love_n patience_n meekness_n chap._n v._n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v which_o be_v more_o private_a the_o duty_n of_o chap._n their_o call_v be_v these_o that_o belong_v to_o their_o watch_v over_o and_o rule_v of_o the_o flock_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o that_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v by_o themselves_o alone_o and_o so_o may_v 15._o be_v call_v more_o private_a duty_n other_o that_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v joint_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o over_o seer_n of_o the_o 107._o house_n of_o god_n and_o may_v be_v call_v more_o public_a the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v that_o be_v more_o private_a be_v all_o these_o that_o private_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v each_o of_o they_o unto_o another_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n and_o these_o be_v first_o to_o instruct_v one_o another_o joh._n 4._o 29._o act_n 18._o 26._o second_o to_o exhort_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n heb._n 10._o 24_o 25._o three_o to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v one_o another_o levit._n 19_o 17._o first_o privately_z and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v then_o before_o witness_n &_o if_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v then_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n then_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n then_o let_v they_o be_v unto_o we_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n math._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o four_o to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o to_o support_v the_o weak_a 1_o thess._n 5._o 11._o five_o to_o restore_v those_o who_o be_v fall_v gal._n 6._o 1._o sixthly_a to_o reconcile_v these_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n math._n 5._o 9_o seven_o to_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o judas_n 20._o eight_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o those_o who_o be_v in_o bond_n and_o distress_n math_n 25._o 36._o all_o these_o duty_n elder_n be_v to_o perform_v to_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o congregation_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o call_v the_o scripture_n do_v express_o mention_v some_o of_o they_o as_o incumbent_n unto_o they_o to_o wit_n admonish_v these_o over_o who_o god_n have_v set_v they_o 1_o thess._n 5._o 12._o visit_a and_o pray_v over_o the_o sick_a jam._n 5._o 14._o feed_v the_o flock_n by_o instruction_n exhortation_n rebuke_v and_o comfort_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v competent_a to_o their_o station_n act_n 20._o 28._o the_o rest_n we_o may_v warrantable_o gather_v by_o analogy_n and_o proportion_n from_o these_o if_o private_a christian_n be_v oblige_v thereto_o much_o more_o be_v christian_a elder_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n in_o a_o special_a way_n oblige_v thereto_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o express_v in_o the_o six_o chap._n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n ch_z as_o the_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n say_v they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a in_o teach_v and_o sow_v the_o â—eed_n of_o the_o word_n so_o the_o elder_n shall_v be_v careful_a in_o seek_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o same_o of_o the_o people_n it_o appertain_v to_o they_o to_o assist_v the_o pastor_n in_o examination_n of_o they_o that_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n item_n in_o visit_v the_o sick_a they_o shall_v cause_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n aswell_o particular_a as_o general_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n careful_o they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a to_o admonish_v all_o man_n of_o their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o evangel_n thing_n that_o they_o can_v correct_v by_o private_a admonition_n they_o shall_v bring_v to_o the_o eldership_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v these_o duty_n of_o rule_v elder_n these_o three_o thing_n follow_v first_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v man_n of_o such_o ability_n as_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n able_a to_o instruct_v exhort_v admonish_v rebuke_n comfort_n pray_v and_o do_v these_o duty_n now_o mention_v second_o that_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o not_o only_o to_o have_v some_o measure_n of_o ability_n for_o these_o thing_n but_o also_o to_o have_v some_o measure_n of_o dexterity_n wisdom_n experience_n tenderness_n in_o follow_v the_o same_o three_o that_o they_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o be_v careful_a to_o observe_v their_o carriage_n and_o frequent_o to_o visit_v and_o take_v inspection_n of_o family_n that_o they_o may_v instruct_v the_o ignorant_a exhort_v the_o negligent_a admonish_v the_o slothful_a and_o rebuke_v those_o who_o walk_v disorderly_a comfort_v the_o afflict_a establish_v those_o who_o waver_v visit_v the_o sick_a encourage_v these_o who_o do_v well_o and_o see_v piety_n and_o godliness_n promote_v in_o family_n and_o every_o one_o edify_v another_o in_o love_n walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n chap._n vi_o of_o these_o duty_n which_o be_v more_o public_a and_o which_o they_o be_v â—o_o perform_v joint_o with_o other_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n which_o ps._n be_v more_o public_a and_o which_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v joint_o with_o other_o be_v these_o which_o lie_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o