church_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ad_fw-la pascendam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la dei_fw-la to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o in_o eph._n 4.11_o he_o that_o be_v christ_n vers_fw-la 10._o give_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o as_o they_o be_v give_v authorize_v and_o send_v of_o god_n or_o set_v by_o he_o in_o the_o church_n so_o he_o have_v allot_v and_o appoint_v they_o their_o several_a distinct_a work_n and_o business_n there_o and_o charge_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o see_v they_o do_v it_o as_o he_o appoint_v act_v 20.17_o 18._o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o take_v special_a care_n about_o their_o qualification_n for_o their_o work_n 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 1._o yea_o he_o give_v and_o bestow_v gift_n and_o ability_n himself_o on_o they_o for_o the_o church_n sake_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n not_o of_o the_o letter_n only_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o himself_z in_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o discharge_v their_o trust_n and_o perform_v their_o work_n eph._n 4._o rom._n 12._o mat._n 28._o ult._n and_o will_v bless_v and_o prosper_v their_o labour_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n benefit_n now_o assure_o god_n will_v never_o have_v make_v such_o provision_n for_o church_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o set_v up_o he_o will_v never_o so_o far_o own_o the_o work_n of_o man_n hand_n without_o his_o mind_n authority_n &_o appointment_n and_o therefore_o see_v god_n have_v provide_v and_o set_v officer_n in_o they_o appoint_v they_o their_o work_n qualify_v &_o fit_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n &_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n must_v be_v of_o divine_a institution_n of_o god_n &_o not_o of_o man_n six_o this_o further_a appear_v by_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o require_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o practise_v in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o give_v officer_n unto_o they_o as_o before-said_a and_o to_o they_o have_v he_o commit_v the_o use_n exercise_n and_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v his_o door_n to_o execute_v his_o law_n and_o to_o manage_v his_o concernment_n and_o houshold-affair_n therein_o namely_o in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n he_o have_v give_v they_o for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o he_o have_v charge_v the_o church_n to_o obey_v and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o exercise_v of_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o his_o name_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n profit_n according_a to_o his_o direction_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o these_o officer_n or_o elder_n have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o correct_v offender_n to_o instruct_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v and_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o or_o remove_v they_o from_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o church_n suffrage_n and_o upon_o repentance_n to_o receive_v they_o in_o again_o mat._n 16.18_o 19_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5.7_o 12_o 13._o 2_o cor._n 2._o the_o neglect_n of_o which_o christ_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o rev._n 2.14_o 20._o and_o as_o the_o church_n have_v by_o their_o elder_n the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o use_v and_o exercise_v the_o same_o so_o each_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v and_o appoint_v officer_n for_o themselves_o namely_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o such_o as_o he_o offer_v and_o present_v to_o they_o and_o give_v a_o place_n and_o interest_n in_o their_o heart_n act_n 14.23_o acts._n 6.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quumque_fw-la ipis_fw-la per_fw-la susfragia_fw-la creassent_fw-la per_fw-la singulas_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la beza_n a_o church_n may_v authoritative_o do_v that_o which_o believer_n can_v so_o do_v in_o a_o single_a and_o individual_a capacity_n as_o believer_n but_o they_o may_v as_o a_o congregat_v body_n and_o as_o a_o incorporate_a society_n who_o have_v voluntary_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o engage_v to_o one_o another_o &_o to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o submit_v to_o &_o walk_v together_o by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o society_n or_o corporation_n these_o have_v not_o single_o but_o joint_o as_o a_o corporation_n the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n when_o you_o be_v come_v together_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 16._o so_o than_o if_o christ_n have_v give_v rule_n law_n and_o power_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n to_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n than_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o indeed_o spiritual_a discipline_n can_v elsewhere_o be_v right_o exercise_v seven_o this_o truth_n be_v further_o confirm_v by_o their_o name_n and_o honourable_a title_n god_n the_o father_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n call_v they_o by_o their_o own_o name_n and_o so_o own_v they_o for_o their_o own_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o know_v you_o not_o that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n defile_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v god_n destroy_v for_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v holy_a which_o temple_n you_o be_v so_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o and_o as_o jesus_n christ_n honour_v they_o with_o the_o high_a stile_n and_o title_n of_o his_o holy_a temple_n so_o also_o his_o habitation_n eph._n 2.22_o and_o his_o household_n eph._n 2.19_o as_o also_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n gal._n 6.10_o and_o further_o he_o entitle_v they_o his_o church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o golden_a candlestick_n rev._n 1.20_o rom._n 16.16_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o 2_o thes_n 1.4_o and_o that_o in_o allusion_n to_o the_o old_a temple_n and_o candlestick_n thereof_o which_o be_v of_o his_o own_o appointment_n moreover_o a_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.5.15_o heb._n 3.5_o 6._o and_o christ_n his_o walk_n rev._n 2.1_o these_o be_v particular_a congregational_a church_n that_o he_o thus_o own_v and_o honour_n with_o such_o title_n viz_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n corinthian_n thessalonian_o eight_o believer_n as_o inchurch_v or_o incorporote_v body_n be_v speak_v to_o by_o name_n the_o great_a this_fw-mi overy_n make_v of_o god_n purpose_n and_o intend_a work_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n be_v direct_v and_o give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n hence_o it_o be_v often_o say_v in_o the_o revelation_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v distinct_a incorporate_v body_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n rev_n 2.7_o 17_o 29._o rev._n 3.6_o 13_o 22._o the_o holy_a ghost_n reveal_v to_o they_o the_o rice_n name_n nature_n and_o work_n of_o antichrist_n what_o he_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v from_o whence_o he_o shall_v come_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o the_o church_n temple_n and_o belove_a city_n of_o god_n and_o what_o his_o end_n shall_v be_v there_o he_o describe_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o church-state_n of_o god_n people_n and_o what_o he_o will_v do_v with_o and_o for_o they_o there_o they_o be_v show_v large_o and_o abundant_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o people_n of_o the_o war_n and_o conflict_n that_o shall_v be_v between_o the_o dragon_n beast_n whore_n false_a prophet_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o follower_n as_o also_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o as_o you_o may_v find_v in_o that_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n all_o which_o show_v that_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v never_o own_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v know_v to_o they_o such_o great_a thing_n as_o he_o there_o declare_v unto_o the_o church_n nine_o if_o particular_a congregational_a church_n have_v not_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n but_o of_o man_n devise_v then_o sure_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v have_v sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o set_n up_o their_o post_n by_o god_n post_n as_o he_o do_v the_o jew_n ezek._n 43.8_o and_o as_o he_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o miscarriage_n in_o their_o church-state_n rev._n 2.3_o and_o the_o corinthian_n and_o galatian_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o never_o find_v they_o reprove_v or_o
pursuance_n of_o these_o and_o other_o holy_a end_n i_o have_v write_v some_o of_o the_o matter_n that_o i_o preach_v to_o you_o and_o have_v make_v they_o ready_a for_o your_o eye_n to_o read_v and_o behold_v they_o your_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n to_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o for_o your_o heart_n to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o and_o that_o upon_o your_o desire_n i_o have_v do_v it_o as_o you_o know_v they_o be_v your_o matter_n and_o therefore_o to_o you_o i_o do_v dedicate_v and_o commend_v they_o because_o i_o love_v you_o and_o if_o you_o give_v i_o encouragement_n i_o can_v willing_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v for_o you_o 2_o cor._n 12.15_o brethren_n i_o grudge_v not_o at_o any_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n care_n and_o labour_n i_o have_v take_v and_o expend_v on_o you_o or_o you_o for_o i_o think_v that_o all_o that_o i_o can_v do_v for_o you_o be_v too_o little_a i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v i_o can_v be_v more_o serviceable_a and_o profitable_a to_o you_o and_o 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member_n ought_v to_o walk_v towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o what_o evil_n and_o temptation_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o or_o in_o danger_n of_o 12_o i_o have_v speak_v something_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o of_o many_o other_o thing_n and_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n as_o you_o will_v find_v in_o your_o read_n of_o the_o book_n throughout_o as_o that_o church-member_n ought_v not_o to_o break_v off_o from_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v join_v but_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n i_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v but_o shall_v present_v a_o few_o request_n to_o you_o for_o myself_o my_o god_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o which_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o deny_v i_o but_o free_o grant_v i_o because_o you_o will_v find_v they_o very_o reasonable_a request_n and_o such_o as_o do_v near_o concern_v you_o and_o your_o god_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o 1._o i_o do_v earnest_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v you_o for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n and_o for_o the_o 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you_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o neglect_v to_o come_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v your_o place_n and_o when_o you_o neglect_v to_o set_v forward_o any_o good_a work_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a you_o do_v discourage_v i_o and_o tempt_v i_o to_o sin_n and_o the_o like_v you_o may_v do_v many_o other_o way_n which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o shall_v not_o mention_v only_o this_o one_o namely_o by_o your_o nonproficiency_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o will_v be_v my_o great_a affliction_n because_o i_o dear_o love_v you_o your_o serious_a conscientious_a and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n with_o i_o your_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o profit_v by_o they_o your_o readiness_n to_o help_v and_o assist_v i_o in_o promote_a and_o carry_v on_o of_o good_a work_n in_o the_o church_n and_o stand_v by_o i_o in_o the_o lord_n work_n will_v exceed_o comfort_v &_o encourage_v i_o in_o my_o ministerial_a work_n and_o pray_v consider_v if_o it_o be_v not_o your_o duty_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v so_o do_v heb._n 13.17_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n why_o why_o say_v he_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o oh_o give_v i_o your_o help_a hand_n and_o do_v not_o load_v and_o burden_v my_o work_n but_o endeavour_v to_o make_v my_o work_n easy_a and_o my_o life_n comfortable_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o your_o
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
his_o glory_n isa_n 46.13_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v a_o church_n of_o his_o own_o plant_n and_o a_o covenant_n people_n and_o for_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o the_o little_a remnant_n sake_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v among_o they_o and_o who_o glorify_v he_o indeed_o &_o in_o truth_n god_n bestow_v his_o grace_n stamp_v his_o image_n and_o infuse_v his_o holiness_n into_o man_n to_o meeten_v they_o for_o his_o temple_n and_o temple-work_n and_o then_o form_n and_o set_v they_o up_o in_o his_o own_o beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o a_o church-state_n that_o there_o as_o a_o body_n compact_v they_o may_v shine_v forth_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o praise_n in_o the_o world_n as_o many_o glitter_a daimond_n in_o a_o gold_n ring_n do_v shine_v more_o glorious_o upon_o a_o man_n hand_n than_o a_o hundred_o time_n so_o many_o more_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o here_o and_o there_o will_v do_v so_o a_o company_n of_o man_n which_o be_v make_v precious_a stone_n fit_v for_o a_o house_n of_o god_n be_v well_o and_o orderly_o set_v in_o a_o church-state_n or_o in_o a_o house_n of_o god_n do_v shine_v more_o glorious_o there_o than_o many_o more_o can_v do_v in_o a_o single_a and_o individual_a capacity_n and_o stand_v alone_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n 3._o god_n institutes_n and_o build_v believer_n into_o spiritual_a house_n for_o his_o people_n spiritual_a profit_n and_o advantage_n that_o god_n may_v there_o impart_v his_o love_n cant._n 7.12_o and_o communicate_v his_o grace_n truth_n and_o counsel_n unto_o they_o as_o to_o his_o avow_a and_o public_a household_n and_o family_n eph._n 2.19_o christ_n walk_n and_o god_n the_o father_n dwell_v there_o &_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a and_o frequent_a manner_n rev._n 2.1_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o rev._n 2.7.11_o etc._n etc._n and_o assure_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o walk_v nor_o god_n the_o father_n dwell_v there_o empty_a hand_a but_z distributes_z plentiful_o of_o their_o love_n and_o fullness_n as_o great_a prince_n where_o they_o go_v and_o lodge_v they_o will_v give_v like_o themselves_o unto_o the_o household_n servant_n and_o much_o more_o will_v god_n as_o some_o can_n and_o more_o may_v experience_n the_o church-enjoyment_n of_o serious_a holy_a man_n be_v the_o fair_a full_a clear_a and_o strong_a of_o all_o they_o have_v at_o any_o time_n and_o that_o because_o god_n dwell_v there_o as_o in_o his_o holy_a and_o delightful_a temple_n and_o walk_v there_o as_o in_o his_o pleasant_a garden_n and_o walk_n and_o where_o god_n most_o dwell_v and_o walk_n and_o take_v most_o pleasure_n there_o he_o impart_v most_o of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o king_n 8.10_o 11._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n fill_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o priest_n can_v not_o stand_v to_o minister_v because_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_o great_a there_o and_o his_o distribution_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o solomon_n and_o other_o saint_n so_o many_o and_o great_a as_o that_o the_o people_n go_v home_o joyful_a and_o glad_a of_o heart_n vers_fw-la 66._o and_o in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 7.16_o say_v god_n speak_v of_o the_o temple_n my_o eye_n and_o my_o heart_n shall_v be_v there_o perpetual_o now_o if_o god_n do_v so_o now_o that_o material_a temple_n make_v of_o wood_n and_o stone_n as_o to_o manifest_v his_o glory_n so_o much_o there_o impart_v so_o rich_o of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o his_o people_n and_o promise_v to_o dwell_v there_o continual_o how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o do_v so_o unto_o his_o new-testament_n church_n of_o believer_n they_o shall_v find_v that_o prophetical_a promise_n make_v good_a to_o they_o in_o psal_n 102.16_o when_o the_o lord_n shall_v build_v up_o zion_n he_o shall_v appear_v in_o his_o glory_n beside_o a_o church-state_n be_v a_o safe_a as_o well_o as_o a_o thrive_a comfortable_a state_n for_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n right_o and_o due_o form_v and_o make_v up_o be_v a_o garden_n enclose_v cant._n 4.12_o a_o spring_n shut_v up_o a_o fountain_n seal_v or_o bar_v whilst_o wood_n and_o stone_n lie_v scatter_v abroad_o they_o may_v be_v steal_v and_o carry_v away_o from_o the_o owner_n so_o while_o believer_n walk_v apart_o and_o lie_v up_o and_o down_o scatter_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v seduce_v and_o lead_v away_o from_o christ_n with_o some_o of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o so_o in_o measure_n full_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.17_o but_o now_o in_o a_o church-state_n or_o formal_a house_n of_o god_n they_o be_v safe_a and_o more_o secure_a because_o there_o they_o be_v hedge_v in_o with_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n there_o they_o be_v watch_v over_o by_o their_o fellow-member_n and_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v their_o overseer_n and_o watchman_n there_o they_o be_v as_o in_o the_o orderly_o institute_v family_n or_o household_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n and_o walk_n of_o christ_n and_o under_o the_o eye_n and_o with_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o christ_n whilst_o a_o army_n of_o soldier_n walk_v as_o single_a and_o individual_a person_n scatter_v abroad_o they_o lie_v open_a to_o destruction_n by_o their_o enemy_n but_o when_o they_o be_v form_v up_o and_o walk_v together_o under_o officer_n and_o military_a discipline_n every_o one_o know_v his_o place_n and_o keep_v it_o know_v the_o command_v of_o their_o general_n and_o observe_v they_o they_o be_v safe_a and_o ready_a to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o offend_v their_o enemy_n particular_a and_o right_o constitute_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v like_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n cant._n 6.4_o 10._o march_v under_o the_o constant_a conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o captain_n general_n eph._n 1.22_o 23._o heb._n 2.10_o 4._o they_o be_v form_v and_o set_v up_o by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a seat_n and_o subject_n as_o of_o his_o glorious_a presence_n so_o of_o his_o law_n ordinance_n power_n and_o authority_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v observe_v and_o obey_v his_o law_n declare_v before_o all_o man_n their_o own_n of_o he_o for_o their_o lord_n by_o their_o open_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o as_o such_o and_o that_o by_o their_o distinct_a and_o singular_a follow_v of_o he_o in_o incorporate_a body_n they_o may_v manifest_v to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o disciple_n that_o they_o have_v choose_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o his_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o obedience_n that_o they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o but_o he_o and_o that_o they_o have_v take_v up_o in_o he_o as_o in_o their_o happiness_n and_o eternal_a blessedness_n col._n 2.6_o 1_o cor._n 6.19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 5.15_o that_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 15.19_o and_o set_v apart_o by_o his_o grace_n for_o himself_o to_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o themselves_o his_o holy_a yoke_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o law_n so_o likewise_o that_o his_o subject_n may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o mouth_n together_o present_a their_o service_n and_o homage_n unto_o he_o as_o their_o only_a lord_n head_n and_o king_n for_o church_n as_o church_n or_o believer_n walk_v according_a to_o his_o appointment_n and_o direction_n in_o church_n be_v capable_a of_o his_o holy_a supper_n that_o glorious_a pledge_n and_o seal_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o they_o it_o be_v call_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o particular_a congregat_v church_n at_o corinth_n we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n vers_fw-la 17._o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o give_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o only_a but_o unto_o believer_n as_o in_o a_o church-state_n or_o 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holy_a end_n of_o god_n in_o desire_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o 1_o to_o enjoy_v god_n and_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o appointment_n 2_o to_o worship_n god_n there_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o give_v he_o your_o homage_n and_o service_n in_o his_o house_n 3_o to_o show_v and_o declare_v your_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v a_o public_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o he_o before_o man_n 4_o to_o receive_v of_o his_o grace_n to_o enrich_v your_o soul_n with_o his_o fullness_n and_o to_o be_v seal_v by_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o day_n of_o your_o redemption_n 5_o that_o you_o may_v walk_v orderly_a and_o beautiful_o and_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o world_n before_o saint_n and_o sinner_n 6_o that_o you_o may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n live_v under_o the_o watch_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o of_o fellow_n member_n that_o by_o their_o inspection_n and_o faithful_a deal_n with_o you_o you_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o and_o bring_v back_o from_o sin_n to_o god_n by_o their_o wise_a reproof_n and_o holy_a instruction_n 7_o that_o you_o may_v yield_v up_o yourselves_o in_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o right_a use_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o your_o purchase_a privilege_n and_o be_v secure_v against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v these_o and_o such_o like_a end_n in_o your_o mind_n and_o heart_n in_o your_o walk_n in_o church-fellowship_n and_o can_v you_o find_v the_o forementioned_a mark_n or_o sign_n of_o grace_n in_o you_o in_o measure_n though_o not_o so_o clear_o and_o full_o as_o you_o will_v why_o then_o i_o may_v bold_o and_o humble_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v for_o church_n membership_n that_o you_o be_v call_v and_o invite_v into_o the_o house_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o you_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o answer_v to_o the_o call_v of_o god_n and_o say_v behold_v lord_n we_o come_v unto_o thou_o and_o will_v free_o without_o delay_n thankful_o without_o grudy_v humble_o without_o pride_n with_o mourning_n and_o rejoice_v enter_v into_o thy_o court_n join_v with_o thy_o church_n and_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n to_o thy_o praise_n and_o honour_n we_o will_v no_o long_o slight_v our_o great_a privilege_n neglect_v our_o great_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n or_o walk_v disorderly_a as_o we_o have_v do_v but_o we_o do_v now_o willing_o come_v and_o offer_v ourselves_o unto_o thou_o and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o be_v thou_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o thy_o way_n and_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v thou_o i_o say_v that_o church_n privilege_n be_v you_o the_o door_n of_o god_n house_n stand_v open_a for_o you_o christ_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o wait_n for_o you_o he_o invite_v you_o to_o come_v in_o sit_v down_o at_o his_o table_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v most_o free_o and_o hearty_o welcome_a to_o your_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v your_o unavoidable_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o house_n 5._o quest_n ought_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o the_o guide_n thereof_o to_o let_v in_o any_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n and_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o they_o or_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o try_v and_o prove_v they_o first_o whether_o they_o be_v right_o qualify_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n for_o full_a membership_n with_o his_o people_n if_o so_o then_o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n they_o shall_v look_v for_o and_o find_v in_o they_o for_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o admit_v into_o the_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n ought_v not_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o lord_n holy_a temple_n because_o many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n and_o notorious_a scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n as_o sad_a and_o woeful_a experience_n show_v 2._o it_o have_v be_v i_o think_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o that_o not_o any_o but_o real-hearted_n sound_a believer_n be_v fit_a material_n for_o a_o house_n and_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o church_n or_o the_o guide_n thereof_o may_v not_o admit_v any_o into_o it_o but_o such_o only_a as_o they_o judge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o charitable_a discretion_n be_v such_o indeed_o although_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v be_v hypocrite_n but_o they_o may_v not_o admit_v they_o if_o they_o ground_o know_v or_o think_v they_o to_o be_v such_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v admit_v such_o against_o their_o knowledge_n they_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o defile_v christ_n holy_a temple_n by_o take_v in_o such_o person_n as_o they_o know_v or_o aught_o to_o know_v christ_n will_v not_o have_v there_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o try_v and_o prove_v person_n that_o they_o may_v know_v their_o worthiness_n and_o fitness_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o in_o be_v clear_a in_o act_n 9.26_o and_o because_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o temple_n unto_o they_o to_o take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n moreover_o he_o blame_v some_o for_o suffer_v tare_n if_o mean_v of_o person_n to_o be_v sow_v in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o not_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v and_o keep_v they_o out_o matth._n 13.25_o say_v he_o while_o man_n sleep_v the_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n that_o be_v while_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v keep_v the_o temple_n gate_n shut_v against_o they_o to_o have_v keep_v they_o out_o be_v negligent_a and_o careless_a of_o their_o duty_n for_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o have_v keep_v out_o the_o devil_n seed_n for_o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n &_o the_o rebel_n with_o the_o true_a subject_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o paul_n say_v what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 3._o as_o to_o satisfy_a qualification_n in_o person_n desire_v admission_n into_o church_n i_o say_v that_o when_o they_o have_v be_v well_o try_v and_o be_v find_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n such_o as_o christ_n have_v receive_v and_o competent_o qualify_v for_o church_n membership_n they_o ought_v to_o receive_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n rom._n 14.1_o rom._n 15.7_o 1._o if_o they_o can_v make_v forth_o and_o declare_v unto_o the_o church_n their_o at_o least_o seem_o regeneration_n conversion_n repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n their_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o their_o lose_a and_o perish_a state_n in_o sin_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o their_o sincere_a desire_n and_o resolution_n to_o become_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o walk_v with_o he_o unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a in_o all_o his_o way_n 2._o if_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n thereof_o although_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o err_v in_o lesser_a matter_n if_o they_o have_v some_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n concern_v these_o and_o other_o such_o truth_n and_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o man_n be_v first_o create_v how_o he_o lose_v that_o holy_a and_o bless_a state_n and_o the_o misery_n he_o bring_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n into_o thereby_o concern_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n and_o condemn_v to_o eternal_a death_n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o and_o at_o enmity_n with_o god_n that_o they_o have_v neither_o will_v nor_o power_n by_o nature_n either_o to_o will_v or_o do_v that_o which_o they_o ought_v and_o be_v please_v to_o god_n that_o they_o have_v forsake_v god_n and_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n subject_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n world_n and_o their_o own_o lust_n that_o god_n leave_v not_o all_o man_n in_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n but_o provide_v a_o all-sufficient_a remedy_n namely_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o by_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n enter_v into_o with_o christ_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n tit._n 1.2_o 2_o tim._n 1.9_o prov._n 8._o and_o that_o in_o pursuance_n thereof_o he_o elect_v and_o give_v some_o to_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v
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
20._o and_o there_o be_v many_o reason_n for_o it_o i_o will_v but_o name_v a_o few_o 1_o because_o the_o work_n they_o have_v to_o do_v be_v the_o lord_n not_o their_o own_o and_o what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o meddle_v with_o it_o until_o their_o lord_n call_v &_o send_v they_o otherwise_o he_o may_v say_v unto_o they_o friend_n what_o do_v you_o here_o in_o my_o vineyard_n about_o my_o work_n and_o concernment_n do_v i_o call_v or_o send_v you_o hither_o or_o rather_o do_v you_o not_o come_v upon_o your_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n 2_o because_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o work_v be_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v his_o own_o appoint_a and_o design_v servant_n in_o his_o own_o family_n and_o household_n and_o none_o else_o he_o alot_v and_o appoint_v the_o several_a work_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o shall_v work_v and_o leave_v it_o not_o to_o their_o own_o will_n &_o choice_n but_o as_o direct_v and_o guide_v move_v and_o carry_v forth_o by_o he_o as_o god_n send_v paul_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o peter_n to_o the_o jew_n so_o do_v god_n now_o send_v such_o a_o man_n to_o such_o a_o church_n and_o another_o to_o another_o church_n to_o administer_v there_o and_o if_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n shall_v find_v such_o a_o servant_n here_o as_o he_o do_v intend_v for_o a_o other_o place_n how_o will_v he_o answer_v his_o be_v out_o of_o his_o own_o place_n 3_o because_o their_o go_v forth_o and_o labour_v in_o the_o vineyard_n must_v be_v obediential_a acts._n they_o must_v do_v it_o not_o because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o will_n and_o choice_n but_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o in_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o how_o can_v they_o do_v that_o except_o they_o have_v some_o good_a assurance_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v and_o call_v they_o how_o can_v they_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o be_v not_o well_o satisfy_v that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o feel_v the_o lord_n speak_v to_o their_o heart_n in_o answer_n unto_o prayer_n 4_o because_o they_o must_v go_v forth_o and_o labour_v in_o dependence_n on_o and_o expectation_n of_o he_o to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o to_o bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o to_z crown_z and_o succeed_v their_o endeavour_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o they_o now_o how_o can_v they_o do_v so_o unless_o they_o know_v that_o god_n have_v send_v and_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o work_n 5_o they_o must_v go_v forth_o and_o labour_v in_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o divine_a acceptance_n also_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o accept_v the_o command_v work_n and_o service_n of_o his_o people_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n therefore_o they_o must_v know_v that_o they_o be_v do_v of_o or_o about_o to_o do_v their_o lord_n work_v when_o and_o where_o he_o will_v have_v they_o 6_o because_o they_o be_v promise_v a_o reward_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o look_v for_o it_o only_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o no_o where_o else_o and_o how_o can_v any_o expect_v a_o reward_n for_o do_v that_o which_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v be_v not_o their_o duty_n at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o such_o a_o place_n in_o such_o a_o way_n 7_o because_o they_o ought_v to_o bless_v thank_v and_o praise_n god_n for_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o so_o great_a work_n and_o service_n 1_o tim._n 1.12_o which_o they_o can_v do_v unless_o they_o be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v of_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o it_o ten_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v and_o send_v they_o into_o his_o vineyard_n so_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v send_v shall_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o same_o likewise_o and_o they_o shall_v find_v great_a and_o real_a acceptance_n in_o each_o other_o heart_n the_o church_n shall_v own_v and_o receive_v they_o as_o send_v by_o and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o they_o to_o do_v his_o work_n and_o administer_v his_o holy_a law_n and_o ordinance_n to_o they_o and_o that_o as_o great_a and_o promise_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n for_o their_o good_a their_o union_n communion_n and_o spiritual_a relation_n must_v be_v found_v in_o love_n and_o strong_a affection_n one_o to_o another_o and_o ground_v upon_o real_a satisfaction_n in_o and_o cordial_a acceptance_n one_o of_o a_o another_o as_o marry_v together_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o make_v one_o entire_a body_n and_o temple_n these_o be_v no_o light_n and_o insignificant_a matter_n but_o very_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n indeed_o they_o put_v themselves_o into_o each_o other_o hand_n and_o become_v one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n in_o which_o state_n and_o condition_n they_o must_v abide_v and_o live_v together_o until_o the_o lord_n shall_v separate_v they_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a providence_n for_o till_o then_o they_o can_v part_v one_o from_o another_o nor_o leave_v each_o other_o no_o not_o with_o mutual_a consent_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n because_o they_o be_v join_v together_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a doer_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o low_a will_n and_o power_n can_v dissolve_v the_o knot_n then_o that_o which_o at_o first_o do_v knit_v it_o these_o minister_n must_v go_v and_o take_v up_o with_o the_o church_n as_o send_v to_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n must_v own_v and_o receive_v they_o as_o christ_n choice_n and_o gracious_a gift_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o each_o other_o and_o find_v deep_a real_a love_n cordial_a acceptance_n and_o room_n in_o one_o another_o heart_n resolve_v to_o live_v walk_v and_o continue_v together_o in_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o before_o they_o do_v unite_v and_o engage_v together_o in_o a_o church-relation_n for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o become_v one_o holy_a church_n and_o communion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o join_v they_o or_o call_v they_o to_o own_o accept_v and_o choose_v one_o another_o in_o that_o relation_n if_o they_o be_v not_o congregat_v and_o unite_a together_o by_z and_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o gospel-love_n and_o affection_n and_o if_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o and_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n and_o relation_n union_n and_o communion_n together_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o will_n and_o call_v of_o christ_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n they_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o continue_v long_o together_o in_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o have_v god_n dwell_v in_o and_o walk_v with_o they_o or_o to_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o comfortable_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v and_o join_v they_o together_o in_o love_n and_o mercy_n thus_o or_o by_o these_o thing_n first_o if_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n &_o their_o own_o spiritual_a profit_n and_o edification_n lay_v deep_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v their_o great_a and_o only_o end_v in_o their_o unite_n and_o join_v together_o 2._o if_o they_o have_v unfeigned_o and_o importunate_o ask_v counsel_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n commit_v the_o whole_a to_o his_o choice_n and_o disposal_n to_o make_v up_o or_o hinder_v the_o match_n between_o they_o as_o he_o please_v and_o do_v indeed_o resign_v up_o their_o will_n and_o concernment_n whole_o unto_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereign_a pleasure_n to_o order_v and_o determine_v they_o and_o for_o they_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a in_o order_n to_o the_o say_a end_n and_o in_o their_o prayer_n together_o and_o apart_o have_v stand_v in_o a_o even_a balance_n wait_v and_o expect_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v say_v and_o do_v in_o the_o case_n to_z and_z for_o they_o 3._o and_o if_o after_o they_o have_v so_o do_v they_o find_v their_o heart_n more_o and_o more_o incline_v and_o knit_v one_o to_o another_o though_o still_o with_o a_o free_a and_o holy_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o they_o find_v providence_n work_v for_o they_o without_o by_o remove_a obstruction_n and_o make_v the_o way_n plain_a for_o they_o i_o think_v they_o may_v comfortable_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v send_v and_o call_v they_o to_o join_v themselves_o together_o and_o become_v a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n for_o when_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v concur_v and_o fall_v in_o as_o it_o be_v together_o undoubted_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o special_a order_n and_o direction_n it_o be_v god_n that_o set_v up_o those_o holy_a end_n and_o design_n in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v god_n that_o stir_v up_o and_o move_v
