call_v to_o do_v it_o many_o of_o our_o fellow_n soldier_n have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n gain_v the_o victory_n and_o receive_v the_o crown_n their_o example_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o difficulty_n and_o conflict_n that_o we_o fear_v be_v no_o other_o than_o they_o have_v experience_v they_o complain_v as_o much_o we_o can_v of_o inward_a corruption_n and_o outward_a temptation_n of_o a_o unfaithful_a world_n and_o a_o busy_a devil_n and_o a_o desperate_o wicked_a heart_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o have_v overcome_v we_o have_v a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n among_o our_o particular_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n who_o we_o have_v know_v and_o love_v who_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v with_o who_o we_o have_v converse_v and_o discourse_v and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o consider_v we_o be_v to_o follow_v them_o for_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v dishearten_v as_o if_o that_o be_v impobssile_a to_o we_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v enable_v they_o to_o do_v and_o suffer_v it_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o god_n gift_n and_o grace_n to_o some_o that_o they_o may_v instruct_v and_o edify_v other_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a in_o this_o sense_n be_v a_o shine_a light_n we_o be_v to_o show_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n in_o our_o conversation_n that_o we_o may_v direct_v other_o in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o our_o zeal_n we_o be_v to_o provoke_v many_o and_o when_o the_o precept_n be_v exemplify_v into_o pattern_n and_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n make_v legible_a in_o the_o live_v of_o christian_n we_o be_v the_o more_o encourage_v to_o obey_v this_o have_v more_o influence_n than_o mere_a law_n and_o naked_a authority_n we_o find_v that_o example_n strange_o affect_v we_o and_o the_o life_n of_o holy_a person_n write_v with_o truth_n and_o judgement_n and_o caution_n have_v a_o singular_a advantage_n to_o attract_v our_o imitation_n when_o charity_n and_o humility_n self-denial_n and_o patience_n piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v characterise_v in_o the_o practice_n and_o action_n of_o the_o saint_n they_o be_v write_v as_o it_o be_v with_o light_n notwithstanding_o some_o mixture_n of_o darkness_n from_o humane_a passion_n and_o fail_n for_o which_o in_o all_o man_n there_o must_v be_v allowance_n that_o holy_a example_n be_v apt_a to_o affect_v the_o mind_n more_o deep_o than_o holy_a law_n alone_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n exemplify_v in_o the_o godly_a more_o than_o against_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o they_o can_v better_o bear_v the_o precept_n of_o a_o perfect_a rule_n than_o the_o imperfect_a practice_n of_o they_o in_o a_o holy_a life_n they_o have_v burn_v martyr_n that_o can_v endure_v good_a book_n such_o example_n may_v be_v of_o use_n both_o to_o quicken_v and_o enoourage_v we_o 1._o to_o quicken_v and_o excite_v our_o diligence_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n make_v mention_n of_o they_o chap._n vi_o 12._o be_v not_o slothful_a but_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o by_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n to_o cure_v the_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n of_o christian_n he_o say_v this_o and_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o holy_a diligence_n with_o this_o encouragement_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n that_o if_o they_o follow_v their_o guide_n in_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n they_o will_v find_v he_o a_o unchangeable_a never_o fail_v saviour_n for_o it_o be_v add_v jesus_n christ_n the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o i.e._n he_o will_v certain_o receive_v forgive_v assist_v preserve_v and_o save_v they_o as_o he_o do_v their_o decease_a guide_n if_o we_o follow_v they_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o same_o comfort_n and_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o reward_n how_o may_v the_o temper_v and_o spirit_n and_o carriage_n of_o such_o exemplary_a christian_n shame_v our_o negligence_n their_o humility_n and_o zeal_n their_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n their_o continual_a awe_n of_o god_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o eve_n their_o constant_a watchfulness_n over_o heart_n word_n and_o action_n may_v be_v consider_v to_o humble_a and_o shame_v we_o when_o i_o think_v how_o diligent_o they_o improve_v their_o talent_n how_o faithful_o and_o fervent_o they_o attend_v their_o work_n how_o their_o heart_n be_v in_o it_o and_o how_o much_o they_o do_v in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o how_o god_n be_v with_o they_o in_o abundant_a success_n it_o shall_v shame_v and_o quicken_v i_o do_v i_o pray_v or_o preach_v or_o live_v at_o that_o rate_n of_o seriousness_n integrity_n self-denial_n and_o devotedness_n to_o god_n as_o they_o dare_v they_o have_v indulge_v themselves_o and_o please_v themselves_o and_o allow_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n which_o i_o take_v be_v they_o guilty_a of_o such_o omission_n