assembly_n or_o court_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o preach_v elder_n teach_v elder_n and_o rule_v elder_n these_o assembly_n be_v in_o our_o church_n of_o four_o sort_n either_o they_o be_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v the_o church_n session_n or_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o more_o congregation_n than_o one_o lie_v near_o together_o which_o be_v the_o presbytery_n or_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o more_o presbytery_n than_o one_o which_o be_v the_o provincial_a synod_n or_o of_o the_o elder_n commissioner_n from_o all_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o land_n which_o be_v the_o general_n or_o national_a assembly_n to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v a_o five_o sort_n to_o wit_n that_o which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o elder_n from_o all_o or_o diverse_a nation_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whilst_o we_o speak_v of_o elder_n of_o which_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o we_o mean_v all_o sort_n of_o elder_n minister_n doctor_n and_o rule_v elder_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o our_o church_n because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o maintenance_n there_o be_v few_o or_o no_o doctor_n or_o teach_v elder_n distinct_a from_o pastor_n or_o minister_n who_o perform_v the_o duty_n both_o of_o the_o preach_a elder_n and_o of_o the_o teach_v elder_a only_o in_o the_o school_n of_o divinity_n be_v such_o in_o all_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n rule_v 7._o elder_n be_v thereto_o right_o call_v have_v power_n to_o sit_v write_v debate_n vote_n and_o conclude_v in_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v handle_v therein_o act_v 15._o 2._o and_o 6._o 22_o 23._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o assembly_n 7._o of_o the_o church_n be_v either_o matter_n of_o faith_n matter_n of_o order_n matter_n of_o discipline_n or_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o send_n of_o church-officer_n according_a to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o fourfold_a power_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v call_v dogmatic_a whereby_o they_o judge_v of_o truth_n and_o error_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o 2._o that_o which_o be_v callee_o diatactick_a by_o which_o they_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o time_n place_n person_n and_o all_o such_o particular_n in_o ecclesiastic_a affair_n as_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n thereof_o concern_v order_n and_o decency_n avoid_v of_o scandal_n do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o which_o be_v critic_n or_o corrective_a by_o which_o censure_n be_v exercise_v upon_o the_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a and_o such_o as_o be_v penitent_a again_o admit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n fellowship_n &_o society_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o that_o which_o be_v call_v exousiastick_a by_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o send_v authorize_v and_o give_v power_n to_o church_n officer_n to_o serve_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n all_o these_o assembly_n be_v not_o to_o exer_n cise_n all_o these_o power_n but_o to_o keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o due_a bound_n the_o inferior_a leave_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o more_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o superior_a but_o in_o all_o these_o power_n rule_v elder_n have_v a_o share_n and_o do_v put_v forth_o the_o same_o in_o exercise_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n act_n 15._o 6._o 22_o 23._o howbeit_o the_o
a_o treatise_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n in_o which_o these_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n be_v clear_o and_o short_o set_v down_o by_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 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 tim._n 3._o â—3_n 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 edinburgh_n reprint_v by_o the_o heir_n of_o andrew_n anderson_n printer_n to_o their_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1690._o the_o preface_n the_o lord_n who_o fire_n be_v in_o zion_n and_o 9_o whosefurnace_n be_v in_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o depth_n of_o his_o wisdom_n 5._o speak_v by_o terrible_a thing_n in_o righteousness_n against_o this_o nation_n he_o have_v bring_v we_o 9_o down_o wonderful_o and_o have_v make_v our_o breach_n wide_a as_o the_o 13._o sea_n who_o can_v heal_v we_o our_o bruise_n be_v incurable_a and_o our_o 1â—_n wound_n be_v grievous_a for_o the_o lord_n have_v wounded_n we_o with_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o enemy_n with_o the_o chastisement_n of_o a_o cruel_a one_o because_o our_o sin_n 14_o be_v increase_v he_o have_v mingle_v a_o perverse_a spirit_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o which_o cause_v we_o to_o err_v in_o every_o work_n as_o 20._o a_o drunken_a man_n stagger_v in_o his_o vomit_n and_o we_o eat_v every_o man_n the_o flesh_n of_o his_o own_o arm_n for_o all_o this_o his_o anger_n be_v not_o turn_v away_o but_o his_o hand_n be_v stretch_v out_o still_o the_o yoke_n 14._o of_o our_o transgression_n be_v bind_v by_o his_o hand_n they_o be_v wreathe_v and_o come_v up_o upon_o our_o neck_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o 1._o calamity_n he_o have_v cover_v we_o with_o a_o cloud_n in_o his_o anger_n 10._o that_o like_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o dark_a we_o grope_v for_o the_o wall_n and_o can_v find_v either_o