ten_o thing_n 1._o in_o look_v after_o the_o conversation_n of_o such_o as_o propound_v themselves_o to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n admit_v not_o any_o scandalous_a person_n among_o they_o that_o if_o they_o be_v such_o they_o may_v be_v debar_v and_o keep_v out_o if_o otherwise_o together_o with_o other_o qualification_n they_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o this_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v one_o part_n and_o end_n of_o church-power_n to_o keep_v the_o church_n clear_a from_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o authoritative_o and_o not_o as_o private_a member_n may_v do_v it_o only_o 2._o in_o the_o absence_n or_o upon_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o pastor_n they_o may_v admit_v or_o take_v member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o take_v they_o into_o church-membership_n by_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o show_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o 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neglect_a to_o do_v his_o duty_n in_o the_o case_n or_o case_n aforesaid_a doubtless_o the_o ruling-elders_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o obey_v their_o call_n for_o they_o do_v it_o by_o the_o authority_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o may_v not_o be_v do_v by_o any_o member_n that_o be_v not_o a_o elder_a but_o in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o elder_a and_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o they_o may_v authoritative_o propound_v the_o cause_n and_o end_n for_o which_o they_o call_v they_o there_o and_o require_v their_o assistance_n 5._o their_o work_n be_v to_o inspect_v and_o careful_o diligent_o wise_o and_o faithful_o to_o look_v after_o the_o walking_n and_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o work_n they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o what_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o by_o other_o report_n but_o to_o inquire_v after_o they_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o place_n and_o office_n to_o see_v if_o the_o member_n keep_v close_o to_o church-meeting_n and_o reverent_o attend_v they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o to_o reprove_v admonish_v &_o exhort_v they_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o that_o they_o may_v know_v their_o duty_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o sinful_a neglect_n repent_v of_o and_o amend_v they_o and_o that_o by_o their_o good_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n they_o may_v be_v provoke_v and_o encourage_v to_o and_o in_o their_o work_n ruling-elders_a shall_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o also_o in_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o speak_v word_n in_o season_n to_o he_o that_o be_v weary_a be_v able_a and_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apt_a to_o teach_v 1_o tim._n 3.2_o as_o well_o as_o the_o pastor_n the_o one_o more_o private_o and_o particular_o and_o the_o other_o more_o public_o for_o as_o the_o deacon_n work_n be_v to_o look_v after_o the_o want_n and_o corporal_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o teacher_n to_o mind_n and_o look_v after_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o make_v provision_n for_o they_o according_a to_o their_o need_n so_o ruling-elders_a have_v their_o work_n namely_o to_o look_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o encourage_v and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o tractable_a and_o obedient_a and_o to_o reprove_v convince_v and_o persuade_v the_o disobedient_a that_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o ought_v 6._o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v often_o visit_v they_o and_o see_v how_o they_o do_v and_o how_o they_o walk_v what_o they_o want_v and_o wherein_o they_o need_v their_o assistance_n and_o help_a hand_n and_o when_o they_o know_v it_o to_o hold_v it_o out_o unto_o they_o free_o and_o ready_o certain_o elder_n shall_v be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o their_o congregation_n and_o with_o their_o walking_n also_o for_o if_o any_o miscarry_v through_o their_o default_n or_o neglect_v the_o guilt_n will_v lie_v at_o their_o door_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v require_v it_o at_o their_o hand_n oh_o that_o elder_n will_v seriouf_o consider_v it_o and_o lay_v this_o matter_n near_o their_o heart_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o penetrate_v and_o pierce_v their_o conscience_n and_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v in_o good_a earnest_n wherefore_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o for_o what_o end_v they_o have_v rule_n and_o discipline_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n that_o under_o deep_a conviction_n they_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o discharge_v their_o work_n and_o perform_v their_o trust_n mind_v their_o duty_n and_o prosecute_v the_o end_n of_o their_o appointment_n that_o god_n may_v be_v well_o please_v with_o and_o bless_v they_o own_o and_o delight_n to_o use_v they_o for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o receive_v benefit_n by_o their_o wisdom_n diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n may_v rejoice_v in_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o 7._o they_o must_v take_v up_o controversy_n and_o endeavour_v to_o end_v strife_n and_o debate_n in_o the_o church_n when_o such_o evil_n happen_v which_o be_v find_v too_o frequent_a through_o the_o pride_n and_o prejudice_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o great_a adversary_n to_o the_o peace_n beauty_n order_n and_o prosperity_n of_o church_n ruling-elders_a must_v not_o suffer_v any_o quarrel_n or_o contention_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a either_o between_o a_o few_o or_o many_o but_o present_o interpose_v their_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o reconcile_v the_o cause_n and_o person_n and_o set_v all_o in_o joint_n again_o for_o such_o evil_n if_o let_v alone_o will_v prove_v like_o cancer_n in_o the_o body_n and_o increase_v to_o more_o ungodliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v therefore_o the_o elder_n shall_v inquire_v into_o they_o and_o search_v out_o such_o as_o do_v the_o wrong_n begin_v the_o strife_n and_o such_o as_o they_o find_v be_v addict_v to_o take_v up_o prejudices_fw-la against_o and_o foment_n debate_v with_o their_o brethren_n and_o correct_v the_o offender_n and_o relieve_v the_o wrong_a and_o oppress_v as_o they_o see_v cause_n there_o must_v be_v no_o hammer_n no_o knock_v hear_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o we_o to_o they_o who_o give_v occasion_n for_o strife_n and_o debate_n and_o to_o such_o as_o do_v improve_v occasion_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n also_o so_o likewise_o to_o negligent_a and_o careless_a elder_n who_o do_v or_o may_v know_v these_o evil_n and_o yet_o let_v they_o alone_o or_o seek_v to_o heal_v they_o in_o a_o slight_a manner_n as_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o or_o be_v not_o indeed_o much_o concern_v in_o they_o but_o sure_o this_o be_v one_o of_o your_o great_a work_n as_o you_o have_v the_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o your_o hand_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o you_o may_v authoritative_o take_v up_o controversy_n and_o require_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o hearken_v to_o you_o and_o you_o may_v do_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n great_a service_n in_o this_o matter_n therefore_o mind_n it_o in_o good_a earnest_n 8._o their_o work_n be_v to_o assist_v and_o encourage_v the_o teaching-elders_a and_o to_o promote_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o must_v stand_v by_o and_o stand_v up_o for_o their_o teacher_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v wrong_v obstruct_a or_o discourage_v by_o any_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v prevent_v it_o by_o their_o power_n and_o wisdom_n do_v any_o backbite_v they_o rprove_v they_o do_v any_o slight_a or_o contemn_v their_o ministry_n reprove_v they_o &_o show_v they_o the_o
he_o may_v speak_v to_o the_o church_n to_o augment_v their_o stock_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v enough_o to_o supply_v all_o occasion_n as_o need_n require_v 2._o they_o shall_v not_o only_o look_v after_o the_o poor_a to_o get_v money_n for_o they_o from_o the_o church_n but_o to_o ease_v the_o church_n they_o shall_v see_v that_o such_o as_o can_v work_v and_o so_o help_v to_o maintain_v themselves_o do_v so_o and_o such_o as_o can_v work_v but_o will_v not_o if_o any_o such_o be_v to_o reprove_v and_o admonish_v they_o and_o until_o they_o do_v set_v to_o work_v and_o endeavour_v to_o live_v and_o provide_v for_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v to_o detain_v all_o supply_n from_o they_o that_o their_o want_n may_v provoke_v they_o to_o labour_n but_o in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o poor_a in_o the_o church_n that_o will_v labour_v and_o not_o be_v chargeable_a to_o the_o church_n but_o can_v get_v employment_n the_o deacon_n ought_v to_o do_v their_o utmost_a from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o get_v they_o work_v and_o to_o give_v they_o all_o the_o encouragement_n they_o can_v therein_o and_o by_o their_o so_o do_v they_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o poor_a who_o will_v live_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n if_o they_o can_v find_v employment_n and_o who_o be_v as_o loath_a to_o be_v burdensome_a unto_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o 3._o they_o shall_v often_o visit_v the_o poor_a and_o see_v how_o it_o be_v with_o they_o encourage_v and_o comfort_v they_o and_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n and_o refresh_v their_o heart_n under_o their_o poverty_n and_o the_o temptation_n that_o attend_v it_o doubtless_o poverty_n have_v many_o great_a and_o strong_a temptation_n and_o therefore_o the_o poor_a have_v need_n of_o their_o support_n kindness_n and_o encouragement_n to_o bear_v up_o their_o heart_n from_o sink_a despondency_n sure_o deacon_n have_v more_o to_o do_v for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o poor_a thereof_o then_o to_o receive_v contribution_n and_o send_v it_o by_o other_o now_o and_o then_o to_o such_o as_o want_v when_o they_o be_v require_v so_o to_o do_v what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o they_o for_o their_o do_v of_o that_o if_o they_o have_v but_o eye_n and_o common_a reason_n they_o may_v do_v their_o work_n if_o that_o be_v all_o without_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n but_o their_o requisite_a qualification_n do_v declare_v sufficient_o that_o they_o have_v other_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n for_o which_o they_o must_v be_v so_o qualify_v but_o when_o man_n have_v once_o get_v the_o name_n of_o a_o office_n they_o take_v up_o with_o that_o but_o seldom_o or_o never_o mind_n endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o their_o office_n they_o must_v be_v even_o drive_v to_o mind_n it_o and_o angry_a if_o any_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o neglect_n sure_o such_o officer_n have_v a_o sad_a account_n to_o make_v and_o contract_v much_o blame_n shame_n and_o guilt_n on_o their_o name_n &_o soul_n and_o they_o must_v repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o even_o shed_v tear_n of_o blood_n for_o their_o sin_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v save_v yea_o the_o strait_n want_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o deacon_n neglect_v will_v cry_v out_o against_o they_o and_o condemn_v they_o oh_o sir_n remember_v who_o officer_n and_o steward_n you_o be_v and_o for_o what_o end_v you_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n consider_v your_o way_n what_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o you_o do_v and_o what_o you_o leave_v undo_v 4._o they_o shall_v provide_v conveniency_n for_o the_o church_n to_o worship_n god_n withal_o and_o see_v that_o the_o church_n suffer_v no_o detriment_n by_o any_o of_o their_o neglect_n 5._o their_o work_n also_o be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n perform_v that_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o teacher_n or_o pastor_n namely_o to_o give_v he_o his_o due_n of_o subsistence_n according_a to_o that_o charge_n in_o gal._n 6.6_o 1_o cor._n 9_o rom._n 15.27_o and_o to_o collect_v it_o for_o he_o to_o provoke_v the_o negligent_a and_o exhort_v such_o as_o be_v backward_o to_o their_o duty_n their_o work_n be_v as_o be_v say_v to_o serve_v table_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o work_n of_o the_o church_n and_o deacon_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o uphold_v and_o encourage_a of_o the_o ministry_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o deacon_n work_v in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v attend_v with_o all_o possible_a wisdom_n diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o their_o work_n and_o business_n for_o god_n will_v require_v a_o account_n of_o they_o how_o they_o have_v carry_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n and_o perform_v their_o work_n there_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n towards_o their_o deacon_n in_o the_o faithful_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o trust_n ans_fw-fr they_o shall_v love_v and_o honour_v they_o as_o christ_n and_o their_o officer_n and_o give_v they_o all_o encouragement_n in_o their_o work_n they_o must_v not_o load_v and_o burden_v their_o work_n by_o discountenance_v blame_v or_o penuriousness_n towards_o they_o or_o by_o distrust_v they_o and_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v cheerful_o confide_v in_o they_o and_o pray_v importunate_o to_o god_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v their_o work_n and_o faithful_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o their_o place_n as_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v sure_o brethren_n christ_n can_v endure_v to_o see_v any_o of_o his_o church-officer_n who_o act_n and_o serve_v the_o church_n faithful_o from_o from_o and_o under_o he_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o appointment_n to_o be_v slight_v undervalue_v and_o discourage_v but_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v love_v honour_a and_o respect_v for_o his_o own_o and_o their_o work_n and_o office_n sake_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v find_v all_o possible_a encouragement_n from_o you_o the_o neglect_n of_o which_o be_v sin_n and_o disobedience_n against_o christ_n law_n and_o authority_n and_o your_o shame_n and_o loss_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o great_a &_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o church-member_n among_o themselves_o or_o to_o one_o another_o in_o a_o church_n relation_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n to_o one_o another_o ans_fw-fr there_o be_v two_o great_a end_n christ_n jesus_n have_v in_o his_o eye_n in_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v such_o a_o near_a relation_n union_n and_o communion_n for_o and_o among_o his_o people_n as_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n be_v first_o to_o capacitate_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v their_o respective_a duty_n and_o work_n 1._o to_o god_n 2._o to_o man_n or_o to_o one_o another_o second_o to_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o with_o great_a ease_n freedom_n order_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o otherwise_o they_o can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o near_a relation_n to_o and_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o one_o another_o person_n faith_n principle_n and_o conversation_n they_o can_v worship_v or_o glorify_v god_n together_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o mouth_n as_o command_v rom._n 15.6_o and_o walk_v together_o with_o god_n in_o all_o his_o way_n in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o judgement_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o which_o else_o they_o can_v not_o so_o well_o do_v so_o likewise_o to_o perform_v their_o respective_a duty_n to_o their_o officer_n and_o mutual_a duty_n to_o one_o another_o as_o brethren_n unite_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a band_n for_o those_o end_n and_o purpose_n their_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o as_o brethren_n and_o sister_n enchurch_v and_o knit_v together_o in_o one_o single_a and_o individual_a corporation_n under_o the_o law_n and_o lordship_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o their_o only_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v all_o lay_v down_o in_o his_o gospel_n for_o they_o and_o make_v their_o duty_n only_o by_o his_o appoint_v and_o command_v they_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o practise_v by_o all_o church-member_n and_o in_o all_o their_o observation_n of_o they_o they_o must_v have_v a_o choice_n and_o singular_a respect_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o they_o without_o which_o their_o do_v of_o they_o be_v not_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o the_o product_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n now_o then_o we_o will_v inquire_v into_o they_o endeavour_v brief_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o light_v and_o present_v some_o of_o they_o to_o you_o who_o desire_v
hand_n to_o pour_v in_o wine_n and_o oil_n into_o my_o wound_n luk._n 10.33_o 34._o sure_o none_o who_o be_v indeed_o concern_v in_o their_o own_o soul_n concernment_n but_o will_v easy_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v there_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o spiritual_o natural_a care_n in_o sound-hearted_n church-member_n to_o one_o another_o 1_o cor._n 12.25_o they_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v and_o weep_v with_o they_o that_o weep_v rom._n 12.15_o and_o remember_v they_o that_o be_v in_o bond_n as_o be_v bind_v with_o they_o heb._n 13.3_o you_o may_v expect_v it_o yea_o require_v it_o of_o one_o another_o for_o you_o who_o be_v join_v together_o in_o church-fellowship_n and_o relation_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o each_o other_o soul_n concern_v as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o natural_a body_n be_v with_o one_o another_o and_o one_o of_o god_n holy_a end_n in_o unite_n and_o join_v they_o together_o in_o one_o body_n and_o spiritual_a society_n be_v that_o they_o may_v help_v succour_n admonish_v reprove_v exhort_v edify_v comfort_n watch_v over_o serve_v and_o heal_v one_o another_o to_o further_o each_o other_o in_o all_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o gospel-holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o also_o to_o preserve_v each_o other_o from_o sin_n and_o affliction_n four_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v privilege_v and_o benefit_v with_o a_o ministry_n and_o minister_n of_o their_o own_o so_o that_o they_o need_v not_o go_v to_o stranger_n to_o fetch_v bread_n but_o to_o such_o as_o they_o have_v a_o special_a interest_n in_o and_o relation_n to_o they_o have_v minister_n or_o pastor_n and_o elder_n send_v by_o christ_n and_o set_v among_o they_o by_o his_o grace_n and_o authority_n to_o feed_v and_o nourish_v they_o to_o teach_v and_o establish_v they_o to_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v they_o to_o exhort_v and_o comfort_v they_o to_o watch_v and_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o to_o minister_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o and_o to_o attend_v on_o the_o service_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v with_o all_o in_o all_o their_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n math._n 28.20_o they_o be_v such_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o bless_v to_o they_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n and_o to_o succeed_v their_o ministry_n and_o prosper_v their_o endeavour_n to_o the_o spiritual_a profit_n of_o their_o soul_n psal_n 132.15_o 16._o jer._n 3.15_o eph._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o other_o saint_n who_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o their_o own_o between_o who_o there_o be_v so_o near_o a_o relation_n union_n and_o communion_n for_o their_o teacher_n can_v call_v their_o auditor_n their_o own_o flock_n as_o the_o church_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n may_v call_v their_o church_n their_o own_o for_o the_o church_n and_o their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v each_o other_o by_o free_a hearty_a and_o mutual_a choice_n and_o by_o cordial_a and_o mutual_a engagement_n their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o of_o christ_n his_o death_n and_o ascension_n eph._n 4.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o church_n may_v claim_v their_o pastor_n gift_n authority_n and_o ministerial_a ability_n as_o they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o their_o own_o right_a and_o property_n give_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n for_o their_o good_a to_o edification_n they_o may_v repair_v to_o and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o in_o any_o material_a soul-case_n or_o case_n however_o some_o look_v on_o and_o account_v of_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o have_v ever_o value_v it_o as_o a_o great_a church-priviledge_n namely_o that_o they_o have_v a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a ministry_n of_o their_o own_o who_o work_n and_o business_n be_v to_o wait_v on_o the_o service_n and_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o they_o be_v send_v to_o they_o and_o settle_v among_o they_o by_o christ_n in_o love_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o prayer_n choice_n and_o desire_n they_o shall_v be_v &_o be_v undoubted_o bless_v in_o their_o labour_n to_o the_o profit_n of_o all_o sincere_a heart_n among_o they_o five_o gospel-churche_n be_v the_o proper_a seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v one_o part_n of_o their_o honour_n glory_n and_o renown_n what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o minister_n and_o ministry_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n true_a of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor_fw-la 12.28_o and_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n apostle_n prophet_n and_o teacher_n so_o eph._n 4._o that_o be_v he_o have_v appoint_v teacher_n and_o all_o other_o ordinance_n for_o and_o place_v they_o in_o his_o church_n the_o church_n be_v his_o temple_n house_n habitation_n vineyard_n walk_n his_o rest_a and_o dwell_v place_n as_o be_v show_v now_o where_o do_v god_n set_v and_o six_o his_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o in_o they_o to_o who_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n give_v to_o who_o be_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o discipline_n give_v but_o to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o they_o and_o none_o else_o that_o we_o can_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v give_v to_o and_o set_v among_o they_o his_o gospel-worship_n and_o ordinance_n among_o they_o he_o dwell_v and_o of_o they_o he_o expect_v the_o honour_n and_o worship_v due_a unto_o his_o name_n psal_n 29.2_o god_n keep_v house_n in_o his_o gospel_n church_n and_o there_o he_o have_v his_o household_n about_o he_o wait_v on_o and_o do_v honour_n to_o he_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v all_o according_a to_o his_o holy_a will_n he_o have_v give_v they_o his_o ordinance_n and_o gospel-institution_n to_o express_v and_o manifest_v their_o dependence_n on_o and_o obedience_n to_o he_o in_o as_o to_o their_o head_n and_o king_n god_n make_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o his_o then_o institute_v worship_n and_o ordinance_n and_o under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n he_o have_v make_v new_a testament_n particular_a church_n the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o his_o gospel-ordinance_n the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o can_v be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o they_o for_o that_o can_v assemble_v or_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n to_o celebrate_v and_o observe_v they_o the_o world_n or_o visible_a unbeliever_n can_v be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o where_o say_v to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o neither_o be_v they_o capable_a while_o in_o their_o state_n of_o enmity_n against_o christ_n of_o they_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v the_o church_n dowry_n right_n and_o privilege_n and_o none_o other_o person_n or_o society_n whatsoever_o while_o believer_n neglect_v to_o walk_v in_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o this_o and_o many_o other_o privilege_n and_o soul-advantage_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a wrong_n they_o do_v their_o soul_n thereby_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o gospel-churche_n as_o moses_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n deut._n 4.7_o 8._o for_o what_o people_n be_v there_o so_o great_a who_o have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n we_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o and_o what_o people_n be_v there_o so_o great_a that_o have_v statute_n and_o judgement_n so_o righteous_a as_o all_o this_o law_n which_o i_o set_v before_o you_o this_o day_n six_o gospel-churche_n or_o believer_n inchurch_v be_v privilege_v with_o safety_n and_o security_n they_o be_v garden_n enclose_v cant._n 4.12_o a_o garden_n enclose_v be_v my_o sister_n my_o spouse_n a_o spring_n shut_v up_o a_o fountain_n seal_v a_o wall_n or_o hedge_n in_o our_o garden_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o beast_n and_o evil_a man_n and_o we_o be_v more_o careful_a of_o and_o at_o great_a cost_n and_o pain_n in_o and_o about_o they_o than_o about_o our_o field_n so_o the_o lord_n jesus_n lay_v out_o and_o expend_v more_o care_n cost_n and_o charge_n in_o and_o about_o his_o gospel-garden_n than_o about_o other_o man_n be_v most_o watchful_a and_o careful_a of_o and_o about_o their_o house_n and_o place_n of_o residence_n and_o abode_n where_o they_o live_v expect_v and_o take_v most_o delight_n now_o where_o do_v god_n make_v his_o abode_n and_o christ_n the_o lord_n keep_v his_o court_n be_v it_o not_o in_o his_o church_n as_o be_v before_o prove_v they_o be_v his_o temple_n house_n vineyard_n garden_n habitation_n walk_n and_o palace_n his_o delight_n and_o rest_a place_n and_o will_v he_o not_o be_v most_o
