and_o herein_o alone_o do_v the_o order_n honour_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v church_n member_n therefore_o be_v to_o search_v and_o inquire_v after_o the_o particular_a duty_n which_o as_o such_o be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o as_o also_o to_o consider_v what_o influence_n their_o special_a state_n and_o condition_n as_o they_o be_v church_n member_n aught_o to_o have_v into_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o obedience_n as_o they_o be_v christian_n for_o this_o privilege_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o edification_n that_o be_v their_o fartherance_n in_o their_o whole_a course_n of_o walk_v before_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v neglect_v if_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o name_n to_o live_v in_o this_o or_o that_o church_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n that_o be_v state_v and_o solemn_o administer_v only_o that_o which_o will_v have_v be_v to_o their_o advantage_n may_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n unto_o they_o what_o these_o especial_a duty_n be_v in_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o they_o be_v of_o too_o large_a a_o consideration_n here_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v inculcate_v of_o they_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o commit_v to_o their_o charge_n for_o the_o church_n due_a performance_n of_o its_o duty_n be_v their_o honour_n crown_n and_o reward_n qu._n 35._o whence_o do_v you_o reckon_v prayer_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o moral_n and_o natural_a worship_n among_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n an._n on_o many_o account_n as_o 1_o because_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v his_o church_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therein_o 2_o because_o he_o bestow_v on_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n gift_n and_o ability_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n thereof_o 3_o he_o have_v appoint_v that_o all_o his_o other_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v administer_v with_o prayer_n whereby_o it_o become_v a_o part_n of_o they_o 4_o because_o himself_o minister_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n as_o the_o great_a high_a priest_n of_o his_o church_n to_o present_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n 5_o because_o in_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o especial_a regard_n have_v unto_o himself_o and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o his_o mediation_n 1_o luke_n 18.1_o chap._n 21.36_o rom._n 12.5_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2._o 2_o ephe._n 4.8_o 12_o 13._o rom._n 8.15_o 16._o gal._n 4.6_o 3_o act_n 2.42_o 1_o tim._n 4.5_o 4_o rev._n 8_o 3_o 4._o heb._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o chap._n 6.20_o chap._n 10.20.21_o 22._o 5_o john_n 14.13_o chap._n 15.16_o 22_o 26._o ephe._n 3.14_o 15._o qu._n 36._o may_v not_o the_o church_n in_o the_o solemn_a warship_n of_o god_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v use_n of_o and_o content_v itself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n compose_v by_o other_o and_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o an._n so_o to_o do_v will_v be_v 1_o contrary_a to_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o prayer_n itself_o which_o be_v that_o believer_n may_v therein_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o spiritual_a supply_n according_a to_o the_o present_a condition_n want_n and_o exigency_n of_o their_o soul_n 2_o to_o the_o maâ—n_a end_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n aim_v at_o in_o supply_v man_n with_o gift_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mimistry_n tend_v to_o render_v the_o the_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n preservation_n and_o continuance_n néedless_a and_o useless_a moreover_o 3_o it_o will_v render_v the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n unto_o several_a precept_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o use_n stir_v up_o and_o exercise_v of_o their_o gift_n impossible_a and_o 4_o thereby_o hinder_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n 1_o rom._n 8.26_o phil._n 4.6_o heb._n 4.16_o 1_o pet._n 4.7_o 2_o ephes._n 4.8_o 12_o 13._o 3_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 2_o tim._n 1.6_o 7._o colos._n 4.17_o matth._n 25.14_o 15_o 16._o 4_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o quest._n 37._o be_v the_o constant_a work_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n necessary_a answ._n it_o be_v so_o both_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o minister_n themselves_o of_o who_o that_o duty_n be_v strict_o require_v and_o who_o principal_o therein_o labour_n and_o watch_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o flock_n and_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o fartherance_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n by_o instruction_n reproof_n exhortation_n and_o consolation_n matth._n 24.45_o 46_o 47_o 48_o 49_o 50_o 51._o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 17_o 18._o ephes._n 4.12_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 4_o 15_o 16._o chap._n 5.17_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o chap._n 3.14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o chapter_n 4.2_o quest._n 38._o who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n answ._n profess_v believer_n if_o not_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o their_o infant_n séed_o matth._n 28.19_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o act_n 16.33_o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o colos._n 2.12_o 13._o with_o genesis_n 17.10_o 11_o 12._o quest._n 39_o where_o and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o be_v administer_v answ._n in_o the_o church_n or_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o right_o prepare_v and_o due_o assemble_v or_o to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v so_o assemble_v 1_o cor._n 11.20_o 21_o 22_o 28_o 29_o 33._o acts._n 2.46_o quest._n 40._o how_o often_o be_v that_o ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v answ._n every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o wéek_v or_o at_o least_o as_o often_o as_o opportunity_n and_o conveniency_n may_v be_v obtain_v 1_o cor._n 11.26_o act_n 20.7_o quest._n 41._o what_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n it_o consist_v in_o the_o due_a exereise_n of_o that_o authority_n and_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n have_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o continuance_n increase_n and_o preservation_n in_o purity_n order_n and_o holiness_n according_a to_o his_o appointment_n matth._n 16.19_o rom._n 12.8_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o rev._n 2.2_o 20._o explication_n sundry_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v about_o this_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o first_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n make_v unto_o it_o by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o mediator_n head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n for_o all_o discipline_n be_v a_o act_n of_o power_n and_o this_o be_v exercise_v in_o and_o about_o thing_n internal_a and_o spiritual_a no_o man_n can_v of_o themselves_o or_o by_o grant_n of_o any_o other_o have_v any_o right_a or_o authority_n to_o or_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o whoever_o have_v any_o interest_n herein_o or_o right_o hereunto_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v unto_o he_o from_o above_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n for_o as_o all_o church_n power_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n by_o the_o authority_n and_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n vest_v in_o he_o alone_o matth._n 28.18_o ephes._n 1.