Selected quad for the lemma: doctrine_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
doctrine_n church_n false_a teacher_n 2,669 5 9.2889 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39931 A gospel-church, or, God's holy temple opened wherein is shewed from the scriptures ... / by Stephen Ford ... Ford, Stephen, d. 1694. 1675 (1675) Wing F1510; ESTC R23167 209,792 396

There are 12 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

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
his_o glory_n isa_n 46.13_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v a_o church_n of_o his_o own_o plant_n and_o a_o covenant_n people_n and_o for_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o the_o little_a remnant_n sake_n of_o believer_n that_o be_v among_o they_o and_o who_o glorify_v he_o indeed_o &_o in_o truth_n god_n bestow_v his_o grace_n stamp_v his_o image_n and_o infuse_v his_o holiness_n into_o man_n to_o meeten_v they_o for_o his_o temple_n and_o temple-work_n and_o then_o form_n and_o set_v they_o up_o in_o his_o own_o beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o a_o church-state_n that_o there_o as_o a_o body_n compact_v they_o may_v shine_v forth_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o praise_n in_o the_o world_n as_o many_o glitter_a daimond_n in_o a_o gold_n ring_n do_v shine_v more_o glorious_o upon_o a_o man_n hand_n than_o a_o hundred_o time_n so_o many_o more_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o here_o and_o there_o will_v do_v so_o a_o company_n of_o man_n which_o be_v make_v precious_a stone_n fit_v for_o a_o house_n of_o god_n be_v well_o and_o orderly_o set_v in_o a_o church-state_n or_o in_o a_o house_n of_o god_n do_v shine_v more_o glorious_o there_o than_o many_o more_o can_v do_v in_o a_o single_a and_o individual_a capacity_n and_o stand_v alone_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n 3._o god_n institutes_n and_o build_v believer_n into_o spiritual_a house_n for_o his_o people_n spiritual_a profit_n and_o advantage_n that_o god_n may_v there_o impart_v his_o love_n cant._n 7.12_o and_o communicate_v his_o grace_n truth_n and_o counsel_n unto_o they_o as_o to_o his_o avow_a and_o public_a household_n and_o family_n eph._n 2.19_o christ_n walk_n and_o god_n the_o father_n dwell_v there_o &_o the_o holy_a spirit_n speak_v to_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a and_o frequent_a manner_n rev._n 2.1_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o rev._n 2.7.11_o etc._n etc._n and_o assure_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o walk_v nor_o god_n the_o father_n dwell_v there_o empty_a hand_a but_z distributes_z plentiful_o of_o their_o love_n and_o fullness_n as_o great_a prince_n where_o they_o go_v and_o lodge_v they_o will_v give_v like_o themselves_o unto_o the_o household_n servant_n and_o much_o more_o will_v god_n as_o some_o can_n and_o more_o may_v experience_n the_o church-enjoyment_n of_o serious_a holy_a man_n be_v the_o fair_a full_a clear_a and_o strong_a of_o all_o they_o have_v at_o any_o time_n and_o that_o because_o god_n dwell_v there_o as_o in_o his_o holy_a and_o delightful_a temple_n and_o walk_v there_o as_o in_o his_o pleasant_a garden_n and_o walk_n and_o where_o god_n most_o dwell_v and_o walk_n and_o take_v most_o pleasure_n there_o he_o impart_v most_o of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v say_v in_o 1_o king_n 8.10_o 11._o that_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n fill_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o the_o priest_n can_v not_o stand_v to_o minister_v because_o the_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_o great_a there_o and_o his_o distribution_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o solomon_n and_o other_o saint_n so_o many_o and_o great_a as_o that_o the_o people_n go_v home_o joyful_a and_o glad_a of_o heart_n vers_fw-la 66._o and_o in_o the_o 2_o chron._n 7.16_o say_v god_n speak_v of_o the_o temple_n my_o eye_n and_o my_o heart_n shall_v be_v there_o perpetual_o now_o if_o god_n do_v so_o now_o that_o material_a temple_n make_v of_o wood_n and_o stone_n as_o to_o manifest_v his_o glory_n so_o much_o there_o impart_v so_o rich_o of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o his_o people_n and_o promise_v to_o dwell_v there_o continual_o how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o do_v so_o unto_o his_o new-testament_n church_n of_o believer_n they_o shall_v find_v that_o prophetical_a promise_n make_v good_a to_o they_o in_o psal_n 102.16_o when_o the_o lord_n shall_v build_v up_o zion_n he_o shall_v appear_v in_o his_o glory_n beside_o a_o church-state_n be_v a_o safe_a as_o well_o as_o a_o thrive_a comfortable_a state_n for_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n right_o and_o due_o form_v and_o make_v up_o be_v a_o garden_n enclose_v cant._n 4.12_o a_o spring_n shut_v up_o a_o fountain_n seal_v or_o bar_v whilst_o wood_n and_o stone_n lie_v scatter_v abroad_o they_o may_v be_v steal_v and_o carry_v away_o from_o the_o owner_n so_o while_o believer_n walk_v apart_o and_o lie_v up_o and_o down_o scatter_o they_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v seduce_v and_o lead_v away_o from_o christ_n with_o some_o of_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o so_o in_o measure_n full_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.17_o but_o now_o in_o a_o church-state_n or_o formal_a house_n of_o god_n they_o be_v safe_a and_o more_o secure_a because_o there_o they_o be_v hedge_v in_o with_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n there_o they_o be_v watch_v over_o by_o their_o fellow-member_n and_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v their_o overseer_n and_o watchman_n there_o they_o be_v as_o in_o the_o orderly_o institute_v family_n or_o household_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n and_o walk_n of_o christ_n and_o under_o the_o eye_n and_o with_o the_o special_a presence_n of_o christ_n whilst_o a_o army_n of_o soldier_n walk_v as_o single_a and_o individual_a person_n scatter_v abroad_o they_o lie_v open_a to_o destruction_n by_o their_o enemy_n but_o when_o they_o be_v form_v up_o and_o walk_v together_o under_o officer_n and_o military_a discipline_n every_o one_o know_v his_o place_n and_o keep_v it_o know_v the_o command_v of_o their_o general_n and_o observe_v they_o they_o be_v safe_a and_o ready_a to_o defend_v themselves_o and_o offend_v their_o enemy_n particular_a and_o right_o constitute_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v like_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n cant._n 6.4_o 10._o march_v under_o the_o constant_a conduct_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o captain_n general_n eph._n 1.22_o 23._o heb._n 2.10_o 4._o they_o be_v form_v and_o set_v up_o by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a seat_n and_o subject_n as_o of_o his_o glorious_a presence_n so_o of_o his_o law_n ordinance_n power_n and_o authority_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v observe_v and_o obey_v his_o law_n declare_v before_o all_o man_n their_o own_n of_o he_o for_o their_o lord_n by_o their_o open_a and_o public_a profession_n of_o and_o subjection_n unto_o he_o as_o such_o and_o that_o by_o their_o distinct_a and_o singular_a follow_v of_o he_o in_o incorporate_a body_n they_o may_v manifest_v to_o all_o man_n that_o they_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o disciple_n that_o they_o have_v choose_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o his_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o obedience_n that_o they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o but_o he_o and_o that_o they_o have_v take_v up_o in_o he_o as_o in_o their_o happiness_n and_o eternal_a blessedness_n col._n 2.6_o 1_o cor._n 6.19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 5.15_o that_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 15.19_o and_o set_v apart_o by_o his_o grace_n for_o himself_o to_o live_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o they_o have_v take_v upon_o themselves_o his_o holy_a yoke_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o law_n so_o likewise_o that_o his_o subject_n may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o mouth_n together_o present_a their_o service_n and_o homage_n unto_o he_o as_o their_o only_a lord_n head_n and_o king_n for_o church_n as_o church_n or_o believer_n walk_v according_a to_o his_o appointment_n and_o direction_n in_o church_n be_v capable_a of_o his_o holy_a supper_n that_o glorious_a pledge_n and_o seal_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o they_o it_o be_v call_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o particular_a congregat_v church_n at_o corinth_n we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n vers_fw-la 17._o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v not_o give_v to_o believer_n as_o such_o only_a but_o unto_o believer_n as_o in_o a_o church-state_n or_o incorporate_v into_o a_o body_n or_o communion_n together_o have_v the_o name_n form_n and_o order_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o house_n of_o god_n the_o israelite_n be_v not_o to_o permit_v any_o to_o eat_v the_o passover_n until_o they_o become_v member_n of_o their_o church_n exod._n 12.47_o 48._o neither_o will_v christ_n jesus_n have_v any_o to_o eat_v his_o supper_n out_o of_o a_o church-state_n where_o and_o when_o they_o may_v have_v it_o in_o a_o church-state_n and_o as_o be_v note_v before_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o almost_o all_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n and_o law_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v give_v and_o direct_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o to_o believer_n as_o inchurch_v as_o also_o teacher_n and_o ruling_n elder_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o give_v