they_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n and_o for_o your_o satisfaction_n therein_o i_o refer_v you_o unto_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n begin_v at_o page_n the_o 47th_o and_o end_v at_o page_n the_o 55._o where_o you_o will_v find_v ten_o qualification_n requisite_a for_o church-membership_a and_o help_v to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o yourselves_o if_o they_o be_v in_o you_o therefore_o read_v they_o and_o try_v yourselves_o by_o they_o and_o know_v that_o if_o you_o be_v so_o qualify_v or_o if_o you_o can_v find_v these_o sign_n of_o grace_n in_o you_o that_o then_o you_o be_v in_o a_o meet_a condition_n for_o church_n membership_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n house_n what_o ever_o else_o you_o may_v want_v 2._o but_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o neglecter_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o they_o be_v such_o who_o neglect_n arise_v from_o their_o carelessness_n indifferency_n cold-heartedness_n stupidity_n and_o woeful_a insensibility_n and_o not_o from_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n or_o fear_n of_o their_o unworthiness_n they_o see_v not_o feel_v not_o their_o need_n of_o god_n mean_n and_o spiritual_a provision_n they_o know_v not_o the_o worth_n neither_o do_v they_o see_v any_o transcendent_a excellency_n in_o they_o wherefore_o they_o shall_v desire_v they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o regard_v and_o desire_v they_o not_o they_o have_v back-slidden_a from_o god_n and_o he_o be_v depart_v from_o they_o shine_v not_o on_o their_o soul_n to_o keep_v they_o soft_a and_o tender_a nor_o water_n they_o with_o divine_a dew_n to_o make_v they_o compliant_a with_o his_o will_n so_o that_o when_o they_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o consider_v their_o way_n put_v themselves_o under_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n house_n and_o join_v in_o the_o near_a band_n of_o communion_n with_o his_o people_n they_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o all_o that_o be_v say_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o these_o will_v pretend_v strange_a thing_n for_o their_o neglect_n also_o they_o will_v have_v their_o scruple_n and_o objection_n too_o and_o they_o can_v do_v so_o because_o of_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n they_o have_v their_o weakness_n miscarriage_n and_o defect_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v join_v with_o they_o they_o have_v the_o sight_n of_o beam_n or_o they_o see_v great_a fault_n among_o such_o congregation_n as_o otherwise_o they_o will_v congregate_v withal_o but_o they_o see_v none_o at_o home_n or_o at_o best_o but_o some_o little_a mote_n in_o themselves_o they_o be_v too_o good_a for_o such_o church_n and_o the_o church_n be_v too_o bad_a for_o their_o communion_n they_o see_v all_o the_o fault_n abroad_o none_o or_o very_o few_o at_o home_n in_o themselves_o and_o they_o think_v that_o this_o will_v excuse_v their_o neglect_v but_o they_o be_v mistake_v for_o if_o themselves_o be_v so_o good_a and_o faultless_a and_o the_o church_n faulty_a in_o this_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v the_o rather_o join_v with_o they_o and_o by_o their_o goodness_n and_o ability_n endeavour_v to_o better_a and_o mend_v they_o by_o their_o wise_a counsel_n and_o holy_a conversation_n as_o know_v that_o all_o church_n as_o church_n have_v their_o butt_n as_o well_o as_o particular_a believer_n their_o own_o personal_a butt_n this_o be_v the_o careless_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o have_v lose_v their_o god_n and_o heart_n in_o earthly_a thing_n and_o bury_v themselves_o and_o grace_n under_o the_o clod_n of_o worldly_a care_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n and_o so_o be_v regardless_o of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o indifferent_a what_o become_v of_o they_o this_o together_o with_o carnal_a self-love_n and_o fond_a affection_n to_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n eager_a desire_n after_o the_o get_n and_o keep_v they_o and_o indulge_v fear_n of_o lose_v they_o lay_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o their_o neglect_n although_o other_o pretence_n there_o be_v or_o other_o obstruction_n be_v pretend_v for_o they_o to_o set_v a_o fair_a face_n on_o a_o foul_a matter_n this_o conscience_n will_v tell_v they_o if_o they_o will_v hearken_v to_o it_o and_o give_v it_o leave_v to_o speak_v out_o all_o it_o have_v to_o say_v in_o the_o case_n against_o they_o let_v i_o then_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o prophet_n word_n hag._n 1.5.7_o lam._n 3.40_o consider_v your_o way_n and_o search_v and_o try_v your_o way_n ask_v the_o question_n in_o good_a earnest_n and_o put_v it_o home_o to_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o desire_v they_o to_o speak_v out_o plain_o and_o tell_v you_o clear_o what_o obstruction_n or_o matter_n they_o be_v that_o keep_v you_o from_o help_v to_o build_v the_o lord_n house_n or_o house_n that_o hinder_v you_o from_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n from_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o zion_n and_o pay_v your_o vow_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o see_v if_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v you_o which_o do_v hinder_v the_o jew_n in_o haggai_n day_n what_o their_o hindrance_n be_v you_o may_v read_v in_o that_o book_n at_o large_a and_o be_v they_o not_o the_o evil_n that_o hinder_v you_o from_o join_v yourselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o celebrate_v his_o worship_n and_o partake_v of_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n there_o be_v not_o the_o great_a let_n and_o impediment_n within_o you_o and_o some_o from_o a_o worldly_a concern_v without_o you_o do_v you_o not_o consult_v flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o case_n and_o not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o do_v you_o not_o find_v a_o contest_v sometime_o in_o you_o between_o conscience_n and_o self_n conscience_n and_o the_o world_n do_v not_o conscience_n sometime_o bid_v you_o go_v and_o join_v yourselves_o to_o the_o people_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o then_o you_o think_v of_o do_v so_o and_o then_o appear_v self_n and_o the_o world_n and_o forbid_v you_o call_v you_o back_o again_o and_o put_v you_o into_o another_o mood_n because_o you_o harken_v to_o their_o voice_n and_o not_o to_o conscience_n which_o speak_v to_o you_o from_o god_n for_o god_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n well_o then_o do_v not_o stand_v any_o long_o in_o your_o neglect_v on_o vain_a and_o groundless_a objection_n and_o pretend_a scruple_n but_o stick_v to_o your_o duty_n give_v yourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o people_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o act_n 2.41_o 42_o 43._o ult_n five_o you_o ought_v to_o join_v yourselves_o to_o god_n people_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o they_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n for_o his_o name_n authority_n interest_n and_o glory_n sake_n for_o that_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n be_v concern_v in_o your_o so_o do_v as_o well_o as_o your_o own_o good_a you_o hear_v before_o that_o gospel-churche_n be_v his_o temple_n walk_n palace_n delight_n and_o habitation_n that_o they_o be_v his_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o his_o gospel-institution_n the_o beauty_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o that_o they_o be_v his_o great_a and_o live_a witness_n in_o the_o world_n now_o as_o a_o stately_a and_o well-built_a house_n afford_v much_o more_o honour_n and_o renown_n to_o a_o great_a man_n than_o ten_o thousand_o time_n as_o many_o material_n whereof_o the_o say_a house_n be_v build_v whilst_o they_o lay_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o world_n so_o a_o company_n of_o holy_a person_n form_v up_o into_o a_o holy_a temple_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n do_v more_o honour_n and_o glorify_v the_o lord_n christ_n than_o ten_o thousand_o of_o saint_n can_v do_v whilst_o they_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o as_o scatter_a stone_n among_o other_o christ_n account_v himself_o much_o exalt_v by_o his_o people_n when_o they_o do_v it_o together_o with_o one_o hair_n and_o mouth_n rom._n 15.6_o we_o ought_v to_o cause_v our_o light_n to_o shine_v as_o clear_o as_o possible_a before_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n adâ—_n glorify_v god_n matth._n 5.16_o the_o world_n know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o professor_n whilst_o they_o wall_n promiscuous_o and_o confuse_o in_o and_o with_o the_o world_n they_o can_v so_o well_o discern_v they_o from_o other_o man_n neither_o know_v they_o what_o to_o think_v of_o they_o and_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v who_o they_o be_v for_o and_o what_o they_o intend_v when_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o individual_n as_o when_o they_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o fix_a congregation_n and_o walk_v live_v and_o converse_v worship_n god_n and_o serve_v one_o another_o together_o as_o a_o family_n and_o household_n of_o god_n as_o
they_o and_o that_o where_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o you_o may_v find_v they_o there_o you_o may_v obtain_v the_o milk_n and_o honey_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n of_o make_v you_o fat_a and_o flourish_a of_o a_o bless_a ministry_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o of_o divine_a love_n and_o sweet_a provision_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o security_n i_o can_v have_v persuade_v you_o to_o join_v unto_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o other_o reason_n but_o i_o think_v these_o may_v suffice_v such_o as_o be_v of_o willing_a heart_n and_o of_o meek_a and_o humble_a soft_a and_o holy_a spirit_n quest_n what_o end_n shall_v all_o man_n aim_v at_o and_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n in_o join_v with_o and_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n or_o to_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n shall_v they_o become_v church-member_n answ_n 1._o to_o please_v and_o honour_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n and_o king_n in_o his_o church_n and_o to_o show_v their_o respect_n unto_o he_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o declare_v their_o dependence_n on_o he_o for_o all_o thing_n and_o their_o subjection_n to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n christ_n the_o lord_n have_v do_v many_o good_a work_n to_o pleasure_v they_o exalt_v &_o honour_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o please_v exalt_v and_o honour_v he_o esa_n 56.4_o col._n 1.10_o this_o glorious_a end_n every_o church-member_n must_v have_v in_o his_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o walk_v in_o church_n 2._o to_o express_v their_o high_a resentment_n of_o his_o savour_n to_o they_o and_o their_o cordial_a thank_v fullness_n for_o they_o they_o be_v great_o privilege_v and_o high_o dignify_v in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o membership_n there_o and_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o express_v their_o gratitude_n to_o their_o head_n and_o king_n but_o by_o accept_v they_o dutiful_a and_o faithful_a improvement_n of_o they_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v good_a man_n do_v show_v how_o they_o value_v they_o by_o their_o accept_n and_o use_v they_o church_n and_o their_o privilege_n be_v not_o small_a matter_n in_o their_o account_n or_o light_a matter_n in_o their_o esteem_n but_o they_o be_v high_a and_o honourable_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n there_o likewise_o psal_n 27.4_o psal_n 63.1_o 2_o 3._o psal_n 84._o 3._o they_o shall_v aim_v at_o and_o design_n to_o have_v and_o hold_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n god_n be_v know_v in_o these_o palace_n psal_n 48.3_o and_o to_o be_v see_v in_o these_o gallery_n there_o he_o open_v himself_o and_o break_v open_v the_o treasure_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n unto_o his_o people_n and_o there_o he_o stand_v hold_v out_o his_o golden_a sceptre_n there_o he_o wait_v to_o meet_v his_o spouse_n to_o kiss_v and_o embrace_v they_o to_o entertain_v and_o speak_v friendly_a to_o they_o he_o meet_v they_o that_o rejoice_v and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o remember_v he_o in_o his_o way_n esa_n 64.5_o the_o way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v in_o his_o church_n there_o he_o dwell_v keep_v house_n manifest_v himself_o unto_o his_o household_n and_o rest_v himself_o take_v his_o delight_n and_o show_v forth_o his_o glory_n to_o they_o and_o thither_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o meet_v he_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o rev._n 2.1_o joh._n 14.21_o 23._o 4._o believer_n shall_v enter_v into_o and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o church-fellowship_n to_o increase_v and_o augment_v their_o grace_n and_o to_o better_v their_o heart_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o and_o that_o they_o may_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n joh._n 1.16_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n eph._n 3.19_o that_o they_o may_v eat_v of_o their_o father_n bread_n and_o drink_n of_o his_o wine_n be_v make_v fat_a and_o flourish_a and_o fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n psal_n 92._o psal_n 132._o col._n 1.10_o 5_o to_o keep_v their_o heart_n warm_a strong_a and_o lively_a for_o god_n his_o work_n and_o service_n and_o that_o they_o may_v obtain_v and_o enjoy_v all_o encouragement_n for_o and_o in_o their_o work_n trial_n and_o difficulty_n to_o fence_v and_o arm_v themselves_o against_o all_o their_o enemy_n assault_n on_o they_o and_o be_v enable_v to_o fight_v against_o and_o conquer_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o run_v their_o holy_a race_n cheerful_o and_o courageous_o and_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n act._n 20.24_o 1_o cor._n 9.24_o rom._n 8._o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v warm_a on_o believer_n soul_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v more_o spring_n of_o joy_n and_o harvest_n of_o profit_n than_o be_v or_o can_v be_v find_v elsewhere_o there_o be_v a_o river_n the_o stream_n whereof_o make_v glad_a the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a place_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o most_o high_a psal_n 46.4_o there_o be_v no_o spring_n like_o the_o church_n spring_n nor_o any_o harvest_n like_o the_o church_n harvest_n the_o full_a clear_a and_o most_o fatten_a stream_n of_o live_a water_n flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n christ_n on_o the_o church_n and_o the_o most_o comely_a and_o fruitful_a branch_n be_v or_o may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o they_o may_v be_v the_o warm_a sweet_a strong_a lively_a chearfull_a fruitfull_a and_o the_o most_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v such_o they_o shall_v join_v themselves_o to_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 6._o that_o they_o may_v adorn_v the_o gospel_n convince_v the_o world_n encourage_v their_o brethren_n and_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n way_n authority_n and_o headship_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n but_o they_o be_v all_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o of_o great_a concernment_n and_o therefore_o and_o for_o these_o end_n they_o shall_v walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n 7._o to_o augment_v and_o increase_v your_o experience_n to_o obtain_v more_o acquaintance_n with_o yourselves_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o you_o and_o in_o you_o and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v more_o clear_o and_o firm_o seal_v up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n 8._o to_o pay_v your_o vow_n and_o make_v good_a your_o promise_n to_o perform_v your_o covenant_n and_o discharge_v your_o work_n to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n your_o head_n you_o owe_v they_o personal_a and_o church-homage_n and_o service_n you_o be_v bind_v and_o engage_v to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o your_o god_n command_v and_o appoint_v you_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v according_a to_o your_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n matth._n 28._o ult_n joh._n 14.15_o which_o you_o do_v not_o can_v do_v unless_o you_o walk_v in_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v yourselves_o under_o all_o his_o law_n ordinance_n and_o institution_n but_o that_o you_o may_v so_o do_v you_o put_v or_o aught_o to_o put_v yourselves_o under_o they_o by_o join_v yourselves_o to_o and_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o his_o people_n in_o church-fellowship_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o holy_a end_n all_o believer_n shall_v have_v in_o their_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o their_o aim_n and_o design_n they_o must_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o carnal_a self-end_n in_o this_o and_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v certain_o crowd_n in_o and_o carry_v a_o great_a stroke_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n abhor_v they_o and_o can_v endure_v to_o have_v his_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o concernment_n subject_v and_o make_v to_o serve_v man_n carnal_a interest_n he_o will_v have_v no_o other_o aim_n and_o end_n in_o church-member_n heart_n but_o his_o own_o whereby_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v and_o our_o soul_n profit_v and_o other_o encourage_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o he_o we_o have_v no_o dispensation_n or_o allowance_n give_v we_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o design_n to_o augment_v and_o increase_v our_o trade_n and_o worldly_a profit_n or_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o church_n benevolence_n in_o and_o by_o our_o walk_n with_o they_o or_o to_o greaten_v our_o name_n and_o increase_v our_o friendship_n and_o acquaintance_n among_o man_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o capacitate_v we_o to_o do_v the_o more_o good_a to_o man_n to_o have_v large_a opportunity_n to_o serve_v christ_n our_o brethren_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o our_o aim_n end_n and_o design_n must_v be_v the_o lord_n namely_o to_o please_v and_o honour_n god_n to_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n
proffer_v to_o join_v with_o they_o unless_o they_o have_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o deny_v they_o and_o what_o they_o do_v therein_o be_v by_o apostolical_a direction_n 3._o by_o refuse_v to_o accept_v they_o into_o communion_n speedy_o without_o just_a cause_n they_o do_v great_o wrong_v and_o injure_v they_o and_o grieve_v such_o as_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v grieve_v 1._o they_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o their_o right_n and_o detain_v from_o they_o their_o just_a due_n they_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o privilege_n which_o christ_n have_v buy_v for_o they_o and_o 2_o lay_v they_o under_o many_o and_o great_a temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o despond_v 4._o they_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n which_o he_o may_v receive_v from_o they_o in_o their_o church-duty_n 5._o they_o discourage_v person_n from_o come_v to_o and_o join_v with_o they_o and_o so_o expose_v themselves_o to_o ruin_n for_o the_o church_n can_v long_o subsist_v without_o continual_a addition_n of_o new_a member_n because_o death_n be_v still_o fetch_v away_o and_o pull_v out_o of_o the_o old_a 6._o they_o do_v expose_v themselves_o to_o reproach_n and_o just_a censure_n by_o such_o wilful_a neglect_n towards_o they_o 7._o ordinary_o they_o may_v be_v either_o receive_v or_o reject_v in_o one_o week_n as_o well_o as_o in_o three_o month_n do_v all_o mind_n and_o attend_v to_o their_o duty_n in_o their_o place_n in_o the_o church_n take_v heed_n that_o this_o evil_n be_v not_o find_v in_o or_o among_o you_o for_o assure_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a iniquity_n to_o rob_v god_n wrong_a soul_n and_o injure_v the_o church_n to_o grieve_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o tempt_v they_o to_o sin_n which_o iniquity_n you_o be_v guilty_a of_o who_o by_o your_o negligence_n or_o prejudice_n do_v keep_v they_o from_o church_n ordinance_n who_o desire_v to_o partake_v of_o they_o with_o you_o long_o than_o of_o necessity_n quest_n may_v not_o pastor_n leave_v their_o church_n upon_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o ans_fw-fr doubtless_o god_n may_v and_o sometime_o he_o do_v providential_o call_v they_o off_o and_o they_o ought_v to_o follow_v it_o for_o 1._o there_o be_v not_o any_o precept_n of_o christ_n enjoin_v they_o to_o stay_v with_o they_o all_o their_o day_n 2._o christ_n tell_v they_o that_o if_o they_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o city_n they_o may_v fly_v to_o another_o matth._n 10.23_o but_o they_o may_v not_o leave_v they_o no_o not_o with_o the_o church_n consent_n and_o approbation_n but_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a providence_n and_o call_n of_o god_n for_o as_o christ_n their_o master_n send_v they_o there_o and_o they_o be_v settle_v there_o by_o he_o as_o the_o great_a agent_n and_o doer_n of_o it_o to_o do_v his_o work_n and_o minister_v in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n with_o his_o gift_n &_o blessing_n so_o the_o church_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o dismiss_v and_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o depart_v without_o the_o good_a leave_n and_o consent_n of_o christ_n himself_o who_o send_v and_o set_v they_o in_o and_o among_o they_o and_o therefore_o their_o leave_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o church_n dismiss_v of_o they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o act_n but_o in_o and_o by_o the_o order_n and_o commission_n of_o christ_n what_o they_o do_v therein_o must_v be_v only_o in_o from_z and_o by_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o their_o head_n and_o king_n and_o not_o from_o their_o own_o for_o without_o warrant_n from_o he_o the_o church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o leave_v their_o pastor_n nor_o their_o pastor_n they_o quest_n when_o or_o upon_o what_o account_n may_v pastor_n leave_v their_o church_n a_o s_o first_o when_o they_o be_v severe_o persecute_v and_o their_o enemy_n level_v their_o fiery_a dart_n and_o shoot_v their_o arrow_n of_o malice_n against_o their_o person_n and_o family_n and_o persist_v in_o their_o so_o do_v so_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o probable_a way_n to_o escape_v they_o but_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o shall_v be_v devour_v by_o they_o in_o this_o case_n the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n flee_v and_o go_v their_o way_n and_o hereby_o the_o lord_n do_v often_o call_v off_o pastor_n now_o 2._o in_o case_n the_o church_n leave_v they_o and_o will_v not_o stand_v by_o they_o 3._o in_o case_n their_o church_n fall_v into_o rent_n &_o schism_n and_o they_o grow_v so_o headstrong_a and_o unruly_a as_o that_o they_o can_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o they_o as_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o 4._o in_o case_n they_o can_v live_v and_o subsist_v with_o and_o by_o they_o but_o in_o a_o miserable_a and_o distress_a condition_n for_o if_o the_o church_n provide_v not_o for_o they_o and_o they_o have_v not_o otherwise_o a_o subsistence_n they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o provide_v for_o their_o church_n for_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o they_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9.14_o and_o they_o must_v live_v by_o bread_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n or_o they_o deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n 1_o tim._n 5.8_o 5._o in_o case_n the_o lord_n do_v open_v a_o door_n for_o their_o ministry_n elsewhere_o which_o be_v always_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o matter_n if_o providence_n invite_v they_o elsewhere_o to_o minister_v to_o a_o people_n that_o they_o know_v not_o of_o and_o seek_v not_o after_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o providence_n present_v it_o to_o they_o as_o it_o be_v accidental_o and_o be_v by_o that_o strange_a people_n as_o to_o they_o desire_v to_o preach_v to_o and_o take_v the_o care_n of_o they_o and_o so_o they_o lay_v not_o down_o their_o work_n but_o follow_v it_o in_o those_o other_o place_n where_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o may_v do_v christ_n and_o soul_n great_a service_n and_o not_o expose_v themselves_o thereby_o to_o those_o strait_n and_o temptation_n to_o sin_n they_o be_v in_o before_o i_o say_v take_v in_o this_o case_n with_o any_o of_o the_o other_o &_o i_o be_o satisfy_v their_o call_n be_v clear_a to_o leave_v their_o church_n quest_n may_v church-member_n leave_v their_o church_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o go_v elsewhere_o when_o they_o please_v ans_fw-fr no_o they_o may_v not_o they_o must_v not_o leave_v they_o unless_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a hand_n of_o providence_n the_o lord_n call_v they_o off_o to_o walk_v with_o another_o people_n if_o by_o persecution_n or_o by_o poverty_n or_o by_o the_o command_n of_o their_o parent_n husband_n or_o master_n or_o other_o superior_n they_o be_v call_v off_o they_o may_v go_v with_o the_o church_n consent_n as_o likewise_o in_o other_o weighty_a case_n but_o they_o may_v not_o go_v from_o they_o at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o gratify_v their_o pride_n prejudice_n and_o to_o please_v their_o own_o fickle_a mind_n and_o itch_a ear_n or_o upon_o any_o ordinary_a account_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o the_o lord_n charge_v they_o not_o to_o forsake_v their_o church_n nor_o hold_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n heb._n 10.24_o 25._o 2._o he_o brand_v they_o and_o set_v a_o black_a mark_n of_o ignonimy_n on_o all_o wilful_a and_o causeless_a deserter_n of_o church_n 1_o joh._n 2.19_o heb._n 10.25_o 26._o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v which_o be_v a_o contemptuous_a expression_n of_o they_o who_o forsake_v their_o church-membership_a and_o their_o place_n work_n and_o duty_n there_o 3._o deserter_n of_o their_o church-membership_a at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n do_v make_v the_o church_n thereby_o to_o be_v like_o inn_n or_o alehouse_n where_o person_n go_v in_o and_o out_o at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n such_o as_o do_v so_o in_o family_n and_o civil_a society_n be_v account_v vile_a lawless_a and_o extravagant_a person_n because_o they_o live_v not_o under_o good_a law_n nor_o walk_v by_o the_o good_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o society_n how_o much_o more_o vile_a and_o lawless_a be_v church-member_n who_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o and_o engage_v to_o walk_v as_o church-member_n and_o yet_o shall_v walk_v act_n and_o go_v in_o and_o out_o as_o lawless_a person_n who_o owe_v no_o subjection_n to_o christ_n nor_o to_o his_o law_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n 4._o wilful_a deserter_n of_o church_n be_v notorious_a covenant-breaker_n also_o when_o they_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n they_o solemn_o promise_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o the_o church_n hold_v communion_n with_o it_o subject_n unto_o and_o live_v under_o the_o government_n
his_o gospel-ordinance_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a profit_n rom._n 1.5_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o heb._n 3.1_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o eph._n 2.21_o 22._o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o eph._n 2.1.5_o col._n 2.6_o 2_o thes_n 1.5_o this_o church_n so_o unite_v and_o build_v be_v call_v a_o church_n a_o house_n a_o temple_n habitation_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o own_v it_o as_o their_o own_o call_v it_o by_o their_o own_o name_n and_o confirm_v it_o with_o their_o presence_n in_o it_o and_o as_o such_o a_o church_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o gospel-worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o other_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o here_o only_o take_v these_o sew_v hint_n of_o this_o church_n along_o with_o you_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o institute_v church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n namely_o a_o church_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o erection_n of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o form_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o approbation_n 2._o the_o material_n or_o person_n constitute_v this_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a person_n call_v out_o of_o their_o old_a worldly_a state_n of_o death_n blindness_n and_o unbelief_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n that_o be_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n 3._o the_o instrument_n that_o call_v they_o and_o work_v they_o for_o this_o state_n and_o that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n 4._o the_o form_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o their_o own_o free_a special_a and_o voluntary_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n before_o each_o other_o and_o then_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o a_o holy_a band_n or_o engagement_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v together_o through_o divine_a assistance_n in_o love_n peace_n and_o in_o the_o celebration_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o law_n worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n 5._o the_o end_n of_o their_o so_o do_v namely_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a profit_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o definition_n of_o a_o institute_v gospel-church_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v through_o god_n help_n prove_v and_o demonstrate_v hereafter_o under_o several_a head_n 2._o quest_n of_o what_o extent_n shall_v a_o institute_v gospel-church_n be_v or_o how_o many_o person_n shall_v it_o consist_v of_o answ_n it_o shall_v be_v form_v of_o so_o many_o person_n as_o may_v capacitate_v they_o to_o perform_v all_o necessary-church_n act_n in_o pursuance_n of_o christ_n law_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o society_n ought_v to_o walk_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o of_o no_o more_o than_o may_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n now_o how_o many_o person_n precise_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v and_o constitute_v such_o a_o formal_a church_n i_o can_v determine_v but_o undoubted_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o number_n as_o may_v orderly_o and_o regular_o deal_v with_o and_o proceed_v against_o a_o delinquent-member_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n in_o mat._n 18._o and_o as_o the_o church_n shall_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o so_o it_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o person_n in_o it_o than_o as_o be_v say_v may_v comfortable_o and_o convenient_o meet_v or_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o one_o place_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v one_o congregation_n by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v and_o separate_v themselves_o one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o there_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n rom._n 15.6_o 2_o because_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n except_v extraordinary_a case_n to_o wait_v and_o attend_v on_o the_o administration_n of_o their_o own_o officer_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n law_n heb._n 13.17_o enjoin_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o engagement_n and_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o they_o 3_o for_o their_o own_o comfort_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o church_n and_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o namely_o the_o profit_n and_o edification_n of_o all_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o 31._o but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v unless_o they_o can_v all_o hear_v and_o join_v one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o ordinance_n 4_o because_o a_o church_n ought_v to_o observe_v ordinance_n and_o worship_n god_n as_o a_o church_n and_o not_o as_o or_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o single_a and_o individual_a believer_n but_o as_o a_o unite_a body_n and_o society_n they_o must_v all_o at_o once_o and_o in_o the_o same_o numerical_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n join_v together_o as_o with_o one_o heart_n mouth_n mind_n and_o judgement_n design_v aim_v at_o and_z carrying_z on_o the_o same_o holy_a end_n in_o all_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therefore_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o exceed_v such_o a_o number_n of_o member_n as_o may_v convenient_o meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o head_n chap._n ii_o show_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 3._o question_n whether_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n answ_n they_o be_v appoint_v and_o institute_v of_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o will_v appear_v in_o or_o by_o these_o particular_n first_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o former_a and_o builder_n of_o they_o the_o text_n be_v clear_a for_o it_o in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 22._o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n by_o paul_n unto_o the_o particular_a congregational_a church_n of_o the_o believe_a ephesian_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n 27_o 28._o rev._n 2.1_o where_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v they_o a_o distinct_a household_n church_n or_o body_n of_o saint_n gather_v or_o join_v together_o in_o his_o name_n for_o his_o glory_n the_o celebration_n of_o his_o worship_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n i_o say_v christ_n style_v they_o a_o church_n and_o speak_v to_o they_o as_o a_o church_n and_o distinct_a body_n or_o house_n of_o saint_n from_o all_o other_o person_n or_o church_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o church_n be_v not_o form_v and_o build_v by_o man_n but_o by_o the_o will_n power_n light_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o therefore_o the_o particular_a congregational_a church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o the_o same_o vers_n and_o the_o distinct_a particular_a church_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o 2_o thes_n 1.4_o 2_o cor._n 1.1_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n rom._n 16.16_o act._n 20.28_o and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 2._o ult._n the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o appointment_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n his_o son_n who_o be_v also_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o rom._n 9.5_o prepares_z material_n for_o a_o church_n and_o then_o he_o join_v they_o together_o and_o make_v they_o a_o holy_a and_o glorious_a temple_n or_o church_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o and_o chap._n 5.27_o so_o that_o we_o have_v enough_o to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n viz._n that_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n in_o this_o one_o particular_a namely_o because_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o former_a and_o builder_n of_o they_o mat._n 16.18_o isa_n 43.21_o second_o it_o further_o appear_v by_o the_o lord_n be_v own_v of_o they_o promise_v and_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o which_o he_o will_v never_o do_v if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n but_o now_o the_o lord_n declare_v his_o own_n of_o and_o promise_v his_o presence_n and_o abode_n with_o they_o as_o his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o by_o
