send_v out_o and_o be_v refer_v unto_o the_o same_o series_n of_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v in_o pursuit_n and_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o they_o cast_v out_o many_o devil_n and_o anoint_v with_o oil_n many_o that_o be_v sick_a and_o heal_v they_o and_o by_o what_o be_v there_o record_v the_o subsequent_a mention_n of_o it_o james_z 5.14_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v but_o now_o unto_o a_o real_a evangelical_a institution_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v require_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o command_n of_o christ_n manifest_v by_o his_o word_n or_o example_n propose_v unto_o our_o imitation_n matth._n 28.20_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v give_v and_o enjoin_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o the_o limitation_n of_o its_o administration_n express_v in_o the_o word_n 1_o cor._n 11.25_o 3._o that_o unto_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o it_o gospel_n grace_n be_v require_v in_o they_o that_o attend_v unto_o it_o 4._o that_o it_o teach_v or_o represent_v or_o seal_v or_o improve_v some_o grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o acceptation_n annex_v unto_o it_o and_o whatever_o be_v thus_o appoint_v the_o church_n be_v indispensable_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n quest._n 14._o may_v not_o the_o church_n find_v out_o and_o appoint_v to_o be_v observe_v such_o religious_a rite_n as_o be_v adjoin_v unto_o the_o celebration_n of_o god_n institute_v worship_n may_v far_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o worshipper_n and_o render_v the_o worship_n itself_o in_o its_o performance_n more_o decent_a beautiful_a and_o orderly_a as_o the_o appoint_v of_o image_n and_o the_o like_a answ._n all_o acceptable_a devotion_n in_o they_o that_o worship_n god_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o faith_n which_o respect_v the_o precept_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o the_o comeliness_n and_o beauty_n of_o gospel_n worship_n consist_v in_o its_o relation_n unto_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o merciful_a high-priest_n over_o his_o house_n with_o the_o glorious_a administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n therein_o the_o order_n also_o of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o due_a and_o regular_a observation_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o therefore_o all_o such_o invention_n be_v in_o themselves_o needless_a and_o useless_a and_o because_o forbid_a unlawful_a to_o be_v observe_v rom._n 1.21_o chap._n 14.23_o heb._n 4.2_o chap._n 11.6_o deut._n 13.4_o chap._n 27.10_o chap._n 30.2.8_o 20._o chap._n 11.27_o matth._n 27.5_o isa._n 29.13_o heb._n 11.4_o 6._o ephes._n 2.18_o 2_o cor._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o heb._n 10.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o john_n 4.21_o 23._o 1_o cor._n 14.20_o matth._n 28.20_o exod._n 20.4_o deut._n 4.2_o matth._n 15.13_o isa._n 29.13_o deut._n 12.32_o chap._n 17.3_o explication_n three_o thing_n be_v usual_o plead_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o observance_n of_o such_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 1._o that_o they_o tend_v unto_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o worshipper_n 2._o that_o they_o render_v the_o worship_n itself_o comely_a and_o beautiful_a 3._o that_o they_o be_v the_o great_a preserver_n of_o order_n in_o the_o celebration_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o on_o these_o account_n they_o may_v be_v institute_v or_o appoint_v by_o some_o and_o observe_v by_o all_o but_o thing_n be_v indeed_o quite_o otherwise_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n john_n 4.24_o and_o no_o devotion_n be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o but_o what_o proceed_v from_o and_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o faith_n for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n heb._n 11.6_o and_o faith_n in_o all_o thing_n respect_v the_o command_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o say_v he_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o who_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n matth._n 15.9_o and_o he_o reject_v all_o that_o honour_n which_o be_v give_v he_o by_o those_o who_o fear_n towards_o he_o or_o worship_n of_o he_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n isa._n 29.13_o these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o divine_a authority_n they_o can_v no_o way_n far_o or_o promote_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o worshipper_n what_o natural_a or_o carnal_a affection_n may_v be_v excite_v by_o they_o as_o man_n may_v inflame_v themselves_o with_o idol_n isa._n 57.5_o or_o what_o outward_a outside_n devotion_n they_o may_v direct_v unto_o or_o excite_v be_v uncertain_a but_o that_o they_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o stir_v up_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n or_o of_o the_o increase_n or_o strengthen_v of_o their_o faith_n which_o thing_n alone_a god_n accept_v in_o gospel_n worship_n see_v they_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o he_o for_o any_o such_o purpose_n be_v most_o certain_a for_o to_o say_v that_o any_o thing_n will_v effectual_o stir_v up_o devotion_n that_o be_v excite_v strengthen_v or_o increase_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n towards_o god_n that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o own_o appointment_n be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o reflect_v on_o his_o wisdom_n and_o care_n towards_o his_o church_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v want_v towards_o it_o in_o thing_n so_o necessary_a which_o he_o declare_v against_o isa._n 5.4_o what_o say_v he_o can_v have_v be_v do_v more_o to_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v in_o it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o it_o extol_v the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n above_o what_o be_v meet_v to_o ascribe_v unto_o it_o shall_v man_n find_v out_o that_o which_o god_n will_v not_o or_o can_v not_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o yea_o and_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o attendance_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o effect_n must_v needs_o divert_v the_o mind_n from_o those_o proper_a spiritual_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v its_o duty_n to_o attend_v unto_o and_o this_o be_v evident_o see_v in_o they_o who_o indulge_v to_o themselves_o in_o their_o observation_n in_o multiply_a instance_n as_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v change_v the_o whole_a spiritual_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n into_o a_o theatrical_a pompous_a show_n of_o carnal_a devotion_n second_o the_o comelyness_n and_o beauty_n of_o gospel_n worship_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o depend_v upon_o they_o nor_o their_o observation_n the_o apostle_n do_v in_o sundry_a place_n express_o compare_v the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o the_o gosple_n with_o that_o of_o the_o law_n while_o the_o church_n have_v a_o worldly_a sanctuary_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n heb._n 9.1_o and_o although_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v for_o the_o glory_n and_o ornament_n of_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o the_o splendour_n of_o their_o observation_n far_o exceed_v and_o excel_v that_o worship_n which_o god_n command_v now_o as_o suitable_a unto_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o do_v the_o apostle_n prefer_v this_o for_o glory_n comelyness_n and_o beauty_n unspeakable_o above_o the_o other_o which_o manifest_v that_o these_o thing_n can_v have_v no_o respect_n unto_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n wherein_o the_o chief_a admirer_n of_o they_o can_v no_o way_n vie_v for_o glory_n with_o the_o old_a worship_n of_o the_o temple_n so_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 3.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o if_o the_o ministration_n of_o death_n write_v and_o engrave_v in_o stone_n be_v glorious_a so_o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n can_v not_o steadfast_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o moses_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o countenance_n which_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v do_v away_o how_o shall_v not_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v rather_o glorious_a for_o if_o the_o ministration_n of_o condemnation_n be_v glory_n much_o more_o do_v the_o ministration_n of_o righteousness_n exceed_v in_o glory_n for_o even_o that_o which_o be_v make_v glorious_a have_v no_o glory_n in_o this_o respect_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o excel_v for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v do_v away_o be_v glorious_a much_o more_o that_o which_o remain_v be_v glorious_a he_o compare_v the_o two_o ministration_n and_o the_o several_a worship_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n prefer_v this_o unspeakable_o above_o the_o other_o sufficient_o manifest_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o any_o pompous_a observance_n of_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o declare_v that_o indeed_o it_o do_v consist_v in_o its_o relation_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o the_o liberty_n and_o boldness_n of_o the_o worshipper_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a place_n unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n under_o the_o ministry_n of_o their_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a highpriest_n be_v enable_v thereunto_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n and_o supplication_n
in_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v as_o when_o a_o office_n with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o invest_v any_o man_n in_o that_o office_n or_o to_o give_v he_o that_o power_n than_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n prescribe_v in_o the_o law_n to_o that_o end_n the_o way_n then_o whereby_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n do_v come_v to_o participate_v of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n be_v by_o their_o and_o the_o church_n due_a observance_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n give_v by_o he_o for_o their_o election_n and_o set_v apart_o unto_o that_o office_n heb._n 4.3_o act_n 14.24_o five_o on_o this_o account_n they_o receive_v their_o power_n from_o christ_n himself_o alone_o and_o that_o immediate_o for_o the_o mean_v use_v for_o their_o participation_n of_o it_o be_v not_o recipient_a of_o the_o power_n itself_o formal_o nor_o do_v authoritative_o collate_v or_o confer_v it_o only_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v execute_v in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v make_v overseer_n by_o the_o holy-ghost_n act_v 20.28_o though_o they_o have_v their_o power_n by_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o have_v it_o not_o from_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v that_o power_n whereof_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n as_o be_v say_v formal_o resident_a in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n before_o their_o participation_n of_o it_o but_o real_o in_o christ_n himself_o alone_o and_o moral_o in_o his_o word_n or_o law_n and_o thence_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o six_o this_o authority_n and_o power_n thus_o receive_v from_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o they_o exert_v and_o put_v forth_o in_o all_o their_o ministerial_a administration_n in_o all_o which_o they_o do_v as_o minister_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n either_o in_o his_o worship_n or_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o they_o exercise_v that_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o law_n appoint_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n and_o from_o that_o authority_n be_v due_a order_n give_v