and_o neglect_v as_o i_o be_o be_o not_o i_o more_o slight_a and_o formal_a seldom_o and_o heartless_a in_o prayer_n than_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v etc._n etc._n if_o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o holy_a person_n who_o example_n we_o read_v or_o hear_v of_o these_o thing_n will_v quicken_v and_o assist_v we_o for_o so_o the_o apostle_n argue_v 2_o cor._n iu_o 13._o we_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o faith_n according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v i_o believe_v and_o therefore_o have_v i_o speak_v we_o also_o believe_v and_o therefore_o speak_v and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o move_v we_o and_o excite_v we_o to_o follow_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n 2._o not_o only_o as_o to_o duty_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v they_o for_o our_o encouragement_n and_o comfort_n whatever_o difficulty_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o christian_a race_n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o example_n may_v encourage_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n they_o find_v the_o sweetness_n of_o dependence_n upon_o god_n and_o the_o success_n of_o a_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v gracious_a answer_n to_o prayer_n and_o suitable_a help_n in_o every_o time_n of_o need_n they_o can_v set_v to_o their_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a and_o the_o scripture_n true_a and_o never_o any_o word_n of_o he_o in_o which_o they_o regular_o trust_v do_v ever_o fail_v they_o and_o be_v it_o no_o encouragement_n for_o we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v lord_n our_o father_n trust_v in_o thou_o and_o be_v deliver_v they_o trust_v in_o thou_o and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a they_o cry_v to_o thou_o and_o thou_o do_v answer_v they_o they_o have_v tell_v we_o what_o thou_o do_v for_o they_o how_o good_a be_v god_n and_o faithful_a how_o wise_a and_o gracious_a the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v try_v in_o six_o and_o in_o seven_o trouble_n they_o find_v it_o true_a and_o we_o that_o live_v in_o the_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v a_o great_a cloud_n of_o witness_n than_o other_o we_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o they_o can_v tell_v we_o what_o they_o have_v find_v of_o the_o false_a cavil_n slander_n and_o objection_n of_o unbelief_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o disingenuity_n of_o our_o carnal_a fear_n of_o the_o fraud_n of_o the_o devil_n suggestion_n of_o the_o certain_a accomplishment_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o a_o good_a issue_n of_o all_o event_n if_o we_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o way_n and_o as_o to_o many_o of_o they_o we_o may_v observe_v with_o what_o admirable_a patience_n they_o endure_v great_a trial_n sharp_a pain_n and_o long_a exercise_n without_o murmur_a and_o without_o faint_v than_o ever_o yet_o we_o have_v know_v how_o diligent_a heavenly_a and_o fruitful_a be_v some_o of_o they_o under_o less_o advantage_n and_o help_v than_o we_o the_o example_n of_o the_o poor_a may_v shame_v many_o of_o the_o rich_a the_o example_n of_o some_o young_a convert_v may_v shame_v old_a disciple_n religious_a child_n may_v shame_v many_o parent_n there_o be_v young_a brethren_n by_o who_o the_o elder_a be_v outgo_v such_o who_o be_v newborn_a but_o late_o who_o exceed_v they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n many_o year_n before_o have_v not_o they_o who_o faith_n you_o be_v exhort_v to_o follow_v the_o like_a temptation_n as_o you_o meet_v with_o have_v not_o you_o the_o same_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o promise_n assistance_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v your_o want_n to_o be_v supply_v disease_n to_o be_v cure_v difficulty_n to_o be_v conquer_v burden_v to_o be_v endure_v more_o or_o great_a or_o other_o than_o what_o they_o meet_v with_o and_o be_v not_o death_n the_o passage_n to_o glory_n as_o to_o all_o of_o they_o and_o
to_o help_v to_o make_v the_o world_n better_o i_o rejoice_v in_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n and_o success_n of_o all_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n of_o whatever_o name_n or_o denomination_n yea_o i_o will_v esteem_v and_o love_v they_o whether_o they_o will_v own_o and_o love_v i_o or_o no._n this_o charitable_a spirit_n let_v who_o will_v call_v such_o moderation_n lukewarmness_n with_o serious_a diligence_n to_o please_v god_n and_o do_v what_o service_n we_o can_v in_o our_o several_a place_n will_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n and_o yield_v we_o comfort_n live_v and_o die_v and_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o be_v better_o think_v of_o hereafter_o when_o the_o little_a name_n of_o distinction_n and_o matter_n of_o dispute_n that_o now_o divide_v christian_n and_o protestant_n shall_v be_v forget_v as_o to_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o censure_n of_o man_n while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o do_v our_o duty_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o every_o man_n reputation_n and_o credit_n be_v as_o much_o at_o the_o disposal_n of_o god_n