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motive_n aim_n and_o end_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n shall_v be_v to_o please_v and_o honour_n jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o to_o edify_v and_o profit_v his_o church_n act_v 20._o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n that_o all_o pastor_n of_o church_n shall_v bring_v with_o they_o and_o labour_n to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o they_o when_o they_o be_v there_o five_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o holy_a and_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o carriage_n also_o these_o be_v in_o part_n describe_v in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 1._o and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o the_o act_n and_o other_o scripture_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v singular_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 4.7_o but_o exercise_n thyself_o unto_o godliness_n for_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v 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those_o gift_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o ministry_n therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v only_o qualify_v within_o but_o without_o also_o they_o must_v be_v able_a to_o speak_v as_o they_o ought_v eph._n 6.20_o as_o well_o as_o to_o judge_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o and_o understand_v divine_a matter_n sevent_o they_o must_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n too_o for_o if_o they_o be_v leaven_v with_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n taint_v with_o it_o they_o may_v easy_o corrupt_v and_o leaven_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o sow_v such_o tare_n and_o stink_a weed_n as_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o pull_v out_o again_o a_o little_a leaven_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n gal._n 5.9_o and_o when_o once_o false_a doctrine_n be_v get_v into_o the_o head_n they_o will_v quick_o defile_v and_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a heart_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v 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exalt_v above_o it_o as_o to_o many_o shameful_o and_o sinful_o do_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o mystery_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o the_o letter_n wherein_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o and_o we_o come_v to_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o a_o superior_a by_o the_o word_n he_o speak_v to_o we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o understand_v not_o his_o word_n we_o can_v know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n or_o what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v do_v or_o receive_v and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n concern_v we_o but_o by_o his_o word_n and_o how_o by_o his_o word_n or_o word_n except_o we_o understand_v their_o sense_n
no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o 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 cornerstone_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 our_o apostle_n have_v show_v the_o believe_a ephesian_n what_o they_o be_v before_o their_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 5_o 11_o 12._o verse_n he_o proceed_v to_o show_v they_o their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n with_o the_o efficient_a meritorious_a and_o instrumental_a cause_n thereof_o and_o first_o he_o show_v they_o what_o they_o be_v not_o vers_n 19_o now_o therefore_o you_o be_v no_o more_o as_o once_o you_o be_v strangers_z and_o foreigner_n 2_o what_o 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totum_fw-la aedisicium_fw-la congruenter_v coagmentatum_fw-la beza_n you_o be_v congruous_o and_o right_o lay_v into_o the_o building_n and_o so_o become_v a_o excellent_a and_o comely_a fabric_n or_o house_n of_o god_n 2._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v for_o a_o habitation_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o former_a and_o builder_n or_o the_o agent_n employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o build_v a_o holy_a temple_n or_o church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n vers_n 21._o now_o this_o he_o do_v 1._o by_o fit_v and_o prepare_v material_n it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o make_v man_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a spirit_n it_o be_v his_o work_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o hand_n only_o to_o quicken_v the_o dead_a to_o enlighten_v the_o blind_a to_o translate_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o christ_n 2._o he_o do_v it_o by_o show_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o by_o make_v their_o heart_n willing_a and_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o they_o shall_v go_v 3._o by_o give_v they_o law_n and_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o 4._o by_o stir_v up_o his_o minister_n heart_n and_o tongue_n to_o move_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o 4thly_a we_o have_v here_o one_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o spirit_n his_o building_n of_o church_n and_o that_o be_v for_o a_o habitation_n for_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o psal_n 132.14_o rev._n 2.1_o and_o as_o these_o thing_n be_v here_o express_v so_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n employ_v and_o include_v which_o be_v not_o express_v as_o the_o law_n order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o a_o house_n of_o god_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o