unto_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o a_o obligation_n unto_o obedience_n to_o act_n of_o rule_n do_v thence_o also_o ensue_v so_o that_o they_o which_o despise_v they_o despise_v the_o authority_n of_o christ._n seven_o when_o as_o elder_n they_o do_v or_o declare_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o as_o such_o put_v forth_o any_o authority_n commit_v unto_o they_o from_o and_o by_o the_o church_n but_o only_o declare_v the_o consent_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n but_o the_o authority_n which_o they_o act_n by_o and_o which_o they_o put_v forth_o be_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o themselves_o as_o such_o by_o jesus_n christ._n eight_o this_o authority_n be_v comprise_v in_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ_n which_o themselves_o exert_v only_o ministerial_o and_o therefore_o when_o ever_o they_o act_v any_o thing_n authoritative_o which_o they_o be_v not_o enable_v for_o or_o warrant_v in_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o or_o contrary_a unto_o rule_n all_o such_o act_n as_o to_o any_o spiritual_a effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o obligation_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la null_a and_o be_v no_o way_n ratify_v in_o heaven_n where_o all_o their_o orderly_a act_n be_v make_v valid_a that_o be_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n nine_o the_o reason_n therefore_o why_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o elder_n therein_o be_v not_o because_o from_o thence_o any_o authority_n do_v accrue_v unto_o they_o anew_o which_o virtual_o and_o radical_o they_o have_v not_o before_o but_o because_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v require_v to_o the_o orderly_a act_n of_o their_o power_n which_o without_o it_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o rule_v and_o therefore_o ineffectual_a as_o also_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o no_o act_n can_v take_v place_n in_o the_o church_n without_o or_o against_o its_o own_o consent_n while_o its_o obedience_n be_v voluntary_a and_o of_o choice_n but_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o then_o shall_v the_o elder_n do_v in_o case_n the_o church_n refuse_v to_o consent_v unto_o such_o act_n as_o be_v indeed_o according_a to_o rule_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o they_o be_v first_o diligent_o to_o instruct_v they_o from_o the_o word_n in_o their_o duty_n make_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o matter_n under_o consideration_n 2_o to_o declare_v unto_o they_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o dissent_n in_o obstruct_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a disadvantage_n 3_o to_o wait_v patient_o for_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o their_o ministry_n in_o give_v light_n and_o obedience_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o 4_o in_o case_n of_o the_o church_n continuance_n in_o any_o failure_n of_o duty_n to_o seek_v for_o advice_n and_o counsel_n from_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n all_o which_o particular_n may_v be_v enlarge_v will_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_a design_n and_o work_n permit_v it_o quest._n 29._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o their_o elder_n pastor_n or_o teacher_n answ._n 1_o to_o have_v they_o in_o reverence_n and_o honour_n for_o their_o office_n and_o work_n sake_n 2_o to_o obey_v they_o conscientious_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o speak_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o to_o pray_v earnest_o for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v and_o to_o exhort_v they_o if_o need_v require_v to_o fulfil_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 4_o to_o communicate_v unto_o they_o of_o their_o temporal_n for_o their_o comfortable_a subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n unto_o other_o 5_o wise_o to_o order_n thing_n by_o their_o direction_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v among_o they_o without_o fear_n 6_o to_o abide_v with_o and_o stand_v by_o they_o in_o their_o suffering_n for_o the_o gospel_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o 1_o 1_o thes._n §_o 12_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 2_o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o cor._n 16.16_o 3_o ephes._n 6.18_o 19_o colos._n 4.3_o 2_o thes._n 3.1_o colos._n 4.17_o 4_o gal._n 6.6_o 1_o cor._n 9.14_o 5_o 1_o cor._n 16.10_o 6_o 2_o tim._n 1.16_o 17_o 18._o 2_o tim._n 4.16_o quest._n 30._o be_v there_o any_o difference_n in_o the_o office_n or_o office_n of_o the_o guide_n ruler_n elder_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o office_n of_o they_o that_o be_v teacher_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o among_o they_o all_o but_o where_o there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o same_o church_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v peculiar_o assign_v unto_o such_o especial_a work_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n power_n as_o their_o gift_n receive_v from_o he_o do_v peculiar_o fit_v they_o for_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v rom._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 1_o cor._n 8.11_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o chap._n 5.2_o explication_n the_o office_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o and_o there_o be_v many_o name_n that_o be_v equal_o accommodate_v unto_o all_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o as_o elder_n bishop_n guide_n they_o be_v all_o alike_o elder_n alike_o bishop_n alike_o guide_v have_v the_o one_o office_n in_o common_a among_o they_o and_o every_o one_o the_o whole_a entire_a unto_o himself_o but_o there_o be_v name_n also_o give_v unto_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v not_o as_o to_o office_n but_o as_o to_o their_o work_n and_o employment_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n such_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes._n 4.11_o which_o be_v place_v as_o distinct_a person_n in_o their_o work_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o office_n now_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o difference_n lie_v first_o in_o the_o different_a gift_n that_o they_o have_v
the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o censure_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o that_o be_v ordinary_o after_o the_o admonition_n before_o describe_v and_o that_o with_o due_a wait_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o consideration_n of_o time_n person_n temptation_n and_o other_o circumstance_n for_o 1._o the_o church_n in_o proceed_v to_o this_o sentence_n be_v to_o express_v the_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v of_o christ_n towards_o offender_n and_o not_o to_o put_v it_o forth_o without_o conviction_n of_o a_o present_a resolve_v impenitency_n 2._o the_o event_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o precede_a ordinance_n of_o admonition_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v which_o though_o not_o at_o present_a evident_a yet_o like_o the_o word_n itself_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o may_v be_v bless_v to_o a_o good_a issue_n after_o many_o day_n six_o the_o person_n offend_v thus_o cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o present_a actual_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v still_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o account_v as_o a_o brother_n because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o his_o amendment_n and_o recovery_n 2_o thes._n 3.15_o count_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n unless_o he_o manifest_v his_o final_a impenitency_n by_o blasphemy_n and_o persecution_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o who_o i_o have_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v seven_o the_o church_n be_v therefore_o still_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o care_n towards_o such_o person_n 1._o in_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n james_z 5.19_o 20._o 1_o john_n 5.16_o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o they_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n 2._o in_o withdraw_v from_o they_o even_o as_o to_o ordinary_a converse_n for_o their_o conviction_n of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 2_o thes._n 3.14_o with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v 3._o in_o admonish_v of_o he_o 2_o cor._n 3.15_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n which_o may_v be_v do_v 1_o occasional_o by_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o on_o set_a purpose_n by_o the_o consent_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o admonition_n be_v to_o contain_v 1._o a_o press_v of_o his_o sin_n from_o the_o rule_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o offender_n 2._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o censure_n and_o punishment_n which_o he_o lie_v under_o 3._o a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o his_o impenitency_n in_o his_o being_n either_o harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o expose_v unto_o new_a temptation_n of_o satan_n eight_o in_o case_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v please_v to_o give_v a_o bless_a effect_n unto_o this_o ordinance_n in_o the_o repentance_n of_o the_o person_n cut_v of_o and_o cast_v out_o off_o the_o church_n he_o be_v first_o to_o be_v forgive_v both_o by_o those_o who_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o by_o he_o and_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n matth._n 18.18_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o second_o to_o be_v comfort_v under_o his_o sorrow_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o and_o that_o by_o 1_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o his_o conscience_n 2_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o readiness_n of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v he_o again_o into_o their_o love_n and_o communion_n four_o restore_v 1_o by_o a_o confirmation_n or_o testification_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 2.8_o 2_o a_o readmission_n unto_o the_o exercise_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o former_a privilege_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n all_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n gal._n 6.1_o quest._n 47._o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o purity_n order_n and_o holiness_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o what_o way_n be_v it_o to_o be_v continue_v and_o increase_v answ._n the_o way_n appoint_v thereunto_o be_v by_o add_v such_o as_o be_v effectual_o call_v unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n shall_v voluntary_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n thereof_o act_v 2.41_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o explication_n the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n be_v either_o preparitory_n unto_o it_o or_o instrumental_o efficient_a of_o it_o the_o principal_a mean_n subservient_fw-fr or_o preparitory_n unto_o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o conviction_n illumination_n and_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v make_v meet_a to_o become_v live_v stone_n in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n and_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o be_v do_v either_o ordinary_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o such_o as_o come_v in_o unto_o they_o and_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n dispense_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o if_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o he_o he_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_v god_n or_o occasional_o among_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n act_v 8.4_o second_o the_o instrumental_o efficient_a cause_n be_v that_o which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o answer_n namely_o the_o add_v in_o due_a order_n unto_o it_o such_o as_o be_v effectual_o call_v unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v voluntary_o out_o of_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o subjection_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n thereof_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v lay_v in_o this_o spiritual_a build_n as_o the_o stone_n be_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o old_a which_o be_v hew_v and_o fit_v elsewhere_o qu._n 48_o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n an._n 1_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o blame_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o world_n 2_o that_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o save_a truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3_o sound_v in_o the_o faith_n 4_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v they_o unto_o faith_n repentance_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n by_o jesus_n christ_n they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o and_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o 5_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a through_o his_o grace_n to_o walk_v in_o subjection_n to_o all_o his_o command_n and_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n notwithstanding_o any_o difficulty_n opposition_n or_o persecution_n which_o they_o meet_v withal_o 1_o 1_o phil._n 10._o chap._n 2.15_o 1_o cor._n 10.32_o 1_o thess._n 2.11_o 12._o tit._n 2.10_o 2_o john_n 6.15_o act_n 26.18_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o 2_o cor._n 4.3_o 4_o 6._o 3_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o 2_o tim._n 4.3_o 4._o tiâ—_n 1.13_o judas_n 3_o 4_o ephe._n 4.20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o 5_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o qu._n 49._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o person_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n an._n 1_o to_o discern_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n apply_v in_o love_n between_o sincere_a professor_n and_o hypocritical_a pretender_n 2_o to_o instruct_v direct_v comfort_n and_o encourage_v in_o the_o way_n such_o as_o they_o judge_v to_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n 3_o to_o propose_v and_o recommend_v they_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n for_o they_o 4_o to_o admit_v they_o be_v approve_v into_o the_o order_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o church_n act_n 8.20_o 23._o tit._n 1.10_o rev._n 2.2_o jer._n 15.19_o acts._n 18.26_o 1_o thess._n 2.7_o 8_o 11._o acts._n 9.29_o 27._o rom._n 14.1_o qu._n 50_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o reference_n unto_o such_o person_n an._n to_o consider_v they_o in_o love_n and_o meekness_n according_a as_o their_o condition_n be_v know_v report_v or_o testify_v unto_o they_o to_o approve_v of_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o to_o receive_v they_o in_o love_n without_o dissimulaton_n 1_o cor._n 13._o explication_n what_o in_o general_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o fit_n of_o any_o person_n
to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v before_o declare_v and_o that_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v make_v the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n namely_o of_o be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.33_o this_o work_n be_v secret_a hide_a and_o invisible_a the_o church_n can_v judge_v of_o direct_o and_o in_o its_o own_o form_n or_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o mean_n effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v testify_v unto_o it_o concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o its_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n it_o be_v require_v therefore_o of_o they_o first_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o conversation_n free_a from_o blame_n in_o the_o world_n for_o whereas_o one_o end_n of_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n be_v to_o hold_v forth_o and_o express_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o turn_v man_n from_o all_o ungodliness_n unto_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o honesty_n it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o they_o that_o they_o answer_v this_o end_n and_o this_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o that_o believe_v will_v effect_v and_o produce_v for_o although_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v attain_v a_o unblameable_a honesty_n in_o this_o world_n be_v inward_o quicken_v with_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o save_a grace_n yet_o it_o do_v that_o they_o who_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o principle_n will_v be_v so_o unblameable_a and_o although_o they_o may_v on_o other_o account_n be_v evil_a speak_v of_o yet_o their_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n will_v justify_v itself_o second_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v another_o mean_n whereby_o the_o great_a qualification_n inquire_v after_o be_v testify_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o as_o without_o this_o no_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v profitable_o make_v use_n of_o nor_o any_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v so_o save_v light_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o conversion_n and_o do_v inseparable_o accompany_v it_o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n where_o this_o be_v want_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o person_n to_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o blindness_n darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o all_o man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n such_o a_o measure_n then_o of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o apprehend_v aright_o of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o mediation_n the_o benefit_n thereof_o and_o the_o obedience_n that_o he_o require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o disciple_n be_v expect_v in_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n three_o hereunto_o be_v to_o be_v add_v soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o love_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n thereof_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v towards_o the_o church_n call_v therefore_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n one_o faith_n ephes._n 4.5_o the_o common_a faith_n the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o which_o be_v the_o sound_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 1.10_o which_o those_o that_o will_v not_o endure_v must_v be_v turn_v from_o 2_o tim._n 4.3_o the_o faithful_a word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v fast_o tit._n 1.9_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o and_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v sound_a in_o tit._n 1.13_o contain_a in_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n as_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o this_o soundness_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v improve_v unto_o oneness_n of_o mind_n and_o oneness_n of_o accord_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n phil._n 2.2_o though_o it_o may_v admit_v of_o some_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o some_o may_v have_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n than_o other_o which_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o all_o may_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n phil._n 3.15_o 16._o so_o it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o and_o by_o the_o faith_n whereof_o the_o church_n hold_v on_o the_o head_n jesus_n christ_n coloss._n 2.19_o and_o in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o gospel_n worship_n the_o joint_a celebration_n whereof_o be_v the_o next_o end_n of_o the_o gather_v the_o church_n for_o without_o a_o consent_n of_o mind_n and_o accord_v herein_o no_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v unto_o edification_n nor_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o these_o principle_n be_v those_o which_o we_o have_v explain_v four_o it_o be_v require_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v testify_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o they_o and_o their_o resolution_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o live_v in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o he_o they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n as_o disciple_n of_o christ_n profess_v that_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n which_o what_o it_o infer_v the_o apostle_n teach_v at_o large_a ephes._n 4.20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o see_v also_o act_v 11.23_o act_n 8.21_o 22_o 23._o and_o this_o by_o themselves_o to_o be_v testify_v unto_o the_o church_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n as_o real_a partaker_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n hope_n and_o salvation_n with_o themselves_o as_o live_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ._n second_o that_o on_o all_o ensue_a occasion_n they_o may_v be_v mind_v of_o their_o own_o profession_n and_o engagement_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o thereby_o unto_o faithfulness_n steadfastness_n and_o perseverance_n hereupon_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o judge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o meekness_n concern_v their_o condition_n and_o meetness_n to_o be_v lay_v as_o live_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v 1._o reject_v false_a hypocritical_a pretender_n if_o in_o or_o by_o any_o mean_v their_o hypocrisy_n be_v discover_v unto_o they_o act_n 8.20_o 23._o titus_n 1.10_o jer._n 15.19_o 2._o that_o they_o may_v direct_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o way_n such_o as_o appear_v to_o be_v sincere_a instruct_v they_o principal_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n whereinto_o they_o be_v engage_v the_o duty_n danger_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o act_n 18.26_o act._n 14.22_o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23._o 3._o to_o propose_v they_o their_o condition_n their_o desire_n their_o resolution_n unto_o the_o church_n after_o their_o own_o expression_n of_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o in_o love_n and_o meekness_n act_v 9.26_o 27._o whereupon_o those_o that_o be_v approve_v do_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o abide_v in_o the_o fellowship_n thereof_o whereunto_o they_o be_v admit_v act_v 2.41_o 42._o quest._n 51._o wherein_o do_v the_o especial_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n whereby_o it_o become_v such_o and_o be_v distinguish_v as_o such_o from_o all_o other_o consist_v answ._n in_o the_o special_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n numerical_o hence_o its_o constitution_n and_o distinction_n from_o other_o church_n do_v proceed_v exod._n 19.5_o 8._o chap._n 24.3_o 7._o deut._n 26.17_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o act_n 14.23_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 13.17_o explication_n it_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v what_o especial_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o a_o due_a subjection_n unto_o and_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ._n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v it_o its_o special_a form_n and_o distinction_n from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o a_o church_n all_o church_n do_v agree_v and_o equal_o partake_v there_o be_v the_o same_o law_n of_o the_o constitution_n
