the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o elder_n and_o people_n deliver_v in_o a_o discourse_n at_o beckles_n in_o suffolk_n octob._n 13._o 1697._o at_o the_o set_n apart_o of_o mr._n john_n killinghal_o to_o the_o office_n of_o a_o elder_a over_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o by_o john_n stackhouse_n elder_a of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o norwich_n london_n print_v by_o tho._n snowden_n for_o edward_n giles_n bookseller_n in_o norwich_n near_o the_o marketplace_n 1698._o to_o the_o readdr_n this_o sermon_n be_v preach_v upon_o a_o special_a occasion_n at_o the_o set_n apart_o of_o a_o elder_a over_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o people_n there_o present_a do_v earnest_o desire_v our_o reverend_a brother_n to_o print_v his_o sermon_n they_o be_v so_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o so_o they_o may_v well_o be_v the_o sermon_n be_v so_o judicious_a so_o quick_a and_o powerful_a that_o i_o hope_v the_o lord_n will_v make_v it_o of_o great_a use_n to_o many_o here_o you_o have_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n and_o people_n set_v forth_o so_o excellent_o and_o full_o that_o those_o that_o read_v this_o sermon_n will_v see_v that_o this_o servant_n of_o christ_n be_v mighty_o in_o the_o scripture_n a_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o full_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o i_o read_v over_o this_o sermon_n as_o it_o be_v write_v by_o one_o that_o take_v it_o in_o shorthand_n i_o encourage_v the_o author_n all_o that_o i_o can_v to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o those_o that_o be_v so_o earnest_a for_o the_o print_n of_o it_o i_o have_v often_o in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a praise_v god_n for_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n bestow_v upon_o this_o reverend_a brother_n and_o now_o that_o i_o be_o old_a and_o under_o such_o great_a pain_n walk_v in_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n it_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o i_o to_o leave_v this_o church_n of_o christ_n with_o one_o so_o able_a and_o faithful_a to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o the_o lord_n continue_v his_o life_n and_o strength_n pour_v out_o of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o he_o more_o and_o more_o and_o grant_v that_o the_o congregation_n may_v esteem_v he_o high_o for_o his_o work_n sake_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o themselves_o which_o be_v my_o heart_n desire_v and_o prayer_n of_o martin_n fynch_n decemb._n 27._o 1697._o to_o my_o dear_a and_o reverend_a brethren_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o desire_v the_o print_n of_o this_o sermon_n whether_o you_o may_v like_v this_o sermon_n in_o read_v it_o as_o well_o as_o you_o do_v in_o hear_v it_o i_o who_o be_o conscious_a of_o the_o meanness_n of_o it_o shall_v great_o doubt_v if_o i_o be_v not_o well_o satisfy_v concern_v your_o love_n and_o candour_n my_o design_n and_o desire_n be_v therein_o as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o my_o weak_a labour_n to_o profit_v more_o than_o to_o please_v and_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o be_v i_o believe_v your_o aim_n and_o hope_n in_o press_v i_o to_o the_o publication_n thereof_o i_o have_v therefore_o yield_v that_o your_o request_n shall_v over-rule_v my_o own_o averseness_n to_o the_o press_n the_o text_n discourse_v on_o lead_v i_o to_o speak_v of_o so_o many_o several_a particular_n that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v full_o discuss_v by_o i_o in_o one_o discourse_n though_o long_o enough_o for_o the_o occasion_n what_o i_o have_v brief_o hint_v to_o explain_v how_o elder_n be_v over_o the_o church_n i_o have_v read_v more_o large_o declare_v in_o the_o write_n of_o dr._n owen_n dr._n goodwin_n and_o other_o as_o i_o suppose_v you_o also_o have_v where_o such_o as_o desire_v more_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v that_o or_o other_o point_n may_v find_v it_o i_o follow_v they_o so_o far_o as_o i_o understand_v they_o follow_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n now_o that_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n will_v teach_v we_o and_o the_o several_a church_n of_o christ_n over_o which_o he_o have_v set_v we_o so_o to_o walk_v as_o be_v here_o plain_o declare_v and_o much_o more_o abundant_o according_a to_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o that_o he_o