acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v poor_a and_o needy_a in_o the_o church_n whether_o by_o the_o address_n of_o such_o poor_a one_o who_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v know_v their_o want_n occasion_n and_o necessity_n unto_o they_o or_o by_o the_o information_n of_o other_o or_o their_o own_o observation_n second_o to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n as_o occasion_n require_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a under_o their_o care_n that_o those_o who_o be_v able_a may_v be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o elder_n to_o a_o free_a supply_n and_o contribution_n three_o to_o dispose_v what_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o faithful_o cheerful_o tender_o with_o partiality_n or_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o for_o any_o outward_a respect_n whatever_o four_o to_o keep_v and_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o the_o church_n when_o call_v for_o of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o how_o they_o have_v dispose_v of_o it_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v know_v to_o have_v well_o discharge_v their_o office_n that_o be_v with_o care_n wisdom_n and_o tenderness_n whereby_o they_o procure_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n with_o boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o church_n be_v encourage_v to_o entrust_v they_o far_o with_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o their_o alm_n which_o be_v so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n quest._n 24._o wherein_o consist_v the_o general_a duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o in_o their_o proper_a station_n and_o condition_n answ._n in_o perform_v do_v and_o keep_v inviolate_a all_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n walk_v unblamable_o and_o fruitful_o in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o glorify_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o and_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o keep_v his_o testimony_n unto_o the_o end_n matth._n 28.20_o act_n 2.42_o phil_n 2.15_o 16._o chap._n 4.8_o 9_o 1_o thes._n 3.8_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o heb._n 10.23_o explication_n beside_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o christianity_n incumbent_n on_o all_o believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o there_o be_v sundry_a especial_a duty_n require_v of_o they_o as_o gather_v into_o church_n society_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o especial_a trust_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n for_o first_o the_o church_n be_v appoint_v as_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o ordinance_n of_o gospel_n worship_n it_o be_v its_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o member_n in_o his_o proper_a place_n to_o use_v all_o care_n watchfulness_n and_o diligence_n that_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v keep_v inviolate_a and_o all_o his_o institution_n observe_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n thus_o those_o add_v to_o the_o church_n act_v 2.42_o together_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n continue_v steadfast_o which_o argue_v care_n circumspection_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n which_o principal_a duty_n be_v enumerate_v to_o express_v their_o respect_n towards_o all_o this_o be_v their_o stand_n fast_o in_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o joy_n to_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o find_v it_o in_o the_o thessalonian_n 1_o ephe._n 3.8_o for_o now_o we_o live_v if_o you_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o lord_n that_o order_n and_o steadfastness_n which_o he_o rejoice_v over_o in_o the_o colossian_n chap._n 2.5_o for_o though_o i_o be_o absent_a in_o the_o flesh_n yet_o be_o i_o with_o you_o in_o the_o spirit_n joy_v and_o bohold_v your_o order_n and_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o your_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o where_o this_o duty_n be_v despise_v man_n content_v themselves_o with_o what_o be_v do_v by_o other_o there_o be_v a_o great_a neglect_n of_o that_o faithfulness_n in_o obedience_n which_o the_o church_n owe_v unto_o jesus_n christ._n second_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v manifest_v in_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o holy_a exemplary_a conversation_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o this_o be_v one_o end_n wherefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n call_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n separate_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o bring_v they_o forth_o unto_o a_o visible_a profession_n and_o put_v his_o name_n upon_o they_o namely_o that_o in_o their_o walk_n and_o conversation_n he_o may_v show_v forth_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n grace_n and_o example_n to_o effect_v in_o they_o all_o holiness_n godliness_n righteousness_n and_o honesty_n in_o the_o world_n hence_o be_v they_o earnest_o exhort_v unto_o these_o thing_n phil._n 4.8.9_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o their_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v adorn_v and_o christ_n glorify_v in_o all_o thing_n tit._n 2.10_o and_o those_o who_o fail_v herein_o be_v say_v to_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3.18_o as_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o by_o represent_v it_o undesirable_a in_o their_o conversation_n this_o also_o therefore_o even_o the_o duty_n of_o universal_a holiness_n with_o a_o especial_a regard_n unto_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o design_v to_o testify_v and_o express_v in_o the_o world_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o namely_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o they_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n among_o who_o they_o be_v to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n phil._n 2.15_o three_o the_o care_n of_o declare_v and_o manifest_v the_o truth_n be_v also_o commit_v unto_o they_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o firm_o seat_v found_v fix_v establish_a and_o then_o lift_v up_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n to_o be_v see_v discern_v and_o know_v by_o other_o and_o as_o this_o be_v do_v principal_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o so_o it_o be_v also_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n phill._n 2.16_o by_o minister_a of_o the_o gift_n that_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v 1_o peter_n 