our_o sin_n or_o our_o duty_n some_o cry_n that_o there_o be_v many_o of_o our_o prophet_n 14._o who_o have_v not_o discover_v our_o iniquity_n to_o turn_v away_o our_o captivity_n other_o complain_v that_o not_o a_o few_o of_o they_o have_v see_v for_o we_o false_a burden_n and_o cause_n of_o banishment_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v whilst_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o we_o sure_o it_o be_v 2._o meet_v to_o be_v say_v unto_o god_n show_v i_o why_o thou_o contend_v 32._o with_o i_o i_o have_v bear_v chastisement_n i_o will_v not_o offend_v any_o more_o that_o which_o i_o see_v not_o teach_v thou_o i_o if_o i_o have_v do_v iniquity_n i_o will_v do_v no_o more_o until_o the_o 12._o lord_n shall_v reveal_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o make_v we_o wise_a in_o heart_n to_o understand_v this_o and_o speak_v to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v declare_v it_o for_o what_o the_o land_n mourn_v it_o be_v fit_a that_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n controversy_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n i_o do_v suppose_v that_o all_o of_o we_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o this_o that_o our_o corrupt_a mixture_n in_o church_n member_n and_o church-officer_n be_v one_o main_a cause_n why_o so_o much_o wrath_n be_v go_v forth_o from_o the_o lord_n against_o we_o and_o do_v abide_v upon_o we_o the_o lord_n design_n upon_o scotland_n for_o a_o long_a time_n past_a seem_v to_o have_v be_v to_o purge_v 9_o his_o house_n and_o as_o to_o have_v his_o ordinance_n pure_a so_o to_o have_v his_o people_n and_o his_o officer_n also_o pure_a i_o mean_v not_o of_o a_o high_a pitch_n than_o the_o doctrine_n and_o policy_n of_o our_o church_n do_v reach_v because_o i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v it_o the_o measure_v line_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n have_v be_v stretch_v over_o these_o â—o_o give_v unto_o they_o due_a scripture_n dimension_n concern_v the_o qualification_n of_o church_n member_n and_o church_n officer_n if_o in_o these_o thing_n our_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o rule_n we_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o may_v speak_v with_o our_o enemy_n in_o the_o gate_n and_o answer_v he_o that_o reproach_v we_o our_o sin_n be_v that_o be_v weigh_v in_o our_o own_o balance_n we_o be_v find_v too_o light_a how_o many_o church-member_n be_v there_o in_o scotland_n who_o our_o church_n discipline_n if_o conscientious_o wield_v will_v cut_v off_o as_o rot_v how_o many_o church-officer_n who_o that_o discipline_n will_v cast_v out_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n we_o have_v rejoice_v 11â—_n in_o our_o pride_n and_o be_v haughty_a because_o of_o the_o lord_n be_v holy_a mountain_n but_o have_v not_o so_o zealous_o care_v that_o holiness_n to_o the_o 21._o lord_n may_v be_v engrave_v in_o all_o the_o pot_n of_o his_o house_n we_o have_v boast_v of_o a_o reformation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n without_o seek_v as_o real_o to_o reform_v church-officer_n and_o church-member_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n thereof_o pure_a ordinance_n be_v indeed_o thing_n precious_a and_o excellent_a and_o what_o soul_n among_o we_o that_o have_v any_o measure_n of_o the_o true_a zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n can_v behold_v the_o deface_a of_o these_o and_o not_o make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o lamentation_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o mean_v subordinate_a to_o a_o more_o high_a and_o superexcellent_a end_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v bring_v with_o open_a face_n to_o behold_v 18._o as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v change_v unto_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v all_o come_v unto_o 13._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a will_v not_o be_v live_v and_o lively_a 16._o stone_n in_o the_o lord_n temple_n neither_o do_v the_o rule_n of_o church-constitution_n hold_v out_o or_o cast_v out_o all_o who_o be_v not_o real_o such_o but_o this_o be_v the_o great_a scope_n that_o all_o of_o we_o ought_v to_o level_v at_o that_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v be_v holy_a that_o all_o who_o profess_v 5._o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n may_v walk_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n 27._o of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v attain_v unless_o these_o who_o bear_v the_o vessel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o who_o the_o charge_n of_o holy_a thing_n be_v commit_v be_v holy_a the_o son_n 4._o of_o levi_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o purge_v as_o gold_n and_o as_o silver_n before_o they_o offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o offering_n in_o righteousness_n when_o that_o be_v do_v then_o be_v the_o offering_n of_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n pleasant_a unto_o the_o lord_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v once_o upon_o a_o fair_a way_n for_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n they_o who_o interrupt_v we_o shall_v bear_v their_o burden_n but_o what_o be_v do_v in_o this_o thing_n be_v not_o more_o refresh_n to_o gracious_a heart_n than_o it_o be_v sore_o repine_v at_o and_o oppose_v by_o other_o a_o sin_n that_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o mercy_n therefore_o do_v many_o now_o make_v haste_n again_o to_o intrude_v themselves_o upon_o the_o cangregation_n whence_o they_o be_v once_o just_o cast_v out_o and_o not_o a_o few_o among_o the_o people_n love_v to_o have_v it_o so_o as_o