in_o a_o way_n appoint_v for_o continuance_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o which_o be_v constant_o incumbent_a on_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n quest._n 23._o who_o be_v the_o ordinary_a officer_n or_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v always_o continue_v therein_o answ._n those_o who_o the_o scripture_n call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n bishop_n elder_n and_o guide_n act_n 14.23_o act_n 20.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes._n 4.11_o phil._n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o 2._o chap._n 5.17_o titus_n 1.5_o 7._o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o explication_n several_a name_n be_v on_o several_a account_n partly_o design_v their_o authority_n partly_o their_o duty_n and_o partly_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o discharge_n thereof_o assign_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o ordinary_a minister_n of_o the_o church_n sometime_o they_o be_v call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes._n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o sometime_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n phil._n 1.1_o act._n 20.28_o titus_n 1.5_o sometime_o elder_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o act._n 14.23_o act._n 20.17_o sometime_o guide_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o by_o all_o which_o name_n and_o sundry_a other_o whereby_o they_o be_v express_v the_o same_o sort_n order_n and_o degree_n of_o person_n be_v intend_v nor_o be_v any_o one_o of_o these_o name_n apply_v or_o accommodate_v unto_o any_o but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v also_o in_o like_a manner_n so_o that_o he_o who_o be_v a_o pastor_n or_o a_o teacher_n be_v also_o a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n a_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n a_o guide_n or_o ruler_n a_o minister_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n and_o of_o all_o other_o name_v assign_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n that_o of_o bishop_n can_v least_o of_o all_o be_v think_v to_o have_v design_v any_o special_a order_n or_o degree_n of_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v but_o four_o time_n or_o in_o four_o place_n use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o denote_v any_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o each_o of_o they_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o express_v by_o the_o other_o name_n of_o elder_n and_o minister_n be_v intend_v so_o act._n 20.28_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n verse_n the_o 17._o phil._n 1.1_o there_o be_v many_o bishop_n in_o that_o one_o particular_a church_n who_o have_v only_a deacon_n join_v with_o they_o that_o be_v they_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o it_o tit._n 1.8_o the_o bishop_n be_v the_o elder_n to_o be_v ordain_v vers_fw-la the_o 5._o which_o person_n be_v also_o direct_o intend_v 1_o tim._n 3.2_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o coincidence_n of_o the_o direction_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n about_o they_o and_o the_o immediate_a adjoin_v of_o deacon_n unto_o they_o vers_fw-la 8._o so_o that_o no_o name_n can_v be_v fix_v on_o with_o less_o probability_n to_o assert_v from_o it_o a_o special_a supreme_a order_n or_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o ministry_n than_o this_o of_o bishop_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o any_o such_o pre-eminence_n of_o one_o sort_n of_o these_o church-officer_n or_o minister_n over_o another_o not_o in_o particular_a in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n enumerate_v as_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o eph._n 4.11_o rom._n 12.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o mention_n of_o any_o special_a office_n that_o shall_v be_v peculiar_a unto_o such_o officer_n or_o of_o any_o gift_n or_o qualification_n that_o shall_v be_v require_v in_o they_o or_o of_o any_o special_a way_n of_o call_v or_o set_v apart_o to_o their_o office_n nor_o of_o any_o kind_n of_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v relate_v unto_o different_z from_o the_o church_n that_o other_o elder_n or_o pastor_n do_v minister_n in_o nor_o of_o any_o special_a rule_n or_o direction_n for_o their_o trial_n nor_o any_o command_n for_o obedience_n unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n â—uly_o discharge_v their_o trust_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n no_o intimation_n be_v give_v unto_o either_o elder_n or_o minister_n to_o obey_v they_o or_o direction_n how_o to_o respect_v they_o nor_o unto_o they_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o but_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v and_o deliver_v promiscuous_o and_o equal_o concern_v all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o these_o appellation_n do_v not_o belong_v unto_o one_o sort_n of_o minister_n not_o one_o more_o than_o another_o and_o for_o what_o be_v plead_v by_o some_o from_o the_o example_n of_o timothy_n and_o titus_n it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o any_o person_n can_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v evangelist_n 1_o tim._n 4.5_o to_o be_v call_v unto_o their_o office_n upon_o antecedent_n prophecy_n 1_o tim._n 1.18_o and_o to_o be_v send_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o they_o in_o some_o employment_n for_o a_o season_n which_o they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o to_o attend_v unto_o titus_n 1.5_o chap._n 3.12_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o they_o have_v another_o duty_n and_o office_n commit_v unto_o they_o than_o those_o who_o be_v only_a bishop_n or_o elder_n in_o the_o scripture_n quest._n 24._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o officer_n or_o ruler_n in_o the_o church_n extraordinary_a and_o ordinary_a answ._n 1_o the_o former_a be_v call_v to_o their_o office_n immediate_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n or_o revelation_n make_v by_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o his_o name_n to_o that_o purpose_n the_o latter_a by_o the_o suffrage_n choice_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o 2._o the_o former_a both_o in_o their_o office_n and_o work_n be_v independent_a on_o and_o antecedent_n unto_o all_o or_o any_o church_n who_o calling_n and_o gather_v depend_v on_o their_o office_n as_o its_o consequent_a and_o effect_n the_o latter_a in_o both_o consequent_a unto_o the_o call_n gather_v and_o constitute_v of_o the_o church_n themselves_o as_o a_o effect_n thereof_o in_o their_o tendency_n unto_o compleatness_n and_o perfection_n 3._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o former_a be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o immediate_o by_o jesus_n christ_n without_o any_o intervenient_a act_n of_o any_o church_n extend_v itself_o equal_o unto_o all_o church_n whatever_o that_o of_o the_o latter_a be_v derive_v unto_o they_o from_o christ_n by_o the_o election_n and_o designation_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o confine_v unto_o that_o church_n wherein_o and_o whereby_o it_o be_v so_o derive_v unto_o they_o 4._o they_o differ_v also_o in_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v suit_v unto_o their_o several_a distinct_a work_n and_o employment_n 1_o matth._n 10.2_o luke_n 10.1_o gal._n 1.1_o act_n 1.26_o act_n 6.3_o act_n 14.23_o 2_o joh._n 20.21_o 22_o 23._o gal._n 1.1_o ephes._n 2.20_o rev._n 21.14_o act_n 14.23_o titus_n 1.5_o 7._o 3_o matth._n 28_o 18_o 19_o 20._o 2_o cor._n 11.28_o act._n 20.28_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o colos._n 4.17_o 4_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 29_o 30._o the_o answer_n hereunto_o be_v such_o as_o need_v no_o further_a explication_n quest._n 25._o what_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o due_a constitution_n of_o a_o elder_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n 1_o that_o he_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o evangelical_n discharge_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 2_o that_o he_o be_v unblameable_a holy_a and_o exemplary_a in_o his_o conversation_n 3_o that_o he_o have_v a_o willing_a mind_n to_o give_v up_o himself_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 4_o that_o he_o be_v call_v and_o choose_v by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n 5_o that_o he_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o by_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n unto_o his_o work_n and_o ministry_n 1_o ephes._n 4.8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o 2_o titus_n 1.7_o 8_o 9_o 2_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o 3_o 1._o peâ—_n 5.2_o 3._o 4_o act_n 14.23_o 5_o act_n 13.2_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o explication_n five_o thing_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o due_a and_o solemn_a constitution_n of_o a_o minister_n guide_n elder_a pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o they_o do_v not_o all_o equal_o belong_v unto_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o call_n so_o they_o be_v all_o indispensable_o necessary_a
full_a of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o wisdom_n and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v do_v when_o only_a deacon_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o who_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n the_o same_o be_v mention_v again_o act_v 14.23_o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o election_n and_o suffrage_n for_o the_o word_n there_o use_v will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o sense_n however_o it_o be_v ambiguous_o express_v in_o our_o translation_n neither_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o the_o use_n of_o that_o word_n apply_v unto_o the_o communication_n of_o any_o office_n or_o power_n to_o any_o person_n or_o person_n in_o a_o assembly_n wherein_o it_o denote_v any_o other_o action_n but_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o this_o it_o do_v constant_o in_o all_o writer_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o long_a time_n preserve_v inviolate_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o ancient_n do_v abundant_o testify_v yea_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o can_v never_o be_v utter_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v still_o retain_v in_o those_o church_n which_o yet_o reject_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o this_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o abide_v therein_o for_o as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o person_n become_v a_o church_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n christ_n make_v his_o subject_n willing_a not_o slave_n his_o rule_n over_o they_o be_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o their_o own_o will_n and_o he_o will_v have_v they_o every_o way_n free_a in_o their_o obedience_n a_o church-state_n be_v a_o estate_n of_o absolute_a liberty_n under_o christ_n not_o for_o man_n to_o do_v what_o they_o will_v but_o for_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n free_o without_o compulsion_n now_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o this_o liberty_n than_o to_o have_v their_o guide_n ruler_n and_o overseer_n impose_v on_o they_o without_o their_o consent_n beside_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o discharge_v its_o duty_n towards_o christ_n in_o every_o institution_n of_o he_o which_o herein_o they_o can_v if_o they_o have_v not_o their_o free_a consent_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o be_v consider_v as_o mute_a person_n or_o brute_n creature_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ordinary_a way_n of_o communicate_v authority_n unto_o any_o in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o voluntary_a submission_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o unto_o they_o for_o as_o all_o other_o imaginable_a way_n may_v fail_v and_o have_v do_v so_o where_o they_o have_v be_v trust_v unto_o so_o they_o be_v irrational_a and_o unscriptural_a as_o to_o their_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o the_o delegation_n of_o any_o power_n whatever_o five_o unto_o this_o election_n succeed_v the_o solemn_a set_n apart_o of_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o this_o work_n and_o ministry_n by_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n before_o constitute_v in_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o person_n be_v so_o to_o be_v set_v apart_o qu._n 26._o may_v a_o person_n be_v call_v to_o or_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o office_n or_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o may_v he_o hold_v the_o relation_n and_o exercise_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o elder_a or_o minister_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n answ._n neither_o of_o these_o have_v either_o warrant_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v the_o first_o of_o they_o consistent_a with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ministry_n nor_o the_o latter_a with_o the_o duty_n thereof_o nor_o either_o of_o they_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n act_v 14.23_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o act_n 20.28_o explication_n there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o question_n and_o answer_n to_o be_v speak_v unto_o several_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v a_o person_n to_o be_v call_v or_o employ_v in_o any_o church_n in_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o office_n or_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v or_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v or_o unto_o the_o rule_n or_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o like_a manner_n unto_o any_o other_o part_n or_o parcel_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n with_o a_o exemption_n of_o other_o duty_n from_o his_o charge_n or_o care_n if_o this_o be_v do_v by_o consent_n and_o agreement_n for_o any_o time_n or_o season_n it_o be_v unwarrantable_a and_o disorderly_a what_o may_v be_v do_v occasional_o upon_o a_o emergency_n or_o in_o case_n of_o weakness_n or_o disability_n befalling_a any_o elder_a as_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v not_o here_o inquire_v after_o for_o first_o if_o the_o person_n so_o call_v or_o employ_v have_v receive_v gift_n fit_v he_o for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o exercise_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v by_o any_o consent_n or_o agreement_n see_v they_o be_v give_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v trade_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 7._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o this_o he_o which_o have_v receive_v such_o gift_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v unto_o and_o pursue_v second_o if_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v such_o gift_n as_o complete_o to_o enable_v he_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o administer_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o call_v he_o unto_o that_o work_n wherein_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o go_v before_o they_o in_o qualify_a he_o for_o it_o yea_o to_o do_v so_o will_v be_v most_o irregular_a for_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n give_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enlarge_v or_o straighten_v the_o power_n or_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n thereof_o neither_o can_v or_o ought_v any_o person_n that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o give_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o gift_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o a_o due_a and_o orderly_a manner_n nor_o to_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o to_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v their_o whole_a authority_n and_o to_o discharge_v their_o whole_a duty_n so_o that_o arbitrary_a constitution_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v irregular_a and_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n into_o church_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o same_o person_n to_o more_o church_n than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o his_o undertake_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o they_o as_o a_o elder_a or_o minister_n and_o this_o also_o be_v irregular_a and_o unwarrantable_a now_o a_o man_n may_v hold_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o elder_a pastor_n or_o minister_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o two_o way_n first_o formal_o and_o direct_o by_o all_o equal_a formal_a interest_n in_o they_o undertake_v the_o pastoral_n charge_v equal_o and_o alike_o of_o they_o be_v call_v alike_o to_o they_o and_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o relation_n 2_o virtual_o when_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o one_o church_n he_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o ministerial_a act_n in_o or_o towards_o another_o the_o first_o way_n be_v unlawful_a and_o destructive_a both_o of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n for_o as_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n respective_o that_o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o act_v 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o their_o office_n