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o so_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o be_v spiritual_a the_o object_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o conscience_n and_o gospel_n privilege_n of_o believer_n with_o the_o end_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v all_o manifest_a that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o other_o right_a nor_o foundation_n this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v to_o be_v fix_v that_o no_o authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v speak_v before_o second_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v communicate_v this_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v his_o word_n or_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n concern_v it_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o be_v exact_o limit_v and_o bound_v thereby_o and_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v grant_v and_o convey_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o word_n see_v that_o christ_n communicate_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n any_o other_o way_n what_o ever_o of_o that_o nature_n be_v beside_o it_o or_o beyond_o it_o be_v mere_a usurpation_n and_o null_n in_o its_o exercise_n herein_o be_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o guide_n and_o rule_n
church_n be_v eminent_o reform_v now_o although_o the_o outward_a solemnity_n and_o ceremony_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v peculiar_a unto_o that_o people_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o in_o a_o sacred_a consent_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o which_o the_o nature_n and_o edification_n of_o a_o church_n do_v require_v it_o belong_v to_o every_o church_n as_o such_o even_a under_o the_o gosple_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o beleiver_n or_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v enter_v into_o this_o state_n the_o formal_a constitute_a cause_n of_o any_o church_n this_o account_n do_v the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_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 before_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o duty_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n and_o institution_n which_o be_v the_o intendment_n of_o that_o expression_n among_o these_o command_n one_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o order_n by_o christ_n prescribe_v that_o be_v in_o church_n order_n this_o therefore_o they_o do_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n this_o description_n do_v the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o believer_n of_o macedonia_n be_v bring_v into_o church_n it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n consent_v agree_v and_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o do_v the_o believer_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 2.41_o 42._o be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o that_o conversion_n in_o their_o baptism_n they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o steadfast_a continuance_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n beside_o the_o church_n be_v a_o house_n a_o temple_n the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o the_o house_n of_o christ_n heb._n 3.6_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n ephe._n 2.21_o 22._o believer_n single_o consider_v be_v stone_n live_v stone_n 1_o peter_z 2.5_o now_o how_o shall_v these_o live_a stone_n come_v to_o be_v a_o house_n a_o temple_n can_v it_o be_v by_o occasional_a occurrence_n civil_a cohabitation_n in_o political_a precinct_n usage_n or_o custom_n of_o assemble_v for_o some_o part_n of_o worship_n in_o any_o place_n these_o thing_n will_v never_o frame_v they_o into_o a_o house_n or_o temple_n this_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o bytheir_a own_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o disposition_n ephe._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o you_o be_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n 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 chap._n 4.16_o from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n from_o these_o and_o sundry_a other_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o believer_n coalition_n into_o a_o church-state_n be_v their_o own_o obedience_n of_o faith_n act_v itself_o in_o a_o joint_a voluntary_a consent_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a observation_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n whence_o the_o be_v and_o union_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v give_v unto_o any_o convenient_a number_n of_o they_o by_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n qu._n 21._o see_v the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n or_o spiritual_a incorporation_n of_o person_n under_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n declare_v who_o or_o what_o be_v the_o ruler_n governor_n or_o officer_n therein_o under_o jesus_n christ_n an._n they_o have_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1_o extraordinary_a appoint_v for_o a_o season_n only_o and_o 2_o ordinary_a to_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n qu._n 22._o who_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a officer_n or_o ruler_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n therein_o for_o a_o season_n only_o an._n 1_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o 2_o the_o evangelist_n and_o prophet_n endow_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n associate_v with_o they_o and_o employ_v by_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o ministry_n 1_o math._n 10.2_o 3._o act_n 1.26_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 2_o luke_n 10.1_o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o titus_n 1.5_o act_n 11.27_o 28._o act_n 21.9_o 10_o 11._o 2._o cor._n 1.1_o explication_n that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a corporation_n attend_v with_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n only_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n or_o worldly_a so_o this_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o external_a and_o secular_a but_o spiritual_a neither_o do_v this_o rule_n at_o all_o belong_v unto_o it_o mere_o as_o material_o consider_v in_o man_n yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o call_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o absolute_o as_o it_o be_v formal_o constitute_v a_o church_n by_o the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n describe_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v require_v that_o it_o be_v organical_o complete_a with_o officer_n or_o ruler_n now_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o the_o person_n whereof_o it_o be_v constitute_v do_v consent_n together_o into_o it_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n which_o they_o design_v without_o this_o no_o society_n of_o any_o kind_n can_v exist_v this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o man_n coalescencie_n into_o