will_v strengthen_v our_o hand_n in_o his_o great_a work_n against_o all_o discouragement_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v great_o prevail_v and_o that_o this_o mean_a discourse_n may_v be_v somewhat_o subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o be_v the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o dear_a and_o reverend_a brethren_n your_o brother_n and_o companion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o patience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o most_o unworthy_a j._n stackhouse_n norwich_n dec._n 17._o 1697._o the_o mutual_a duty_n of_o elder_n and_o people_n 1_o thessaly_n v._o 12_o 13._o and_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n and_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o yourselves_o the_o exhortation_n be_v very_o suitable_a and_o seasonable_a for_o you_o now_o and_o oh_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n will_v set_v it_o home_o upon_o your_o heart_n the_o light_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v a_o more_o powerful_a teach_v than_o the_o word_n of_o a_o poor_a worm_n above_o other_o place_n it_o please_v god_n that_o the_o gospel_n preach_v have_v a_o very_a sudden_a and_o great_a success_n at_o thessalonica_n a_o chief_a city_n in_o macedonia_n you_o read_v in_o act_n 17._o that_o paul_n preach_v to_o they_o three_o sabbath_n day_n some_o jew_n and_o many_o greek_n and_o devout_a woman_n not_o a_o few_o be_v convert_v and_o a_o church_n be_v gather_v for_o so_o he_o direct_v both_o these_o epistle_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o and_o officer_n be_v set_v over_o they_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o text._n and_o because_o they_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o god_n with_o much_o affliction_n the_o apostle_n be_v very_o solicitous_a for_o 6â—_n chap._n 1._o v._o 6â—_n they_o and_o he_o send_v timothy_n from_o athens_n that_o he_o may_v establish_v they_o and_o comfort_v they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v move_v by_o their_o affliction_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 2_o 3._o and_o upon_o timothy_n return_n he_o write_v from_o corinth_n this_o first_o epistle_n and_o afterward_o the_o second_o epistle_n and_o all_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o first_o year_n of_o his_o preach_v to_o they_o have_v in_o this_o epistle_n declare_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o various_o instruct_v they_o he_o come_v to_o exhort_v they_o to_o those_o duty_n that_o may_v make_v their_o communion_n comfortable_a and_o edify_a chap._n 5._o v._n 11._o wherefore_o comfort_n yourselves_o together_o and_o edify_v one_o another_o even_o as_o also_o you_o do_v he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o consider_v those_o comfortable_a truth_n and_o to_o observe_v those_o holy_a precept_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o this_o epistle_n and_o so_o to_o comfort_v and_o edify_v one_o another_o and_o he_o urge_v it_o and_o encourage_v they_o thereunto_o by_o commend_v they_o that_o already_o they_o do_v so_o practice_v and_o that_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o abound_v yet_o more_o and_o more_o all_o exhortation_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o reproof_n as_o if_o people_n do_v not_o do_v what_o they_o be_v exhort_v to_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v yet_o abound_v more_o and_o more_o hereunto_o he_o add_v in_o the_o text_n a_o exhortation_n to_o these_o necessary_a duty_n that_o they_o owe_v to_o they_o that_o be_v over_o they_o their_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n for_o howsoever_o careful_a they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o those_o christian_a duty_n of_o mutual_a exhortation_n and_o comfort_n yet_o they_o must_v not_o think_v their_o minister_n needless_a brethren_n be_v to_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o and_o exhort_v and_o comfort_v one_o another_o in_o a_o way_n of_o love_n but_o elder_n do_v it_o in_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o send_v by_o he_o and_o as_o you_o may_v expect_v god_n gracious_a blessing_n upon_o your_o admonish_a and_o comfort_v one_o another_o so_o much_o more_o may_v you_o expect_v it_o from_o the_o ministry_n of_o they_o that_o be_v set_v over_o you_o heb._n 10._o 24_o 25._o let_v we_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o than_o it_o follow_v not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o yourselves_o together_o every_o servant_n must_v watch_v over_o one_o another_o that_o nothing_o be_v do_v contrary_a to_o the_o master_n will_n and_o interest_n but_o the_o chief_a steward_n do_v it_o with_o