power_n consist_v in_o a_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v set_v over_o so_o they_o be_v command_v to_o attend_v unto_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o and_o whereunto_o they_o be_v so_o ordain_v act._n 20.28_o 1_o peter_n 1.2_o and_o that_o with_o all_o diligence_n care_n and_o watchfulness_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n heb._n 13.17_o which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o do_v towards_o more_o church_n than_o one_o the_o same_o duty_n be_v at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v perform_v towards_o all_o and_o because_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o the_o elder_n pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o church_n be_v ministerial_a â—_o cor._n 4.1_o consist_v in_o a_o power_n of_o act_v upon_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o office_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o authority_n to_o delegate_v another_o or_o other_o to_o act_v their_o part_n or_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n which_o will_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o autocratorical_a authority_n and_o not_o of_o obedience_n or_o ministry_n the_o latter_a way_n also_o of_o relation_n unto_o many_o church_n be_v unwarrantable_a for_o 1_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o law_n nor_o constitution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n can_v be_v produce_v to_o give_v it_o countenance_n but_o elder_n be_v ordain_v to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o command_v to_o attend_v unto_o they_o 2_o no_o rule_n be_v give_v unto_o any_o elder_n how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o reference_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a power_n as_o there_o be_v rule_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v relate_v 3_o there_o be_v no_o example_n to_o give_v it_o countenance_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n 4_o the_o authority_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o have_v no_o foundation_n 1_o not_o in_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a ability_n or_o faculty_n of_o do_v what_o a_o man_n be_v able_a but_o a_o right_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v power_n to_o do_v that_o right_o and_o lawful_o which_o before_o he_o can_v not_o do_v this_o gift_n will_v not_o give_v to_o any_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v do_v it_o to_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v they_o 2_o not_o in_o their_o election_n for_o they_o be_v choose_v in_o and_o by_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o stand_v in_o especial_a relation_n who_o choice_n can_v give_v ministerial_a power_n over_o any_o but_o themselves_o 3_o not_o in_o their_o set_n apart_o by_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o this_o be_v only_o unto_o that_o office_n work_n and_o power_n whereunto_o they_o be_v choose_v they_o be_v not_o choose_v for_o one_o end_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o another_o 4_o not_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n for_o that_o give_v no_o new_a power_n but_o only_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o receive_v qu._n 27._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n an._n 1_o to_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o faith_n love_n knowledge_n méekness_n patience_n readiness_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o constancy_n therein_o 2_o to_o watch_v for_o the_o soul_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a concernment_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n commit_v to_o they_o 3_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n diligent_o divide_v it_o aright_o 4_o to_o preserve_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n 5_o to_o administer_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n due_o and_o orderly_o 6_o to_o stir_v up_o and_o exercise_v the_o gift_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a work_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n 7_o to_o instruct_v admonish_v cherish_v and_o comfort_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o condition_n occasion_n and_o necessity_n do_v require_v 8_o to_o attend_v with_o diligence_n skill_n and_o wisdom_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o 1_o 1_o tim._n 3.10_o 11_o 13._o chap._n 4.12_o 2_o tim._n 2.3_o coloss._n 1.24_o phil._n 2.17_o chap._n 3.17_o 2_o heb._n 13.17_o act_n 20.28_o 3_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o 4_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o act_n 20.28_o judas_n 3_o 5_o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 6_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o 7_o act_n 20.18_o 19_o 20_o 25_o 26._o 1_o thes._n 3.5_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o 8_o rom._n 12.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o answer_n be_v full_a and_o plain_a qu._n 28._o wherein_o principal_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v an._n 1_o in_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o guidance_n thereof_o in_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o 2_o whatever_o they_o do_v as_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o rule_n they_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o name_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o their_o power_n be_v derive_v unto_o they_o nor_o as_o member_n only_o of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o covenant_n but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o who_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n be_v receive_v so_o that_o 3_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o church_n power_n by_z and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n thence_o proceed_v which_o arise_v immediate_o from_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 2_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o coloss._n 4.17_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 8._o 3_o 1_o tim._n 4.11_o titus_n 2.15_o 1_o peter_n 1.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o explication_n the_o answer_n unto_o this_o question_n explain_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o and_o how_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o the_o right_n state_v whereof_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o whole_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v therefore_o here_o be_v far_o explain_v to_o this_o end_n we_o may_v consider_v first_o that_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o vest_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sole_a head_n and_o monarch_n thereof_o god_n the_o father_n have_v commit_v it_o unto_o he_o and_o entrust_v he_o with_o it_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o work_n of_o mediation_n matth._n 28.18_o second_o that_o he_o do_v communicate_v of_o this_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o trust_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o in_o his_o name_n unto_o person_n by_o he_o appoint_v so_o much_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o bless_a end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v they_o for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o power_n in_o his_o church_n for_o any_o end_n whatever_o but_o by_o delegation_n from_o he_o what_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o he_o be_v mere_a usurpation_n and_o whoever_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o rule_n or_o authority_n or_o power_n in_o the_o church_n not_o grant_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o or_o not_o right_o derive_v from_o he_o be_v a_o oppressor_n a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n this_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o the_o absolute_a investiture_n of_o all_o power_n in_o he_o alone_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o three_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v this_o power_n unto_o man_n be_v by_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n whereby_o he_o have_v grant_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o such_o and_o such_o power_n shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n and_o that_o by_o such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o be_v derive_v unto_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o be_v the_o first_o recipient_a seat_n and_o subject_n moral_o of_o all_o church_n power_n whatever_o matth._n 16.19_o matth._n 18.18_o 19_o 20._o four_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o any_o person_n come_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o power_n regular_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o obedience_n unto_o and_o due_a observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n
in_o they_o unto_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v as_o when_o a_o office_n with_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v constitute_v and_o limit_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o invest_v any_o man_n in_o that_o office_n or_o to_o give_v he_o that_o power_n than_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n prescribe_v in_o the_o law_n to_o that_o end_n the_o way_n then_o whereby_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n do_v come_v to_o participate_v of_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n be_v by_o their_o and_o the_o church_n due_a observance_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n give_v by_o he_o for_o their_o election_n and_o set_v apart_o unto_o that_o office_n heb._n 4.3_o act_n 14.24_o five_o on_o this_o account_n they_o receive_v their_o power_n from_o christ_n himself_o alone_o and_o that_o immediate_o for_o the_o mean_v use_v for_o their_o participation_n of_o it_o be_v not_o recipient_a of_o the_o power_n itself_o formal_o nor_o do_v authoritative_o collate_v or_o confer_v it_o only_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n be_v execute_v in_o a_o way_n of_o obedience_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o their_o office_n by_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v make_v overseer_n by_o the_o holy-ghost_n act_v 20.28_o though_o they_o have_v their_o power_n by_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o have_v it_o not_o from_o the_o church_n nor_o be_v that_o power_n whereof_o they_o be_v make_v partaker_n as_o be_v say_v formal_o resident_a in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n before_o their_o participation_n of_o it_o but_o real_o in_o christ_n himself_o alone_o and_o moral_o in_o his_o word_n or_o law_n and_o thence_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n commit_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o six_o this_o authority_n and_o power_n thus_o receive_v from_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o they_o exert_v and_o put_v forth_o in_o all_o their_o ministerial_a administration_n in_o all_o which_o they_o do_v as_o minister_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n either_o in_o his_o worship_n or_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o they_o exercise_v that_o authority_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o law_n appoint_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n and_o from_o that_o authority_n be_v due_a order_n give_v unto_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o a_o obligation_n unto_o obedience_n to_o act_n of_o rule_n do_v thence_o also_o ensue_v so_o that_o they_o which_o despise_v they_o despise_v the_o authority_n of_o christ._n seven_o when_o as_o elder_n they_o do_v or_o declare_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n they_o do_v not_o as_o such_o put_v forth_o any_o authority_n commit_v unto_o they_o from_o and_o by_o the_o church_n but_o only_o declare_v the_o consent_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n but_o the_o authority_n which_o they_o act_n by_o and_o which_o they_o put_v forth_o be_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o themselves_o as_o such_o by_o jesus_n christ._n eight_o this_o authority_n be_v comprise_v in_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ_n which_o themselves_o exert_v only_o ministerial_o and_o therefore_o when_o ever_o they_o act_v any_o thing_n authoritative_o which_o they_o be_v not_o enable_v for_o or_o warrant_v in_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o or_o contrary_a unto_o rule_n all_o such_o act_n as_o to_o any_o spiritual_a effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o obligation_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la null_a and_o be_v no_o way_n ratify_v in_o heaven_n where_o all_o their_o orderly_a act_n be_v make_v valid_a that_o be_v by_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n nine_o the_o reason_n therefore_o why_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o authoritative_a act_n of_o the_o elder_n therein_o be_v not_o because_o from_o thence_o any_o authority_n do_v accrue_v unto_o they_o anew_o which_o virtual_o and_o radical_o they_o have_v not_o before_o but_o because_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v require_v to_o the_o orderly_a act_n of_o their_o power_n which_o without_o it_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o rule_v and_o therefore_o ineffectual_a as_o also_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o no_o act_n can_v take_v place_n in_o the_o church_n without_o or_o against_o its_o own_o consent_n while_o its_o obedience_n be_v voluntary_a and_o of_o choice_n but_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v what_o then_o shall_v the_o elder_n do_v in_o case_n the_o church_n refuse_v to_o consent_v unto_o such_o act_n as_o be_v indeed_o according_a to_o rule_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o they_o be_v first_o diligent_o to_o instruct_v they_o from_o the_o word_n in_o their_o duty_n make_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n unto_o they_o in_o the_o matter_n under_o consideration_n 2_o to_o declare_v unto_o they_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o dissent_n in_o obstruct_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a disadvantage_n 3_o to_o wait_v patient_o for_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o their_o ministry_n in_o give_v light_n and_o obedience_n unto_o the_o church_n and_o 4_o in_o case_n of_o the_o church_n continuance_n in_o any_o failure_n of_o duty_n to_o seek_v for_o advice_n and_o counsel_n from_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n all_o which_o particular_n may_v be_v enlarge_v will_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_a design_n and_o work_n permit_v it_o quest._n 29._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o their_o elder_n