societye_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n such_o a_o consent_n and_o agreement_n have_v be_v show_v second_o that_o there_o be_v rule_n or_o law_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o society_n in_o order_n to_o their_o pursuit_n of_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o it_o that_o such_o rule_n or_o law_n be_v give_v and_o prescribe_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n unto_o the_o church_n will_v afterward_o appear_v in_o our_o consideration_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n walk_v according_a unto_o rule_n or_o law_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o society_n three_o that_o there_o be_v authority_n institute_v for_o to_o see_v to_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o these_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n which_o consist_v in_o this_o 1_o that_o some_o be_v appoint_v to_o rule_n and_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n 2_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o be_v rule_v or_o govern_v both_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o both_o these_o be_v eminent_o find_v in_o this_o church-state_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o ensue_a question_n with_o their_o answer_n and_o explication_n now_o that_o these_o officer_n or_o ruler_n shall_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v and_o so_o have_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n appoint_v for_o when_o the_o church_n be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v gather_v and_o erect_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o person_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d extraordinary_o employ_v in_o that_o work_n for_o ordinary_a officer_n antecedent_n unto_o the_o call_n and_o erection_n of_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v none_o and_o therefore_o these_o peson_n be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n endow_v with_o all_o that_o power_n which_o afterward_o be_v to_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n themselves_o and_o moreover_o with_o that_o which_o be_v peculiar_o needful_a unto_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o that_o special_a duty_n and_o work_n that_o they_o be_v appoint_v unto_o but_o when_o church_n be_v call_v gather_v erect_v and_o settle_v for_o continuance_n there_o be_v need_n of_o officer_n suit_v to_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n call_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n that_o be_v
be_v any_o part_n thereof_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o celebration_n of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n with_o prayer_n for_o every_o thing_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n 1_o tim._n 4.5_o of_o some_o of_o they_o indispensable_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o chap._n 11.20_o 24_o 25_o 33._o with_o care_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o love_n modesty_n condescension_n and_o prudence_n do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 11.33_o chap._n 14.40_o gesture_n in_o some_o sacred_a action_n mat._n 26.20_o 26._o john_n 13.23_o all_o which_o the_o church_n be_v diligent_o to_o inquire_v into_o as_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o go_n out_o thereof_o and_o the_o come_n in_o thereof_o the_o form_n thereof_o and_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o with_o the_o law_n thereof_o promise_v to_o be_v show_v unto_o it_o ezek._n 43.11_o to_o attend_v careful_o to_o their_o observation_n be_v its_o duty_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n as_o to_o all_o other_o circumstance_n which_o no_o authority_n of_o man_n can_v give_v any_o real_a relation_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n unto_o therein_o lie_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n ephes._n 1.17_o 18._o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o their_o observance_n deut._n 4.5_o 6._o behold_v i_o have_v teach_v you_o statute_n and_o judgement_n even_o as_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n command_v i_o keep_v therefore_o and_o do_v they_o for_o this_o be_v your_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o herein_o be_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n keep_v inviolate_a and_o unblameable_a the_o persuasion_n of_o some_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o prescribe_v all_o thing_n wherein_o his_o worship_n be_v concern_v seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o negligence_n in_o inquire_v after_o what_o he_o have_v so_o prescribe_v and_o when_o once_o that_o persuasion_n be_v entertain_v all_o far_a inquiry_n be_v supersede_v and_o despise_v for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v any_o one_o seek_v after_o that_o which_o he_o be_v satisfy_v can_v be_v find_v as_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v be_v but_o this_o mistake_n will_v be_v elsewhere_o more_o full_o discover_v three_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o be_v admit_v or_o practise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o as_o belong_v thereunto_o which_o be_v not_o institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n christ._n in_o its_o care_n faithfulness_n and_o watchfulness_n herein_o consist_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o its_o loyalty_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o the_o head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n and_o which_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o unto_o he_o have_v leave_v so_o many_o severe_a interdiction_n and_o prohibition_n in_o his_o word_n against_o all_o addition_n to_o his_o command_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o of_o which_o afterward_o qu._n 13._o be_v not_o some_o institution_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n cease_v as_o unto_o any_o obligation_n unto_o their_o observation_n and_o therefore_o now_o right_o disuse_v answ._n 1_o some_o symbolical_a token_n of_o moral_a duty_n occasional_o use_v only_o for_o present_a instruction_n in_o those_o duty_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n without_o any_o intention_n to_o oblige_v believer_n unto_o the_o formal_a constant_a use_n or_o repetition_n of_o they_o and_o 2._o some_o temporary_a appointment_n relate_v unto_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n bestow_v only_o for_o a_o season_n in_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v cease_v but_o 3._o no_o institution_n or_o command_n of_o christ_n give_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n relate_v unto_o the_o evangelical_n administration_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o believer_n do_v or_o shall_v cease_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o can_v be_v whole_o omit_v without_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o john_n 13.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o rom._n 16.16_o 1_o cor._n 16.20_o 1_o tim._n 5.10_o mark_v 6.13_o jam._n 5.14_o matth._n 28.20_o 1_o tim._n 6.14_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o explication_n mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o sundry_a thing_n practise_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v then_o in_o common_a use_n among_o man_n be_v occasional_o make_v by_o they_o symbolical_a instruction_n in_o moral_a duty_n such_o be_v wash_v of_o foot_n by_o one_o another_o the_o holy_a kiss_n and_o the_o like_a but_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o they_o but_o a_o sanctified_a use_n direct_v unto_o the_o present_a civil_a custom_n and_o usage_n the_o command_v give_v concern_v they_o respect_v not_o the_o outward_a action_n nor_o appoint_v any_o continuance_n of_o they_o be_v peculiar_o suit_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n in_o those_o country_n as_o john_n 13.