find_v fault_n withal_o for_o their_o be_v inchurch_v and_o incorporate_v into_o distinct_a congregation_n but_o they_o be_v often_o commend_v for_o it_o act._n 2._o col._n 2.5_o for_o man_n to_o set_v up_o church_n temple_n and_o house_n to_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o worship_n and_o then_o to_o entile_a the_o name_n &_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o they_o have_v be_v a_o most_o high_a and_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n indeed_o and_o such_o as_o he_o will_v never_o have_v wink_v at_o but_o abhor_v and_o reject_v they_o as_o man_n work_n therefore_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o he_o will_v undoubted_a have_v severe_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o so_o walk_v ten_o these_o congregational_a church_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o god_n because_o without_o such_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v regular_o &_o orderly_o be_v observe_v and_o perform_v by_o man_n in_o a_o solemn_a fix_v and_o public_a state_v way_n and_o manner_n neither_o can_v the_o pastor_n &_o overseer_n of_o they_o right_o and_o comfortable_o perform_v their_o work_n and_o administer_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o man_n for_o all_o that_o be_v privilege_v with_o christ_n his_o institutes_n and_o profess_v to_o own_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n aught_o to_o live_v under_o his_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o all_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o own_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o rule_n of_o such_o as_o he_o have_v set_v over_o they_o and_o their_o teacher_n and_o elder_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o watch_v over_o and_o due_o administer_v to_o such_o as_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o their_o care_n inspection_n and_o charge_n now_o how_o can_v they_o do_v it_o unless_o they_o be_v fix_v form_v and_o know_v church_n or_o congregation_n unless_o they_o have_v mutual_o choose_v each_o either_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o capacity_n as_o a_o state_v church_n or_o family_n of_o god_n how_o can_v they_o be_v overseer_n of_o church_n and_o take_v care_n of_o they_o as_o such_o as_o christ_n command_v they_o act._n 20.17_o 28._o unless_o they_o be_v first_o church_n and_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o unto_o their_o guide_n that_o they_o may_v take_v the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o and_o administer_v to_o they_o as_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o their_o officer_n be_v state_v fix_a officer_n to_o they_o than_o they_o must_v be_v state_v fix_a church_n to_o their_o officer_n how_o else_o shall_v they_o know_v who_o be_v their_o flock_n their_o care_n and_o charge_n and_o who_o be_v not_o who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o oversee_v and_o minister_v too_o as_o their_o own_o peculiar_a flock_n what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v give_v or_o receive_v to_o or_o from_o they_o or_o how_o to_o discharge_v their_o ministerial_a work_n unto_o they_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n unless_o they_o be_v incorporate_v societys_n who_o have_v engage_v to_o walk_v together_o as_o church_n in_o all_o christs-ordinance_n and_o choose_v they_o to_o administer_v to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o how_o can_v they_o administer_v church-ordinance_n unto_o they_o as_o church-officer_n unless_o they_o be_v and_o they_o own_o and_o approve_v of_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v set_v there_o by_o christ_n as_o church-officer_n to_o officiate_v for_o he_o as_o such_o to_o his_o church_n as_o church_n what_o authority_n can_v they_o claim_v over_o they_o unless_o with_o their_o own_o mutual_a consent_n they_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v each_o other_o as_o church_n and_o officer_n of_o christ_n to_o and_o in_o they_o how_o can_v they_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o they_o authoritative_o require_v their_o attendance_n on_o their_o administration_n and_o reprove_v their_o neglect_n and_o how_o can_v their_o teacher_n preach_v to_o they_o with_o all_o authority_n how_o can_v they_o watch_v over_o and_o feed_v they_o and_o expect_v their_o love_n duty_n and_o subjection_n and_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o administer_v censure_n to_o and_o among_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o one_o another_o as_o officer_n and_o church_n minister_n be_v charge_v to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o flock_n act._n 20.17_o 28._o and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o so_o and_o so_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n 1_o tim._n 3.5_o 15._o and_o such_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v mat._n 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o who_o then_o say_v christ_n be_v a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n or_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n have_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o many_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n that_o may_v be_v give_v to_o show_v that_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n i_o may_v have_v add_v as_o many_o more_o to_o evince_v and_o confirm_v it_o but_o these_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o and_o encourage_v believer_n in_o their_o walk_n in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o congregate_a into_o distinct_a church_n and_o particular_a society_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o gospel-church_n or_o the_o material_n of_o god_n holy_a temple_n 4._o question_v what_o be_v the_o material_n of_o a_o house_n of_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v person_n be_v qualify_v for_o church-fellowship_n or_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v church-member_n ans_fw-fr only_o regenerate_v and_o convert_v person_n such_o as_o be_v marry_v to_o and_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v save_o and_o powerful_o enlighten_v and_o enliven_v quicken_v and_o convince_v of_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n joh._n 16.8_o 9_o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o eph._n 2.1_o 5._o such_o as_o have_v choven_v christ_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o resign_v and_o make_v over_o themselves_o to_o christ_n &_o receive_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n col._n 2.6_o 1_o cor._n 6.19_o 20._o such_o only_a as_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o and_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n as_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o set_v a_o part_n for_o holiness_n and_o unto_o live_v to_o god_n and_o no_o more_o unto_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v the_o belove_a of_o god_n call_v effectual_o to_o be_v saint_n and_o have_v real_o and_o sincere_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n jesus_n i_o say_v such_o person_n and_o only_o such_o do_v jesus_n christ_n account_n meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o privilege_n and_o dignity_n col._n 1.12_o and_o to_o make_v heavenly_a place_n eph._n 1.3_o although_o man_n do_v not_o certain_o know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o darkness_n and_o fallable_n judgement_n they_o may_v receive_v and_o admit_v other_o into_o church_n and_o unto_o their_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o they_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v there_o for_o these_o spiritual-ho_o thing_n be_v for_o and_o only_o for_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a man_n heavenly_a place_n be_v for_o heavenly_a person_n and_o spiritual_a work_n for_o spiritual_a men._n now_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a holy_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a place_n and_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n christ_n prepare_v man_n by_o his_o grace_n word_n and_o spirit_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a and_o meet_v material_n and_o then_o he_o call_v they_o to_o join_v together_o and_o become_v a_o spiritual_a house_n for_o his_o delight_n service_n and_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o therefore_o such_o and_o only_o such_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o because_o god_n threaten_v and_o often_o declare_v his_o detestation_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o other_o be_v there_o and_o manifest_v his_o indignation_n against_o they_o as_o to_o the_o man_n that_o come_v to_o the_o supper_n without_o the_o wedding_n garment_n matth._n 22.11_o 12_o 13._o then_o say_v the_o king_n to_o his_o servant_n bound_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o outer_a darkness_n isa_n 33.14_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n be_v afraid_a fearfulness_n have_v surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o devour_a fire_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n mat._n 25._o and_o the_o
dreadful_a end_n of_o the_o tare_n matth._n 13.38_o 39_o 40_o 41_o 42_o 43._o which_o be_v the_o hypocrite_n that_o by_o the_o devil_n instigation_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o 2._o to_o the_o galatian_n 4._o c._n matth._n 13.38_o 39_o it_o be_v true_a that_o such_o be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o the_o best_a church_n let_v their_o guide_n do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o prevent_v it_o because_o they_o can_v make_v a_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o person_n state_n as_o be_v say_v and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v usurper_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v there_o for_o although_o they_o be_v by_o god_n providence_n permit_v to_o creep_v in_o yet_o be_v sure_a they_o be_v not_o there_o with_o his_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n rom._n 9.6_o for_o say_v god_n to_o all_o the_o uncircumcize_v what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v to_o take_v my_o covenant_n into_o your_o mouth_n see_v you_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o word_n behind_o your_o back_n as_o all_o hypocrite_n do_v psal_n 50.16_o 17._o and_o christ_n say_v that_o such_o as_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o reign_v over_o they_o and_o hypocrite_n be_v sure_o will_v not_o shall_v be_v destroy_v luke_n 19.27_o now_o either_o the_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v consist_v of_o saint_n and_o sincere_a heart_a believer_n or_o of_o formal_a hypocritical_a professor_n as_o all_o be_v that_o be_v not_o profane_a man_n or_o real_a saint_n for_o all_o sober_a man_n will_v confess_v that_o open_a profane_a and_o debauch_a person_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v account_v church_n member_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o not_o of_o hypocrite_n because_o they_o be_v the_o most_o loathsome_a and_o abominable_a person_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large-in_a the_o 23_o chap_a of_o matth._n from_o the_o 13._o vers_fw-la to_o the_o 35._o and_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o publican_n and_o harlot_n shall_v go_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n before_o they_o matth._n 21.31_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v sincere-hearted_n believer_n and_o none_o else_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o church_n shall_v account_v such_o for_o hypocrite_n and_o reject_v they_o as_o such_o because_o they_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v they_o to_o be_v sincere_a saint_n who_o offer_v to_o join_v in_o fellowship_n with_o they_o but_o i_o only_o say_v that_o hypocrite_n have_v no_o right_n unto_o neither_o ought_v they_o to_o press_v into_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o all_o the_o new-testament_n church_n shall_v consist_v only_o of_o new_a creature_n and_o real_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o that_o all_o church-member_n ought_v to_o be_v sincere_a heart_a believer_n appear_v by_o the_o high_a title_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v unto_o the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o scripture_n he_o call_v they_o not_o his_o copper_n but_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n rev._n 1.20_o so_o david_n describe_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n psal_n 45.13_o the_o king_n daughter_n be_v all_o glorious_a within_o her_o clothing_n be_v of_o wrought_v gold_n so_o they_o be_v call_v saint_n holy_a brethren_n and_o belove_a elect_v and_o call_v dear_a child_n of_o god_n and_o call_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o his_o son_n rom._n 1.7_o col._n 3.12_o 2_o thes_n 2.13_o eph._n 5.1_o heb._n 3.1_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o that_o they_o be_v such_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v not_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o much_o assurance_n and_o hence_o he_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v the_o elect_a of_o god_n 1_o thes_n 1.4_o 5._o and_o he_o tell_v the_o philippian_n that_o god_n have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o they_o and_o will_v perfect_v it_o and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o few_o but_o in_o all_o of_o they_o chap._n 1.5_o 6._o and_o the_o church_n at_o corinth_n be_v call_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 11.2_o and_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o as_o also_o the_o holy_a church_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v form_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n and_o make_v his_o habitation_n by_o the_o spirit_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o and_o the_o church_n at_o rome_n be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o joint_a heir_n with_o christ_n rom._n 8._o and_o peter_n say_v that_o they_o be_v lively_a stone_n build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n and_o a_o holy_a priesthood_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o paul_n tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o they_o be_v the_o lord_n seal_v once_o that_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o have_v seal_v they_o up_o unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 1.13.4.30_o now_o these_o glorious_a thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o city_n or_o church_n of_o god_n psal_n 87.3_o such_o honourable_a title_n belong_v not_o unto_o mere_a formal_a professor_n but_o only_o unto_o the_o real_a member_n of_o christ_n not_o unto_o those_o that_o have_v a_o name_n only_o but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v so_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n 3._o a_o three_o reason_n be_v take_v from_o the_o end_n of_o church_n or_o the_o end_n of_o god_n in_o institute_v and_o appoint_v they_o i_o will_v name_v a_o few_o 1._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o that_o be_v for_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o to_o rest_n and_o repose_v himself_o in_o they_o as_o in_o his_o holy_a walk_n garden_n house_n and_o temple_n 2_o cor._n 6.16_o rev_n 2.1_o psal_n 132.13_o 14._o for_o the_o lord_n have_v chisen_v zion_n he_o have_v desire_v it_o for_o his_o habitation_n this_o be_v my_o rest_n for_o ever_o here_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o oh_o that_o all_o church-member_n will_v serious_o mind_v this_o and_o in_o zeph._n 3.16_o 17._o it_o be_v say_v in_o that_o day_n speak_v of_o gospel-time_n it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o jerusalem_n fear_v thou_o not_o and_o unto_o zion_n let_v not_o thy_o hand_n be_v slack_a the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o be_v mighty_a he_o will_v save_v he_o will_v rejoice_v over_o thou_o with_o joy_n he_o will_v rest_v in_o his_o love_n he_o will_v joy_n over_o thou_o with_o sing_v as_o man_n refresh_v themselves_o and_o delight_n to_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o their_o dear_a and_o hearty_a friend_n and_o relation_n so_o do_v god_n in_o his_o church_n and_o as_o the_o bridegroom_n rejoice_v over_o his_o bride_n so_o do_v god_n over_o &_o in_o his_o own_o church_n isa_n 62.5_o now_o than_o if_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o holy_a end_n of_o god_n then_o sure_o they_o must_v be_v church_n of_o holy_a person_n not_o of_o hypocrite_n for_o god_n hate_v and_o abhor_v their_o presence_n and_o service_n isa_n 1.13_o 16._o isa_n 66.3_o prov._n 15.8_o 2._o they_o be_v intend_v and_o erect_v by_o his_o spirit_n and_o authority_n for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n when_o great_a man_n build_v stete_o house_n it_o be_v for_o their_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o so_o when_o god_n build_v himself_o a_o spiritual_a house_n it_o be_v for_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o distinguish_v his_o people_n from_o other_o solomon_n tell_v god_n that_o he_o have_v build_v god_n a_o house_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o also_o for_o his_o name_n 1_o kings_z 8_o 13_o 19_o which_o he_o do_v by_o the_o lord_n appointment_n and_o direction_n so_o god_n appoint_v and_o set_v up_o particular_a holy_a temple_n by_o his_o spirit_n for_o his_o name_n and_o glory_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glorious_a grace_n and_o be_v the_o live_a witness_n to_o his_o name_n truth_n and_o way_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o habitation_n of_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o fame_n and_o renown_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o light_n therefore_o and_o that_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o mouth_n they_o shall_v glorify_v god_n rom._n 15.6_o golden_a candlestick_n in_o prince_n court_n be_v set_v up_o for_o their_o glory_n as_o suitable_a to_o their_o state_n and_o dignity_n so_o do_v god_n erect_v and_o set_v up_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o church_n of_o believer_n for_o his_o glory_n as_o have_v a_o resemblance_n of_o his_o state_n and_o dignity_n and_o it_o be_v gospel_n holiness_n that_o become_v his_o house_n before_o ver_fw-la psal_n 93.5_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 8.23_o god_n call_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n
to_o the_o church_n and_o there_o the_o lord_n jesus_n come_v and_o observe_v how_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o obey_v rev._n 2.23_o 5._o god_n have_v institute_v and_o form_v up_o believer_n into_o church_n that_o he_o may_v feed_v and_o nourish_v they_o there_o as_o his_o flock_n that_o he_o may_v water_v they_o as_o his_o garden_n support_v they_o as_o his_o house_n order_n and_o govern_v they_o as_o his_o family_n &_o household_n and_o that_o by_o his_o spirit_n &_o minister_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o water_v they_o 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 7._o to_o feed_v and_o nourish_v they_o act._n 20.17_o 23._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o to_o rule_v govern_v and_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o heb_fw-mi 13.7_o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o to_o warnand_n caution_n they_o to_o reprove_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o comfort_v they_o and_o build_v they_o up_o with_o the_o milk_n and_o strong_a meat_n of_o spiritual_a sound_a doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 2._o heb._n 5.12_o 13_o 14._o and_o that_o by_o their_o speak_n unto_o they_o as_o to_o their_o own_o flock_n and_o peculiar_a church_n and_o charge_n from_o and_o under_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o christ_n in_o love_n they_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n eph._n 4.15_o so_o also_o for_o believer_n regular_a and_o orderly_o walk_v col._n 2.5_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o he_o love_v to_o see_v his_o people_n walk_v orderly_o and_o regular_o conform_v themselves_o to_o his_o law_n and_o government_n and_o if_o earthly_a governor_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v careful_a to_o set_v up_o and_o give_v unto_o their_o subject_n law_n and_o order_n for_o their_o regular_a and_o orderly_o walk_v and_o love_v great_o to_o see_v they_o so_o to_o walk_v under_o their_o law_n and_o government_n in_o their_o city_n and_o politic_a body_n how_o much_o more_o careful_a be_v jesus_n christ_n to_o set_v his_o people_n in_o order_n and_o method_n and_o how_o please_a and_o delightful_a must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o see_v his_o subject_n walk_v orderly_a and_o regular_o in_o his_o city_n and_o spiritual_a body_n that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o appointment_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o end_n of_o god_n in_o institute_v and_o erect_v of_o church_n many_o other_o may_v be_v name_v and_o insist_v on_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o exceed_v my_o intention_n four_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v consist_v of_o new-creature_n and_o sincere-hearted_n believer_n because_o they_o can_v and_o will_v answer_v and_o prosecute_v these_o aforesaid_a and_o such_o like_a holy_a end_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o his_o church_n i_o say_v these_o can_v and_o will_v because_o they_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v in_o measure_n by_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o aim_v at_o and_o effectual_o to_o prosecute_v these_o holy_a end_n of_o god_n but_o so_o can_v other_o neither_o will_v they_o if_o they_o can_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o save_a knowledge_n nor_o practical_a wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o they_o be_v stranger_n in_o heart_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n all_z other_o at_o the_o best_a have_v but_o a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a at_o the_o root_n rev._n 3.1_o matth._n 8.22_o neither_o be_v they_o make_v a_o willing_a people_n to_o join_v issue_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o holy_a end_n of_o god_n psal_n 110.3_o because_o god_n have_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o obstinacy_n wrought_v in_o they_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v in_o his_o peculiar_a people_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o wrought_v by_o god_n for_o this_o self_n same_o thing_n as_o real_a saint_n be_v phil._n 2.13_o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o they_o be_v not_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v they_o as_o saint_n be_v col._n 3.10_o but_o now_o real_a and_o peculiar_a believer_n be_v fit_v and_o frame_v mould_v and_o polished_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o their_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n eph._n 2.21_o and_o so_o by_o the_o constant_a and_o promise_a guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o their_o live_a head_n jesus_n christ_n with_o their_o spiritual_a qualification_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o answer_v and_o perform_v the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n in_o erect_v and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o church_n when_o a_o wise_a man_n build_v a_o house_n he_o will_v propound_v some_o end_n to_o himself_o in_o his_o so_o do_v and_o according_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o and_o lay_v in_o such_o material_n and_o so_o form_n and_o build_v it_o as_o that_o it_o may_v effectual_o answer_v his_o end_n if_o he_o be_v able_a now_o if_o he_o build_v it_o with_o hay_n and_o stubble_n or_o with_o rot_a wood_n althought_v it_o may_v stand_v a_o while_n yet_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o stand_v long_o nor_o answer_v his_o end_n so_o the_o great_a master_n builder_n who_o be_v the_o alsufficient_a and_o only_a wise_a god_n propound_v great_a and_o holy_a end_n to_o himself_o in_o institute_v and_o build_n of_o church_n and_o temple_n and_o these_o such_o as_o shall_v irrefrustrable_o be_v obtain_v notwithstanding_o all_o possible_a contingency_n &_o interveniency_n whatsoever_o for_o say_v god_n my_o purpose_n shall_v stand_v and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o my_o pleasure_n isa_n 46.10_o i_o will_v build_v church_n and_o temple_n for_o my_o glory_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o to_o have_v peculiar_a love_n homage_n and_o service_n from_o they_o to_o have_v their_o free_a hearty_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n and_o respect_n that_o i_o may_v enrich_v they_o with_o my_o grace_n build_v they_o up_o in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n delight_n in_o a_o refresh_v myself_o with_o they_o make_v they_o a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o glorify_v the_o house_n of_o my_o glory_n isa_n 60.7_o that_o there_o i_o may_v set_v my_o ministry_n and_o officer_n and_o that_o among_o they_o i_o may_v set_v my_o law_n rule_n and_o ordinance_n but_o hypocrite_n and_o formalist_n will_v never_o answer_v nor_o prosecute_v these_o end_n as_o i_o find_v by_o experience_n among_o the_o old-church-member_n of_o the_o jew_n i_o can_v look_v for_o it_o nor_o expect_v it_o from_o they_o for_o they_o be_v a_o people_n of_o a_o other_o spirit_n they_o slight_a my_o grace_n and_o reject_v my_o easy_a yoke_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v honour_v with_o membership_n in_o my_o church_n in_o my_o particular_a gosspel_n church_n but_o if_o they_o creep_v in_o as_o many_o will_v do_v i_o will_v loathe_v and_o abhor_v their_o presence_n i_o will_v root_v they_o up_o cast_v they_o out_o and_o that_o into_o everlasting_a fire_n for_o whatever_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v yet_o i_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o for_o my_o turn_n and_o will_v stand_v i_o in_o no_o stead_n there_o but_o to_o provoke_v i_o to_o wrath_n with_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o make_v fuel_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o my_o jealousy_n therefore_o my_o new-testament-churche_n shall_v be_v build_v only_o of_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a material_n not_o of_o dead_a but_o live_a stone_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o eph._n 2.1.5_o such_o as_o my_o word_n and_o spirit_n shall_v polish_v and_o prepare_v for_o that_o work_n and_o service_n that_o so_o by_o they_o i_o may_v obtain_v my_o holy_a end_n and_o carry_v on_o my_o great_a design_n i_o know_v that_o my_o peculiar_a people_n will_v receive_v submit_v unto_o and_o obey_v my_o law_n that_o they_o will_v love_v and_o honour_v i_o that_o they_o will_v shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o will_v give_v i_o kind_a and_o cordial_a entertainment_n and_o that_o will_v cleave_v to_o and_o not_o forsake_v i_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o church_n five_o because_o all_o the_o law_n ordinance_n and_o work_n of_o church-member_n be_v holy_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o natural_a man_n understand_v not_o can_v discern_v what_o they_o be_v and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v such_o and_o they_o that_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n save_o and_o powerful_o to_o understand_v and_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o they_o do_v think_v and_o judge_n of_o they_o carnal_o and_o vain_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o end_n but_o believer_n have_v they_o write_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n beforehand_o they_o have_v they_o not_o without_o book_n i_o mean_v they_o have_v the_o same_o law_n of_o christ_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o bible_n jer._n 31.33_o heb._n 8.10_o 11._o heb._n 10.16_o by_o which_o they_o be_v capacitate_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n enable_v to_o
understand_v receive_v love_n and_o right_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o law_n say_v paul_n be_v spiritual_a rom._n 7._o and_o a_o real_a sound_a believer_n be_v call_v a_o spiritual_a man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o their_o law_n be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a their_o work_n and_o business_n in_o a_o church_n be_v so_o likewise_o john_n 4.23_o 24_o eph._n 5_o 19_o col._n 3.16_o and_o a_o particular_a congregat_v church_n be_v call_v a_o holy-temple_n and_o spiritual_a house_n eph._n 2.21_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o they_o have_v a_o holy_a god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n to_o serve_v and_o worship_n a_o spiritual_a head_n to_o believe_v in_o and_o obey_v and_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a work_n to_o do_v in_o their_o church-state_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_n be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a person_n not_o without_o in_o profession_n only_o but_o within_o in_o truth_n almost_o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o god_n expect_v his_o principal_a and_o choice_a worship_n from_o his_o church_n and_o they_o be_v all_o above_o and_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o carnal_a men._n god_n first_o make_v spiritual_a man_n and_o then_o with_o they_o he_o form_n spiritual_a house_n and_o then_o as_o such_o he_o give_v they_o holy_a law_n and_o ordinance_n and_o spiritual_a work_n to_o do_v and_o require_v they_o to_o do_v it_o as_o spiritual_a person_n and_o church_n christ_n do_v not_o form_v they_o into_o church_n as_o reasonable_a man_n but_o as_o good_a holy_a and_o spiritual_a man_n and_o suit_v his_o law_n to_o their_o capacity_n and_o state_n as_o at_o first_o he_o frame_v and_o suit_v they_o to_o his_o law_n christ_n call_v his_o people_n into_o church_n and_o incorporate_v congregat_v body_n that_o they_o may_v as_o such_o receive_v and_o practise_v his_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a church_n law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o good_a and_o they_o be_v spiritual_a law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o spiritual_a man_n and_o therefore_o only_a such_o shall_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n for_o what_o shall_v hypocrite_n do_v in_o the_o holy_a spiritual_a temple_n and_o church_n of_o god_n and_o what_o use_n will_v they_o make_v of_o christ_n law_n and_o holy_a ordinance_n but_o to_o defile_v and_o pollute_v they_o and_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n 1_o cor._n 11._o six_o because_o the_o separation_n between_o saint_n and_o sinner_n begin_v here_o in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o lord_n call_v man_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o form_v they_o up_o into_o holy_a temple_n for_o himself_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o that_o everlasting_a separation_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o christ_n his_o appear_v between_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o goat_n matth._n 25.31_o 32_o 41._o or_o at_o least_o a_o shadow_n and_o resemblance_n of_o it_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o wicked_a say_v christ_n hereafter_o i_o will_v come_v in_o glory_n set_v upon_o my_o throne_n before_o i_o shall_v be_v gather_v all_o nation_n and_o then_o will_v i_o separate_v they_o on_o from_o another_o as_o a_o shepherd_n divide_v this_o sheep_n from_o the_o goat_n 31_o 32._o and_o then_o i_o will_v say_v to_o the_o sheep_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o and_o to_o the_o other_o go_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a sire_n 34.41_o now_o because_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o nor_o what_o i_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n see_v what_o i_o have_v begin_v already_o in_o it_o you_o see_v a_o few_o separate_v from_o you_o in_o this_o world_n before_o your_o eye_n and_o form_v up_o into_o holy-temple_n for_o i_o and_o this_o be_v not_o their_o own_o work_n or_o do_v of_o themselves_o or_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o carnal_a apprehension_n or_o singular_a proud_a notion_n and_o opinion_n as_o you_o false_o charge_v they_o no_o but_o this_o thing_n be_v do_v of_o i_o i_o will_v own_v it_o as_o my_o own_o work_n for_o i_o have_v command_v they_o to_o separate_v and_o have_v call_v they_o out_o from_o among_o you_o who_o continue_v still_o in_o your_o infidelity_n and_o unregenerate_a state_n john_n 15.19_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o and_o bid_v they_o congregate_v together_o as_o my_o peculiar_a people_n and_o become_v my_o spiritual_a house_n and_o church_n and_o i_o have_v by_o my_o spirit_n make_v they_o willing_a and_o move_v their_o heart_n to_o do_v so_o as_o you_o see_v they_o do_v i_o own_o they_o and_o will_v stand_v by_o they_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o they_o that_o have_v separate_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v i_o myself_o that_o have_v do_v it_o and_o what_o they_o have_v do_v therein_o be_v in_o obedience_n unto_o i_o and_o that_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o word_n for_o as_o certain_o as_o you_o see_v these_o my_o people_n now_o separate_v from_o you_o so_o i_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n make_v a_o eternal_a separation_n between_o they_o and_o you_o unless_o you_o repent_v and_o become_v my_o people_n in_o season_n and_o as_o it_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o conviction_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o wicked_a so_o also_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o confirmation_n of_o believer_n for_o by_o the_o lord_n separate_v they_o from_o the_o world_n and_o building_n they_o up_o into_o holy-temple_n he_o give_v they_o a_o notable_a pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o the_o assure_a and_o promise_a difference_n of_o that_o great_a and_o everlasting_a discrimination_n &_o separation_n that_o shall_v be_v between_o they_o and_o the_o wicked_a now_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o because_o all_o thing_n seem_v to_o happen_v alike_o to_o all_o as_o solomon_n speak_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n or_o very_o little_a between_o the_o wicked_a and_o they_o although_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o vast_a difference_n upon_o many_o account_n between_o they_o now_o and_o so_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o walking_n but_o to_o cheer_v they_o up_o and_o support_v their_o spirit_n here_o say_v god_n be_v a_o very_a great_a distinguish_a difference_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o a_o great_a between_o you_o and_o the_o world_n i_o have_v call_v you_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v you_o near_o unto_o myself_o i_o have_v separate_v you_o already_o from_o the_o lion_n and_o goat_n and_o make_v you_o my_o formal_a and_o public_a habitation_n and_o holy-temple_n which_o be_v your_o honour_n privilege_n and_o dignity_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o such_o or_o such_o particular_a church_n be_v goat_n or_o unbeliever_n no_o i_o can_v entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n in_o my_o heart_n for_o as_o i_o think_v and_o fear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o hypocrite_n creep_v into_o church_n so_o i_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o gracious_a person_n which_o to_o their_o own_o loss_n and_o god_n dishonour_n do_v live_v out_o of_o church-fellowship_n so_o their_o be_v other_o that_o will_v join_v with_o they_o but_o can_v and_o other_o can_v but_o will_v not_o but_o i_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v have_v his_o church_n make_v up_o of_o saint_n only_o and_o not_o of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v everlasting_o separate_v but_o of_o such_o as_o shall_v live_v and_o reign_v with_o jesus_n christ_n for_o evermore_o in_o the_o church_n triumphant_a and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n among_o other_o because_o it_o may_v comfort_v and_o confirm_v the_o saint_n in_o their_o hope_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o convince_v and_o terrify_v the_o wicked_a seven_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v build_v of_o believer_n and_o regenerate_a person_n because_o they_o may_v continue_v and_o stand_v fast_o in_o all_o storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o hold_v out_o unto_o the_o end_n as_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n jesus_n christ_n for_o whatever_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o sand_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o help_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n will_v not_o stand_v long_o because_o it_o want_v a_o bottom_n to_o bear_v up_o its_o weight_n they_o must_v all_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n and_o chief_a cornerstone_n the_o foundation_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v matth._n 7.24_o 25._o 1_o cor._n 3.11_o matth._n 16.18_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tell_v we_o that_o upon_o this_o rock_n that_o be_v himself_o and_o the_o truth_n that_o peter_n have_v confess_v will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o now_o hypocrite_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o be_v that_o great_a promise_n of_o perseverance_n will_v belong_v to_o they_o and_o
