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
power_n consist_v in_o a_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v set_v over_o so_o they_o be_v command_v to_o attend_v unto_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o and_o whereunto_o they_o be_v so_o ordain_v act._n 20.28_o 1_o peter_n 1.2_o and_o that_o with_o all_o diligence_n care_n and_o watchfulness_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n heb._n 13.17_o which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o do_v towards_o more_o church_n than_o one_o the_o same_o duty_n be_v at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v perform_v towards_o all_o and_o because_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o the_o elder_n pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o church_n be_v ministerial_a â—_o cor._n 4.1_o consist_v in_o a_o power_n of_o act_v upon_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o office_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o authority_n to_o delegate_v another_o or_o other_o to_o act_v their_o part_n or_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n which_o will_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o autocratorical_a authority_n and_o not_o of_o obedience_n or_o ministry_n the_o latter_a way_n also_o of_o relation_n unto_o many_o church_n be_v unwarrantable_a for_o 1_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o law_n nor_o constitution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n can_v be_v produce_v to_o give_v it_o countenance_n but_o elder_n be_v ordain_v to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o command_v to_o attend_v unto_o they_o 2_o no_o rule_n be_v give_v unto_o any_o elder_n how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o reference_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a power_n as_o there_o be_v rule_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v relate_v 3_o there_o be_v no_o example_n to_o give_v it_o countenance_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n 4_o the_o authority_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o have_v no_o foundation_n 1_o not_o in_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a ability_n or_o faculty_n of_o do_v what_o a_o man_n be_v able_a but_o a_o right_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v power_n to_o do_v that_o right_o and_o lawful_o which_o before_o he_o can_v not_o do_v this_o gift_n will_v not_o give_v to_o any_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v do_v it_o to_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v they_o 2_o not_o in_o their_o election_n for_o they_o be_v choose_v in_o and_o by_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o stand_v in_o especial_a relation_n who_o choice_n can_v give_v ministerial_a power_n over_o any_o but_o themselves_o 3_o not_o in_o their_o set_n apart_o by_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o this_o be_v only_o unto_o that_o office_n work_n and_o power_n whereunto_o they_o be_v choose_v they_o be_v not_o choose_v for_o one_o end_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o another_o 4_o not_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n for_o that_o give_v no_o new_a power_n but_o only_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o receive_v qu._n 27._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n an._n 1_o to_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o faith_n love_n knowledge_n méekness_n patience_n readiness_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o constancy_n therein_o 2_o to_o watch_v for_o the_o soul_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a concernment_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n commit_v to_o they_o 3_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n diligent_o divide_v it_o aright_o 4_o to_o preserve_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n 5_o to_o administer_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n due_o and_o orderly_o 6_o to_o stir_v up_o and_o exercise_v the_o gift_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a work_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n 7_o to_o instruct_v admonish_v cherish_v and_o comfort_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o condition_n occasion_n and_o necessity_n do_v require_v 8_o to_o attend_v with_o diligence_n skill_n and_o wisdom_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o 1_o 1_o tim._n 3.10_o 11_o 13._o chap._n 4.12_o 2_o tim._n 2.3_o coloss._n 1.24_o phil._n 2.17_o chap._n 3.17_o 2_o heb._n 13.17_o act_n 20.28_o 3_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o 4_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o act_n 20.28_o judas_n 3_o 5_o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 6_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o 7_o act_n 20.18_o 19_o 20_o 25_o 26._o 1_o thes._n 3.5_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o 8_o rom._n 12.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o answer_n be_v full_a and_o plain_a qu._n 28._o wherein_o principal_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v an._n 1_o in_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o guidance_n thereof_o in_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o 2_o whatever_o they_o do_v as_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o rule_n they_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o name_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o their_o power_n be_v derive_v unto_o they_o nor_o as_o member_n only_o of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o covenant_n but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o who_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n be_v receive_v so_o that_o 3_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o church_n power_n by_z and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n thence_o proceed_v which_o arise_v immediate_o from_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 2_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o coloss._n 4.17_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 8._o 3_o 1_o tim._n 4.11_o titus_n 2.15_o 1_o peter_n 1.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o explication_n the_o answer_n unto_o this_o question_n explain_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o and_o how_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o the_o right_n state_v whereof_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o whole_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v therefore_o here_o be_v far_o explain_v to_o this_o end_n we_o may_v consider_v first_o that_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o vest_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sole_a head_n and_o monarch_n thereof_o god_n the_o father_n have_v commit_v it_o unto_o he_o and_o entrust_v he_o with_o it_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o work_n of_o mediation_n matth._n 28.18_o second_o that_o he_o do_v communicate_v of_o this_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o trust_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o in_o his_o name_n unto_o person_n by_o he_o appoint_v so_o much_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o bless_a end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v they_o for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o power_n in_o his_o church_n for_o any_o end_n whatever_o but_o by_o delegation_n from_o he_o what_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o he_o be_v mere_a usurpation_n and_o whoever_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o rule_n or_o authority_n or_o power_n in_o the_o church_n not_o grant_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o or_o not_o right_o derive_v from_o he_o be_v a_o oppressor_n a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n this_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o the_o absolute_a investiture_n of_o all_o power_n in_o he_o alone_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o three_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v this_o power_n unto_o man_n be_v by_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n whereby_o he_o have_v grant_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o such_o and_o such_o power_n shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n and_o that_o by_o such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o be_v derive_v unto_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o be_v the_o first_o recipient_a seat_n and_o subject_n moral_o of_o all_o church_n power_n whatever_o matth._n 16.19_o matth._n 18.18_o 19_o 20._o four_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o any_o person_n come_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o power_n regular_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o obedience_n unto_o and_o due_a observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n
speak_v concern_v the_o appointment_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n their_o usefulness_n in_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o work_n and_o employment_n be_v evident_a for_o whereas_o a_o constant_a care_n in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n that_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o evil_a speak_v of_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o importance_n and_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v to_o give_v up_o themselves_o continual_o unto_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n can_v attend_v unto_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a oversight_n thereof_o the_o usefulness_n of_o these_o elder_n who_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a work_n it_o be_v to_o have_v regard_n unto_o the_o holy_a walk_v of_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o but_o whereas_o in_o most_o church_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o regard_n unto_o the_o personal_a holiness_n of_o the_o member_n of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o no_o account_n shall_v be_v have_v of_o they_o who_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o look_v after_o it_o and_o promote_v it_o the_o qualification_n of_o these_o elder_n with_o the_o way_n of_o their_o call_n and_o set_v apart_o unto_o their_o office_n be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o teach_v elder_n before_o insist_v on_o need_v not_o be_v here_o again_o repeat_v their_o authority_n also_o in_o the_o whole_a rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v every_o way_n the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o elder_n and_o they_o be_v to_o act_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o with_o equal_a respect_n and_o regard_n from_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o business_n of_o rule_n be_v peculiar_o commit_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o require_v to_o attend_v thereunto_o with_o diligence_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n the_o work_n thereof_o be_v principal_o they_o as_o that_o of_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n do_v especial_o belong_v unto_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o institution_n be_v abuse_v when_o either_o unmeet_a person_n be_v call_v to_o this_o office_n or_o those_o that_o be_v call_v do_v not_o attend_v unto_o their_o duty_n with_o diligence_n or_o do_v act_v only_o in_o it_o by_o the_o guidance_n of_o the_o teach_v officer_n without_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o authority_n or_o due_a respect_n from_o the_o church_n quest._n 32._o be_v there_o no_o other_o ordinary_a office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o only_o that_o of_o elder_n answ._n yes_o of_o deacon_n also_o quest._n 33._o what_o be_v the_o deacon_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n approve_a man_n choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a belong_v thereunto_o and_o other_o outward_a occasion_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o the_o collection_n keep_v and_o distribution_n of_o the_o alm_n and_o other_o supply_v of_o the_o church_n set_v apart_o and_o