congregation_n 2._o if_o he_o come_v from_o abroad_o have_v year_n of_o discretion_n and_o judgement_n fit_a to_o examine_v himself_o it_o be_v expect_v he_o shall_v have_v a_o testimonial_a of_o his_o former_a life_n and_o conversation_n and_o of_o his_o diligence_n in_o attend_v the_o ordinance_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o have_v live_v and_o be_v find_v know_v in_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o christianity_n he_o be_v desire_v first_o to_o declare_v that_o his_o purpose_n be_v to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n second_o to_o promise_v that_o if_o he_o shall_v conceive_v any_o scruple_n of_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n he_o shall_v not_o conceal_v his_o doubt_n and_o fall_v away_o from_o the_o fellowship_n into_o which_o he_o be_v receive_v but_o make_v the_o same_o know_v unto_o his_o teacher_n to_o receive_v satisfaction_n therein_o three_o to_o oblige_v himself_o to_o use_v all_o careful_a diligence_n to_o honour_n and_o adorn_v his_o profession_n with_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o to_o avoid_v all_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n four_o and_o last_o to_o promise_v to_o submit_v himself_o unto_o the_o rule_n of_o church-discipline_n according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o to_o respect_v those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n all_o which_o he_o be_v engage_v to_o do_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o by_o give_v his_o hand_n unto_o the_o eldership_n in_o some_o place_n this_o admission_n of_o member_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o pastor_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o private_a yet_o so_o as_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o party_n must_v be_v notify_v unto_o and_o ratify_v by_o the_o eldership_n in_o some_o place_n all_o be_v do_v before_o the_o whole_a eldership_n in_o some_o place_n also_o the_o name_n of_o those_o that_o be_v admit_v be_v publish_v unto_o the_o whole_a congregation_n from_o the_o pulpit_n of_o the_o second_o viz._n duty_n relate_v to_o the_o eldership_n 20._o such_o as_o have_v give_v up_o their_o name_n unto_o a_o congregation_n to_o be_v under_o a_o pastoral_n charge_n and_o the_o government_n of_o a_o eldership_n aught_o to_o hear_v s_o the_o voice_n of_o their_o pastor_n s_o joh._n 10._o 3._o the_o sheep_n hear_v his_o voice_n to_o t_z follow_v they_o t_z ibid._n v._n 4._o the_o sheep_n follow_v he_o for_o they_o know_v his_o voice_n to_o continue_v u_z in_o their_o fellowship_n and_o not_o to_o follow_v stranger_n u_o act._n 2._o 42._o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n yet_o by_o this_o they_o be_v not_o deprive_v of_o the_o liberty_n of_o hear_v other_o beside_o their_o own_o pastor_n that_o they_o may_v x_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a x_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 21._o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v their_o ruler_n y_o &_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o that_o their_o work_n may_v be_v do_v with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n y_z heb._n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n 22._o this_o obedience_n and_o submission_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v formal_a but_o hearty_a proceed_v from_o z_o a_o high_a esteem_n of_o they_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n z_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 13._o esteem_v they_o viz._n those_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n 23._o as_o a_o inward_a affection_n and_o esteem_v so_o a_o outward_a care_n for_o their_o ruler_n be_v requisite_a in_o professor_n they_o ought_v then_o to_o communicate_v unto_o those_o that_o teach_v they_o in_o all_o good_a thing_n gal._n 6._o 6._o count_v all_o that_o rule_n well_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n but_o especial_o to_o provide_v maintenance_n for_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o because_o the_o lord_n have_v ordain_v that_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 14._o 24._o they_o ought_v to_o mark_v and_o avoid_v all_o teacher_n that_o cause_v offence_n and_o division_n among_o they_o rom._n 16._o of_o the_o three_o viz._n duty_n relate_v to_o their_o fellow-member_n 25._o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v their_o fellow-member_n to_o provoke_v they_o to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v heb._n 10._o 24_o 25._o 26._o they_o ought_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a generation_n phil._n 2._o 15._o 27._o to_o this_o effect_n they_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n without_o murmur_n and_o dispute_n that_o they_o may_v be_v find_v blameless_a as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n phil._n 2._o 4._o 28._o they_o ought_v to_o serve_v their_o brethren_n through_o love_n gal._n 5._o 13._o and_o not_o to_o please_v themselves_o but_o other_o for_o their_o good_a to_o edification_n rom._n 15._o 1_o 2._o 29._o they_o