their_o duty_n there_o as_o likewise_o the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o they_o in_o that_o state_n and_o the_o privilege_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o several_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v discourse_v on_o in_o my_o proceedure_n god_n do_v not_o set_v up_o church_n to_o stand_v empty_a and_o idle_a only_o to_o have_v a_o name_n and_o to_o be_v gaze_v on_o but_o he_o have_v institute_v appoint_v and_o erect_v they_o for_o his_o name_n honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o soul-profit_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o he_o and_z he_o with_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v obey_v and_o honour_v he_o and_o he_o supply_v and_o enrich_v they_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o for_o other_o glorious_a end_n and_o purpose_n which_o shall_v be_v discourse_v of_o the_o lord_z assisting_z chap._n i._n of_o a_o institute_v gospel-church_n and_o the_o extent_n thereof_o my_o purpose_n and_o design_n be_v to_o discourse_v only_o of_o a_o particular_a institute_v gospel-church_n and_o in_o my_o proceedure_n i_o shall_v not_o concern_v myself_o with_o any_o man_n conception_n of_o a_o church_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n but_o keep_v clôss_n to_o the_o subject_n or_o church_n under_o consideration_n without_o meddle_v with_o the_o controversy_n that_o be_v among_o learned_a man_n in_o their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o church_n and_o their_o concernment_n for_o as_o i_o desire_v and_o hope_v i_o may_v without_o offend_v any_o to_o have_v liberty_n to_o declare_v and_o practice_v my_o own_o light_n faith_n and_o persuasion_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o i_o think_v it_o most_o reasonable_a to_o leave_v other_o to_o their_o own_o persuasion_n expression_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o matter_n without_o any_o reflection_n it_o be_v the_o profit_n of_o such_o as_o i_o be_o concern_v withal_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o and_o i_o judge_v myself_o oblige_v in_o duty_n to_o make_v know_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n to_o those_o i_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o according_a to_o my_o light_n ability_n and_o opportunity_n and_o that_o by_o all_o the_o regular_a way_n and_o mean_v i_o can_v find_v out_o and_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o and_o it_o be_v for_o they_o that_o i_o chief_o intend_v these_o line_n although_o they_o may_v probable_o fall_v into_o other_o man_n hand_n therefore_o wave_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o acquaint_v you_o who_o shall_v read_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v &_o believe_v and_o as_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o you_o which_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o way_n of_o question_n and_o answer_n 1._o quest_n what_o be_v a_o true_a institute_v gospel-church_n answ_n a_o true_a institute_v gospel-church_n be_v a_o society_n or_o congregation_n of_o person_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o their_o state_n of_o death_n blindness_n and_o unbelief_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n unite_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a band_n by_o special_a and_o voluntary_a agreement_n who_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n under_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v together_o as_o saint_n in_o love_n peace_n and_o in_o the_o constant_a celebration_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o
his_o gospel-ordinance_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a profit_n rom._n 1.5_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o heb._n 3.1_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o eph._n 2.21_o 22._o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o eph._n 2.1.5_o col._n 2.6_o 2_o thes_n 1.5_o this_o church_n so_o unite_v and_o build_v be_v call_v a_o church_n a_o house_n a_o temple_n habitation_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o own_v it_o as_o their_o own_o call_v it_o by_o their_o own_o name_n and_o confirm_v it_o with_o their_o presence_n in_o it_o and_o as_o such_o a_o church_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o gospel-worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o other_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o here_o only_o take_v these_o sew_v hint_n of_o this_o church_n along_o with_o you_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o institute_v church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n namely_o a_o church_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o erection_n of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o form_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o approbation_n 2._o the_o material_n or_o person_n constitute_v this_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a person_n call_v out_o of_o their_o old_a worldly_a state_n of_o death_n blindness_n and_o unbelief_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n that_o be_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n 3._o the_o instrument_n that_o call_v they_o and_o work_v they_o for_o this_o state_n and_o that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n 4._o the_o form_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o their_o own_o free_a special_a and_o voluntary_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n before_o each_o other_o and_o then_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o a_o holy_a band_n or_o engagement_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v together_o through_o divine_a assistance_n in_o