commend_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n therein_o by_o prayer_n act_n 6.3_o 5_o 6._o phil._n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o explication_n the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o it_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v unto_o it_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o election_n and_o set_v apart_o be_v all_o of_o they_o plain_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n act_v 6.1_o 2_o 3._o there_o arise_v a_o murmur_a of_o the_o grecian_n against_o the_o hebrew_n because_o the_o widow_n be_v neglect_v in_o the_o daily_a ministration_n then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n wherefore_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_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 who_o they_o set_v before_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o likewise_o must_v the_o deacon_n be_v grave_a not_o double_o tongue_v not_o give_v to_o much_o wine_n not_o give_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o let_v these_o also_o first_o be_v prove_v then_o let_v they_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v find_v blameless_a the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n rule_v their_o child_n and_o their_o own_o house_n well_o for_o they_o that_o have_v use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n well_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o great_a boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o whereas_o many_o have_v grow_v weary_a of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o office_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v lose_v among_o the_o most_o of_o christian_n by_o some_o the_o name_n be_v retain_v but_o apply_v to_o another_o work_n duty_n and_o employment_n than_o this_o to_o which_o it_o be_v peculiar_o appropriate_v in_o the_o scripture_n their_o proper_a and_o original_a work_n of_o take_v care_n for_o the_o poor_a they_o say_v be_v provide_v for_o by_o other_o and_o therefore_o that_o office_n be_v needless_a another_o unto_o another_o purpose_n under_o the_o same_o name_n be_v erect_v such_o be_v deacon_n that_o may_v read_v service_n preach_v and_o baptise_v when_o they_o have_v licence_n thereunto_o but_o this_o choice_n to_o reject_v a_o office_n of_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n under_o pretence_n of_o provision_n make_v for_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o another_o way_n and_o the_o erect_n of_o one_o not_o appoint_v by_o he_o seem_v not_o equal_a but_o whereas_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o appointment_n in_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o be_v call_v after_o his_o name_n some_o think_v that_o if_o what_o he_o have_v appoint_v may_v be_v colourable_o perform_v another_o way_n without_o respect_n unto_o his_o institution_n that_o be_v far_o the_o best_a but_o omit_v the_o practice_n of_o other_o man_n the_o thing_n that_o concern_v this_o office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v as_o be_v say_v clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n first_o the_o person_n call_v unto_o it_o be_v to_o be_v of_o honest_a report_n furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n especial_o with_o wisdom_n act_v 6.3_o and_o those_o other_o endowment_n useful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n mention_v 1_o tim._n 3.8_o second_o the_o way_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o this_o office_n be_v by_o the_o choice_n or_o election_n of_o the_o church_n act_v 6.2_o 3_o 5._o whereupon_o they_o be_v solemn_o to_o be_v set_v apart_o by_o prayer_n three_o their_o work_n or_o duty_n consist_v in_o a_o daily_a ministration_n unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a saint_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n vers._n 1_o 2._o four_o to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v ordain_v that_o every_o first_o day_n the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v contribute_v according_a as_o god_n enable_v they_o of_o their_o substance_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o want_n of_o the_o poor_a 1_o cor._n 16.2_o and_o also_o occasional_o as_o necessity_n shall_v require_v or_o god_n move_v their_o heart_n by_o his_o grace_n five_o hereunto_o be_v to_o be_v add_v whatever_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v be_v confer_v upon_o the_o church_n for_o its_o outward_a advantage_n with_o reference_n unto_o the_o end_n mention_v act_v 4.34_o 35._o six_o these_o supply_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o deacon_n they_o be_v from_o 〈◊〉_d to_o minister_v with_o diligence_n and_o wisdom_n unto_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a that_o so_o the_o needy_a may_v be_v supply_v that_o there_o may_v be_v none_o that_o lack_v the_o rich_a may_v contribute_v of_o their_o riches_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n that_o they_o which_o minister_v well_o in_o this_o office_n may_v purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o all_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v glorify_v with_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n it_o belong_v therefore_o unto_o person_n call_v unto_o this_o office_n first_o to_o
of_o the_o church_n express_v which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o exceed_v in_o any_o thing_n herein_o be_v bound_n and_o limit_n fix_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o three_o this_o power_n or_o authority_n thus_o grant_v and_o convey_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n with_o skill_n and_o diligence_n rom._n 12.6_o 1_o cor._n 12._o and_o the_o skill_n require_v hereunto_o be_v a_o gift_n or_o a_o ability_n of_o mind_n bestow_v by_o the_o holy-ghost_n upon_o man_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n by_o he_o appoint_v or_o a_o spiritual_a wisdom_n whereby_o man_n know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o their_o several_a place_n for_o its_o due_a edification_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o this_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o person_n time_n and_o action_n with_o their_o circumstance_n be_v such_o a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o whereof_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n answer_v to_o the_o distinct_a duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n on_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o member_n on_o the_o other_o and_o where_o this_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n be_v want_v there_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v preserve_v or_o carry_v on_o hereunto_o also_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n be_v to_o be_v add_v without_o which_o ability_n and_o power_n will_v never_o obtain_v their_o proper_a end_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o four_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discipline_n be_v continuance_n increase_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o first_o institution_n 1_o cor._n 5.7_o this_o power_n have_v christ_n give_v his_o church_n for_o its_o conservation_n without_o which_o it_o must_v necessary_o decay_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o where_o any_o church_n be_v call_v and_o gather_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o destitute_a of_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o preserve_v itself_o in_o that_o state_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v unto_o it_o and_o that_o which_o be_v one_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n be_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o discipline_n the_o power_n and_o privilege_n whereof_o the_o lord_n have_v leave_v unto_o they_o and_o entrust_v they_o withal_o for_o their_o own_o preservation_n in_o order_n purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o they_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o he_o rev._n 2.14_o 15_o 20._o chap._n 3.2_o as_o be_v also_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o as_o they_o be_v commend_v who_o attend_v unto_o the_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o it_o revel_v 2.2_o chap._n 3.9_o the_o disuse_n also_o of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o defilement_n abomination_n and_o confusion_n that_o have_v spread_v themselves_o over_o many_o church_n in_o the_o world_n quest._n 42._o unto_o who_o be_v the_o power_n and_o administration_n of_o this_o discipline_n commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n answ._n as_o to_o the_o authority_n to_o be_v exert_v in_o it_o in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v concern_v unto_o the_o elder_n as_o unto_o trial_n judgement_n and_o consent_n in_o and_o unto_o its_o exercise_n unto_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n as_o unto_o love_n care_n and_o watchfuless_a in_o private_a and_o particular_a case_n to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 24.45_o ephes._n 4.13_o 14._o act_n 20.28_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o chap._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o pet._n 2.3_o 1_o thes._n 5.12_o gal._n 6.1_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 4.14_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 4_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o explication_n it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o this_o power_n be_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ._n now_o this_o law_n assign_v the_o mean_n and_o way_n whereby_o any_o person_n do_v obtain_v a_o interest_n therein_o and_o make_v the_o just_a allotment_n to_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o what_o this_o law_n constitution_n or_o word_n of_o christ_n assign_v unto_o any_o as_o such_o that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n soever_o they_o come_v to_o be_v entrust_v therein_o thus_o that_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o first_o formal_o reside_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n unorganize_v or_o distinct_a from_o they_o though_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o their_o office_n by_o their_o suffrage_n and_o choice_n but_o they_o be_v themselves_o as_o such_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o office_n power_n for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n christ._n nor_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o this_o power_n of_o discipline_n whatever_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o elder_n but_o be_v immediate_o grant_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n first_o in_o this_o way_n and_o manner_n the_o authority_n above_o describe_v be_v give_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o such_o unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n this_o authority_n be_v before_o explain_v in_o answer_n unto_o the_o 28_o question_n as_o also_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o they_o receive_v it_o and_o it_o be_v that_o power_n of_o office_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a duty_n in_o the_o teach_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n from_o mat._n 16.19_o which_o expression_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o in_o general_a liable_a unto_o many_o interpretation_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o declaration_n make_v of_o it_o in_o those_o particular_a instance_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v nor_o be_v it_o a_o twofold_a power_n or_o authority_n that_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o one_o to_o teach_v and_o another_o to_o rule_v common_o call_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n but_o it_o be_v one_o power_n of_o office_n the_o duty_n whereof_o be_v of_o several_a kind_n refer_v unto_o the_o two_o general_a head_n first_o of_o teach_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o 2_o of_o rule_n or_o government_n by_o virtue_n hereof_o be_v they_o make_v ruler_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n matth._n 24.45_o steward_n in_o his_o house_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 20.28_o 1_o peter_n 5.2_o guide_n