4.10_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a instance_n do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n require_v of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o express_v in_o the_o world_n their_o subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o authority_n and_o that_o they_o abide_v therein_o unto_o the_o end_n against_o all_o opposition_n whatever_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o church_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n herein_o be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o that_o apostasy_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o general_o of_o old_a fell_a into_o when_o the_o member_n of_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v no_o advantage_n by_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n but_o only_o the_o outward_a participation_n of_o some_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o but_o only_o to_o attend_v and_o follow_v the_o motion_n and_o act_n of_o their_o guide_n the_o whole_a society_n quick_o become_v corrupt_v and_o fit_a to_o be_v dispose_v of_o according_a to_o the_o carnal_a interest_n of_o those_o that_o have_v by_o their_o neglect_n and_o sin_n get_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o at_o all_o time_n as_o the_o people_n be_v negligent_a in_o their_o duty_n the_o leader_n of_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o usurp_v undue_a authority_n when_o the_o one_o sort_n will_v not_o do_v that_o which_o they_o ought_v the_o other_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v upon_o they_o what_o they_o ought_v not_o it_o be_v a_o circumspect_a performance_n of_o duty_n on_o all_o hand_n alone_o that_o will_v keep_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o church_n within_o those_o bound_n and_o limit_n and_o up_o to_o those_o right_n and_o privilege_n which_o christ_n have_v allot_v and_o grant_v unto_o they_o
towards_o each_o other_o be_v equal_a whence_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o private_a pastoral_a admonition_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o teach_a office_n and_o power_n not_o direct_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n or_o government_n inquire_v after_o but_o this_o admonition_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o love_n and_o where_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o thence_o it_o be_v irregular_a matth._n 18.16_o 17_o 18._o rom._n 15.14_o three_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o incumbent_a on_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o in_o case_n of_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o he_o both_o sin_v against_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v himself_o partaker_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o party_n offend_v and_o be_v also_o guilty_a of_o his_o danger_n and_o ruin_v thereby_o with_o all_o that_o disadvantage_n which_o will_v accrue_v to_o the_o church_n by_o any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o continue_v in_o sin_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v not_o only_a liberty_n thus_o to_o admonish_v one_o another_o but_o it_o be_v their_o express_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n so_o to_o do_v the_o neglect_n whereof_o be_v interpret_v by_o god_n to_o be_v hatred_n of_o our_o brother_n such_o as_o wherewith_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v inconsistent_a levit_fw-la 19.17_o 1_o john_n 4.20_o chap._n 3.15_o four_o although_o this_o duty_n be_v personal_o incumbent_a on_o every_o individual_a member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o offender_n be_v know_v to_o more_o than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o they_o joint_o take_v offence_n thereat_o they_o may_v together_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n admonish_v he_o which_o yet_o still_o be_v but_o the_o first_o and_o private_a admonition_n which_o be_v otherwise_o when_o other_o be_v call_v into_o assistance_n who_o be_v not_o themselves_o acquaint_v with_o the_o offence_n but_o only_o by_o information_n and_o join_v in_o it_o not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o be_v offend_v but_o of_o be_v desire_v according_a unto_o rule_n to_o give_v assistance_n to_o they_o that_o be_v so_o five_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o prudence_n tenderness_n and_o due_a regard_n unto_o all_o circumstance_n whence_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v a_o spiritual_a ability_n to_o be_v necessary_a for_o this_o work_n rom._n 15.14_o you_o also_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n also_o able_a to_o admonish_v one_o another_o especial_o four_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v diligent_o heed_v first_o that_o the_o whole_a duty_n be_v so_o manage_v that_o the_o person_n offend_v may_v be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v do_v out_o of_o love_n to_o he_o and_o affectionate_a conscientious_a care_n over_o he_o that_o he_o may_v take_v no_o occasion_n thereby_o for_o the_o exasperation_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n second_o that_o the_o person_n admonish_v other_o of_o their_o offence_n do_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v in_o obedience_n unto_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o to_o preserve_v their_o own_o soul_n from_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o to_o benefit_v the_o offender_n three_o that_o the_o admonition_n be_v ground_v on_o a_o rule_n which_o alone_o give_v it_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n four_o that_o there_o be_v a_o readiness_n manifest_v by_o they_o to_o receive_v satisfaction_n either_o 1_o in_o case_n that_o upon_o trial_n it_o appear_v the_o information_n they_o have_v have_v of_o the_o miscarriage_n whence_o the_o offence_n arise_v be_v undue_a or_o not_o well_o ground_v or_o 2_o of_o acknowledgement_n and_o repentance_n six_o the_o end_n of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v 1._o to_o keep_v up_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o offence_n shall_v abide_v unremoved_a love_v which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n will_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o sincerity_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n 2._o to_o gain_v the_o offender_n by_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v not_o lie_v under_o it_o and_o procure_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o himself_o levit._n 19.17_o 3._o to_o preserve_v his_o person_n from_o dishonour_n and_o disreputation_n and_o thereby_o to_o keep_v up_o his_o usefulness_n in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o end_n