ought_v not_o either_o to_o despise_v or_o judge_v one_o another_o for_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v free_a either_o to_o be_v do_v or_o not_o to_o be_v do_v according_a as_o god_n do_v give_v every_o one_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n rom._n 14._o the_o whole_a chap._n 30._o they_o ought_v to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o be_v a_o busy_a body_n 2_o thess_n 3._o 6_o 11._o yet_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o count_v he_o a_o enemy_n but_o shall_v admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n ibid._n v._o 15._o chap._n ix_o certain_a rule_n concern_v the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o the_o decent_a order_n of_o the_o action_n offer_a to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o that_o scruple_n at_o the_o gesture_n of_o sit_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o in_o god_n worship_n to_o do_v what_o we_o think_v good_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n but_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n 2._o for_o if_o we_o know_v not_o what_o his_o will_n be_v we_o can_v worship_v he_o in_o faith_n 3._o if_o we_o worship_v he_o not_o in_o faith_n we_o can_v please_v he_o 4._o and_o if_o we_o please_v he_o not_o we_o can_v expect_v a_o blessing_n upon_o our_o performance_n 5._o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o a_o blessing_n we_o must_v know_v and_o careful_o observe_v that_o which_o be_v most_o answerable_a to_o his_o will_n in_o thing_n belong_v to_o his_o worship_n 6._o now_o to_o know_v and_o observe_v this_o in_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n christ_n practice_n in_o the_o institution_n thereof_o so_o far_o as_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o imitate_v the_o same_o and_o his_o intention_n in_o command_v we_o to_o imitate_v he_o therein_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v 7._o the_o necessity_n of_o consider_v christ_n practice_n and_o intention_n in_o this_o matter_n do_v arise_v from_o the_o apostle_n commandment_n who_o do_v herein_o very_o distinct_o refer_v we_o unto_o christ_n himself_o for_o a_o warrant_n of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v say_v that_o in_o this_o matter_n he_o deliver_v that_o which_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 23._o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o follow_v he_o so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v a_o follower_n of_o the_o lord_n ibid._n v._n 1._o 8._o therefore_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o look_v unto_o christ_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o to_o the_o apostle_n afterward_o with_o a_o reference_n unto_o the_o lord_n because_o final_o our_o faith_n must_v rest_v only_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o object_n thereof_o and_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o the_o apostolical_a ministry_n be_v to_o call_v we_o unto_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o by_o they_o we_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o joh._n 1._o 3_o for_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o in_o follow_v he_o and_o fulfil_v his_o intention_n we_o do_v nothing_o amiss_o because_o he_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n joh._n 14._o 6._o 9_o christ_n practice_n then_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o supper_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v imitate_v be_v this_o first_o he_o take_v the_o bread_n and_o by_o give_v special_a thanks_o over_o it_o he_o separate_v it_o from_o the_o common_a to_o a_o holy_a use_n then_o he_o break_v it_o and_o give_v it_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o command_v they_o to_o eat_v thereof_o second_o he_o take_v the_o cup_n which_o in_o like_a
covenant_n f_z exod._n 19_o 5._o if_o you_o will_v obey_v my_o voice_n indeed_o and_o keep_v my_o covenant_n than_o you_o shall_v be_v peculiar_a treasure_n unto_o i_o or_o to_o confirm_v g_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o it_o g_o isa_n 8._o 16._o bind_v up_o the_o testimony_n seal_v the_o law_n among_o my_o disciple_n &_o ezek._n 20._o 19_o 20._o i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o keep_v my_o judgement_n and_o do_v they_o and_o hallow_v my_o sabbath_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o sign_n between_o i_o and_o you_o that_o you_o may_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n 4._o the_o mean_n which_o do_v bring_v man_n to_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o beget_v faith_n the_o mean_n which_o do_v confirm_v and_o keep_v man_n in_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v faith_n and_o the_o mean_n which_o do_v reclaim_v man_n from_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o which_o do_v chastise_v unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n 5._o to_o beget_v faith_n the_o ordinance_n of_o preach_v h_o be_v appoint_v h_z rom._n 10._o 14._o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n &_o v._o 17._o so_o