pastor_n or_o teacher_n answ._n 1_o to_o have_v they_o in_o reverence_n and_o honour_n for_o their_o office_n and_o work_n sake_n 2_o to_o obey_v they_o conscientious_o in_o all_o thing_n wherein_o they_o speak_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o to_o pray_v earnest_o for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v and_o to_o exhort_v they_o if_o need_v require_v to_o fulfil_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 4_o to_o communicate_v unto_o they_o of_o their_o temporal_n for_o their_o comfortable_a subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n unto_o other_o 5_o wise_o to_o order_n thing_n by_o their_o direction_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v among_o they_o without_o fear_n 6_o to_o abide_v with_o and_o stand_v by_o they_o in_o their_o suffering_n for_o the_o gospel_n and_o service_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o 1_o 1_o thes._n §_o 12_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 2_o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o cor._n 16.16_o 3_o ephes._n 6.18_o 19_o colos._n 4.3_o 2_o thes._n 3.1_o colos._n 4.17_o 4_o gal._n 6.6_o 1_o cor._n 9.14_o 5_o 1_o cor._n 16.10_o 6_o 2_o tim._n 1.16_o 17_o 18._o 2_o tim._n 4.16_o quest._n 30._o be_v there_o any_o difference_n in_o the_o office_n or_o office_n of_o the_o guide_n ruler_n elder_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o office_n of_o they_o that_o be_v teacher_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o among_o they_o all_o but_o where_o there_o be_v many_o in_o the_o same_o church_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v peculiar_o assign_v unto_o such_o especial_a work_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n power_n as_o their_o gift_n receive_v from_o he_o do_v peculiar_o fit_v they_o for_o and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n require_v rom._n 12.4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 1_o cor._n 8.11_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o chap._n 5.2_o explication_n the_o office_n of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o church_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o and_o there_o be_v many_o name_n that_o be_v equal_o accommodate_v unto_o all_o that_o be_v partaker_n of_o it_o as_o elder_n bishop_n guide_n they_o be_v all_o alike_o elder_n alike_o bishop_n alike_o guide_v have_v the_o one_o office_n in_o common_a among_o they_o and_o every_o one_o the_o whole_a entire_a unto_o himself_o but_o there_o be_v name_n also_o give_v unto_o they_o whereby_o they_o be_v distinguish_v not_o as_o to_o office_n but_o as_o to_o their_o work_n and_o employment_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o office_n such_o be_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n ephes._n 4.11_o which_o be_v place_v as_o distinct_a person_n in_o their_o work_n partaker_n of_o the_o same_o office_n now_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o difference_n lie_v first_o in_o the_o different_a gift_n that_o they_o have_v
receive_v for_o although_o it_o be_v require_v in_o they_o all_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v all_o those_o gift_n ability_n and_o qualification_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o participation_n of_o their_o gift_n some_o may_v more_o excel_v in_o one_o other_o in_o another_o 1_o cor._n 12.4_o 5_o 6._o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o gift_n but_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v difference_n of_o administration_n but_o the_o same_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v diversity_n of_o operation_n but_o it_o be_v the_o same_o god_n which_o work_v all_o in_o all_o for_o to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o these_o gift_n be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v exercise_v and_o lay_v out_o for_o the_o profit_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n verse_n the_o 7._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o therefore_o every_o one_o be_v in_o aâ—_n especial_a manner_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o exercise_n and_o use_v of_o that_o gift_n wherein_o he_o do_v excel_v or_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n every_o man_n be_v to_o minister_v according_a as_o he_o have_v receive_v 1_o pet._n 4.10_o second_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n which_o in_o general_n may_v be_v refer_v unto_o two_o head_n or_o end_n first_o the_o instruction_n of_o it_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o may_v grow_v in_o grace_n wisdom_n save_v light_n and_o knowledge_n second_o the_o exhortation_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v answerable_a unto_o light_n receive_v in_o holiness_n and_o universal_a obedience_n now_o though_o these_o several_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n can_v be_v divide_v or_o separate_v yet_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v and_o so_o carry_v on_o distinct_o that_o in_o the_o one_o knowledge_n or_o light_n may_v be_v first_o and_o principal_o intend_v so_o as_o to_o lead_v unto_o obedience_n in_o the_o other_o holiness_n may_v be_v first_o design_v as_o spring_v from_o gospel_n light_n or_o knowledge_n hence_o therefore_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n principal_o to_o attend_v unto_o that_o work_n or_o that_o end_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o by_o the_o holy-ghost_n they_o 〈◊〉_d most_o suit_v unto_o and_o therefore_o the_o church_n follow_v the_o intimation_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o communicate_v his_o gift_n in_o variety_n as_o he_o please_v and_o attend_v their_o own_o edification_n may_v and_o aught_o among_o those_o who_o they_o choose_v to_o the_o office_n of_o elder_n or_o minister_n withal_o design_v they_o in_o particular_a unto_o that_o especial_a work_n which_o they_o be_v especial_o fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o and_o this_o upon_o their_o be_v choose_v and_o set_v apart_o they_o be_v according_o to_o attend_v unto_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n rom._n 12.7_o 8._o their_o office_n then_o be_v the_o same_o but_o their_o teach_n work_n and_o employment_n on_o the_o ground_n mention_v distinct_a and_o different_a quest._n 31._o be_v there_o appoint_v any_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n who_o office_n and_o duty_n consist_v in_o rule_n and_o government_n only_o answ._n elder_n not_o call_v to_o teach_v ordinary_o or_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v in_o the_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n rom._n 1â—_n 8_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o explication_n this_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n be_v much_o oppose_v by_o some_o and_o in_o especial_a by_o they_o who_o have_v least_o reanson_n so_o to_o do_v for_o first_o they_o object_n against_o they_o that_o they_o be_v lay_v elder_n when_o those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v deny_v that_o distinction_n of_o the_o church_n into_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n for_o although_o they_o allow_v the_o distribution_n of_o 〈◊〉_d into_o officer_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n yet_o they_o maintain_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v god_n clergy_n his_o lot_n and_o portion_n 1._o pet._n 5.3_o again_o they_o affirm_v they_o to_o be_v elder_n and_o therein_o not_o mere_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o officer_n set_v apart_o unto_o their_o office_n according_a to_o rule_v or_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n and_o if_o by_o laity_n the_o people_n distinct_a from_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o very_a term_n of_o a_o lay_v elder_a imply_v a_o contradiction_n as_o design_v one_o who_o be_v and_o be_v not_o a_o church_n officer_n beside_o themselves_o do_v principal_o govern_v the_o church_n by_o such_o who_o they_o esteem_v layman_n as_o not_o in_o holy-order_n to_o who_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o its_o rule_n at_o least_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v which_o render_v their_o objection_n to_o this_o sort_n of_o church-officer_n unreasonable_a other_o also_o have_v give_v advantage_n by_o make_v this_o office_n annual_a or_o biennial_n in_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v unto_o it_o which_o though_o they_o plead_v the_o necessity_n of_o their_o church_n for_o as_o not_o have_v person_n meet_v for_o this_o work_n and_o duty_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o undertake_v in_o constant_o during_o their_o life_n without_o such_o a_o contribution_n for_o their_o maintenance_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o afford_v yet_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o irregularity_n in_o what_o they_o do_v and_o wish_v it_o remedy_v but_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o such_o church-officer_n be_v indeed_o design_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o who_o frequent_a mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o ancient_a writer_n and_o footstep_n also_o yet_o remain_v in_o most_o church_n of_o their_o institution_n though_o woeful_o corrupt_v for_o beside_o that_o some_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n wherein_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n be_v join_v in_o rule_n with_o the_o priest_n both_o in_o the_o sanhedrim_n and_o all_o lesser_a assembly_n there_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n express_v mention_n of_o person_n that_o be_v assign_v peculiar_o for_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o church_n as_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a pretend_a that_o those_o word_n help_n government_n do_v denote_v gift_n only_o see_v the_o apostle_n express_o enumerate_v the_o person_n in_o office_n or_o officer_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n then_o use_v in_o the_o foundation_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n as_o then_o plant_v he_o that_o rule_v also_o be_v distinguish_v from_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v rom._n 12.8_o and_o be_v prescribe_v diligence_n as_o his_o principal_a qualification_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v express_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o those_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n for_o the_o word_n express_o assign_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n whereof_o some_o only_o attend_v unto_o rule_n other_o moreover_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n neither_o do_v that_o word_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n intend_v any_o other_o labour_n but_o what_o be_v incumbent_n on_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n of_o their_o church_n as_o their_o constant_a duty_n see_v rom._n 6.12_o act_n 20.35_o 1_o thes._n 5.12_o now_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n will_v affirm_v they_o to_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n who_o compare_v with_o other_o he_o note_v as_o remiss_a and_o negligent_a in_o their_o work_n for_o it_o seem_v that_o other_o be_v more_o diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o be_v no_o less_o they_o if_o only_o one_o sort_n of_o elder_n be_v here_o intend_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o wont_a to_o commend_v such_o person_n as_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n but_o rather_o to_o propose_v they_o as_o meet_v for_o double_a shame_n and_o punishment_n jer._n 48.10_o 1_o cor._n 9.16_o and_o they_o be_v unmindful_a of_o their_o own_o interest_n who_o will_v have_v bishop_n that_o attend_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v distinct_o intend_v by_o the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o see_v the_o apostle_n express_o prefer_v before_o and_o above_o they_o those_o that_o attend_v constant_o to_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o beside_o what_o be_v thus_o express_o
acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v poor_a and_o needy_a in_o the_o church_n whether_o by_o the_o address_n of_o such_o poor_a one_o who_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v know_v their_o want_n occasion_n and_o necessity_n unto_o they_o or_o by_o the_o information_n of_o other_o or_o their_o own_o observation_n second_o to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n as_o occasion_n require_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a under_o their_o care_n that_o those_o who_o be_v able_a may_v be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o elder_n to_o a_o free_a supply_n and_o contribution_n three_o to_o dispose_v what_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o faithful_o cheerful_o tender_o with_o partiality_n or_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o for_o any_o outward_a respect_n whatever_o four_o to_o keep_v and_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o the_o church_n when_o call_v for_o of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o how_o they_o have_v dispose_v of_o it_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v know_v to_o have_v well_o discharge_v their_o office_n that_o be_v with_o care_n wisdom_n and_o tenderness_n whereby_o they_o procure_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n with_o boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o church_n be_v encourage_v to_o entrust_v they_o far_o with_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o their_o alm_n which_o be_v so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n quest._n 24._o wherein_o consist_v the_o general_a duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o in_o their_o proper_a station_n and_o condition_n answ._n in_o perform_v do_v and_o keep_v inviolate_a all_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n walk_v unblamable_o and_o fruitful_o in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o glorify_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o and_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o keep_v his_o testimony_n unto_o the_o end_n matth._n 28.20_o act_n 2.42_o phil_n 2.15_o 16._o chap._n 4.8_o 9_o 1_o thes._n 3.8_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o heb._n 10.23_o explication_n beside_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o christianity_n incumbent_n on_o all_o believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o there_o be_v sundry_a especial_a duty_n require_v of_o they_o as_o gather_v into_o church_n society_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o especial_a trust_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n for_o first_o the_o church_n be_v appoint_v as_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o ordinance_n of_o gospel_n worship_n it_o be_v its_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o member_n in_o his_o proper_a place_n to_o use_v all_o care_n watchfulness_n and_o diligence_n that_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v keep_v inviolate_a and_o all_o his_o institution_n observe_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n thus_o those_o add_v to_o the_o church_n act_v 2.42_o together_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n continue_v steadfast_o which_o argue_v care_n circumspection_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n which_o principal_a duty_n be_v enumerate_v to_o express_v their_o respect_n towards_o all_o this_o be_v their_o stand_n fast_o in_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o joy_n to_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o find_v it_o in_o the_o thessalonian_n 1_o ephe._n 3.8_o for_o now_o we_o live_v if_o you_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o lord_n that_o order_n and_o steadfastness_n which_o he_o rejoice_v over_o in_o the_o colossian_n chap._n 2.5_o for_o though_o i_o be_o absent_a in_o the_o flesh_n yet_o be_o i_o with_o you_o in_o the_o spirit_n joy_v and_o bohold_v your_o order_n and_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o your_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o where_o this_o duty_n be_v despise_v man_n content_v