then_o the_o stony_a ground_n will_v be_v in_o as_o good_a and_o safe_a a_o condition_n as_o the_o good_a ground_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v apparent_a matth._n 13._o and_o matth._n 7._o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o build_v on_o christ_n by_o faith_n but_o be_v voct_v in_o themselves_o and_o build_v their_o vain_a hope_n on_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n job_n 8._o matth._n 7._o and_o in_o many_o other_o scripture_n be_v manifest_a therefore_o if_o there_o person_n be_v not_o build_v on_o christ_n their_o church-state_n be_v not_o but_o upon_o the_o sand._n hence_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o only_o sound_a believer_n be_v build_v on_o christ_n and_o so_o they_o be_v the_o person_n only_o that_o christ_n will_v have_v build_v up_o into_o holy-temple_n because_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n build_v he_o himself_o say_v he_o will_v build_v upon_o himself_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v inpregnable_o in_o all_o weather_n and_o that_o be_v only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v unite_v unto_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o have_v choose_v he_o for_o their_o only_a rock_n and_o foundation_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o not_o of_o such_o as_o do_v secret_o reject_v he_o obj._n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o text_n in_o matth._n 16._o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n i_o answer_v and_o i_o be_o speak_v too_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o say_v that_o all_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v unite_v unto_o and_o build_v upon_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o that_o these_o aught_o to_o congregate_v and_o become_v church_n of_o god_n and_o none_o else_o and_o that_o according_a unto_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o such_o that_o promise_n in_o matth._n belong_v to_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v secure_v by_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n although_o they_o be_v form_v up_o according_a to_o christ_n his_o institution_n into_o particular_a congregational_a church_n and_o although_o after_o they_o be_v thus_o form_v they_o may_v be_v break_v in_o a_o sense_n and_o scatter_v as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v act._n 8.1_o yet_o they_o be_v still_o secure_v by_o that_o promise_n and_o have_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o faith_n love_n tear_n and_o prayer_n in_o judgement_n and_o affection_n the_o lord_n jesus_n suffer_v in_o name_n and_o glory_n by_o the_o fall_n of_o his_o church_n or_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o as_o he_o that_o build_v his_o house_n on_o the_o sand_n be_v call_v a_o foolish_a man_n by_o spectator_n matth._n 7._o and_o if_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o build_v either_o for_o want_v of_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o good_a matter_n or_o wise_a and_o careful_a cement_n and_o form_v up_o the_o material_n how_o great_o will_v the_o wisdom_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n suffer_v by_o the_o tongue_n of_o his_o enemy_n because_o such_o church_n take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o walk_v by_o his_o law_n and_o as_o the_o fall_n of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o reproach_n to_o christ_n so_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o grief_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a member_n of_o christ_n also_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o or_o out_o of_o those_o church_n thus_o fall_v and_o it_o will_v great_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n against_o the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reality_n in_o his_o gospel_n religion_n and_o therefore_o christ_n can_v endure_v to_o see_v his_o house_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o take_v care_n that_o all_o that_o he_o build_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v so_o build_v and_o secure_v as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overthrow_v they_o nor_o by_o any_o mean_n prevail_v against_o they_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v found_v secure_v &_o support_v by_o his_o promise_n and_o spirit_n i_o may_v produce_v many_o other_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o none_o but_o real_a believer_n ought_v to_o be_v form_v up_o into_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o concern_v the_o privilege_n and_o promise_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o which_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o on_o a_o other_o head_n which_o be_v two_o high_a and_o glorious_a for_o the_o inglorious_a profess_v hypocrity_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v entail_v only_o on_o the_o true_a heir_n of_o they_o viz._n the_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o child_n of_o god_n hypocrite_n who_o refuse_v to_o have_v christ_n on_o his_o own_o term_n and_o who_o prefer_v their_o lust_n before_o he_o and_o their_o own_o righteousness_n before_o christ_n and_o daily_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n 1_o john_n 5._o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o there_o be_v a_o little_a remnant_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o who_o they_o do_v only_o belong_v and_o they_o and_o only_o they_o may_v claim_v they_o as_o their_o own_o again_o because_o only_a believer_n be_v christ_n willing_a subject_n such_o as_o have_v free_o put_v their_o neck_n under_o his_o yoke_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o in_o universal_a obedience_n to_o he_o and_o that_o have_v hearty_o choose_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o governor_n and_o his_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o practice_n but_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o other_o man_n do_v reject_v he_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v have_v the_o lord_n jesus_n bow_v down_o to_o their_o term_n but_o they_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o he_o they_o say_v as_o those_o in_o joh._n 6.60_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a yoke_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o and_o therefore_o although_o we_o will_v profess_v he_o that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v he_o rule_v over_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o call_v they_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n bread_n or_o to_o his_o true_a subject_n privilege_n and_o blessing_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o moreover_o only_o true_a believer_n be_v clean_a and_o pure_a all_o other_o be_v unclean_a they_o be_v stranger_n to_o he_o and_o his_o people_n unwashed_a and_o uncircumcize_v in_o ear_n and_o heart_n they_o be_v not_o justify_v nor_o sanctify_v nor_o purge_v from_o their_o uncleanness_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o come_v near_o to_o or_o touch_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v holy_a pure_a thing_n and_o sanctify_v unto_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o his_o enchurched-member_n i_o will_v not_o be_v tedious_a and_o therefore_o shall_v wave_v all_o further_a consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n although_o i_o can_v multiply_v reason_n to_o prove_v that_o only_o real_a true_a believer_n shall_v be_v church-member_n but_o i_o shall_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o a_o objection_n advance_v against_o this_o truth_n which_o be_v this_o but_o we_o read_v of_o tare_n in_o the_o field_n among_o the_o good_a wheat_n good_a and_o bad_a fish_n catch_v in_o the_o neat_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o also_o many_o evil_a member_n in_o several_a of_o the_o congregational_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o church_n may_v consist_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n all_o this_o may_v be_v true_a and_o yet_o the_o truth_n insist_v on_o not_o at_o all_o touch_v or_o weaken_v thereby_o it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v evil_a member_n in_o those_o gospel_n church_n and_o they_o prove_v evil_a member_n indeed_o and_o great_a affliction_n to_o bless_a paul_n and_o the_o good_a member_n of_o they_o but_o what_o then_o aught_o they_o to_o have_v be_v there_o or_o be_v they_o know_v to_o be_v such_o indeed_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o good_a man_n when_o they_o admit_v they_o be_v they_o there_o by_o christ_n call_n and_o with_o his_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n although_o he_o permit_v they_o to_o creep_v in_o among_o his_o people_n now_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o that_o they_o be_v admit_v when_o know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o afterward_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o privilege_n while_o such_o and_o that_o christ_n approve_v there_o be_v there_o i_o say_v until_o that_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v usurper_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o discourse_v of_o who_o be_v in_o the_o
church_n but_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o not_o who_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a and_o creep_v in_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o who_o christ_n call_v there_o and_o come_v in_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v not_o welcome_a to_o christ_n or_o his_o people_n the_o apostle_n wish_v such_o be_v cut_v off_o gal._n 5.12_o and_o exhort_v believer_n to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o that_o walk_v disorderly_o 2_o thes_n 3.6_o and_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o to_o mark_v and_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16.17_o and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v in_o charge_n to_o his_o church_n that_o they_o prosecute_v his_o law_n against_o disorderly_a church-member_n even_o to_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n they_o repent_v not_o mat._n 18.17_o and_o threaten_v the_o evil_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n &_o laodicea_n severe_o rev._n 3._o and_o therefore_o sure_o if_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n he_o will_v not_o have_v find_v they_o there_o to_o dishonour_v his_o name_n and_o grieve_v his_o people_n as_o they_o do_v and_o as_o for_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o tare_n and_o bad_a fish_n bring_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n no_o more_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o justife_v they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v than_o of_o the_o other_o before_o mind_v and_o answer_v and_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v refel_v these_o two_o likewise_o but_o if_o you_o mind_v it_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o tare_n there_o if_o mean_v of_o person_n and_o not_o of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o question_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o and_o he_o that_o sow_v they_o be_v the_o devil_n vers_fw-la 38_o 39_o so_o that_o these_o tare_n or_o member_n be_v not_o of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o bring_v there_o but_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o who_o will_v say_v then_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o will_v jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o devil_n hand_n and_o help_v to_o enlarge_v his_o church_n or_o will_v he_o accept_v and_o approve_v of_o such_o person_n for_o his_o church-member_n to_o help_v forward_o the_o build_n of_o his_o holy_a temple_n for_o the_o habitation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v choose_v and_o send_v by_o the_o devil_n as_o for_o other_o it_o be_v express_o say_v vers_fw-la 37._o that_o he_o that_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o in_o opposition_n thereunto_o it_o be_v say_v his_o enemy_n the_o devil_n sow_v tare_n in_o the_o same_o field_n which_o be_v hurtful_a unto_o the_o good_a seed_n therefore_o as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o hypocrite_n be_v not_o call_v nor_o send_v by_o jesus_n christ_n into_o church_n but_o by_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n against_o their_o be_v there_o and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v they_o there_o but_o to_o grattify_v the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o lust_n to_o afflict_v and_o grieve_v if_o not_o corrupt_v the_o good_a seed_n to_o dishonour_n christ_n and_o increase_v their_o own_o misery_n as_o to_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a fish_n there_o need_v no_o more_o be_v say_v concern_v they_o than_o that_o hypocrite_n and_o rot_a heart_a man_n will_v crowd_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n among_o his_o good_a people_n but_o they_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o come_v because_o they_o be_v of_o satan_n kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o part_n or_o portion_n with_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n so_o that_o i_o think_v there_o have_v be_v enough_o say_v as_o to_o that_o namely_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n particular_a church_n but_o real_a believer_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o speak_v a_o little_a unto_o two_o question_n first_o 5._o quest_n what_o fitness_n or_o qualification_n shall_v believer_n find_v in_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n before_o they_o enter_v into_o fellowship_n &_o become_v church-member_n or_o join_v themselves_o as_o member_n to_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n answ_n first_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n of_o their_o regeneration_n or_o new_a state_n in_o christ_n that_o they_o have_v see_v their_o need_n of_o christ_n single_v he_o out_o by_o grace_n and_o choose_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o measure_n of_o his_o anointing_n grace_n spirit_n light_n and_o life_n and_o that_o they_o be_v accept_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o they_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a and_o be_v renew_v in_o measure_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n after_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v they_o shall_v have_v at_o least_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n for_o many_o gracious_a heart_n have_v such_o a_o hope_n that_o have_v no_o assurance_n who_o hold_v their_o title_n and_o claim_n to_o christ_n and_o heaven_n but_o have_v never_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o on_o their_o heart_n or_o if_o they_o ever_o have_v it_o they_o have_v by_o their_o own_o carelessness_n lose_v it_o and_o so_o have_v only_o hope_v leave_v and_o this_o indeed_o will_v hold_v their_o soul_n in_o life_n by_o the_o spirit_n though_o not_o in_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n heb._n 6.19_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v such_o that_o they_o be_v save_v by_o hope_n rom._n 8.24_o and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o hope_n which_o put_v they_o upon_o that_o great_a and_o noble_a work_n of_o purify_n themselves_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 1_o joh._n 3.3_o and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o as_o faith_n that_o precede_v it_o do_v act._n 15.9_o this_o hope_n be_v not_o a_o dead_a but_o a_o lively_a hope_n it_o be_v not_o idle_a but_o operative_a and_o work_a it_o be_v active_a and_o laborious_a in_o purge_v out_o of_o lust_n and_o get_v in_o of_o holiness_n and_o grace_n 1_o pet._n 1.3_o 1_o joh._n 3.3_o as_o a_o sound_a special_a faith_n be_v jam._n 2.18_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a heb._n 6.19_o so_o when_o god_n promise_v mercy_n unto_o his_o people_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n hos_n 2.15_o which_o hope_n be_v christ_n in_o they_o phil._n 1.27_o and_o therefore_o if_o you_o have_v this_o hope_n you_o be_v in_o a_o happy_a state_n and_o aught_o to_o join_v yourselves_o unto_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n give_v up_o yourselves_o in_o universal_a obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o wait_v in_o a_o house_n of_o god_n for_o his_o seal_n and_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o love_n to_o your_o soul_n but_o more_o particular_o and_o brief_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o see_v how_o you_o can_v answer_v these_o few_o interrogatory_n try_v yourselves_o effectual_o and_o thorough_o by_o they_o 1._o can_v you_o say_v indeed_o that_o you_o do_v serious_o and_o hearty_o desire_v choose_v and_o endeavour_v to_o see_v and_o be_v more_o deep_o and_o powerful_o convince_v of_o your_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o wretchedness_n and_o of_o your_o want_n and_o nothingnesse_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o your_o deep_a and_o spiritual_a humiliation_n and_o self_n debase_v that_o you_o may_v be_v more_o vile_a in_o your_o own_o eye_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o free_a grace_n more_o precious_a high_a and_o honourable_a more_o sweet_a and_o desirable_a that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v melt_v into_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v move_v thereby_o to_o abhor_v yourselves_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n job_n 42.5_o 6._o 2._o can_v you_o say_v that_o you_o do_v serious_o and_o hearty_o desire_v choose_v and_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o accept_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n such_o as_o you_o find_v in_o mark_n 8.34_o luke_n 14.26_o 27_o 28._o and_o elsewhere_o do_v you_o so_o desire_v choose_v and_o endeavour_v to_o have_v he_o with_o his_o yoke_n and_o cross_n matth._n 11.28_o 29._o and_o do_v you_o so_o deny_v yourselves_o of_o your_o sinful_a self_n and_o righteous_a self_n and_o worldly_a self_n and_o suppose_v able_a and_o powerful_a self_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a self_n that_o christ_n may_v only_o be_v exalt_v that_o you_o may_v be_v nothing_o in_o your_o lustification_n and_o salvation_n but_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o free_a grace_n may_v be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n col._n 3.11_o phil._n 3.7_o 8._o do_v you_o desire_v choose_v
righteousness_n worthiness_n interest_n and_o sufficiency_n and_o choose_v and_o appropriate_v he_o to_o themselves_o for_o their_o righteousness_n worthiness_n portion_n and_o sufficiency_n upon_o the_o sight_n and_o conviction_n of_o the_o nothingness_n emptiness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o own_o and_o with_o a_o heart_n satisfy_v with_o persuasion_n of_o the_o lovelynesse_n fullness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o christ_n 5._o and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v serious_o humble_o self-debasing_o and_o hearty_o do_v so_o far_o as_o man_n may_v judge_v be_v it_o do_v or_o do_v they_o make_v know_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o at_o least_o seem_o with_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o what_o they_o declare_v you_o may_v also_o be_v much_o help_v in_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v send_v of_o god_n as_o fit_v by_o he_o for_o church_n membership_n by_o the_o end_v they_o propound_v unto_o themselves_o and_o declare_v unto_o you_o in_o desire_v membership_n with_o you_o if_o they_o do_v serious_o profess_v that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n and_o as_o they_o judge_v the_o call_v of_o christ_n as_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n and_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o live_v any_o long_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o church-ordinance_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o join_v in_o fellowship_n to_o meet_v with_o and_o enjoy_v god_n to_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n to_o fit_a and_o enable_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n and_o conform_v their_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o other_o end_n before_o name_v to_o which_o they_o do_v serious_o bind_v themselves_o to_o god_n to_o perform_v and_o prosecute_v as_o also_o to_o walk_v and_o carry_v themselves_o in_o his_o church_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v such_o may_v undoubted_o be_v account_v worthy_a member_n and_o be_v receive_v in_o as_o such_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o congregational_a gospel-church_n 6._o quest_n what_o be_v the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la or_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n or_o how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n shall_v believer_n and_o fit_a material_n be_v form_v up_o and_o become_v a_o beautiful_a formal_a house_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o he_o to_o dwell_v in_o answ_n first_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o experience_n that_o every_o house_n consist_v of_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o as_o man_n can_v have_v house_n to_o dwell_v in_o without_o matter_n and_o form_n or_o material_n form_v up_o and_o lay_v together_o in_o order_n by_o the_o art_n of_o man_n so_o can_v god_n proper_o have_v a_o spiritual_a house_n without_o matter_n and_o form_n god_n allude_v to_o man_n house_n and_o the_o old_a jewish_a temple_n when_o he_o call_v and_o style_v his_o gospel_n church_n his_o house_n and_o temple_n so_o likewise_o city_n and_o corporation_n that_o be_v of_o man_n form_n and_o we_o all_o know_v that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o material_n scatter_v abroad_o lie_v here_o and_o there_o make_v not_o a_o house_n although_o they_o be_v well_o fit_v and_o frame_v for_o a_o house_n but_o it_o be_v the_o orderly_o form_v they_o up_o together_o that_o make_v a_o house_n david_n provide_v many_o excellent_a material_n to_o build_v god_n a_o house_n yet_o say_v god_n thou_o shall_v not_o build_v it_o but_o solomon_n thy_o son_n shall_v and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o house_n until_o solomon_n day_n he_o make_v the_o house_n of_o david_n material_n so_o a_o company_n or_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o here_o and_o there_o make_v not_o a_o gospel-church_n or_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n how_o holy_a and_o excellent_a soever_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o material_n for_o the_o temple_n make_v a_o temple_n in_o david_n day_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o experience_n to_o imagine_v it_o neither_o be_v a_o number_n of_o believer_n meet_v occasional_o together_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o some_o ordinance_n though_o often_o therefore_o a_o church_n although_o they_o know_v and_o love_v each_o other_o and_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o good_a state_n of_o each_o other_o neither_o do_v their_o live_n together_o within_o the_o bound_n or_o limit_n of_o a_o parish_n make_v they_o a_o church_n nor_o all_o of_o they_o together_o because_o they_o want_v the_o constitutive_a cause_n or_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la of_o a_o church_n or_o house_n of_o god_n hence_o say_v the_o text_n in_o allusion_n unto_o material_a house_n and_o the_o jewish_a temple_n which_o be_v once_o the_o place_n of_o the_o special_a worship_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n deut._n 12.5_o 11._o 2_o chron._n 7.15_o 16._o you_o be_v build_v and_o fit_o frame_v for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n and_o be_v so_o frame_v and_o that_o not_o by_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n you_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v so_o build_v into_o a_o holy-temple_n 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o now_o if_o a_o number_n of_o company_n of_o believer_n dwell_v near_o together_o as_o in_o city_n usual_o they_o do_v and_o their_o occasional_a meeting_n together_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o some_o ordinance_n do_v make_v they_o a_o formal_a house_n of_o god_n what_o need_v of_o build_v they_o up_o into_o a_o house_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n to_o i_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o text_n last_z vers_n concern_v the_o holy_a spirit_n namely_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a agent_n and_o doer_n of_o it_o which_o clear_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o great_a concernment_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o believer_n to_o have_v they_o well_o and_o orderly_o form_v together_o into_o a_o church_n house_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o else_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v never_o thus_o appropriate_v it_o and_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o unto_o himself_o as_o be_v only_o able_a to_o do_v it_o as_o his_o own_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v too_o great_a for_o man_n &_o angel_n to_o do_v but_o from_o and_o by_o he_o and_o i_o think_v if_o it_o be_v so_o light_a and_o inconsiderable_a a_o matter_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a dishonour_n rather_o than_o a_o honour_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o have_v entitle_v himself_o to_o it_o and_o have_v take_v it_o upon_o himself_o as_o the_o sole_a cause_n thereof_o and_o as_o the_o jewish_a temple_n be_v so_o to_o be_v build_v and_o form_v as_o that_o it_o may_v continue_v in_o its_o beauty_n and_o glory_n so_o undoubted_o ought_v the_o lord_n spiritual_a temple_n now_o not_o for_o a_o few_o day_n but_o for_o ever_o for_o otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v rather_o like_o the_o israelite_n tent_n and_o tabernacle_n in_o the_o wilderness_n transcient_a and_o remove_n from_o place_n to_o place_n while_o they_o be_v journey_v towards_o their_o rest_n but_o when_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o their_o land_n than_o they_o be_v to_o have_v a_o fix_a temple_n to_o meet_v god_n in_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o and_o of_o the_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o ephesus_n allude_v unto_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o a_o fix_a settle_a place_n of_o god_n worship_n when_o he_o say_v they_o be_v a_o holy_a temple_n and_o habitation_n of_o god_n now_o if_o person_n occasional_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n make_v a_o gospel_n church_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n than_o they_o may_v be_v here_o to_o day_n and_o go_v to_o morrow_n in_o such_o a_o place_n be_v a_o church_n &_o temple_n of_o god_n yesterday_n but_o none_o to_o day_n for_o they_o be_v not_o fix_v but_o transcient_a they_o be_v no_o more_o bind_v to_o one_o another_o with_o who_o they_o sometime_o walk_v than_o to_o other_o of_o god_n people_n which_o they_o never_o see_v till_o to_o day_n and_o if_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o do_v so_o they_o may_v go_v to_o five_o or_o ten_o several_a place_n to_o morrow_n and_o five_o take_v up_o with_o one_o minister_n and_o ten_o with_o another_o etc._n etc._n for_o a_o week_n month_n or_o year_n as_o they_o please_v if_o they_o be_v not_o form_v and_o build_v together_o and_o bind_v fast_o together_o as_o a_o house_n temple_n or_o family_n under_o the_o rule_n inspection_n and_o teach_v of_o fix_a state_v officer_n for_o either_o they_o belong_v to_o one_o fix_a household_n and_o family_n or_o to_o none_o at_o all_o they_o have_v their_o own_o officer_n or_o none_o
join_v together_o into_o a_o church-state_n aught_o to_o know_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o fitness_n and_o meetness_n of_o each_o other_o as_o well_o as_o each_o person_n of_o himself_o for_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v name_v second_o when_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o believer_n be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o and_o of_o each_o other_o sitnesse_n to_o build_v a_o holy_a temple_n for_o god_n they_o shall_v meet_v together_o and_o solemn_o present_v themselves_o before_o god_n humble_v themselves_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o weakness_n ignorance_n and_o unworthynesse_n for_o although_o they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o sense_n meet_v and_o worthy_a yet_o because_o of_o their_o indwelling_a lust_n and_o actual_a transgression_n they_o may_v see_v matter_n enough_o in_o and_o by_o themselves_o to_o cry_v out_o as_o isaiah_n do_v we_o be_v unclean_a and_o unworthy_a and_o to_o ask_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o god_n so_o also_o to_o tell_v god_n what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v and_o entreat_v he_o to_o send_v forth_o his_o light_n and_o truth_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o lead_v assist_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o right_a way_n according_a to_o this_o promise_n psal_n 25.12_o psa_fw-la 61.8_o joh._n 16.13_o for_o although_o they_o may_v have_v as_o they_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o perfect_a rule_n before_o they_o to_o guide_v they_o in_o this_o weighty_a matter_n yet_o they_o may_v want_v light_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o walk_v by_o it_o clear_o and_o exact_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o have_v make_v they_o willing_a by_o his_o power_n psal_n 110.3_o will_v supply_v with_o his_o light_n upon_o importunate_a ask_n it_o thus_o ezra_n do_v when_o concern_v in_o temple-work_n chap_v 8.21_o and_o it_o be_v prophefy_v by_o david_n that_o when_o god_n shall_v build_v up_o his_o church_n he_o will_v do_v it_o upon_o his_o people_n prayer_n psal_n 102._o and_o as_o they_o shall_v pray_v for_o light_n and_o counsel_n in_o their_o heart_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v and_o will_v be_v own_v and_o account_v the_o chief_a agent_n in_o the_o work_n of_o build_v gospel-churche_n as_o in_o prepare_v material_n make_v they_o willing_a guide_a and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o work_n so_o that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n own_o and_o bless_v they_o in_o their_o church-state_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o labour_n of_o their_o hand_n and_o prosper_v they_o to_o his_o glory_n &_o their_o own_o edification_n &_o comfort_n 3._o when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o their_o heart_n be_v warm_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v with_o the_o spirit_n beam_n of_o light_n shine_v in_o upon_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n and_o their_o heart_n thereby_o fast_a knit_v to_o each_o other_o in_o love_n as_o to_o the_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n then_o they_o shall_v declare_v to_o each_o other_o their_o free_a full_a and_o cordial_a acceptance_n of_o and_o satisfaction_n in_o one_o another_o express_v to_o one_o another_o their_o real_a hearty_a and_o joint_a resolution_n purpose_n and_o intention_n by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v together_o as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o engage_v covenant_n and_o promise_v to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o practice_n and_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o duty_n one_o to_o another_o in_o that_o state_n and_o relation_n take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n accept_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o their_o lord_n head_n and_o saviour_n resign_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o and_o profess_v their_o unfeigned_a subjection_n to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o rule_n law_n and_o order_n and_o that_o they_o will_v submit_v themselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n eph._n 5.21_o as_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o which_o may_v be_v confirm_v to_o one_o another_o by_o give_v each_o other_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n gal._n 2_o 9_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o formal_a constitute_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o i_o know_v no_o other_o but_o some_o there_o must_v be_v and_o i_o think_v to_o this_o agree_v several_a scripture-instance_n that_o if_o right_o understand_v amount_v to_o as_o much_o as_o aforesaid_a thus_o the_o israelite_n become_v a_o church_n god_n propound_v to_o they_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o observe_v and_o do_v and_z according_o the_o whole_a congregation_n receive_v what_o be_v say_v and_o engage_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o exod._n 24.3_o and_o moses_n come_v and_o tell_v the_o people_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v with_o one_o voice_n and_o say_v all_z the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v will_v we_o do_v so_o deut._n 5.27_o exod._n 20.19_o deut._n 29.9_o 14._o this_o be_v free_o and_o voluntary_o do_v by_o they_o and_o thereby_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o be_v solemn_o admit_v unto_o all_o the_o worship_n and_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o god_n accept_v and_o approve_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v deut._n 5.27_o 28._o go_v thou_o near_o and_o hear_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v say_v etc._n etc._n and_o we_o will_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o and_o the_o lord_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o your_o word_n when_o you_o speak_v unto_o i_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o people_n which_o they_o have_v speak_v unto_o thou_o they_o have_v well_o say_v all_o that_o they_o have_v speak_v and_o the_o like_v proceedure_v we_o find_v among_o they_o after_o they_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o and_o their_o church-state_n break_v their_o solemn_a engagement_n and_o depart_v from_o god_n and_o upon_o conviction_n of_o their_o so_o do_v and_o of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o they_o return_v to_o god_n and_o renew_v their_o church-engagement_n joshua_n 24.16_o to_o 27._o vers_fw-la so_o in_o asa_n his_o day_n 2_o chron._n 15.10_o to_o 16._o v._o and_o ezra_n 10._o and_o neh._n 9_o and_o 10._o chap_v and_o somewhat_o like_a to_o this_o we_o find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o as_o we_o hope_v but_o first_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n mind_v the_o church_n at_o corinth_n of_o their_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o which_o it_o seem_v be_v solemn_o do_v at_o their_o congregate_a and_o enchurch_v for_o than_o be_v the_o time_n of_o do_v it_o solemn_o and_o public_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o one_o another_o when_o they_o open_o and_o avowed_o take_v upon_o themselves_o by_o mutual_a consent_n and_o agreement_n as_o a_o incorporate_a body_n the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n together_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n also_o be_v that_o passage_n in_o col._n 2.6_o as_o you_o have_v therefore_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o they_o as_o a_o particular_a congregat_v church_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n which_o be_v solemn_o do_v in_o all_o probability_n at_o their_o embody_v and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o psal_n 50.5_o gather_v my_o saint_n together_o unto_o i_o those_o that_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o i_o by_o sacrifice_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o jer._n 50.4_o 5._o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o i_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v it_o be_v there_o no_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v it_o for_o they_o be_v as_o have_v be_v say_v call_v and_o compare_v to_o house_n temple_n corporation_n city_n family_n and_o to_o voluntary_a not_o mere_a natural_a relation_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v knit_v and_o form_v into_o such_o a_o state_n and_o relation_n by_o their_o own_o free_a choice_n and_o engagement_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v together_o as_o such_o and_o this_o action_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o and_o by_o the_o lord_n in_o act._n 2.41_o it_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v add_v and_o in_o vers_n 47._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n add_v namely_o to_o the_o particular_a congregational_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o infer_v that_o believer_n ought_v so_o to_o join_v themselves_o together_o into_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v which_o i_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