then_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v it_o ay_o the_o same_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v use_v ay_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o together_o with_o the_o ordinance_n of_o k_o prayer_n k_n act._n 6._o 4._o but_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o continual_o unto_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o l_o baptism_n l_o mat._n 28._o 19_o baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n &_o act._n 2._o 40._o then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o m_z lord_n supper_n m_z act._n 2._o 41._o and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o saint_n by_o their_o n_z assembly_n n_z heb._n 10._o 25._o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o support_v of_o one_o another_o in_o their_o o_o burden_n o_o gal._n 6._o 2._o bear_v you_o one_o another_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o reclaim_v the_o disobedient_a from_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o rod_n p_o of_o discipline_n p_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 21._o shall_v i_o come_v with_o a_o rod_n etc._n etc._n and_o weapon_n of_o q_o revenge_v be_v appoint_v q_o 2_o cor._n 10._o 6._o have_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o revenge_v all_o disobedience_n 6._o these_o ordinance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v but_o by_o the_o public_a profession_n r_o of_o the_o gospel_n administer_v in_o the_o church_n r_o mat._n 5._o 14._o you_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n a_o city_n that_o be_v set_v on_o a_o hill_n can_v be_v hide_v &_o v._o 15._o neither_o do_v man_n light_v a_o candle_n and_o put_v it_o under_o a_o bushel_n v._n 16._o let_v your_o light_n shine_v so_o before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 7._o the_o ordinance_n of_o government_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v by_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o s_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o authority_n be_v to_o bind_v or_o loose_v and_o to_o remit_v or_o retain_v sin_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n ministerial_o s_o mat._n 16._o 19_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n &_o joh._n 20._o 23._o whosoever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o whosoever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n must_v always_o make_v way_n for_o the_o key_n of_o discipline_n because_o the_o weapon_n of_o righteousness_n must_v first_o lead_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n captive_a and_o convict_v their_o conscience_n t_z before_o they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o revenge_v disobedience_n t_z 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v mighty_a through_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o revenge_v all_o disobedience_n when_o your_o obedience_n be_v fulfil_v &_o luk._n 11._o 52._o you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o office_n &_o employment_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n 1._o that_o christ_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o be_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n be_v evident_a from_o joh._n 10._o 1_o 2._o the_o sheep-fold_n the_o shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n ephes_n 4._o 11._o he_o give_v some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n 2._o that_o to_o these_o officer_n the_o whole_a work_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o ordinary_a administration_n be_v commit_v be_v also_o evident_a from_o ephes_n 4_o 11_o till_o 17._o where_n next_o unto_o the_o extraordinary_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n the_o ordinary_a who_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v rank_v unto_o who_o together_o with_o the_o other_o all_o be_v ascribe_v that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v concern_v the_o church_n therefore_o the_o extraordinary_a officer_n cease_v all_o be_v commit_v unto_o the_o ordinary_a administration_n which_o rest_v upon_o these_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o feed_v the_o flock_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shepherdize_v the_o flock_n 3._o that_o these_o officer_n be_v distinct_a from_o rule_v elder_n and_o that_o rule_v elder_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o their_o employment_n be_v clear_a from_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o especial_o they_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n that_o they_o be_v also_o distinct_a from_o deacon_n and_o that_o these_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v clear_a from_o act._n 6._o 2_o 3_o 4._o it_o be_v not_o reason_n we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n and_o serve_v table_n look_v out_o man_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n but_o we_o will_v give_v ourselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n 4._o that_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v to_o be_v joint_o perform_v do_v appear_v