and_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o his_o estate_n or_o health_n or_o life_n and_o according_o we_o ought_v to_o trust_v he_o sir_n by_o what_o i_o already_o know_v of_o you_o i_o do_v not_o question_v your_o agreement_n with_o i_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v know_v you_o better_o by_o a_o near_a and_o more_o intimate_a acquaintance_n if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o direct_v and_o guide_v you_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o invitation_n you_o have_v by_o a_o unanimous_a and_o speedy_a choice_n to_o succeee_v your_o brother_n however_o that_o may_v be_v i_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o sanctify_v this_o providence_n to_o you_o to_o the_o congregation_n and_o to_o all_o his_o survive_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n may_v i_o have_v wisdom_n due_o to_o improve_v it_o i_o be_o sir_n london_n febr._n 3d._o 1696_o 7._o your_o affectionate_a brother_n and_o servant_n john_n shewer_n advertisement_n there_o will_v be_v speedy_o publish_a a_o funeral_n sermon_n on_o the_o death_n of_o mr._n t._n heasy_a a_o hopeful_a student_n aged_a 19_o with_o serious_a counsel_n to_o young_a student_n and_o candidate_n for_o the_o ministry_n etc._n etc._n and_o some_o meditation_n on_o several_a subject_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o paper_n he_o leave_v by_o j._n s._n book_n write_v by_o the_o same_o author_n and_o sell_v by_o john_n laurence_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o poultry_n winter_n meditation_n or_o a_o sermon_n concern_v frost_n and_o snow_n and_o wind_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o god_n therein_o 4_o to_z a_o thanksgiving_n sermon_n april_n the_o 16_o 1696._o 4_o to_o a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n of_o mr._n henry_n gearing_n 12o._o a_o discourse_n of_o tempt_v christ_n 12o._o a_o discourse_n of_o family_n religion_n in_o three_o letter_n 12o._o a_o funeral_n sermon_n heb._n 13.7_o remember_v they_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o who_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n who_o faith_n follow_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n the_o suitableness_n of_o this_o passage_n to_o the_o present_a solemnity_n and_o to_o the_o mournful_a occasion_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_o apparent_a the_o direction_n here_o give_v concern_v the_o people_n duty_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o minister_n be_v entire_a and_o may_v be_v understand_v without_o examine_v the_o context_n one_o will_v think_v it_o very_o easy_a to_o determine_v of_o what_o minister_n the_o apostle_n speak_v whether_o such_o as_o be_v yet_o alive_a or_o such_o as_o be_v dead_a do_v not_o our_o translation_n favour_v their_o opinion_n who_o will_v make_v the_o original_a word_n a_o participle_n rather_o than_o a_o substantive_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d contrary_a to_o the_o more_o general_a sense_n of_o most_o learned_a interpreter_n and_o critic_n who_o read_v the_o word_n thus_o be_v mindful_a of_o your_o guide_n or_o ruler_n and_o remember_v they_o who_o have_v have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o i._n e._n who_o have_v be_v and_o be_v your_o spiritual_a guide_n that_o it_o be_v of_o these_o he_o speak_v be_v manifest_a by_o what_o follow_v who_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o have_v be_v your_o instructor_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o who_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o finish_v their_o course_n for_o he_o advise_v they_o to_o follow_v their_o faith_n and_o to_o consider_v the_o happy_a end_n and_o exit_fw-la of_o their_o conversation_n as_o to_o the_o duty_n unto_o decease_a minister_n here_o mention_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o they_o be_v applicable_a in_o part_n to_o other_o good_a man_n depart_v this_o life_n for_o when_o private_a christian_n die_v in_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v not_o to_o forget_v they_o and_o be_v oblige_v to_o imitate_v their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o that_o end_n to_o consider_v their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n and_o how_o they_o get_v safe_a into_o another_o but_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o of_o their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o of_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n as_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n with_o respect_n to_o these_o we_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o consider_v first_o the_o account_n that_o he_o give_v of_o they_o as_o to_o their_o person_n second_o the_o duty_n of_o survive_a christian_n towards_o they_o after_o their_o death_n 1._o first_o as_o to_o their_o person_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o they_o in_o four_o thing_n 1._o as_o to_o their_o name_n they_o be_v guide_n and_o ruler_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o they_o have_v speak_v to_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v be_v preacher_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n 3._o he_o testify_v their_o exemplary_a faith_n propose_v they_o as_o pattern_n 4._o their_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n to_o the_o