though_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n to_o return_v to_o egypt_n and_o to_o build_v again_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n and_o repair_v the_o ruin_n of_o edom._n i_o do_v also_o acknowledge_v it_o with_o thank_v fullness_n unto_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o gracious_a man_n among_o the_o officer_n of_o his_o church_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o charge_n but_o there_o be_v also_o many_o that_o neither_o do_v so_o nor_o know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o minister_n it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a that_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o ignorant_a slothful_a earthly_a mind_a man_n who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o elder_n and_o deacon_n in_o many_o congregation_n and_o where_o such_o bear_v rule_n what_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n be_v despise_v and_o lie_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o congregation_n still_o abide_v
in_o to_o swart_a a_o temper_n if_o we_o may_v find_v grace_n in_o the_o lord_n sight_n to_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o this_o great_a church-evil_a whence_o many_o church_n evil_n flow_v and_o be_v bring_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o what_o a_o branch_n of_o hope_n may_v it_o be_v that_o our_o reproach_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o and_o we_o become_v a_o people_n instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o walk_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v now_o evil_o speak_v of_o because_o of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o loose_a conversation_n of_o many_o among_o we_o therefore_o be_o i_o bold_a as_o press_v in_o spirit_n albeit_o one_o of_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o unworthy_a to_o offer_v this_o little_a treatise_n with_o a_o eye_n upon_o this_o end_n and_o let_v i_o without_o offence_n beseech_v all_o the_o minister_n elder_n deacon_n congregation_n presbytery_n and_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yea_o let_v i_o obâ—est_v they_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n by_o their_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n honour_n by_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o love_n to_o 13_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o sury_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v cause_v to_o rest_v upon_o we_o because_o he_o purge_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o be_v purge_v and_o as_o they_o desire_v the_o lord_n shall_v bring_v we_o again_o and_o cause_v we_o stand_v before_o he_o and_o 8_o leave_v we_o a_o remnant_n and_o give_v we_o a_o nail_n in_o his_o holy_a place_n that_o they_o will_v each_o of_o they_o in_o their_o station_n endeavour_v to_o take_v forth_o the_o precious_a 19_o from_o the_o vile_a and_o purge_v the_o lord_n house_n in_o this_o land_n from_o corrupt_a officer_n and_o corrupt_a member_n 27._o oh_o will_v we_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o will_v it_o once_o be_v to_o the_o christian_a reader_n the_o inducement_n that_o persuade_v i_o first_o to_o write_v and_o then_o to_o publish_v this_o little_a treatise_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n be_v chief_o these_o 1._o the_o sensible_a impression_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v upon_o my_o spirit_n as_o also_o i_o know_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o great_a prejudice_n that_o come_v to_o this_o poor_a church_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o man_n in_o these_o office_n who_o neither_o know_v their_o duty_n nor_o make_v conscience_n to_o perform_v it_o 2._o the_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n concern_v these_o church-offiâ—ers_a that_o the_o mouth_n of_o such_o who_o speak_v evil_a may_v be_v stop_v and_o other_o who_o stumble_v may_v be_v satisfy_v 3._o the_o press_a desire_n of_o brethren_n minister_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n where_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v i_o all_o which_o do_v receive_v some_o spirit_n and_o life_n when_o i_o find_v my_o name_n among_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gen._n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n do_v commit_v and_o recommend_v this_o work_n long_o ago_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o handle_v it_o with_o as_o much_o plainness_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o short_o without_o wrong_v of_o the_o matter_n as_o i_o can_v it_o be_v not_o unlike_a that_o some_o may_v think_v that_o i_o have_v do_v no_o great_a business_n because_o i_o have_v bring_v no_o new_a thing_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v so_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v for_o the_o matter_n i_o trust_v and_o in_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o word_n too_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o protestant_a divine_n and_o of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o act_n s_o and_o policy_n thereof_o i_o have_v but_o put_v together_o in_o one_o and_o digest_v into_o some_o method_n what_o be_v lie_v scatter_v of_o before_o that_o these_o who_o either_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v for_o such_o thing_n may_v now_o have_v they_o at_o their_o hand_n other_o may_v look_v upon_o this_o treatise_n as_o not_o plain_a enough_o or_o as_o not_o so_o exact_a full_a and_o perfect_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o these_o i_o shall_v not_o contend_v i_o have_v do_v what_o i_o can_v at_o lest_o what_o i_o conceive_v best_a in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n