sake_n that_o be_v the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o text_n the_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v from_o the_o people_n to_o their_o minister_n iv_o he_o exhort_v to_o another_o duty_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o and_o with_o their_o elder_n it_o seem_v to_o have_v connexion_n with_o the_o former_a duty_n either_o as_o a_o effect_n and_o then_o you_o must_v understand_v it_o thus_o in_o your_o conscientious_a know_v esteem_v and_o love_v your_o elder_n your_o mutual_a peace_n will_v be_v best_a maintain_v and_o preserve_v but_o if_o any_o do_v despise_v their_o elder_n schism_n and_o division_n will_v present_o arise_v or_o else_o this_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o yourselves_o may_v be_v join_v to_o the_o former_a as_o a_o mean_n and_o then_o you_o may_v understand_v it_o thus_o mutual_a peace_n will_v help_v you_o to_o carry_v it_o to_o your_o elder_n according_a to_o your_o duty_n but_o if_o you_o be_v divide_v one_o from_o another_o you_o will_v fail_v in_o your_o duty_n to_o your_o elder_n and_o quarrel_n with_o they_o also_o from_o these_o verse_n i_o propose_v these_o point_n of_o doctrine_n to_o you_o i._o that_o such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v labour_v among_o they_o and_o admonish_v they_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o know_v esteem_v and_o love_n most_o abundant_o they_o that_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n iii_o that_o the_o elder_n be_v faithful_o attend_v to_o his_o work_n and_o the_o people_n conscientious_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o elder_n and_o mutual_a peace_n be_v strict_o join_v together_o i_o will_v make_v what_o haste_n i_o can_v a_o little_a to_o open_v and_o apply_v these_o doctrine_n to_o you_o doct._n i._o that_o such_o as_o be_v set_v over_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v labour_v among_o they_o and_o admonish_v they_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o open_v unto_o you_o their_o dignity_n and_o their_o duty_n and_o so_o to_o apply_v it_o i._o for_o their_o dignity_n first_o they_o be_v set_v over_o a_o church_n second_o in_o the_o lord_n 1._o they_o be_v set_v over_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v not_o set_v over_o many_o church_n but_o each_o over_o that_o particular_a church_n where_o christ_n do_v place_v we_o it_o be_v a_o human_a device_n to_o set_v one_o man_n over_o many_o church_n but_o elder_n be_v over_o particular_a church_n and_o in_o the_o right_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n they_o be_v over_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o though_o as_o to_o their_o person_n they_o may_v be_v under_o they_o as_o luther_n say_v in_o regard_n of_o my_o person_n i_o will_v fall_v down_o before_o any_o man_n but_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n which_o i_o administer_v i_o look_v upon_o even_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v but_o as_o dust._n whatever_o weakness_n or_o darkness_n may_v be_v in_o a_o elder_a yet_o in_o his_o holy_a administration_n he_o be_v over_o even_o all_o the_o people_n as_o the_o master_n of_o a_o ship_n whilst_o he_o guide_v the_o ship_n aright_o in_o the_o work_n of_o guide_v the_o ship_n be_v over_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o ship_n cauâ—â—â—_n mr._n shepherd_n s_o cauâ—â—â—_n though_o a_o king_n be_v in_o it_o yet_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o master_n to_o order_n and_o guide_v the_o ship_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o elder_n be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 5._o but_o you_o be_v not_o from_o thence_o to_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v proper_o your_o servant_n to_o be_v command_v by_o you_o but_o they_o be_v servant_n that_o be_v they_o be_v to_o lay_v out_o themselves_o whole_o in_o seek_v the_o profit_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n and_o 36._o aâ—_n act_v 13._o 36._o they_o be_v also_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n to_o do_v his_o work_n to_o the_o church_n thus_o in_o col._n 4._o 12._o epaphras_n who_o be_v one_o of_o you_o a_o servant_n of_o christ_n salute_v you_o always_o labour_v fervent_o for_o you_o in_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n so_o