themselves_o with_o what_o be_v do_v by_o other_o there_o be_v a_o great_a neglect_n of_o that_o faithfulness_n in_o obedience_n which_o the_o church_n owe_v unto_o jesus_n christ._n second_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v manifest_v in_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o holy_a exemplary_a conversation_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o this_o be_v one_o end_n wherefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n call_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n separate_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o bring_v they_o forth_o unto_o a_o visible_a profession_n and_o put_v his_o name_n upon_o they_o namely_o that_o in_o their_o walk_n and_o conversation_n he_o may_v show_v forth_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n grace_n and_o example_n to_o effect_v in_o they_o all_o holiness_n godliness_n righteousness_n and_o honesty_n in_o the_o world_n hence_o be_v they_o earnest_o exhort_v unto_o these_o thing_n phil._n 4.8.9_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o their_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v adorn_v and_o christ_n glorify_v in_o all_o thing_n tit._n 2.10_o and_o those_o who_o fail_v herein_o be_v say_v to_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3.18_o as_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o by_o represent_v it_o undesirable_a in_o their_o conversation_n this_o also_o therefore_o even_o the_o duty_n of_o universal_a holiness_n with_o a_o especial_a regard_n unto_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o design_v to_o testify_v and_o express_v in_o the_o world_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o namely_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o they_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n among_o who_o they_o be_v to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n phil._n 2.15_o three_o the_o care_n of_o declare_v and_o manifest_v the_o truth_n be_v also_o commit_v unto_o they_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o firm_o seat_v found_v fix_v establish_a and_o then_o lift_v up_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n to_o be_v see_v discern_v and_o know_v by_o other_o and_o as_o this_o be_v do_v principal_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o so_o it_o be_v also_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n phill._n 2.16_o by_o minister_a of_o the_o gift_n that_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v 1_o peter_n 4.10_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a instance_n do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n require_v of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o express_v in_o the_o world_n their_o subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o authority_n and_o that_o they_o abide_v therein_o unto_o the_o end_n against_o all_o opposition_n whatever_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o church_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n herein_o be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o that_o apostasy_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o general_o of_o old_a fell_a into_o when_o the_o member_n of_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v no_o advantage_n by_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n but_o only_o the_o outward_a participation_n of_o some_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o but_o only_o to_o attend_v and_o follow_v the_o motion_n and_o act_n of_o their_o guide_n the_o whole_a society_n quick_o become_v corrupt_v and_o fit_a to_o be_v dispose_v of_o according_a to_o the_o carnal_a interest_n of_o those_o that_o have_v by_o their_o neglect_n and_o sin_n get_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o at_o all_o time_n as_o the_o people_n be_v negligent_a in_o their_o duty_n the_o leader_n of_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o usurp_v undue_a authority_n when_o the_o one_o sort_n will_v not_o do_v that_o which_o they_o ought_v the_o other_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v upon_o they_o what_o they_o ought_v not_o it_o be_v a_o circumspect_a performance_n of_o duty_n on_o all_o hand_n alone_o that_o will_v keep_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o church_n within_o those_o bound_n and_o limit_n and_o up_o to_o those_o right_n and_o privilege_n which_o christ_n have_v allot_v and_o grant_v unto_o they_o
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
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
account_n that_o the_o people_n may_v fear_v that_o glorious_a and_o dreadful_a name_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n deut._n 28.58_o which_o name_n he_o have_v so_o often_o engage_v in_o his_o command_n say_v thou_o shall_v do_v it_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n propose_v his_o authority_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o command_a and_o our_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o jesus_n come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v all_o power_n be_v give_v i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o all_o our_o obedience_n as_o the_o great_a and_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n as_o the_o one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v james_n 4.12_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o his_o house_n heb._n 3.4_o 5_o 6._o unto_o who_o every_o knee_n be_v to_o bow_v and_o every_o conscience_n to_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o he_o who_o hear_v not_o his_o voice_n be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n act_v 3.23_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o soul_n which_o will_v not_o hear_v that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v destroy_v from_o among_o the_o people_n second_o god_n have_v frequent_o promise_v his_o special_a presence_n in_o and_o with_o his_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o old_a both_o unto_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o place_n wherein_o they_o be_v according_a to_o his_o appointment_n to_o be_v celebrate_v those_o of_o place_n be_v also_o of_o his_o special_a institution_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o difference_n of_o and_o respect_n unto_o place_n be_v take_v away_o john_n 4.21_o the_o hour_n come_v when_o you_o shall_v neither_o in_o this_o mountain_n nor_o yet_o at_o jerusalem_n worship_v the_o father_n but_o the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o we_o be_v command_v in_o all_o place_n equal_o to_o make_v our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n but_o his_o presence_n be_v promise_v and_o continue_v with_o the_o due_a celebration_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o he_o appoint_v for_o his_o service_n maâ—_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 lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o they_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n with_o man_n and_o he_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o they_o be_v his_o people_n rev._n 21.3_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v in_o midst_n of_o they_o mat._n 8.18_o 20._o and_o this_o promise_a presence_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n which_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n implant_v upon_o his_o ordinance_n to_o communicate_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o his_o church_n it_o be_v his_o covenant_n that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v accompany_v his_o word_n for_o ever_o unto_o that_o purpose_n isa._n 59.21_o 2._o in_o the_o special_a blessing_n which_o he_o give_v his_o people_n in_o those_o duty_n both_o in_o the_o acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o testify_v his_o good_a will_n unto_o they_o exod._n 29.42_o 43_o 45._o at_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o meet_v with_o the_o people_n say_v the_o lord_n there_o will_v i_o meet_v with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n shall_v be_v sanctify_v by_o my_o glory_n and_o i_o will_v dwell_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n zech._n 2.10_o 11._o ezek._n 20.40_o 41._o i_o will_v accept_v you_o with_o your_o sweet_a savour_n ezek._n 43.27_o in_o both_o give_v they_o intimate_a communion_n with_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n john_n 1.3_o by_o all_o these_o he_o give_v that_o special_a presence_n which_o he_o require_v a_o especial_a reverence_n and_o regard_n of_o faith_n unto_o whereby_o his_o name_n be_v yet_o far_o sanctify_v 3._o god_n have_v give_v special_a promise_n or_o promise_n of_o his_o special_a grace_n unto_o they_o that_o attend_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o worship_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o hereunto_o also_o belong_v that_o sacred_a relation_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v between_o the_o sacramental_a element_n and_o the_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o exhibit_v and_o confirm_v and_o the_o mix_n of_o these_o promise_n with_o faith_n according_a as_o they_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o any_o particular_a institution_n belong_v also_o to_o the_o right_a sanctification_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n so_o also_o 4._o do_v our_o delight_n in_o they_o now_o this_o delight_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o much_o commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o propose_v unto_o our_o example_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o carnal_a self-pleasing_a or_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o outward_a mode_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a soul-refreshing_a contemplation_n on_o the_o will_v wisdom_n grace_n and_o condescension_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o be_v please_v of_o his_o own_o sovereign_n mere_a will_n and_o grace_n so_o to_o manifest_v himself_o unto_o such_o poor_a sinful_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v so_o to_o condescend_v unto_o out_o weakness_n so_o to_o communicate_v himself_o unto_o we_o so_o to_o excite_v and_o draw_v forth_o our_o soul_n unto_o himself_o and_o to_o give_v we_o such_o pledge_n of_o his_o gracious_a intercourse_n with_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o soul_n draw_v forth_o to_o delight_n in_o god_n last_o whereas_o great_a opposition_n lie_v oftentimes_o against_o the_o church_n obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o much_o persecution_n befall_v it_o on_o that_o account_n great_a weariness_n also_o be_v apt_a from_o the_o remainder_n of_o unbelief_n carnal_a wisdom_n indwelling_a sin_n weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o believer_n themselves_o to_o arise_v in_o the_o course_n thereof_o and_o many_o temptation_n also_o beset_v they_o on_o every_o hand_n to_o turn_v they_o aside_o from_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a celebration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n belong_v unto_o this_o duty_n and_o this_o perseverance_n respect_v both_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n both_o which_o be_v of_o the_o high_a concernment_n for_o we_o diligent_o to_o attend_v unto_o first_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o herein_o do_v we_o principal_o glorify_v god_n and_o give_v due_a honour_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n when_o we_o abide_v in_o our_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n against_o difficulty_n opposition_n and_o persecution_n this_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o rev._n 2.13_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v and_o this_o he_o require_v of_o we_o indispensable_o if_o we_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n or_o ever_o hope_v to_o obtain_v the_o reward_n mat._n 10.38_o 39_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o it_o be_v he_o who_o endure_v unto_o the_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v matth._n 24.13_o and_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o they_o alone_o do_v he_o give_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2.10_o give_v we_o caution_n not_o to_o lose_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v wrought_v that_o we_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n 2_o john_n 8._o and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o perseverance_n and_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n therein_o first_o the_o inward_a principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n our_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v from_o decay_n rev_n 2._o 4_o 5._o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n chap._n 3.3_o remember_v how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v second_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o
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
43_o 45._o deut._n 14.23_o psal._n 133.3_o math._n 18.20_o rev._n 21.3_o 5_o exod._n 20.5_o deut._n 4.23_o 24._o josh._n 24.19_o ezek._n 16._o 6_o levit._n 10.1_o 2._o num._n 16.3_o 8_o 9_o 32_o 35._o 1_o sam._n 2.28_o 29._o 2_o sam._n 6.6_o 7._o 2_o chron._n 26.16_o 19_o 1_o cor._n 11.30_o explication_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o institute_v worship_n of_o god_n be_v neglect_v and_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n some_o be_v utter_o regardless_o of_o it_o suppose_v that_o if_o they_o attend_v after_o their_o manner_n unto_o moral_a obedience_n that_o neither_o god_n nor_o themselves_o be_v much_o concern_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n other_o think_v the_o disposal_n and_o order_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o leave_v unto_o man_n that_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n they_o may_v do_v with_o it_o as_o it_o seem_v right_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o some_o follow_v they_o therein_o as_o willing_o walk_v after_o their_o commandment_n without_o any_o respect_n unto_o the_o will_n or_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o the_o whole_a scripture_n give_v we_o utter_o another_o account_n of_o this_o matter_n the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o profess_a subjection_n to_o he_o and_o the_o save_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n be_v therein_o lay_v upon_o the_o due_a and_o right_a observance_n of_o institute_v worship_n and_o they_o who_o be_v negligent_a about_o these_o thing_n what_o ever_o they_o pretend_v have_v no_o real_a respect_n unto_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v call_v religion_n first_o therefore_o in_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n god_n have_v give_v his_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o touchstone_n and_o trial_n of_o its_o faith_n and_o obedience_n so_o that_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v neglect_v do_v open_o refuse_v to_o come_v unto_o god_n trial_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n the_o trial_n of_o adam_n obedience_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n gen._n 2.16_o 17._o and_o the_o lord_n god_n command_v the_o man_n say_v of_o every_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n thou_o may_v free_o eat_v but_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v this_o be_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o purity_n and_o in_o our_o first_o parent_n neglect_v of_o attend_v thereunto_o do_v they_o transgress_v the_o whole_a law_n of_o their_o creation_n as_o fail_v in_o their_o duty_n in_o that_o which_o be_v appointment_n for_o their_o trial_n in_o the_o whole_a chap._n 3.11_o have_v thou_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n whereof_o i_o command_v thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o church_n in_o his_o family_n after_o the_o fall_n build_v upon_o the_o promise_n be_v try_v also_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o institute_v worship_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o discovery_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o cain_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o abel_n until_o they_o