i_o propound_v to_o myself_o if_o other_o shall_v find_v favour_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v better_o i_o shall_v bless_v his_o name_n on_o their_o behalf_n and_o receive_v and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o pain_n with_o thankfulness_n and_o some_o may_v happy_o think_v that_o there_o be_v here_o too_o much_o lay_v upon_o ruling-elders_a more_o nor_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a or_o willing_a to_o undertake_v yea_o more_o than_o the_o lord_n do_v require_v of_o they_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v mention_v by_o we_o be_v incumbent_a to_o minister_n rather_o than_o to_o elder_n it_o be_v true_a what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o elder_n duty_n be_v also_o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n for_o what_o soever_o the_o elder_a aught_o to_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_v that_o also_o ought_v the_o minister_n to_o do_v and_o somewhat_o more_o but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v nothing_o be_v speak_v here_o of_o the_o elder_a that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o if_o through_o ignorance_n or_o want_n of_o ability_n or_o neglect_v or_o custom_n elder_n have_v not_o do_v these_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v help_v it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n for_o they_o to_o awake_v and_o to_o know_v and_o own_o and_o follow_v their_o duty_n and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scotland_n to_o know_v how_o much_o she_o have_v smart_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o ignorant_a and_o slothful_a yea_o and_o scandalous_a man_n we_o will_v not_o always_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o disguise_v and_o histrionical_a 3._o man_n puff_v up_o with_o title_n or_o with_o idol_n dead_a in_o sin_n to_o be_v elder_n but_o will_v seek_v after_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o obedience_n god_n authorise_v they_o and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n choose_v they_o and_o call_v they_o undertake_v the_o government_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v labour_v to_o the_o conservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o same_o in_o christ_n neither_o need_v the_o qualification_n or_o multitude_n or_o difficulty_n of_o the_o particular_n here_o speak_v of_o discourage_v or_o scar_n any_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o measure_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o we_o have_v set_v down_o what_o a_o rule_v elder_a ought_v to_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o his_o charge_n sundry_a particular_n whereof_o the_o most_o part_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v seldom_o call_v to_o exercise_v and_o if_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n fit_v for_o these_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n which_o god_n call_v they_o to_o exercise_v and_o follow_v the_o same_o with_o singleness_n of_o heart_n they_o may_v believe_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v assist_v and_o accept_v of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o employment_n be_v not_o they_o but_o the_o lord_n from_o who_o they_o may_v expect_v both_o their_o furniture_n and_o also_o their_o reward_n let_v they_o arise_v and_o be_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v with_o they_o a_o short_a treatise_n of_o rule_v elder_n chap._n i._n of_o their_o name_n what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v concern_v ruling_n elder_n may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o four_o 1._o their_o name_n 2._o their_o institution_n 3._o their_o call_v 4._o their_o qualification_n and_o duty_n the_o word_n elder_a in_o the_o scripture_n do_v signify_v divers_a 1._o thing_n 1._o it_o signify_v old_a man_n or_o man_n come_v to_o age_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 1._o rebuke_v not_o an-eld_a but_o entreat_v he_o as_o a_o father_n and_o the_o young_a man_n as_o brethren_n 2._o it_o signify_v those_o who_o have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o old_a mat._n 15._o 2._o why_o do_v thy_o 2._o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n 3._o it_o be_v take_v for_o honourable_a and_o worthy_a man_n isa._n 3._o 2._o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v take_v away_o from_o jerusalem_n and_o judah_n the_o prudent_a and_o the_o ancient_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o spiritual_a officer_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n act_n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o 23._o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o city_n in_o this_o last_o signification_n it_o be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n for_o these_o who_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n who_o be_v call_v elder_n because_o