last_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n 2._o have_v thus_o describe_v their_o person_n he_o mention_n three_o duty_n towards_o they_o 1._o to_o remember_v they_o 2._o to_o follow_v their_o faith_n 3._o as_o a_o motive_n and_o a_o mean_n thereto_o to_o consider_v their_o conversation_n and_o the_o happy_a end_n of_o it_o remember_v they_o who_o have_v have_v etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v first_o explain_v these_o several_a particular_n in_o the_o text_n in_o the_o order_n mention_v and_o then_o apply_v my_o discourse_n to_o the_o solemn_a occasion_n of_o this_o assembly_n viz._n the_o breach_n which_o god_n have_v make_v among_o you_o by_o the_o death_n of_o my_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a brother_n 1._o first_o as_o to_o the_o person_n here_o describe_v they_o be_v call_v ruler_n and_o guide_n for_o so_o the_o original_a word_n import_v such_o as_o have_v the_o guidance_n and_o instruction_n of_o other_o by_o authority_n or_o office_n it_o be_v sometime_o use_v for_o civil_a ruler_n sometime_o for_o ecclesiastical_a and_o for_o the_o general_n of_o a_o army_n for_o the_o captain_n of_o a_o regiment_n for_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o town_n and_o sometime_o for_o a_o principal_a person_n among_o other_o act_v 15.22_o the_o sacred_a writer_n make_v use_v of_o this_o word_n for_o such_o as_o be_v establish_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o over_o sight_n of_o particular_a church_n so_o ver._n 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n the_o like_o 24._o ver_fw-la salute_v all_o they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o all_o the_o saint_n it_o be_v doubt_v whether_o st._n james_n who_o be_v bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o alive_a and_o more_o whether_o the_o apostle_n direct_v this_o epistle_n to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o judea_n or_o only_o to_o the_o convert_v jew_n in_o jerusalem_n i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o decide_v it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o ruler_n these_o warchman_n be_v the_o same_o who_o in_o the_o text_n have_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o find_v that_o clemens_n romanus_n who_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n next_o the_o apostle_n the_o same_o clemens_n who_o be_v mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n himself_o phil._n 4.3_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n use_v this_o very_a word_n very_o frequent_o for_o 1633._o *_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 30._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ib._n p._n 73._o st._n clemens_n rom._n epist_n 1._o ad_fw-la corinth_n 4to_fw-la edit_fw-la patr._n junij_fw-la oxon._n 1633._o gospel_n minister_n bishop_n such_o as_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v over_o they_o in_o
grace_n and_o for_o all_o the_o flelp_n and_o assistance_n you_o have_v by_o their_o doctrioe_n and_o example_n while_o they_o live_v and_o for_o all_o the_o goodness_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v his_o will_n with_o their_o support_v perseverance_n assistance_n encouragement_n and_o victory_n remember_v they_o so_o as_o to_o bewail_v your_o loss_n and_o lay_v to_o heart_n their_o removal_n remember_v how_o much_o more_o you_o ought_v to_o have_v value_v their_o ministry_n and_o how_o much_o better_o you_o may_v have_v improve_v it_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o what_o you_o will_v do_v if_o god_n will_v again_o have_v try_v you_o in_o that_o kind_n may_v herein_o be_v your_o help_n remember_v what_o counsel_n what_o warning_n and_o reproof_n what_o encouragement_n and_o consolation_n you_o have_v ever_o have_v by_o their_o mean_n remember_v with_o what_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o pray_v with_o what_o a_o zeal_n for_o christ_n and_o love_n to_o soul_n they_o do_v use_v to_o preach_v with_o what_o humble_a condescension_n meekness_n and_o charity_n and_o unblameable_a conversation_n they_o live_v in_o this_o world_n remember_v they_o in_o your_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o in_o your_o word_n and_o action_n so_o as_o on_o all_o fit_a occasion_n to_o express_v your_o love_n to_o their_o memory_n be_v ready_a to_o show_v that_o you_o do_v not_o forget_v they_o by_o your_o continue_a respect_n and_o kindness_n to_o the_o live_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o dead_a i_o mean_v the_o many_o despise_a widow_n and_o fatherless_a child_n of_o worthy_a minister_n think_v often_o of_o they_o how_o god_n honour_v they_o to_o bring_v many_o soul_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o build_v up_o other_o how_o successful_o they_o manage_v and_o comfortable_o finish_v their_o work_n think_v what_o and_o where_o they_o now_o be_v what_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o what_o they_o enjoy_v how_o they_o be_v employ_v etc._n etc._n do_v be_v afraid_a to_o think_v often_o of_o your_o decease_a minister_n and_o friend_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a duty_n and_o a_o help_n to_o many_o duty_n to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a to_o think_v of_o our_o holy_a relation_n and_o acquaintance_n and_o especial_o minister_n who_o be_v get_v safe_a to_o heaven_n it_o may_v