have_v our_o lord_n appoint_v the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o private_a that_o the_o fail_n of_o man_n may_v not_o be_v unnecessary_o divulge_v and_o themselves_o thereby_o expose_v unto_o temptation_n 4._o to_o preserve_v the_o church_n from_o that_o scandal_n that_o may_v befall_v it_o by_o the_o hasty_a open_n of_o all_o the_o real_a or_o suppose_a fayling_n of_o its_o member_n and_o 5._o to_o prevent_v its_o trouble_n in_o the_o public_a hear_n of_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v otherwise_o heal_v and_o remove_v seven_o in_o case_n these_o end_n be_v obtain_v either_o by_o the_o suppose_a offend_v person_n clear_v of_o themselves_o and_o manifest_v themselves_o innocent_a of_o the_o crime_n charge_v on_o they_o as_o joshua_n 22.22_o 23_o 24_o 25._o 2_o cor._n 7.11_o or_o by_o their_o acknowledgement_n repentance_n and_o amendment_n than_o this_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n have_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n obtain_v its_o appoint_a effect_n eight_o in_o case_n the_o person_n offend_v be_v not_o humble_v nor_o reform_v nor_o do_v give_v satisfaction_n unto_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v admonish_v then_o have_v our_o lord_n ordain_v a_o second_o degree_n of_o this_o private_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n that_o the_o person_n who_o be_v offend_v have_v discharge_v the_o forego_n duty_n themselves_o according_a unto_o rule_n shall_v take_v unto_o they_o other_o two_o or_o three_o as_o the_o occasion_n may_v seem_v to_o require_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o work_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o the_o same_o end_n with_o that_o before_o describe_v matth._n 18_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o these_o person_n so_o call_v in_o for_o assistance_n first_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o crime_n fault_n or_o offence_n report_v to_o they_o and_o not_o to_o proceed_v unless_o they_o find_v it_o to_o consist_v in_o something_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o attest_v in_o such_o manner_n and_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o their_o mutual_a love_n do_v require_v in_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o brethren_n and_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o offence_n communicate_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v either_o light_o to_o take_v up_o a_o report_n against_o their_o brother_n or_o to_o discredit_v the_o testimony_n of_o other_o second_o in_o case_n they_o find_v the_o offence_n pretend_v not_o to_o be_v a_o real_a offence_n indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o aright_o ground_v as_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o but_o take_v up_o upon_o prejudice_n or_o a_o over-easie_a credulity_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o love_n which_o be_v require_v among_o church-member_n describe_v 1_o cor._n 13._o and_o command_v as_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o preservation_n of_o its_o union_n then_o to_o convince_v the_o brother_n offend_v of_o his_o mistake_n and_o with_o he_o to_o satisfy_v the_o person_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o offender_n that_o no_o breach_n or_o schism_n may_v happen_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n three_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o crime_n and_o testimony_n they_o be_v to_o associate_v themselves_o with_o the_o offend_a brother_n in_o the_o same_o work_n and_o duty_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v before_o discharge_v towards_o the_o offender_n nine_o because_o there_o be_v no_o determination_n how_o often_o these_o private_a admonition_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o case_n of_o offence_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reiterated_a first_o the_o one_o and_o then_o the_o other_o while_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n of_o hope_n that_o the_o end_n of_o they_o may_v be_v obtain_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n the_o brother_n gain_v and_o the_o offence_n take_v away_o neither_o of_o these_o then_o be_v to_o be_v desert_v or_o lay_v aside_o on_o the_o first_o or_o second_o attempt_n as_o though_o it_o be_v perform_v only_o to_o make_v way_n for_o somewhat_o far_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wait_v on_o with_o prayer_n and_o patience_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n appoint_v for_o attain_v the_o end_n aim_v at_o ten_o in_o
of_o they_o all_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o obedience_n all_o the_o same_o head_n the_o same_o end_n all_o carry_v it_o on_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n in_o kind_n now_o beside_o these_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n in_o general_n and_o wherein_o they_o all_o equal_o participate_v they_o must_v also_o have_v each_o one_o its_o proper_a difference_n that_o which_o do_v distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o church_n and_o this_o give_v it_o its_o special_a form_n as_o such_o now_o this_o can_v consist_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v accidental_a occasional_a or_o extrinsical_a unto_o it_o such_o as_o be_v cohabitation_n which_o yet_o the_o church_n may_v have_v respect_n unto_o for_o conveniency_n and_o farther_v of_o its_o edification_n nor_o in_o any_o civil_a or_o political_a disposal_n of_o its_o member_n into_o civil_a society_n for_o civil_a end_n which_o be_v extrinsical_a to_o all_o its_o concernment_n as_o a_o church_n nor_o do_v it_o consist_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o its_o present_a officer_n which_o may_v be_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o without_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o form_n or_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o consist_v as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o agreement_n or_o covenant_n before_o mention_v for_o first_o this_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v 〈◊〉_d a_o distinct_a body_n different_z from_o other_o for_o thereby_o and_o no_o otherwise_o do_v they_o coalesce_v into_o a_o society_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n second_o this_o give_v they_o their_o especial_a relation_n unto_o their_o own_o elder_n ruler_n or_o guide_n who_o watch_v over_o they_o as_o so_o associate_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n according_a unto_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n and_o three_o from_o hence_o they_o have_v their_o mutual_a especial_a relation_n unto_o one_o another_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o