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 and_o such_o negative_a professor_n but_o they_o must_v be_v such_o and_o so_o in_o practical_a holiness_n they_o must_v not_o only_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o forbid_a but_o they_o must_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o commend_v otherwise_o they_o can_v be_v blameless_a but_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o of_o such_o spirit_n as_o aforesaid_a they_o will_v be_v of_o holy_a and_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o walk_v as_o gospel_n real_a true_a light_n &_o guide_n before_o all_o but_o if_o they_o want_v these_o heart_n and_o internal_a qualification_n they_o will_v not_o long_o if_o at_o all_o be_v blameless_a walker_n if_o they_o be_v of_o proud_a peevish_a cross_a and_o fretful_a of_o sour_a angry_a and_o wrathful_a temper_n and_o carriage_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v of_o hot_a testy_a fiery_a rash_a and_o quarrelsome_a temper_n and_o carriage_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v back_o biter_n and_o defamer_n of_o man_n or_o hearer_n and_o receiver_n of_o evil_a report_n against_o good_a man_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v covetous_a worldly_a person_n in_o their_o word_n and_o deed_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v excessive_a in_o their_o clothes_n house_n eat_v or_o drink_v they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v censorious_a and_o rash_a judge_n of_o other_o they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v cheater_n or_o detainer_n of_o other_o due_n from_o they_o they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v vain_a and_o light_a person_n and_o give_v much_o to_o frothy_a idle_a talk_n and_o jesting_n or_o to_o idleness_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v careless_a of_o and_o negligent_a in_o relative_a duty_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o family_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v not_o diligent_a in_o their_o calling_n and_o work_n but_o be_v addict_v to_o walk_v abroad_o sleep_n or_o otherways_o spend_v away_o their_o precious_a time_n vain_o and_o unprofitable_o they_o be_v not_o blameless_a i_o may_v instance_n in_o many_o more_o but_o that_o i_o study_v brevity_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n must_v not_o only_o be_v free_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n but_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n also_o avoidable_a infirmity_n except_v six_o they_o must_v also_o have_v and_o be_v endue_v with_o natural_a gift_n as_o ability_n of_o body_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n for_o although_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o grace_n gift_n and_o truth_n lay_v up_o in_o his_o head_n and_o heart_n yet_o if_o he_o want_v ability_n of_o body_n or_o speech_n to_o utter_v &_o plain_o declare_v they_o unto_o other_o how_o can_v he_o profit_v the_o church_n or_o minister_v to_o their_o edification_n which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o 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 exalt_v above_o it_o as_o to_o many_o shameful_o and_o sinful_o do_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o mystery_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o the_o letter_n wherein_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o and_o we_o come_v to_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o a_o superior_a by_o the_o word_n he_o speak_v to_o we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o understand_v not_o his_o word_n we_o can_v know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n or_o what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v do_v or_o receive_v and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n concern_v we_o but_o by_o his_o word_n and_o how_o by_o his_o word_n or_o word_n except_o we_o understand_v their_o sense_n
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 of_o christ_n of_o which_o more_o afterward_o this_o be_v another_o part_n or_o parcel_n of_o teaching-elders_a work_n three_o their_o work_n be_v to_o watch_n i_o say_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o church_n they_o be_v the_o church_n watchman_n to_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o and_o to_o make_v inspection_n into_o they_o act_v 20.17_o 28_o 31._o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o 1_o pet_n 5.2_o they_o be_v to_o watch_v the_o wolf_n and_o devil_n that_o will_v come_v among_o they_o to_o sow_v false_a doctrine_n and_o division_n to_o the_o break_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o spoil_v their_o communion_n and_o that_o will_v corrupt_v their_o faith_n and_o leaven_n their_o judgement_n and_o drive_v they_o away_o from_o the_o sheep-fold_n acts._n 20.29_o 30_o 31._o tit._n 1.10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o they_o must_v also_o watch_v their_o walking_n and_o conversation_n and_o see_v if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n phil._n 1.27_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v reprovable_a and_o scandalous_a so_o also_o if_o they_o keep_v to_o and_o practice_v their_o several_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o or_o neglect_v they_o that_o they_o may_v from_o christ_n encourage_v the_o obedient_a and_o rebuke_v the_o negligent_a 1_o thes_n 5.14_o they_o must_v also_o watch_v and_o make_v inspection_n into_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o see_v how_o matter_n go_v or_o stand_v with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o administer_v remedy_n to_o they_o as_o their_o case_n do_v require_v they_o shall_v inquire_v into_o their_o growth_n or_o decay_n in_o grace_n whether_o the_o word_n &_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n do_v profit_n or_o disprofit_v they_o &_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a they_o shall_v know_v what_o use_n and_o improvement_n they_o make_v of_o their_o gospel-mercy_n as_o also_o their_o trial_n and_o temptation_n their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n whether_o they_o continue_v find_v and_o sincere_a the_o elder_n of_o a_o church_n 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honour_v and_o please_v and_o all_o the_o church_n be_v or_o may_v be_v profit_v and_o edify_v and_o peace_n and_o truth_n promote_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o confusion_n disorder_n and_o disturbance_n will_v necessary_o follow_v as_o sad_a experience_n have_v abundant_o prove_v in_o this_o land_n it_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a truth_n obvious_a to_o all_o man_n that_o if_o some_o must_v rule_v other_o must_v obey_v and_o if_o some_o be_v appoint_v and_o command_v by_o the_o great_a and_o absolute_a sovereign_n to_o rule_n and_o govern_v well_o than_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v the_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o other_o to_o submit_v and_o obey_v well_o all_o according_a and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o sovereign_a will_n of_o their_o great_a law_n giver_n the_o lord_n jesus_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o be_v as_o indispensible_a a_o duty_n as_o any_o you_o have_v to_o do_v which_o i_o can_v 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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 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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 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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 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spirit_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v man_n of_o courage_n fear_v god_n like_a moses_n his_o 70_o elder_n exod._n 18.21_o and_o be_v free_a from_o notorious_a and_o apparent_a covetousness_n and_o worldly_a mindedness_n they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a in_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o in_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o pity_n compassion_n of_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v they_o must_v not_o be_v angry_a passionate_a person_n or_o man_n of_o sour_a froward_a and_o peevish_a spirit_n and_o carriage_n for_o these_o abomination_n will_v very_o much_o blemish_v they_o and_o cause_n prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o mind_n of_o observer_n they_o must_v not_o be_v tattler_n meddler_n nor_o busy-body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n neither_o shall_v they_o be_v slothful_a negligent_a or_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o these_o be_v some_o of_o their_o necessary_a qualification_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n and_o how_o ought_v they_o to_o demean_v and_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o their_o rule_v elder_n ans_fw-fr when_o they_o do_v rule_v well_o and_o use_v their_o office_n power_n diligent_o faithful_o and_o profitable_o for_o the_o peace_n welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o ministry_n propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o do_v they_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n love_n and_o respect_n from_o the_o church_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o give_v it_o to_o they_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n who_o enjoin_v and_o require_v it_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o as_o also_o for_o their_o work_n and_o office_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n christ_n his_o sake_n who_o officer_n they_o be_v who_o image_n they_o bear_v and_o who_o work_n and_o service_n they_o do_v and_o be_v employ_v themselves_o in_o they_o must_v have_v not_o only_o simple_a honour_n love_n and_o respect_n from_o you_o but_o double_a they_o must_v have_v much_o more_o than_o any_o private_a brethren_n have_v when_o they_o rule_v well_o and_o that_o upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n 1._o as_o they_o be_v christ_n and_o your_o elder_n and_o officer_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n do_v represent_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o you_o in_o and_o by_o their_o work_n and_o office-power_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o as_o or_o because_o they_o rule_v well_o and_o use_v their_o office-power_n for_o your_o profit_n and_o benefit_n do_v they_o careful_o diligent_o and_o industrous_o attend_v to_o and_o follow_v their_o work_n and_o seek_v your_o good_a then_o remember_v that_o you_o owe_v they_o double_a honour_n love_n and_o respect_n and_o see_v you_o give_v it_o to_o they_o moreover_o church-member_n shall_v yield_v they_o their_o cheerful_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o their_o lawful_a command_n and_o appointment_n for_o their_o good_a and_o give_v they_o all_o possible_a encouragement_n in_o their_o work_n and_o not_o weaken_v their_o hand_n and_o make_v their_o work_n heavy_a and_o burdensome_a to_o they_o but_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o make_v it_o easy_a and_o sweet_a to_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n you_o shall_v also_o pray_v importunate_o for_o they_o that_o god_n will_v make_v they_o able_a willing_a and_o faithful_a to_o and_o in_o their_o work_n and_o bless_v and_o prosper_v their_o labour_n with_o success_n do_v they_o mind_v their_o work_n and_o labour_n for_o your_o good_a why_o than_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a that_o you_o shall_v mind_v they_o and_o give_v they_o their_o due_n that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v in_o their_o work_n and_o diligence_n by_o your_o duty_n to_o they_o in_o a_o word_n you_o shall_v carry_v yourselves_o towards_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o to_o spiritual_a magistrate_n and_o christ_n officer_n to_o you_o for_o your_o good_n as_o paul_n speak_v of_o civil_a magistrate_n rom._n 13.4_o for_o say_v he_o they_o be_v god_n minister_n to_o thou_o for_o good_a so_o your_o roll_a elder_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o you_o for_o good_a therefore_o behave_v yourselves_o towards_o they_o and_o do_v for_o they_o as_o such_o not_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n among_o you_o but_o as_o they_o be_v good_a elder_n to_o you_o and_o such_o as_o rule_v well_o for_o your_o profit_n do_v they_o rule_v well_o mind_n and_o attend_v to_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n why_o then_o love_v honour_n and_o respect_v they_o as_o such_o do_v they_o labour_v with_o and_o take_v pain_n among_o you_o and_o be_v they_o diligent_a serious_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o office_n then_o pray_v much_o for_o they_o bless_v and_o thank_v god_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v accept_v and_o esteem_v of_o they_o carry_v yourselves_o submissive_o &_o obedient_o to_o they_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n and_o encourage_v their_o heart_n to_o and_o in_o their_o work_n and_o do_v all_o you_o can_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v for_o they_o do_v they_o walk_v holy_o humble_o wise_o zealous_o and_o fruitful_o do_v you_o follow_v their_o example_n imitate_v their_o step_n and_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a write_v after_o their_o copy_n and_o by_o so_o do_v you_o will_v honour_v christ_n and_o comfort_v they_o quest_n what_o other_o officer_n have_v jesus_n christ_n set_v in_o his_o church_n ans_fw-fr deacon_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v in_o his_o great_a love_n to_o and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n appoint_v and_o give_v to_o they_o this_o sort_n of_o officer_n also_o for_o their_o comfort_n profit_n and_o well_o be_v and_o they_o need_v they_o likewise_o for_o as_o the_o teach_v elder_n may_v not_o attend_v most_o to_o their_o roll_a work_n but_o to_o study_v read_v doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n and_o then_o not_o to_o serve_v table_n act_n 6._o so_o the_o rule_v elder_n leave_v their_o work_n to_o attend_v two_o which_o be_v not_o to_o serve_v table_n neither_o but_o to_o look_v after_o other_o church-matter_n and_o concernment_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v that_o deacon_n be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o officer_n by_o their_o name_n and_o work_v there_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o also_o their_o work_n use_v and_o qualification_n we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o in_o act_n 6.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o phil._n 1.1_o so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v such_o a_o office_n and_o such_o officer_n be_v appoint_v for_o and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n quest_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v deacons_n be_v or_o what_o be_v their_o qualification_n by_o divine_a appointment_n ans_fw-fr they_o must_v be_v man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n act_v 6.3_o they_o must_v be_v grave_a not_o double-tongued_a not_o give_v to_o much_o wine_n not_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n even_o so_o must_v their_o wife_n be_v grave_a not_o slanderer_n sober_a faithful_a in_o all_o thing_n rule_v their_o child_n and_o their_o own_o house_n well_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 11_o 12._o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n you_o that_o be_v deacon_n mind_v these_o thing_n and_o consider_v serious_o if_o you_o be_v so_o qualify_v for_o that_o office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o you_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v humble_a yourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n entreat_v he_o to_o qualify_v you_o with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o good_a mean_n to_o obtain_v what_o be_v yet_o want_v in_o you_o for_o the_o well_o and_o profitable_a performance_n of_o your_o work_n as_o become_v such_o officer_n in_o a_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o deacon_n work_v in_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr in_o general_n their_o work_n be_v to_o serve_v table_n act_n 6._o but_o more_o particular_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o and_o distribute_v to_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o necessity_n act._n 6._o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o of_o they_o to_o want_v through_o their_o negligence_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o inquire_v what_o poor_a there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o their_o want_n be_v and_o according_o to_o supply_v they_o in_o order_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o church_n contribution_n and_o wise_o consider_v if_o what_o they_o do_v receive_v from_o they_o will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o satisfy_v other_o emergency_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o case_n they_o do_v not_o to_o acquaint_v one_o of_o the_o elder_n that_o
another_o wealth_n 1_o cor._n 10.24_o now_o we_o exhort_v you_o brethren_n warn_v the_o unruly_a 1_o thes_n 5.14_o and_o admonish_v the_o disorderly_a 2_o thes_n 3.15_o for_o this_o good_a work_n and_o their_o wise_a &_o conscientious_a do_v of_o it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n commend_v the_o church_n at_o rome_n chap._n 15.14_o and_o say_v god_n in_o levit._n 19.17_o thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_v he_o and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o admonish_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n but_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a in_o math._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o the_o lord_n press_v this_o duty_n and_o work_n on_o you_o and_o show_v you_o how_o you_o shall_v perform_v it_o therefore_o you_o must_v mind_n and_o careful_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o according_a to_o your_o direction_n there_o and_o not_o otherwise_o you_o must_v watch_v and_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v a_o sinner_n or_o sin_v member_n by_o your_o first_o private_a admonition_n in_o case_n the_o evil_n be_v private_a and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o with_o thou_o and_o see_v what_o that_o will_v do_v but_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v the_o work_n nor_o obtain_v the_o end_n on_o thy_o brother_n soul_n than_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o by_o their_o teacher_n or_o elder_n they_o may_v be_v inform_v of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o their_o deal_n with_o and_o proceed_n against_o he_o as_o command_v this_o be_v another_o of_o your_o great_a and_o indispensible_a work_v and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o be_v especial_o the_o elder_n work_n and_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v not_o they_o only_o but_o you_o also_o who_o be_v private_a member_n oh_o therefore_o be_v you_o persuade_v to_o mind_n careful_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o to_o practice_v this_o work_n and_o duty_n for_o unless_o you_o do_v so_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n honour_n and_o purity_n you_o will_v do_v christ_n and_o they_o singular_a service_n seven_o you_o must_v forbear_v and_o forgive_v one_o another_o for_o this_o be_v another_o of_o your_o command_a duty_n eph._n 4.2_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n vers_n 32._o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o and_o in_o col._n 3.13_o forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o any_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o do_v thy_o brother_n sin_n against_o thou_o or_o do_v thou_o any_o injury_n thou_o shall_v tell_v he_o of_o it_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o search_v out_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o see_v if_o he_o do_v it_o unadvised_o through_o weakness_n or_o ignorance_n and_o without_o any_o design_n to_o wrong_v thou_o or_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o witting_o and_o know_o and_o until_o thou_o be_v sure_o that_o he_o do_v it_o know_o and_o witting_o or_o wilful_o thou_o must_v forbear_v censure_v he_o as_o have_v so_o do_v it_o for_o else_o thou_o will_v prove_v a_o usurper_n and_o a_o false_a judge_n which_o christ_n forbid_v math._n 7.1_o 2._o rom._n 14._o but_o if_o upon_o a_o impartial_a search_n thou_o find_v he_o to_o have_v wrong_v thou_o through_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n thou_o must_v judge_v charitable_o of_o he_o and_o carry_v thyself_o towards_o he_o as_o god_n do_v towards_o thou_o under_o thy_o weakness_n and_o ignorances_n thou_o must_v not_o be_v rash_a and_o severe_a towards_o he_o either_o in_o thy_o carriage_n or_o censure_n but_o if_o it_o clear_o appear_v upon_o impartial_a enquiry_n that_o he_o do_v know_o and_o wilful_o do_v thou_o wrong_n then_o thou_o must_v carry_v thyself_o towards_o and_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o wilful_a transgressor_n thou_o must_v lay_v his_o sin_n before_o he_o and_o show_v he_o what_o law_n he_o have_v transgress_v what_o evil_a he_o have_v do_v thou_o what_o wrong_v to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o offence_n he_o have_v do_v to_o christ_n by_o break_v his_o holy_a law_n admonish_v he_o again_o and_o again_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o censure_v he_o not_o too_o severe_o until_o you_o find_v he_o obstinate_a and_o stubborn_a for_o until_o then_o you_o must_v forbear_v he_o while_o you_o be_v wait_v on_o he_o and_o on_o god_n for_o he_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o give_v he_o repentance_n unto_o life_n but_o if_o your_o endeavour_n be_v bless_v to_o those_o end_n you_o must_v ready_o forgive_v he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v once_o true_o and_o save_o convince_v of_o and_o humble_v for_o his_o sin_n be_v sure_a that_o he_o will_v most_o free_o own_v and_o confess_v it_o to_o thou_o as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v thou_o amends_o and_o give_v thou_o all_o possible_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o wrong_n he_o have_v do_v thou_o and_o this_o he_o will_v do_v not_o by_o constraint_n but_o free_o willing_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n without_o thy_o seek_n to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o a_o person_n be_v not_o powerful_o and_o save_o convince_v of_o and_o humble_v for_o his_o sin_n while_o he_o hang_v off_o and_o must_v be_v seek_v after_o to_o make_v satisfafaction_n to_o such_o as_o he_o have_v wrong_v for_o be_v his_o heart_n real_o melt_v into_o the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o dare_v not_o yea_o can_v not_o be_v quiet_a until_o he_o have_v give_v all_o possible_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o wrong_a luk._n 19.8_o but_o now_o in_o case_n he_o remain_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o reproof_n what_o be_v you_o to_o do_v then_o why_o then_o he_o shall_v take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o and_o deal_v with_o he_o and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o by_o their_o elder_n may_v see_v what_o they_o can_v do_v with_o he_o but_o if_o they_o can_v prevail_v on_o he_o to_o repent_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n then_o i_o think_v the_o offend_a may_v prosecute_v the_o law_n against_o he_o for_o the_o law_n be_v make_v for_o the_o lawless_a and_o disobedient_a 1_o tim._n 1.9_o 10._o but_o yet_o he_o shall_v be_v still_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v he_o whenever_o he_o shall_v repent_v pray_v and_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v repent_v and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o although_o it_o be_v long_o first_o actual_o and_o cordial_o forgive_v he_o and_o renew_v his_o kindness_n and_o brotherly_a love_n to_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o sin_v eight_o it_o be_v your_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o hearken_v too_o and_o receive_v instruction_n admonition_n and_o reproof_n one_o from_o another_o also_o for_o if_o some_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v at_o some_o time_n to_o give_v they_o sure_o other_o who_o need_v they_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o receive_v they_o prov._n 8.33_o hear_v instruction_n and_o be_v wise_a for_o he_o that_o despise_v reproof_n sin_v but_o he_o that_o keep_v instruction_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n prov._n 10.17_o and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o in_o prov._n 12.1_o whoso_o love_v instruction_n love_v knowledge_n but_o he_o that_o hate_v reproof_n be_v brutish_a such_o as_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o reproof_n be_v mark_v out_o for_o scorner_n in_o prov._n 9.8_o and_o he_o that_o be_v often_o reprove_v and_o yet_o harden_v his_o neck_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n prov._n 29.1_o such_o as_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o reproof_n and_o admonition_n or_o slight_a and_o refuse_v they_o do_v thereby_o rebel_v against_o trample_v upon_o and_o contemn_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o a_o mean_n of_o his_o appoint_v for_o their_o happiness_n and_o so_o they_o murder_v their_o own_o soul_n with_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v give_v to_o save_v they_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o hearken_v to_o and_o receive_v your_o brethren_n reproof_n counsel_n and_o admonition_n withal_o humility_n patience_n and_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n with_o all_o love_n meekness_n and_o thanfulnesse_n to_o god_n and_o the_o giver_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v great_a mercy_n to_o you_o and_o they_o be_v your_o real_a and_o profitable_a friend_n such_o as_o seek_v your_o good_a and_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v your_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o i_o wonder_v not_o at_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o such_o as_o refuse_v instruction_n and_o reproof_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n for_o 〈◊〉_d do_v despise_v the_o mean_n as_o in_o their_o present_a
set_v so_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n lie_v there_o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o yourselves_o together_o heb._n 10.25_o and_o because_o some_o be_v not_o to_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n do_v you_o provoke_v each_o other_o to_o your_o duty_n twelve_o you_o must_v be_v charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v among_o you_o and_o free_o contribute_v to_o they_o according_a to_o your_o ability_n and_o their_o necessity_n you_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o impart_v your_o help_n and_o assistance_n to_o they_o and_o give_v they_o a_o little_a of_o your_o estate_n as_o you_o be_v steward_n for_o yourselves_o so_o also_o for_o they_o it_o be_v a_o debt_n you_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o a_o duty_n to_o they_o you_o will_v comfort_v they_o thereby_o but_o you_o will_v much_o more_o profit_v yourselves_o than_o you_o can_v possible_o profit_v they_o it_o be_v a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v act_v 20.35_o it_o be_v your_o honour_n and_o happiness_n that_o god_n enable_v you_o to_o give_v to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v their_o affliction_n that_o they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o receive_v from_o you_o you_o stand_v on_o the_o advantage_n ground_n by_o they_o both_o as_o to_o work_v and_o wage_n and_o therefore_o thou_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o despise_v they_o or_o grudge_v at_o thy_o distribution_n to_o they_o thou_o be_v their_o steward_n and_o a_o part_n of_o what_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o be_v design_v and_o intend_v for_o they_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o and_o therefore_o say_v god_n deut._n 15.7_o 12._o i_o command_v thou_o to_o open_v thy_o hand_n wide_a unto_o thy_o brother_n that_o be_v waxen_a poor_a by_o thou_o read_v the_o word_n at_o large_a observe_v likewise_o these_o scripture_n and_o diligent_o mark_v and_o consider_v they_o 2_o cor._n 8._o and_o 9_o chapter_n gal._n 6.9_o 10._o heb._n 13.16_o prov._n 19.17_o psal_n 37.26_o psal_n 41.1_o 2_o 3._o you_o must_v not_o only_o give_v to_o keep_v they_o alive_a in_o misery_n but_o make_v comfortable_a provision_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v enough_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o temptation_n of_o poverty_n 〈◊〉_d press_v want_n and_o to_o enable_v and_o encourage_v they_o for_o and_o in_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n thirteen_o you_o must_v careful_o watchful_o diligent_o and_o conscientious_o beware_v of_o and_o avoid_v whatever_o may_v give_v any_o just_a offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o one_o another_o for_o we_o be_v charge_v to_o give_v none_o offence_n either_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n take_v heed_n lest_o by_o any_o mean_v this_o liberty_n of_o you_o become_v a_o stumbling-block_n 1_o cor._n 8.9_o and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o woe_n to_o they_o by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v math._n 18.7_o and_o charge_v his_o disciple_n to_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o his_o little_a one_o vers_fw-la 6._o you_o must_v not_o only_a mind_n that_o which_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o that_o which_o you_o must_v also_o leave_v undo_v for_o although_o you_o shall_v strive_v to_o do_v never_o so_o much_o good_a yet_o if_o that_o while_o you_o be_v not_o careful_a of_o eschew_v evil_a you_o will_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o hurt_n and_o pull_v down_o with_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o which_o you_o seem_v to_o build_v up_o with_o the_o other_o and_o you_o must_v also_o see_v that_o you_o do_v one_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o another_o for_o although_o you_o may_v be_v frequent_a attender_n on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o you_o come_v not_o timely_a to_o they_o or_o carry_v yourselves_o unreverent_o in_o they_o you_o will_v give_v just_a offence_n so_o if_o you_o shall_v be_v charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o yet_o be_v negligent_a in_o public_a worship_n you_o will_v give_v offence_n but_o to_o be_v brief_a know_v that_o you_o must_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o such_o evil_n as_o these_o and_o avoid_v they_o for_o they_o do_v all_o of_o they_o carry_v a_o brand_n in_o their_o forehead_n and_o scandalous_a mischief_n in_o their_o hand_n both_o to_o your_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v mind_v they_o endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o avoid_v they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v in_o you_o 1._o as_o 1._o proud_a lofty_a swell_a disdainful_a and_o haughty_a word_n carriage_n walking_n and_o deportment_n for_o they_o be_v grievous_a and_o provoke_a evil_n and_o such_o as_o will_v just_o offend_v all_o the_o observer_n of_o they_o 2._o you_o must_v avoid_v all_o sullen_a sour_a and_o churlish_a language_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n or_o else_o you_o will_v offend_v they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a that_o be_v altogether_o unbecoming_a the_o lamb_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o you_o must_v beware_v of_o a_o cross_n captious_a and_o contradict_a spirit_n and_o carriage_n there_o be_v too_o to_o many_o such_o member_n in_o church_n who_o peculiar_a excellency_n or_o rather_o vileness_n lie_v in_o this_o and_o who_o delight_n in_o a_o singular_a perverseness_n of_o mind_n and_o discourse_n against_o the_o work_n sense_n proposal_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o elder_n thereof_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v hear_v and_o may_v hear_v themselves_o talk_v and_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o their_o spirit_n they_o may_v seem_v some_o body_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o other_o company_n but_o this_o be_v very_o scandalous_a to_o their_o brethren_n except_v such_o as_o they_o have_v make_v of_o their_o faction_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o very_o reproachful_a to_o themselves_o as_o they_o will_v find_v at_o long_o run_v but_o i_o must_v hasten_v 4._o you_o must_v beware_v of_o &_o avoid_v peevish_a froward_a and_o touchy_a carriage_n word_n and_o deportment_n in_o private_a and_o public_a for_o they_o be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o offensive_a 5._o you_o must_v not_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o your_o place_n work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o absent_a from_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o in_o their_o time_n and_o season_n for_o that_o be_v a_o most_o scandalous_a and_o pernicious_a evil_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o it_o have_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o evil_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o it_o and_o that_o do_v attend_v it_o which_o i_o have_v now_o no_o room_n to_o mention_v and_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a transgression_n of_o god_n law_n rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o church_n beside_o the_o scandal_n and_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o 6._o take_v heed_n of_o that_o filthy_a sin_n of_o speak_v evil_a of_o one_o another_o behind_o their_o back_n you_o must_v not_o be_v whisperer_n or_o backbiter_n nor_o speak_v of_o the_o real_a or_o suppose_a evil_n of_o one_o another_o but_o to_o their_o face_n or_o before_o they_o until_o you_o have_v do_v your_o duty_n to_o they_o in_o secret_a for_o if_o you_o shall_v you_o will_v great_o provoke_v they_o and_o great_o stumble_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v such_o as_o you_o so_o speak_v evil_a of_o 7._o you_o must_v beware_v of_o speak_v slight_o and_o contemptible_o of_o one_o another_o either_o to_o their_o face_n or_o behind_o their_o back_n for_o man_n yea_o the_o best_a of_o man_n will_v not_o can_v patient_o bear_v contemptuous_a word_n and_o undeserved_a slight_a carriage_n from_o their_o brethren_n 8._o you_o must_v beware_v of_o and_o avoid_v vain_a foolish_a and_o frothy_a discourse_n for_o they_o be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o offensive_a to_o gracious_a heart_n 9_o take_v heed_n of_o earthly-mindedness_a and_o greedy_a pursuit_n after_o worldly_a thing_n for_o as_o they_o be_v offensive_a to_o god_n and_o pernicious_a to_o your_o own_o soul_n so_o they_o be_v scandalous_a and_o grievous_a to_o beholder_n 10._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o strife_n and_o contention_n among_o yourselves_o for_o that_o will_v do_v a_o world_n of_o mischief_n and_o produce_v many_o evil_a and_o wicked_a fruit_n 11._o take_v heed_n of_o grudge_v at_o or_o envy_v one_o another_o prosperity_n for_o thereby_o you_o control_n god_n himself_o and_o give_v occasion_n of_o great_a offence_n to_o your_o brethren_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o they_o can_v receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n without_o your_o envy_n and_o grudge_n 12._o be_v sure_a to_o deal_v just_o with_o all_o man_n and_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_a defraud_v be_v a_o very_a reproachful_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n contract_v not_o debt_n and_o delay_n or_o deny_v to_o pay_v they_o for_o if_o you_o do_v you_o will_v scandalize_v your_o brethren_n and_o cause_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o be_v