come_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o their_o sacrifice_n a_o new_a part_n of_o god_n institute_v worship_n the_o first_o in_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o fall_n whereinto_o it_o be_v bring_v gen._n 4.3_o 4_o 5._o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v cain_n bring_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n a_o offering_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o abel_n he_o also_o bring_v of_o the_o firstling_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o of_o the_o fat_a thereof_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v respect_n unto_o abel_n and_o to_o his_o offering_n but_o unto_o cain_n and_o his_o offering_n he_o have_v not_o respect_n the_o ground_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n declare_v heb._n 11.4_o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v unto_o god_n a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n by_o which_o he_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a god_n testify_v of_o his_o gift_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o first_o institution_n give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o fall_n do_v abel_n receive_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o be_v justify_v and_o accept_v with_o god_n afterward_o when_o abraham_n be_v call_v and_o peculiar_o separate_v to_o bare_a forth_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o become_v the_o spring_n of_o the_o church_n for_o future_a age_n he_o have_v the_o institution_n of_o circumcision_n give_v he_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n the_o law_n and_o condition_n whereof_o be_v that_o he_o who_o observe_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v esteem_v a_o alien_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n gen._n 17.9_o 10_o 11._o god_n say_v unto_o abraham_n thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v verse_n the_o 14_o and_o the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n who_o flesh_n of_o his_o foreskin_n be_v not_o circumcise_v that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o his_o posterity_n be_v to_o be_v collect_v into_o a_o new_a church_n state_n and_o order_n god_n give_v they_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o passover_n exod._n 12.24_o you_o shall_v observe_v this_o thing_n for_o a_o ordinance_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o son_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o same_o penalty_n with_o that_o of_o circumcision_n to_o these_o he_o add_v many_o more_o on_o mount_n sinai_n exod._n 20._o all_o as_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o succeed_a generation_n how_o he_o have_v deal_v with_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v in_o no_o state_n or_o condition_n then_o of_o the_o church_n do_v god_n ever_o accept_v of_o moral_a obedience_n without_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o institute_v worship_n accommodate_v in_o his_o wisdom_n unto_o its_o various_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o as_o we_o have_v see_v he_o have_v make_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o appointment_n the_o mean_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n whole_a obedience_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o acceptance_n or_o rejection_n of_o they_o and_o so_o it_o continue_v at_o this_o day_n what_o ever_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n about_o the_o worship_n which_o at_o present_a he_o require_v beside_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o his_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v as_o effectual_a mean_n as_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n and_o mind_n so_o of_o communicate_v his_o love_n mercy_n and_o grace_n unto_o we_o as_o also_o of_o that_o communion_n or_o intercourse_n with_o his_o holy_a majesty_n which_o he_o have_v gracious_o grant_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_v in_o the_o scripture_n quote_v in_o answer_n unto_o this_o question_n so_o it_o be_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n who_o have_v explain_v the_o nature_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o therefore_o in_o particular_a we_o need_v not_o here_o insist_v much_o in_o the_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o thus_o abraham_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o circumcision_n gen._n 17.10_o which_o be_v often_o explain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o apply_v it_o in_o particular_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o conversion_n call_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n deut_n 10.16_o chap._n 30.6_o jer._n 4.4_o as_o also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n coloss._n 2.11_o and_o by_o the_o passover_n where_o the_o people_n teach_v not_o only_o the_o mercy_n of_o their_o present_a deliverance_n exod._n 12.23_o 24._o but_o also_o to_o look_v for_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1.29_o the_o true_a passover_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5.7_o how_o our_o incision_n or_o implant_n into_o christ_n be_v represent_v and_o signify_v by_o our_o baptism_n the_o apostle_n declare_v rom._n 6.3_o 4_o 5._o as_o also_o our_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o death_n by_o
26.16_o 19_o these_o be_v sufficient_a intimation_n of_o what_o care_n and_o diligence_n we_o ought_v to_o use_v in_o attend_v unto_o what_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o worship_n and_o although_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o do_v not_o ordinary_o proceed_v to_o the_o inflict_v of_o temporal_a judgement_n in_o thâ—_n like_o case_n of_o neglect_n yâ—â—_n he_o have_v not_o whole_o leave_v we_o without_o instance_n of_o his_o put_v forth_o token_n of_o his_o displeasure_n in_o temporal_a visitation_n on_o such_o miscarriage_n in_o his_o church_n 1_o cor._n 11.30_o for_o this_o cause_n say_v the_o apostle_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v of_o what_o concernment_n it_o be_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n to_o attend_v diligent_o unto_o our_o duty_n in_o the_o strict_a and_o sincere_a observation_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o let_v we_o know_v that_o now_o a_o more_o severe_a punishment_n be_v substitute_v against_o such_o transgression_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o which_o he_o so_o visible_o inflict_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n heb._n 10.25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o qu._n 16._o be_v there_o yet_o any_o other_o consideration_n that_o may_v stir_v up_o beleiver_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a care_n about_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n answ._n yea_o namely_o that_o the_o great_a apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o last_o day_n foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o which_o god_n threaten_v to_o punish_v and_o revenge_v consist_v principal_o in_o false_a worship_n and_o a_o departure_n from_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n rev._n 14.4_o 5._o chap._n 17.1_o 2_o 3_o 5._o explication_n that_o there_o be_v a_o apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n foretell_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o with_o sincerity_n have_v inquire_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o this_o day_n and_o for_o many_o age_n pass_v in_o the_o world_n sufficient_o confirm_v that_o persuasion_n and_o herein_o sundry_a thing_n in_o general_a be_v obvious_a unto_o every_o sober_a consideration_n thereof_o first_o the_o horrible_a evil_n trouble_n and_o confusion_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o and_o upon_o the_o world_n thereby_o second_o the_o high_a guilt_n and_o provocation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o and_o do_v accompany_v it_o three_o the_o dreadful_a vengeance_n that_o god_n in_o his_o appoint_a time_n will_v take_v upon_o all_o the_o promoter_n and_o obstinate_a maintainer_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v at_o large_a all_o of_o they_o foretell_v in_o the_o revelation_n and_o therein_o also_o the_o apostasy_n itself_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o plague_n and_o destruction_n that_o by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n now_o as_o god_n do_v earnest_o call_v upon_o all_o that_o fear_v he_o not_o to_o intermeddle_v nor_o partake_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o apostate_n lest_o they_o shall_v also_o partake_v in_o their_o judgement_n chap._n 18.4_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n so_o he_o do_v plain_o declare_v wherein_o the_o apostasy_n and_o sin_n itself_o shall_v principal_o consist_v and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o corrupt_a and_o contaminate_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o the_o introduction_n of_o false_a worship_n join_v with_o the_o persecution_n of_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o submit_v thereunto_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o sin_n itself_o set_v out_o under_o the_o name_n of_o fornication_n and_o whoredom_n and_o the_o church_n that_o maintain_v it_o be_v call_v the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n chap._n 17.5_o that_o by_o fornication_n and_o whoredom_n in_o the_o church_n the_o adulterate_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o admission_n of_o false_a self-invented_n worship_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o whereof_o god_n be_v jealous_a be_v intend_v the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v it_o be_v easy_a then_o to_o gather_v of_o how_o great_a concernment_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v especial_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n wherein_o this_o so_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a sin_n be_v prevalent_a in_o the_o world_n careful_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o safe_a unerring_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o diligent_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v therein_o quest._n 17._o which_o be_v the_o principal_a institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n answ._n 1_o the_o calling_n gather_v and_o settle_v of_o church_n with_o their_o officer_n as_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o other_o solemn_a institute_v worship_n 2._o prayer_n with_o thanksgiving_n 3._o sing_v of_o psalm_n 4._o preach_v the_o word_n 5._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n 6._o discipline_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n collect_v and_o settle_v most_o of_o which_o have_v also_o sundry_a particular_a duty_n relate_v unto_o they_o and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o their_o due_a observation_n 1._o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o act_n 2.41_o 42._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o matth._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 1_o cor._n 4.17_o 1_o cor._n 7.17_o act_n 14.23_o titus_n 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 2._o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o act_n 6.4_o act_n 13.2_o 3._o 3._o ephes._n 5.19_o colos._n 3.16_o 4._o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o act_n 2.42_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o act_n 6.2_o heb._n 13.7_o 5._o matth._n 28.19_o matth._n 26.26_o 27._o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 6._o matth._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o rev._n 2.3_o explication_n these_o thing_n be_v all_o of_o they_o afterward_o to_o be_v speak_v unto_o several_o and_o apart_o need_v not_o here_o any_o particular_a explication_n they_o be_v the_o principal_a head_n wherein_o gospel-worship_n consist_v and_o whereunto_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v qu._n 18._o whereas_o sundry_a of_o these_o thing_n be_v found_v in_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o requisite_a unto_o all_o solemn_a worship_n and_o be_v moreover_o command_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o explication_n of_o it_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n how_o do_v you_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o evangelical_n institution_n to_o be_v observe_v principal_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n answ._n neither_o their_o general_a suitableness_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v at_o all_o hinder_v they_o from_o depend_v on_o the_o mere_a institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o those_o especial_a end_n of_o the_o â—â—â—ry_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o himself_o and_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o he_o whereunto_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o nor_o as_o unto_o that_o especial_a manner_n of_o their_o performance_n which_o he_o require_v in_o which_o respect_n they_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v on_o â—he_n account_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o command_n only_o matth._n 17.5_o matth._n 28._o â—0_n john_n 16.23_o 24._o heb._n 3.4_o 5_o 6._o ephes._n 1.22_o chap._n 2.20_o 21_o 22._o heb._n 12.25_o explication_n the_o principal_a thing_n we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n heb._n 3.6_o christ_n as_o a_o son_n over_o his_o own_o house_n who_o house_n be_v we_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n this_o we_o can_v do_v unless_o we_o consider_v his_o authority_n as_o the_o formal_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o observance_n of_o all_o that_o we_o do_v therein_o if_o we_o perform_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n on_o any_o other_o account_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o so_o we_o can_v neither_o expect_v his_o grace_n to_o assist_v we_o nor_o have_v we_o his_o promise_n to_o accept_v we_o therein_o for_o that_o he_o have_v annex_v unto_o our_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o have_v command_v and_o that_o because_o he_o have_v command_v we_o matth._n 28_o 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 lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o
