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o evil_a man_n than_o a_o hundred_o time_n as_o many_o private_a christian_n and_o pull_v great_a reproach_n and_o comtempt_v upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n they_o be_v more_o eye_v and_o observe_v and_o be_v near_o jesus_n christ_n than_o other_o be_v and_o great_a thing_n be_v expect_v from_o they_o than_o from_o other_o therefore_o they_o shall_v shine_v forth_o in_o all_o grace_n and_o be_v find_v though_o not_o without_o their_o fail_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o good_a work_n as_o man_n christian_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o 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those_o gift_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o ministry_n therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v only_o qualify_v within_o but_o without_o also_o they_o must_v be_v able_a to_o speak_v as_o they_o ought_v eph._n 6.20_o as_o well_o as_o to_o judge_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o and_o understand_v divine_a matter_n sevent_o they_o must_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n too_o for_o if_o they_o be_v leaven_v with_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n taint_v with_o it_o they_o may_v easy_o corrupt_v and_o leaven_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o sow_v such_o tare_n and_o stink_a weed_n as_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o pull_v out_o again_o a_o little_a leaven_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n gal._n 5.9_o and_o when_o once_o false_a doctrine_n be_v get_v into_o the_o head_n they_o will_v quick_o defile_v and_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a heart_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v such_o evil_n in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n labour_v exceed_o with_o the_o church_n and_o assoon_o as_o they_o perceive_v any_o tare_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n sow_o in_o the_o church_n they_o present_o endeavour_v the_o pull_n of_o they_o up_o and_o weed_n of_o they_o out_o either_o by_o preach_v or_o write_v and_o paul_n charge_v titus_n to_o see_v that_o teacher_n be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n tit._n 1.9.13_o and_o that_o they_o speak_v sound_a doctrine_n chap._n 2.1_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v of_o sound_a mind_n 2_o tim._n 1.7_o and_o also_o that_o they_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n vers_fw-la 13._o and_o also_o wish_v all_o corrupt_a and_o unsound_a teacher_n cut_v off_o gal._n 5.12_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v erroneous_a in_o their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n but_o sound_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v together_o with_o the_o aforesaid_a particular_n right_o qualify_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v more_o care_n of_o and_o respect_n unto_o his_o name_n gospel_n and_o church_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n than_o to_o set_v over_o they_o erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a teacher_n eight_o humane_a learning_n be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v and_o desp_v say_v in_o a_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v too_o much_o by_o some_o who_o know_v not_o the_o good_a of_o it_o for_o although_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v sufficient_o prepare_v &_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o the_o ministry_n without_o it_o yet_o experience_n show_v that_o it_o be_v singular_o useful_a to_o holy_a man_n in_o their_o ministerial_a work_n it_o help_v to_o make_v they_o more_o able_a man_n though_o not_o christian_n it_o be_v useful_a to_o their_o head_n who_o know_v how_o to_o use_v it_o if_o not_o to_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o good_a servant_n to_o wait_v on_o divinity_n though_o a_o bad_a master_n when_o it_o be_v 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king_n and_o lawgiver_n the_o lord_n christ_n and_o they_o do_v by_o such_o neglect_v slight_a and_o despise_v his_o love_n and_o grace_n his_o care_n and_o kindness_n he_o have_v provide_v holy_a temple_n and_o spiritual_a house_n for_o they_o to_o dwell_v in_o and_o heavenly_a provision_n be_v make_v ready_a in_o they_o for_o their_o entertainment_n the_o door_n be_v set_v open_a to_o let_v in_o such_o guest_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o great_a king_n be_v go_v forth_o to_o bid_v they_o come_v away_o and_o invite_v they_o to_o enter_v in_o there_o stand_v also_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n even_o at_o the_o door_n wait_v for_o they_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n attend_v there_o to_o welcome_v they_o when_o they_o come_v luk._n 14.16_o 17._o rev._n 3.20_o he_o get_v there_o before_o they_o and_o abide_v there_o in_o expectation_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o company_n of_o all_o his_o saint_n psal_n 11.4_o isa_n 30.18_o he_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v