assist_v and_o animate_v we_o in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n and_o much_o of_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n depend_v upon_o it_o they_o be_v part_n of_o the_o family_n of_o christ_n to_o which_o we_o be_v adjoin_v if_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o heb._n xii_o 22_o 23._o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o forget_v we_o who_o they_o have_v leave_v behind_o and_o certain_o there_o be_v none_o why_o we_o shall_v forget_v they_o let_v we_o remember_v they_o with_o pleasure_n honour_n and_o love_n and_o speak_v of_o they_o with_o respect_n and_o gratitude_n can_n we_o think_v with_o pleasure_n of_o such_o a_o friend_n or_o minister_n of_o such_o a_o acquaintance_n or_o relation_n who_o we_o tender_o love_v that_o be_v many_o mile_n distant_a from_o we_o here_o upon_o earth_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v unmindful_a of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o heaven_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o complacential_a thought_n to_o consider_v that_o such_o a_o father_n or_o grandfather_n such_o a_o husband_n or_o wife_n such_o a_o child_n or_o brother_n of_o you_o or_o i_o be_v now_o with_o christ_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o his_o love_n in_o glory_n that_o such_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v my_o spiritual_a father_n or_o by_o who_o i_o be_v edify_v strengthen_v or_o comfort_v for_o many_o year_n have_v overcome_v and_o be_v at_o rest_n have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v his_o course_n while_o we_o be_v follow_v after_o they_o have_v attain_v while_o we_o be_v in_o tear_n and_o conflict_n they_o be_v in_o joy_n and_o glory_n while_o we_o be_v wait_v at_o the_o door_n they_o be_v enter_v within_o the_o veil_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o remember_v they_o and_o 2._o to_o follow_v their_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v believe_v profess_a and_o obey_v or_o their_o find_a doctrine_n and_o practical_a godliness_n or_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o regard_v doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o profess_v promise_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o depend_v on_o and_o precept_n to_o be_v obey_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o realize_v the_o other_o world_n to_o they_o and_o help_v to_o crucify_v they_o unto_o this_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n unseen_a whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o walk_v in_o self-denial_n patience_n and_o steadfast_a obedience_n till_o they_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o short_a we_o must_v follow_v they_o as_o hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n and_o express_v the_o power_n of_o it_o in_o a_o fruitful_a conversation_n you_o see_v in_o what_o it_o be_v your_o decease_a and_o holy_a friend_n and_o minister_n be_v to_o be_v follow_v it_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o principal_a act_n and_o fruit_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o they_o keep_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o follow_v he_o for_o no_o far_o do_v the_o apostle_n require_v it_o 1_o cor._n xi_o 1._o the_o pattern_n of_o christ_n be_v propose_v for_o imitation_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v no_o less_o oblige_v to_o it_o than_o the_o apostle_n who_o pray_v for_o the_o philippian_n that_o the_o same_o mind_n may_v be_v in_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n phil._n 11.5_o and_o therefore_o have_v we_o boldness_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n say_v another_o apostle_n because_o we_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o he_o be_v in_o it_o 1_o john_n iu._n 17._o our_o lord_n be_v the_o only_a infallible_a and_o supreme_a pattern_n who_o though_o we_o can_v follow_v in_o his_o miracle_n and_o merit_n and_o what_o be_v peculiar_a to_o he_o as_o mediator_n yet_o have_v he_o set_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v tread_v in_o his_o step_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o father_n in_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n in_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n in_o patience_n under_o suffer_v etc._n etc._n he_o give_v we_o a_o example_n of_o subjection_n to_o parent_n obedience_n to_o magistrate_n painfulness_n in_o preach_v frequency_n in_o pray_v and_o in_o go_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n do_v good_a in_o forgive_a enemy_n in_o charity_n to_o all_o man_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o all_o other_o example_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n imitable_a there_o be_v other_o wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v caution_v not_o to_o do_v the_o like_a as_o in_o noah_n and_o lot_n david_n and_o solomon_n etc._n etc._n even_o st._n peter_n be_v a_o rock_n and_o a_o excellent_a apostle_n but_o we_o shall_v split_v upon_o that_o rock_n if_o we_o shall_v follow_v he_o in_o all_o his_o way_n if_o we_o follow_v he_o into_o the_o high_a priest_n hall_n if_o we_o imitate_v he_o in_o make_v bold_a with_o temptation_n instead_o of_o follow_v christ_n we_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o deny_v he_o therefore_o st._n paul_n