by_o this_o that_o the_o pastor_n according_a to_o god_n heart_n do_v feed_v the_o people_n with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n jer._n 3._o 15._o then_o also_o reproof_n rebuke_n and_o exhortation_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o pastor_n must_v be_v perform_v with_o all_o long_a suffering_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o teacher_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o 5._o that_o the_o special_a gift_n and_o proper_a work_n of_o both_o these_o be_v nevertheless_o distinct_a be_v also_o apparent_a from_o rom._n 12._o 6_o 7_o 8._o have_v gift_n differ_v he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n and_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 8._o to_o one_o be_v give_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o pastoral_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o doctoral_a gift_n 6._o so_o then_o the_o pastoral_n office_n do_v eminent_o contain_v the_o use_n of_o all_o other_o office_n for_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o teacher_n or_o by_o the_o rule_v elder_a or_o the_o deacon_n be_v to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr unto_o this_o care_n and_o in_o case_n these_o officer_n be_v want_v the_o pastor_n be_v to_o do_v all_o by_o himself_o even_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o deacon_n before_o those_o officer_n be_v choose_v act._n 4._o 34_o 35._o they_o lay_v down_o the_o price_n at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o distribution_n be_v make_v and_o when_o all_o these_o do_v their_o duty_n he_o ought_v careful_o to_o concur_v with_o they_o therein_o rom._n 12._o 5._o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n and_o every_o one_o member_n one_o of_o another_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 20._o they_o be_v many_o member_n yet_o but_o one_o body_n vers_fw-la 25._o the_o member_n shall_v have_v the_o
condescend_v one_o to_o another_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o each_o with_o other_o and_o consequent_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o stand_v alone_o in_o the_o profession_n 34._o so_o then_o every_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o ministerial_a charge_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n with_o his_o neighbour_n minister_n chief_o in_o matter_n of_o common_a and_o public_a concernment_n so_o that_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o ask_v the_o question_n which_o the_o spouse_n propose_v unto_o christ_n in_o the_o canticle_n chap._n 1._o 7._o tell_v i_o o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o thou_o feed_v where_o thou_o make_v thy_o flock_n to_o rest_v at_o noon_n and_o then_o to_o follow_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o e_z the_o answer_n e_o cant._n 1._o 8._o go_v thy_o way_n forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o feed_v thy_o kid_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n 35._o by_o which_o mean_v all_o the_o congregation_n of_o professor_n will_v be_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v coordinate_a unto_o each_o other_o as_o company_n of_o horse_n in_o pharaoh_n chariot_n cant._n 1._o 9_o combine_v in_o the_o same_o warfare_n for_o the_o same_o king_n service_n 36._o now_o this_o conjunction_n and_o co-ordination_a of_o church_n by_o the_o brotherly_a combination_n of_o their_o leader_n as_o it_o may_v not_o prejudge_v the_o liberty_n which_o they_o have_v in_o christ_n so_o it_o shall_v oblige_v they_o to_o a_o right_a use_n of_o that_o liberty_n to_o make_v it_o serviceable_a unto_o each_o other_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n 37._o it_o can_v be_v serviceable_a to_o this_o end_n and_o bind_v without_o a_o free_a willing_a mutual_a agreement_n of_o brethren_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o public_a way_n first_o of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o worship_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n second_o of_o government_n for_o the_o good_a of_o believer_n to_o strengthen_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n three_o of_o discipline_n for_o the_o root_n out_o of_o vice_n and_o scandal_n which_o dishonour_v the_o profession_n 38._o to_o make_v this_o agreement_n free_a and_o mutual_a there_o must_v be_v some_o assembly_n and_o conference_n settle_v and_o these_o so_o order_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v carry_v with_o that_o equality_n that_o none_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o think_v himself_o bear_v down_o or_o exclude_v from_o his_o right_n or_o pass_v by_o and_o conclude_v without_o his_o consent_n in_o matter_n which_o do_v concern_v he_o 39_o and_o to_o do_v this_o two_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v determine_v first_o what_o the_o orderly_a constitution_n of_o the_o assembly_n must_v be_v in_o their_o member_n and_o method_n of_o handle_v matter_n by_o way_n of_o conference_n second_o what_o the_o matter_n be_v which_o they_o shall_v meddle_v withal_o and_o what_o