his_o good_a pleasure_n 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those_o good_a man_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v with_o and_o among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o converse_v and_o such_o as_o they_o plant_v feed_v and_o water_v 1_o cor._n 3._o and_o these_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n they_o do_v all_o of_o they_o by_o their_o constant_a practice_n witness_n to_o and_o confirm_v what_o i_o say_v look_v where_o you_o will_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o act_n where_o you_o read_v of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o man_n convert_v there_o or_o in_o paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o revelation_n you_o shall_v find_v the_o young_a convert_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 2_o cor._n 8.5_o we_o find_v they_o by_o and_o by_o inchurch_v and_o walk_v in_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n so_o in_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o ult_n act_n 5.14_o and_o be_v not_o all_o paul_n epistle_n that_o to_o philemon_n only_o except_v which_o be_v write_v upon_o a_o particular_a 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a_o gospel-church_n or_o god_n holy_a temple_n open_v wherein_o be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n 1._o what_o a_o gospel-church_n be_v 2._o that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 3._o with_o what_o material_n such_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v form_v 4._o the_o form_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v build_v 5._o the_o several_a officer_n and_o office_n in_o the_o say_a church_n and_o their_o respective_a work_n and_o duty_n there_o 6._o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n to_o their_o officer_n 7._o their_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o 8._o their_o church-priviledge_n and_o several_a other_o matter_n and_o concernment_n which_o may_v not_o here_o be_v mention_v but_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o epistle_n all_o intend_a for_o the_o spiritual_a profit_n of_o church-member_n by_o stephen_n ford_n preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o london_n these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v 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the_o increase_n 1_o cor._n 3.7_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o weak_a and_o i_o know_v also_o that_o the_o happy_a success_n of_o good_a man_n labour_n lie_v not_o in_o or_o proceed_v not_o from_o their_o ability_n but_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n work_v with_o and_o by_o they_o or_o else_o even_o a_o great_a prophet_n isaiah_n may_v say_v i_o have_v labour_v in_o vain_a isa_n 49.4_o yet_o i_o say_v my_o conscience_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o it_o be_v my_o desire_n aim_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v faithful_a to_o christ_n and_o you_o and_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o my_o work_n and_o your_o service_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o to_o feed_v you_o with_o the_o bread_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o to_o give_v to_o every_o one_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n i_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o all-seeing-eye_n of_o my_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n be_v still_o on_o i_o and_o that_o i_o must_v short_o give_v unto_o he_o a_o account_n of_o my_o stewardship_n luk._n 16.2_o how_o i_o have_v perform_v my_o work_n and_o discharge_v my_o trust_n to_o you_o and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o but_o endeavour_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o my_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o you._n shall_v any_o of_o you_o suffer_v loss_n by_o any_o neglect_n or_o unfaithfulness_n of_o i_o the_o sight_n and_o conviction_n of_o it_o will_v exceed_o afflict_v i_o for_o i_o do_v great_o love_v you_o i_o will_v be_v eminent_o instrumental_a in_o nurse_n educate_v and_o build_v you_o up_o in_o christ_n in_o knowledge_n faith_n love_n peace_n joy_n holiness_n and_o spiritual_a consolation_n unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o be_o real_o afflict_v that_o i_o can_v do_v no_o more_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o and_o that_o i_o be_o no_o more_o successful_a in_o what_o i_o do_v i_o hope_v you_o have_v some_o clear_a proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o myself_o and_o endeavour_n from_o my_o practice_n among_o you_o for_o what_o other_o end_n can_v i_o have_v in_o all_o my_o labour_n and_o spend_n but_o to_o serve_v christ_n and_o your_o soul_n especial_o in_o and_o by_o those_o that_o be_v extraordinary_a what_o shall_v i_o aim_v at_o and_o design_n in_o the_o monthly_a lecture_n to_o and_o with_o you_o only_o in_o my_o lord_n day_n fortnight_n lecture_n and_o in_o write_v this_o and_o some_o other_o book_n but_o your_o good_a you_o know_v that_o i_o have_v spend_v my_o strength_n in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n