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 of_o christ_n must_v not_o only_o carry_v about_o the_o name_n of_o watchman_n but_o they_o must_v do_v and_o attend_v with_o diligence_n the_o real_a and_o full_a work_n of_o watchman_n they_o be_v set_v by_o he_o upon_o his_o wall_n to_o watch_v and_o inspect_v his_o church_n which_o indeed_o be_v no_o easy_a work_n but_o full_a of_o care_n trouble_n pain_n and_o difficulty_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o apostle_n say_v who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n for_o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o soul-concernments_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n four_o they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n among_o they_o and_o to_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o power_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o know_v any_o truth_n or_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n doubt_v of_o or_o call_v into_o question_n by_o any_o in_o the_o church_n they_o must_v with_o all_o possible_a care_n wisdom_n faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o the_o doubt_n and_o question_n maintain_v the_o truth_n and_o establish_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o they_o for_o shall_v the_o error_n at_o any_o time_n sow_v among_o they_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o suffer_v to_o take_v root_n in_o their_o head_n they_o will_v eat_v into_o the_o heart_n like_o a_o canker_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cancer_n or_o gangrene_n to_o prevent_v which_o the_o apostle_n charge_v timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o all_o elder_n of_o church_n in_o they_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n tit._n 1.9_o that_o by_o sound_a doctrine_n they_o may_v convince_v gainsayer_n and_o this_o be_v always_o paul_n care_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v show_v either_o to_o prevent_v the_o corrupt_a of_o truth_n and_o man_n soul_n with_o error_n or_o to_o overthrow_v and_o root_v they_o up_o where_o they_o be_v entertain_v thus_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o do_v now_o and_o that_o for_o christ_n his_o truth_n and_o church_n sake_n five_o they_o must_v administer_v all_o church-ordinance_n with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n care_n zeal_n and_o faithfulness_n it_o be_v their_o work_n and_o place_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v careless_a or_o negligent_a but_o watch_v seek_v for_o and_o observe_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o that_o the_o church_n suffer_v no_o detriment_n by_o their_o neglect_n which_o they_o will_v quick_o do_v if_o neglect_v as_o experience_n show_v they_o must_v not_o only_a care_n to_o preach_v well_o but_o to_o administer_v all_o other_o appointment_n of_o christ_n also_o in_o their_o season_n for_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o church_n food_n and_o provision_n and_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n appoint_v by_o he_o for_o the_o communicate_v and_o dispense_n of_o his_o grace_n spirit_n yea_o and_o himself_n unto_o their_o soul_n and_o indeed_o without_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o house_n the_o house_n or_o church_n can_v subsist_v and_o they_o be_v the_o authorize_v steward_n of_o the_o house_n to_o give_v the_o lord_n household_n all_o their_o provision_n in_o due_a season_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a under_o his_o keep_n and_o donation_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o mat._n 24.45_o psal_n 92_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o every_o church_n ordinance_n be_v a_o golden_a pipe_n to_o convey_v light_n life_n and_o holiness_n into_o believer_n heart_n and_o as_o breast_n to_o convey_v nourishment_n to_o the_o soul_n they_o be_v spiritual_a ladder_n to_o carry_v the_o heart_n and_o grace_n of_o believer_n up_o to_o heaven_n and_o lodge_v their_o mind_n and_o affection_n there_o and_o they_o be_v as_o the_o ark_n where_o god_n will_v come_v and_o meet_v his_o people_n esa_n 64.5_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v careful_o frequent_o and_o holy_o dispense_v and_o administer_v by_o they_o who_o be_v set_v there_o to_o do_v it_o six_o they_o must_v stand_v between_o god_n and_o the_o church_n with_o holy_a heart_n hand_n and_o tongue_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n for_o the_o church_n or_o in_o their_o behalf_n and_o that_o private_o and_o public_o for_o their_o work_n and_o office_n be_v not_o only_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o from_o christ_n but_o they_o be_v to_o present_v their_o want_n desire_n and_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o they_o also_o which_o be_v no_o easy_a work_n to_o do_v they_o must_v pray_v and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o they_o as_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o carry_v they_o upon_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n in_o their_o secret_a address_n to_o god_n and_o plead_v with_o god_n importunate_o for_o they_o
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 ma●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
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
their_o heart_n so_o to_o pray_v and_o wait_v psal_n 10.17_o rom._n 8.26.27_o or_o they_o can_v never_o have_v so_o do_v it_o it_o be_v god_n that_o enable_v they_o to_o lie_v down_o and_o submit_v their_o will_n and_o judgement_n to_o he_o it_o be_v god_n that_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o one_o another_o and_o that_o knit_v they_o together_o in_o love_n so_o as_o to_o choose_v and_o accept_v of_o each_o other_o in_o that_o holy_a relation_n and_o it_o be_v god_n that_o make_v their_o way_n plain_a before_o they_o and_o now_o what_o hinder_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o free_o unite_v and_o join_v together_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o walk_v together_o as_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n eleven_o all_o thing_n and_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o their_o union_n and_o communion_n together_o and_o become_v a_o house_n or_o church_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v together_o as_o officer_n and_o member_n in_o that_o state_n and_o relation_n be_v thus_o prepare_v and_o make_v ready_a for_o it_o they_o shall_v now_o appoint_v and_o mutual_o agree_v to_o set_v apart_o a_o day_n to_o perfect_a and_o complete_a what_o be_v so_o well_o begin_v and_o first_o they_o shall_v call_v in_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o some_o other_o church_n or_o church_n especial_o the_o elder_n of_o they_o if_o they_o can_v that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o be_v satisfy_v of_o their_o proceed_n and_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n gal._n 2.9_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o solemn_a set_n apart_o of_o their_o elder_n and_o help_v they_o with_o their_o prayer_n 2._o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o lord_n by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o entreat_v he_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o be_v with_o they_o guide_n and_o direct_v they_o bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o in_o their_o proceedure_n and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n for_o the_o elder_a or_o elder_n they_o be_v about_o to_o choose_v and_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o set_v over_o themselves_o to_o feed_v they_o and_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o