the_o apostle_n say_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a in_o meekness_n instruct_v they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 24._o and_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n they_o must_v not_o persuade_v any_o to_o believe_v man_n or_o please_v man_n do_v i_o now_o persuade_v man_n or_o god_n or_o do_v i_o seek_v to_o please_v man_n for_o if_o i_o yet_o please_v man_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n gal._n 1._o 10._o in_o the_o same_o sense_n they_o be_v call_v man_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 11._o dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n they_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n they_o receive_v their_o authority_n from_o christ_n by_o the_o church_n they_o depend_v on_o christ_n for_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o work_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o they_o unless_o they_o forfeit_v their_o call_v by_o such_o error_n and_o scandalous_a enormity_n as_o deserve_v excommunication_n till_o than_o they_o be_v over_o you_o and_o be_v your_o ruler_n 2._o they_o be_v over_o the_o church_n in_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o a_o earthly_a dignity_n no_o magisterial_a dictatorship_n no_o rigid_a authority_n no_o secular_a grandeur_n belong_v to_o they_o so_o our_o lord_n tell_v his_o apostle_n in_o luke_n 22._o 26._o you_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o i._n e._n you_o shall_v not_o exercise_v lordship_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o rigid_a way_n but_o he_o that_o be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v as_o the_o young_a and_o he_o that_o be_v chief_a it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n that_o be_v render_v governor_n matth._n 2._o 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o that_o do_v serve_v we_o be_v not_o to_o lord_n it_o over_o god_n heritage_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 3._o the_o mean_n of_o the_o elder_n execute_v their_o office_n be_v not_o carnal_a mean_n but_o spiritual_a not_o carnal_a force_n nor_o carnal_a policy_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a through_o god_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o elder_n must_v not_o make_v their_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o their_o act_n in_o the_o church_n of_o chirst_n it_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o design_v brief_o to_o open_v unto_o you_o how_o they_o be_v over_o the_o church_n in_o the_o lord_n first_o in_o general_n and_o second_o in_o particular_a i._o in_o general_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o that_o all_o the_o name_n and_o title_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o church_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v both_o speak_v authority_n entrust_v to_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o do_v also_o import_v a_o tender_a care_n kindness_n compassion_n and_o watchfulness_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o flock_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 5._o how_o shall_v he_o care_v for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n they_o do_v also_o import_v their_o faithfulness_n and_o subjection_n to_o their_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1._o they_o be_v call_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n mal._n 2._o 7._o they_o be_v call_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n angel_n send_v 20._o the_o word_n here_o use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o render_v angel_n as_o 2_o sam._n 14._o 17_o 20._o by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o church_n rev._n 1._o 20._o they_o be_v call_v ambassador_n to_o treat_v with_o sinner_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 20._o and_o they_o must_v not_o speak_v their_o own_o word_n but_o their_o lord_n word_n they_o must_v not_o seek_v their_o own_o will_n or_o their_o own_o glory_n but_o his_o that_o send_v they_o and_o they_o be_v compassionate_o to_o entreat_v poor_a rebel_n to_o seek_v peace_n with_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v careful_o to_o watch_v to_o preserve_v peace_n between_o christ_n and_o poor_a soul_n 2._o they_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o the_o people_n so_o elijah_n be_v call_v my_o father_n my_o father_n 2_o king_n 2._o 12._o even_o idolater_n do_v own_o this_o title_n micha_n in_o mount_n ephraim_n judge_n 17._o 10._o desire_v the_o levite_n to_o be_v a_o father_n to_o he_o the_o man_n of_o dan_n tell_v the_o levite_n