the_o thing_n be_v which_o they_o shall_v not_o meddle_v withal_o 40._o in_o all_o which_o beside_o that_o which_o be_v clear_o to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n and_o the_o try_a course_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o prudential_o apply_v unto_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o present_a condition_n wherein_o i_o beseech_v god_n to_o direct_v we_o to_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o peace_n amen_n chap._n v._o concern_v the_o office_n and_o employment_n of_o rule_v elder_n that_o ruling_n a_o elder_n be_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n may_v be_v clear_o gather_v from_o rom._n 12._o 8._o he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n a_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double-honour_n chief_o those_o that_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n &_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o god_n have_v set_v in_o the_o church_n government_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v officer_n distinct_a from_o other_o officer_n be_v also_o plain_a from_o the_o same_o place_n chief_o from_o that_o of_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o and_o from_o rom._n 12._o 4_o 6._o compare_v with_o 8._o for_o in_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o he_o do_v mention_n two_o sort_n of_o elder_n first_o in_o the_o general_a those_o that_o rule_n well_o second_o more_o distinct_o those_o that_o in_o bear_v rule_n labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o in_o rom._n 12._o 4._o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o member_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o all_o of_o they_o the_o same_o office_n then_o v._o 6._o he_o say_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n which_o make_v man_n capable_a of_o office_n be_v different_a and_o then_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o v._o 6._o and_o v._o 7._o &_o 8._o he_o show_v what_o the_o particular_a difference_n of_o office_n be_v among_o which_o he_o reckon_v up_o that_o of_o rule_v from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o ruler_n be_v not_o only_o a_o officer_n but_o a_o different_a officer_n from_o the_o other_o name_v in_o that_o place_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n belong_v to_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v 1._o by_o the_o name_n give_v to_o it_o 2._o by_o the_o thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a 3._o by_o the_o end_n which_o it_o have_v in_o be_v conversant_a thereabouts_o 4._o by_o the_o part_n of_o the_o work_n to_o be_v do_v in_o it_o first_o the_o name_n give_v to_o these_o elder_n be_v ruler_n governor_n overseer_n steward_n the_o name_n of_o ruler_n in_o the_o original_n be_v twofold_a one_o do_v import_v superiority_n another_o action_n the_o first_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o second_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o be_v translate_v ruler_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v proper_o signify_v one_o that_o stand_v over_o other_o in_o authority_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v proper_o signify_v one_o that_o do_v lead_v and_o guide_v other_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o they_o ought_v to_o walk_v the_o name_n of_o governor_n do_v signify_v one_o that_o give_v direction_n and_o address_n whereby_o other_o be_v order_v in_o a_o course_n as_o a_o ship_n by_o he_o that_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n thereof_o the_o name_n of_o overseer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v import_v both_o authority_n and_o action_n by_o the_o inspection_n which_o a_o superior_a do_v take_v of_o one_o that_o be_v under_o his_o charge_n the_o name_n of_o steward_n do_v signify_v one_o that_o be_v to_o see_v the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o his_o master_n house_n observe_v and_o have_v the_o key_n thereof_o commit_v unto_o his_o keep_n 2._o the_o thing_n about_o which_o the_o charge_n be_v conversant_a be_v in_o general_a the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o may_v be_v gain_v thereunto_o which_o be_v the_o spiritual_a b_o house_n and_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n b_o ephes_n 2._o 21_o 22._o it_o viz._n the_o building_n grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n the_o body_n c_o of_o christ_n q_o 1_o cor._n 12._o 27._o now_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_a and_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o d_o world_n d_o joh._n 18._o 36._o my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o can_v the_o officer_n thereof_o claim_v their_o call_n and_o authority_n from_o this_o world_n nor_o ought_v they_o to_o meddle_v in_o their_o charge_n with_o the_o e_z affair_n of_o this_o world_n e_o luk._n 12._o 14._o who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o divider_n over_o you_o if_o christ_n be_v no_o judge_n or_o divider_n in_o worldly_a matter_n then_o none_o of_o his_o officer_n as_o under_o he_o in_o