unto_o the_o church_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o not_o that_o they_o have_v a_o supreme_a or_o autocratorical_a power_n commit_v unto_o they_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v what_o seem_v right_a and_o good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n see_v they_o be_v express_o bind_v up_o unto_o the_o term_n of_o their_o commission_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o to_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o and_o only_o what_o christ_n have_v command_v nor_o have_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o any_o dominion_n in_o or_o over_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o law_n rule_n or_o privilege_n of_o it_o or_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o alter_v change_n add_v diminish_v or_o bind_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o mark_v 10.42_o 43_o 44._o but_o it_o be_v a_o power_n mere_o ministerial_a in_o who_o exercise_n they_o be_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n accountable_a servant_n heb._n 13.17_o matth._n 24.45_o and_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o this_o authority_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n they_o exert_v and_o put_v forth_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o not_o either_o as_o declare_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o or_o act_v what_o be_v delegated_a unto_o they_o thereby_o but_o as_o ministerial_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n commit_v unto_o themselves_o second_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n woman_n be_v except_v by_o especial_a prohibition_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o 35._o 1_o tim._n 2.11_o 12._o be_v by_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n interest_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o power_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o first_o to_o consider_v try_v and_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o and_o about_o all_o person_n thing_n and_o cause_n in_o reference_n whereunto_o
it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v thus_o the_o brethren_n at_o jerusalem_n join_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n act._n 15.23_o and_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o to_o who_o letter_n be_v send_v about_o it_o likewise_o do_v the_o same_o verse_n the_o 30_o 31_o 32._o and_o this_o they_o think_v it_o their_o duty_n and_o concernment_n to_o do_v chap._n 21_o 22._o and_o they_o be_v blame_v who_o apply_v not_o themselves_o unto_o this_o duty_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5_o 6._o thence_o be_v the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o church_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o privilege_n in_o christ_n and_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o order_n of_o all_o thing_n among_o they_o according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o these_o be_v direct_v unto_o the_o church_n themselves_o either_o joint_o with_o their_o elder_n or_o distinct_o from_o they_o phil._n 1.1_o and_o the_o whole_a preservation_n of_o church-order_n be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o this_o duty_n recommend_v unto_o they_o neither_o can_v what_o they_o do_v in_o compliance_n with_o their_o guide_n and_o ruler_n be_v any_o part_n of_o their_o obedience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n unless_o they_o make_v previous_o thereunto_o a_o rational_a consideration_n and_o judgement_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v neither_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v rule_v without_o its_o knowledge_n or_o against_o its_o will_n nor_o in_o any_o thing_n be_v blind_a obedience_n acceptable_a to_o god_n second_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o the_o privilege_n of_o give_v and_o testify_v their_o consent_n unto_o all_o act_n of_o church_n power_n which_o though_o it_o belong_v not_o formal_o unto_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o it_o be_v necessary_a unto_o their_o validity_n and_o efficacy_n and_o that_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v and_o act_v what_o be_v do_v and_o effect_v thereby_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 13._o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o they_o who_o have_v this_o privilege_n of_o consent_n which_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n into_o the_o action_n and_o validity_n of_o it_o have_v also_o the_o liberty_n of_o dissent_n when_o any_o thing_n be_v propose_v to_o be_v do_v the_o warrant_n whereof_o from_o the_o word_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o performance_n be_v not_o evident_a unto_o they_o qu._n 43._o wherein_o do_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o authority_n for_o discipline_n commit_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v an._n 1_o in_o personal_a private_a admonition_n of_o any_o member_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n of_o sin_n error_n or_o any_o miscarriage_n know_v unto_o themselves_o 2_o in_o public_a admonition_n in_o case_n of_o offence_n persist_v in_o and_o bring_v orderly_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o church_n 3_o in_o the_o ejection_n of_o obstinate_a offender_n from_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n 4_o in_o exhort_v comfort_v and_o restore_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o exercise_n of_o church_n privilege_n such_o as_o be_v recover_v from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n all_o according_a to_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o matth._n 18.15_o 1_o thess._n 5.14_o 1_o cor._n 4.14_o titus_n 1.13_o chap._n 2.15_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o 2_o 1_o tim._n 5.19.20_o matth._n 18.16_o 17._o 3_o titus_n 3.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o matth._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.5_o gal._n 5.12_o 4_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o gal._n 6.1_o 2_o thess._n 3.15_o qu._n 44._o may_v the_o church_n cast_v any_o person_n out_o of_o its_o communion_n without_o previous_a admonition_n an._n it_o may_v in_o some_o case_n where_o the_o offence_n be_v notorious_a and_o the_o scandal_n grievous_a so_o that_o nothing_o be_v do_v against_o other_o general_a rule_n 1_o cor._n 4._o qu._n 45._o wherein_o do_v the_o liberty_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a consist_v an._n 1_o in_o a_o meek_a consideration_n of_o the_o condition_n and_o temptation_n of_o offender_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o offence_n when_o orderly_o propose_v unto_o the_o church_n 2_o in_o judge_v with_o the_o elder_n according_a to_o rule_v what_o in_o all_o case_n of_o offence_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o offender_n themselves_o and_o for_o the_o edification_n and_o vindication_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n 3_o in_o their_o consent_n unto_o and_o concurrence_n in_o the_o admonition_n ejection_n pardon_v and_o restore_v of_o offender_n as_o the_o matter_n shall_v require_v gal._n 6.1_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 4_o 5_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 2_o cor._n 2_o 6_o 7_o 8._o qu._n 46._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o private_a member_n in_o reference_n unto_o the_o discipline_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n an._n it_o be_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o mutual_a watch_n over_o one_o another_o to_o exhort_v each_o other_o unto_o holiness_n and_o perseverance_n and_o if_o they_o observe_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o way_n and_o walking_n of_o of_o any_o of_o their_o fellow_n member_n not_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o profession_n which_o therefore_o give_v they_o offence_n to_o admonish_v they_o thereof_o in_o private_a with_o love_n meekness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o in_o case_n they_o prevail_v not_o unto_o their_o amendment_n to_o take_v the_o assistance_n of_o some_o other_o brethren_n in_o the_o same_o work_n and_o if_o they_o fail_v in_o success_n therein_o also_o to_o report_v the_o matter_n by_o the_o elder_n direction_n unto_o the_o whole_a church_n matth._n 18.16_o 17_o 18._o 1_o thess._n 5.14_o explication_n in_o these_o question_n a_o enquiry_n be_v make_v after_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o belong_v unto_o the_o reproof_n and_o correction_n of_o miscarriage_n according_a to_o the_o distribution_n of_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n before_o explain_v the_o first_o act_n hereof_o consist_v in_o private_a admonition_n for_o so_o have_v our_o lord_n ordain_v that_o in_o case_n any_o brother_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v in_o any_o thing_n wâ—lk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o or_o they_o unto_o who_o it_o be_v observe_v and_o who_o be_v thereby_o offend_v may_v and_o aught_o to_o admonish_v the_o person_n or_o person_n so_o offend_v of_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o offence_n concern_v which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o what_o be_v previous_o require_v thereunto_o and_o that_o be_v first_o that_o in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v love_n without_o dissimulation_n they_o be_v to_o be_v kind_o affection_a one_o to_o another_o with_o brotherly_a love_n rom._n 12.9_o 10._o which_o as_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n so_o they_o be_v great_o exhort_v thereunto_o heb._n 13.1_o this_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n the_o most_o excellent_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o preserve_a church_n order_n and_o farther_v the_o edification_n thereof_o 1_o cor._n 13._o without_o which_o well_o seat_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o church_n member_n no_o duty_n of_o their_o relation_n can_v ever_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n second_o this_o love_n be_v to_o exert_v and_o put_v forth_o itself_o in_o tender_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n for_o the_o good_a of_o each_o other_o which_o be_v to_o work_v by_o mutual_a exhortation_n information_n instruction_n according_a as_o opportunity_n do_v offer_v themselves_o or_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o any_o do_v seem_v to_o require_v heb._n 3.13_o chap._n 10.24_o second_o this_o duty_n of_o admonish_a offender_n private_o and_o personal_o be_v common_a to_o the_o elder_n with_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o do_v it_o belong_v proper_o unto_o the_o elder_n as_o such_o but_o as_o brethren_n of_o the_o same_o society_n and_o yet_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n the_o elder_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v it_o with_o more_o authority_n moral_o though_o office_n power_n proper_o be_v not_o exercise_v therein_o by_o virtue_n also_o of_o their_o constant_a general_a watch_n over_o the_o whole_a flock_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o discern_v miscarriage_n in_o any_o of_o the_o member_n soon_o than_o other_o but_o as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n this_o duty_n be_v equal_o incumbent_a on_o every_o member_n of_o it_o according_a as_o the_o obligation_n on_o they_o to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o and_o to_o exercise_v especial_a love_n