12._o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o minstry_n for_o the_o edify_a the_o body_n of_o christ_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o transposition_n of_o these_o word_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o lie_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o two_o thing_n here_o name_v the_o joint_v in_o of_o the_o saint_n into_o christ_n and_o into_o church_n fellowship_n and_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n that_o such_o as_o be_v not_o saint_n may_v become_v saint_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n and_o be_v joint_v into_o the_o church_n and_o after_o that_o they_o be_v joint_v in_o that_o the_o body_n may_v be_v edify_v particular_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v to_o administer_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o they_o must_v do_v it_o diligent_o and_o faithful_o this_o charge_n be_v give_v 2_o tim._n 4_o 12._o preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n they_o must_v speak_v like_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 4._o 11._o with_o clear_a evidence_n of_o scripture_n light_n that_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v glorify_v they_o must_v not_o corrupt_v and_o mingle_v the_o pure_a word_n of_o god_n with_o the_o sophistical_a notion_n and_o error_n of_o man_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 17._o they_o must_v not_o lay_v wood_n and_o hay_n and_o stubble_n upon_o the_o foundation_n if_o they_o do_v their_o work_n shall_v suffer_v loss_n and_o themselves_o be_v save_v with_o great_a difficulty_n so_o as_o by_o fire_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 12_o 15._o 2._o they_o must_v watch_v for_o your_o soul_n heb._n 13._o 17._o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n they_o must_v watch_v with_o great_a care_n and_o great_a diligence_n though_o thereby_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o great_a trouble_n and_o great_a danger_n they_o must_v warn_v the_o people_n of_o their_o backslide_n and_o of_o their_o wander_n and_o they_o must_v charge_v they_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o must_v exhort_v they_o to_o their_o present_a duty_n and_o they_o must_v exhort_v they_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o their_o future_a reward_n they_o must_v be_v very_o watchful_a lest_o by_o some_o mean_v the_o tempter_n shall_v tempt_v any_o and_o their_o labour_n shall_v be_v in_o vain_a 1_o thess_n 3._o 5._o they_o must_v warn_v they_o when_o any_o danger_n approach_v as_o god_n charge_v ezekiel_n in_o chap._n 3._o 18_o 19_o verse_n when_o i_o say_v unto_o the_o wicked_a thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v and_o thou_o give_v he_o not_o warning_n nor_o speak_v to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a from_o his_o wicked_a way_n to_o save_v his_o life_n the_o same_o wicked_a man_n shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n etc._n etc._n bear_v with_o we_o beloved_n if_o we_o seem_v unto_o you_o to_o be_v too_o earnest_a and_o too_o warm_a in_o our_o admonition_n and_o reproof_n we_o speak_v for_o the_o life_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o life_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n also_o we_o must_v show_v you_o the_o good_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n convince_v you_o of_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o and_o labour_n to_o impress_v you_o with_o a_o sense_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o excite_v you_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n we_o can_v use_v to_o a_o cheerful_a even_o and_o constant_a walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o the_o elder_n be_v to_o exhort_v and_o comfort_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o and_o all_o that_o desire_v to_o receive_v instruction_n from_o they_o as_o their_o condition_n and_o necessity_n do_v require_v they_o must_v do_v this_o with_o great_a gentleness_n and_o compassion_n with_o simpathize_v bowel_n and_o condescend_v love_n such_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o thessalonion_o be_v his_o carriage_n towards_o they_o 1_o thess_n 2._o 7_o 8._o we_o be_v gentle_a among_o you_o even_o as_o a_o nurse_n cherish_v her_o child_n so_o be_v affectionate_o desirous_a of_o you_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v impart_v to_o you_o not_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n