to_o convince_v regenerate_v and_o educate_v your_o family_n your_o child_n servant_n and_o other_o relation_n of_o you_o for_o as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v for_o their_o sake_n that_o i_o set_v it_o up_o and_o have_v continue_v it_o many_o year_n but_o how_o you_o have_v esteem_v and_o encourage_v it_o and_o how_o your_o relation_n have_v improve_v it_o i_o leave_v to_o all_o your_o conscience_n to_o judge_v but_o however_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o my_o love_n to_o you_o and_o care_n of_o they_o by_o spend_v my_o strength_n and_o spirit_n with_o and_o for_o their_o good_a and_o all_o unprejudiced_a person_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v it_o i_o can_v have_v sit_v down_o as_o other_o do_v with_o preachi_n g_o to_o you_o twice_o every_o lord_n day_n and_o one_o lecture_n in_o the_o weekday_n have_v i_o not_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v more_o and_o have_v not_o my_o cordial_a love_n to_o your_o soul_n constrain_v i_o to_o the_o take_n of_o extraordinary_a pain_n with_o you_o and_o for_o you_o my_o end_n and_o design_n in_o the_o say_v monthly_a lecture_n be_v 1_o to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o and_o convince_v you_o of_o your_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v yourselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o what_o duty_n be_v or_o be_v incumbent_a on_o you_o there_o 2_o to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o your_o church-priviledge_n and_o spiritual_a advantage_n that_o you_o may_v value_v and_o esteem_v they_o own_o and_o embrace_v they_o improve_v and_o walk_v worthy_a of_o they_o and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v thankful_a for_o they_o 3_o that_o you_o may_v know_v on_o what_o bottom_n you_o stand_v in_o your_o church-state_n and_o that_o you_o may_v stand_v there_o unmovable_o 4_o that_o you_o may_v know_v your_o miscarriage_n in_o your_o church-state_n and_o relation_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o and_o repent_v of_o they_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n 5_o that_o you_o may_v know_v the_o evil_n and_o temptation_n you_o be_v liable_a to_o in_o a_o church-state_n and_o that_o you_o may_v watch_v against_o and_o avoid_v they_o 6_o that_o you_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o answer_v gainsayers_a and_o refel_v their_o objection_n 7_o that_o you_o may_v look_v for_o and_o expect_v all_o the_o promise_v good_a in_o your_o church-state_n and_o endeavour_v the_o obtainment_n of_o it_o 8_o to_o 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their_o ministry_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o and_o do_v not_o exercise_v the_o authority_n and_o execute_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o see_v too_o and_o require_v orderly_o walk_v of_o all_o the_o member_n and_o authoritative_o to_o deal_v with_o offender_n and_o transgressor_n of_o his_o law_n who_o have_v power_n or_o can_v do_v it_o a_o church_n of_o believer_n as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v a_o family_n a_o corporation_n and_o household_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n that_o all_o family_n and_o incorporate_v body_n of_o man_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o live_v under_o and_o submit_v unto_o the_o law_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o those_o family_n and_o corporation_n whereunto_o they_o belong_v and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o they_o have_v such_o among_o they_o as_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o exercise_v discipline_n and_o execute_v law_n to_o command_v order_n and_o appoint_v what_o where_o when_o and_o how_o matter_n and_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v among_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v that_o the_o discipline_n of_o a_o family_n or_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v most_o careful_o to_o be_v attend_v too_o and_o practise_v and_o who_o shall_v exercise_v it_o but_o his_o minister_n and_o overseer_n act._n 20.17_o 28._o it_o be_v true_a that_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n also_o another_o sort_n of_o ruler_n which_o i_o think_v be_v say_v to_o be_v help_n to_o which_o government_n be_v join_v 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v as_o i_o judge_v god_n have_v chief_o entrust_v the_o roll_a power_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o teach_v elder_n and_o impower_v other_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o namely_o such_o as_o be_v call_v rule_v elder_n in_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o for_o they_o have_v need_n enough_o of_o such_o help_n in_o their_o well_o govern_v a_o church_n 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with_o all_o possible_a care_n wisdom_n faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o the_o doubt_n and_o question_n maintain_v the_o truth_n and_o establish_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o they_o for_o shall_v the_o error_n at_o any_o