and_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o worship_n eph._n 2.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v particular_a church_n or_o unite_a assembly_n of_o believer_n among_o and_o by_o who_o he_o will_v have_v all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n celebrate_v and_o this_o institution_n of_o he_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v invariable_o and_o inviolable_o observe_v by_o all_o that_o take_v on_o they_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n without_o any_o one_o instance_n of_o question_v it_o to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o of_o the_o celebration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n among_o any_o person_n but_o only_o in_o such_o society_n or_o particular_a church_n and_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n and_o warranty_n of_o this_o institution_n give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o first_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o approve_v by_o christ._n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v then_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v also_o in_o heaven_n again_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o such_o a_o church_n he_o suppose_v and_o approve_v as_o his_o disciple_n have_v relation_n unto_o and_o as_o any_o one_o of_o they_o can_v have_v recourse_n unto_o as_o a_o brother_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o direction_n this_o can_v not_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n neither_o in_o its_o whole_a body_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o its_o judicatories_n for_o as_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a decree_n of_o excommunication_n against_o all_o and_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v profess_v his_o name_n john_n 9.22_o the_o jew_n have_v already_o agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v that_o he_o be_v christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n which_o be_v execute_v according_o upon_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a verse_n the_o 34._o which_o utter_o disable_v they_o from_o make_v any_o use_n of_o this_o direction_n command_n or_o institution_n of_o he_o for_o the_o present_a so_o afterward_o the_o chief_a business_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o those_o assembly_n from_o the_o high_a court_n of_o their_o sanhedrim_n to_o the_o mean_a judicatory_a in_o their_o synagogue_n be_v to_o persecute_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o unto_o death_n math._n 10.17_o they_o will_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o the_o council_n and_o they_o will_v scourge_v you_o in_o their_o synagogue_n john_n 15.21_o and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v send_v his_o disciple_n for_o direction_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o their_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o mutual_a love_n towards_o one_o another_o unto_o they_o with_o who_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v withal_o and_o if_o they_o be_v intend_v they_o be_v all_o already_o make_v as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n be_v cast_v out_o by_o they_o for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o in_o their_o blasphemy_n and_o persecution_n of_o christ_n himself_o such_o a_o society_n also_o be_v plain_o intend_v as_o whereunto_o christ_n promise_v his_o presence_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o who_o righteous_a sentence_n he_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o heaven_n moreover_o such_o a_o church_n do_v he_o direct_v unto_o as_o wiâ—h_v which_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o have_v familiar_a brotherly_n constant_a converse_n and_o communion_n with_o who_o they_o be_v so_o to_o be_v join_v in_o society_n as_o to_o be_v own_v or_o reject_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o judgement_n as_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o practice_n enjoin_v unto_o they_o and_o without_o relation_n whereunto_o no_o duty_n here_o appoint_v can_v be_v perform_v as_o therefore_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n bespeak_v a_o society_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o society_n but_o that_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v here_o intend_v second_o these_o church_n he_o call_v his_o candlestick_n rev._n 1.20_o in_o allusion_n unto_o the_o candlestick_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v direct_o declare_v these_o church_n to_o be_v so_o under_o the_o new_a and_o this_o he_o speak_v in_o reference_n unto_o those_o seven_o principal_a church_n of_o asia_n every_o one_o of_o which_o be_v a_o candlestick_n or_o a_o institution_n of_o his_o own_o three_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n the_o apostle_n so_o soon_o as_o any_o be_v convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n at_o jerusalem_n although_o the_o old_a national_a church_n state_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o continue_v gather_v they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o society_n for_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n acts._n 2.41_o 42._o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o together_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n verse_n 47_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o this_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o this_o company_n be_v express_o call_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n acts._n 8.1_o this_o church_n thus_o call_v and_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o dispose_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n into_o church_n societye_n in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n throughout_o the_o world_n act_n 11.26_o act_n 14.23_o 27._o four_o they_o take_v care_n for_o the_o form_n complete_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o order_n according_a to_o his_o will_n under_o the_o rule_n of_o they_o give_v and_o grant_v unto_o they_o by_o himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n all_o in_o a_o stâ—ddy_a pursuit_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n act_v 14.23_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n titus_n 1.5_o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o five_o they_o do_v every_o where_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n give_v unto_o these_o church_n rule_n direction_n and_o precept_n for_o the_o due_a order_n of_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o mind_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o in_o particular_a for_o first_o there_o be_v no_o charge_n give_v unto_o the_o officer_n minister_n guide_n or_o overseer_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v but_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o such_o church_n that_o minister_n or_o officer_n be_v of_o christ_n appointment_n be_v express_o declare_v ephes._n 4.11.12_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n these_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n but_o to_o what_o end_n why_o as_o they_o be_v ordain_v in_o every_o church_n act_v 14.23_o titus_n 1.5_o so_o their_o whole_a charge_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o church_n act_n 20.17_o he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o say_v to_o they_o verse_n the_o 28._o take_v heed_n
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
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
case_n there_o be_v not_o the_o success_n aim_v at_o obtain_v in_o these_o several_a degree_n of_o private_a admonition_n it_o be_v then_o the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o matter_n be_v report_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v public_o admonish_v thereby_o and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n wherein_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o person_n who_o have_v endeavour_v in_o vain_a to_o reclaim_v their_o offend_a brother_n by_o private_a admonition_n be_v to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o case_n and_o crime_n as_o also_o what_o they_o have_v do_v according_a to_o rule_v for_o the_o rectify_v of_o it_o who_o upon_o that_o information_n be_v oblige_v to_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n to_o the_o church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o elder_n as_o to_o who_o the_o preservation_n of_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o proceed_n do_v belong_v as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o second_o the_o report_n make_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v 1._o of_o the_o crime_n guilt_n or_o offence_n 2._o of_o the_o testimony_n give_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 3._o of_o the_o mean_n use_v to_o bring_v the_o offender_n to_o acknowledgement_n and_o repentance_n 4._o of_o his_o deportment_n under_o the_o private_a previous_a admonition_n either_o as_o to_o his_o reject_v of_o they_o or_o as_o to_o any_o satisfaction_n tender_v all_o in_o order_n love_n meekness_n and_o tenderness_n three_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o the_o offender_n hear_v upon_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o offence_n and_o former_a proceed_n the_o whole_a church_n or_o multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v with_o the_o elder_n to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n with_o the_o condition_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o offender_n with_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n set_v they_o a_o example_n of_o in_o his_o deal_n with_o sinner_n and_o which_o be_v require_v in_o they_o as_o his_o disciple_n gal._n 6.1_o 2._o 2_o cor._n 2.8_o four_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o offender_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v evident_a and_o persist_v in_o than_o five_o the_o offender_n be_v to_o be_v public_o admonish_v by_o the_o elder_n with_o the_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o thes._n 5.14_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o matth._n 18.16_o 17._o and_o this_o admonition_n consist_v of_o five_o part_n 1._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o crime_n or_o offence_n as_o it_o be_v evidence_v unto_o the_o church_n 2._o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o from_o the_o rule_n or_o rule_n transgress_v against_o 3._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o case_n 4._o a_o rebuke_n of_o the_o offender_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n answer_v the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o offence_n 5._o a_o exhortation_n unto_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o acknowledgement_n eleven_o in_o case_n the_o offender_n despise_v this_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o come_v not_o upon_o it_o unto_o repentance_n it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o society_n thereof_o or_o be_v excommunicate_v wherein_o consist_v the_o last_o act_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o correction_n of_o offender_n and_o herein_o may_v be_v consider_v first_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n and_o so_o principal_o belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o therein_o exert_v the_o power_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o appointment_n matth._n 16.19_o john_n 20.23_o matth._n 18.18_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o titus_n 3.