of_o they_o all_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o obedience_n all_o the_o same_o head_n the_o same_o end_n all_o carry_v it_o on_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n in_o kind_n now_o beside_o these_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n in_o general_n and_o wherein_o they_o all_o equal_o participate_v they_o must_v also_o have_v each_o one_o its_o proper_a difference_n that_o which_o do_v distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o church_n and_o this_o give_v it_o its_o special_a form_n as_o such_o now_o this_o can_v consist_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v accidental_a occasional_a or_o extrinsical_a unto_o it_o such_o as_o be_v cohabitation_n which_o yet_o the_o church_n may_v have_v respect_n unto_o for_o conveniency_n and_o farther_v of_o its_o edification_n nor_o in_o any_o civil_a or_o political_a disposal_n of_o its_o member_n into_o civil_a society_n for_o civil_a end_n which_o be_v extrinsical_a to_o all_o its_o concernment_n as_o a_o church_n nor_o do_v it_o consist_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o its_o present_a officer_n which_o may_v be_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o without_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o form_n or_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o consist_v as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o agreement_n or_o covenant_n before_o mention_v for_o first_o this_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v 〈◊〉_d a_o distinct_a body_n different_z from_o other_o for_o thereby_o and_o no_o otherwise_o do_v they_o coalesce_v into_o a_o society_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n second_o this_o give_v they_o their_o especial_a relation_n unto_o their_o own_o elder_n ruler_n or_o guide_n who_o watch_v over_o they_o as_o so_o associate_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n according_a unto_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n and_o three_o from_o hence_o they_o have_v their_o mutual_a especial_a relation_n unto_o one_o another_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o especial_a exercise_n of_o all_o church_n duty_n whatsoever_o quest._n 52._o wherein_o consist_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n towards_o other_o church_n answ._n 1_o in_o walk_v circumspect_o so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o no_o offence_n 2_o in_o prayer_n for_o their_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n 3_o in_o communicate_v supply_n to_o their_o want_n according_a to_o ability_n 4_o in_o receive_v with_o love_n and_o readiness_n the_o member_n of_o they_o into_o fellowship_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v 5_o in_o desire_v and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o counsel_n and_o advice_n in_o such_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n as_o may_v arise_v among_o they_o 6_o in_o join_v with_o they_o to_o express_v their_o communion_n in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n 1_o 1_o cor._n 10.32_o 2_o psalm_n 122.6_o ephes._n 6.18_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 3_o 2_o cor._n 8.4_o 6._o act_n 11.29_o 30._o rom._n 15.26_o 27._o 4_o rom._n 16.1_o 2.3_o ep._n joh._n 8_o 9_o 5_o act_n 15.2_o 6_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o explication_n church_n be_v gather_v and_o settle_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o preserve_v a_o mutual_a holy_a communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o to_o exercise_v it_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n whereby_o their_o mutual_a good_a and_o edification_n may_v be_v promote_v for_o whereas_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a under_o one_o head_n the_o lord_n christ_n ephes._n 1.22_o 23._o in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o order_n ephes._n 4.5_o and_o do_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o stand_v in_o such_o a_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o as_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o communion_n speak_v of_o now_o the_o principal_a way_n whereby_o they_o exercise_v this_o communion_n be_v the_o act_n and_o duty_n enumerate_v in_o the_o answer_n unto_o this_o question_n as_o first_o careful_a walk_v so_o as_o to_o give_v no_o offence_n unto_o one_o another_o which_o although_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n in_o reference_n unto_o all_o yet_o therein_o especial_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n grieve_v or_o tempt_v 1_o cor._n 10.32_o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n second_o in_o constant_a prayer_n for_o the_o peace_n welfare_n edification_n and_o prosperity_n one_o of_o another_o rom._n 1.9_o colos._n 1.9_o ephes._n 6.18_o and_o this_o because_o of_o the_o special_a concernment_n of_o the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o welfare_n three_o in_o communicate_v of_o supply_n for_o their_o relief_n according_a unto_o their_o ability_n in_o case_n of_o the_o outward_a want_n strait_n danger_n or_o necessity_n of_o any_o of_o they_o act_v 11.29_o 30._o rom._n 15.26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 8.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 6_o 14._o four_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o church_n ordinance_n be_v another_o way_n whereby_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v exercise_v rom._n 16.1_o 2.3_o ep._n joh._n 8.9_o for_o whereas_o the_o personal_a right_n of_o such_o person_n unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o orderly_a walk_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n they_o may_v without_o far_a enquiry_n or_o satisfaction_n give_v be_v look_v on_o pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o desire_v fellowship_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n five_o in_o desire_v or_o make_v use_n of_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n whether_o doctrinal_a or_o practical_a as_o may_v arise_v in_o any_o of_o they_o act._n 15.2_o 6._o and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n any_o church_n either_o by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o precipitation_n or_o mistake_v in_o other_o administration_n do_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o church_n those_o other_o church_n may_v require_v a_o account_n from_o they_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o in_o case_n they_o persist_v in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o because_o in_o their_o difficulty_n and_o before_o their_o miscarriage_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v desire_v the_o advice_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n of_o those_o other_o church_n which_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o the_o other_o be_v to_o recover_v the_o end_n of_o it_o unto_o their_o utmost_a ability_n gal._n 2.6.11_o and_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o that_o be_v right_o and_o just_o censure_v in_o any_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o church_n whatever_o both_o because_o of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n and_o because_o it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v presume_v until_o the_o contrary_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o in_o case_n there_o have_v be_v any_o difficulty_n or_o doubt_v in_o the_o proceedure_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v have_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o those_o church_n with_o who_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o consult_v last_o whereas_o the_o church_n have_v all_o of_o they_o one_o common_a faith_n and_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o hold_v forth_o and_o declare_v it_o to_o all_o man_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o to_o testify_v this_o their_o mutual_a communion_n their_o interest_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o the_o more_o open_a declaration_n and_o proposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o for_o the_o vindication_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o themselves_o from_o false_a charge_n and_o imputation_n they_o may_v and_o if_o god_n give_v opportunity_n aught_o to_o join_v together_o in_o declare_v and_o testify_v their_o joint_a consent_n and_o fellowship_n in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n express_v in_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n quest._n 53._o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o dispensation_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n the_o fartherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o edification_n and_o consolation_n of_o believer_n here_o with_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n hereafter_o rev._n 4.9_o 10_o 11._o chap._n 5.12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 3_o 22.23_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o finis_fw-la
therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy-ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o colos._n 4.17_o and_o say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n wherein_o they_o minister_v which_o christ_n appoint_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o manifest_v to_o be_v his_o own_o institution_n and_o appointment_n and_o this_o be_v full_o declare_v rev._n chap._n 2.3_o where_o all_o the_o deal_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o angel_n or_o minister_n be_v about_o their_o behaviour_n and_o deportment_n among_o his_o candlestick_n each_o of_o they_o the_o candlestick_n whereunto_o he_o be_v relate_v or_o the_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o have_v care_n of_o and_o preside_v in_o the_o candlestick_n be_v no_o less_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o angel_n and_o they_o be_v distinct_a particular_a church_n which_o have_v their_o distinct_a particular_a officer_n who_o he_o treat_v distinct_o withal_o about_o his_o institution_n and_o worship_n especial_o about_o that_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o and_o their_o constitution_n according_a to_o his_o mind_n second_o there_o be_v no_o instruction_n exhortation_n or_o reproof_n give_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o ascension_n in_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o as_o they_o be_v collect_v into_o and_o be_v member_n of_o such_o particular_a church_n this_o will_v be_v evidence_v in_o the_o many_o instance_n of_o those_o duty_n that_o shall_v afterward_o be_v insist_v on_o and_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o leave_v that_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n choice_n or_o conveniency_n which_o he_o have_v make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n whereby_o his_o disciple_n yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n to_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n six_o the_o principal_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v express_o direct_v unto_o such_o church_n and_o all_o of_o they_o intentional_o 1_o cor._n 1.1_o 2_o cor._n 1.1_o gal._n 1.2_o phil._n 1.1_o colos._n 1.2_o chap._n 4.16_o 1_o thes._n 1.1_o 2_o thes._n 1.1_o ephes._n 1.1_o compare_v with_o act_n 20.17_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o or_o unto_o particular_a person_n give_v direction_n for_o their_o behaviour_n and_o duty_n in_o such_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o tit._n 1.5_o so_o that_o the_o great_a care_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v about_o these_o church_n as_o the_o principal_a institution_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o whereon_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o all_o his_o other_o command_n do_v depend_v of_o what_o nature_n or_o sort_n these_o church_n be_v shall_v be_v afterward_o evince_v we_o here_o only_o manifest_v their_o institution_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n seven_o much_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o those_o epistle_n direct_v to_o those_o church_n consist_v in_o rule_n precept_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o in_o purity_n and_o order_n with_o their_o continuance_n in_o a_o condition_n of_o due_a obedience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ._n to_o this_o end_n do_v they_o so_o full_o and_o large_o acquaint_v the_o ruler_n and_o member_n of_o they_o with_o their_o mutual_a duty_n in_o that_o especial_a relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o each_o other_o as_o also_o of_o all_o person_n in_o particular_a in_o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o membership_n in_o any_o particular_a society_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o sundry_a of_o paul_n epistle_n and_o to_o give_v more_o strength_n hereunto_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o revelation_n that_o he_o make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v personal_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n insist_v principal_o about_o the_o condition_n order_n and_o preservation_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n not_o belong_v to_o they_o or_o join_v with_o they_o these_o he_o warn_v reprove_v instruct_v threaten_v command_n all_o in_o order_n unto_o their_o walk_n before_o he_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o particular_a church_n rev._n 2._o and_o 3._o at_o large_a beside_o as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o to_o be_v the_o â—eat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n have_v grant_v the_o right_n of_o they_o unto_o they_o alone_o 1_o tim._n 3_o 1â—_n entrust_v they_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o this_o world_n he_o have_v also_o appoint_v the_o most_o holy_a institution_n of_o his_o supper_n to_o denote_v and_o express_v thâ—â—_n union_n and_o communion_n which_o the_o member_n of_o each_o of_o these_o church_n have_v by_o his_o ordinance_n among_o themseule_n 1_o cor._n 10.17_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n and_o also_o he_o give_v out_o unto_o they_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o make_v every_o one_o of_o they_o meet_v for_o and_o useful_a in_o that_o place_n which_o he_o hold_v in_o such_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v at_o large_a 1_o cor._n 12.