particular_a this_o office_n be_v conversant_a about_o the_o religious_a profession_n and_o life_n of_o those_o that_o belong_v in_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o church_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o or_o out_o of_o office_n three_o the_o end_n wherefore_o the_o elder_n be_v conversant_a about_o these_o thing_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v look_v both_o to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o member_n thereof_o to_o edify_v that_o and_o preserve_v it_o from_o scandal_n and_o to_o make_v these_o fit_a to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o call_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v in_o the_o gospel_n 4._o the_o part_n of_o their_o work_n be_v the_o several_a duty_n whereunto_o they_o be_v oblige_v which_o be_v chief_o these_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n they_o be_v his_o f_o steward_n f_z tit._n 1._o v._n 5._o with_o 7._o thou_o shall_v ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o appoint_v thou_o if_o any_o be_v blameless_a
either_o single_a by_o themselves_o and_o not_o embody_v with_o other_o professor_n or_o stand_v so_o embody_v with_o some_o as_o to_o be_v disjoint_v from_o other_o body_n of_o the_o same_o profession_n 13._o nor_o ought_v any_o church-officer_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o such_o a_o officer_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o officer_n relation_n to_o any_o particular_a body_n as_o to_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v unto_o none_o but_o unto_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n for_o if_o they_o do_v so_o they_o make_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o joint_n in_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o every_o officer_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v and_o they_o hinder_v the_o compact_n of_o the_o whole_a together_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o employment_n ephes_n 4._o 13._o 16._o and_o they_o open_v a_o door_n to_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v that_o it_o may_v seduce_v the_o simple_a and_o plainhearted_a believer_n and_o unsettle_v he_o ephes_n 4._o 14._o rom._n 16._o 18._o 14._o all_o christian_n apply_v themselves_o unto_o a_o particular_a congregation_n of_o the_o three_o head_n how_o believer_n shall_v apply_v themselves_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n congregation_n aught_o to_o come_v thereunto_o free_a willing_o in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n psal_n 110._o 3._o and_o not_o upon_o any_o other_o consideration_n than_o the_o love_n of_o holiness_n psal_n 84._o 15._o if_o any_o that_o be_v eminent_a in_o the_o world_n do_v stand_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o honour_n think_v that_o they_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o place_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v unbeseeming_a to_o they_o to_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o particular_a congregation_n they_o do_v great_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n kingdom_n &_o the_o state_n of_o true_a honour_n for_o none_o be_v true_o excellent_a &_o honourable_a but_o h_z saint_n h_z psal_n 16._o 3._o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o the_o excellent_a in_o who_o be_v all_o my_o delight_n and_o the_o godly_a who_o god_n have_v set_v apart_o for_o himself_o psal_n 4._o 2_o 3._o now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n joh._n 18._o 37._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v entertain_v with_o the_o worldly_a respect_n ay_o of_o person_n ay_o jam._n 2._o 1_o 2._o my_o brethren_n have_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n of_o glory_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n for_o if_o there_o come_v into_o your_o assembly_n a_o man_n with_o a_o gold_n ring_n in_o goodly_a apparel_n and_o there_o come_v in_o also_o a_o poor_a man_n in_o vile_a raiment_n v._o 3._o and_o you_o have_v respect_n to_o he_o that_o wear_v the_o gay_a clothing_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o sit_v thou_o here_o in_o a_o good_a place_n and_o say_v to_o the_o poor_a stand_v thou_o there_o or_o sit_v here_o under_o my_o footstool_n v._o 4._o be_v you_o not_o then_o partial_a in_o yourselves_o and_o become_v judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n because_o the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v either_o whole_o opposite_a k_o unto_o christianity_n and_o do_v lie_v in_o wickedness_n 1_o joh._n 5._o 19_o k_n gal._n 6._o 14._o but_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n &_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 19_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n or_o else_o at_o the_o best_a l_o subordinate_a unto_o it_o l_o &_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 22._o whether_o paul_n or_o apollo_n or_o cephas_n or_o the_o world_n or_o life_n or_o death_n or_o thing_n present_a or_o thing_n to_o come_v all_o be_v you_o and_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v