time_n sow_v among_o they_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o suffer_v to_o take_v root_n in_o their_o head_n they_o will_v eat_v into_o the_o heart_n like_o a_o canker_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cancer_n or_o gangrene_n to_o prevent_v which_o the_o apostle_n charge_v timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o all_o elder_n of_o church_n in_o they_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n tit._n 1.9_o that_o by_o sound_a doctrine_n they_o may_v convince_v gainsayer_n and_o this_o be_v always_o paul_n care_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v show_v either_o to_o prevent_v the_o corrupt_a of_o truth_n and_o man_n soul_n with_o error_n or_o to_o overthrow_v and_o root_v they_o up_o where_o they_o be_v entertain_v thus_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o do_v now_o and_o that_o for_o christ_n his_o truth_n and_o church_n sake_n five_o they_o must_v administer_v all_o church-ordinance_n with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n care_n zeal_n and_o faithfulness_n it_o be_v their_o work_n and_o place_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v careless_a or_o negligent_a but_o watch_v seek_v for_o and_o observe_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o that_o the_o church_n suffer_v no_o detriment_n by_o their_o neglect_n which_o they_o will_v quick_o do_v if_o neglect_v as_o experience_n show_v they_o must_v not_o only_a care_n to_o preach_v well_o but_o to_o administer_v all_o other_o appointment_n of_o christ_n also_o in_o their_o season_n for_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o church_n food_n and_o provision_n and_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n appoint_v by_o he_o for_o the_o communicate_v and_o dispense_n of_o his_o grace_n spirit_n yea_o and_o himself_n unto_o their_o soul_n and_o indeed_o without_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o house_n the_o house_n or_o church_n can_v subsist_v and_o they_o be_v the_o authorize_v steward_n of_o the_o house_n to_o give_v the_o lord_n household_n all_o their_o provision_n in_o due_a season_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a under_o his_o keep_n and_o donation_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o mat._n 24.45_o psal_n 92_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o every_o church_n ordinance_n be_v a_o golden_a pipe_n to_o convey_v light_n life_n and_o holiness_n into_o believer_n heart_n and_o as_o breast_n to_o convey_v nourishment_n to_o the_o soul_n they_o be_v spiritual_a ladder_n to_o carry_v the_o heart_n and_o grace_n of_o believer_n up_o to_o heaven_n and_o lodge_v their_o mind_n and_o affection_n there_o and_o they_o be_v as_o the_o ark_n where_o god_n will_v come_v and_o meet_v his_o people_n esa_n 64.5_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v careful_o frequent_o and_o holy_o dispense_v and_o administer_v by_o they_o who_o be_v set_v there_o to_o do_v it_o six_o they_o must_v stand_v between_o god_n and_o the_o church_n with_o holy_a heart_n hand_n and_o tongue_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n for_o the_o church_n or_o in_o their_o behalf_n and_o that_o private_o and_o public_o for_o their_o work_n and_o office_n be_v not_o only_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o from_o christ_n but_o they_o be_v to_o present_v their_o want_n desire_n and_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o they_o also_o which_o be_v no_o easy_a work_n to_o do_v they_o must_v pray_v and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o they_o as_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o carry_v they_o upon_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n in_o their_o secret_a address_n to_o god_n and_o plead_v with_o god_n importunate_o for_o they_o
and_o a_o more_o indispensible_a dury_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o you_o who_o be_v able_a in_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o you_o can_v plead_v ignorance_n for_o the_o breach_n or_o neglect_v of_o it_o and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o obey_v your_o god_n and_o king_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n how_o can_v you_o be_v call_v obedient_a child_n 1_o pet._n 1.14_o and_o how_o shall_v christ_n commend_v you_o as_o he_o do_v zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n for_o walk_v in_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n blameless_o luk._n 1.6_o or_o how_o can_v you_o expect_v that_o christ_n shall_v say_v unto_o you_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n you_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o do_v when_o you_o know_v that_o you_o live_v in_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o a_o know_a and_o easy_a duty_n 3._o consider_v that_o god_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o your_o do_n and_o carriage_n towards_o his_o ambassador_n and_o your_o teacher_n he_o be_v privy_a to_o all_o your_o way_n and_o will_v abundant_o reward_v all_o your_o kindness_n and_o unkindness_n to_o