and_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o worship_n eph._n 2.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v particular_a church_n or_o unite_a assembly_n of_o believer_n among_o and_o by_o who_o he_o will_v have_v all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n celebrate_v and_o this_o institution_n of_o he_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v invariable_o and_o inviolable_o observe_v by_o all_o that_o take_v on_o they_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n without_o any_o one_o instance_n of_o question_v it_o to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o of_o the_o celebration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n among_o any_o person_n but_o only_o in_o such_o society_n or_o particular_a church_n and_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n and_o warranty_n of_o this_o institution_n give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o first_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o approve_v by_o christ._n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v then_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v also_o in_o heaven_n again_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o such_o a_o church_n he_o suppose_v and_o approve_v as_o his_o disciple_n have_v relation_n unto_o and_o as_o any_o one_o of_o they_o can_v have_v recourse_n unto_o as_o a_o brother_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o direction_n this_o can_v not_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n neither_o in_o its_o whole_a body_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o its_o judicatories_n for_o as_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a decree_n of_o excommunication_n against_o all_o and_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v profess_v his_o name_n john_n 9.22_o the_o jew_n have_v already_o agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v that_o he_o be_v christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n which_o be_v execute_v according_o upon_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a verse_n the_o 34._o which_o utter_o disable_v they_o from_o make_v any_o use_n of_o this_o direction_n command_n or_o institution_n of_o he_o for_o the_o present_a so_o afterward_o the_o chief_a business_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o those_o assembly_n from_o the_o high_a court_n of_o their_o sanhedrim_n to_o the_o mean_a judicatory_a in_o their_o synagogue_n be_v to_o persecute_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o unto_o death_n math._n 10.17_o they_o will_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o the_o council_n and_o they_o will_v scourge_v you_o in_o their_o synagogue_n john_n 15.21_o and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v send_v his_o disciple_n for_o direction_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o their_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o mutual_a love_n towards_o one_o another_o unto_o they_o with_o who_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v withal_o and_o if_o they_o be_v intend_v they_o be_v all_o already_o make_v as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n be_v cast_v out_o by_o they_o for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o in_o their_o blasphemy_n and_o persecution_n of_o christ_n himself_o such_o a_o society_n also_o be_v plain_o intend_v as_o whereunto_o christ_n promise_v his_o presence_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o who_o righteous_a sentence_n he_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o heaven_n moreover_o such_o a_o church_n do_v he_o direct_v unto_o as_o wiâ—h_v which_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o have_v familiar_a brotherly_n constant_a converse_n and_o communion_n with_o who_o they_o be_v so_o to_o be_v join_v in_o society_n as_o to_o be_v own_v or_o reject_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o judgement_n as_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o practice_n enjoin_v unto_o they_o and_o without_o relation_n whereunto_o no_o duty_n here_o appoint_v can_v be_v perform_v as_o therefore_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n bespeak_v a_o society_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o society_n but_o that_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v here_o intend_v second_o these_o church_n he_o call_v his_o candlestick_n rev._n 1.20_o in_o allusion_n unto_o the_o candlestick_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v direct_o declare_v these_o church_n to_o be_v so_o under_o the_o new_a and_o this_o he_o speak_v in_o reference_n unto_o those_o seven_o principal_a church_n of_o asia_n every_o one_o of_o which_o be_v a_o candlestick_n or_o a_o institution_n of_o his_o own_o three_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n the_o apostle_n so_o soon_o as_o any_o be_v convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n at_o jerusalem_n although_o the_o old_a national_a church_n state_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o continue_v gather_v they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o society_n for_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n acts._n 2.41_o 42._o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o together_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n verse_n 47_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o this_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o this_o company_n be_v express_o call_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n acts._n 8.1_o this_o church_n thus_o call_v and_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o dispose_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n into_o church_n societye_n in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n throughout_o the_o world_n act_n 11.26_o act_n 14.23_o 27._o four_o they_o take_v care_n for_o the_o form_n complete_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o order_n according_a to_o his_o will_n under_o the_o rule_n of_o they_o give_v and_o grant_v unto_o they_o by_o himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n all_o in_o a_o stâ—ddy_a pursuit_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n act_v 14.23_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n titus_n 1.5_o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o five_o they_o do_v every_o where_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n give_v unto_o these_o church_n rule_n direction_n and_o precept_n for_o the_o due_a order_n of_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o mind_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o in_o particular_a for_o first_o there_o be_v no_o charge_n give_v unto_o the_o officer_n minister_n guide_n or_o overseer_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v but_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o such_o church_n that_o minister_n or_o officer_n be_v of_o christ_n appointment_n be_v express_o declare_v ephes._n 4.11.12_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ._n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n these_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n but_o to_o what_o end_n why_o as_o they_o be_v ordain_v in_o every_o church_n act_v 14.23_o titus_n 1.5_o so_o their_o whole_a charge_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o church_n act_n 20.17_o he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o say_v to_o they_o verse_n the_o 28._o take_v heed_n
therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy-ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o colos._n 4.17_o and_o say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n wherein_o they_o minister_v which_o christ_n appoint_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o manifest_v to_o be_v his_o own_o institution_n and_o appointment_n and_o this_o be_v full_o declare_v rev._n chap._n 2.3_o where_o all_o the_o deal_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o angel_n or_o minister_n be_v about_o their_o behaviour_n and_o deportment_n among_o his_o candlestick_n each_o of_o they_o the_o candlestick_n whereunto_o he_o be_v relate_v or_o the_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o have_v care_n of_o and_o preside_v in_o the_o candlestick_n be_v no_o less_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o angel_n and_o they_o be_v distinct_a particular_a church_n which_o have_v their_o distinct_a particular_a officer_n who_o he_o treat_v distinct_o withal_o about_o his_o institution_n and_o worship_n especial_o about_o that_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o and_o their_o constitution_n according_a to_o his_o mind_n second_o there_o be_v no_o instruction_n exhortation_n or_o reproof_n give_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o ascension_n in_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o as_o they_o be_v collect_v into_o and_o be_v member_n of_o such_o particular_a church_n this_o will_v be_v evidence_v in_o the_o many_o instance_n of_o those_o duty_n that_o shall_v afterward_o be_v insist_v on_o and_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o leave_v that_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n choice_n or_o conveniency_n which_o he_o have_v make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n whereby_o his_o disciple_n yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n to_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n six_o the_o principal_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v express_o direct_v unto_o such_o church_n and_o all_o of_o they_o intentional_o 1_o cor._n 1.1_o 2_o cor._n 1.1_o gal._n 1.2_o phil._n 1.1_o colos._n 1.2_o chap._n 4.16_o 1_o thes._n 1.1_o 2_o thes._n 1.1_o ephes._n 1.1_o compare_v with_o act_n 20.17_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o or_o unto_o particular_a person_n give_v direction_n for_o their_o behaviour_n and_o duty_n in_o such_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o tit._n 1.5_o so_o that_o the_o great_a care_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v about_o these_o church_n as_o the_o principal_a institution_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o whereon_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o all_o his_o other_o command_n do_v depend_v of_o what_o nature_n or_o sort_n these_o church_n be_v shall_v be_v afterward_o evince_v we_o here_o only_o manifest_v their_o institution_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n seven_o much_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o those_o epistle_n direct_v to_o those_o church_n consist_v in_o rule_n precept_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o in_o purity_n and_o order_n with_o their_o continuance_n in_o a_o condition_n of_o due_a obedience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ._n to_o this_o end_n do_v they_o so_o full_o and_o large_o acquaint_v the_o ruler_n and_o member_n of_o they_o with_o their_o mutual_a duty_n in_o that_o especial_a relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o each_o other_o as_o also_o of_o all_o person_n in_o particular_a in_o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o membership_n in_o any_o particular_a society_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o sundry_a of_o paul_n epistle_n and_o to_o give_v more_o strength_n hereunto_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o revelation_n that_o he_o make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v personal_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n insist_v principal_o about_o the_o condition_n order_n and_o preservation_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n not_o belong_v to_o they_o or_o join_v with_o they_o these_o he_o warn_v reprove_v instruct_v threaten_v command_n all_o in_o order_n unto_o their_o walk_n before_o he_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o particular_a church_n rev._n 2._o and_o 3._o at_o large_a beside_o as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o to_o be_v the_o â—eat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n have_v grant_v the_o right_n of_o they_o unto_o they_o alone_o 1_o tim._n 3_o 1â—_n entrust_v they_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o this_o world_n he_o have_v also_o appoint_v the_o most_o holy_a institution_n of_o his_o supper_n to_o denote_v and_o express_v thâ—â—_n union_n and_o communion_n which_o the_o member_n of_o each_o of_o these_o church_n have_v by_o his_o ordinance_n among_o themseule_n 1_o cor._n 10.17_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n and_o also_o he_o give_v out_o unto_o they_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o make_v every_o one_o of_o they_o meet_v for_o and_o useful_a in_o that_o place_n which_o he_o hold_v in_o such_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v at_o large_a 1_o cor._n 12.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o verse_n colos._n 2.19_o eph._n 4.16_o it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o his_o disciple_n no_o communication_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v promise_v to_o they_o no_o especial_a duty_n be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o church_n of_o his_o institution_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n four_o thing_n be_v declare_v tend_v to_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o churches_n 1._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o they_o or_o the_o person_n whereof_o such_o a_o church_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o consist_v 2._o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o condition_n capable_a of_o such_o a_o estate_n or_o qualify_v for_o it_o 3._o the_o general_a end_n of_o their_o call_n 4._o the_o especial_a mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v constitute_v a_o church_n which_o last_o will_v be_v speak_v unto_o in_o the_o next_o question_n for_o the_o first_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v in_o this_o state_n man_n be_v not_o subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n nor_o meet_v to_o become_v member_n of_o his_o church_n out_o of_o this_o condition_n they_o can_v deliver_v themselves_o they_o have_v neither_o will_n unto_o it_o nor_o power_n for_o it_o but_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o it_o this_o calling_n be_v that_o which_o effectual_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o translate_v they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o work_n or_o effect_v the_o scripture_n on_o several_a account_n various_o express_v sometime_o by_o regeneration_n or_o a_o new_a birth_n sometime_o by_o conversion_n or_o turn_v unto_o god_n sometime_o by_o vivification_n or_o quicken_a from_o the_o dead_a sometime_o by_o illumination_n or_o open_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a all_o which_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o sanctification_n in_o holiness_n and_o attend_v with_o justification_n and_o adoption_n and_o as_o these_o be_v all_o distinct_a in_o themselves_o have_v several_a formal_a reason_n of_o they_o so_o they_o all_o concur_v to_o complete_a that_o effectual_a vocation_n or_o calling_n that_o be_v require_v to_o constitute_v person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o typical_a holiness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o old_a into_o the_o room_n whereof_o real_a holiness_n be_v to_o succeed_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n exod._n 19.6_o psal._n 24_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o psal._n 15.1_o 2._o isa._n 35.8_o 9_o isa._n 54.13_o chap._n 60.21_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o everlasting_a rule_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o