express_o caution_n we_o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v his_o example_n phil._n iu._n 8._o final_o my_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a just_a pure_a lovely_a of_o good_a report_n if_o they_o have_v any_o virtue_n any_o praise_n think_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v both_o learned_a and_o receive_v and_o hear_v and_o see_v in_o i_o do_v these_o thing_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o you_o however_o grant_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n only_o be_v a_o perfect_a copy_n yet_o the_o good_a example_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o fellow-christians_a be_v a_o merciful_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n we_o see_v by_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n that_o our_o duty_n be_v practicable_a that_o they_o who_o dwell_v in_o such_o body_n as_o we_o and_o be_v surround_v with_o the_o like_a temptation_n and_o have_v as_o many_o hindrance_n and_o difficulty_n and_o no_o more_o or_o better_a assistance_n or_o encouragement_n than_o we_o have_v yet_o be_v enable_v to_o please_v and_o glorify_v god_n and_o be_v get_v safe_a to_o glory_n we_o be_v not_o the_o forelorn_a hope_n not_o the_o first_o assailor_n in_o the_o spiritual_a warfare_n we_o be_v not_o set_v in_o the_o front_n of_o the_o battle_n many_o of_o our_o fellow_n christian_n have_v live_v and_o dye_v in_o the_o faith_n have_v overcome_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n in_o that_o very_a way_n that_o we_o be_v
business_n of_o a_o gospel-minister_n simon_n peter_n love_v thou_o i_o feed_v my_o sheep_n feed_v my_o lamb_n as_o steward_n of_o the_o household_n they_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o family_n as_o shepherd_n to_o feed_v by_o teach_v and_o it_o be_v in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v appoint_v some_o person_n on_o purpose_n to_o devote_v themselves_o to_o this_o work_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a and_o establish_v the_o waver_a and_o comsort_v the_o sad_a and_o recover_v the_o backslider_n to_o awaken_v warn_v convince_v and_o encourage_v other_o in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n and_o whatever_o some_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o need_n of_o preach_v now_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o all_o age_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o be_v wont_a to_o bless_v for_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n 1_o cor._n 1.21_o it_o please_v god_n now_o as_o well_o as_o former_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v the_o commission_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o ministerial_a office_n that_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o this_o not_o only_o to_o plant_v a_o church_n but_o to_o carry_v on_o its_o growth_n it_o be_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v needful_a to_o convert_v and_o believer_n and_o real_a saint_n and_o be_v so_o there_o be_v something_o still_o lack_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o comfort_n and_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v put_v always_o in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v know_v that_o they_o may_v be_v root_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n 1_o pet._n 2.12_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o observe_v how_o our_o saviour_n rather_o choose_v to_o convert_v man_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o miracle_n of_o his_o apostle_n than_o by_o his_o own_o how_o he_o will_v not_o full_o convert_v paul_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o annanias_n though_o he_o speak_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n himself_o and_o reason_v with_o he_o against_o his_o persecution_n how_o he_o will_v not_o full_o convert_v cornelius_n and_o his_o household_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o peter_n though_o he_o send_v a_o angel_n to_o direct_v he_o to_o a_o teacher_n nor_o will_v he_o convert_v the_o ethiopian_a eunuch_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o philip_n nor_o the_o gaoler_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o paul_n and_o silas_n though_o he_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n to_o prepare_v for_o his_o conversion_n our_o lord_n know_v the_o necessity_n that_o the_o infant_n of_o his_o family_n have_v of_o such_o nurse_n and_o he_o will_v keep_v up_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o own_o officer_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o such_o a_o end_n and_o use_v how_o much_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o minister_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o word_n and_o how_o little_a the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o religion_n can_v ever_o be_v keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n if_o minister_n do_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n will_v very_o easy_o appear_v to_o such_o as_o consider_v how_o religion_n have_v decline_v and_o be_v lose_v by_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unfaithfulness_n and_o negligence_n of_o those_o that_o aught_o to_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o the_o denial_n or_o contempt_n of_o the_o ministry_n