they_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v his_o and_o you_o therefore_o be_v careful_a to_o demean_v and_o carry_v yourselves_o towards_o they_o so_o as_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v say_v to_o you_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n you_o have_v be_v kind_a and_o good_a respectful_a and_o dutiful_a to_o my_o minister_n and_o to_o i_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v recompense_v all_o your_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n to_o they_o for_o what_o you_o do_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v my_o minister_n you_o do_v to_o i_o i_o take_v all_o as_o do_v to_o myself_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o your_o lord_n these_o be_v some_o and_o but_o some_o of_o the_o church_n duty_n towards_o their_o pastor_n or_o teaching-elders_a for_o although_o i_o have_v be_v large_a on_o this_o head_n than_o i_o intend_v yet_o i_o forbear_v speak_v any_o more_o lest_o some_o shall_v think_v i_o say_v too_o much_o chap._n vi_o of_o mere_a ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n of_o their_o office_n work_n and_o power_n in_o the_o church_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v their_o work_n and_o for_o what_o end_v they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n as_o also_o the_o church_n duty_n to_o they_o with_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o such_o officer_n quest_n what_o other_o officer_n have_v christ_n appoint_v for_o and_o set_v in_o his_o church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n beside_o teaching-elders_a answ_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v set_v in_o his_o new_a testament-churche_n ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n ruling-elders_a or_o elder_n who_o chief_a if_o not_o only_a work_n be_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o help_v to_o manage_v the_o discipline_n thereof_o with_o the_o teaching-elders_a seem_v to_o be_v warrant_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o text_n that_o speak_v most_o clear_o in_o the_o case_n be_v in_o the_o 1_o 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their_o work_n well_o and_o faithful_o as_o become_v steward_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o the_o roman_n the_o word_n be_v these_o he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n in_o the_o 6._o and_o 7._o verse_n we_o have_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o another_o sort_n of_o officer_n namely_o teacher_n who_o great_a work_n be_v to_o prophesy_v minister_n and_o teach_v and_o therefore_o say_v he_o let_v such_o wait_v on_o that_o part_n of_o their_o work_n then_o he_o come_v to_o another_o sort_n of_o officer_n and_o these_o say_v he_o be_v to_o rule_v with_o diligence_n not_o to_o attend_v to_o teach_v as_o the_o other_o be_v to_o do_v but_o to_o rule_v and_o that_o with_o diligence_n whereby_o he_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a person_n and_o officer_n from_o the_o teacher_n before_o mention_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o point_v out_o this_o sort_n of_o office_n and_o officer_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n say_v he_o have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n then_o help_v government_n now_o what_o shall_v these_o help_n government_n be_v as_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o distinguish_v from_o teach_v ruling-elders_a but_o this_o sort_n of_o ruling-elders_a i_o be_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n need_v teach_v so_o also_o government_n and_o discipline_n for_o their_o order_n and_o well_o be_v but_o because_o the_o teach_v elder_n can_v attend_v continual_o to_o their_o rule_v work_n because_o their_o teach_v and_o minister_a other_o ordinance_n divert_v they_o from_o it_o so_o often_o as_o need_n require_v therefore_o have_v god_n set_v in_o his_o church_n mere_a rule_v elder_n that_o they_o as_o moses_n his_o 70._o elder_n may_v help_v to_o bear_v the_o burden_n and_o assist_v the_o teaching-elders_a in_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o the_o corinth_n join_v to_o the_o teach_v ruling-elders_a and_o also_o in_o the_o roman_n and_o they_o be_v express_o call_v help_n government_n for_o that_o they_o be_v give_v of_o god_n to_o help_v their_o teacher_n or_o pastor_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o true_o it_o have_v its_o weight_n with_o i_o namely_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o help_v their_o pastor_n in_o the_o government_n thereof_o for_o as_o satan_n be_v more_o busy_a and_o vigilant_a in_o the_o church_n to_o cause_n disorder_v therein_o than_o in_o any_o other_o society_n of_o man_n so_o there_o be_v the_o more_o need_n of_o diligent_a and_o careful_a government_n and_o inspection_n to_o keep_v all_o in_o order_n and_o as_o be_v say_v before_o the_o teaching-elders_a can_v so_o constant_o attend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o discipline_n because_o of_o their_o other_o work_n as_o need_n require_v therefore_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o