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o and_o both_o these_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o eldership_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n second_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o cut_n off_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o person_n offend_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o consequent_o from_o that_o of_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o earth_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o whereby_o he_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n matth._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 5_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o titus_n 3.10_o gal._n 5.12_o three_o the_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v 1._o the_o gain_n of_o the_o party_n offend_v by_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n humiliation_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o offence_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7._o 2_o cor._n 13.10_o 2._o the_o warning_n of_o other_o not_o to_o do_v so_o presumptuous_o 3._o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o order_n 1_o cor._n 5.6_o 7._o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ._n four_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n on_o which_o the_o church_n may_v proceed_v unto_o sentence_n against_o any_o offend_a person_n now_o these_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v proceed_v upon_o in_o his_o final_a judgement_n at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o church_n judge_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v to_o exclude_v none_o from_o its_o communion_n but_o those_o who_o they_o find_v by_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o himself_o exclude_v from_o his_o kingdom_n and_o so_o that_o which_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v by_o he_o in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.18_o and_o their_o sentence_n herein_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v as_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o sentence_n which_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o will_v pronounce_v at_o the_o last_o day_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o it_o be_v also_o make_v know_v that_o this_o sentence_n of_o they_o be_v not_o final_a or_o decretory_a but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prevention_n of_o that_o which_o will_v be_v so_o unless_o the_o evil_n be_v repent_v of_o now_o although_o the_o particular_a evil_n sin_n or_o offence_n that_o may_v render_v a_o person_n obnoxious_a unto_o this_o censure_n and_o sentence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v enumerate_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n which_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o action_n yet_o they_o may_v in_o general_n be_v refer_v unto_o these_o head_n first_o moral_a evil_n contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o express_v command_n or_o prohibition_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n direct_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o of_o evil_a report_n in_o the_o world_n among_o man_n walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o church_n may_v proceed_v unto_o the_o sentence_n whereof_o we_o speak_v without_o previous_a admonition_n in_o case_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v notorious_a public_o and_o unquestionable_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o no_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impeach_v by_o particular_a instance_n lie_v against_o their_o proceedure_n 1_o cor._n 5.3_o 4._o 2_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o second_o offence_n against_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o church_n if_o pertinacious_o persist_v in_o matth._n 18.16_o 17._o three_o false_a doctrine_n against_o the_o fundamental_o in_o faith_n or_o worship_n especial_o if_o maintain_v with_o contention_n to_o the_o trouble_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n gal._n 5.12_o titus_n 3.9_o 10_o 11._o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 4_o 5._o revel_v 2.14_o 15._o four_o blasphemy_n or_o evil_a speak_v of_o the_o way_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n especial_o if_o join_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o hinder_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o persecution_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o five_o desertion_n or_o total_a causeless_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o be_v self-condemned_n have_v break_v and_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n that_o they_o make_v at_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n heb._n 10.25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o six_o the_o time_n or_o season_n of_o the_o put_v forth_o
he_o make_v they_o know_v to_o who_o he_o please_v psalm_n 147.19_o 20._o and_o although_o some_o of_o the_o way_n which_o he_o do_v appoint_v may_v seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a compliance_n in_o they_o unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yet_o in_o his_o worship_n he_o accept_v they_o not_o on_o that_o account_n but_o mere_o on_o that_o of_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o this_o as_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o will_n about_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n so_o he_o have_v severe_o forbid_v the_o addition_n of_o our_o own_o invention_n unto_o what_o he_o have_v appoint_v send_v we_o for_o instruction_n unto_o he_o alone_o who_o he_o have_v endow_v with_o sovereign_a authority_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o ordain_v his_o worship_n john_n 1.18_o matth._n 17.5_o 1_o chron._n 16.13_o qu._n 3._o how_o then_o be_v these_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n make_v know_v unto_o we_o answ._n in_o and_o by_o the_o write_a word_n only_o which_o contain_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o his_o whole_a worship_n and_o all_o the_o concernment_n of_o it_o john_n 5.39_o isa._n 8.20_o luke_n 16.19_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 1.19_o deut._n 4.2_o chap._n 12.32_o joshua_n 1.7_o prov._n 30.6_o rev._n 22.20_o isaiah_n 29.13_o explication_n the_o end_n wherefore_o god_n grant_v his_o word_n unto_o the_o church_n be_v that_o thereby_o it_o may_v be_v instruct_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o worship_n and_o obedience_n that_o he_o require_v of_o we_o and_o which_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o this_o the_o whole_a scripture_n itself_o every_o where_o declare_v and_o speak_v out_o unto_o all_o that_o do_v receive_v it_o as_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o with_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o testimony_n above_o recite_v do_v declare_v it_o suppose_v it_o declare_v that_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v ignorant_a how_o god_n be_v how_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v isa._n 8.20_o moreover_o it_o manifest_v he_o to_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n exercise_v that_o holy_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n about_o his_o worship_n reject_v and_o despise_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o according_a to_o his_o will_n that_o be_v not_o of_o his_o institution_n exod._n 20.4_o 5._o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v so_o he_o have_v make_v a_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n in_o his_o write_a word_n that_o be_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v expect_v instruction_n from_o thence_o alone_o in_o his_o worship_n and_o act_v therein_o according_o first_o he_o send_v we_o and_o direct_v we_o thereunto_o express_o for_o that_o purpose_n isa._n 8.28_o luke_n 16.19_o john_n 5.39_o and_o not_o once_o intimate_v in_o the_o least_o any_o other_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o instruction_n unto_o the_o end_n second_o he_o frequent_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a able_a and_o perfect_a to_o guide_v we_o therein_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o 16_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 1.19_o psalm_n 19.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o whereas_o he_o have_v express_o give_v it_o unto_o we_o for_o that_o end_n if_o there_o be_v any_o want_n or_o defect_n therein_o it_o must_v arise_v from_o hence_o that_o either_o god_n will_v not_o or_o can_v not_o give_v unto_o we_o a_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v imagine_v three_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v appoint_v therein_o and_o not_o to_o make_v any_o addition_n thereunto_o joshua_n 1.7_o deut._n 4.2_o chap._n 12.32_o prov._n 30.6_o revel_v 22.20_o and_o four_o peculiar_o interdict_v we_o the_o use_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o the_o institution_n or_o appointment_n of_o man_n isa._n 29.13_o 14._o so_o that_o from_o the_o scripture_n alone_o be_v we_o to_o learn_v what_o be_v accept_v with_o god_n in_o his_o worship_n qu._n 4._o have_v these_o way_n and_o mean_v be_v always_o the_o same_o from_o the_o beginning_n answ._n no_o but_o god_n have_v alter_v and_o change_v they_o at_o sundry_a reason_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n so_o as_o he_o see_v necessary_a for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n see_v gen._n 2.16_o 17._o gen._n 17.10_o 11._o exod._n 12.3_o 4_o 5._o exod._n 20._o chap._n 25.9_o heb._n 1.1_o heb._n 9.10_o 11_o 12._o explication_n the_o external_a worship_n whereof_o we_o speak_v be_v as_o be_v show_v before_o not_o natural_a or_o moral_a arise_v necessary_o from_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o rational_a creature_n on_o god_n as_o its_o first_o cause_n chief_a good_a last_o end_v and_o sovereign_a lord_n but_o proceed_v from_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n determine_v how_o he_o will_v be_v honour_v and_o glorify_v in_o the_o world_n be_v always_o alterable_a by_o he_o by_o who_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o whereas_o ever_o since_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n into_o the_o world_n god_n have_v always_o respect_n unto_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o mediation_n in_o who_o alone_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v and_o faith_n in_o who_o he_o aim_v to_o begin_v and_o increase_v in_o all_o his_o worship_n he_o have_v suit_v his_o institution_n of_o the_o mean_n thereof_o to_o that_o dispensation_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o he_o which_o he_o be_v please_v at_o any_o time_n to_o grant_v thus_o immediate_o after_o the_o give_v of_o the_o promise_n he_o appoint_v sacrifice_n for_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o his_o worship_n as_o to_o glorify_v himself_o express_o by_o man_n off_o ring_n unto_o he_o of_o the_o principal_a good_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o so_o to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o great_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v by_o the_o promise_a seed_n gen._n 4.3_o 4._o heb._n 11.4_o these_o be_v the_o first_o institute_v worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n after_o the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n hereunto_o he_o next_o add_v circumcision_n as_o a_o express_a sign_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o grace_n of_o it_o which_o he_o call_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n unto_o by_o jesus_n christ_n gen._n 17.10_o 11._o and_o to_o the_o same_o general_a end_n and_o purpose_n he_o afterward_o superad_v the_o passeover_n with_o its_o attendant_a institution_n exod._n 12.23_o 24._o and_o then_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o institution_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n on_o mount_n sinai_n exod_n 20._o so_o by_o sundry_a degree_n he_o build_v up_o that_o fabric_n of_o his_o outward_a worship_n which_o be_v suit_v in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n unto_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n until_o the_o exhibition_n of_o the_o promise_a seed_n or_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mediation_n heb._n 1.1_o for_o unto_o that_o season_n be_v those_o ordinance_n to_o serve_v and_o no_o long_o heb._n 9.10_o 11_o 12._o and_o then_o be_v they_o remove_v by_o the_o same_o authority_n whereby_o they_o be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v col._n 2.14_o 18_o 19_o 20._o so_o that_o though_o god_n will_v never_o allow_v that_o man_n upon_o what_o pretence_n soever_o shall_v make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o worship_n appoint_v by_o he_o by_o add_v unto_o it_o any_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o or_o omit_v aught_o that_o he_o have_v command_v either_o in_o matter_n or_o manner_n notwithstanding_o that_o he_o know_v that_o it_o be_v to_o abide_v but_o for_o a_o season_n but_o command_v all_o man_n strait_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o while_o it_o be_v by_o he_o continue_v in_o force_n mal._n 4.4_o yet_o he_o always_o reserve_v unto_o himself_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o alter_v change_a or_o utter_o abolish_n it_o at_o his_o own_o pleasure_n which_o authority_n he_o exert_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o all_o the_o mere_a institution_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n while_o they_o continue_v he_o inforce_v they_o with_o moral_a reason_n as_o his_o own_o holiness_n and_o authority_n but_o those_o reason_n prove_v not_o any_o of_o those_o institution_n to_o be_v moral_a unless_o they_o ensue_v upon_o those_o reason_n alone_o and_o be_v no_o where_o else_o command_v for_o be_v once_o institute_v and_o command_v they_o be_v to_o be_v enforce_v with_o moral_a consideration_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n in_o reference_n unto_o his_o authority_n so_o say_v he_o thou_o shall_v reverence_v my_o sanctuary_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n which_o no_o more_o prove_n that_o a_o moral_a duty_n then_o that_o enjoin_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n levit._n