especial_a exercise_n of_o all_o church_n duty_n whatsoever_o quest._n 52._o wherein_o consist_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n towards_o other_o church_n answ._n 1_o in_o walk_v circumspect_o so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o no_o offence_n 2_o in_o prayer_n for_o their_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n 3_o in_o communicate_v supply_n to_o their_o want_n according_a to_o ability_n 4_o in_o receive_v with_o love_n and_o readiness_n the_o member_n of_o they_o into_o fellowship_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v 5_o in_o desire_v and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o counsel_n and_o advice_n in_o such_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n as_o may_v arise_v among_o they_o 6_o in_o join_v with_o they_o to_o express_v their_o communion_n in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n 1_o 1_o cor._n 10.32_o 2_o psalm_n 122.6_o ephes._n 6.18_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 3_o 2_o cor._n 8.4_o 6._o act_n 11.29_o 30._o rom._n 15.26_o 27._o 4_o rom._n 16.1_o 2.3_o ep._n joh._n 8_o 9_o 5_o act_n 15.2_o 6_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o explication_n church_n be_v gather_v and_o settle_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o preserve_v a_o mutual_a holy_a communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o to_o exercise_v it_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n whereby_o their_o mutual_a good_a and_o edification_n may_v be_v promote_v for_o whereas_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a under_o one_o head_n the_o lord_n christ_n ephes._n 1.22_o 23._o in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o order_n ephes._n 4.5_o and_o do_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o stand_v in_o such_o a_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o as_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o communion_n speak_v of_o now_o the_o principal_a way_n whereby_o they_o exercise_v this_o communion_n be_v the_o act_n and_o duty_n enumerate_v in_o the_o answer_n unto_o this_o question_n as_o first_o careful_a walk_v so_o as_o to_o give_v no_o offence_n unto_o one_o another_o which_o although_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n in_o reference_n unto_o all_o yet_o therein_o especial_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n grieve_v or_o tempt_v 1_o cor._n 10.32_o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n second_o in_o constant_a prayer_n for_o the_o peace_n welfare_n edification_n and_o prosperity_n one_o of_o another_o rom._n 1.9_o colos._n 1.9_o ephes._n 6.18_o and_o this_o because_o of_o the_o special_a concernment_n of_o the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o welfare_n three_o in_o communicate_v of_o supply_n for_o their_o relief_n according_a unto_o their_o ability_n in_o case_n of_o the_o outward_a want_n strait_n danger_n or_o necessity_n of_o any_o of_o they_o act_v 11.29_o 30._o rom._n 15.26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 8.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 6_o 14._o four_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o church_n ordinance_n be_v another_o way_n whereby_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v exercise_v rom._n 16.1_o 2.3_o ep._n joh._n 8.9_o for_o whereas_o the_o personal_a right_n of_o such_o person_n unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o orderly_a walk_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n they_o may_v without_o far_a enquiry_n or_o satisfaction_n give_v be_v look_v on_o pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o desire_v fellowship_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n five_o in_o desire_v or_o make_v use_n of_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n whether_o doctrinal_a or_o practical_a as_o may_v arise_v in_o any_o of_o they_o act._n 15.2_o 6._o and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n any_o church_n either_o by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o precipitation_n or_o mistake_v in_o other_o administration_n do_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o church_n those_o other_o church_n may_v require_v a_o account_n from_o they_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o in_o case_n they_o persist_v in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o because_o in_o their_o difficulty_n and_o before_o their_o miscarriage_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v desire_v the_o advice_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n of_o those_o other_o church_n which_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o the_o other_o be_v to_o recover_v the_o end_n of_o it_o unto_o their_o utmost_a ability_n gal._n 2.6.11_o and_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o that_o be_v right_o and_o just_o censure_v in_o any_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o church_n whatever_o both_o because_o of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n and_o because_o it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v presume_v until_o the_o contrary_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o in_o case_n there_o have_v be_v any_o difficulty_n or_o doubt_v in_o the_o proceedure_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v have_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o those_o church_n with_o who_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o consult_v last_o whereas_o the_o church_n have_v all_o of_o they_o one_o common_a faith_n and_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o hold_v forth_o and_o declare_v it_o to_o all_o man_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o to_o testify_v this_o their_o mutual_a communion_n their_o interest_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o the_o more_o open_a declaration_n and_o proposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o for_o the_o vindication_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o themselves_o from_o false_a charge_n and_o imputation_n they_o may_v and_o if_o god_n give_v opportunity_n aught_o to_o join_v together_o in_o declare_v and_o testify_v their_o joint_a consent_n and_o fellowship_n in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n express_v in_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n quest._n 53._o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o dispensation_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n the_o fartherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o edification_n and_o consolation_n of_o believer_n here_o with_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n hereafter_o rev._n 4.9_o 10_o 11._o chap._n 5.12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 3_o 22.23_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o finis_fw-la