nenessity_n of_o mere_a 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there_o to_o have_v a_o name_n and_o signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o they_o have_v their_o work_n there_o as_o such_o which_o they_o be_v diligent_o to_o attend_v unto_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n now_o what_o their_o work_n and_o business_n be_v i_o shall_v search_v out_o and_o discover_v as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v and_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n first_o then_o they_o be_v express_o call_v ruling-elders_a or_o elder_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o now_o what_o do_v their_o name_n and_o office_n signify_v and_o imply_v but_o that_o they_o be_v to_o assist_v their_o teacher_n in_o the_o orderly_a government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o i_o think_v their_o work_n lie_v chief_o in_o these_o
evil_n of_o it_o &_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o they_o shall_v assist_v and_o help_v they_o with_o their_o company_n advice_n and_o counsel_n when_o desire_v and_o need_n require_v it_o moreover_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o make_v the_o ministry_n of_o their_o teacher_n acceptable_a unto_o the_o church_n and_o to_o see_v that_o all_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o that_o they_o defraud_v not_o their_o teacher_n of_o convenient_a and_o due_a maintenance_n nor_o carry_v themselves_o rude_o and_o disrespectful_o unto_o they_o or_o towards_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o they_o warn_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o as_o christ_n have_v command_v that_o they_o constant_o seasonable_o and_o reverent_o attend_v to_o and_o wait_v on_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o make_v holy_a earning_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o 9_o they_o ought_v to_o project_n and_o prepare_v good_a order_n and_o matter_n for_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o church_n to_o help_v forward_o and_o promote_v any_o good_a thing_n present_v to_o they_o by_o their_o teacher_n and_o help_v to_o carry_v they_o on_o unto_o perfection_n but_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n they_o shall_v concur_v with_o they_o in_o promote_a holiness_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o counsel_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n for_o that_o be_v the_o church_n ornament_n beauty_n and_o glory_n psal_n 93._o ult_n they_o shall_v labour_v to_o promote_v gospel-light_n life_n zeal_n humility_n meekness_n and_o good_a work_n they_o shall_v labour_v to_o promote_v godliness_n in_o the_o church_n family_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o conversation_n among_o it_o man_n and_o in_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n and_o not_o leave_v all_o to_o their_o pastor_n to_o do_v they_o be_v indeed_o indispensible_o bind_v to_o promote_v it_o all_o they_o can_v by_o their_o preach_a and_o walk_v and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o and_o ruling-elders_a be_v to_o do_v it_o private_o and_o particular_o and_o because_o the_o frequent_a meeting_n of_o christian_n for_o prayer_n and_o discourse_n be_v a_o duty_n exceed_v profitable_a and_o beneficial_a unto_o their_o soul_n when_o right_o improve_v wise_o and_o spiritual_o manage_v the_o elder_n shall_v encourage_v it_o set_v it_o forward_o and_o endeavour_v to_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v such_o good_a work_v and_o duty_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o meeting_n will_v great_o promote_v godliness_n and_o keep_v a_o savour_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o heart_n now_o who_o shall_v promote_v and_o further_o this_o good_a work_n so_o much_o as_o the_o elder_n who_o may_v and_o ought_v authoritative_o to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v another_o of_o their_o work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o church_n therefore_o see_v you_o do_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n who_o be_v elder_n 10._o last_o ruling-elders_a as_o well_o as_o teach_v have_v another_o great_a work_n to_o do_v in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v singular_o exemplary_a in_o their_o word_n deed_n and_o carriage_n be_v thou_o a_o example_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n 1_o epistle_n 4.12_o to_o the_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n for_o without_o these_o thing_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v worth_a nothing_o at_o all_o elder_n and_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n as_o well_o as_o the_o deacon_n shall_v be_v example_n and_o encourage_a pattern_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n to_o other_o in_o their_o garb_n or_o clothing_n elder_n shall_v be_v singular_a in_o wisdom_n zeal_n seriousness_n and_o gravity_n in_o love_n sweetness_n diligence_n faithfulness_n spirituallity_n heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o in_o all_o good_a work_n show_v thyself_o say_v