church_n be_v eminent_o reform_v now_o although_o the_o outward_a solemnity_n and_o ceremony_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v peculiar_a unto_o that_o people_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o in_o a_o sacred_a consent_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o which_o the_o nature_n and_o edification_n of_o a_o church_n do_v require_v it_o belong_v to_o every_o church_n as_o such_o even_a under_o the_o gosple_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o beleiver_n or_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v enter_v into_o this_o state_n the_o formal_a constitute_a cause_n of_o any_o church_n this_o account_n do_v the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o as_o we_o hope_v but_o first_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n before_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o duty_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n and_o institution_n which_o be_v the_o intendment_n of_o that_o expression_n among_o these_o command_n one_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o order_n by_o christ_n prescribe_v that_o be_v in_o church_n order_n this_o therefore_o they_o do_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n this_o description_n do_v the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o believer_n of_o macedonia_n be_v bring_v into_o church_n it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n consent_v agree_v and_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o do_v the_o believer_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 2.41_o 42._o be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o that_o conversion_n in_o their_o baptism_n they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o steadfast_a continuance_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n beside_o the_o church_n be_v a_o house_n a_o temple_n the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o the_o house_n of_o christ_n heb._n 3.6_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n ephe._n 2.21_o 22._o believer_n single_o consider_v be_v stone_n live_v stone_n 1_o peter_z 2.5_o now_o how_o shall_v these_o live_a stone_n come_v to_o be_v a_o house_n a_o temple_n can_v it_o be_v by_o occasional_a occurrence_n civil_a cohabitation_n in_o political_a precinct_n usage_n or_o custom_n of_o assemble_v for_o some_o part_n of_o worship_n in_o any_o place_n these_o thing_n will_v never_o frame_v they_o into_o a_o house_n or_o temple_n this_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o bytheir_a own_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o disposition_n ephe._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o you_o be_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n chap._n 4.16_o from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n from_o these_o and_o sundry_a other_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o believer_n coalition_n into_o a_o church-state_n be_v their_o own_o obedience_n of_o faith_n act_v itself_o in_o a_o joint_a voluntary_a consent_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a observation_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n whence_o the_o be_v and_o union_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v give_v unto_o any_o convenient_a number_n of_o they_o by_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n qu._n 21._o see_v the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n or_o spiritual_a incorporation_n of_o person_n under_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n declare_v who_o or_o what_o be_v the_o ruler_n governor_n or_o officer_n therein_o under_o jesus_n christ_n an._n they_o have_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1_o extraordinary_a appoint_v for_o a_o season_n only_o and_o 2_o ordinary_a to_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n qu._n 22._o who_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a officer_n or_o ruler_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n therein_o for_o a_o season_n only_o an._n 1_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o 2_o the_o evangelist_n and_o prophet_n endow_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n associate_v with_o they_o and_o employ_v by_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o ministry_n 1_o math._n 10.2_o 3._o act_n 1.26_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 2_o luke_n 10.1_o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o titus_n 1.5_o act_n 11.27_o 28._o act_n 21.9_o 10_o 11._o 2._o cor._n 1.1_o explication_n that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a corporation_n attend_v with_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n only_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n or_o worldly_a so_o this_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o external_a and_o secular_a but_o spiritual_a neither_o do_v this_o rule_n at_o all_o belong_v unto_o it_o mere_o as_o material_o consider_v in_o man_n yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o call_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o absolute_o as_o it_o be_v formal_o constitute_v a_o church_n by_o the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n describe_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v require_v that_o it_o be_v organical_o complete_a with_o officer_n or_o ruler_n now_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o the_o person_n whereof_o it_o be_v constitute_v do_v consent_n together_o into_o it_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n which_o they_o design_v without_o this_o no_o society_n of_o any_o kind_n can_v exist_v this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o man_n coalescencie_n into_o societye_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n such_o a_o consent_n and_o agreement_n have_v be_v show_v second_o that_o there_o be_v rule_n or_o law_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o society_n in_o order_n to_o their_o pursuit_n of_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o it_o that_o such_o rule_n or_o law_n be_v give_v and_o prescribe_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n unto_o the_o church_n will_v afterward_o appear_v in_o our_o consideration_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n walk_v according_a unto_o rule_n or_o law_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o society_n three_o that_o there_o be_v authority_n institute_v for_o to_o see_v to_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o these_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n which_o consist_v in_o this_o 1_o that_o some_o be_v appoint_v to_o rule_n and_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n 2_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o be_v rule_v or_o govern_v both_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o both_o these_o be_v eminent_o find_v in_o this_o church-state_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o ensue_a question_n with_o their_o answer_n and_o explication_n now_o that_o these_o officer_n or_o ruler_n shall_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v and_o so_o have_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n appoint_v for_o when_o the_o church_n be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v gather_v and_o erect_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o person_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d extraordinary_o employ_v in_o that_o work_n for_o ordinary_a officer_n antecedent_n unto_o the_o call_n and_o erection_n of_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v none_o and_o therefore_o these_o peson_n be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n endow_v with_o all_o that_o power_n which_o afterward_o be_v to_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n themselves_o and_o moreover_o with_o that_o which_o be_v peculiar_o needful_a unto_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o that_o special_a duty_n and_o work_n that_o they_o be_v appoint_v unto_o but_o when_o church_n be_v call_v gather_v erect_v and_o settle_v for_o continuance_n there_o be_v need_n of_o officer_n suit_v to_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n call_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n that_o be_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
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
case_n there_o be_v not_o the_o success_n aim_v at_o obtain_v in_o these_o several_a degree_n of_o private_a admonition_n it_o be_v then_o the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o matter_n be_v report_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v public_o admonish_v thereby_o and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n wherein_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o person_n who_o have_v endeavour_v in_o vain_a to_o reclaim_v their_o offend_a brother_n by_o private_a admonition_n be_v to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o case_n and_o crime_n as_o also_o what_o they_o have_v do_v according_a to_o rule_v for_o the_o rectify_v of_o it_o who_o upon_o that_o information_n be_v oblige_v to_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n to_o the_o church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o elder_n as_o to_o who_o the_o preservation_n of_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o proceed_n do_v belong_v as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o second_o the_o report_n make_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v 1._o of_o the_o crime_n guilt_n or_o offence_n 2._o of_o the_o testimony_n give_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 3._o of_o the_o mean_n use_v to_o bring_v the_o offender_n to_o acknowledgement_n and_o repentance_n 4._o of_o his_o deportment_n under_o the_o private_a previous_a admonition_n either_o as_o to_o his_o reject_v of_o they_o or_o as_o to_o any_o satisfaction_n tender_v all_o in_o order_n love_n meekness_n and_o tenderness_n three_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o the_o offender_n hear_v upon_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o offence_n and_o former_a proceed_n the_o whole_a church_n or_o multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v with_o the_o elder_n to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n with_o the_o condition_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o offender_n with_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n set_v they_o a_o example_n of_o in_o his_o deal_n with_o sinner_n and_o which_o be_v require_v in_o they_o as_o his_o disciple_n gal._n 6.1_o 2._o 2_o cor._n 2.8_o four_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o offender_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v evident_a and_o persist_v in_o than_o five_o the_o offender_n be_v to_o be_v public_o admonish_v by_o the_o elder_n with_o the_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o thes._n 5.14_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o matth._n 18.16_o 17._o and_o this_o admonition_n consist_v of_o five_o part_n 1._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o crime_n or_o offence_n as_o it_o be_v evidence_v unto_o the_o church_n 2._o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o from_o the_o rule_n or_o rule_n transgress_v against_o 3._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o case_n 4._o a_o rebuke_n of_o the_o offender_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n answer_v the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o offence_n 5._o a_o exhortation_n unto_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o acknowledgement_n eleven_o in_o case_n the_o offender_n despise_v this_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o come_v not_o upon_o it_o unto_o repentance_n it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o society_n thereof_o or_o be_v excommunicate_v wherein_o consist_v the_o last_o act_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o correction_n of_o offender_n and_o herein_o may_v be_v consider_v first_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n and_o so_o principal_o belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o therein_o exert_v the_o power_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o appointment_n matth._n 16.19_o john_n 20.23_o matth._n 18.18_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o titus_n 3.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o and_o both_o these_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o eldership_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n second_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o cut_n off_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o person_n offend_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o consequent_o from_o that_o of_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o earth_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o whereby_o he_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n matth._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 5_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o titus_n 3.10_o gal._n 5.12_o three_o the_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v 1._o the_o gain_n of_o the_o party_n offend_v by_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n humiliation_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o offence_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7._o 2_o cor._n 13.10_o 2._o the_o warning_n of_o other_o not_o to_o do_v so_o presumptuous_o 3._o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o order_n 1_o cor._n 5.6_o 7._o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ._n four_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n on_o which_o the_o church_n may_v proceed_v unto_o sentence_n against_o any_o offend_a person_n now_o these_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v proceed_v upon_o in_o his_o final_a judgement_n at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o church_n judge_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v to_o exclude_v none_o from_o its_o communion_n but_o those_o who_o they_o find_v by_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o himself_o exclude_v from_o his_o kingdom_n and_o so_o that_o which_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v by_o he_o in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.18_o and_o their_o sentence_n herein_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v as_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o sentence_n which_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o will_v pronounce_v at_o the_o last_o day_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o it_o be_v also_o make_v know_v that_o this_o sentence_n of_o they_o be_v not_o final_a or_o decretory_a but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prevention_n of_o that_o which_o will_v be_v so_o unless_o the_o evil_n be_v repent_v of_o now_o although_o the_o particular_a evil_n sin_n or_o offence_n that_o may_v render_v a_o person_n obnoxious_a unto_o this_o censure_n and_o sentence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v enumerate_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n which_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o action_n yet_o they_o may_v in_o general_n be_v refer_v unto_o these_o head_n first_o moral_a evil_n contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o express_v command_n or_o prohibition_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n direct_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o of_o evil_a report_n in_o the_o world_n among_o man_n walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o church_n may_v proceed_v unto_o the_o sentence_n whereof_o we_o speak_v without_o previous_a admonition_n in_o case_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v notorious_a public_o and_o unquestionable_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o no_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impeach_v by_o particular_a instance_n lie_v against_o their_o proceedure_n 1_o cor._n 5.3_o 4._o 2_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o second_o offence_n against_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o church_n if_o pertinacious_o persist_v in_o matth._n 18.16_o 17._o three_o false_a doctrine_n against_o the_o fundamental_o in_o faith_n or_o worship_n especial_o if_o maintain_v with_o contention_n to_o the_o trouble_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n gal._n 5.12_o titus_n 3.9_o 10_o 11._o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 4_o 5._o revel_v 2.14_o 15._o four_o blasphemy_n or_o evil_a speak_v of_o the_o way_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n especial_o if_o join_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o hinder_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o persecution_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o five_o desertion_n or_o total_a causeless_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o be_v self-condemned_n have_v break_v and_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n that_o they_o make_v at_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n heb._n 10.25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o six_o the_o time_n or_o season_n of_o the_o put_v forth_o