be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v they_o brethren_n heb._n 2.11_o be_v by_o he_o bear_v of_o god_n and_o from_o their_o participation_n of_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o spirit_n which_o dwell_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o they_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o as_o also_o in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o one_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o in_o that_o one_o faith_n and_o hope_v whereunto_o they_o be_v call_v eph._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o endeavour_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n there_o be_v one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n even_o as_o you_o be_v call_v in_o one_o hope_n of_o your_o call_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o who_o be_v above_o all_o and_o through_o all_o and_o in_o you_o all_o and_o that_o love_v which_o be_v not_o build_v on_o these_o principle_n and_o foundation_n be_v not_o evangelical_n whatever_o other_o ground_n it_o may_v have_v or_o occasion_n it_o may_v pretend_v unto_o communion_n of_o saint_n consist_v in_o their_o mutual_a love_n due_o exercise_v according_a to_o rule_v and_o all_o communion_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o union_n in_o union_n therefore_o must_v lie_v the_o spring_n of_o love_n and_o this_o consist_v in_o a_o joint_a incorporation_n of_o believer_n into_o christ_n for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o this_o they_o have_v by_o the_o mean_v before_o mention_v namely_o their_o adoption_n faith_n and_o inhabitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n now_o in_o the_o joint_a celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n worship_n they_o altogether_o make_v profession_n of_o these_o principle_n and_o act_v that_o one_o faith_n hope_n and_o love_v joint_o whereof_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n and_o thereby_o grow_v up_o more_o and_o more_o into_o the_o head_n by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v eph._n 4.16_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v peculiar_o design_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n for_o the_o testification_n of_o their_o love_n and_o union_n among_o themselves_o 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n qu._n 12._o what_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v attend_v unto_o by_o we_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n answ._n that_o we_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v we_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v and_o that_o we_o add_v nothing_o unto_o or_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o man_n invention_n or_o appointment_n deut._n 4.2_o chap._n 12.32_o jer._n 7.27_o maâ—_n 15.9_o 13._o mat._n 17.5_o coloss._n 2.3_o mat._n 28.20_o heb._n 3.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o rev._n 22.18_o 1_o chron._n 16.13_o isa._n 29.13_o explication_n this_o be_v in_o part_n speak_v to_o before_o on_o the_o three_o question_n where_o it_o be_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o god_n have_v reveal_v what_o that_o worship_n be_v which_o he_o will_v accept_v in_o and_o of_o the_o church_n here_o moreover_o as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o matter_n three_o thing_n be_v assert_v first_o that_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o whatsoever_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v we_o to_o observe_v this_o lie_v plain_a in_o the_o command_n mat._n 28.20_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o we_o be_v direct_v unto_o it_o in_o the_o injunction_n give_v we_o from_o heaven_n to_o hear_v that_o be_v obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n mat._n 17.5_o he_o be_v the_o prophet_n to_o who_o teach_n and_o instruction_n we_o owe_v obedience_n on_o pain_n of_o extermination_n from_o among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n deut._n 18.15_o act._n 3.22_o 23._o whatever_o he_o have_v appoint_v command_v reveal_v as_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o or_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v and_o observe_v by_o the_o church_n inviolable_o for_o if_o we_o be_v his_o friend_n and_o disciple_n we_o will_v keep_v his_o commandment_n no_o disuse_n of_o what_o continuance_n soever_o can_v discharge_v we_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o institution_n after_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n have_v be_v disuse_v from_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n unto_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n the_o restoration_n of_o it_o be_v require_v of_o god_n and_o accept_v with_o he_o neh._n 8.17_o no_o abuse_n of_o how_o high_a a_o nature_n soever_o can_v absolve_v we_o from_o obedience_n unto_o a_o institution_n 1_o cor._n 18.19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o after_o the_o great_a abuse_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n in_o that_o church_n the_o apostle_n recall_v they_o again_o unto_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n and_o after_o the_o defilement_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o antichristian_a apostasy_n yet_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o altar_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v again_o rev._n 11.1_o and_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n be_v again_o to_o be_v raise_v among_o man_n rev._n 21.3_o no_o opposition_n no_o persecution_n can_v give_v the_o church_n a_o dispensation_n whole_o to_o omit_v and_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n while_o we_o be_v under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n act_v 4.19_o whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o you_o more_o than_o unto_o god_n judge_v you_o it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o observation_n of_o positive_a institution_n we_o may_v have_v regard_n unto_o rule_n and_o prescription_n of_o prudence_n as_o to_o time_n place_n and_o season_n that_o by_o no_o inadvertency_n or_o miscarriage_n of_o we_o or_o advantage_n take_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v hinder_v so_o the_o disciple_n meet_v with_o the_o door_n shut_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o jew_n john_n 20.19_o and_o paul_n meet_v with_o the_o disciple_n in_o the_o night_n in_o a_o upper_a chamber_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n act_v 20.7_o 8._o yet_o as_o to_o the_o obligation_n unto_o their_o observation_n