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o after_o he_o have_v wash_v their_o foot_n and_o have_v take_v his_o garment_n and_o be_v set_v down_o again_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o know_v you_o what_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o say_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o if_o i_o than_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v wash_v your_o foot_n you_o also_o aught_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v the_o moral_a duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n in_o condescension_n and_o mutual_a helpfulness_n to_o be_v express_v in_o all_o necessary_a office_n as_o occasion_n do_v require_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o jesus_n christ_n here_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o by_o his_o own_o example_n in_o a_o office_n of_o love_n then_o in_o use_n in_o those_o part_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o holy_a kiss_n rom._n 16.16_o which_o be_v a_o temporary_a occasional_a token_n of_o entire_a love_n which_o may_v in_o answer_n thereunto_o be_v express_v by_o any_o sober_a usage_n of_o salutation_n among_o man_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o institute_v for_o any_o continuance_n nor_o do_v represent_v any_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o every_o institution_n of_o gospel_n worship_v proper_o so_o call_v common_a usage_n or_o practice_n therefore_o direct_v to_o be_v use_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o unto_o a_o proper_a end_n where_o they_o be_v use_v make_v they_o not_o institution_n of_o worship_n neither_o have_v they_o in_o they_o as_o so_o command_v or_o direct_v any_o one_o thing_n that_o concur_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o gospel-ordinance_n for_o neither_o have_v they_o their_o rise_n in_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v any_o continuance_n of_o they_o enjoin_v nor_o any_o promise_n annex_v unto_o they_o nor_o any_o grace_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n represent_v or_o exhibit_v in_o they_o beside_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o church_n continue_v for_o a_o while_o certain_a extraordinary_a gift_n that_o have_v their_o effect_n visible_o on_o the_o outward_a sense_n of_o man_n and_o tend_v not_o immediate_o unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o faith_n but_o unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o and_o vindication_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o propagate_v such_o be_v that_o gift_n of_o heal_v the_o sick_a which_o be_v a_o especial_a effect_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v accompany_v by_o anoint_v with_o oil_n but_o this_o be_v no_o universal_a practice_n and_o use_v only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o gift_n extraordinary_a who_o use_n and_o be_v be_v long_o since_o cease_v it_o never_o be_v appoint_v nor_o intend_v to_o be_v of_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o tie_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o the_o empty_a sign_n and_o shadow_n of_o thing_n who_o substance_n be_v not_o enjoy_v beside_o no_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v ever_o intimate_v seal_v or_o exhibit_v by_o that_o usage_n of_o anoint_v with_o oil_n the_o first_o mention_n of_o it_o be_v mark_n 6.13_o where_o its_o practice_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o extraordinary_a power_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n commit_v unto_o his_o twelve_o disciple_n on_o their_o first_o
and_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o worship_n eph._n 2.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v particular_a church_n or_o unite_a assembly_n of_o believer_n among_o and_o by_o who_o he_o will_v have_v all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n celebrate_v and_o this_o institution_n of_o he_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v invariable_o and_o inviolable_o observe_v by_o all_o that_o take_v on_o they_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n without_o any_o one_o instance_n of_o question_v it_o to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o of_o the_o celebration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n among_o any_o person_n but_o only_o in_o such_o society_n or_o particular_a church_n and_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n and_o warranty_n of_o this_o institution_n give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o first_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o approve_v by_o christ._n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v then_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v also_o in_o heaven_n again_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o such_o a_o church_n he_o suppose_v and_o approve_v as_o his_o disciple_n have_v relation_n unto_o and_o as_o any_o one_o of_o they_o can_v have_v recourse_n unto_o as_o a_o brother_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o direction_n this_o can_v not_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n neither_o in_o its_o whole_a body_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o its_o judicatories_n for_o as_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a decree_n of_o excommunication_n against_o all_o and_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v profess_v his_o name_n john_n 9.22_o the_o jew_n have_v already_o agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v that_o he_o be_v christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n which_o be_v execute_v according_o upon_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a verse_n the_o 34._o which_o utter_o disable_v they_o from_o make_v any_o use_n of_o this_o direction_n command_n or_o institution_n of_o he_o for_o the_o present_a so_o afterward_o the_o chief_a business_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o those_o assembly_n from_o the_o high_a court_n of_o their_o sanhedrim_n to_o the_o mean_a judicatory_a in_o their_o synagogue_n be_v to_o persecute_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o unto_o death_n math._n 10.17_o they_o will_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o the_o council_n and_o they_o will_v scourge_v you_o in_o their_o synagogue_n john_n 15.21_o and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v send_v his_o disciple_n for_o direction_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o their_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o mutual_a love_n towards_o one_o another_o unto_o they_o with_o who_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v withal_o and_o if_o they_o be_v intend_v they_o be_v all_o already_o make_v as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n be_v cast_v out_o by_o they_o for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o in_o their_o blasphemy_n and_o persecution_n of_o christ_n himself_o such_o a_o society_n also_o be_v plain_o intend_v as_o whereunto_o christ_n promise_v his_o presence_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o who_o righteous_a sentence_n he_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o heaven_n moreover_o such_o a_o church_n do_v he_o direct_v