only_o but_o also_o our_o own_o soul_n because_o you_o be_v very_o dear_a unto_o we_o so_o also_o he_o charge_v we_o 1_o thess_n 5._o 14._o brotherly_o love_n do_v oblige_v all_o to_o attend_v unto_o this_o duty_n but_o the_o office_n commit_v to_o the_o elder_n do_v much_o more_o oblige_v he_o to_o it_o he_o be_v to_o be_v patient_a towards_o all_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 25._o and_o in_o meekness_n to_o instruct_v they_o that_o do_v oppose_v themselves_o if_o peradventure_o god_n may_v give_v they_o repentance_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n they_o be_v to_o do_v this_o general_o in_o their_o public_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o also_o particular_o from_o house_n to_o house_n thus_o the_o apostle_n declare_v his_o diligence_n act_v 20._o 20._o i_o have_v keep_v back_o nothing_o that_o be_v profitable_a to_o you_o but_o i_o have_v show_v you_o and_o teach_v you_o public_o and_o from_o house_n to_o house_n 4._o they_o be_v to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v the_o truth_n against_o all_o corruption_n and_o error_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 13_o 14._o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n that_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v commit_v to_o thou_o keep_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o keep_v it_o themselves_o but_o they_o must_v by_o sound_a doctrine_n exhort_v and_o convince_v gainsayers_a the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a must_v be_v stop_v who_o subvert_v whole_a house_n speak_v thing_n they_o ought_v not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n sake_n 1_o tit._n 1._o 11._o and_o in_o chap._n 2._o v._n 8._o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v sound_a speech_n that_o can_v be_v condemn_v that_o he_o that_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a part_n may_v be_v ashamed_a have_v no_o evil_a thing_n to_o say_v of_o they_o it_o be_v that_o which_o require_v great_a wisdom_n that_o we_o do_v keep_v close_o to_o the_o word_n that_o we_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o all_o that_o we_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sound_a speech_n that_o can_v be_v condemn_v we_o must_v contend_v earnest_o for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3._o v._o we_o must_v watch_v against_o grievous_a wolf_n enter_v in_o among_o we_o this_o be_v the_o charge_n give_v to_o the_o elder_n in_o act_n 20._o 28_o 29._o the_o church_n and_o especial_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o church_n rev._n 2._o 2._o must_v try_v they_o that_o say_v they_o be_v apostle_n and_o be_v not_o and_o find_v they_o to_o be_v liar_n 5._o they_o that_o be_v over_o the_o church_n must_v be_v exemplary_a in_o yield_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o these_o commandment_n and_o shall_v teach_v man_n so_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n matth._n 5._o 19_o if_o you_o teach_v it_o not_o in_o your_o preach_v and_o teach_v it_o in_o your_o example_n that_o any_o of_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n be_v too_o little_a to_o be_v regard_v you_o incur_v the_o threaten_v of_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n oh_o what_o cause_n of_o tremble_a have_v we_o so_o the_o apostle_n charge_v timothy_n 1_o tim_n 4._o v._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 and_o in_o 2_o tim._n 2._o 22._o flee_v also_o youthful_a lust_n but_o follow_v righteousness_n faith_n charity_n peace_n with_o they_o that_o call_v on_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n elder_n be_v set_v up_o in_o a_o golden_a candlestick_n to_o be_v light_n and_o they_o must_v be_v pure_a light_n they_o must_v be_v burn_v and_o shine_a light_n if_o there_o be_v any_o filthiness_n in_o they_o it_o will_v lessen_v the_o light_n and_o make_v the_o light_a offensive_a which_o they_o hold_v forth_o to_o the_o people_n they_o be_v set_v upon_o a_o hill_n the_o eye_n of_o all_o man_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o not_o walk_v in_o exemplary_a holiness_n bring_v a_o great_a reproach_n upon_o the_o gospel_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o preach_v but_o it_o be_v honourable_a if_o they_o can_v say_v as_o philip._n 3._o 17._o that_o be_v