of_o the_o knowledge_n gift_n experience_n prudence_n and_o gravity_n wherewith_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v endue_v the_o officer_n in_o the_o 1._o house_n of_o god_n who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v of_o several_a soit_n preach_v elder_n or_o minister_n teach_v elder_n or_o doctor_n and_o rule_v or_o govern_v elder_n all_o these_o three_o be_v often_o time_n in_o the_o n._n t._n comprise_v under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o elder_a act._n 15_o 6_o 22._o &_o 20._o 3._o 17._o 1._o pet._n 5_o it_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_a who_o we_o have_v now_o to_o do_v with_o who_o be_v so_o call_v not_o because_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n belong_v to_o he_o alone_o for_o it_o also_o belong_v to_o the_o preach_a â—nd_n teach_v elder_n or_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o doctor_n but_o because_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v be_v the_o principal_a and_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o employment_n it_o be_v the_o high_a act_n of_o his_o office_n it_o be_v not_o competent_a for_o he_o to_o preach_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o pastor_n or_o minister_n nor_o to_o teach_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o doctor_n but_o his_o office_n be_v comprise_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v the_o govern_n or_o rule_v elder_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o rome_n 8_o ch_z 1â—_n 8._o call_v he_o him_z that_o rule_v and_o 1_o cor._n 28._o 12._o 28_o he_o call_v they_o government_n put_v the_o abstract_n for_o the_o concrete_a government_n for_o governor_n thus_o than_o we_o have_v the_o proper_a or_o right_a name_n of_o these_o church_n officer_n which_o serve_v to_o correct_v a_o twofold_a mistake_n the_o 1._o be_v of_o these_o who_o either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o disdain_n do_v call_v they_o lay-elder_n as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o people_n only_o and_o not_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n who_o the_o popish_a church_n in_o their_o pride_n and_o other_o follow_v they_o call_v the_o clergy_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n inheritance_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o laity_n or_o people_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o base_a and_o much_o inferior_a to_o the_o other_o in_o worth_n and_o excellency_n whereas_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v his_o portion_n and_o the_o lot_n of_o he_o in_o heritance_n deut._n 32._o 9_o 1._o pet._n 5._o 3._o the_o second_o mistake_n be_v of_o these_o who_o do_v call_v these_o only_a ruling-elders_a who_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n allow_v to_o other_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n but_o not_o of_o ruling-elders_a but_o every_o elder_a in_o the_o lord_n house_n be_v a_o ruling-eld_a because_o the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o rule_n and_o government_n belong_v to_o every_o elder_a though_o some_o of_o they_o upon_o special_a occasion_n be_v call_v to_o a_o more_o eminent_a exercise_n of_o it_o than_o other_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o ruling-elders_a the_o institution_n of_o 2._o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_a be_v divine_a it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinance_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n the_o lord_n jesus_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v and_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n have_v in_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v such_o a_o officer_n in_o his_o house_n for_o the_o right_n and_o orderly_o govern_v thereof_o it_o be_v true_a that_o by_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o teacher_n while_o they_o alone_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o and_o by_o the_o policy_n of_o satan_n and_o inadvertance_n of_o the_o church_n these_o officer_n be_v for_o many_o age_n together_o out_o of_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o both_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o after_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v seniores_fw-la or_o elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v such_o appear_v from_o 2_o chro._n 19_o 8._o jer._n 29._o 1._o mat._n 16_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 26_o 57_o 59_o act._n 4._o 5._o and_o that_o the_o christian_a 56._o church_n also_o have_v they_o in_o the_o primitive_a &_o pure_a time_n thereof_o appear_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a writer_n as_o may_v be_v find_v by_o these_o who_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v into_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n for_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o elder_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o any_o testimony_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o first_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v rom._n 12._o 6_o 7_o 8._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v we_o whether_o pprophecy_n let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n he_o that_o give_v let_v he_o do_v it_o wih_o simplicity_n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n with_o cheerfulness_n in_o which_o text_n the_o apostle_n do_v first_o comprehend_v all_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o ordinary_a stand_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o two_o general_a head_n to_o wit_n prophecy_n whereby_o be_v mean_v the_o ordinary_a faculty_n of_o right_a understanding_n and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n and_o ministry_n under_o which_o be_v comprehend_v all_o other_o church-officer_n and_o employment_n to_o each_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n add_v their_o general_a duty_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o who_o propehsy_v shall_v do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n h._n e._n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o minister_n let_v he_o wait_v on_o his_o minister_a h._n e._n let_v he_o not_o do_v it_o negligent_o or_o slothful_o but_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o then_o he_o subdivides_a these_o two_o general_n into_o the_o special_a office_n contain_v under_o they_o he_o divide_v he_o that_o propehsy_v into_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v or_o