unto_o as_o wiâ—h_v which_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o have_v familiar_a brotherly_n constant_a converse_n and_o communion_n with_o who_o they_o be_v so_o to_o be_v join_v in_o society_n as_o to_o be_v own_v or_o reject_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o judgement_n as_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o practice_n enjoin_v unto_o they_o and_o without_o relation_n whereunto_o no_o duty_n here_o appoint_v can_v be_v perform_v as_o therefore_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n bespeak_v a_o society_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o society_n but_o that_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v here_o intend_v second_o these_o church_n he_o call_v his_o candlestick_n rev._n 1.20_o in_o allusion_n unto_o the_o candlestick_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v direct_o declare_v these_o church_n to_o be_v so_o under_o the_o new_a and_o this_o he_o speak_v in_o reference_n unto_o those_o seven_o principal_a church_n of_o asia_n every_o one_o of_o which_o be_v a_o candlestick_n or_o a_o institution_n of_o his_o own_o three_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n the_o apostle_n so_o soon_o as_o any_o be_v convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n at_o jerusalem_n although_o the_o old_a national_a church_n state_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o continue_v gather_v they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o society_n for_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n acts._n 2.41_o 42._o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o together_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n verse_n 47_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o this_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o this_o company_n be_v express_o call_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n acts._n 8.1_o this_o church_n thus_o call_v and_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o dispose_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n into_o church_n societye_n in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n throughout_o the_o world_n act_n 11.26_o act_n 14.23_o 27._o four_o they_o take_v care_n for_o the_o form_n complete_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o order_n according_a to_o his_o will_n under_o the_o rule_n of_o they_o give_v and_o grant_v unto_o they_o by_o himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n all_o in_o a_o stâ—ddy_a pursuit_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n act_v 14.23_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n titus_n 1.5_o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o five_o they_o do_v every_o where_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n give_v unto_o these_o church_n rule_n direction_n and_o precept_n for_o the_o due_a order_n of_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o mind_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o in_o particular_a for_o first_o there_o be_v no_o charge_n give_v unto_o the_o officer_n minister_n guide_n or_o overseer_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v but_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o such_o church_n that_o minister_n or_o officer_n be_v of_o christ_n appointment_n be_v express_o declare_v ephes._n 4.11.12_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n these_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n but_o to_o what_o end_n why_o as_o they_o be_v ordain_v in_o every_o church_n act_v 14.23_o titus_n 1.5_o so_o their_o whole_a charge_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o church_n act_n 20.17_o he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o say_v to_o they_o verse_n the_o 28._o take_v heed_n
receive_v for_o although_o it_o be_v require_v in_o they_o all_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v all_o those_o gift_n ability_n and_o qualification_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o participation_n of_o their_o gift_n some_o may_v more_o excel_v in_o one_o other_o in_o another_o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o administration_n but_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n which_o work_v all_o in_o all_o for_o to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o these_o gift_n be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v exercise_v and_o lay_v out_o for_o the_o profit_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n verse_n the_o 7._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o therefore_o every_o one_o be_v in_o aâ—_n especial_a manner_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o exercise_n and_o use_v of_o that_o gift_n wherein_o he_o do_v excel_v or_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n every_o man_n be_v to_o minister_v according_a as_o he_o have_v receive_v 1_o pet._n 4.10_o second_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n which_o in_o general_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o two_o head_n or_o end_n first_o the_o instruction_n of_o it_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o may_v grow_v in_o grace_n wisdom_n save_v light_n and_o knowledge_n second_o the_o exhortation_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v answerable_a unto_o light_n receive_v in_o holiness_n and_o universal_a obedience_n now_o though_o these_o several_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n can_v be_v divide_v or_o separate_v yet_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o so_o carry_v on_o distinct_o that_o in_o the_o one_o knowledge_n or_o light_n may_v be_v first_o and_o principal_o intend_v so_o as_o to_o lead_v unto_o obedience_n in_o the_o other_o holiness_n may_v be_v first_o design_v as_o spring_v from_o gospel_n light_n or_o knowledge_n hence_o therefore_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n principal_o to_o attend_v unto_o that_o work_n or_o that_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o by_o the_o holy-ghost_n they_o 〈◊〉_d most_o suit_v unto_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o intimation_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o communicate_v his_o gift_n in_o variety_n as_o he_o please_v and_o attend_v their_o own_o edification_n may_v and_o aught_o among_o those_o who_o they_o choose_v to_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n or_o minister_n withal_o design_v they_o in_o particular_a unto_o that_o especial_a work_n which_o they_o be_v especial_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o and_o this_o upon_o their_o be_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o they_o be_v according_o to_o attend_v unto_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n rom._n 12.7_o 8._o their_o office_n then_o be_v the_o same_o but_o their_o teach_n work_n and_o employment_n on_o the_o ground_n mention_v distinct_a and_o different_a quest._n 31._o be_v there_o appoint_v any_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n who_o office_n and_o duty_n consist_v in_o rule_n and_o government_n only_o answ._n elder_n not_o call_v to_o teach_v ordinary_o or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v in_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 1â—_n 8_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o explication_n this_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n be_v much_o oppose_v by_o some_o and_o in_o especial_a by_o they_o who_o have_v least_o reanson_n so_o to_o do_v for_o first_o they_o object_n against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v