have_v always_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o growth_n of_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o profaneness_n how_o solemn_o do_v the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act_v 20.28_o 30._o take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o to_o warn_v every_o man_n lest_o they_o be_v pervert_v by_o false_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o express_o to_o the_o like_a purpose_n be_v they_o require_v to_o labour_n with_o their_o utmost_a strength_n in_o this_o work_n 1_o tim._n 1.17_o 1_o cor._n 16.16_o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o they_o be_v to_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n act_v 6.4_o and_o how_o needful_a be_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o who_o be_v to_o unfold_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o other_o to_o teach_v they_o what_o they_o must_v know_v believe_v and_o do_v avoid_z and_o hope_v for_o who_o have_v so_o many_o difficulty_n to_o explain_v and_o so_o often_o need_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o a_o good_a share_n of_o prudence_n to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o acquaint_v their_o hearer_n with_o their_o several_a malady_n and_o remedy_n danger_n and_o duty_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o receive_v and_o obey_v admire_v and_o love_v and_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o such_o work_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n manage_v all_o as_o under_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o with_o sincere_a compassion_n and_o love_n to_o soul_n suppose_v the_o word_n of_o god_n here_o to_o be_v the_o write_a word_n i_o need_v not_o inquire_v curious_o how_o much_o of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o the_o write_a word_n be_v then_o extant_a when_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o epistle_n which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v about_o the_o fifty_o seven_o or_o fifty_o eight_o year_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n while_o he_o be_v a_o prisoner_n at_o rome_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o first_o imprisonment_n there_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n seem_v to_o be_v then_o write_v save_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n and_o his_o revelation_n and_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v and_o apply_v by_o preach_v and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o minister_n work_n they_o therefore_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o ministerial_a office_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o either_o despise_v or_o neglect_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n one_o will_v think_v either_o do_v not_o understand_v their_o office_n or_o be_v not_o faithful_a to_o it_o 3._o another_z thing_n concern_v these_o decease_a minister_n the_o apostle_n mention_n be_v their_o exemplary_a faith_n they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v propose_v as_o pattern_n with_o respect_n to_o faith_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v famous_a and_o exemplary_a as_o to_o the_o clearness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n follow_v their_o faith_n doubtless_o he_o mean_v it_o of_o such_o who_o as_o to_o knowledge_n and_o firmness_n of_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o suitable_a effect_n do_v in_o spirit_n and_o practice_n show_v themselves_o believer_n they_o will_v not_o otherwise_o have_v be_v name_v as_o fit_a example_n for_o the_o people_n to_o follow_v as_o to_o their_o faith_n you_o find_v minister_n be_v exhort_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o their_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n iu_o 16._o and_o to_o continue_v therein_o that_o they_o may_v save_v themselves_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v they_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o thing_n that_o become_v sound_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n vi_o 3._o they_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a and_o to_o feed_v the_o people_n with_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n which_o shall_v promote_v faith_n and_o holiness_n shall_v be_v deprave_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o true_a christianity_n shall_v spread_v and_o flourish_v or_o be_v preserve_v and_o continue_v what_o need_n have_v we_o to_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v give_v and_o continue_v such_o pastor_n after_o his_o own_o heart_n as_o may_v feed_v his_o people_n with_o good_a knowledge_n and_o sound_a understanding_n they_o must_v hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n that_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v gainsayers_a tit._n 1.6_o 9_o chap._n 2.1_o such_o speech_n that_o can_v be_v condemn_v that_o he_o who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a party_n may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o how_o comfortable_o and_o useful_o may_v they_o preach_v to_o other_o who_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v who_o believe_v and_o live_v the_o truth_n they_o deliver_v this_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o minister_n in_o their_o work_n and_o a_o great_a