into_o the_o doctor_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o teach_v or_o instruction_n belong_v and_o the_o pastor_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n be_v competent_a under_o he_o that_o minister_v he_o comprehend_v first_o he_o that_o give_v by_o who_o be_v mean_v the_o deacon_n who_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o poor_a second_o he_o that_o rule_v by_o who_o can_v be_v mean_v no_o other_o than_o the_o rule_v elder_a see_v a_o ordinary_a roll_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v different_a from_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o second_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o prove_v the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n afterward_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n kind_n of_o tongue_n some_o of_o the_o bibles_n of_o the_o late_a english_a translation_n read_v help_n in_o government_n but_o cross_a to_o the_o text_n in_o the_o first_o language_n that_o bear_v help_n government_n as_o two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o other_o edition_n of_o that_o translation_n this_o be_v help_v in_o this_o text_n the_o apostle_n reckon_v several_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n some_o extraordinary_a which_o be_v to_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o season_n such_o as_o apostle_n prophet_n power_n or_o miracle_n gift_n of_o heal_a kind_n of_o tongue_n some_o ordinary_a which_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o be_v teacher_n or_o the_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n who_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o word_n help_n h._n e._n the_o deacon_n who_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o help_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o government_n h._n e._n the_o govern_n and_o rule_v elder_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n that_o the_o apostle_n by_o government_n do_v mean_v a_o church-officer_n who_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n for_o rule_v and_o govern_v thereof_o now_o this_o can_v be_v any_o other_o of_o the_o church-officer_n for_o these_o he_o have_v name_v beside_o and_o therefore_o it_o remain_v that_o it_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_a the_o three_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v 1tim_fw-la 5._o 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 special_o they_o that_o
apostle_n require_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o a_o minister_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o 6._o 11._o tit._n 1._o 6_o 7_o 8._o in_o which_o scripture_n under_o the_o 3._o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o overseer_n he_o comprehend_v all_o these_o officer_n who_o have_v the_o oversight_n and_o charge_n of_o soul_n and_o set_v down_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o carriage_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o application_n to_o the_o rule_v elder_a that_o the_o rule_v elder_a ought_v to_o be_v of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n be_v above_o question_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o distinct_o know_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n require_v of_o such_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o conversation_n i_o shall_v from_o these_o scripture_n show_v first_o what_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v they_o not_o to_o be_v second_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v these_o 1._o a_o ruling_n elder_n must_v not_o be_v give_v to_o wine_n they_o must_v not_o be_v lover_n nor_o follower_n of_o strong_a drink_n nor_o debord_v in_o riot_n and_o excess_n nor_o tipple_v away_o time_n in_o alehouse_n and_o tavern_n 2._o he_o must_v not_o be_v a_o striker_n nor_o a_o brawler_n nor_o give_v to_o quarrel_v and_o contention_n 3._o he_o must_v not_o be_v covetous_a nor_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n 4._o he_o must_v not_o be_v a_o novice_n or_o one_o new_o come_v to_o the_o faith_n lest_o he_o bepuff_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o spirit_n of_o novice_n be_v not_o yet_o well_o ballast_v nor_o bring_v low_o enough_o by_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o so_o come_v to_o be_v more_o easy_o puff_v up_o therefore_o there_o be_v need_n that_o he_o be_v a_o exercise_v soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o one_o who_o by_o experience_n be_v teach_v to_o know_v the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v hardness_n 5._o he_o must_v not_o be_v self-willed_a adhere_v pertinacious_o and_o without_o reason_n to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o brethren_n though_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a 6._o he_o must_v not_o be_v soon_o angry_a whether_o upon_o real_a or_o conceive_a cause_n of_o provocation_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v these_o 1_o he_o must_v be_v blameless_a h._n e._n one_o who_o walk_v without_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n 2._o if_o marry_v he_o must_v be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n such_o a_o one_o who_o shun_v all_o unlawful_a lust_n satisfy_v himself_o with_o and_o keep_v himself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o remedy_n provide_v of_o god_n 3._o he_o must_v be_v vigilant_a watchful_a over_o his_o own_o soul_n that_o no_o temptation_n prevail_v upon_o he_o watchful_a unto_o every_o good_a duty_n and_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o every_o opportunity_n of_o welldoing_a 4._o he_o must_v be_v sober_a &_o temperate_a of_o a_o sound_n and_o humble_a mind_n moderate_v his_o own_o appetite_n and_o affection_n