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o verse_n colos._n 2.19_o eph._n 4.16_o it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o his_o disciple_n no_o communication_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v promise_v to_o they_o no_o especial_a duty_n be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o church_n of_o his_o institution_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n four_o thing_n be_v declare_v tend_v to_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o churches_n 1._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o they_o or_o the_o person_n whereof_o such_o a_o church_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o consist_v 2._o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o condition_n capable_a of_o such_o a_o estate_n or_o qualify_v for_o it_o 3._o the_o general_a end_n of_o their_o call_n 4._o the_o especial_a mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v constitute_v a_o church_n which_o last_o will_v be_v speak_v unto_o in_o the_o next_o question_n for_o the_o first_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v in_o this_o state_n man_n be_v not_o subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n nor_o meet_v to_o become_v member_n of_o his_o church_n out_o of_o this_o condition_n they_o can_v deliver_v themselves_o they_o have_v neither_o will_n unto_o it_o nor_o power_n for_o it_o but_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o it_o this_o calling_n be_v that_o which_o effectual_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o translate_v they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o work_n or_o effect_v the_o scripture_n on_o several_a account_n various_o express_v sometime_o by_o regeneration_n or_o a_o new_a birth_n sometime_o by_o conversion_n or_o turn_v unto_o god_n sometime_o by_o vivification_n or_o quicken_a from_o the_o dead_a sometime_o by_o illumination_n or_o open_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a all_o which_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o sanctification_n in_o holiness_n and_o attend_v with_o justification_n and_o adoption_n and_o as_o these_o be_v all_o distinct_a in_o themselves_o have_v several_a formal_a reason_n of_o they_o so_o they_o all_o concur_v to_o complete_a that_o effectual_a vocation_n or_o calling_n that_o be_v require_v to_o constitute_v person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o typical_a holiness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o old_a into_o the_o room_n whereof_o real_a holiness_n be_v to_o succeed_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n exod._n 19.6_o psal._n 24_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o psal._n 15.1_o 2._o isa._n 35.8_o 9_o isa._n 54.13_o chap._n 60.21_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o everlasting_a rule_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o
in_o a_o way_n appoint_v for_o continuance_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o which_o be_v constant_o incumbent_a on_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n quest._n 23._o who_o be_v the_o ordinary_a officer_n or_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v always_o continue_v therein_o answ._n those_o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n bishop_n elder_n and_o guide_n act_n 14.23_o act_n 20.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes._n 4.11_o phil._n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o chap._n 5.17_o titus_n 1.5_o 7._o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o explication_n several_a name_n be_v on_o several_a account_n partly_o design_v their_o authority_n partly_o their_o duty_n and_o partly_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o discharge_n thereof_o assign_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o they_o be_v call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes._n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o sometime_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n phil._n 1.1_o act._n 20.28_o titus_n 1.5_o sometime_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o act._n 14.23_o act._n 20.17_o sometime_o guide_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o by_o all_o which_o name_n and_o sundry_a other_o whereby_o they_o be_v express_v the_o same_o sort_n order_n and_o degree_n of_o person_n be_v intend_v nor_o be_v any_o one_o of_o these_o name_n apply_v or_o accommodate_v unto_o any_o but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v also_o in_o like_a manner_n so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o pastor_n or_o a_o teacher_n be_v also_o a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n a_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n a_o guide_n or_o ruler_n a_o minister_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o of_o all_o other_o name_v assign_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n that_o of_o bishop_n can_v least_o of_o all_o be_v think_v to_o have_v design_v any_o special_a order_n or_o degree_n of_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v but_o four_o time_n or_o in_o four_o place_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o denote_v any_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o each_o of_o they_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o express_v by_o the_o other_o name_n of_o elder_n and_o minister_n be_v intend_v so_o act._n 20.28_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n verse_n the_o 17._o phil._n 1.1_o there_o be_v many_o bishop_n in_o that_o one_o particular_a church_n who_o have_v only_a deacon_n join_v with_o they_o that_o be_v they_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o it_o tit._n 1.8_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o elder_n to_o be_v ordain_v vers_fw-la the_o 5._o which_o person_n be_v also_o direct_o intend_v 1_o tim._n 3.2_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o coincidence_n of_o the_o direction_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n about_o they_o and_o the_o immediate_a adjoin_v of_o deacon_n unto_o they_o vers_fw-la 8._o so_o that_o no_o name_n can_v be_v fix_v on_o with_o less_o probability_n to_o assert_v from_o it_o a_o special_a supreme_a order_n or_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o ministry_n than_o this_o of_o bishop_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o any_o such_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o sort_n of_o these_o church-officer_n or_o minister_n over_o another_o not_o in_o particular_a in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n enumerate_v as_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o eph._n 4.11_o rom._n 12.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n of_o any_o special_a office_n that_o shall_v be_v peculiar_a unto_o such_o officer_n or_o of_o any_o gift_n or_o qualification_n that_o shall_v be_v require_v in_o they_o or_o of_o any_o special_a way_n of_o call_v or_o set_v apart_o to_o their_o office_n nor_o of_o any_o kind_n of_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v relate_v unto_o different_z from_o the_o church_n that_o other_o elder_n or_o pastor_n do_v minister_n in_o nor_o of_o any_o special_a rule_n or_o direction_n for_o their_o trial_n nor_o any_o command_n for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n â—uly_o discharge_v their_o trust_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n no_o intimation_n be_v give_v unto_o either_o elder_n or_o minister_n to_o obey_v they_o or_o direction_n how_o to_o respect_v they_o nor_o unto_o they_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v and_o deliver_v promiscuous_o and_o equal_o concern_v all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o these_o appellation_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o one_o sort_n of_o minister_n not_o one_o more_o than_o another_o and_o for_o what_o be_v plead_v by_o some_o from_o the_o example_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o any_o person_n can_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v evangelist_n 1_o tim._n 4.5_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o their_o office_n upon_o antecedent_n prophecy_n 1_o tim._n 1.18_o and_o to_o be_v send_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o in_o some_o employment_n for_o a_o season_n which_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o attend_v unto_o titus_n 1.5_o chap._n 3.12_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v another_o duty_n and_o office_n commit_v unto_o they_o than_o those_o who_o be_v only_a bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o the_o scripture_n quest._n 24._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o officer_n or_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a answ._n 1_o the_o former_a be_v call_v to_o their_o office_n immediate_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n or_o revelation_n make_v by_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o his_o name_n to_o that_o purpose_n the_o latter_a by_o the_o suffrage_n choice_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o 2._o the_o former_a both_o in_o their_o office_n and_o work_n be_v independent_a on_o and_o antecedent_n unto_o all_o or_o any_o church_n who_o calling_n and_o gather_v depend_v on_o their_o office_n as_o its_o consequent_a and_o effect_n the_o latter_a in_o both_o consequent_a unto_o the_o call_n gather_v and_o constitute_v of_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o a_o effect_n thereof_o in_o their_o tendency_n unto_o compleatness_n and_o perfection_n 3._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o former_a be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o immediate_o by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o any_o intervenient_a act_n of_o any_o church_n extend_v itself_o equal_o unto_o all_o church_n whatever_o that_o of_o the_o latter_a be_v derive_v unto_o they_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o election_n and_o designation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o confine_v unto_o that_o church_n wherein_o and_o whereby_o it_o be_v so_o derive_v unto_o they_o 4._o they_o differ_v also_o in_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o several_a distinct_a work_n and_o employment_n 1_o matth._n 10.2_o luke_n 10.1_o gal._n 1.1_o act_n 1.26_o act_n 6.3_o act_n 14.23_o 2_o joh._n 20.21_o 22_o 23._o gal._n 1.1_o ephes._n 2.20_o rev._n 21.14_o act_n 14.23_o titus_n 1.5_o 7._o 3_o matth._n 28_o 18_o 19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 11.28_o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o colos._n 4.17_o 4_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 29_o 30._o the_o answer_n hereunto_o be_v such_o as_o need_v no_o further_a explication_n quest._n 25._o what_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o due_a constitution_n of_o a_o elder_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n 1_o that_o he_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o evangelical_n discharge_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 2_o that_o he_o be_v unblameable_a holy_a and_o exemplary_a in_o his_o conversation_n 3_o that_o he_o have_v a_o willing_a mind_n to_o give_v up_o himself_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 4_o that_o he_o be_v call_v and_o choose_v by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n 5_o that_o he_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n unto_o his_o work_n and_o ministry_n 1_o ephes._n 4.8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o 2_o titus_n 1.7_o 8_o 9_o 2_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 3_o 1._o peâ—_n 5.2_o 3._o 4_o act_n 14.23_o 5_o act_n 13.2_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o explication_n five_o thing_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o due_a and_o solemn_a constitution_n of_o a_o minister_n guide_n elder_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o they_o do_v not_o all_o equal_o belong_v unto_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o call_n so_o they_o be_v all_o indispensable_o necessary_a