be_v any_o part_n thereof_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o celebration_n of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n with_o prayer_n for_o every_o thing_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o prayer_n 1_o tim._n 4.5_o of_o some_o of_o they_o indispensable_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o chap._n 11.20_o 24_o 25_o 33._o with_o care_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o love_n modesty_n condescension_n and_o prudence_n do_v all_o thing_n decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 11.33_o chap._n 14.40_o gesture_n in_o some_o sacred_a action_n mat._n 26.20_o 26._o john_n 13.23_o all_o which_o the_o church_n be_v diligent_o to_o inquire_v into_o as_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o go_n out_o thereof_o and_o the_o come_n in_o thereof_o the_o form_n thereof_o and_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o with_o the_o law_n thereof_o promise_v to_o be_v show_v unto_o it_o ezek._n 43.11_o to_o attend_v careful_o to_o their_o observation_n be_v its_o duty_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n as_o to_o all_o other_o circumstance_n which_o no_o authority_n of_o man_n can_v give_v any_o real_a relation_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n unto_o therein_o lie_v the_o exercise_n of_o that_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n ephes._n 1.17_o 18._o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o god_n appoint_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v for_o their_o observance_n deut._n 4.5_o 6._o behold_v i_o have_v teach_v you_o statute_n and_o judgement_n even_o as_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n command_v i_o keep_v therefore_o and_o do_v they_o for_o this_o be_v your_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o herein_o be_v the_o command_n of_o christ_n keep_v inviolate_a and_o unblameable_a the_o persuasion_n of_o some_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o prescribe_v all_o thing_n wherein_o his_o worship_n be_v concern_v seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o negligence_n in_o inquire_v after_o what_o he_o have_v so_o prescribe_v and_o when_o once_o that_o persuasion_n be_v entertain_v all_o far_a inquiry_n be_v supersede_v and_o despise_v for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v any_o one_o seek_v after_o that_o which_o he_o be_v satisfy_v can_v be_v find_v as_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v be_v but_o this_o mistake_n will_v be_v elsewhere_o more_o full_o discover_v three_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o be_v admit_v or_o practise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n or_o as_o belong_v thereunto_o which_o be_v not_o institute_v and_o appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n christ._n in_o its_o care_n faithfulness_n and_o watchfulness_n herein_o consist_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o its_o loyalty_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n as_o the_o head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n and_o which_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o unto_o he_o have_v leave_v so_o many_o severe_a interdiction_n and_o prohibition_n in_o his_o word_n against_o all_o addition_n to_o his_o command_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatever_o of_o which_o afterward_o qu._n 13._o be_v not_o some_o institution_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n cease_v as_o unto_o any_o obligation_n unto_o their_o observation_n and_o therefore_o now_o right_o disuse_v answ._n 1_o some_o symbolical_a token_n of_o moral_a duty_n occasional_o use_v only_o for_o present_a instruction_n in_o those_o duty_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n without_o any_o intention_n to_o oblige_v believer_n unto_o the_o formal_a constant_a use_n or_o repetition_n of_o they_o and_o 2._o some_o temporary_a appointment_n relate_v unto_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n bestow_v only_o for_o a_o season_n in_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v cease_v but_o 3._o no_o institution_n or_o command_n of_o christ_n give_v unto_o the_o whole_a church_n relate_v unto_o the_o evangelical_n administration_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o believer_n do_v or_o shall_v cease_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o can_v be_v whole_o omit_v without_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o john_n 13.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o rom._n 16.16_o 1_o cor._n 16.20_o 1_o tim._n 5.10_o mark_v 6.13_o jam._n 5.14_o matth._n 28.20_o 1_o tim._n 6.14_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o explication_n mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o sundry_a thing_n practise_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v then_o in_o common_a use_n among_o man_n be_v occasional_o make_v by_o they_o symbolical_a instruction_n in_o moral_a duty_n such_o be_v wash_v of_o foot_n by_o one_o another_o the_o holy_a kiss_n and_o the_o like_a but_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o they_o but_o a_o sanctified_a use_n direct_v unto_o the_o present_a civil_a custom_n and_o usage_n the_o command_v give_v concern_v they_o respect_v not_o the_o outward_a action_n nor_o appoint_v any_o continuance_n of_o they_o be_v peculiar_o suit_v unto_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n in_o those_o country_n as_o john_n 13.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o after_o he_o have_v wash_v their_o foot_n and_o have_v take_v his_o garment_n and_o be_v set_v down_o again_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o know_v you_o what_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o say_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o if_o i_o than_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v wash_v your_o foot_n you_o also_o aught_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v the_o moral_a duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n in_o condescension_n and_o mutual_a helpfulness_n to_o be_v express_v in_o all_o necessary_a office_n as_o occasion_n do_v require_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o jesus_n christ_n here_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n and_o lead_v they_o to_o by_o his_o own_o example_n in_o a_o office_n of_o love_n then_o in_o use_n in_o those_o part_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o holy_a kiss_n rom._n 16.16_o which_o be_v a_o temporary_a occasional_a token_n of_o entire_a love_n which_o may_v in_o answer_n thereunto_o be_v express_v by_o any_o sober_a usage_n of_o salutation_n among_o man_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v not_o institute_v for_o any_o continuance_n nor_o do_v represent_v any_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o every_o institution_n of_o gospel_n worship_v proper_o so_o call_v common_a usage_n or_o practice_n therefore_o direct_v to_o be_v use_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o unto_o a_o proper_a end_n where_o they_o be_v use_v make_v they_o not_o institution_n of_o worship_n neither_o have_v they_o in_o they_o as_o so_o command_v or_o direct_v any_o one_o thing_n that_o concur_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o gospel-ordinance_n for_o neither_o have_v they_o their_o rise_n in_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v any_o continuance_n of_o they_o enjoin_v nor_o any_o promise_n annex_v unto_o they_o nor_o any_o grace_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n represent_v or_o exhibit_v in_o they_o beside_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o church_n continue_v for_o a_o while_o certain_a extraordinary_a gift_n that_o have_v their_o effect_n visible_o on_o the_o outward_a sense_n of_o man_n and_o tend_v not_o immediate_o unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o faith_n but_o unto_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o and_o vindication_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o by_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o propagate_v such_o be_v that_o gift_n of_o heal_v the_o sick_a which_o be_v a_o especial_a effect_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o church_n in_o those_o day_n in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v accompany_v by_o anoint_v with_o oil_n but_o this_o be_v no_o universal_a practice_n and_o use_v only_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o gift_n extraordinary_a who_o use_n and_o be_v be_v long_o since_o cease_v it_o never_o be_v appoint_v nor_o intend_v to_o be_v of_o continuance_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o tie_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o the_o empty_a sign_n and_o shadow_n of_o thing_n who_o substance_n be_v not_o enjoy_v beside_o no_o spiritual_a grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v ever_o intimate_v seal_v or_o exhibit_v by_o that_o usage_n of_o anoint_v with_o oil_n the_o first_o mention_n of_o it_o be_v mark_n 6.13_o where_o its_o practice_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o extraordinary_a power_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n commit_v unto_o his_o twelve_o disciple_n on_o their_o first_o
the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n matth._n 26.27_o 1_o cor._n 11.25_o and_o all_o these_o grace_n which_o they_o teach_v they_o also_o exhibit_v and_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o they_o unto_o beleiver_n moreover_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o beleiver_n who_o have_v conscientious_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o their_o due_a observance_n may_v be_v produce_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o the_o instruction_n edification_n consolation_n spiritual_a strength_n courage_n and_o resolution_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o and_o by_o they_o have_v be_v witness_v unto_o in_o their_o life_n and_o end_n and_o they_o to_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n do_v but_o in_o vain_a pretend_v a_o regard_n unto_o god_n in_o any_o thing_n whatever_o farthermore_o god_n have_v appoint_v our_o duty_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o glorify_v he_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o can_v we_o otherwise_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n but_o as_o we_o own_o his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o what_o we_o do_v herein_o be_v principal_o evident_a in_o those_o duty_n which_o lie_v under_o the_o eye_n and_o observation_n of_o men._n some_o duty_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v which_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v discern_v in_o believer_n such_o be_v their_o faith_n inward_a holiness_n purity_n of_o heart_n heavenly_a mindedness_n sincere_a mortification_n of_o indwelling_a sin_n some_o who_o performance_n ought_v to_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o as_o personal_a prayer_n and_o alm_n matth._n 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o some_o there_o be_v which_o be_v very_o liable_a to_o misconstruction_n among_o man_n as_o zeal_n in_o many_o of_o the_o act_n of_o it_o but_o this_o conscientious_a observation_n of_o institute_v worship_n and_o therein_o avow_v our_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o the_o world_n may_v