lay_v elder_n when_o those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v deny_v that_o distinction_n of_o the_o church_n into_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n for_o although_o they_o allow_v the_o distribution_n of_o 〈◊〉_d into_o officer_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n yet_o they_o maintain_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v god_n clergy_n his_o lot_n and_o portion_n 1._o pet._n 5.3_o again_o they_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v elder_n and_o therein_o not_o mere_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o officer_n set_v apart_o unto_o their_o office_n according_a to_o rule_v or_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n and_o if_o by_o laity_n the_o people_n distinct_a from_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o very_a term_n of_o a_o lay_v elder_a imply_v a_o contradiction_n as_o design_v one_o who_o be_v and_o be_v not_o a_o church_n officer_n beside_o themselves_o do_v principal_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o such_o who_o they_o esteem_v layman_n as_o not_o in_o holy-order_n to_o who_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o its_o rule_n at_o least_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v which_o render_v their_o objection_n to_o this_o sort_n of_o church-officer_n unreasonable_a other_o also_o have_v give_v advantage_n by_o make_v this_o office_n annual_a or_o biennial_n in_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v unto_o it_o which_o though_o they_o plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o church_n for_o as_o not_o have_v person_n meet_v for_o this_o work_n and_o duty_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o undertake_v in_o constant_o during_o their_o life_n without_o such_o a_o contribution_n for_o their_o maintenance_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o afford_v yet_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o irregularity_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o wish_v it_o remedy_v but_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o such_o church-officer_n be_v indeed_o design_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o who_o frequent_a mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o ancient_a writer_n and_o footstep_n also_o yet_o remain_v in_o most_o church_n of_o their_o institution_n though_o woeful_o corrupt_v for_o beside_o that_o some_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n wherein_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v join_v in_o rule_n with_o the_o priest_n both_o in_o the_o sanhedrim_n and_o all_o lesser_a assembly_n there_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n express_v mention_n of_o person_n that_o be_v assign_v peculiar_o for_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a pretend_a that_o those_o word_n help_n government_n do_v denote_v gift_n only_o see_v the_o apostle_n express_o enumerate_v the_o person_n in_o office_n or_o officer_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n then_o use_v in_o the_o foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n as_o then_o plant_v he_o that_o rule_v also_o be_v distinguish_v from_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v rom._n 12.8_o and_o be_v prescribe_v diligence_n as_o his_o principal_a qualification_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v express_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n for_o the_o word_n express_o assign_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n whereof_o some_o only_o attend_v unto_o rule_n other_o moreover_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n neither_o do_v that_o word_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n intend_v any_o other_o labour_n but_o what_o be_v incumbent_n on_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o their_o church_n as_o their_o constant_a duty_n see_v rom._n 6.12_o act_n 20.35_o 1_o thes._n 5.12_o now_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v affirm_v they_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n who_o compare_v with_o other_o he_o note_v as_o remiss_a and_o negligent_a in_o their_o work_n for_o it_o seem_v that_o other_o be_v more_o diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o be_v no_o less_o they_o if_o only_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v here_o intend_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o commend_v such_o person_n as_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n but_o rather_o to_o propose_v they_o as_o meet_v for_o double_a shame_n and_o punishment_n jer._n 48.10_o 1_o cor._n 9.16_o and_o they_o be_v unmindful_a of_o their_o own_o interest_n who_o will_v have_v bishop_n that_o attend_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v distinct_o intend_v by_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o see_v the_o apostle_n express_o prefer_v before_o and_o above_o they_o those_o that_o attend_v constant_o to_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o beside_o what_o be_v thus_o express_o
to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v before_o declare_v and_o that_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v make_v the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n namely_o of_o be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.33_o this_o work_n be_v secret_a hide_a and_o invisible_a the_o church_n can_v judge_v of_o direct_o and_o in_o its_o own_o form_n or_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o mean_n effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v testify_v unto_o it_o concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o its_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n it_o be_v require_v therefore_o of_o they_o first_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o conversation_n free_a from_o blame_n in_o the_o world_n for_o whereas_o one_o end_n of_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n be_v to_o hold_v forth_o and_o express_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o turn_v man_n from_o all_o ungodliness_n unto_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o honesty_n it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o they_o that_o they_o answer_v this_o end_n and_o this_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o that_o believe_v will_v effect_v and_o produce_v for_o although_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v attain_v a_o unblameable_a honesty_n in_o this_o world_n be_v inward_o quicken_v with_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o save_a grace_n yet_o it_o do_v that_o they_o who_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o principle_n will_v be_v so_o unblameable_a and_o although_o they_o may_v on_o other_o account_n be_v evil_a speak_v of_o yet_o their_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n will_v justify_v itself_o second_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v another_o mean_n whereby_o the_o great_a qualification_n inquire_v after_o be_v testify_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o as_o without_o this_o no_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v profitable_o make_v use_n of_o nor_o any_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v so_o save_v light_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o conversion_n and_o do_v inseparable_o accompany_v it_o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n where_o this_o be_v want_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o person_n