evil_o speak_v of_o 13._o be_v sure_a to_o make_v good_a and_o perform_v all_o your_o peremptory_a promise_n to_o man_n and_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o break_v they_o or_o fail_v and_o disappoint_a man_n of_o their_o just_a expectation_n from_o you_o for_o that_o also_o will_v be_v scandalous_a and_o offensive_a 14._o take_v heed_n of_o take_v into_o a_o marriage-bond_n such_o as_o be_v apparent_o in_o a_o unbelieving_a and_o carnal_a state_n and_o condition_n for_o that_o also_o be_v very_o offensive_a to_o holy_a serious_a man_n although_o some_o make_v light_a of_o it_o 15._o take_v heed_n of_o idleness_n and_o slothfulness_n in_o your_o calling_n for_o that_o will_v prove_v a_o pernicious_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n to_o other_o and_o your_o own_o soul_n too_o 16._o take_v not_o up_o a_o report_n against_o one_o another_o that_o be_v scandalous_a nor_o give_v a_o ear_n unto_o tatler_n and_o busybody_n nor_o be_v you_o busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n yourselves_o for_o if_o you_o do_v you_o will_v give_v great_a offence_n these_o be_v some_o and_o but_o some_o of_o the_o scandalous_a evil_n that_o you_o must_v careful_o avoid_v as_o a_o duty_n that_o you_o owe_v to_o god_n to_o your_o brethren_n and_o to_o your_o own_o soul_n i_o can_v have_v name_v many_o more_o but_o i_o find_v these_o the_o most_o common_a among_o professor_n now_o as_o you_o must_v avoid_v these_o and_o other_o evil_n mind_n and_o practice_v the_o say_a duty_n as_o church-member_n one_o to_o another_o so_o you_o must_v serious_o mind_v the_o manner_n reason_n and_o end_n of_o do_v they_o also_o the_o reason_n of_o your_o so_o do_v must_v be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n your_o head_n and_o king_n because_o he_o have_v so_o command_v you_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o you_o do_v must_v be_v love_n to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o your_o brethren_n the_o end_n must_v be_v to_o please_v honour_n and_o exalt_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o to_o profit_n and_o benefit_v your_o brethren_n soul_n and_o maintain_v the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therein_o and_o to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o purity_n among_o yourselves_o the_o manner_n must_v be_v thus_o namely_o wise_o dutiful_o cheerful_o obedient_o free_o willing_o humble_o holy_o serious_o diligent_o sincere_o and_o persevere_o for_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o careful_a of_o do_v your_o duty_n to_o man_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n as_o you_o be_v of_o perform_v your_o duty_n immediate_o to_o god_n so_o i_o can_v but_o mention_v these_o thing_n because_o i_o have_v exceed_v my_o intention_n in_o other_o the_o lord_n god_n bless_v they_o to_o you_o all_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o a_o gospel-church_n quest_n what_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n have_v god_n give_v to_o and_o appoint_v for_o a_o gospel-church_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o answ_n first_o walk_v together_o in_o constant_a cordial_a communion_n and_o gospel_n order_n in_o a_o church-state_n in_o brotherly_a love_n peace_n and_o oneness_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o frequent_a and_o joint_a celebration_n of_o all_o the_o worship_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n be_v certain_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o indispensâ—ble_a duty_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v believer_n may_v not_o enter_v their_o name_n among_o christ_n disciple_n and_o then_o take_v liberty_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v omit_v or_o neglect_v their_o place_n and_o duty_n there_o when_o and_o how_o they_o will_v and_o content_v themselves_o with_o have_v their_o name_n enroll_v in_o a_o church_n come_v among_o they_o and_o go_v from_o they_o at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n no_o but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o ordinance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o they_o shall_v constant_o and_o conscientious_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n abide_v and_o continue_v there_o hold_v communion_n or_o fellowship_n together_o as_o a_o unite_a and_o entire_a body_n or_o spiritual_a corporation_n and_o joint_o with_o one_o mind_n heart_n and_o soul_n observe_v and_o celebrate_v his_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n heb._n 10.24_o 25._o act_n 2.42_o 44_o 46_o 47._o rom._n 15.6_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o second_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o special_a church-ordinance_n or_o a_o ordinance_n appoint_v for_o and_o give_v to_o church_n or_o to_o believer_n exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o convert_n quicken_a and_o bring_v sinner_n to_o christ_n rom_n 1.16_o 1_o thes_n 1.5_o by_o this_o ordinance_n god_n convey_v his_o special_a grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n into_o sinner_n heart_n by_o it_o he_o open_v blind_a eye_n unstop_v deaf_a car_n enlivens_fw-la dead_a soul_n and_o convince_v carnal_a man_n of_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n act_v 26.18_o joh._n 5.25_o joh._n 16.7_o 8._o and_o by_o it_o he_o turn_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n and_o work_v they_o to_o and_o for_o his_o own_o use_n make_v they_o vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o translate_v they_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o devil_n into_o his_o own_o kingdom_n col._n 1.13_o the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o law_n and_o gospel_n be_v give_v and_o appoint_v to_o make_v fit_a and_o prepare_v sinful_a man_n for_o membership_n with_o christ_n &_o his_o holy_a gospel-churche_n for_o until_o they_o be_v mould_v and_o qualify_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n they_o be_v no_o way_n capable_a of_o either_o consider_v what_o condition_n all_o man_n be_v in_o by_o sinful_a nature_n namely_o dead_a blind_a filthy_a vile_a hateful_a enemy_n to_o god_n child_n of_o satan_n under_o the_o law_n the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n stranger_n to_o and_o ignorant_a of_o god_n christ_n grace_n duty_n and_o gospel-holiness_n 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such_o officer_n they_o and_o their_o ministry_n they_o as_o have_v a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o they_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o church_n peculiar_a privilege_n and_o which_o they_o ought_v high_o to_o prize_n and_o bless_v god_n for_o now_o as_o some_o man_n be_v gift_v impower_v and_o send_v out_o by_o christ_n to_o convert_v and_o turn_v man_n to_o christ_n who_o may_v not_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o church_n as_o their_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n so_o there_o be_v the_o special_a and_o peculiar_a ministry_n of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n give_v to_o and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n who_o work_n and_o business_n lie_v there_o and_o but_o occasional_o elsewhere_o to_o other_o man_n take_v heed_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n act._n 20.28_o the_o end_n of_o these_o officer_n and_o their_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o the_o call_n and_o 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allude_v eph._n 2._o ult_n in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n for_o what_o end_n be_v they_o build_v up_o together_o why_o it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o these_o be_v a_o few_o of_o the_o many_o text_n that_o speak_v of_o and_o plain_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o gospel-churche_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a one_o but_o very_o great_a and_o full_a of_o invite_v and_o encourage_v force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o draw_v and_o persuade_v all_o true_a heart_a nathaniel_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o and_o with_o they_o and_o to_o provoke_v and_o stir_v up_o all_o church-member_n to_o walk_v and_o carry_v themselves_o so_o towards_o god_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o towards_o one_o another_o as_o to_o enjoy_v and_o experience_n the_o good_a and_o sweetness_n of_o it_o and_o cause_v not_o to_o obstruct_v and_o hinder_v god_n and_o by_o unworthy_a carriage_n to_o god_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o and_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o privilege_n 2_o chron._n 15.2_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o true_a gospel-church_n to_o possess_v you_o of_o this_o privilege_n but_o you_o must_v walk_v and_o demean_v yourselves_o in_o that_o state_n according_a to_o his_o will_n you_o must_v walk_v therein_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o heart_n and_o practice_n conform_v unto_o his_o law_n and_o appointment_n that_o your_o father_n head_n and_o king_n may_v delight_v to_o dwell_v with_o and_o walk_v among_o you_o as_o in_o his_o holy_a temple_n for_o he_o be_v in_o his_o holy_a temple_n psal_n 11.4_o eph._n 2.21_o oh_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v great_a and_o great_o to_o be_v fear_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o to_o be_v have_v in_o reverence_n of_o all_o that_o be_v about_o he_o psal_n 89.7_o and_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o privilege_n this_o be_v second_o a_o true_a gospel-church_n or_o believer_n inchurch_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v privilege_v with_o more_o of_o christ_n his_o grace_n spirit_n and_o benefit_n than_o other_o christ_n will_v impart_v and_o distribute_v more_o full_o and_o rich_o to_o they_o of_o his_o riches_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n when_o they_o carry_v themselves_o obedient_o to_o he_o in_o a_o church-state_n than_o when_o they_o walk_v as_o individual_a and_o single_a person_n his_o hand_n and_o heart_n shall_v be_v open_v wide_a to_o they_o and_o he_o will_v abundant_o bless_v they_o when_o orderly_o walk_v in_o his_o holy_a temple_n they_o may_v hope_v expect_v and_o wait_v for_o great_a thing_n from_o he_o in_o his_o holy_a walk_n garden_n and_o gallery_n and_o that_o first_o because_o he_o dwell_v there_o there_o he_o dwell_v and_o walk_v as_o you_o hear_v before_o and_o be_v sure_a where_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n keep_v his_o court_n and_o place_n of_o residence_n where_o he_o make_v his_o abode_n and_o that_o with_o great_a delight_n and_o complacency_n as_o he_o do_v in_o his_o gospel-churche_n there_o he_o will_v communicate_v and_o impart_v most_o of_o his_o riches_n and_o choice_a love_n and_o favour_n the_o consideration_n of_o which_o make_v david_n so_o earnest_a and_o importunate_a in_o his_o desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o he_o prefer_v much_o above_o and_o beyond_o all_o other_o good_a in_o the_o world_n psal_n 63.1_o 2_o 3_o 5._o psal_n 84.1_o 11._o psal_n 27.4_o there_o he_o know_v that_o god_n will_v meet_v he_o and_o he_o shall_v meet_v god_n there_o he_o expect_v to_o find_v the_o full_a clear_a comfortable_a and_o the_o most_o constant_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o there_o he_o expect_v to_o obtain_v and_o enjoy_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n also_o for_o god_n be_v great_a in_o zion_n psal_n 99.2_o namely_o great_a in_o glory_n praise_n renown_n and_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o his_o favour_n 2._o because_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n of_o they_o and_o wait_v at_o wisdom_n gate_n and_o at_o bethefda's-pool_n believer_n in_o a_o church-state_n be_v wait_v on_o and_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o for_o his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n in_o the_o way_n and_o way_n he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o appoint_v to_o bless_v they_o in_o and_o therefore_o their_o receiving_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o abundant_a from_o he_o psal_n 133._o ult_n as_o the_o dew_n of_o hermon_n and_o as_o the_o dew_n that_o descend_v upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o zion_n for_o there_o the_o lord_n command_v the_o blessing_n even_o life_n for_o evermore_o every_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o a_o full_a breast_n golden_a pipe_n and_o honeycomb_n which_o convey_v and_o yield_v abundance_n of_o milk_n and_o honey_n of_o cordial_n and_o water_n of_o life_n
to_o nourish_v strengthen_v and_o refresh_v the_o city_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v make_v fat_a and_o fruitful_a the_o spring_n treasure_n and_o fountain_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n be_v open_v in_o and_o to_o the_o church_n and_o there_o christ_n jesus_n cause_v the_o horn_n of_o his_o david_n to_o flourish_v psal_n 132.17_o in_o a_o church-state_n believer_n live_v in_o the_o stream_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v grow_v there_o as_o willow_n by_o the_o watercourse_n esa_n 44.4_o for_o there_o they_o may_v with_o joy_n draw_v water_n out_o of_o these_o well_n of_o salvation_n esa_n 12.3_o the_o more_o obedient_a believer_n be_v to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o king_n the_o more_o he_o will_v bless_v they_o and_o communicate_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o grace_n to_o they_o joh_n 14.13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 21_o 23._o joh._n 15.7_o 10._o now_o in_o a_o church-state_n they_o do_v give_v up_o themselves_o in_o universal_a profess_a and_o avow_a obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v themselves_o under_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o under_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o their_o soul_n by_o they_o 3._o god_n have_v promise_v to_o impart_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n to_o his_o people_n in_o their_o walk_n with_o he_o in_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n cant._n 7.12_o let_v we_o get_v up_o early_o to_o the_o vineyard_n the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o they_o there_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o my_o love_n psal_n 92.12_o 13_o 14._o the_o righteous_a shall_v flourish_v like_o the_o palmtree_n he_o shall_v grow_v like_o a_o cedar_n 〈◊〉_d lebanon_n but_o where_o shall_v they_o thus_o grow_v and_o flourish_v see_v the_o 13.14_o verse_n those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_v in_o the_o court_n of_o our_o god_n they_o shall_v still_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o old_a age_n they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a well_o might_n david_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o dwell_v in_o thy_o house_n psal_n 84.4_o for_o great_a and_o glorious_a be_v their_o provision_n privilege_n and_o advantage_n to_o help_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o journey_n towards_o heaven_n god_n have_v also_o promise_v to_o bless_v yea_o abundant_o to_o bless_v his_o church_n provision_n and_o to_o satisfy_v their_o poor_a with_o bread_n that_o be_v to_o fill_v and_o empower_v his_o ordinance_n and_o their_o ministry_n with_o his_o presence_n grace_n and_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v great_o profit_v their_o soul_n and_o nourish_v they_o up_o to_o eternal_a life_n psal_n 132.15_o 16._o 4._o god_n love_v &_o delight_v most_o in_o his_o church_n or_o in_o believer_n walk_v together_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o inchurch_v state_n psal_n 87.2_o 3._o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o 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to_o he_o for_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o we_o to_o hold_v and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n to_o be_v warm_a lively_a and_o strong_a in_o our_o duty_n and_o performance_n and_o for_o such_o holy_a end_n as_o god_n require_v thus_o you_o see_v that_o all_o god_n people_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o and_o walk_v in_o spiritual_a fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o for_o what_o end_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n they_o shall_v do_v so_o chap._n xi_o show_v how_o church-member_n ought_v to_o walk_v and_o what_o sin_n and_o temptation_n they_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o in_o their_o church-state_n with_o rule_n and_o caution_n against_o they_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v to_o practise_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o quest_n how_o ought_v believer_n to_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n answ_n i_o have_v show_v already_o what_o their_o duty_n be_v and_o how_o they_o shall_v carry_v themselves_o towards_o their_o officer_n and_o towards_o one_o another_o in_o a_o church-state_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o mention_v they_o here_o but_o shall_v answer_v the_o question_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o church-member_n must_v walk_v exemplary_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o so_o many_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n they_o of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o shine_a light_n their_o grace_n gift_n word_n deed_n and_o carriage_n shall_v shine_v so_o clear_a and_o bright_a so_o glorious_o and_o conspicuous_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o force_n and_o prevalency_n of_o law_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o beholder_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v safe_o &_o secure_o imitate_v &_o follow_v they_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n be_v as_o so_o many_o sea-mark_n pilot_n &_o guide_n to_o man_n they_o live_v more_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o church_n be_v call_v in_o rev._n 13.6_o &_o in_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o glorious_a son_n of_o righteousness_n than_o other_o do_v and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v give_v better_o and_o clear_a light_n than_o other_o can_v they_o be_v much_o more_o eye_a mind_a and_o observe_v than_o other_o be_v and_o man_n expect_v and_o look_v for_o more_o good_a in_o and_o choice_a fruit_n from_o they_o than_o they_o do_v from_o other_o man_n they_o do_v or_o may_v converse_v more_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n with_o they_o than_o other_o man_n do_v and_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o great_a thing_n from_o he_o than_o other_o man_n be_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v a_o singular_a people_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n church-member_n be_v high_o dignify_v and_o great_o privilege_v their_o holy_a profession_n give_v out_o &_o bespeak_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a treasure_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v declare_v before_o all_o man_n that_o they_o be_v such_o indeed_o and_o not_o in_o pretence_n only_o their_o frame_n of_o heart_n word_n deed_n and_o deportment_n must_v speak_v for_o they_o &_o manifest_v they_o to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o truth_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v church-member_n word_n work_n and_o carriage_n must_v praise_v they_o in_o the_o gate_n 1._o they_o shall_v be_v shine_a light_n in_o humility_n and_o meekness_n col._n 3.12_o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n 1_o pet._n 5.5_o and_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n phil._n 2.3_o but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o matth._n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n church-member_n must_v not_o be_v high_a proud_a and_o lofty_a they_o may_v not_o think_v high_o of_o themselves_o rom._n 12.3_o nor_o cloth_n and_o deck_v themselves_o as_o other_o do_v they_o may_v not_o carry_v themselves_o strange_o or_o disdainful_o towards_o man_n but_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a towards_o their_o brethren_n and_o all_o man_n in_o their_o apparel_n word_n deed_n and_o carriage_n for_o if_o this_o part_n of_o christ_n image_n do_v not_o appear_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n on_o they_o they_o can_v have_v any_o at_o all_o a_o meek_a spirit_n carriage_n and_o deportment_n be_v one_o of_o their_o ornament_n it_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 2._o they_o must_v shine_v in_o zeal_n &_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n this_o holy_a fire_n shall_v burn_v among_o they_o they_o must_v not_o be_v of_o dull_a stupid_a heavy_a and_o lumpish_a spirit_n worship_n god_n appear_v before_o he_o and_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o indifferent_o cold_o dull_o regardless_o and_o heavy_o as_o if_o they_o be_v rather_o drive_v to_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n against_o their_o will_n than_o with_o their_o choice_n love_n and_o desire_n but_o they_o must_v be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rom._n 12.11_o for_o which_o some_o of_o the_o corinthian_n be_v commend_v 2_o cor._n 7.11_o and_o phinchas_n numb_a 25.11.13_o and_o david_n psal_n 69.9_o to_o this_o they_o be_v redeem_v and_o for_o it_o they_o be_v purchase_v tit._n 2.14_o not_o only_o to_o do_v good_a work_n but_o to_o be_v zealous_a in_o and_o for_o they_o the_o lord_n jesus_n charge_v his_o church_n to_o be_v zealous_a church_n rev._n 3.19_o in_o imitation_n of_o himself_o who_o zeal_n to_o god_n do_v eat_v he_o up_o joh._n 2.17_o much_o holy_a zeal_n govern_v and_o guide_v by_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n make_v a_o man_n a_o excellent_a shine_a useful_a acceptable_a and_o desirable_a man_n indeed_o this_o shall_v be_v another_o of_o the_o church_n beauty_n and_o comely_a ornament_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v still_o be_v clothe_v deck_v and_o adorn_v in_o this_o world_n if_o this_o diamond_n do_v not_o shine_v if_o they_o be_v not_o adorn_v with_o this_o rare_a jewel_n what_o be_v they_o worth_a and_o what_o be_v they_o good_a for_o they_o will_v be_v like_o fire_n without_o heat_n and_o light_n as_o to_o their_o duty_n work_n and_o usefulness_n they_o will_v be_v like_o drone_n or_o like_a bee_n without_o sting_n namely_o of_o no_o considerable_a use_n in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o they_o do_v for_o god_n man_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o esteem_n and_o account_n 3._o they_o must_v shine_v in_o love_n and_o charity_n too_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n col._n 3.14_o the_o ligament_n and_o sinew_n the_o cord_n and_o instrument_n that_o tie_v we_o fast_o to_o god_n and_o to_o one_o another_o see_v that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o with_o pure_a heart_n fervent_o 1_o pet._n 122._o and_o let_v love_n be_v without_o dissimulation_n rom._n 12.9_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n soul_n and_o strength_n matth._n 22.37_o the_o internal_a motive_n or_o move_a cause_n of_o all_o obedience_n and_o service_n to_o god_n must_v be_v love_n to_o he_o and_o our_o duty_n joh._n 14.15_o 1_o joh._n 5.3_o it_o be_v true_a that_o man_n can_v certain_o discern_v this_o love_n to_o god_n in_o one_o another_o but_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n may_v and_o must_v church_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v church_n of_o love_n they_o shall_v be_v act_v and_o animate_v draw_v and_o constrain_v to_o every_o good_a work_n by_o love_n 2_o cor._n 5.14_o all_o the_o way_n and_o working_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o we_o all_o that_o he_o do_v to_o or_o for_o we_o be_v love_n do_v he_o instruct_v we_o or_o do_v he_o correct_v we_o it_o be_v all_o in_o and_o from_o love_n love_n to_o we_o be_v the_o bottom_n spring_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o we_o his_o anger_n be_v provoke_v love_n love_n shall_v knit_v our_o heart_n fast_o to_o our_o god_n and_o head_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o service_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o church-fellowship_n but_o of_o this_o already_o elsewhere_o 4._o church_n must_v shine_v in_o that_o great_a work_n and_o duty_n of_o self-denial_n when_o need_n require_v he_o that_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v christ_n must_v deny_v himself_o mark_n 8.34_o matth._n 16.24_o luk._n 9.26_o they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o self-denial_n or_o in_o deny_v themselves_o of_o many_o thing_n for_o christ_n for_o their_o brethren_n and_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n sake_n their_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o great_a copy_n pattern_n and_o examplar_n of_o self-denial_n and_o that_o for_o they_o to_o serve_v they_o and_o promote_v their_o happiness_n phil._n 2.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o act_n 20.28_o and_o without_o this_o we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v ourselves_o
to_o christ_n and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o a_o church-relation_n that_o they_o may_v live_v to_o god_n and_o be_v useful_a to_o man_n 2_o cor._n 5.15_o gal._n 6.10_o do_v good_a to_o all_o man_n especial_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n barren_a church-member_n be_v encumbrance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v dead_a while_o they_o live_v they_o live_v undesired_a and_o die_v unlamented_a they_o be_v like_o wither_a tree_n in_o a_o orchard_n good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v out_o down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n joh._n 15.6_o heb._n 6.7_o 8._o they_o must_v follow_v every_o good_a work_n 1_o tim._n 5.10_o in_o the_o church_n family_n and_o place_n where_o they_o live_v they_o must_v not_o sâ—ck_v their_o own_o thing_n but_o every_o one_o another_o wealth_n 1_o cor._n 10.24_o phil._n 2.4_o theya_n re_fw-mi indispensible_o bind_v to_o promote_v the_o welfare_n holiness_n and_o happiness_n of_o their_o church_n family_n relation_n and_o all_o other_o person_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o that_o zealous_o diligent_o faithful_o and_o constant_o they_o be_v create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n eph._n 2.10_o and_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o same_o 8._o church_n shall_v shine_v in_o and_o with_o courteous_a and_o affable_a spirit_n word_n and_o carriage_n too_o for_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o their_o head_n and_o husband_n in_o this_o excellency_n also_o church-member_n must_v not_o be_v of_o harsh_a sour_a crabbed_a &_o churlish_a spirit_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o man_n for_o that_o will_v render_v they_o odious_a and_o contemptible_a but_o they_o must_v imitate_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o a_o holy_a sweetness_n kindness_n courteousness_n and_o affability_n towards_o saint_n and_o sinner_n that_o they_o may_v adorn_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n tit._n 2.10_o 1_o pet._n 3.8_o a_o kind_n courteous_a and_o affable_a carriage_n and_o behaviour_n be_v a_o very_a comely_a and_o beautiful_a garment_n for_o all_o such_o to_o wear_v about_o they_o for_o it_o commend_v their_o person_n and_o religion_n unto_o man_n and_o make_v they_o exceed_o lovely_a desirable_a and_o acceptable_a in_o all_o society_n as_o also_o the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v to_o love_v and_o in_o which_o they_o walk_v 9_o they_o shall_v shine_v with_o sympathize_v and_o forgive_a spirit_n and_o practice_n their_o fall_a brethren_n or_o neighbour_n who_o have_v sin_v by_o wreng_v they_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o pity_n pardon_v and_o sympathy_n and_o then_o they_o shall_v vouchsafe_v it_o to_o they_o and_o not_o be_v rash_a and_o severe_a unto_o they_o they_o must_v not_o lay_v on_o another_o load_n on_o their_o back_n &_o pursue_v they_o with_o rash_a censure_n show_v of_o cruelty_n and_o vengeance_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n in_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n but_o pity_v they_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o give_v they_o the_o hand_n to_o raise_v they_o up_o again_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o conviction_n and_o repentance_n until_o they_o appear_v obstinate_a and_o stubborn_a in_o their_o sin_n the_o servant_n that_o take_v his_o fellow_n servant_n by_o the_o throat_n say_v unto_o he_o pay_v i_o my_o due_n be_v brand_v for_o a_o wicked_a man_n math._n 18.28.35_o it_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o cruelty_n as_o god_n abhor_v and_o all_o holy_a man_n hate_v and_o the_o world_n be_v stumble_v at_o person_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o sin_n against_o we_o or_o any_o way_n wrong_v we_o be_v not_o present_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o contempt_n and_o cruelty_n or_o of_o our_o wrath_n &_o fury_n no_o but_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o pity_n and_o compassion_n of_o our_o sympathy_n and_o assistance_n and_o when_o they_o do_v serious_o repent_v of_o any_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v we_o although_o they_o can_v make_v any_o other_o restitution_n or_o satisfaction_n we_o ought_v to_o forgive_v they_o help_n and_o comfort_v they_o eph._n 4._o ult_n col._n 3.13_o math._n 18_o ult_n 2_o cor._n 2.7.10_o 10._o church_n shall_v shine_v in_o their_o orderly_a and_o dutiful_a walking_n in_o the_o church_n as_o also_o in_o the_o family_n where_o they_o live_v and_o in_o and_o towards_o their_o several_a relation_n next_o to_o that_o mysterious_a and_o glorious_a union_n and_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o people_n that_o which_o be_v between_o his_o people_n in_o church-fellowship_n and_o relation_n be_v the_o near_a and_o great_a because_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a relation_n and_o union_n 2._o because_o it_o be_v a_o union_n and_o relation_n on_o christ_n account_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o he_o as_o their_o head_n and_o king_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v a_o everlasting_a union_n and_o relation_n therefore_o in_o this_o communion_n and_o relation_n we_o shall_v be_v most_o precise_a and_o exact_a in_o our_o walking_n and_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o they_o must_v keep_v their_o place_n in_o the_o church_n and_o constant_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n therein_o they_o shall_v never_o neglect_v their_o church-meeting_n except_v in_o extraordinary_a case_n but_o be_v present_a at_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o divine_a worship_n &_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o demean_v themselves_o before_o god_n and_o man_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n they_o must_v endeavour_v so_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o family_n among_o and_o towards_o their_o relation_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v blameless_a give_v no_o offence_n phil._n 2.15_o 16._o col._n 2.5_o 2_o cor._n 6.3_o 11._o church-member_n must_v shine_v in_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n slothfulness_n &_o unfaithfulness_n be_v scandalous_a sin_n but_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o trust_n and_o business_n be_v ornament_n to_o our_o person_n and_o profession_n and_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o holy_a name_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o do_v profess_v to_o love_v and_o believe_v church_n member_n be_v eye_v and_o much_o observe_v and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_n walk_v circumspect_o eph._n 5.15_o and_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o lead_v they_o in_o plain_a path_n as_o david_n do_v because_o of_o their_o enemy_n as_o or_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n those_o which_o observe_v i_o psal_n 27.11_o they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a in_o their_o work_n and_o business_n and_o what_o their_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o their_o might_n eccle._n 9.10_o 2_o pet._n 3.14_o heb._n 6.12_o and_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a so_o likewise_o faithful_a and_o trusty_a to_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v with_o they_o so_o as_o to_o answer_v every_o one_o reasonable_a expectation_n from_o they_o they_o must_v be_v faithful_a and_o true_a to_o one_o another_o in_o buy_v and_o sell_v in_o borrow_v and_o lend_v in_o work_n and_o business_n and_o in_o counsel_n and_o friendship_n whatever_o trust_n they_o commit_v to_o one_o another_o or_o be_v by_o any_o commit_v to_o they_o they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o be_v as_o faithful_a and_o true_a to_o such_o as_o to_o themselves_o they_o must_v render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n rom._n 13.7_o 8._o and_o not_o in_o any_o thing_n purloyn_n tit._n 2.10_o be_v they_o buyer_n or_o seller_n lender_n or_o borrower_n or_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v by_o any_o man_n in_o any_o thing_n they_o must_v be_v faithful_a to_o their_o trust_n or_o they_o will_v reproach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n scandalize_v man_n and_o great_o dishonour_v their_o profession_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o many_o good_a thing_n wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o so_o many_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n second_o they_o must_v design_n aim_v at_o and_o prosecute_v all_o the_o end_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v such_o a_o state_n and_o condition_n for_o they_o their_o cleave_v to_o join_v with_o and_o walk_v therein_o god_n and_o they_o must_v join_v issue_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o end_n and_o interest_n i_o have_v show_v you_o what_o end_v person_n shall_v have_v in_o their_o eye_n in_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n and_o now_o i_o say_v that_o in_o this_o state_n they_o must_v practical_o pursue_v they_o and_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n seriousness_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o king_n the_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n be_v the_o two_o or_o rather_o as_o free_a grace_n have_v lay_v it_o the_o one_o great_a end_n of_o their_o so_o do_v for_o these_o end_n be_v no_o more_o two_o but_o one_o and_o so_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o