let_v not_o any_o say_v i_o overdo_v in_o press_v you_o i_o have_v the_o great_a apostle_n give_v i_o a_o example_n in_o my_o text_n most_o serious_o and_o most_o affectionate_o press_v this_o exhortation_n we_o have_v rather_o be_v altogether_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n but_o there_o be_v danger_n lest_o you_o shall_v be_v unmindful_a of_o your_o duty_n the_o apostle_n see_v it_o to_o be_v needful_a and_o we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v needful_a to_o exhort_v you_o and_o stir_v up_o your_o mind_n by_o way_n of_o remembrance_n and_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v total_o negligent_a in_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o modesty_n and_o self-denial_n as_o will_v turn_v to_o your_o loss_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o will_v thus_o love_v and_o show_v the_o effect_n of_o your_o love_n to_o your_o elder_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o 1._o you_o must_v understand_v aright_o and_o be_v convince_v of_o your_o duty_n to_o your_o elder_n be_v not_o willing_o ignorant_a of_o your_o duty_n let_v not_o prejudice_n turn_v away_o your_o mind_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v resolve_v against_o it_o know_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n that_o the_o station_n wherein_o christ_n have_v set_v your_o elder_n call_v for_o those_o duty_n at_o your_o hand_n let_v not_o evil_a custom_n desire_v of_o reputation_n or_o of_o domination_n or_o desire_v to_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o any_o lessen_v your_o due_a respect_n to_o your_o elder_n but_o get_v a_o deep_a impression_n on_o your_o conscience_n that_o this_o be_v your_o duty_n strive_v not_o against_o the_o conviction_n of_o it_o consider_v christ_n command_v you_o and_o their_o work_n do_v great_o oblige_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v so_o carry_v it_o to_o they_o put_v your_o conscience_n under_o the_o awe_n of_o christ_n command_n and_o love_v they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n if_o this_o motive_n affect_v you_o you_o will_v do_v your_o duty_n with_o more_o delight_n to_o yourselves_o and_o with_o great_a acceptation_n to_o jesus_n christ._n 2._o do_v not_o watch_v for_o the_o fail_n of_o your_o elder_n that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v somewhat_o whereby_o to_o confirm_v your_o prejudices_fw-la and_o to_o justify_v your_o murmur_n against_o they_o be_v not_o like_a flesh_n fâ—ies_n that_o love_n to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o sore_a place_n they_o be_v man_n subject_a to_o like_a passion_n with_o yourselves_o they_o be_v angel_n in_o office_n but_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o angel_n in_o perfect_a holiness_n therefore_o do_v you_o cover_v their_o infirmity_n with_o a_o mantle_n of_o love_n never_o take_v pleasure_n in_o discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o your_o spiritual_a father_n 3._o let_v your_o love_n be_v constant_a do_v not_o you_o fall_v under_o that_o reproof_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o galatian_n gal._n 4._o 15_o 16._o where_o be_v then_o the_o blessedness_n you_o speak_v of_o for_o i_o bear_v you_o record_v that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a you_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o your_o own_o eye_n and_o have_v give_v they_o to_o i_o be_o i_o therefore_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n let_v that_o love_n that_o appear_v warm_a in_o your_o first_o join_v in_o this_o relation_n be_v still_o increase_a let_v it_o not_o present_o decay_v be_v not_o like_a child_n that_o be_v never_o please_v but_o with_o new_a thing_n be_v not_o of_o a_o unstable_a mind_n always_o affect_v change_n i_o be_o afraid_a that_o i_o have_v tire_v you_o in_o speak_v to_o these_o two_o doctrine_n i_o will_v say_v therefore_o but_o little_a to_o the_o 3_o doctrine_n that_o the_o elder_n faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o people_n conscientious_a discharge_n of_o thâ—â—r_a duty_n and_o mutual_a peace_n be_v strict_o join_v together_o do_v not_o expect_v that_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o and_o when_o you_o see_v these_o join_v together_o then_o do_v you_o see_v zion_n in_o her_o beauty_n then_o will_v you_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o say_v look_v upon_o zion_n the_o city_n of_o our_o solemnity_n thy_o eye_n shall_v see_v jerusalem_n a_o quiet_a habitation_n a_o tabernacle_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v down_o etc._n etc._n isa_n 33._o 20._o brief_o let_v i_o mention_v every_o part_n of_o this_o doctrine_n 1._o the_o elder_n discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o