full_a of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o wisdom_n and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v do_v when_o only_a deacon_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o who_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n the_o same_o be_v mention_v again_o act_v 14.23_o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o election_n and_o suffrage_n for_o the_o word_n there_o use_v will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o sense_n however_o it_o be_v ambiguous_o express_v in_o our_o translation_n neither_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o the_o use_n of_o that_o word_n apply_v unto_o the_o communication_n of_o any_o office_n or_o power_n to_o any_o person_n or_o person_n in_o a_o assembly_n wherein_o it_o denote_v any_o other_o action_n but_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o this_o it_o do_v constant_o in_o all_o writer_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o long_a time_n preserve_v inviolate_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o ancient_n do_v abundant_o testify_v yea_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o can_v never_o be_v utter_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v still_o retain_v in_o those_o church_n which_o yet_o reject_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o this_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o abide_v therein_o for_o as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o person_n become_v a_o church_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n christ_n make_v his_o subject_n willing_a not_o slave_n his_o rule_n over_o they_o be_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o their_o own_o will_n and_o he_o will_v have_v they_o every_o way_n free_a in_o their_o obedience_n a_o church-state_n be_v a_o estate_n of_o absolute_a liberty_n under_o christ_n not_o for_o man_n to_o do_v what_o they_o will_v but_o for_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n free_o without_o compulsion_n now_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o this_o liberty_n than_o to_o have_v their_o guide_n ruler_n and_o overseer_n impose_v on_o they_o without_o their_o consent_n beside_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o discharge_v its_o duty_n towards_o christ_n in_o every_o institution_n of_o he_o which_o herein_o they_o can_v if_o they_o have_v not_o their_o free_a consent_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o be_v consider_v as_o mute_a person_n or_o brute_n creature_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ordinary_a way_n of_o communicate_v authority_n unto_o any_o in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o voluntary_a submission_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o unto_o they_o for_o as_o all_o other_o imaginable_a way_n may_v fail_v and_o have_v do_v so_o where_o they_o have_v be_v trust_v unto_o so_o they_o be_v irrational_a and_o unscriptural_a as_o to_o their_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o the_o delegation_n of_o any_o power_n whatever_o five_o unto_o this_o election_n succeed_v the_o solemn_a set_n apart_o of_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o this_o work_n and_o ministry_n by_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n before_o constitute_v in_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o person_n be_v so_o to_o be_v set_v apart_o qu._n 26._o may_v a_o person_n be_v call_v to_o or_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o office_n or_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o may_v he_o hold_v the_o relation_n and_o exercise_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o elder_a or_o minister_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n answ._n neither_o of_o these_o have_v either_o warrant_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v the_o first_o of_o they_o consistent_a with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ministry_n nor_o the_o latter_a with_o the_o duty_n thereof_o nor_o either_o of_o they_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n act_v 14.23_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o act_n 20.28_o explication_n there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o question_n and_o answer_n to_o be_v speak_v unto_o several_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v a_o person_n to_o be_v call_v or_o employ_v in_o any_o church_n in_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o office_n or_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v or_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v or_o unto_o the_o rule_n or_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o like_a manner_n unto_o any_o other_o part_n or_o parcel_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n with_o a_o exemption_n of_o other_o duty_n from_o his_o charge_n or_o care_n if_o this_o be_v do_v by_o consent_n and_o agreement_n for_o any_o time_n or_o season_n it_o be_v unwarrantable_a and_o disorderly_a what_o may_v be_v do_v occasional_o upon_o a_o emergency_n or_o in_o case_n of_o weakness_n or_o disability_n befalling_a any_o elder_a as_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v not_o here_o inquire_v after_o for_o first_o if_o the_o person_n so_o call_v or_o employ_v have_v receive_v gift_n fit_v he_o for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o exercise_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v by_o any_o consent_n or_o agreement_n see_v they_o be_v give_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v trade_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 7._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o this_o he_o which_o have_v receive_v such_o gift_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v unto_o and_o pursue_v second_o if_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v such_o gift_n as_o complete_o to_o enable_v he_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o administer_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o call_v he_o unto_o that_o work_n wherein_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o go_v before_o they_o in_o qualify_a he_o for_o it_o yea_o to_o do_v so_o will_v be_v most_o irregular_a for_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n give_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enlarge_v or_o straighten_v the_o power_n or_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n thereof_o neither_o can_v or_o ought_v any_o person_n that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o give_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o gift_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o a_o due_a and_o orderly_a manner_n nor_o to_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o to_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v their_o whole_a authority_n and_o to_o discharge_v their_o whole_a duty_n so_o that_o arbitrary_a constitution_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v irregular_a and_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n into_o church_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o same_o person_n to_o more_o church_n than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o his_o undertake_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o they_o as_o a_o elder_a or_o minister_n and_o this_o also_o be_v irregular_a and_o unwarrantable_a now_o a_o man_n may_v hold_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o elder_a pastor_n or_o minister_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o two_o way_n first_o formal_o and_o direct_o by_o all_o equal_a formal_a interest_n in_o they_o undertake_v the_o pastoral_n charge_v equal_o and_o alike_o of_o they_o be_v call_v alike_o to_o they_o and_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o relation_n 2_o virtual_o when_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o one_o church_n he_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o ministerial_a act_n in_o or_o towards_o another_o the_o first_o way_n be_v unlawful_a and_o destructive_a both_o of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n for_o as_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n respective_o that_o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o act_v 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o their_o office_n
receive_v for_o although_o it_o be_v require_v in_o they_o all_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v all_o those_o gift_n ability_n and_o qualification_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o participation_n of_o their_o gift_n some_o may_v more_o excel_v in_o one_o other_o in_o another_o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o administration_n but_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n which_o work_v all_o in_o all_o for_o to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o these_o gift_n be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v exercise_v and_o lay_v out_o for_o the_o profit_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n verse_n the_o 7._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o therefore_o every_o one_o be_v in_o aâ—_n especial_a manner_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o exercise_n and_o use_v of_o that_o gift_n wherein_o he_o do_v excel_v or_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n every_o man_n be_v to_o minister_v according_a as_o he_o have_v receive_v 1_o pet._n 4.10_o second_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n which_o in_o general_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o two_o head_n or_o end_n first_o the_o instruction_n of_o it_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o may_v grow_v in_o grace_n wisdom_n save_v light_n and_o knowledge_n second_o the_o exhortation_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v answerable_a unto_o light_n receive_v in_o holiness_n and_o universal_a obedience_n now_o though_o these_o several_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n can_v be_v divide_v or_o separate_v yet_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o so_o carry_v on_o distinct_o that_o in_o the_o one_o knowledge_n or_o light_n may_v be_v first_o and_o principal_o intend_v so_o as_o to_o lead_v unto_o obedience_n in_o the_o other_o holiness_n may_v be_v first_o design_v as_o spring_v from_o gospel_n light_n or_o knowledge_n hence_o therefore_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n principal_o to_o attend_v unto_o that_o work_n or_o that_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o by_o the_o holy-ghost_n they_o 〈◊〉_d most_o suit_v unto_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o intimation_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o communicate_v