it_o indispensable_o bind_v we_o and_o that_o always_o and_o that_o as_o to_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n whatever_n heb._n 10.25_o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o ourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v but_o exhort_v one_o another_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o as_o you_o see_v the_o day_n approach_v to_o dispense_v with_o christ_n command_n practical_o be_v unlawful_a much_o more_o doctrinal_o most_o of_o all_o authoritative_o as_o the_o pope_n take_v on_o himself_o to_o do_v this_o then_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n to_o search_v out_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o they_o we_o be_v not_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o take_v up_o mere_o with_o what_o we_o find_v in_o practice_n among_o other_o no_o though_o they_o be_v man_n good_a or_o holy_a the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o of_o every_o member_n of_o it_o in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n be_v to_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o find_v out_o whatever_o be_v appoint_v by_o he_o or_o require_v of_o his_o disciple_n and_o that_o with_o heart_n and_o mind_n prepare_v unto_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o whatever_o shall_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v his_o will_n second_o whatever_o belong_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n or_o manner_n whereby_o any_o of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v come_v also_o under_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v due_o to_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o observe_v indeed_o whatever_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n appoint_v by_o christ_n it_o do_v therefore_o belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o appoint_v neither_o do_v nor_o can_v
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
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
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
and_o herein_o alone_o do_v the_o order_n honour_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v church_n member_n therefore_o be_v to_o search_v and_o inquire_v after_o the_o particular_a duty_n which_o as_o such_o be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o as_o also_o to_o consider_v what_o influence_n their_o special_a state_n and_o condition_n as_o they_o be_v church_n member_n aught_o to_o have_v into_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o obedience_n as_o they_o be_v christian_n for_o this_o privilege_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o edification_n that_o be_v their_o fartherance_n in_o their_o whole_a course_n of_o walk_v before_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v neglect_v if_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o name_n to_o live_v in_o this_o or_o that_o church_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n that_o be_v state_v and_o solemn_o administer_v only_o that_o which_o will_v have_v be_v to_o their_o advantage_n may_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n unto_o they_o what_o these_o especial_a duty_n be_v in_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o they_o be_v of_o too_o large_a a_o consideration_n here_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v inculcate_v of_o they_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o commit_v to_o their_o charge_n for_o the_o church_n due_a performance_n of_o its_o duty_n be_v their_o honour_n crown_n and_o reward_n qu._n 35._o whence_o do_v you_o reckon_v prayer_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o moral_n and_o natural_a worship_n among_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n an._n on_o many_o account_n as_o 1_o because_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v his_o church_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therein_o 2_o because_o he_o bestow_v on_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n gift_n and_o ability_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n thereof_o 3_o he_o have_v appoint_v that_o all_o his_o other_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v administer_v with_o prayer_n whereby_o it_o become_v a_o part_n of_o they_o 4_o because_o himself_o minister_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n as_o the_o great_a high_a priest_n of_o his_o church_n to_o present_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n 5_o because_o in_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o especial_a regard_n have_v unto_o himself_o and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o his_o mediation_n 1_o luke_n 18.1_o chap._n 21.36_o rom._n 12.5_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2._o 2_o ephe._n 4.8_o 12_o 13._o rom._n 8.15_o 16._o gal._n 4.6_o 3_o act_n 2.42_o 1_o tim._n 4.5_o 4_o rev._n 8_o 3_o 4._o heb._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o chap._n 6.20_o chap._n 10.20.21_o 22._o 5_o john_n 14.13_o chap._n 15.16_o 22_o 26._o ephe._n 3.14_o 15._o qu._n 36._o may_v not_o the_o church_n in_o the_o solemn_a warship_n of_o god_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v use_n of_o and_o content_v itself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n compose_v by_o other_o and_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o an._n so_o to_o do_v will_v be_v 1_o contrary_a to_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o prayer_n itself_o which_o be_v that_o believer_n may_v therein_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o spiritual_a supply_n according_a to_o the_o present_a condition_n want_n and_o exigency_n of_o their_o soul_n 2_o to_o the_o maâ—n_a end_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n aim_v at_o in_o supply_v man_n with_o gift_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mimistry_n tend_v to_o render_v the_o the_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n preservation_n and_o continuance_n néedless_a and_o useless_a moreover_o 3_o it_o will_v render_v the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n unto_o several_a precept_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o use_n stir_v up_o and_o exercise_v of_o their_o gift_n impossible_a and_o 4_o thereby_o hinder_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n 1_o rom._n 8.26_o phil._n 4.6_o heb._n 4.16_o 1_o pet._n 4.7_o 2_o ephes._n 4.8_o 12_o 13._o 3_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 2_o tim._n 1.6_o 7._o colos._n 4.17_o matth._n 25.14_o 15_o 16._o 4_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o quest._n 37._o be_v the_o constant_a work_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n