the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o censure_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o that_o be_v ordinary_o after_o the_o admonition_n before_o describe_v and_o that_o with_o due_a wait_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o consideration_n of_o time_n person_n temptation_n and_o other_o circumstance_n for_o 1._o the_o church_n in_o proceed_v to_o this_o sentence_n be_v to_o express_v the_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v of_o christ_n towards_o offender_n and_o not_o to_o put_v it_o forth_o without_o conviction_n of_o a_o present_a resolve_v impenitency_n 2._o the_o event_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o precede_a ordinance_n of_o admonition_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v which_o though_o not_o at_o present_a evident_a yet_o like_o the_o word_n itself_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o may_v be_v bless_v to_o a_o good_a issue_n after_o many_o day_n six_o the_o person_n offend_v thus_o cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o present_a actual_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v still_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o account_v as_o a_o brother_n because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o his_o amendment_n and_o recovery_n 2_o thes._n 3.15_o count_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n unless_o he_o manifest_v his_o final_a impenitency_n by_o blasphemy_n and_o persecution_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o who_o i_o have_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v seven_o the_o church_n be_v therefore_o still_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o care_n towards_o such_o person_n 1._o in_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n james_z 5.19_o 20._o 1_o john_n 5.16_o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o they_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n 2._o in_o withdraw_v from_o they_o even_o as_o to_o ordinary_a converse_n for_o their_o conviction_n of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 2_o thes._n 3.14_o with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v 3._o in_o admonish_v of_o he_o 2_o cor._n 3.15_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n which_o may_v be_v do_v 1_o occasional_o by_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o on_o set_a purpose_n by_o the_o consent_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o admonition_n be_v to_o contain_v 1._o a_o press_v of_o his_o sin_n from_o the_o rule_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o offender_n 2._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o censure_n and_o punishment_n which_o he_o lie_v under_o 3._o a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o his_o impenitency_n in_o his_o being_n either_o harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o expose_v unto_o new_a temptation_n of_o satan_n eight_o in_o case_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v please_v to_o give_v a_o bless_a effect_n unto_o this_o ordinance_n in_o the_o repentance_n of_o the_o person_n cut_v of_o and_o cast_v out_o off_o the_o church_n he_o be_v first_o to_o be_v forgive_v both_o by_o those_o who_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o by_o he_o and_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n matth._n 18.18_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o second_o to_o be_v comfort_v under_o his_o sorrow_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o and_o that_o by_o 1_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o his_o conscience_n 2_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o readiness_n of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v he_o again_o into_o their_o love_n and_o communion_n four_o restore_v 1_o by_o a_o confirmation_n or_o testification_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 2.8_o 2_o a_o readmission_n unto_o the_o exercise_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o former_a privilege_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n all_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n gal._n 6.1_o quest._n 47._o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o purity_n order_n and_o holiness_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o what_o way_n be_v it_o to_o be_v continue_v and_o increase_v answ._n the_o way_n appoint_v thereunto_o be_v by_o add_v such_o as_o be_v effectual_o call_v unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n shall_v voluntary_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n thereof_o act_v 2.41_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o explication_n the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n be_v either_o preparitory_n unto_o it_o or_o instrumental_o efficient_a of_o it_o the_o principal_a mean_n subservient_fw-fr or_o preparitory_n unto_o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o conviction_n illumination_n and_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v make_v meet_a to_o become_v live_v stone_n in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n and_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o be_v do_v either_o ordinary_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o such_o as_o come_v in_o unto_o they_o and_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n dispense_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o if_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o he_o he_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_v god_n or_o occasional_o among_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n act_v 8.4_o second_o the_o instrumental_o efficient_a cause_n be_v that_o which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o answer_n namely_o the_o add_v in_o due_a order_n unto_o it_o such_o as_o be_v effectual_o call_v unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v voluntary_o out_o of_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o subjection_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n thereof_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v lay_v in_o this_o spiritual_a build_n as_o the_o stone_n be_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o old_a which_o be_v hew_v and_o fit_v elsewhere_o qu._n 48_o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n an._n 1_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o blame_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o world_n 2_o that_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o save_a truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3_o sound_v in_o the_o faith_n 4_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v they_o unto_o faith_n repentance_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n by_o jesus_n christ_n they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o and_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o 5_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a through_o his_o grace_n to_o walk_v in_o subjection_n to_o all_o his_o command_n and_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n notwithstanding_o any_o difficulty_n opposition_n or_o persecution_n which_o they_o meet_v withal_o 1_o 1_o phil._n 10._o chap._n 2.15_o 1_o cor._n 10.32_o 1_o thess._n 2.11_o 12._o tit._n 2.10_o 2_o john_n 6.15_o act_n 26.18_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o 2_o cor._n 4.3_o 4_o 6._o 3_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o 2_o tim._n 4.3_o 4._o tiâ—_n 1.13_o judas_n 3_o 4_o ephe._n 4.20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o 5_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o qu._n 49._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o person_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n an._n 1_o to_o discern_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n apply_v in_o love_n between_o sincere_a professor_n and_o hypocritical_a pretender_n 2_o to_o instruct_v direct_v comfort_n and_o encourage_v in_o the_o way_n such_o as_o they_o judge_v to_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n 3_o to_o propose_v and_o recommend_v they_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n for_o they_o 4_o to_o admit_v they_o be_v approve_v into_o the_o order_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o church_n act_n 8.20_o 23._o tit._n 1.10_o rev._n 2.2_o jer._n 15.19_o acts._n 18.26_o 1_o thess._n 2.7_o 8_o 11._o acts._n 9.29_o 27._o rom._n 14.1_o qu._n 50_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o reference_n unto_o such_o person_n an._n to_o consider_v they_o in_o love_n and_o meekness_n according_a as_o their_o condition_n be_v know_v report_v or_o testify_v unto_o they_o to_o approve_v of_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o to_o receive_v they_o in_o love_n without_o dissimulaton_n 1_o cor._n 13._o explication_n what_o in_o general_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o fit_n of_o any_o person_n
to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v before_o declare_v and_o that_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v make_v the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n namely_o of_o be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.33_o this_o work_n be_v secret_a hide_a and_o invisible_a the_o church_n can_v judge_v of_o direct_o and_o in_o its_o own_o form_n or_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o mean_n effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v testify_v unto_o it_o concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o its_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n it_o be_v require_v therefore_o of_o they_o first_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o conversation_n free_a from_o blame_n in_o the_o world_n for_o whereas_o one_o end_n of_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n be_v to_o hold_v forth_o and_o express_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o turn_v man_n from_o all_o ungodliness_n unto_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o honesty_n it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o they_o that_o they_o answer_v this_o end_n and_o this_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o that_o believe_v will_v effect_v and_o produce_v for_o although_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v attain_v a_o unblameable_a honesty_n in_o this_o world_n be_v inward_o quicken_v with_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o save_a grace_n yet_o it_o do_v that_o they_o who_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o principle_n will_v be_v so_o unblameable_a and_o although_o they_o may_v on_o other_o account_n be_v evil_a speak_v of_o yet_o their_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n will_v justify_v itself_o second_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v another_o mean_n whereby_o the_o great_a qualification_n inquire_v after_o be_v testify_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o as_o without_o this_o no_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v profitable_o make_v use_n of_o nor_o any_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v so_o save_v light_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o conversion_n and_o do_v inseparable_o accompany_v it_o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n where_o this_o be_v want_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o person_n to_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o blindness_n darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o all_o man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n such_o a_o measure_n then_o of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o apprehend_v aright_o of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o mediation_n the_o benefit_n thereof_o and_o the_o obedience_n that_o he_o require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o disciple_n be_v expect_v in_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n three_o hereunto_o be_v to_o be_v add_v soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o love_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n thereof_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v towards_o the_o church_n call_v therefore_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n one_o faith_n ephes._n 4.5_o the_o common_a faith_n the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o which_o be_v the_o sound_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 1.10_o which_o those_o that_o will_v not_o endure_v must_v be_v turn_v from_o 2_o tim._n 4.3_o the_o faithful_a word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v fast_o tit._n 1.9_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o and_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v sound_a in_o tit._n 1.13_o contain_a in_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n as_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o this_o soundness_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v improve_v unto_o oneness_n of_o mind_n and_o oneness_n of_o accord_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n phil._n 2.2_o though_o it_o may_v admit_v of_o some_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o some_o may_v have_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n than_o other_o which_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o all_o may_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n phil._n 3.15_o 16._o so_o it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o and_o by_o the_o faith_n whereof_o the_o church_n hold_v on_o the_o head_n jesus_n christ_n coloss._n 2.19_o and_o in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o gospel_n worship_n the_o joint_a celebration_n whereof_o be_v the_o next_o end_n of_o the_o gather_v the_o church_n for_o without_o a_o consent_n of_o mind_n and_o accord_v herein_o no_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v unto_o edification_n nor_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o these_o principle_n be_v those_o which_o we_o have_v explain_v four_o it_o be_v require_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v testify_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o they_o and_o their_o resolution_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o live_v in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o he_o they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n as_o disciple_n of_o christ_n profess_v that_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n which_o what_o it_o infer_v the_o apostle_n teach_v at_o large_a ephes._n 4.20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o see_v also_o act_v 11.23_o act_n 8.21_o 22_o 23._o and_o this_o by_o themselves_o to_o be_v testify_v unto_o the_o church_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n as_o real_a partaker_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n hope_n and_o salvation_n with_o themselves_o as_o live_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ._n second_o that_o on_o all_o ensue_a occasion_n they_o may_v be_v mind_v of_o their_o own_o profession_n and_o engagement_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o thereby_o unto_o faithfulness_n steadfastness_n and_o perseverance_n hereupon_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o judge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o meekness_n concern_v their_o condition_n and_o meetness_n to_o be_v lay_v as_o live_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v 1._o reject_v false_a hypocritical_a pretender_n if_o in_o or_o by_o any_o mean_v their_o hypocrisy_n be_v discover_v unto_o they_o act_n 8.20_o 23._o titus_n 1.10_o jer._n 15.19_o 2._o that_o they_o may_v direct_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o way_n such_o as_o appear_v to_o be_v sincere_a instruct_v they_o principal_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n whereinto_o they_o be_v engage_v the_o duty_n danger_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o act_n 18.26_o act._n 14.22_o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23._o 3._o to_o propose_v they_o their_o condition_n their_o desire_n their_o resolution_n unto_o the_o church_n after_o their_o own_o expression_n of_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o in_o love_n and_o meekness_n act_v 9.26_o 27._o whereupon_o those_o that_o be_v approve_v do_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o abide_v in_o the_o fellowship_n thereof_o whereunto_o they_o be_v admit_v act_v 2.41_o 42._o quest._n 51._o wherein_o do_v the_o especial_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n whereby_o it_o become_v such_o and_o be_v distinguish_v as_o such_o from_o all_o other_o consist_v answ._n in_o the_o special_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n numerical_o hence_o its_o constitution_n and_o distinction_n from_o other_o church_n do_v proceed_v exod._n 19.5_o 8._o chap._n 24.3_o 7._o deut._n 26.17_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o act_n 14.23_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 13.17_o explication_n it_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v what_o especial_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o a_o due_a subjection_n unto_o and_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ._n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v it_o its_o special_a form_n and_o distinction_n from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o a_o church_n all_o church_n do_v agree_v and_o equal_o partake_v there_o be_v the_o same_o law_n of_o the_o constitution_n