be_v find_v too_o rife_a and_o rampant_a among_o they_o it_o be_v a_o most_o pernicious_a evil_n and_o prejudicial_a to_o christ_n himself_o his_o gospel_n people_n way_n and_o interest_n and_o therefore_o satan_n will_v strive_v the_o more_o industrious_o to_o provoke_v they_o to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o watchful_a against_o it_o 2_o cor._n 12.20_o jam._n 4.11_o tit._n 3.2_o eph._n 4.31_o 1_o pet._n 2.1_o god_n abhor_v this_o tongue-sin_n this_o poisonous_a sword_n and_o good-name-murthering_a abomination_n he_o can_v bear_v to_o hear_v his_o church-member_n to_o be_v bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o gal._n 5.15_o yet_o be_v they_o prone_a and_o often_o tempt_v to_o it_o 8._o they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o slight_v undervalue_n yea_o and_o to_o despise_v one_o another_o especial_o such_o as_o be_v poor_a and_o weak_a they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o slight_v and_o disesteem_v such_o as_o be_v high_a and_o honourable_a in_o god_n account_n and_o such_o as_o he_o great_o value_v and_o esteem_v but_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o god-provoking_a sin_n they_o be_v glorious_a in_o god_n thought_n let_v they_o not_o be_v base_a in_o you_o their_o name_n be_v precious_a in_o heaven_n and_o let_v they_o be_v precious_a to_o you_o 9_o they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o slight_v and_o undervalue_v their_o privilege_n and_o to_o disregard_n their_o work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n at_o first_o they_o be_v much_o take_v and_o affect_v with_o they_o but_o after_o a_o while_o they_o do_v as_o much_o slight_a and_o disesteem_v they_o neglect_n and_o disregard_n they_o and_o then_o they_o fall_v to_o omit_v and_o neglect_v they_o these_o be_v dear-bought_a privilege_n and_o duty_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v high_o account_v of_o and_o esteem_v 10._o and_o then_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o will_v quarrel_v with_o their_o teacher_n or_o be_v much_o offend_v at_o they_o slight_a and_o disesteem_v they_o and_o be_v full_a of_o objection_n against_o they_o and_o their_o work_n but_o you_o must_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o this_o evil_a likewise_o for_o when_o you_o have_v forsake_v god_n and_o he_o have_v leave_v you_o than_o you_o be_v tempt_v to_o dislike_v your_o teacher_n but_o never_o till_o then_o they_o be_v christ_n ambassador_n jewel_n and_o instrument_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v near_o and_o dear_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o your_o sin_n will_v be_v very_o great_a in_o slight_v and_o disesteem_v they_o 12._o they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o leave_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o ramble_v about_o from_o place_n to_o place_n which_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a evil_n and_o tend_v direct_o to_o the_o break_n of_o the_o church_n and_o destruction_n of_o all_o church-order_n many_o love_n to_o change_v their_o place_n work_n and_o company_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v better_o every_o or_o any_o where_n than_o in_o their_o own_o place_n and_o work_n 13._o they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o neglect_v their_o church-duty_n one_o to_o another_o and_o live_v as_o person_n alone_o without_o have_v regard_n of_o or_o respect_n unto_o one_o another_o as_o brethren_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o household_n and_o when_o they_o have_v entertain_v the_o temptation_n into_o their_o mind_n they_o will_v easy_o dispense_v with_o total_a omission_n and_o not_o be_v trouble_v at_o it_o nor_o care_v what_o become_v of_o one_o another_o 14._o they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n in_o church-ordinance_n with_o worldly_a vain_a and_o unprepared_a heart_n the_o commonness_n of_o they_o and_o their_o frequent_a use_n of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o untunedness_n of_o their_o heart_n make_v they_o common_a thing_n and_o matter_n to_o they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o dare_v adventure_n on_o they_o with_o common_a frame_n of_o heart_n which_o once_o they_o dare_v not_o do_v but_o now_o they_o can_v dispense_v with_o it_o as_o with_o some_o light_a matter_n 15._o they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o receive_v pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o to_o entertain_v evil_a opinion_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n many_o church-member_n have_v be_v catch_v in_o these_o net_n and_o take_v in_o these_o snare_n not_o because_o they_o be_v such_o but_o because_o they_o walk_v not_o wary_o and_o circumspect_o in_o that_o state_n and_o relation_n for_o by_o be_v church-member_n they_o have_v have_v great_a advantage_n against_o they_o and_o mean_n to_o prevent_v their_o be_v ensnare_v but_o that_o they_o improve_v they_o not_o as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v for_o their_o own_o security_n they_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o he_o who_o go_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o kingdom_n to_o sow_v his_o tare_n 16._o they_o will_v be_v tempt_v when_o they_o have_v suck_v in_o any_o poisonous_a doctrine_n and_o entertain_v erroneous_a opinion_n to_o help_v the_o devil_n in_o sow_v they_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o and_o endeavour_v to_o leaven_n they_o with_o their_o new_a leaven_n also_o for_o be_v delude_v and_o seduce_v themselves_o it_o be_v almost_o natural_a to_o they_o to_o seduce_v other_o likewise_o as_o experience_n testify_v 17._o they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o prejudice_n and_o injure_v each_o other_o soul_n in_o their_o occasional_a visit_n by_o entertain_v one_o another_o with_o vain_a frothy_a and_o heart-deadning_a discourse_n instead_o of_o heart_n better_v discourse_n they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o tempt_v one_o another_o to_o give_v and_o receive_v such_o matter_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o subvert_v and_o corrupt_v of_o each_o other_o soul_n draw_v they_o away_o from_o god_n and_o indispose_v they_o for_o their_o duty_n rather_o than_o to_o edification_n and_o profit_n and_o this_o be_v a_o most_o pernicious_a evil_n though_o little_o mind_v and_o consider_v and_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a that_o be_v much_o practise_v and_o countenance_v among_o church-member_n for_o they_o that_o have_v such_o opportunity_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o improve_v for_o the_o better_a and_o not_o for_o the_o worse_o be_v find_v improve_n they_o by_o their_o tongue_n and_o ear_n for_o the_o worse_o and_o not_o for_o the_o better_a which_o will_v cost_v they_o very_o dear_a hereafter_o such_o carnal_a and_o vain_a communication_n as_o be_v frequent_o find_v among_o they_o corrupt_v good_a heart_n and_o manner_n also_o 18._o they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o be_v ungrateful_a to_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n to_o they_o and_o to_o account_v their_o duty_n and_o privilege_n their_o heavy_a yoke_n &_o burden_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v their_o deliverance_n from_o their_o bondage_n in_o egypt_n they_o be_v displease_v with_o god_n and_o moses_n for_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o their_o house_n of_o bondage_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o some_o church-member_n now_o be_v displease_v because_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o they_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n will_v god_n we_o have_v be_v wise_a than_o to_o have_v join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o israelite_n say_v will_v god_n that_o we_o have_v dye_v in_o egypt_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o evil_n we_o be_v so_o encumber_a with_o meeting_n and_o disbursement_n and_o with_o one_o thing_n and_o another_o as_o that_o our_o condition_n be_v burdensome_a unto_o we_o be_v the_o language_n of_o some_o as_o i_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v 19_o they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o stacken_v their_o zeal_n care_n and_o diligence_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o to_o look_v after_o their_o get_n in_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o will_v grow_v lukewarm_a careless_a and_o indifferent_a what_o become_v of_o their_o soul_n whether_o they_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v or_o whether_o they_o do_v wither_v and_o decay_v whether_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o fatness_n of_o god_n house_n or_o no._n 20._o they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o make_v carnal_a advantage_n to_o themselves_o of_o their_o church-state_n and_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o prosecute_v worldly_a end_n therein_o more_o than_o spiritual_a and_o to_o subordinate_a and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n there_o to_o promote_v and_o serve_v a_o base_a worldly_a interest_n 21._o they_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o desert_v their_o duty_n and_o relinquish_v their_o station_n and_o privilege_n in_o a_o try_v time_n and_o to_o conform_v to_o the_o world_n for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n and_o to_o enjoy_v their_o outward_a peace_n and_o liberty_n many_o seem_v to_o be_v strong_a and_o well_o settle_v in_o their_o faith_n principle_n and_o practice_n before_o the_o tempest_n blow_v in_o their_o face_n but_o when_o the_o wind_n and_o wave_n beat_v against_o they_o they_o appear_v other_o kind_n of_o man_n therefore_o let_v
it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a gospel-ordinance_n for_o and_o respect_v spiritual_a thing_n 3._o the_o institutor_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n he_o to_o who_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o into_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v give_v all_o thing_n joh._n 3.35_o matth_n 11.27_o matth._n 28.18_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n institute_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o matth._n 26.26_o 27._o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o for_o i_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o also_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v take_v bread_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v thanks_o he_o break_v it_o and_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o this_o do_v you_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o mark_v it_o it_o be_v a_o institute_v and_o a_o positive_a ordinance_n and_o duty_n not_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a one_o it_o be_v not_o found_v on_o or_o put_v in_o and_o among_o the_o moral_a precept_n or_o natural_a law_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v mere_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n appoint_v for_o and_o give_v to_o his_o inchurch_v member_n and_o none_o else_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinance_n for_o and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o unbeliever_n and_o person_n dead_a in_o sin_n while_o they_o remain_v in_o that_o condition_n but_o it_o be_v only_o appoint_v and_o intend_v for_o believer_n in_o their_o orderly_a walking_n with_o god_n all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n be_v bind_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n preach_v because_o they_o be_v though_o not_o mere_o and_o only_o so_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n of_o moral_a worship_n and_o not_o mere_o of_o divine_a institution_n as_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v but_o all_o man_n be_v not_o so_o bind_v to_o participate_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o water_n baptism_n 4._o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o ordinance_n be_v appoint_v for_o and_o give_v to_o inchurch_v saint_n that_o be_v that_o person_n in_o christ_n may_v and_o they_o only_o can_v partake_v of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o although_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n give_v they_o a_o fundamental_a right_n unto_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v their_o orderly_a walk_v together_o in_o church-fellowship_n under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n the_o care_n inspection_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church-minister_n that_o give_v they_o a_o immediate_a and_o orderly_a right_n unto_o it_o for_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o minister_n in_o their_o day_n that_o do_v or_o be_v allow_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v inchurch_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n direction_n administer_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n we_o often_o find_v but_o never_o that_o it_o be_v so_o elsewhere_o or_o by_o believer_n out_o of_o a_o church-state_n act_v 2.42_o ult_n act_n 20.6_o 7._o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24._o compare_v with_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 2._o and_o paul_n tell_v the_o church_n at_o corinth_n that_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n that_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o 5._o the_o matter_n of_o this_o ordinance_n be_v bread_n and_o wine_n luk._n 22.19_o matth._n 26.26_o 1_o cor._n 11.23.24_o mark_n 14.25_o matth._n 26.29_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v but_o carnal_a matter_n and_o that_o which_o be_v common_a food_n among_o man_n but_o it_o be_v more_o than_o bread_n and_o wine_n by_o christ_n authority_n and_o appointment_n when_o they_o be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n and_o by_o faith_n dedicate_v and_o sanctify_v to_o this_o use_n and_o service_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n quest_n why_o be_v this_o ordinance_n call_v the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v call_v a_o supper_n because_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o celebrate_v at_o or_o about_o suppertime_n the_o lord_n jesus_n choose_v that_o time_n rather_o than_o another_o as_o of_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n will_n and_o pleasure_n who_o may_v make_v appoint_v and_o change_v time_n and_o season_n as_o he_o will_v so_o likewise_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n or_o the_o passover_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o israelite_n eat_v thereof_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o night_n exod._n 12.8_o and_o also_o that_o he_o may_v abolish_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o ordinance_n at_o that_o time_n of_o its_o observation_n by_o set_v this_o up_o in_o the_o place_n and_o room_n thereof_o 2._o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n supper_n 1._o because_o he_o do_v personal_o and_o immediate_o institute_v it_o administer_v and_o eat_v it_o himself_o matth._n 26.26.27.29_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v by_o he_o to_o be_v a_o constant_a memorial_n &_o pledge_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n luk._n 22.20_o but_o more_o of_o this_o anon_o 3._o because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o celebrate_v in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o his_o glory_n 1_o cor._n 11_o 2d_o we_o read_v of_o several_a thing_n call_v by_o his_o name_n as_o his_o day_n or_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n rev._n 1.10_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o call_v joh._n 15.10_o so_o likewise_o we_o read_v of_o the_o table_n and_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 10.21_o so_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o call_v by_o his_o name_n for_o the_o reason_n before_o mention_v quest_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o wherefore_o be_v it_o institute_v and_o give_v to_o inchurch_v saint_n as_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v ans_fw-fr i_o shall_v answer_v this_o question_n in_o many_o particular_n only_o in_o the_o general_n i_o may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v institute_v ordain_v and_o give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n glory_n and_o their_o spiritual_a profit_n 1._o but_o more_o particular_o 1._o to_o be_v to_o they_o a_o constant_a sign_n and_o memorial_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o suffering_n for_o they_o we_o be_v exceed_o prone_a and_o very_a apt_a to_o forget_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o which_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n to_o we_o but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o great_a love_n and_o care_n to_o and_o of_o his_o church_n have_v provide_v proper_a remedy_n for_o these_o malady_n and_o have_v appoint_v his_o gospel_n and_o the_o preach_v thereof_o and_o also_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n to_o keep_v alive_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n his_o death_n and_o suffering_n and_o to_o be_v continual_a sign_n token_n and_o memorial_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o soul_n rom._n 4.11_o luk._n 22.19_o 1_o cor._n 11.24_o 25_o 26._o and_o as_o god_n tell_v noah_n gen._n 9.11_o 17._o this_o be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o have_v make_v between_o i_o and_o you_o i_o do_v set_v my_o bow_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o say_v jesus_n christ_n i_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o your_o behalf_n and_o in_o your_o name_n to_o die_v and_o suffer_v the_o shameful_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n for_o you_o to_o redeem_v you_o from_o all_o iniquity_n tit._n 2.14_o to_o wash_v and_o cleanse_v you_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o filth_n of_o sin_n to_o reconcile_v you_o unto_o god_n and_o make_v you_o acceptable_a to_o he_o eph._n 5.25_o 26._o 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o eph._n 1._o this_o i_o have_v do_v for_o you_o i_o take_v your_o sin_n and_o guilt_n your_o death_n and_o punishment_n on_o myself_o by_o assume_v your_o nature_n and_o substitute_v myself_o in_o your_o stead_n and_o i_o have_v pay_v your_o debt_n make_v you_o righteousness_n 2_o cor._n 5._o ult_n &_o have_v bring_v you_o nigh_o to_o god_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o my_o life_n and_o you_o may_v not_o forget_v it_o but_o have_v it_o still_o in_o your_o eye_n and_o heart_n behold_v i_o have_v give_v you_o this_o sign_n token_n and_o memorial_n thereof_o here_o you_o shall_v see_v by_o faith_n your_o great_a high_a priest_n sacrifice_v and_o offer_v up_o himself_o to_o atone_v divine_a justice_n to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o here_o you_o may_v see_v how_o i_o be_v
to_o you_o yea_o that_o he_o will_v far_o exceed_v your_o high_a regular_a expectation_n from_o he_o in_o his_o princely_a favour_n and_o glorious_a distribution_n to_o your_o soul_n chap._n xiii_o where_o be_v several_a question_n answer_v and_o resolve_v quest_n whether_o a_o church-member_n may_v withdraw_v or_o absent_v himself_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n upon_o any_o sin_n or_o offence_n give_v he_o by_o one_o or_o more_o of_o his_o fellow-member_n in_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o offend_a member_n may_v not_o withdraw_v nor_o by_o any_o mean_n absent_v himself_o on_o that_o account_n too_o many_o indeed_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v and_o they_o act_n according_o that_o they_o have_v a_o dispensation_n to_o neglect_v their_o duty_n and_o practical_o to_o slight_v their_o privilege_n because_o other_o be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o have_v give_v they_o offence_n but_o that_o which_o give_v they_o such_o a_o dispensation_n be_v their_o own_o pride_n ignorance_n prejudice_n and_o wilfulness_n not_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n but_o i_o say_v you_o may_v not_o absent_v yourselves_o or_o neglect_v that_o great_a ordinance_n upon_o such_o account_n 1_o because_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o wait_v on_o christ_n in_o it_o as_o have_v be_v show_v and_o it_o be_v not_o another_o sin_n that_o can_v discharge_v you_o of_o your_o duty_n 2_o if_o thy_o brother_n have_v sin_v and_o thereby_o incapacitate_v himself_o for_o a_o worthy_a receive_n and_o celebrate_v of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n thou_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n offer_v thou_o to_o come_v and_o receive_v it_o worthy_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o thy_o duty_n because_o thy_o brother_n have_v sin_v against_o he_o and_o dishonour_v he_o already_o 3_o have_v thou_o rebuke_v thy_o sin_v brother_n and_o labour_v to_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n and_o be_v thou_o mourning_n and_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o wait_v on_o god_n for_o his_o recovery_n as_o thou_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v 1_o cor._n 5.2_o why_o then_o his_o sin_n shall_v not_o be_v lay_v to_o thy_o charge_n neither_o may_v it_o impede_fw-la or_o hinder_v thy_o reception_n of_o this_o ordinance_n 4_o it_o be_v thy_o prejudice_n and_o wrath_n against_o if_o not_o thy_o loathe_v and_o hate_v of_o the_o offend_a person_n that_o cause_v thy_o neglect_n or_o the_o gild_n thou_o have_v contract_v to_o thy_o own_o soul_n and_o conscience_n that_o make_v thou_o forbear_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o not_o a_o dutiful_a and_o conscientious_a forbearance_n because_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o for_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o holy_a will._n 5_o allow_v of_o this_o and_o you_o will_v never_o want_v occasion_n but_o the_o devil_n and_o your_o own_o lust_n will_v still_o supply_v you_o with_o enough_o to_o provoke_v and_o persuade_v you_o to_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n quest_n suppose_v i_o find_v myself_o unfit_a and_o indispose_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n may_v not_o i_o neglect_v it_o answ_n no_o for_o thy_o wait_v on_o christ_n at_o his_o table_n be_v thy_o duty_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o therefore_o thou_o may_v not_o think_v of_o neglect_v it_o but_o the_o more_o unfit_a and_o indispose_a thou_o find_v thyself_o to_o be_v the_o more_o serious_o diligent_o and_o vigorous_o thou_o shall_v labour_v to_o prepare_v thyself_o and_o get_v the_o removal_n of_o thy_o indisposition_n to_o obtain_v and_o put_v on_o the_o wedding-garment_n that_o thou_o may_v worthy_o partake_v of_o this_o ordinance_n if_o the_o iron_n be_v blunt_a the_o hard_a you_o must_v strike_v eccl._n 10_o 10._o the_o more_o unprepared_a you_o be_v the_o more_o and_o great_a diligence_n you_o must_v use_v to_o prepare_v i_o know_v that_o church-member_n be_v subject_a to_o this_o temptation_n which_o if_o yield_v to_o will_v bring_v on_o many_o mischief_n upon_o their_o soul_n as_o some_o have_v sad_o experience_v but_o what_o hinder_v that_o you_o endeavour_v not_o the_o removal_n of_o these_o evil_n present_o you_o may_v not_o always_o live_v so_o but_o one_o time_n or_o other_o you_o must_v get_v rid_v of_o they_o unless_o you_o will_v perish_v and_o when_o will_v you_o find_v a_o fit_a time_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o than_o now_o therefore_o know_v that_o you_o have_v two_o great_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n lie_v before_o you_o 1._o to_o use_v all_o mean_n for_o the_o remove_n all_o obstruction_n and_o to_o get_v your_o heart_n in_o a_o ready_a meet_a posture_n for_o god_n and_o your_o duty_n amos_n 4.12_o 2_o to_o wait_v on_o christ_n at_o his_o table_n on_o the_o next_o opportunity_n 1_o cor._n 1â—_n 28_o and_o not_o to_o add_v sin_n to_o sin_n by_o neglect_v either_o of_o they_o quest_n what_o do_v you_o think_v of_o those_o member_n who_o do_v wilful_o neglect_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n very_o often_o and_o for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o or_o of_o such_o as_o will_v ride_v out_o of_o town_n such_o day_n as_o they_o be_v call_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o answ_n first_o either_o they_o be_v dead_a rot_a member_n such_o as_o be_v mention_v in_o matth._n 13.20_o 21._o joh._n 15.2_o 6._o heb._n 6._o and_o heb._n 10._o or_o else_o they_o have_v foul_o back_o sliden_fw-mi from_o god_n and_o contract_v much_o guilt_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n you_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o matter_n go_v very_o ill_o with_o they_o at_o home_n and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o wither_a and_o die_a condition_n that_o they_o have_v wicked_o forsake_v god_n and_o god_n have_v forsake_v they_o 2_o chron._n 15.2_o they_o have_v most_o horrible_o sin_v against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o alienate_v their_o heart_n from_o god_n they_o have_v lose_v the_o savour_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v on_o their_o heart_n the_o conscience_n of_o and_o love_n to_o their_o duty_n all_o care_n of_o and_o respect_n to_o their_o own_o and_o their_o brethren_n soul_n and_o have_v with_o ephraim_n cast_v off_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o evil_a pursue_v they_o hosea_n 8.3_o and_o they_o be_v under_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o be_v it_o not_o thus_o with_o they_o they_o can_v not_o dare_v not_o do_v as_o they_o do_v in_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n the_o sight_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o want_n and_o their_o love_n to_o christ_n their_o brethren_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n will_v in_o no_o wise_a permit_v or_o dispense_v with_o such_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o duty_n and_o privilege_n and_o to_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o their_o god_n and_o if_o you_o mind_v they_o and_o have_v close_a discourse_n with_o they_o about_o spiritual_a thing_n you_o may_v find_v they_o neglecter_n and_o slighter_n of_o other_o duty_n of_o carnal_a vain_a sottish_a and_o stupid_a spirit_n and_o that_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v in_o a_o sad_a and_o miserable_a condition_n they_o desire_v not_o care_v not_o for_o your_o company_n nor_o to_o hear_v you_o talk_v with_o they_o about_o their_o soul_n concernment_n and_o if_o they_o pretend_v any_o excuse_n or_o offer_v to_o defend_v their_o neglect_n be_v sure_a they_o will_v cast_v all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o blame_n or_o cause_v off_o from_o themselves_o on_o other_o which_o argue_v a_o vile_a wicked_a spirit_n they_o neglect_v the_o lord_n table_n not_o because_o their_o own_o heart_n &_o way_n be_v very_o evil_a and_o abominable_a if_o any_o will_v believe_v they_o no_o but_o because_o their_o ministry_n the_o church_n or_o some_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o be_v not_o good_a enough_o for_o their_o communion_n and_o herein_o they_o blaspheme_v or_o scandalize_v they_o and_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o themselves_o and_o in_o belie_v their_o teacher_n or_o brethren_n quest_n be_v not_o excommunication_n a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n answ_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o useful_a ordinance_n which_o may_v not_o be_v neglect_v when_o need_n require_v on_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o because_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n have_v institute_v and_o command_v it_o to_o be_v do_v and_o have_v thereby_o make_v it_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5_o 11_o 12_o 13._o 2_o thes_n 3.6_o 14._o quest_n for_o what_o end_n must_v the_o church_n use_v this_o ordinance_n and_o why_o have_v christ_n appoint_v it_o and_o command_v the_o administration_n of_o it_o answ_n for_o these_o six_o end_n 1._o to_o remove_v offence_n from_o the_o church_n for_o a_o scandalous_a
member_n continue_v in_o his_o impenitency_n be_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o they_o 2._o the_o heal_n of_o the_o offender_n by_o bring_v he_o to_o deep_a conviction_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o repentance_n for_o it_o to_o humble_v he_o to_o cause_v he_o to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o sin_n and_o amend_v his_o way_n 2_o cor._n 2.5_o 6_o 7._o 3._o to_o clear_v the_o church_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o sin_n for_o if_o they_o neglect_v their_o duty_n and_o so_o practical_o wink_v at_o his_o sin_n they_o involve_v themselves_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o 4._o to_o caution_n other_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o hear_v and_o fear_n and_o do_v not_o so_o wicked_o deut._n 21.21_o deut._n 17.12_o 13._o 5._o to_o free_v the_o church_n from_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n from_o without_o for_o their_o enemy_n will_v undoubted_o defame_v they_o if_o they_o hear_v that_o they_o suffer_v visible_a transgressor_n among_o they_o 6._o to_o purge_v out_o the_o leaven_n that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v a_o pure_a lump_n 1_o cor._n 5.7_o 8._o and_o a_o holy_a habitation_n of_o god_n eph._n 2._o quest_n when_o must_v this_o ordinance_n be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n answ_n only_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o other_o mean_n will_v not_o convince_v and_o bring_v offender_n to_o serious_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n prevent_v or_o remove_v the_o other_o evil_n or_o obtain_v the_o end_n before_o mention_v matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o quest_n what_o be_v excommunication_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o cut_n off_o a_o church-member_n from_o his_o membership_n with_o the_o church_n put_v he_o out_o of_o their_o communion_n and_o society_n and_o shut_v he_o out_o from_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o church-priviledge_n &_o put_v he_o into_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n or_o to_o deliver_v he_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o his_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5._o it_o be_v various_o express_v in_o scripture_n in_o the_o forequote_v text_n matth._n 18._o 2_o thes_n 3.1_o cor._n 5._o quest_n but_o be_v not_o excommunication_n a_o high_a act_n of_o cruelty_n and_o too_o great_a severity_n for_o a_o church_n to_o use_v towards_o their_o follow-member_n answ_n no._n for_o it_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n heal_a medicine_n wherewith_o he_o cure_v soul_n and_o one_o of_o his_o sovereign_a mean_n whereby_o he_o set_v break_v bone_n in_o joint_n the_o love_a kind_a and_o compassionate_a head_n and_o father_n of_o his_o people_n have_v not_o such_o a_o heart_n towards_o they_o neither_o have_v he_o show_v any_o cruelty_n or_o undue_a severity_n towards_o they_o in_o his_o appoint_v this_o ordinance_n for_o his_o church_n and_o require_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o on_o obstinate_a transgressor_n for_o their_o health_n &_o cure_n 2._o the_o execute_n of_o this_o heal_a ordinance_n on_o such_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o cruelty_n as_o that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a act_n of_o our_o love_n favour_n and_o kindness_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a act_n of_o cruelty_n that_o we_o can_v show_v they_o for_o to_o let_v a_o brother_n alone_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o know_a wickedness_n see_v he_o in_o the_o ditch_n and_o leave_v he_o there_o know_v he_o drop_v into_o hell_n and_o not_o use_v the_o mean_n the_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o for_o the_o help_a of_o he_o out_o and_o prevent_v of_o his_o eternal_a ruin_n be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o cruelty_n and_o horrible_a injustice_n as_o that_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v great_a find_v among_o man_n if_o it_o be_v cruelty_n in_o i_o to_o use_v the_o lord_n mean_n for_o save_v of_o my_o brother_n soul_n then_o let_v it_o be_v so_o call_v and_o account_v not_o else_o and_o great_a be_v their_o simple_a ignorance_n or_o wilful_a blindness_n who_o think_v and_o talk_v after_o this_o rate_n and_o too_o many_o of_o they_o be_v find_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n quest_n but_o for_o what_o sin_n shall_v this_o ordinance_n be_v administer_v to_o or_o execute_v on_o church-member_n a._n for_o any_o sin_n that_o be_v not_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n if_o persist_v in_o &_o the_o offender_n reject_v or_o neglect_v to_o hear_v receive_v and_o improve_v reproof_n to_o their_o conviction_n sorrow_n and_o amendment_n to_o their_o deep_a humiliation_n confession_n and_o voluntary_a acknowledgement_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o in_o particular_a for_o what_o sin_n offender_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o tell_v we_o in_o maâ—th_n 18.15_o that_o if_o thy_o brother_n sin_n against_o thou_o he_o name_v not_o the_o particular_a sin_n or_o sin_n but_o that_o expression_n imply_v any_o sin_n that_o be_v not_o a_o unavoidable_a infirmity_n in_o he_o and_o mark_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v mind_v as_o the_o manner_n of_o sin_v and_o the_o circumstance_n wherewith_o it_o be_v attend_v as_o 1._o if_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v general_o know_v among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o own_a to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o which_o the_o sinner_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v lay_v before_o he_o and_o open_v to_o he_o by_o the_o reprover_n 2._o wilful_o or_o careless_o commit_v 3._o if_o it_o be_v a_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o pernicious_a to_o god_n or_o men._n 4._o if_o commit_v upon_o deliberation_n 5._o with_o heat_n and_o fervour_n of_o spirit_n 6._o if_o commit_v after_o conviction_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o and_o repentance_n for_o it_o 7._o if_o it_o be_v persist_v in_o after_o admonition_n or_o the_o offender_n shall_v slight_v or_o neglect_v brotherly_a reproof_n under_o it_o and_o shall_v contemn_v the_o first_o and_o second_o admonition_n turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o it_o or_o shall_v not_o repent_v and_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o wrong_n he_o have_v do_v by_o his_o sin_n i_o say_v let_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o sin_n be_v what_o it_o will_v if_o attend_v with_o some_o or_o all_o these_o circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n the_o church_n may_v by_o christ_n authority_n proceed_v against_o he_o and_o cut_v he_o off_o to_o name_v some_o few_o of_o the_o many_o sin_n which_o if_o not_o repent_v of_o but_o persist_v in_o which_o they_o may_v be_v judge_v to_o do_v until_o they_o manifest_a open_a repentance_n 1_o strong_a &_o violent_a passion_n 2._o apparent_a wrath_n envy_n bitterness_n and_o anger_n show_v without_o great_a provocation_n 3._o apparent_a frowardness_n peevishness_n clamour_n &_o strife_n 4._o jangle_v dispute_v &_o peace-breaking_n &_o all_o thing_n that_o direct_o tend_v to_o hinder_v the_o edification_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n 5._o backbiting_n and_o speak_v evil_a against_o or_o of_o one_o another_o 6._o constant_n or_o frequent_a neglect_n of_o family_n and_o church-duty_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o they_o 7._o needless_a associate_a and_o hold_v communion_n with_o profane_a and_o scandalous_a person_n 8._o defraud_v any_o person_n of_o their_o just_a due_n any_o way_n on_o any_o account_n whatsoever_o when_o it_o may_v have_v be_v prevent_v 9_o disobedience_n to_o the_o lawful_a command_n and_o rule_n of_o parent_n master_n magistrate_n elder_n or_o any_o other_o that_o have_v authority_n over_o they_o 10._o publish_v false_a doctrine_n against_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o gospel_n faith_n and_o worship_n 11._o false_a accuse_v any_o person_n especial_o any_o of_o the_o church_n 12._o rail_a at_o or_o revile_v other_o to_o their_o face_n or_o behind_o their_o back_n 13._o idleness_n tattle_v and_o be_v busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n that_o concern_v they_o not_o these_o and_o many_o more_o of_o like_a import_n be_v such_o apparent_a sin_n as_o that_o church-member_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v very_o offensive_a evil_n to_o god_n and_o man_n so_o likewise_o be_v wilful_a desert_v and_o causeless_o leave_v of_o a_o church_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o thereby_o have_v break_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n i_o have_v not_o room_n to_o enlarge_v on_o these_o brief_a hint_n of_o this_o matter_n but_o i_o can_v otherwise_o say_v much_o more_o for_o the_o clear_n and_o confirm_v of_o it_o quest_n may_v church_n keep_v out_o such_o person_n as_o offer_v themselves_o to_o join_v with_o they_o at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o apparent_a cause_n ans_fw-fr no_o they_o may_v not_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v no_o dispensation_n to_o do_v so_o but_o be_v bid_v to_o receive_v they_o rom._n 14.1_o rom._n 15.7_o 2._o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v receive_v person_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o