to_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o blindness_n darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o all_o man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n such_o a_o measure_n then_o of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o apprehend_v aright_o of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o mediation_n the_o benefit_n thereof_o and_o the_o obedience_n that_o he_o require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o disciple_n be_v expect_v in_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n three_o hereunto_o be_v to_o be_v add_v soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o love_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n thereof_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v towards_o the_o church_n call_v therefore_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n one_o faith_n ephes._n 4.5_o the_o common_a faith_n the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o which_o be_v the_o sound_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 1.10_o which_o those_o that_o will_v not_o endure_v must_v be_v turn_v from_o 2_o tim._n 4.3_o the_o faithful_a word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v fast_o tit._n 1.9_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o and_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v sound_a in_o tit._n 1.13_o contain_a in_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n as_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o this_o soundness_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v improve_v unto_o oneness_n of_o mind_n and_o oneness_n of_o accord_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n phil._n 2.2_o though_o it_o may_v admit_v of_o some_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o some_o may_v have_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n than_o other_o which_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o all_o may_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n phil._n 3.15_o 16._o so_o it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o and_o by_o the_o faith_n whereof_o the_o church_n hold_v on_o the_o head_n jesus_n christ_n coloss._n 2.19_o and_o in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o gospel_n worship_n the_o joint_a celebration_n whereof_o be_v the_o next_o end_n of_o the_o gather_v the_o church_n for_o without_o a_o consent_n of_o mind_n and_o accord_v herein_o no_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v unto_o edification_n nor_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o these_o principle_n be_v those_o which_o we_o have_v explain_v four_o it_o be_v require_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v testify_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o they_o and_o their_o resolution_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o live_v in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o he_o they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n as_o disciple_n of_o christ_n profess_v that_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n which_o what_o it_o infer_v the_o apostle_n teach_v at_o large_a ephes._n 4.20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o see_v also_o act_v 11.23_o act_n 8.21_o 22_o 23._o and_o this_o by_o themselves_o to_o be_v testify_v unto_o the_o church_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n as_o real_a partaker_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n hope_n and_o salvation_n with_o themselves_o as_o live_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ._n second_o that_o on_o all_o ensue_a occasion_n they_o may_v be_v mind_v of_o their_o own_o profession_n and_o engagement_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o thereby_o unto_o faithfulness_n steadfastness_n and_o perseverance_n hereupon_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o judge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o meekness_n concern_v their_o condition_n and_o meetness_n to_o be_v lay_v as_o live_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v 1._o reject_v false_a hypocritical_a pretender_n if_o in_o or_o by_o any_o mean_v their_o hypocrisy_n be_v discover_v unto_o they_o act_n 8.20_o 23._o titus_n 1.10_o jer._n 15.19_o 2._o that_o they_o may_v direct_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o way_n such_o as_o appear_v to_o be_v sincere_a instruct_v they_o principal_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n whereinto_o they_o be_v engage_v the_o duty_n danger_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o act_n 18.26_o act._n 14.22_o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23._o 3._o to_o propose_v they_o their_o condition_n their_o desire_n their_o resolution_n unto_o the_o church_n after_o their_o own_o expression_n of_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o in_o love_n and_o meekness_n act_v 9.26_o 27._o whereupon_o those_o that_o be_v approve_v do_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o abide_v in_o the_o fellowship_n thereof_o whereunto_o they_o be_v admit_v act_v 2.41_o 42._o quest._n 51._o wherein_o do_v the_o especial_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n whereby_o it_o become_v such_o and_o be_v distinguish_v as_o such_o from_o all_o other_o consist_v answ._n in_o the_o special_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n numerical_o hence_o its_o constitution_n and_o distinction_n from_o other_o church_n do_v proceed_v exod._n 19.5_o 8._o chap._n 24.3_o 7._o deut._n 26.17_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o act_n 14.23_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 13.17_o explication_n it_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v what_o especial_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o a_o due_a subjection_n unto_o and_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ._n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v it_o its_o special_a form_n and_o distinction_n from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o a_o church_n all_o church_n do_v agree_v and_o equal_o partake_v there_o be_v the_o same_o law_n of_o the_o constitution_n
of_o they_o all_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o obedience_n all_o the_o same_o head_n the_o same_o end_n all_o carry_v it_o on_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n in_o kind_n now_o beside_o these_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n in_o general_n and_o wherein_o they_o all_o equal_o participate_v they_o must_v also_o have_v each_o one_o its_o proper_a difference_n that_o which_o do_v distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o church_n and_o this_o give_v it_o its_o special_a form_n as_o such_o now_o this_o can_v consist_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v accidental_a occasional_a or_o extrinsical_a unto_o it_o such_o as_o be_v cohabitation_n which_o yet_o the_o church_n may_v have_v respect_n unto_o for_o conveniency_n and_o farther_v of_o its_o edification_n nor_o in_o any_o civil_a or_o political_a disposal_n of_o its_o member_n into_o civil_a society_n for_o civil_a end_n which_o be_v extrinsical_a to_o all_o its_o concernment_n as_o a_o church_n nor_o do_v it_o consist_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o its_o present_a officer_n which_o may_v be_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o without_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o form_n or_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o consist_v as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o agreement_n or_o