and_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o a_o moderate_a use_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n 5._o he_o must_v be_v of_o a_o good_a behaviour_n or_o modest_a of_o a_o grave_n and_o stay_v yet_o of_o a_o effable_a and_o courteous_a carriage_n neither_o light_n and_o vain_a to_o the_o lose_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o render_v himself_o contemptible_a nor_o sullen_a and_o self-pleasing_a to_o the_o discourage_a and_o scare_v away_o of_o the_o flock_n by_o his_o needless_a distance_n &_o austerity_n 6._o give_v to_o hospitality_n ready_a to_o receive_v stranger_n to_o his_o house_n especial_o the_o poor_a and_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n 7_o apt_a to_o teach_v h._n e._n a_o man_n of_o knowledge_n and_o able_a to_o instruct_v other_o one_o who_o have_v a_o ready_a and_o willing_a mind_n to_o teach_v other_o which_o be_v not_o so_o mean_v as_o if_o it_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o rule_v elder_a to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o exhortation_n and_o instruction_n competent_a to_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o that_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o employ_v himself_o therein_o but_o of_o that_o fitness_n and_o ability_n to_o teach_v that_o be_v competent_a to_o his_o call_v which_o he_o must_v be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o exercise_v so_o far_o as_o belong_v thereto_o 8._o moderate_a in_o the_o first_o language_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—endered_v patient_n 1_o tim._n 3._o not_o rigorous_a nor_o exact_v the_o height_n of_o the_o law_n in_o his_o deal_n but_o in_o his_o own_o particular_a of_o a_o condescend_v nature_n and_o remit_v something_o of_o strict_a justice_n 9_o patient_n one_o who_o without_o weary_v wait_v on_o his_o duty_n notwithstanding_o of_o difficulty_n and_o do_v bear_v the_o delay_n untractableness_n and_o injury_n of_o other_o 10._o one_o who_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o child_n in_o subjection_n with_o all_o gravity_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n add_v this_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o rule_v his_o own_o house_n how_o shall_v he_o take_v a_o care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 5._o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v of_o large_a extent_n than_o one_o family_n and_o the_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o it_o be_v of_o great_a eminency_n and_o difficulty_n and_o require_v more_o skill_n wisdom_n and_o courage_n than_o these_o that_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o family_n the_o rule_v well_o of_o his_o own_o house_n do_v import_v not_o only_a ability_n for_o do_v of_o it_o but_o also_o that_o he_o make_v conscience_n of_o and_o actual_o perform_v these_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v for_o the_o right_n and_o well_o order_v of_o a_o christian_a family_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n of_o their_o profiâ—ing_n in_o godliness_n of_o their_o seek_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o order_n their_o conversation_n aright_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n sing_v psalm_n pray_v in_o the_o family_n and_o to_o exhort_v admonish_v rebuke_n and_o comfort_v all_o that_o be_v of_o his_o household_n as_o their_o condition_n do_v require_v for_o if_o these_o duty_n lie_v upon_o all_o master_n of_o family_n who_o profess_v the_o gospel_n then_o in_o a_o special_a way_n upon_o elder_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o stir_v up_o and_o go_v before_o other_o in_o the_o performance_n thereof_o 11._o a_o lover_n of_o good_a man_n one_o who_o soul_n cleave_v to_o those_o who_o fear_n god_n have_v such_o in_o estimation_n above_o all_o other_o cherish_v they_o and_o converse_v ordinary_o and_o familiar_o with_o they_o 12._o he_o must_v be_v just_a one_o who_o be_v straight_o and_o upright_o in_o all_o his_o deal_n among_o man_n deceive_v no_o man_n defraud_v no_o man_n withhold_v nothing_o from_o any_o man_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o but_o give_v to_o every_o man_n his_o own_o 13._o holy_a careful_a to_o express_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o aâ—_n his_o conversation_n 14._o he_o must_v bâ—_n one_o who_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a worâ—_n that_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v one_o whâ—_n be_v stable_n in_o the_o â—aith_n hold_v faâ—_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n without_o waver_v or_o turn_v aside_o to_o error_n last_o he_o must_v be_v one_o who_o have_v good_a report_n of_o these_o who_o be_v without_o lest_o he_o fall_v into_o reproach_n and_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n 〈◊〉_d he_o must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o who_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o sober_a and_o christian_n walk_v do_v extort_v a_o testimony_n even_o from_o these_o who_o know_v not_o god_n and_o who_o do_v by_o well-doing_n put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n that_o if_o any_o speak_v evil_a of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o evil-doer_n they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a who_o speak_v false_o against_o his_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ._n the_o apostle_n comprehend_v all_o these_o summarily_a in_o two_o sentence_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 12._o be_v thou_o a_o example_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 11._o but_o thou_o o_o man_n of_o god_n flee_v these_o thing_n and_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n godliness_n faith_n