see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o that_o which_o unless_o in_o case_n of_o persecution_n aught_o not_o to_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o and_o that_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n at_o and_o therefore_o have_v god_n appoint_v that_o by_o this_o mean_n and_o way_n we_o shall_v honour_v and_o glorify_v he_o in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o we_o neglect_v we_o do_v evident_o cast_v off_o all_o regard_n unto_o his_o concernment_n in_o this_o world_n herein_o it_o be_v that_o we_o manifest_v ourselves_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n of_o he_o and_o his_o word_n which_o he_o so_o indispensable_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n mark_v 8.38_o for_o say_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n hereby_o do_v we_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o friend_n john_n 13.35_o for_o these_o peculiarly_a be_v his_o command_n and_o if_o we_o suffer_v for_o they_o than_o we_o do_v most_o proper_o suffer_v as_o christian_n which_o be_v our_o glory_n that_o 1_o pet._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o on_o their_o part_n he_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o but_o on_o your_o part_n he_o be_v glorify_v but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n or_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o as_o a_o evil_a doer_n or_o as_o a_o busiâ—_n body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n but_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v god_n â—n_o this_o behalf_n and_o a_o happy_a and_o a_o bless_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o special_a command_n of_o christ._n far_o to_o encourage_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n the_o holy_a faithful_a god_n have_v give_v we_o many_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o afford_v unto_o we_o his_o especial_a sanctify_a blessing_n presence_n in_o our_o attendance_n on_o his_o worship_n according_a to_o his_o appointment_n for_o as_o he_o promise_v of_o old_a that_o he_o will_v make_v glorious_a the_o place_n of_o his_o foot_n or_o abode_n among_o his_o people_n isa._n 60.13_o that_o he_o will_v meet_v they_o in_o his_o sanctuary_n the_o place_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o there_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o bless_v they_o and_o be_v their_o god_n exod._n 29.42_o 43_o 44_o 45._o deut._n 14.24_o so_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v his_o presence_n to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o assemble_v together_o in_o his_o name_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o worship_n which_o in_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v appoint_v matth._n 18.20_o for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o therein_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n his_o gracious_a dwell_a place_n with_o men._n rev._n 21.3_o now_o when_o god_n offer_v unto_o we_o his_o presence_n his_o gracious_a blessing_n sanctify_a and_o save_a presence_n and_o that_o in_o and_o by_o promise_n which_o shall_v never_o fail_v what_o unspeakable_a guilt_n must_v we_o needs_o contract_v upon_o our_o own_o soul_n if_o we_o neglect_v or_o despise_v the_o tender_n of_o such_o grace_n but_o because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v slothful_a and_o be_v slow_a of_o heart_n in_o admit_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o fall_v not_o in_o with_o the_o light_n and_o principle_n of_o nature_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o unto_o a_o diligence_n in_o our_o attendance_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o look_v upon_o our_o obedience_n herein_o as_o our_o whole_a loyalty_n unto_o he_o in_o that_o conjugal_a covenant_n which_o he_o be_v please_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o take_v beleiver_n into_o with_o himself_o jer._n 3.14_o turn_v o_o backslide_a child_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o marry_v unto_o you_o and_o will_v take_v you_o one_o of_o a_o city_n and_o two_o of_o a_o family_n and_o will_v bring_v you_o unto_o zion_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o pastor_n according_a unto_o my_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v you_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n come_v unto_o zion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o lead_n and_o conduct_n of_o pastor_n according_a to_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n be_v our_o answer_v the_o relation_n wherein_o we_o stand_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o be_v marry_v unto_o we_o and_o thereupon_o he_o teach_v we_o that_o as_o a_o husband_n he_o be_v jealous_a of_o our_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n account_v our_o neglect_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o profanation_n of_o it_o by_o invention_n and_o addition_n of_o our_o own_o to_o be_v spiritual_a disloyalty_n whoredom_n and_o adultery_n which_o his_o soul_n abhor_v for_o which_o he_o will_v cast_v off_o any_o church_n or_o people_n and_o that_o for_o ever_o see_v exod._n 20.5_o deut._n 4.23_o 24._o jos._n 24.19_o ezek._n 16._o whatever_o he_o will_v bear_v withal_o in_o his_o church_n he_o will_v not_o bear_v with_o that_o which_o his_o jealousy_n be_v exercise_v about_o if_o it_o transgress_v therein_o he_o will_v give_v it_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n which_o repudiate_v condition_n be_v the_o state_n of_o many_o church_n in_o the_o world_n however_o they_o please_v and_o boast_v themselves_o in_o their_o meritricious_a ornament_n and_o practice_n to_o give_v yet_o far_o strength_n unto_o all_o these_o consideration_n that_o we_o may_v not_o only_o have_v rule_n and_o precept_n but_o example_n also_o for_o our_o instruction_n god_n have_v give_v many_o signal_n instance_n of_o his_o severity_n against_o person_n who_o by_o ignorance_n neglect_n or_o regardlesness_n have_v miscarry_v in_o not_o observe_v exact_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n in_o and_o about_o his_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o nadab_n and_o abide_v the_o son_n of_o aaron_n levit._n 10.1_o 2._o of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abirain_n numb_a 16.3_o 8_o 9_o 32_o 35._o of_o the_o son_n of_o ely_n a_o sin_n not_o to_o be_v expiate_v with_o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n forever_o 1_o sam._n 2.28_o 29._o of_o vzza_n in_o put_v the_o ark_n into_o a_o cart_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v bear_v it_o upon_o his_o shoulder_n 1_o chron._n 16.13_o of_o vzzia_n the_o king_n in_o offer_v incense_n contrary_n to_o god_n institution_n that_o duty_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o aaron_n 2_o chron._n
he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3.3_o require_v regeneration_n as_o a_o indispensable_a condition_n in_o a_o member_n of_o his_o church_n a_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o his_o temple_n be_v now_o to_o be_v build_v of_o live_a stone_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o man_n spiritual_o and_o save_o quicken_v from_o their_o death_n in_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o holy-ghost_n whereof_o they_o be_v partaker_n make_v a_o meet_a habitation_n for_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o which_o receive_v vital_a supply_n from_o christ_n its_o head_n increase_v in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n edify_v itself_o in_o love_n ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n do_v ascribe_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o a_o participation_n in_o this_o effectual_a vocation_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v saint_n call_v sanctify_a justify_v and_o accept_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n rom._n 1.5_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o 1_o cor._n 4.15_o heb._n 3.1_o jam._n 1.18_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 6.11_o so_o many_o of_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o that_o relation_n and_o condition_n be_v such_o as_o none_o can_v perform_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o own_o benefit_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o the_o end_n of_o all_o obedience_n unless_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o effectual_a call_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o ephes._n 4.16_o add_v hereunto_o that_o these_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o only_o command_v to_o separate_v themselves_o as_o to_o their_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o the_o world_n that_o be_v man_n in_o their_o worldly_a state_n and_o condition_n but_o be_v also_o require_v when_o any_o among_o they_o trasgress_v against_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o this_o holy_a call_n above_o describe_v to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o society_n and_o communion_n 1_o cor._n 5.13_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v who_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o these_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o second_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o namely_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o three_o the_o general_a end_n of_o their_o call_n which_o be_v all_o speak_v to_o in_o this_o answer_n quest._n 20._o by_o what_o mean_n do_v person_n so_o call_v become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n answ._n they_o be_v constitute_v a_o church_n and_o interest_v in_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o gospel-church_n by_o the_o will_n promise_n authority_n and_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o engagement_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o due_a subjection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o his_o authority_n as_o their_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o in_o a_o holy_a observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n matth._n 18.20_o chap._n 28.18_o 19_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o exod._n 24.3_o deut._n 5.27_o psalm_n 110.3_o isa._n 44.5_o chap._n 59.21_o ephes._n 4.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 2._o cor._n 8.5_o explication_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v constitute_v such_o a_o church-state_n as_o that_o which_o we_o inquire_v about_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o unto_o a_o church_n so_o constitute_v he_o have_v also_o by_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n annex_v all_o those_o privilege_n and_o power_n which_o we_o find_v a_o church_n to_o be_v entrust_v withal_o this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o stand_n and_o unalterable_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o charter_n of_o their_o spiritual_a society_n and_o incorporation_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v any_o person_n be_v interest_v in_o the_o right_n of_o a_o church_n any_o otherwise_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o law_n and_o constitution_n this_o therefore_o be_v first_o to_o be_v lay_v down_o that_o the_o sole_a moral_a foundation_n of_o that_o church-state_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o word_n law_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n he_o alone_o have_v authority_n to_o erect_v such_o a_o society_n he_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o this_o house_n as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n over_o it_o heb._n 3.3_o 6._o neither_o without_o it_o can_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n appoint_v such_o a_o state_n or_o erect_v a_o church_n and_o all_o acceptable_a act_n of_o man_n herein_o be_v no_o other_o but_o act_n of_o pure_a obedience_n unto_o christ._n farthermore_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n do_v prepare_v and_o fit_a man_n to_o be_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n member_n of_o his_o church_n the_o work_n of_o send_v forth_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n of_o translate_n they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n into_o