covenant_n before_o mention_v for_o first_o this_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v 〈◊〉_d a_o distinct_a body_n different_z from_o other_o for_o thereby_o and_o no_o otherwise_o do_v they_o coalesce_v into_o a_o society_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n second_o this_o give_v they_o their_o especial_a relation_n unto_o their_o own_o elder_n ruler_n or_o guide_n who_o watch_v over_o they_o as_o so_o associate_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n according_a unto_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n and_o three_o from_o hence_o they_o have_v their_o mutual_a especial_a relation_n unto_o one_o another_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o especial_a exercise_n of_o all_o church_n duty_n whatsoever_o quest._n 52._o wherein_o consist_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n towards_o other_o church_n answ._n 1_o in_o walk_v circumspect_o so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o no_o offence_n 2_o in_o prayer_n for_o their_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n 3_o in_o communicate_v supply_n to_o their_o want_n according_a to_o ability_n 4_o in_o receive_v with_o love_n and_o readiness_n the_o member_n of_o they_o into_o fellowship_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v 5_o in_o desire_v and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o counsel_n and_o advice_n in_o such_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n as_o may_v arise_v among_o they_o 6_o in_o join_v with_o they_o to_o express_v their_o communion_n in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n 1_o 1_o cor._n 10.32_o 2_o psalm_n 122.6_o ephes._n 6.18_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 3_o 2_o cor._n 8.4_o 6._o act_n 11.29_o 30._o rom._n 15.26_o 27._o 4_o rom._n 16.1_o 2.3_o ep._n joh._n 8_o 9_o 5_o act_n 15.2_o 6_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o explication_n church_n be_v gather_v and_o settle_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o preserve_v a_o mutual_a holy_a communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o to_o exercise_v it_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n whereby_o their_o mutual_a good_a and_o edification_n may_v be_v promote_v for_o whereas_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a under_o one_o head_n the_o lord_n christ_n ephes._n 1.22_o 23._o in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o order_n ephes._n 4.5_o and_o do_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o stand_v in_o such_o a_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o as_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o communion_n speak_v of_o now_o the_o principal_a way_n whereby_o they_o exercise_v this_o communion_n be_v the_o act_n and_o duty_n enumerate_v in_o the_o answer_n unto_o this_o question_n as_o first_o careful_a walk_v so_o as_o to_o give_v no_o offence_n unto_o one_o another_o which_o although_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n in_o reference_n unto_o all_o yet_o therein_o especial_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n grieve_v or_o tempt_v 1_o cor._n 10.32_o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n second_o in_o constant_a prayer_n for_o the_o peace_n welfare_n edification_n and_o prosperity_n one_o of_o another_o rom._n 1.9_o colos._n 1.9_o ephes._n 6.18_o and_o this_o because_o of_o the_o special_a concernment_n of_o the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o welfare_n three_o in_o communicate_v of_o supply_n for_o their_o relief_n according_a unto_o their_o ability_n in_o case_n of_o the_o outward_a want_n strait_n danger_n or_o necessity_n of_o any_o of_o they_o act_v 11.29_o 30._o rom._n 15.26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 8.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 6_o 14._o four_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o church_n ordinance_n be_v another_o way_n whereby_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v exercise_v rom._n 16.1_o 2.3_o ep._n joh._n 8.9_o for_o whereas_o the_o personal_a right_n of_o such_o person_n unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o orderly_a walk_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n they_o may_v without_o far_a enquiry_n or_o satisfaction_n give_v be_v look_v on_o pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o desire_v fellowship_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n five_o in_o desire_v or_o make_v use_n of_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n whether_o doctrinal_a or_o practical_a as_o may_v arise_v in_o any_o of_o they_o act._n 15.2_o 6._o and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n any_o church_n either_o by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o precipitation_n or_o mistake_v in_o other_o administration_n do_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o church_n those_o other_o church_n may_v require_v a_o account_n from_o they_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o in_o case_n they_o persist_v in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o because_o in_o their_o difficulty_n and_o before_o their_o miscarriage_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v desire_v the_o advice_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n of_o those_o other_o church_n which_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o the_o other_o be_v to_o recover_v the_o end_n of_o it_o unto_o their_o utmost_a ability_n gal._n 2.6.11_o and_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o that_o be_v right_o and_o just_o censure_v in_o any_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o church_n whatever_o both_o because_o of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n and_o because_o it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v presume_v until_o the_o contrary_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o in_o case_n there_o have_v be_v any_o difficulty_n or_o doubt_v in_o the_o proceedure_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v have_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o those_o church_n with_o who_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o consult_v last_o whereas_o the_o church_n have_v all_o of_o they_o one_o common_a faith_n and_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o hold_v forth_o and_o declare_v it_o to_o all_o man_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o to_o testify_v this_o their_o mutual_a communion_n their_o interest_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o the_o more_o open_a declaration_n and_o proposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o for_o the_o vindication_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o themselves_o from_o false_a charge_n and_o imputation_n they_o may_v and_o if_o god_n give_v opportunity_n aught_o to_o join_v together_o in_o declare_v and_o testify_v their_o joint_a consent_n and_o fellowship_n in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n express_v in_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n quest._n 53._o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o dispensation_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n the_o fartherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o edification_n and_o consolation_n of_o believer_n here_o with_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n hereafter_o rev._n 4.9_o 10_o 11._o chap._n 5.12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 3_o 22.23_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o finis_fw-la