paul_n a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n in_o all_o thing_n tit._n 2.7_o they_o must_v so_o walk_v as_o that_o other_o may_v safe_o follow_v their_o step_n and_o be_v excite_v and_o encourage_v so_o to_o do_v by_o their_o example_n they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o be_v good_a example_n out_o of_o and_o in_o the_o congregation_n or_o church_n when_o assemble_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n then_o shall_v the_o elder_n show_v good_a example_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o their_o timely_a come_n there_o and_o by_o their_o holy_a serious_a and_o reverend_a carriage_n and_o deportment_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o when_o they_o neglect_v their_o place_n and_o duty_n there_o or_o come_v unreasonable_o carry_v themselves_o careless_o and_o unreverent_o they_o tempt_v other_o to_o do_v so_o too_o for_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v a_o name_n among_o they_o so_o they_o eye_v they_o much_o and_o expect_v great_a thing_n of_o and_o from_o they_o therefore_o elder_n must_v take_v heed_n to_o their_o way_n and_o see_v that_o they_o walk_v circumspect_o or_o exact_o eph._n 5.15_o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o they_o will_v do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a in_o the_o church_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o rule_v elder_n have_v work_n enough_o to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v need_n and_o use_n enough_o of_o they_o and_o sure_o they_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o the_o church_n and_o prove_v a_o great_a blessing_n indeed_o to_o she_o will_v they_o but_o know_v mind_n attend_v to_o and_o do_v their_o own_o proper_a work_n and_o business_n and_o real_o concern_v themselves_o with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n concernment_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o oh_o that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o that_o office_n and_o dignity_n will_v serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n their_o way_n and_o do_n wherefore_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o invest_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o intend_v and_o in_o good_a earnest_n set_v to_o their_o work_n and_o unfeigned_o design_n and_o prosecute_v those_o end_n quest_n how_o shall_v ruling-elders_a perform_v their_o work_n in_o the_o church_n answ_n first_o with_o wisdom_n or_o wise_o they_o shall_v wise_o observe_v the_o matter_n they_o have_v to_o concern_v themselves_o about_o and_o to_o manage_v in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o time_n and_o scason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o to_o who_o and_o when_o 3._o the_o manner_n how_o they_o shall_v or_o ought_v to_o do_v they_o much_o light_n knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o church_n government_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v great_a need_n to_o pray_v read_v and_o study_n much_o for_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o not_o mistake_v their_o way_n and_o work_v nor_o the_o time_n season_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o nor_o stumble_v at_o any_o stumbling-stone_n or_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o so_o great_a and_o importunate_a matter_n 2._o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v their_o great_a and_o only_a rule_n and_o guide_n in_o church-matter_n no_o other_o voice_n must_v be_v hear_v there_o but_o he_o nor_o any_o other_o authority_n law_n or_o rule_v to_o be_v observe_v follow_v and_o obey_v but_o he_o it_o be_v give_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o church_n eph._n 1.22_o 23._o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o nothing_o else_o math._n 28.20_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o or_o for_o the_o church_n this_o they_o must_v careful_o and_o continual_o mind_n and_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o do_v not_o their_o own_o will_n and_o walk_v by_o their_o own_o rule_n but_o christ_n for_o in_o so_o do_v he_o will_v bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o help_n and_o assist_v they_o and_o in_o the_o end_n he_o will_v reward_v all_o their_o conformity_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n but_o otherwise_o he_o will_v say_v who_o require_v these_o thing_n of_o you_o therefore_o when_o any_o case_n or_o work_n be_v offer_v to_o you_o you_o must_v consider_v they_o and_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o you_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o what_o you_o be_v call_v to_o do_v and_o then_o proceed_v and_o manage_v your_o work_n according_o be_v you_o sure_a to_o steer_v your_o course_n aright_o by_o divine_a light_n and_o law_n look_v up_o to_o and_o own_o christ_n and_o his_o authority_n in_o all_o your_o proceedure_n for_o you_o act_n not_o as_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o a_o state_n but_o as_o the_o spiritual_a magistrate_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o be_v his_o will_n