necessary_a answ._n it_o be_v so_o both_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o minister_n themselves_o of_o who_o that_o duty_n be_v strict_o require_v and_o who_o principal_o therein_o labour_n and_o watch_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o flock_n and_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o fartherance_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n by_o instruction_n reproof_n exhortation_n and_o consolation_n matth._n 24.45_o 46_o 47_o 48_o 49_o 50_o 51._o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 17_o 18._o ephes._n 4.12_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 4_o 15_o 16._o chap._n 5.17_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o chap._n 3.14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o chapter_n 4.2_o quest._n 38._o who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n answ._n profess_v believer_n if_o not_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o their_o infant_n séed_o matth._n 28.19_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o act_n 16.33_o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o colos._n 2.12_o 13._o with_o genesis_n 17.10_o 11_o 12._o quest._n 39_o where_o and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o be_v administer_v answ._n in_o the_o church_n or_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o right_o prepare_v and_o due_o assemble_v or_o to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v so_o assemble_v 1_o cor._n 11.20_o 21_o 22_o 28_o 29_o 33._o acts._n 2.46_o quest._n 40._o how_o often_o be_v that_o ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v answ._n every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o wéek_v or_o at_o least_o as_o often_o as_o opportunity_n and_o conveniency_n may_v be_v obtain_v 1_o cor._n 11.26_o act_n 20.7_o quest._n 41._o what_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n it_o consist_v in_o the_o due_a exereise_n of_o that_o authority_n and_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n have_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o continuance_n increase_n and_o preservation_n in_o purity_n order_n and_o holiness_n according_a to_o his_o appointment_n matth._n 16.19_o rom._n 12.8_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o rev._n 2.2_o 20._o explication_n sundry_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v about_o this_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o first_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n make_v unto_o it_o by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o mediator_n head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n for_o all_o discipline_n be_v a_o act_n of_o power_n and_o this_o be_v exercise_v in_o and_o about_o thing_n internal_a and_o spiritual_a no_o man_n can_v of_o themselves_o or_o by_o grant_n of_o any_o other_o have_v any_o right_a or_o authority_n to_o or_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o whoever_o have_v any_o interest_n herein_o or_o right_o hereunto_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v unto_o he_o from_o above_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n for_o as_o all_o church_n power_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n by_o the_o authority_n and_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n vest_v in_o he_o alone_o matth._n 28.18_o ephes._n 1.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o so_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o be_v spiritual_a the_o object_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o conscience_n and_o gospel_n privilege_n of_o believer_n with_o the_o end_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v all_o manifest_a that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o other_o right_a nor_o foundation_n this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v to_o be_v fix_v that_o no_o authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v speak_v before_o second_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v communicate_v this_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v his_o word_n or_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n concern_v it_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o be_v exact_o limit_v and_o bound_v thereby_o and_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v grant_v and_o convey_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o word_n see_v that_o christ_n communicate_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n any_o other_o way_n what_o ever_o of_o that_o nature_n be_v beside_o it_o or_o beyond_o it_o be_v mere_a usurpation_n and_o null_n in_o its_o exercise_n herein_o be_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o guide_n and_o rule_n
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
to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v before_o declare_v and_o that_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v make_v the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n namely_o of_o be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.33_o this_o work_n be_v secret_a hide_a and_o invisible_a the_o church_n can_v judge_v of_o direct_o and_o in_o its_o own_o form_n or_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o mean_n effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v testify_v unto_o it_o concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o its_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n it_o be_v require_v therefore_o of_o they_o first_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o conversation_n free_a from_o blame_n in_o the_o world_n for_o whereas_o one_o end_n of_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n be_v to_o hold_v forth_o and_o express_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o turn_v man_n from_o all_o ungodliness_n unto_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o honesty_n it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o they_o that_o they_o answer_v this_o end_n and_o this_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o that_o believe_v will_v effect_v and_o produce_v for_o although_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v attain_v a_o unblameable_a honesty_n in_o this_o world_n be_v inward_o quicken_v with_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o save_a grace_n yet_o it_o do_v that_o they_o who_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o principle_n will_v be_v so_o unblameable_a and_o although_o they_o may_v on_o other_o account_n be_v evil_a speak_v of_o yet_o their_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n will_v justify_v itself_o second_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v another_o mean_n whereby_o