go_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v christ_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o god_n you_o be_v subordinate_a unto_o christ_n the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v subordinate_a to_o your_o use_n in_o reference_n to_o christ_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o any_o in_o the_o world_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o christ_n in_o his_o ordinance_n but_o it_o will_v be_v their_o great_a honour_n to_o exalt_v he_o for_o such_o as_o confess_v he_o before_o man_n he_o will_v confess_v before_o his_o heavenly_a father_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n mat._n 10._o 32._o luk._n 12._o 8._o 16._o nor_o do_v the_o saint_n by_o their_o profession_n of_o be_v separate_a from_o the_o world_n make_v void_a any_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n because_o they_o be_v command_v to_o be_v subject_a unto_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 13._o and_o the_o lord_n of_o glory_n himself_o though_o not_o bind_v do_v submit_v by_o pay_v tribute_n unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o caesar_n mat._n 17._o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o and_o have_v command_v all_o to_o give_v unto_o caesar_n what_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n what_o be_v god_n mat._n 22._o 15._o till_o v._o 22._o now_o to_o caesar_n be_v due_a m_o submission_n and_o n_z honour_n m_o rom._n 13._o 1._o let_v every_o soul_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n &_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 13._o submit_v yourselves_o unto_o the_o king_n as_o supreme_a or_o unto_o governor_n as_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v send_v by_o he_o n_z 1_o pet._n 2._o 17._o honour_n the_o king_n as_o then_o by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n none_o of_o the_o great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n lose_v any_o respect_n due_a unto_o they_o but_o rather_o receive_v a_o increase_n of_o honour_n so_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o refuse_v to_o yield_v unto_o christ_n the_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o and_o his_o kingdom_n for_o by_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o it_o they_o be_v set_v above_o themselves_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o respect_n of_o it_o 17._o every_o one_o then_o that_o will_v be_v call_v a_o christian_a whatsoever_o they_o be_v among_o man_n it_o make_v no_o matter_n god_n accept_v no_o man_n person_n be_v bind_v as_o a_o christian_a to_o offer_v himself_o to_o be_v embody_v into_o a_o congregation_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o ought_v profess_o to_o o_o subject_n himself_o unto_o the_o gospel_n o_o 2_o cor._n 9_o 13._o they_o glorify_v god_n for_o your_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v p_o himself_o over_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n unto_o that_o eldership_n whereunto_o he_o do_v make_v his_o application_n p_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 5._o they_o give_v their_o own_o self_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n &_o act._n 2._o 41_o 42._o there_o be_v add_v viz._n unto_o the_o church_n three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n 18._o such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n unto_o the_o eldership_n therein_o and_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v therein_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v without_o much_o q_o difficulty_n or_o scrupulosity_n q_o rom._n 14._o 1._o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n receive_v you_o but_o not_o to_o doubtful_a disputation_n even_o as_o christ_n r_o receive_v we_o r_o rom._n 15._o 7._o receive_v you_o one_o another_o as_o christ_n also_o receive_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o he_o say_v he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o joh._n 6._o 37._o 19_o now_o concern_v the_o outward_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o admit_v professor_n unto_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o those_o that_o be_v without_o we_o find_v nothing_o distinct_o enjoin_v in_o the_o word_n or_o extant_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o that_o which_o may_v concern_v this_o matter_n be_v conceive_v to_o be_v leave_v free_a unto_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o eldership_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v it_o most_o fit_a for_o the_o edification_n and_o capacity_n of_o those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v and_o herein_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o respect_n of_o circumstantial_o be_v find_v to_o be_v different_a yet_o in_o the_o main_a their_o agreement_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o every_o one_o who_o for_o the_o first_o time_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o conversation_n although_o from_o his_o infancy_n he_o have_v be_v bear_v baptize_v and_o breed_v in_o the_o