a_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o they_o and_o to_o promote_v mutual_a peace_n therefore_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 col._n 4._o 17._o you_o may_v not_o expect_v love_n nor_o reverence_n if_o you_o do_v not_o faithful_o fulfil_v the_o ministry_n that_o you_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n if_o elder_n be_v proud_a and_o haughty_a and_o self-willed_a they_o lose_v their_o hold_n of_o the_o people_n love_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 24._o we_o have_v not_o dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n but_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n if_o elder_n do_v not_o themselves_o practice_n and_o teach_v the_o church_n to_o practise_v all_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v command_v if_o elder_n 4._o mat._n 23._o 4._o be_v slothful_a and_o dronish_a they_o may_v not_o expect_v the_o people_n shall_v high_o esteem_v they_o in_o love_n mal._n 2._o 9_o therefore_o have_v i_o make_v you_o contemptible_a and_o base_a before_o all_o the_o people_n according_a as_o you_o have_v not_o keep_v my_o way_n but_o have_v be_v partial_a in_o my_o love_n if_o elder_n do_v not_o faithful_o advise_v the_o church_n if_o they_o addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o please_a of_o some_o particular_a man_n and_o do_v not_o consult_v and_o aim_v at_o the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o church_n then_o there_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v mutual_a peace_n in_o the_o church_n a_o elder_n carriage_n in_o the_o church_n must_v be_v like_o that_o of_o mordecay_n esther_n 10._o 3._o who_o be_v accept_v of_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o brethren_n seek_v the_o wealth_n of_o his_o people_n and_o speak_v peace_n to_o all_o his_o seed_n so_o if_o a_o elder_a expect_v to_o be_v accept_v of_o his_o brethren_n he_o must_v seek_v the_o wealth_n of_o his_o people_n and_o speak_v peace_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n 2._o that_o people_n conscientious_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o encourage_v the_o elder_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o mutual_a peace_n if_o the_o people_n behave_v themselves_o proud_o and_o contemptuous_o against_o their_o elder_n if_o they_o strive_v with_o they_o and_o obstinate_o resist_v their_o admonition_n and_o reproof_n they_o will_v weaken_v their_o hand_n and_o sink_v their_o spirit_n and_o give_v occasion_n for_o strife_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n for_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o matter_n a_o little_a fire_n kindle_v but_o if_o the_o people_n carry_v it_o love_o to_o their_o elder_n and_o say_v thou_o be_v we_o peace_n be_v to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o helper_n for_o thy_o god_n help_v thou_o then_o shall_v the_o elder_n succeed_v in_o their_o work_n and_o labour_n have_v a_o free_a access_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o people_n then_o shall_v all_o offence_n and_o occasion_n of_o division_n be_v great_o prevent_v 3._o mutual_a peace_n do_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n tend_v to_o help_v the_o elder_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o help_v the_o people_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n peace_n do_v promote_v â—ll_o godliness_n and_o all_o honesty_n and_o do_v promote_v the_o edification_n of_o all_o rom._n 14._o 19_o let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o and_o in_o cap._n 15._o v._n 2._o let_v every_o one_o please_v be_v neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a to_o edification_n behold_v how_o pleasant_a and_o good_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n there_o the_o lord_n command_v the_o blessing_n even_o life_n for_o evermore_o psal_n 133._o but_o if_o a_o spirit_n of_o division_n do_v prevail_v in_o a_o church_n than_o the_o devil_n get_v advantage_n to_o hinder_v the_o good_a success_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o obstruct_v the_o elder_n in_o do_v their_o duty_n who_o can_v live_v comfortable_o nor_o labour_n industrious_o if_o they_o be_v in_o a_o fire_n and_o a_o flame_n of_o division_n and_o the_o devil_n get_v advantage_n also_o to_o alienate_v the_o people_n from_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o bring_v all_o mischief_n into_o the_o church_n james_n 3._o 14_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a envy_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o