a_o double_a portion_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o furnish_v they_o more_o abundant_o with_o his_o gift_n and_o special_a grace_n and_o make_v they_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n that_o god_n will_v knit_v their_o heart_n so_o fast_o together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n as_o that_o they_o may_v for_o ever_o live_v together_o in_o hearty_a love_n and_o peace_n and_o that_o they_o may_v free_o constant_o and_o cheerful_o perform_v their_o respective_a duty_n to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v do_v they_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o choose_v and_o set_v apart_o their_o elder_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n shall_v appoint_v one_o of_o their_o brethren_n to_o express_v and_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v and_o now_o in_o a_o more_o solemn_a manner_n do_v elect_v and_o choose_v out_o such_o a_o person_n or_o person_n from_o among_o themselves_o act_v 6._o to_o be_v their_o elder_n and_o teacher_n to_o rule_v seed_n watch_v over_o and_o minister_n to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o person_n fit_v and_o send_v to_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n as_o they_o humble_o judge_v and_o further_o they_o may_v declare_v that_o they_o do_v thankful_o and_o cordial_o receive_v and_o accept_v they_o for_o their_o elder_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n unto_o they_o for_o those_o end_n and_o service_n and_o when_o the_o say_v elder_n be_v thus_o choose_v and_o set_v apart_o as_o also_o ordain_v than_o they_o may_v declare_v their_o hearty_a acceptance_n of_o the_o choice_n and_o of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o charge_n and_o for_o their_o mutual_a satisfaction_n and_o strengthen_v their_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o and_o confidence_n in_o each_o other_o as_o also_o for_o the_o fast_o knit_v the_o church_n and_o elder_n together_o i_o think_v it_o convenient_a if_o not_o necessary_a that_o they_o do_v mutual_o promise_v and_o covenant_n to_o one_o another_o before_o god_n and_o man_n that_o they_o will_v real_o and_o unfeigned_o perform_v their_o respective_a work_n and_o duty_n one_o to_o another_o namely_o such_o as_o jesus_n christ_n require_v of_o they_o according_a as_o he_o require_v and_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v it_o may_v be_v convenient_a that_o the_o officer_n or_o messenger_n of_o other_o church_n that_o be_v present_a do_v declare_v that_o they_o approve_v of_o what_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o own_v they_o as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o elder_n now_o set_v over_o they_o as_o the_o elder_n and_o officer_n of_o christ_n now_o that_o the_o church_n congregat_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v and_o approve_v of_o all_o the_o officer_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o have_v be_v show_v before_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o it_o here_o but_o proceed_v quest_n what_o be_v the_o work_n of_o pastor_n teacher_n or_o elder_n in_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o for_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n have_v christ_n set_v they_o there_o answ_n first_o their_o work_n be_v and_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o preach_v his_o word_n and_o to_o open_v and_o make_v know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n unto_o they_o and_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o ability_n to_o reveal_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n acts._n 20.27_o 28._o they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o their_o own_o or_o other_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n and_o that_o diligent_o sincere_o frequent_o and_o faithful_o 1_o pet._n 2.2_o 2_o cor._n 2.17_o prov._n 27.23_o acts._n 18.25_o math._n 24.45_o this_o they_o must_v do_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o they_o be_v to_o feed_v babe_n with_o milk_n and_o man_n or_o grow_v christian_n with_o strong_a meat_n heb._n 5.12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 2._o that_o be_v to_o administer_v and_o apply_v suitable_a and_o proper_a truth_n to_o they_o according_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o condition_n they_o must_v earnest_o beseech_v and_o entreat_v as_o they_o see_v occasion_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o 2_o cor._n 6.1_o reprove_v and_o rebuke_v transgressor_n with_o all_o authority_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o tit._n 2._o ult_n they_o be_v to_o comfort_v the_o feeble-minded_n and_o support_v the_o weak_a 1_o thes_n 5._o they_o must_v study_v the_o word_n and_o their_o church_n soul_n case_n and_o condition_n that_o they_o may_v right_o divide_v and_o present_v unto_o they_o seasonable_a food_n and_o physic_n cordial_n and_o corrisives_n for_o they_o will_v need_v all_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o and_o thereby_o make_v full_a proof_n of_o their_o ministry_n 2_o tim._n 4.5_o this_o they_o must_v do_v public_o and_o private_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o ability_n and_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a patience_n wisdom_n and_o meekness_n 2_o tim._n 2._o ult_n second_o as_o they_o must_v so_o attend_v to_o their_o preach_a work_n in_o the_o church_n so_o likewise_o to_o their_o roll_a work_n they_o have_v the_o office_n power_n of_o preach_v and_o rule_v from_o christ_n not_o from_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o for_o they_o only_o elect_v call_v and_o set_v they_o apart_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o all_o which_o they_o be_v to_o exercise_v and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o church_n for_o their_o spiritual_a benefit_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o have_v the_o power_n of_o rule_n as_o well_o as_o of_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n be_v clear_a 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o namely_o such_o as_o have_v the_o roll_a power_n also_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n which_o say_v rule_v power_n consist_v in_o require_v attention_n in_o charge_v command_a appoint_v rebuke_v and_o reprove_v in_o call_v together_o the_o church_n and_o dismiss_v they_o in_o require_v speech_n and_o silence_n in_o order_v and_o dispose_n of_o matter_n in_o the_o church_n in_o a_o authoritative_a way_n examine_v matter_n and_o call_v person_n to_o a_o account_n and_o in_o admit_v member_n and_o execute_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n on_o offender_n in_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 4.11_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o titus_n 1.13_o tit._n 2.15_o math._n 24.45_o to_o this_o part_n of_o their_o work_n office_n and_o power_n they_o must_v attend_v in_o the_o wise_a seasonable_a exercise_n of_o it_o as_o occasion_n be_v or_o may_v be_v offer_v without_o this_o authority_n of_o rule_v from_o christ_n they_o will_v be_v but_o lame_a minister_n and_o never_o able_a to_o carry_v on_o
14_o 15_o 16._o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v for_o and_o command_v to_o be_v example_n to_o their_o flock_n 1_o tim._n 4.12_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o imitate_v their_o master_n and_o to_o teach_v lead_v and_o conduct_v they_o in_o holiness_n to_o heaven_n as_o well_o by_o their_o walking_n and_o conversation_n as_o by_o their_o ministry_n that_o they_o may_v safe_o and_o comfortable_o follow_v they_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o 1_o cor._n 4.16_o 2_o thes_n 3.7_o sure_o such_o as_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n to_o feed_v nourish_v comfort_n strengthen_v instruct_v and_o build_v up_o his_o people_n to_o conduct_v lead_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o gospel-holiness_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n shall_v be_v singular_a in_o practical_a godliness_n themselves_o they_o shall_v be_v singular_a in_o knowledge_n faith_n patience_n self-denial_n goodness_n meekness_n charity_n humility_n tenden-heartedness_n faithfulness_n and_o usefulness_n in_o the_o world_n they_o ought_v to_o live_v out_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o conform_v their_o carriage_n word_n and_o action_n thereunto_o they_o must_v be_v clear_a of_o all_o vice_n and_o eminent_a in_o all_o virtue_n that_o they_o may_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o encourage_v man_n to_o follow_v their_o step_n for_o they_o be_v not_o set_v in_o the_o church_n only_o to_o teach_v and_o verbal_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o but_o to_o be_v pattern_n of_o