light_n he_o have_v take_v upon_o himself_o and_o do_v effectual_o accomplish_v it_o in_o every_o generation_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o build_v his_o church_n matth._n 18.20_o for_o unto_o all_o person_n so_o call_v he_o give_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o to_o do_v mat._n 28.20_o in_o particular_a that_o they_o profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o their_o obedience_n in_o join_v themselves_o in_o that_o state_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o observe_v all_o his_o other_o law_n and_o institution_n with_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n require_v therein_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n they_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v now_o obey_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o all_o thing_n among_o his_o command_n this_o of_o join_v themselves_o in_o church_n society_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o matth._n 18.20_o that_o be_v to_o dwell_v among_o they_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n isa._n 59.21_o be_v the_o very_a first_o this_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o command_n and_o promise_v of_o his_o they_o be_v warrant_v and_o enable_v to_o do_v nor_o do_v they_o need_v any_o other_o warrant_n the_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v man_n out_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o be_v then_o make_v willing_a and_o ready_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n psalm_n 110.3_o they_o consent_v choose_v and_o agree_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n and_o hereby_o do_v they_o become_v a_o church_n for_o their_o become_v a_o church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o willing_a obedience_n unto_o christ._n this_o obedience_n be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o will_n guide_v by_o rule_n for_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o proceed_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o appointment_n afterward_o to_o be_v unfold_v and_o herein_o upon_o their_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n do_v believer_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n become_v a_o gospel_n church_n and_o be_v real_o and_o true_o interest_v in_o all_o the_o power_n right_n and_o privilege_n that_o be_v grant_v unto_o any_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o in_o this_o obedience_n they_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o alone_o he_o require_v in_o any_o person_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o these_o privilege_n first_o they_o confess_v he_o his_o person_n his_o authority_n his_o law_n his_o grace_n second_o they_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n thus_o do_v god_n take_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o a_o church-state_n of_o old_a he_o propose_v unto_o they_o the_o church_n obedience_n that_o he_o require_v of_o they_o and_o they_o voluntary_o and_o free_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o exod._n 24.3_o and_o moses_n come_v and_o tell_v the_o people_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o judgement_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v with_o one_o voice_n and_o say_v all_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v will_v we_o do_v so_o deut._n 5.7_o and_o hereby_o they_o have_v their_o solemn_a admission_n into_o their_o church-state_n and_o relation_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o like_a course_n they_o take_v when_o ever_o there_o be_v need_n of_o renew_v their_o engagement_n josh._n 24.18_o 21_o 22._o and_o the_o people_n say_v we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v our_o god_n and_o joshua_n say_v unto_o the_o people_n you_o be_v witness_n against_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v choose_v the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o they_o say_v we_o be_v witness_n this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o that_o people_n which_o be_v solemn_o renew_v so_o often_o as_o the_o
unto_o he_o that_o will_v be_v account_v to_o have_v take_v that_o office_n upon_o he_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o communication_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v ephes._n 4.7_o 8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o but_o unto_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o he_o say_v when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o continue_v if_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o continue_v to_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o that_o end_n the_o ministry_n must_v and_o will_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o church_n order_n and_o administration_n thereon_o the_o exercise_n also_o of_o the_o gift_n be_v require_v in_o all_o they_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o sacred_a office_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o neglect_n nor_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o hence_o person_n destitute_a of_o these_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o can_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n discharge_v any_o one_o duty_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o want_v a_o interest_n in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o office_n be_v not_o esteem_v of_o god_n as_o minister_n at_o all_o whatever_o their_o outward_a call_n may_v be_v hosea_n 4.6_o because_o thou_o have_v reject_v knowledge_n i_o will_v also_o reject_v thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v be_v no_o priest_n to_o me._n second_o their_o unblameableness_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v previous_o require_v in_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o unto_o the_o ministry_n this_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v and_o lay_v down_o many_o particular_a instance_n whereby_o it_o be_v to_o be_v try_v tit._n 1.7_o 8_o 9_o for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n not_o self-willed_a not_o soon_o angry_a not_o give_v to_o wine_n no_o striker_n not_o give_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o a_o lover_n of_o hospitality_n a_o lover_n of_o good_a man_n sober_a just_a holy_a temperate_a hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n vigilant_a sober_a of_o good_a behaviour_n give_v to_o hospitality_n apt_a to_o teach_v not_o give_v to_o wine_n no_o striker_n not_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o patient_a not_o a_o brawler_n nor_o covetous_a one_o that_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o child_n in_o subjection_n with_o all_o gravity_n for_o if_o a_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o rule_v his_o own_o house_n how_o shall_v he_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n not_o a_o novice_n lest_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o pride_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n moreover_o he_o must_v have_v a_o good_a report_n of_o they_o which_o be_v without_o lest_o he_o fall_v into_o reproach_n and_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n not_o that_o the_o particular_n here_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v only_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n but_o that_o in_o a_o universal_a holy_a conversation_n these_o thing_n he_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v eminent_a in_o among_o believer_n as_o those_o which_o have_v a_o especial_a respect_n to_o his_o work_n and_o office_n and_o a_o failure_n in_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n or_o reason_n to_o debar_v any_o person_n from_o obtain_v a_o part_n and_o lot_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o whereas_o the_o especial_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o promote_v and_o far_a faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o edification_n of_o it_o how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v if_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o it_o who_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v stranger_n both_o unto_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o herein_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n serious_o to_o exercise_v themselves_o unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o a_o universal_a labour_a after_o conformity_n in_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o great_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n three_o it_o be_v require_v that_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o willing_a mind_n to_o give_v up_o himself_o unto_o god_n in_o this_o work_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 3._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 not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n willingness_n and_o readiness_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o thing_n here_o require_v as_o a_o previous_a qualification_n unto_o any_o man_n susception_n of_o this_o office_n and_o two_o thing_n do_v the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o be_v contrary_a hereunto_o first_o the_o undertake_n of_o it_o by_o constraint_n which_o comprise_v every_o antecedent_n external_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o undertaker_n such_o be_v personal_a outward_a necessity_n compulsion_n of_o friend_n and_o relation_n want_v of_o other_o way_n of_o subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o and_o the_o like_a be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o bring_v some_o constraint_n on_o the_o mind_n which_o on_o other_o account_v oughty_a to_o be_v free_a and_o willing_a as_o also_o all_o tergiversation_n and_o backwardness_n in_o person_n due_o qualify_v and_o call_v on_o the_o consideration_n of_o difficulty_n temptation_n straits_n persecution_n be_v here_o condemn_v second_o a_o eye_n and_o regard_n unto_o filthy_a lucre_n or_o profit_n in_o the_o world_n be_v propose_v as_o opposite_a unto_o the_o readiness_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v require_v in_o they_o that_o be_v call_v to_o this_o work_n a_o aim_n in_o this_o employment_n for_o man_n by_o it_o to_o advantage_n themselves_o in_o the_o outward_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n without_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o office_n will_v lie_v neglect_v by_o the_o most_o of_o they_o who_o now_o will_v be_v account_v partaker_n of_o it_o be_v open_o here_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n four_o election_n by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o call_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n so_o that_o without_o it_o formal_o or_o virtual_o give_v or_o obtain_v the_o call_v however_o otherwise_o carry_v on_o or_o solemnize_v be_v irregular_a and_o defective_a there_o be_v but_o two_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o manner_n whereby_o any_o be_v call_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n unto_o any_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o both_o of_o they_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o their_o election_n by_o the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o both_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o preside_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o church_n power_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o that_o which_o be_v their_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v act_v the_o 6._o where_o all_o the_o apostle_n together_o to_o give_v a_o rule_n unto_o the_o future_a proceed_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o officer_n among_o they_o do_v appoint_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n or_o community_n of_o the_o church_n to_o look_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o or_o to_o choose_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o thereon_o unto_o their_o office_n which_o they_o do_v according_o verse_n 2_o 3_o and_o 5._o then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n wherefore_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n
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