his_o gift_n in_o variety_n as_o he_o please_v and_o attend_v their_o own_o edification_n may_v and_o aught_o among_o those_o who_o they_o choose_v to_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n or_o minister_n withal_o design_v they_o in_o particular_a unto_o that_o especial_a work_n which_o they_o be_v especial_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o and_o this_o upon_o their_o be_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o they_o be_v according_o to_o attend_v unto_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n rom._n 12.7_o 8._o their_o office_n then_o be_v the_o same_o but_o their_o teach_n work_n and_o employment_n on_o the_o ground_n mention_v distinct_a and_o different_a quest._n 31._o be_v there_o appoint_v any_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n who_o office_n and_o duty_n consist_v in_o rule_n and_o government_n only_o answ._n elder_n not_o call_v to_o teach_v ordinary_o or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v in_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 1â—_n 8_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o explication_n this_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n be_v much_o oppose_v by_o some_o and_o in_o especial_a by_o they_o who_o have_v least_o reanson_n so_o to_o do_v for_o first_o they_o object_n against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v lay_v elder_n when_o those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v deny_v that_o distinction_n of_o the_o church_n into_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n for_o although_o they_o allow_v the_o distribution_n of_o 〈◊〉_d into_o officer_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n yet_o they_o maintain_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v god_n clergy_n his_o lot_n and_o portion_n 1._o pet._n 5.3_o again_o they_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v elder_n and_o therein_o not_o mere_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o officer_n set_v apart_o unto_o their_o office_n according_a to_o rule_v or_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n and_o if_o by_o laity_n the_o people_n distinct_a from_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o very_a term_n of_o a_o lay_v elder_a imply_v a_o contradiction_n as_o design_v one_o who_o be_v and_o be_v not_o a_o church_n officer_n beside_o themselves_o do_v principal_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o such_o who_o they_o esteem_v layman_n as_o not_o in_o holy-order_n to_o who_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o its_o rule_n at_o least_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v which_o render_v their_o objection_n to_o this_o sort_n of_o church-officer_n unreasonable_a other_o also_o have_v give_v advantage_n by_o make_v this_o office_n annual_a or_o biennial_n in_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v unto_o it_o which_o though_o they_o plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o church_n for_o as_o not_o have_v person_n meet_v for_o this_o work_n and_o duty_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o undertake_v in_o constant_o during_o their_o life_n without_o such_o a_o contribution_n for_o their_o maintenance_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o afford_v yet_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o irregularity_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o wish_v it_o remedy_v but_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o such_o church-officer_n be_v indeed_o design_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o who_o frequent_a mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o ancient_a writer_n and_o footstep_n also_o yet_o remain_v in_o most_o church_n of_o their_o institution_n though_o woeful_o corrupt_v for_o beside_o that_o some_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n wherein_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v join_v in_o rule_n with_o the_o priest_n both_o in_o the_o sanhedrim_n and_o all_o lesser_a assembly_n there_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n express_v mention_n of_o person_n that_o be_v assign_v peculiar_o for_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a pretend_a that_o those_o word_n help_n government_n do_v denote_v gift_n only_o see_v the_o apostle_n express_o enumerate_v the_o person_n in_o office_n or_o officer_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n then_o use_v in_o the_o foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n as_o then_o plant_v he_o that_o rule_v also_o be_v distinguish_v from_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v rom._n 12.8_o and_o be_v prescribe_v diligence_n as_o his_o principal_a qualification_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v express_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n for_o the_o word_n express_o assign_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n whereof_o some_o only_o attend_v unto_o rule_n other_o moreover_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n neither_o do_v that_o word_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n intend_v any_o other_o labour_n but_o what_o be_v incumbent_n on_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o their_o church_n as_o their_o constant_a duty_n see_v rom._n 6.12_o act_n 20.35_o 1_o thes._n 5.12_o now_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v affirm_v they_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n who_o compare_v with_o other_o he_o note_v as_o remiss_a and_o negligent_a in_o their_o work_n for_o it_o seem_v that_o other_o be_v more_o diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o be_v no_o less_o they_o if_o only_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v here_o intend_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o commend_v such_o person_n as_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n but_o rather_o to_o propose_v they_o as_o meet_v for_o double_a shame_n and_o punishment_n jer._n 48.10_o 1_o cor._n 9.16_o and_o they_o be_v unmindful_a of_o their_o own_o interest_n who_o will_v have_v bishop_n that_o attend_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v distinct_o intend_v by_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o see_v the_o apostle_n express_o prefer_v before_o and_o above_o they_o those_o that_o attend_v constant_o to_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o beside_o what_o be_v thus_o express_o
acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v poor_a and_o needy_a in_o the_o church_n whether_o by_o the_o address_n of_o such_o poor_a one_o who_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v know_v their_o want_n occasion_n and_o necessity_n unto_o they_o or_o by_o the_o information_n of_o other_o or_o their_o own_o observation_n second_o to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n as_o occasion_n require_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a under_o their_o care_n that_o those_o who_o be_v able_a may_v be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o elder_n to_o a_o free_a supply_n and_o contribution_n three_o to_o dispose_v what_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o faithful_o cheerful_o tender_o with_o partiality_n or_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o for_o any_o outward_a respect_n whatever_o four_o to_o keep_v and_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o the_o church_n when_o call_v for_o of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o how_o they_o have_v dispose_v of_o it_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v know_v to_o have_v well_o discharge_v their_o office_n that_o be_v with_o care_n wisdom_n and_o tenderness_n whereby_o they_o procure_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n with_o boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o church_n be_v encourage_v to_o entrust_v they_o far_o with_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o their_o alm_n which_o be_v so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n quest._n 24._o wherein_o consist_v the_o general_a duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o in_o their_o proper_a station_n and_o condition_n answ._n in_o perform_v do_v and_o keep_v inviolate_a all_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n walk_v unblamable_o and_o fruitful_o in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o glorify_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o and_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o keep_v his_o testimony_n unto_o the_o end_n matth._n 28.20_o act_n 2.42_o phil_n 2.15_o 16._o chap._n 4.8_o 9_o 1_o thes._n 3.8_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o heb._n 10.23_o explication_n beside_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o christianity_n incumbent_n on_o all_o believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o there_o be_v sundry_a especial_a duty_n require_v of_o they_o as_o gather_v into_o church_n society_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o especial_a trust_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n for_o first_o the_o church_n be_v appoint_v as_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o ordinance_n of_o gospel_n worship_n it_o be_v its_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o member_n in_o his_o proper_a place_n to_o use_v all_o care_n watchfulness_n and_o diligence_n that_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v keep_v inviolate_a and_o all_o his_o institution_n observe_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n thus_o those_o add_v to_o the_o church_n act_v 2.42_o together_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n continue_v steadfast_o which_o argue_v care_n circumspection_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n which_o principal_a duty_n be_v enumerate_v to_o express_v their_o respect_n towards_o all_o this_o be_v their_o stand_n fast_o in_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o joy_n to_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o find_v it_o in_o the_o thessalonian_n 1_o ephe._n 3.8_o for_o now_o we_o live_v if_o you_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o lord_n that_o order_n and_o steadfastness_n which_o he_o rejoice_v over_o in_o the_o colossian_n chap._n 2.5_o for_o though_o i_o be_o absent_a in_o the_o flesh_n yet_o be_o i_o with_o you_o in_o the_o spirit_n joy_v and_o bohold_v your_o order_n and_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o your_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o where_o this_o duty_n be_v despise_v man_n content_v themselves_o with_o what_o be_v do_v by_o other_o there_o be_v a_o great_a neglect_n of_o that_o faithfulness_n in_o obedience_n which_o the_o church_n owe_v unto_o jesus_n christ._n second_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v manifest_v in_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o holy_a exemplary_a conversation_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o this_o be_v one_o end_n wherefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n call_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n separate_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o bring_v they_o forth_o unto_o a_o visible_a profession_n and_o put_v his_o name_n upon_o they_o namely_o that_o in_o their_o walk_n and_o conversation_n he_o may_v show_v forth_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n grace_n and_o example_n to_o effect_v in_o they_o all_o holiness_n godliness_n righteousness_n and_o honesty_n in_o the_o world_n hence_o be_v they_o earnest_o exhort_v unto_o these_o thing_n phil._n 4.8.9_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o their_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v adorn_v and_o christ_n glorify_v in_o all_o thing_n tit._n 2.10_o and_o those_o who_o fail_v herein_o be_v say_v to_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3.18_o as_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o by_o represent_v it_o undesirable_a in_o their_o conversation_n this_o also_o therefore_o even_o the_o duty_n of_o universal_a holiness_n with_o a_o especial_a regard_n unto_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o design_v