piety_n also_o tit._n 2.7_o they_o must_v carry_v themselves_o grave_o sober_o wise_o serious_o and_o holy_o towards_o and_o before_o all_o man_n that_o those_o who_o seek_v occasion_n against_o they_o may_v find_v none_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o and_o report_n that_o god_n his_o fear_n love_n faith_n and_o spirit_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 14.25_o and_o as_o they_o must_v serious_o mind_n and_o practise_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n or_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o so_o they_o must_v careful_o mind_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o too_o 1_o in_o all_o their_o ministration_n and_o walking_n they_o must_v regard_v and_o have_v their_o eye_n on_o their_o lord_n will_v and_o appointment_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v what_o ever_o i_o command_v you_o math._n 28._o ult_n they_o must_v not_o impose_v their_o own_o will_n and_o dictate_v and_o thereby_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n and_o steward_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o make_v law_n for_o and_o impose_v they_o on_o his_o household_n but_o to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o their_o master_n law_n exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o keep_v and_o observe_v they_o as_o he_o command_v and_o to_o execute_v they_o on_o offender_n 2_o they_o must_v be_v diligent_a and_o constant_a in_o their_o work_n they_o must_v not_o be_v loiterer_n but_o labourer_n &_o be_v example_n to_o their_o flock_n by_o show_v all_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o their_o work_n act._n 18.25_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o prov._n 27.23_o 3_o they_o shall_v attend_v too_o and_o perform_v their_o work_n ready_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o not_o grudge_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 9.17_o they_o must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v ●_o tim._n 3.2_o and_o willing_a to_o communicate_v if_o all_o believer_n shall_v so_o perform_v all_o their_o work_n much_o more_o shall_v minister_n they_o shall_v account_v their_o ministerial_a work_n their_o privilege_n not_o their_o burden_n and_o carry_v themselves_o according_o in_o it_o 4_o they_o must_v always_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n the_o end_n of_o their_o work_n and_o office_n and_o prosecute_v intend_v and_o design_v they_o with_o all_o gospel_n sincerity_n they_o must_v not_o take_v their_o office_n on_o they_o nor_o do_v their_o work_n for_o filthy_a lucre_n 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o nor_o to_o honour_n and_o exalt_v themselves_o but_o to_o honour_n please_v and_o serve_v christ_n their_o lord_n and_o to_o profit_n and_o edify_v his_o people_n and_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a integrity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 2._o ult_n for_o if_o these_o end_n be_v not_o upper-most_a in_o their_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o their_o desire_n choice_n aim_n and_o intention_n in_o their_o ministration_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o christ_n nor_o qualify_v for_o church-work_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o prosper_v in_o it_o be_v own_v and_o bless_v by_o he_o nor_o profit_v his_o people_n thus_o brief_o of_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o teach_v elder_n or_o pastor_n to_o the_o church_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v they_o overseer_n now_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o church_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n who_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n among_o they_o chap._n vi_o wherein_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o teach_v elder_n be_v clear_o open_v and_o declare_v from_o scripture_n q._n how_o ought_v church-member_n to_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o pastor_n or_o teach_v elder_n or_o what_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n towards_o they_o answ_n it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o king_n &_o head_n of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v carry_v and_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o in_o heart_n and_o practice_n as_o to_o his_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n who_o come_v to_o they_o in_o his_o name_n by_o his_o mission_n authority_n and_o commission_n with_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n upon_o his_o errand_n and_o business_n as_o also_o for_o their_o soul_n profit_n they_o bear_v his_o image_n wear_v his_o livery_n do_v his_o work_n and_o serve_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o slight_v or_o despise_v they_o slight_n and_o despise_v he_o and_o his_o father_n too_o luk._n 10.16_o and_o he_o or_o they_o that_o receive_v they_o that_o love_n honour_n &_o carry_v it_o well_o to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v his_o send_v of_o he_o commissioned_n and_o qualify_v by_o he_o to_o serve_v and_o honour_v he_o in_o the_o church_n they_o do_v thereby_o receive_v honour_n and_o love_n christ_n himself_o gal._n 4.14_o they_o receive_v honour_n and_o love_n jesus_n christ_n in_o and_o by_o receive_v honour_v and_o love_v they_o as_o such_o and_o whatever_o good_a they_o do_v they_o or_o whatever_o respect_n they_o show_v they_o as_o such_o the_o lord_n jesus_n take_v it_o as_o do_v to_o himself_o matth._n 10._o ult_n matth._n 25._o therefore_o all_o church-member_n ought_v to_o carry_v and_o behave_v themselves_o well_o towards_o they_o and_o among_o other_o thing_n in_o these_o particular_n 1._o they_o ought_v to_o love_v they_o i_o say_v to_o love_v they_o and_o that_o with_o all_o cordial_a tender_a affection_n they_o must_v not_o love_v they_o as_o they_o do_v other_o saint_n of_o god_n only_o but_o they_o must_v have_v singular_a love_n for_o and_o show_v special_a love_n unto_o they_o as_o christ_n ambassador_n and_o their_o minister_n 1_o thes_n 5.12_o 13._o and_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o and_o to_o esteem_v very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n they_o must_v be_v love_v on_o several_a account_n 1._o as_o good_a man_n and_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o love_v they_o as_o fellow-brethren_n as_o we_o do_v other_o private_a member_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v love_v as_o his_o ambassador_n and_o commissioner_n as_o his_o steward_n and_o officer_n gift_a and_o send_v forth_o by_o he_o about_o his_o concern_v in_o his_o church_n to_o do_v his_o work_n and_o business_n and_o as_o represent_v he_o by_o officiate_a in_o his_o name_n by_o his_o authority_n and_o do_v his_o message_n 3._o they_o ought_v to_o be_v love_v as_o your_o minister_n guide_n feeder_n and_o overseer_n as_o send_v unto_o you_o from_o christ_n and_o dispense_n the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o you_o declare_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o administer_a his_o holy_a appointment_n to_o you_o for_o your_o present_a comfort_n establishment_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o for_o your_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v love_v more_o than_o any_o other_o believer_n namely_o because_o
they_o be_v send_v authorize_v grace_v gift_v and_o qualify_v by_o christ_n do_v his_o work_n represent_v he_o stand_v in_o his_o stead_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o and_o as_o they_o be_v his_o minister_n for_o good_a to_o you_o well_o then_o mind_n your_o duty_n and_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o love_v they_o sincere_o and_o hearty_o strong_o and_o fervent_o fruitful_o and_o constant_o for_o they_o love_v you_o study_n pray_v and_o labour_n to_o do_v you_o good_a and_o know_v that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o love_v they_o you_o do_v not_o love_n christ_n who_o they_o be_v who_o they_o represent_v and_o serve_v and_o if_o you_o hate_v slight_a and_o despise_v they_o you_o do_v hate_n slight_a and_o despise_v christ_n himself_o in_o they_o second_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n your_o duty_n to_o honour_n and_o respect_n to_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v they_o in_o their_o faithful_a diligent_a discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o work_n among_o you_o they_o be_v the_o ambassador_n and_o commissioner_n of_o your_o great_a lord_n and_o king_n and_o send_v by_o he_o from_o heaven_n to_o you_o as_o be_v show_v 2_o cor._n 5.20_o eph._n 4._o and_o that_o about_o most_o high_a and_o honourable_a work_n yea_o the_o high_a work_n and_o service_n that_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n they_o come_v from_o