the_o great_a qualification_n inquire_v after_o be_v testify_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o as_o without_o this_o no_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v profitable_o make_v use_n of_o nor_o any_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v so_o save_v light_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o conversion_n and_o do_v inseparable_o accompany_v it_o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n where_o this_o be_v want_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o person_n to_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o blindness_n darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o all_o man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n such_o a_o measure_n then_o of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o apprehend_v aright_o of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o mediation_n the_o benefit_n thereof_o and_o the_o obedience_n that_o he_o require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o disciple_n be_v expect_v in_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n three_o hereunto_o be_v to_o be_v add_v soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o love_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n thereof_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v towards_o the_o church_n call_v therefore_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n one_o faith_n ephes._n 4.5_o the_o common_a faith_n the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o which_o be_v the_o sound_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 1.10_o which_o those_o that_o will_v not_o endure_v must_v be_v turn_v from_o 2_o tim._n 4.3_o the_o faithful_a word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v fast_o tit._n 1.9_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o and_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v sound_a in_o tit._n 1.13_o contain_a in_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n as_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o this_o soundness_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v improve_v unto_o oneness_n of_o mind_n and_o oneness_n of_o accord_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n phil._n 2.2_o though_o it_o may_v admit_v of_o some_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o some_o may_v have_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n than_o other_o which_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o all_o may_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n phil._n 3.15_o 16._o so_o it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o and_o by_o the_o faith_n whereof_o the_o church_n hold_v on_o the_o head_n jesus_n christ_n coloss._n 2.19_o and_o in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o gospel_n worship_n the_o joint_a celebration_n whereof_o be_v the_o next_o end_n of_o the_o gather_v the_o church_n for_o without_o a_o consent_n of_o mind_n and_o accord_v herein_o no_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v unto_o edification_n nor_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o these_o principle_n be_v those_o which_o we_o have_v explain_v four_o it_o be_v require_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v testify_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o they_o and_o their_o resolution_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o live_v in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o he_o they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n as_o disciple_n of_o christ_n profess_v that_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n which_o what_o it_o infer_v the_o apostle_n teach_v at_o large_a ephes._n 4.20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o see_v also_o act_v 11.23_o act_n 8.21_o 22_o 23._o and_o this_o by_o themselves_o to_o be_v testify_v unto_o the_o church_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n as_o real_a partaker_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n hope_n and_o salvation_n with_o themselves_o as_o live_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ._n second_o that_o on_o all_o ensue_a occasion_n they_o may_v be_v mind_v of_o their_o own_o profession_n and_o engagement_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o thereby_o unto_o faithfulness_n steadfastness_n and_o perseverance_n hereupon_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o judge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o meekness_n concern_v their_o condition_n and_o meetness_n to_o be_v lay_v as_o live_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v 1._o reject_v false_a hypocritical_a pretender_n if_o in_o or_o by_o any_o mean_v their_o hypocrisy_n be_v discover_v unto_o they_o act_n 8.20_o 23._o titus_n 1.10_o jer._n 15.19_o 2._o that_o they_o may_v direct_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o way_n such_o as_o appear_v to_o be_v sincere_a instruct_v they_o principal_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n whereinto_o they_o be_v engage_v the_o duty_n danger_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o act_n 18.26_o act._n 14.22_o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23._o 3._o to_o propose_v they_o their_o condition_n their_o desire_n their_o resolution_n unto_o the_o church_n after_o their_o own_o expression_n of_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o in_o love_n and_o meekness_n act_v 9.26_o 27._o whereupon_o those_o that_o be_v approve_v do_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o abide_v in_o the_o fellowship_n thereof_o whereunto_o they_o be_v admit_v act_v 2.41_o 42._o quest._n 51._o wherein_o do_v the_o especial_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n whereby_o it_o become_v such_o and_o be_v distinguish_v as_o such_o from_o all_o other_o consist_v answ._n in_o the_o special_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n numerical_o hence_o its_o constitution_n and_o distinction_n from_o other_o church_n do_v proceed_v exod._n 19.5_o 8._o chap._n 24.3_o 7._o deut._n 26.17_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o act_n 14.23_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 13.17_o explication_n it_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v what_o especial_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o a_o due_a subjection_n unto_o and_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ._n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v it_o its_o special_a form_n and_o distinction_n from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o a_o church_n all_o church_n do_v agree_v and_o equal_o partake_v there_o be_v the_o same_o law_n of_o the_o constitution_n