to_o testify_v and_o express_v in_o the_o world_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o namely_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o they_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n among_o who_o they_o be_v to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n phil._n 2.15_o three_o the_o care_n of_o declare_v and_o manifest_v the_o truth_n be_v also_o commit_v unto_o they_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o firm_o seat_v found_v fix_v establish_a and_o then_o lift_v up_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n to_o be_v see_v discern_v and_o know_v by_o other_o and_o as_o this_o be_v do_v principal_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o so_o it_o be_v also_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n phill._n 2.16_o by_o minister_a of_o the_o gift_n that_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v 1_o peter_n 4.10_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a instance_n do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n require_v of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o express_v in_o the_o world_n their_o subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o authority_n and_o that_o they_o abide_v therein_o unto_o the_o end_n against_o all_o opposition_n whatever_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o church_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n herein_o be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o that_o apostasy_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o general_o of_o old_a fell_a into_o when_o the_o member_n of_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v no_o advantage_n by_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n but_o only_o the_o outward_a participation_n of_o some_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o but_o only_o to_o attend_v and_o follow_v the_o motion_n and_o act_n of_o their_o guide_n the_o whole_a society_n quick_o become_v corrupt_v and_o fit_a to_o be_v dispose_v of_o according_a to_o the_o carnal_a interest_n of_o those_o that_o have_v by_o their_o neglect_n and_o sin_n get_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o at_o all_o time_n as_o the_o people_n be_v negligent_a in_o their_o duty_n the_o leader_n of_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o usurp_v undue_a authority_n when_o the_o one_o sort_n will_v not_o do_v that_o which_o they_o ought_v the_o other_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v upon_o they_o what_o they_o ought_v not_o it_o be_v a_o circumspect_a performance_n of_o duty_n on_o all_o hand_n alone_o that_o will_v keep_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o church_n within_o those_o bound_n and_o limit_n and_o up_o to_o those_o right_n and_o privilege_n which_o christ_n have_v allot_v and_o grant_v unto_o they_o
towards_o each_o other_o be_v equal_a whence_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o private_a pastoral_a admonition_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o teach_a office_n and_o power_n not_o direct_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n or_o government_n inquire_v after_o but_o this_o admonition_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o love_n and_o where_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o thence_o it_o be_v irregular_a matth._n 18.16_o 17_o 18._o rom._n 15.14_o three_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o incumbent_a on_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o in_o case_n of_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o he_o both_o sin_v against_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v himself_o partaker_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o party_n offend_v and_o be_v also_o guilty_a of_o his_o danger_n and_o ruin_v thereby_o with_o all_o that_o disadvantage_n which_o will_v accrue_v to_o the_o church_n by_o any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o continue_v in_o sin_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v not_o only_a liberty_n thus_o to_o admonish_v one_o another_o but_o it_o be_v their_o express_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n so_o to_o do_v the_o neglect_n whereof_o be_v interpret_v by_o god_n to_o be_v hatred_n of_o our_o brother_n such_o as_o wherewith_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v inconsistent_a levit_fw-la 19.17_o 1_o john_n 4.20_o chap._n 3.15_o four_o although_o this_o duty_n be_v personal_o incumbent_a on_o every_o individual_a member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o offender_n be_v know_v to_o more_o than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o they_o joint_o take_v offence_n thereat_o they_o may_v together_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n admonish_v he_o which_o yet_o still_o be_v but_o the_o first_o and_o private_a admonition_n which_o be_v otherwise_o when_o other_o be_v call_v into_o assistance_n who_o be_v not_o themselves_o acquaint_v with_o the_o offence_n but_o only_o by_o information_n and_o join_v in_o it_o not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o be_v offend_v but_o of_o be_v desire_v according_a unto_o rule_n to_o give_v assistance_n to_o they_o that_o be_v so_o five_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o prudence_n tenderness_n and_o due_a regard_n unto_o all_o circumstance_n whence_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v a_o spiritual_a ability_n to_o be_v necessary_a for_o this_o work_n rom._n 15.14_o you_o also_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n also_o able_a to_o admonish_v one_o another_o especial_o four_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v diligent_o heed_v first_o that_o the_o whole_a duty_n be_v so_o manage_v that_o the_o person_n offend_v may_v be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v do_v out_o of_o love_n to_o he_o and_o affectionate_a conscientious_a care_n over_o he_o that_o he_o may_v take_v no_o occasion_n thereby_o for_o the_o exasperation_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n second_o that_o the_o person_n admonish_v other_o of_o their_o offence_n do_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v in_o obedience_n unto_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o to_o preserve_v their_o own_o soul_n from_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o to_o benefit_v the_o offender_n three_o that_o the_o admonition_n be_v ground_v on_o a_o rule_n which_o alone_o give_v it_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n four_o that_o there_o be_v a_o readiness_n manifest_v by_o they_o to_o receive_v satisfaction_n either_o 1_o in_o case_n that_o upon_o trial_n it_o appear_v the_o information_n they_o have_v have_v of_o the_o miscarriage_n whence_o the_o offence_n arise_v be_v undue_a or_o not_o well_o ground_v or_o 2_o of_o acknowledgement_n and_o repentance_n six_o the_o end_n of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v 1._o to_o keep_v up_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o offence_n shall_v abide_v unremoved_a love_v which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n will_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o sincerity_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n 2._o to_o gain_v the_o offender_n by_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v not_o lie_v under_o it_o and_o procure_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o himself_o levit._n 19.17_o 3._o to_o preserve_v his_o person_n from_o dishonour_n and_o disreputation_n and_o thereby_o to_o keep_v up_o his_o usefulness_n in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o end_n have_v our_o lord_n appoint_v the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o private_a that_o the_o fail_n of_o man_n may_v not_o be_v unnecessary_o divulge_v and_o themselves_o thereby_o expose_v unto_o temptation_n 4._o to_o preserve_v the_o church_n from_o that_o scandal_n that_o may_v befall_v it_o by_o the_o hasty_a open_n of_o all_o the_o real_a or_o suppose_a fayling_n of_o its_o member_n and_o 5._o to_o prevent_v its_o trouble_n in_o the_o public_a hear_n of_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v otherwise_o heal_v and_o remove_v seven_o in_o case_n these_o end_n be_v obtain_v either_o by_o the_o suppose_a offend_v person_n clear_v of_o themselves_o and_o manifest_v themselves_o innocent_a of_o the_o crime_n charge_v on_o they_o as_o joshua_n 22.22_o 23_o 24_o 25._o 2_o cor._n 7.11_o or_o by_o their_o acknowledgement_n repentance_n and_o amendment_n than_o this_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n have_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n obtain_v its_o appoint_a effect_n eight_o in_o case_n the_o person_n offend_v be_v not_o humble_v nor_o reform_v nor_o do_v give_v satisfaction_n unto_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v admonish_v then_o have_v our_o lord_n ordain_v a_o second_o degree_n of_o this_o private_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n that_o the_o person_n who_o be_v offend_v have_v discharge_v the_o forego_n duty_n themselves_o according_a unto_o rule_n shall_v take_v unto_o they_o other_o two_o or_o three_o as_o the_o occasion_n may_v seem_v to_o require_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o work_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o the_o same_o end_n with_o that_o before_o describe_v matth._n 18_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o these_o person_n so_o call_v in_o for_o assistance_n first_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o crime_n fault_n or_o offence_n report_v to_o they_o and_o not_o to_o proceed_v unless_o they_o find_v it_o to_o consist_v in_o something_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o attest_v in_o such_o manner_n and_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o their_o mutual_a love_n do_v require_v in_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o brethren_n and_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o offence_n communicate_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v either_o light_o to_o take_v up_o a_o report_n against_o their_o brother_n or_o to_o discredit_v the_o testimony_n of_o other_o second_o in_o case_n they_o find_v the_o offence_n pretend_v not_o to_o be_v a_o real_a offence_n indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o aright_o ground_v as_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o but_o take_v up_o upon_o prejudice_n or_o a_o over-easie_a credulity_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o love_n which_o be_v require_v among_o church-member_n describe_v 1_o cor._n 13._o and_o command_v as_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o preservation_n of_o its_o union_n then_o to_o convince_v the_o brother_n offend_v of_o his_o mistake_n and_o with_o he_o to_o satisfy_v the_o person_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o offender_n that_o no_o breach_n or_o schism_n may_v happen_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n three_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o crime_n and_o testimony_n they_o be_v to_o associate_v themselves_o with_o the_o offend_a brother_n in_o the_o same_o work_n and_o duty_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v before_o discharge_v towards_o the_o offender_n nine_o because_o there_o be_v no_o determination_n how_o often_o these_o private_a admonition_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o case_n of_o offence_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reiterated_a first_o the_o one_o and_o then_o the_o other_o while_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n of_o hope_n that_o the_o end_n of_o they_o may_v be_v obtain_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n the_o brother_n gain_v and_o the_o offence_n take_v away_o neither_o of_o these_o then_o be_v to_o be_v desert_v or_o lay_v aside_o on_o the_o first_o or_o second_o attempt_n as_o though_o it_o be_v perform_v only_o to_o make_v way_n for_o somewhat_o far_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wait_v on_o with_o prayer_n and_o patience_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n appoint_v for_o attain_v the_o end_n aim_v at_o ten_o in_o