and_o be_v send_v to_o you_o by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v honour_v they_o be_v his_o ambassador_n and_o commissioner_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o they_o be_v send_v and_o come_v to_o you_o as_o with_o his_o image_n of_o authority_n so_o of_o grace_n gift_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o they_o be_v send_v by_o christ_n to_o you_o on_z and_o for_o the_o service_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o and_o they_o represent_v christ_n and_o stand_v in_o his_o stead_n to_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o they_o do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v your_o servant_n and_o thereby_o do_v honour_n you_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o and_o they_o cheerful_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o your_o soul_n as_o your_o spiritual_a servant_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o christ_n require_v you_o to_o esteem_v they_o and_o that_o be_v not_o all_o but_o to_o esteem_v they_o high_o yea_o very_o high_o too_o 1_o thes_n 5.13_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v do_v it_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o slight_a or_o despise_v they_o no_o more_o than_o king_n will_v endure_v that_o any_o shall_v slight_v or_o despise_v their_o ambassador_n if_o you_o have_v low_a base_a thought_n of_o they_o in_o your_o heart_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o if_o you_o slight_a and_o despise_v their_o labour_n and_o administration_n you_o despise_v they_o if_o you_o vilify_v and_o speak_v slight_o of_o they_o behind_o their_o back_n and_o divulge_v their_o suppose_a or_o real_a weakness_n you_o despise_v they_o if_o you_o carry_v yourselves_o saucy_o and_o imperious_o before_o their_o face_n in_o word_n deed_n or_o deportment_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o and_o if_o you_o control_v they_o and_o disregard_n their_o judgement_n censure_n admonition_n or_o reproof_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o when_o you_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o their_o counsel_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o and_o when_o you_o disregard_n their_o power_n authority_n and_o their_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o way_n and_o instance_n church-member_n do_v not_o only_o neglect_v their_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o honour_v their_o teaching-elders_a but_o they_o do_v slight_a and_o despise_v they_o also_o and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o but_o as_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o law_n image_n work_n and_o authority_n also_o for_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o say_v christ_n luk._n 10.16_o and_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a slight_n and_o contemptible_a word_n and_o carriage_n towards_o they_o they_o do_v great_o provoke_v and_o discourage_v they_o they_o weaken_v their_o hand_n and_o distract_v their_o mind_n and_o so_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o work_n they_o be_v honour_v by_o christ_n and_o honourable_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o he_o strict_o charge_n and_o command_v his_o church_n to_o esteem_v they_o most_o or_o very_o high_o and_o to_o give_v they_o double_a honour_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n give_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o every_o man_n his_o due_a fear_v to_o who_o fear_n honour_n to_o who_o honour_n rom._n 13.7_o it_o be_v their_o due_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o expect_v you_o shall_v give_v it_o to_o they_o not_o as_o they_o be_v such_o or_o such_o man_n but_o as_o his_o ambassador_n minister_n etc._n etc._n three_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o church_n shall_v pray_v for_o their_o pastor_n or_o teach_v elder_n and_o that_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n and_o measure_n i_o mean_v more_o than_o they_o do_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v for_o other_o 1_o thes_n 5.25_o heb._n 13.18_o rom._n 15.30_o you_o must_v be_v earnest_a and_o importunate_a wrestler_n with_o god_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o they_o that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o abundance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o and_o by_o his_o teach_n quickning_n and_o anointing_n make_v they_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o of_o the_o letter_n only_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o that_o they_o may_v open_v their_o mouth_n bold_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n sincere_o clear_o impartial_o and_o constant_o make_v know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n eph._n 6.18_o 19_o col._n 4.3_o that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o snare_n and_o temptation_n or_o be_v enable_v to_o encounter_v they_o and_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o overcome_v and_o conquer_v they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v eminent_a shine_a light_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o diligent_a in_o and_o faithful_a to_o their_o trust_n that_o they_o may_v be_v wise_a zealous_a and_o glorious_a pattern_n of_o piety_n &_o all_o godliness_n and_o be_v keep_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o may_v abound_v in_o all_o grace_n gifts_z work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o they_o may_v preach_v powerful_o and_o profitable_o and_o in_o all_o their_o way_n word_n and_o carriage_n adorn_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n tit._n 2.10_o that_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n without_o waver_v preach_v sound_a doctrine_n clear_o plain_o and_o close_o tit._n 2.1_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v themselves_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n for_o the_o order_n and_o well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o orderly_a management_n of_o their_o concern_v and_o that_o they_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n walk_v by_o their_o lord_n rule_n and_o aim_v at_o design_n and_o upright_o intend_v his_o glory_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o people_n and_o all_o other_o that_o hear_v they_o there_o be_v many_o reason_n enforce_v this_o duty_n on_o they_o to_o your_o pastor_n i_o will_v name_v a_o few_o 1._o because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v so_o as_o the_o aforesaid_a scripture_n show_v 2._o because_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o your_o earnest_a prayer_n if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o church_n prayer_n much_o more_o must_v ordinary_a teacher_n need_v they_o their_o work_n be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o 2_o cor._n 2.16_o their_o discouragement_n be_v many_o and_o great_a and_o their_o temptation_n many_o strong_a and_o powerful_a they_o have_v mystery_n to_o unfold_v continual_o and_o they_o have_v strong_a temptation_n to_o grapple_v with_o all_o than_o other_o have_v therefore_o they_o shall_v have_v your_o strong_a and_o most_o importunate_a prayer_n little_o do_v church_n know_v what_o they_o see_v feel_v and_o experience_n in_o their_o work_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o their_o teacher_n have_v a_o easy_a and_o sweet_a life_n of_o it_o and_o stand_v in_o little_a need_n of_o their_o assistance_n but_o sure_o they_o
be_v mistake_v for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n in_o the_o world_n so_o full_a of_o care_n and_o trouble_v as_o a_o conscientious_a minister_n be_v nor_o any_o that_o require_v more_o diligence_n circumspection_n watchfulness_n and_o faithfulness_n than_o he_o they_o work_v and_o labour_n in_o divine_a mystery_n and_o they_o work_v for_o christ_n and_o soul_n their_o matter_n lie_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o carnal_a and_o mere_a rational_a understanding_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n and_o they_o be_v always_o consult_v and_o conversant_a about_o new_a matter_n and_o thing_n oh_o what_o need_n have_v they_o of_o the_o church_n prayer_n 3._o because_o the_o church_n profit_n and_o soul_n benefit_n be_v much_o concern_v in_o their_o teacher_n administration_n for_o god_n ordinary_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n heart_n through_o or_o by_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o by_o their_o mouth_n the_o more_o they_o have_v of_o christ_n grace_n truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o more_o powerful_a spiritual_a and_o profitable_a they_o will_v be_v in_o prayer_n preach_v and_o in_o all_o other_o ministration_n unto_o they_o act._n 14.1_o four_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o know_v obey_v and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o teach_v elder_n or_o pastors_n authority_n teach_v government_n and_o to_o all_o their_o regular_a and_o orderly_a ministration_n in_o the_o lord_n the_o church_n owe_v they_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n and_o that_o as_o they_o be_v set_v over_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o by_o he_o make_v their_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n and_o send_v by_o he_o to_o take_v the_o charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o they_o and_o to_o administer_v his_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o they_o in_o his_o name_n for_o their_o good_a heb._n 13.7_o 17._o remember_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o or_o be_v guide_n unto_o you_o as_o the_o word_n also_o signify_v 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 they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n for_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o without_o government_n and_o governor_n power_n and_o authority_n law_n and_o order_n and_o without_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n in_o and_o of_o the_o member_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o corporation_n and_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a they_o will_v be_v but_o confuse_a rout_n and_o babel_n there_o will_v be_v can_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n as_o james_n speak_v chap._n 3.16_o if_o they_o be_v ruler_n and_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o appoint_v order_n and_o command_v as_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o have_v or_o they_o be_v but_o shadow_n or_o cypher_n 2_o thes_n 3.4_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 4.11_o tit._n 2._o ult_n than_o they_o may_v yea_o they_o ought_v to_o appoint_v order_n and_o command_v as_o they_o see_v occasion_n for_o the_o profit_n and_o well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o work_n and_o trust_v and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o yield_v all_o free_a hearty_a willing_a and_o cheerful_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o without_o grudge_v quarrel_a or_o irregular_a gainsaying_n that_o be_v they_o be_v to_o eye_n the_o will_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o express_v by_o they_o and_o so_o to_o conform_v to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v christ_n not_o they_o they_o must_v obey_v they_o not_o as_o gift_a man_n but_o as_o the_o ambassador_n minister_n and_o officer_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o authority_n in_o they_o that_o must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o be_v when_o through_o carelessness_n or_o wilfulness_n no_o less_o than_o disobedience_n too_o yea_o rebellion_n against_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o luk._n 10.16_o 17._o col._n 3.23_o 24._o great_a be_v the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n in_o provide_v law_n rule_n and_o order_n as_o also_o in_o authorise_v and_o send_v some_o to_o execute_v they_o for_o their_o spiritual_a good_a and_o his_o glory_n and_o therefore_o when_o church-member_n do_v slight_a neglect_n disobey_v and_o practical_o despise_v they_o they_o do_v thereby_o slight_a contemn_v and_o despise_v the_o love_n care_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n account_v it_o so_o although_o those_o teach_a ruler_n be_v not_o apostle_n but_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o luk._n 10.16_o 17._o show_n when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v to_o heaven_n he_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n viz._n minister_n and_o ministerial_a ability_n to_o they_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 4.10_o 11_o 12._o then_o he_o delegated_a his_o ministerial_a power_n to_o man_n promise_v to_o provide_v such_o for_o his_o saint_n and_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o his_o own_o gift_n yea_o to_o be_v with_o they_o himself_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n math._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o wherefore_o then_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v receive_v submit_v to_o and_o obey_v they_o in_o a_o sense_n even_o as_o christ_n himself_o as_o they_o be_v authorize_v gift_v grant_v and_o send_v by_o he_o in_o and_o about_o his_o message_n work_n and_o service_n in_o all_o their_o lawful_a command_n and_o appointment_n and_o regular_a ministration_n in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n he_o that_o receive_v you_o receive_v i_o say_v christ_n of_o the_o 70._o disciple_n he_o send_v to_o preach_v luk._n 10.16_o math._n 10.40_o and_o paul_n commend_v the_o galatian_n for_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n even_o as_o christ_n himself_o gal._n 4.14_o 15._o and_o the_o same_o apostle_n charge_v titus_n to_o speak_v and_o act_v in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o authority_n charge_v all_o the_o member_n also_o not_o to_o despise_v or_o slight_v he_o for_z or_o in_o his_o so_o do_v tit._n 2.15_o if_o not_o to_o despise_v or_o slight_v he_o then_o to_o honour_n submit_v to_o and_o obey_v he_o as_o christ_n and_o their_o minister_n well_o then_o do_v the_o elder_n or_o pastor_n of_o church_n careful_o mind_n and_o diligent_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o than_o all_o the_o member_n of_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o and_o wait_v on_o their_o ministry_n and_o not_o despise_v they_o and_o it_o by_o desert_v and_o withdraw_v from_o it_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o more_o of_o this_o anon_o 2._o do_v they_o appoint_v meeting_n or_o call_v their_o church_n to_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o to_o consult_v about_o the_o matter_n and_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o profit_n and_o christ_n glory_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o except_v in_o extraordinary_a case_n that_o hinder_v they_o as_o they_o will_v answer_v the_o contrary_a contempt_n to_o christ_n at_o their_o peril_n they_o must_v not_o look_v on_o their_o practical_a conformity_n to_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o stay_v at_o home_n or_o come_v at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o actual_o obey_v such_o a_o call_n or_o summons_n as_o christ_n not_o dispute_v it_o but_o obey_v it_o not_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n disdain_v it_o but_o ready_o and_o cheerful_o subject_a to_o it_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n heb._n 13.17_o and_o be_v sure_a when_o they_o appoint_v such_o meeting_n it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n advantage_n 3._o do_v they_o appoint_v or_o require_v speech_n or_o silence_n in_o the_o church_n or_o any_o good_a order_n and_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o without_o load_v they_o and_o obstruct_v their_o proceed_n with_o jangle_a dispute_n and_o opposition_n and_o as_o in_o these_o so_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n wherein_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o profit_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o consist_v ruler_n must_v see_v that_o they_o command_v and_o appoint_v order_n and_o rule_v wise_o and_o faithful_o and_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o commission_n design_n and_o carry_v on_o christ_n holy_a end_n in_o all_o and_o as_o they_o must_v rule_v well_o so_o all_o the_o member_n rule_v by_o they_o must_v obey_v well_o too_o and_o when_o both_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o place_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v
well_o as_o they_o let_v your_o love_n to_o they_o and_o esteem_v of_o they_o be_v see_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o expression_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v as_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o forbear_v whatever_o may_v discourage_v they_o and_o do_v all_o you_o can_v to_o encourage_v and_o forward_o they_o in_o their_o work_n but_o be_v sure_a that_o your_o visit_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a but_o to_o spiritual_a profit_n and_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o fruit_n of_o your_o cordial_a love_n to_o and_o esteem_v of_o they_o or_o else_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o paint_a image_n and_o white_v sepulcher_n and_o you_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o ezekiel_n hearer_n be_v to_o he_o who_o with_o their_o mouth_n do_v show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v of_o another_o mould_n ezek._n 33.30_o ult_n 4._o stand_v by_o they_o and_o help_v to_o bear_v their_o burden_n when_o you_o know_v they_o and_o they_o require_v your_o assistance_n bear_v you_o one_o another_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6.2_o if_o you_o know_v they_o fall_v into_o or_o under_o any_o sin_n or_o temptation_n set_v your_o hand_n to_o lift_v they_o up_o again_o if_o they_o fall_v under_o affliction_n help_v to_o bear_v they_o for_o they_o be_v like_o the_o good_a samaritan_n in_o this_o matter_n luk._n 10._o and_o not_o like_o the_o cruel_a priest_n and_o levite_n who_o see_v the_o wound_a man_n lie_v welter_v in_o his_o blood_n and_o cry_v out_o of_o his_o wound_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o shift_v for_o himself_o 31.32_o verse_n no_o but_o show_v yourselves_o good_a samaritan_n who_o simpathize_v with_o and_o actual_o help_v he_o in_o his_o distress_n according_a to_o his_o need_n if_o your_o minister_n must_v sympathize_v with_o you_o and_o help_v you_o in_o your_o need_n than_o you_o must_v do_v the_o same_o to_o they_o show_v bowel_n of_o love_n and_o pity_n to_o they_o and_o set_v your_o hand_n and_o shoulder_n too_o to_o help_v they_o under_o their_o sin_n temptation_n and_o other_o trial_n and_o affliction_n and_o if_o possible_a to_o lift_v they_o out_o of_o they_o be_v they_o reproach_v help_v to_o bear_v their_o burden_n be_v they_o persecute_v by_o man_n help_v to_o bear_v their_o burden_n and_o do_v the_o like_a in_o all_o other_o weighty_a case_n for_o they_o oh_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o pretend_v high_o for_o heaven_n but_o care_v not_o what_o become_v of_o their_o painful_a minister_n who_o can_v hear_v of_o their_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n and_o galio_n like_a care_v for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n nor_o serious_o mind_n whether_o they_o sink_v or_o swim_v but_o like_o paul_n pretend_a friend_n who_o when_o they_o see_v he_o in_o deadly_a danger_n forsake_v he_o 2_o tim._n 4.16_o and_o leave_v he_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o himself_o 5._o blame_v not_o their_o ministry_n to_o one_o another_o especial_o behind_o their_o back_n neither_o slight_a and_o undervalue_v their_o gift_n grace_n or_o any_o of_o their_o endeavour_n and_o labour_n in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n although_o they_o may_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n suit_n or_o please_v your_o humour_n thought_n or_o opinion_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o administration_n to_o please_v christ_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o light_n and_o judgement_n their_o persuasion_n and_o conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n edification_n and_o not_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o their_o church-member_n either_o in_o their_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n and_o those_o church_n that_o will_v impose_v their_o own_o apprehension_n and_o opinion_n on_o their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n and_o load_v they_o with_o burden_n of_o work_n and_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n never_o command_v they_o be_v in_o their_o so_o do_v no_o less_o than_o tyrannical-usurper_n over_o they_o for_o if_o elder_n may_v not_o impose_v any_o thing_n or_o matter_n on_o the_o church_n but_o the_o yoke_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n much_o less_o may_v the_o church_n impose_v their_o own_o opinion_n on_o their_o elder_n we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v too_o hard_a a_o matter_n for_o any_o man_n to_o please_v all_o man_n and_o experience_n show_v that_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a a_o matter_n for_o any_o elder_n of_o church_n to_o please_v all_o their_o member_n but_o that_o one_o or_o other_o will_v be_v offend_v at_o this_o another_z at_z that_o and_o then_o divulge_v their_o dislike_n of_o this_o or_o that_o in_o they_o unto_o other_o and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o dislike_n of_o it_o also_o and_o then_o to_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o tattle_v and_o talk_v of_o it_o one_o to_o another_o until_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o into_o further_a mischief_n therefore_o minister_n may_v no_o further_o seek_v to_o please_v their_o church_n then_o in_o and_o by_o their_o so_o do_v they_o may_v please_v christ_n their_o lord_n and_o what_o that_o be_v i_o shall_v think_v that_o their_o elder_n shall_v understand_v as_o well_o if_o not_o better_a than_o they_o paul_n seek_v not_o to_o please_v man_n but_o god_n in_o his_o ministry_n gal._n 1.10_o some_o professor_n do_v delight_v themselves_o in_o this_o evil_a work_n namely_o in_o seek_v matter_n and_o make_v fault_n against_o their_o elder_n and_o then_o possess_v other_o with_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o gratify_v and_o please_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o please_v they_o in_o nothing_o all_o their_o work_n be_v blame-worthy_a in_o their_o account_n but_o as_o this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o prejudice_n against_o their_o elder_n so_o they_o do_v thereby_o declare_v their_o own_o folly_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o own_o nakedness_n with_o a_o witness_n yea_o they_o dishonour_v christ_n hinder_v the_o profit_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n by_o their_o so_o contemn_v his_o and_o their_o ministry_n and_o great_o grieve_v and_o stumble_v their_o teacher_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o with_o sad_a heart_n therefore_o do_v you_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o this_o evil_a for_o the_o devil_n will_v tempt_v you_o to_o it_o that_o he_o may_v hurt_v your_o soul_n afflict_v your_o teacher_n and_o hinder_v the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v commend_v and_o esteem_v whatever_o be_v their_o virtue_n whatever_o you_o may_v see_v lovely_a in_o they_o and_o if_o you_o see_v any_o defect_n or_o unavoidable_a weakness_n in_o they_o to_o cast_v a_o mantle_n of_o love_n over_o they_o and_o by_o all_o mean_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o in_o each_o other_o heart_n a_o due_a esteem_n of_o and_o respect_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o ministry_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o hinder_v but_o furthr_v and_o encourage_v by_o your_o mean_n 6._o join_v with_o your_o teacher_n and_o that_o by_o afford_v they_o your_o concurrence_n and_o utmost_a assistance_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o promote_v good_a thing_n in_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o hinder_v or_o load_v such_o overture_n design_n and_o endeavour_n of_o your_o minister_n by_o your_o absence_n groundless_a dispute_n or_o by_o your_o sullen_a silence_n there_o when_o they_o propound_v any_o matter_n to_o you_o for_o your_o profit_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o your_o soul_n the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o then_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v well_o the_o reason_n which_o they_o give_v for_o what_o they_o do_v or_o desire_n shall_v be_v do_v or_o omit_v by_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n or_o altogether_o and_o if_o you_o can_v null_a and_o answer_v they_o or_o bring_v better_o for_o the_o contrary_a than_o you_o shall_v quiet_o thankful_o and_o peaceable_o accept_v of_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o design_n and_o not_o put_v difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n by_o some_o singular_a notion_n of_o your_o own_o do_v as_o nathan_n do_v when_o david_n propound_v a_o case_n to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v meet_v god_n shall_v have_v a_o house_n build_v for_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n and_o give_v he_o some_o reason_n for_o his_o proposition_n nathan_n reply_n go_v do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n 2_o sam._n 7._o he_o see_v it_o a_o most_o reasonable_a and_o useful_a a_o undertake_n and_o free_o comply_v with_o david_n and_o encourage_v he_o to_o go_v on_o and_o proceed_v why_o shall_v not_o you_o comply_v with_o your_o teacher_n when_o they_o design_n and_o propound_v some_o good_a work_n to_o be_v carry_v on_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n or_o other_o man_n and_o
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
and_o receive_v more_o of_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o they_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o and_o show_v they_o more_o clear_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n the_o deceit_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o power_n of_o indwelling_a lust_n the_o wiles_n and_o method_n of_o satan_n the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o blood_n and_o of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n to_o show_v and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o excellency_n beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o they_o in_o he_o to_o preach_v and_o hear_v their_o heart_n and_o soul_n into_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o three_o person_n and_o one_o eternal_a live_a god_n and_o into_o more_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o so_o likewise_o into_o more_o cordial_a and_o unfeigned_a more_o strong_a and_o fervent_a pure_a and_o constant_a love_n to_o he_o to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o nature_n usefulness_n and_o proper_a life_n of_o faith_n persuade_v and_o work_v their_o heart_n to_o it_o practical_o and_o dutiful_o to_o love_v it_o in_o all_o thing_n work_n duty_n and_o condition_n to_o arm_n and_o sense_n they_o against_o satan_n fiery_a dart_n and_o temptation_n and_o the_o world_n snare_n and_o allurement_n to_o discover_v and_o detect_v self_n lust_n and_o whatever_o war_n against_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o mortify_v and_o destroy_v they_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o to_o know_v and_o be_v able_a expert_a and_o accurate_a in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o spiritual_a weapon_n and_o armour_n of_o proof_n which_o christ_n have_v sanctify_v and_o give_v unto_o we_o in_o eph._n 6._o and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o sanctify_v they_o throughout_o in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n keep_v they_o from_o deadness_n coldness_n lukewarmness_n and_o indifferency_n of_o spirit_n and_o to_o prevent_v sleepiness_n and_o backslide_n from_o god_n neglect_v of_o duty_n and_o careless_a performance_n of_o they_o this_o ordinance_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o further_o inform_v they_o of_o the_o holy_a will_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o sweeten_v and_o dispose_v the_o heart_n to_o love_v and_o practise_v they_o and_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o persist_v in_o so_o do_v without_o weariness_n and_o faint_a grudge_a or_o dispute_v and_o with_o joy_n and_o delight_n to_o call_v back_o person_n from_o their_o wander_n and_o to_o give_v they_o repentance_n unto_o life_n these_o be_v some_o of_o god_n holy_a and_o bless_a end_n in_o set_v up_o this_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n which_o all_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o aim_v at_o intend_v and_o endeavour_v in_o all_o their_o use_n of_o it_o see_v eph._n 4.10_o 11_o 12_o 17._o esa_n 30.20_o 21._o eph._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o eph._n 3.18_o 19_o micah_n 2.7_o 1_o thes_n 4.10_o heb._n 10.38_o rom._n 1.16_o 17._o 2_o pet._n 3.18_o 1_o thes_n 5.23_o phil._n 3.13_o 18._o joh._n 17.17_o 19_o three_o prayer_n prayer_n to_o god_n be_v a_o church-ordinance_n it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n both_o public_o and_o private_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o be_v severe_o threaten_v jer._n 10._o ult_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o natural_a or_o moral_a worship_n which_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o practice_v continual_o for_o as_o god_n be_v their_o creator_n and_o they_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n he_o their_o sovereign_n and_o they_o his_o subject_n and_o as_o such_o creature_n be_v to_o live_v and_o always_o to_o have_v their_o dependency_n on_o he_o for_o their_o subsistence_n in_o this_o world_n so_o they_o be_v to_o express_v and_o manifest_v their_o so_o do_v by_o their_o ask_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o want_v of_o he_o for_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o homage_n they_o owe_v he_o as_o him_z in_o who_o they_o live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v act_v 17.28_o and_o profess_v he_o to_o be_v their_o god_n protector_n and_o maintainer_n and_o expect_v all_o thing_n from_o he_o they_o ought_v in_o all_o their_o way_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o prov._n 3.6_o although_o they_o know_v he_o not_o in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n by_o any_o gospel-revelation_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o be_v a_o church-ordinance_n also_o that_o be_v they_o be_v appoint_v to_o pray_v public_o in_o their_o meeting_n as_o a_o church_n and_o that_o not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o man_n natural_a principle_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o gospel-ordinance_n of_o christ_n appoint_v for_o they_o and_o they_o command_v by_o he_o to_o observe_v it_o among_o themselves_o this_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v commend_v for_o act._n 2.42_o and_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o in_o act_n 12.5_o it_o be_v say_v that_o prayer_n be_v make_v without_o cease_v of_o the_o church_n unto_o god_n now_o this_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o practise_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o his_o appoint_v who_o be_v lord_n and_o head_n of_o they_o and_o because_o it_o be_v his_o sovereign_n will_v they_o shall_v so_o do_v without_o which_o they_o can_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o he_o as_o his_o obedient_a child_n and_o subject_n in_o his_o house_n for_o whatever_o work_n they_o do_v and_o whatever_o ordinance_n they_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o respect_v his_o will_n and_o have_v their_o eye_n on_o his_o authority_n therein_o as_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o they_o do_v and_o because_o he_o have_v so_o command_v and_o appoint_v therefore_o they_o do_v it_o moreover_o to_o the_o well_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o right_a observance_n of_o this_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v require_v a_o peculiar_a ministerial_a gift_n in_o the_o teacher_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o can_v right_o perform_v this_o part_n of_o their_o work_n in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n by_o their_o natural_a and_o common_a acquire_v gift_n and_o part_n but_o in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o his_o ministerial_a gift_n and_o grace_n confer_v on_o they_o for_o their_o profitable_a and_o right_a performance_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o 1_o cor._n 12.6_o 7_o 12._o four_o baptism_n waterbaptism_n be_v another_o church-ordinance_n to_o be_v holy_o reverendly_a dutiful_o and_o spiritual_o observe_v the_o power_n of_o administer_a this_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v authorize_v and_o call_v to_o administer_v other_o ordinance_n and_o perform_v other_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n authoritative_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o commission_n from_o christ_n receive_v any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o administer_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v set_v 〈◊〉_d part_n for_o and_o appoint_v to_o the_o work_n for_o they_o must_v do_v it_o and_o it_o must_v always_o be_v do_v by_o man_n in_o office-power_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o paul_n tell_v we_o eph._n 4.11_o 12._o that_o christ_n give_v some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o never_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o any_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o do_v baptise_v any_o this_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v in_o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o and_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o teacher_n afterward_o act._n 9.18_o act._n 10.47_o 48._o 1_o cor._n 15._o baptism_n be_v a_o sign_n token_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n as_o circumcision_n be_v rom._n 4.11_o for_o the_o assure_v and_o confirm_v believer_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o god_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o convey_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o in_o his_o time_n to_o raise_v and_o strengthen_v their_o hope_n in_o christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n by_o he_o that_o god_n be_v and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o also_o the_o god_n of_o their_o seed_n according_a to_o that_o glorious_a grant_n and_o engagement_n of_o god_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o to_o which_o covenant_n god_n set_v his_o seal_n vers_fw-la 10._o this_o general_a sum_n or_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n give_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n we_o have_v produce_v and_o bring_v in_o