love_n peace_n and_o in_o the_o celebration_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o law_n worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n 5._o the_o end_n of_o their_o so_o do_v namely_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a profit_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o definition_n of_o a_o institute_v gospel-church_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v through_o god_n help_n prove_v and_o demonstrate_v hereafter_o under_o several_a head_n 2._o quest_n of_o what_o extent_n shall_v a_o institute_v gospel-church_n be_v or_o how_o many_o person_n shall_v it_o consist_v of_o answ_n it_o shall_v be_v form_v of_o so_o many_o person_n as_o may_v capacitate_v they_o to_o perform_v all_o necessary-church_n act_n in_o pursuance_n of_o christ_n law_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o society_n ought_v to_o walk_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o of_o no_o more_o than_o may_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n now_o how_o many_o person_n precise_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v and_o constitute_v such_o a_o formal_a church_n i_o can_v determine_v but_o undoubted_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o number_n as_o may_v orderly_o and_o regular_o deal_v with_o and_o proceed_v against_o a_o delinquent-member_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n in_o mat._n 18._o and_o as_o the_o church_n shall_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o so_o it_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o person_n in_o it_o than_o as_o be_v say_v may_v comfortable_o and_o convenient_o meet_v or_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o one_o place_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v one_o congregation_n by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v and_o separate_v themselves_o one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o there_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n rom._n 15.6_o 2_o because_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n except_v extraordinary_a case_n to_o wait_v and_o attend_v on_o the_o administration_n of_o their_o own_o officer_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n law_n heb._n 13.17_o enjoin_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o engagement_n and_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o they_o 3_o for_o their_o own_o comfort_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o church_n and_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o namely_o the_o profit_n and_o edification_n of_o all_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o 31._o but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v unless_o they_o can_v all_o hear_v and_o join_v one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o ordinance_n 4_o because_o a_o church_n ought_v to_o observe_v ordinance_n and_o worship_n god_n as_o a_o church_n and_o not_o as_o or_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o single_a and_o individual_a believer_n but_o as_o a_o unite_a body_n and_o society_n they_o must_v all_o at_o once_o and_o in_o the_o same_o numerical_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n join_v together_o as_o with_o one_o heart_n mouth_n mind_n and_o judgement_n design_v aim_v at_o and_z carrying_z on_o the_o same_o holy_a end_n in_o all_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therefore_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o exceed_v such_o a_o number_n of_o member_n as_o may_v convenient_o meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o head_n chap._n ii_o show_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 3._o question_n whether_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n answ_n they_o be_v appoint_v and_o institute_v of_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o will_v appear_v in_o or_o by_o these_o particular_n first_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o former_a and_o builder_n of_o they_o the_o text_n be_v clear_a for_o it_o 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 vers_fw-la 22._o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n by_o paul_n unto_o the_o particular_a congregational_a church_n of_o the_o believe_a ephesian_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n 27_o 28._o rev._n 2.1_o where_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v they_o a_o distinct_a household_n church_n or_o body_n of_o saint_n gather_v or_o join_v together_o in_o his_o name_n for_o his_o glory_n the_o celebration_n of_o his_o worship_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n i_o say_v christ_n style_v they_o a_o church_n and_o speak_v to_o they_o as_o a_o church_n and_o distinct_a body_n or_o house_n of_o saint_n from_o all_o other_o person_n or_o church_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o church_n be_v not_o form_v and_o build_v by_o man_n but_o by_o the_o will_n power_n light_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o therefore_o the_o particular_a congregational_a church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o the_o same_o vers_n and_o the_o distinct_a particular_a church_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o 2_o thes_n 1.4_o 2_o cor._n 1.1_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n rom._n 16.16_o act._n 20.28_o and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 2._o ult._n the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o appointment_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n his_o son_n who_o be_v also_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o rom._n 9.5_o prepares_z material_n for_o a_o church_n and_o then_o he_o join_v they_o together_o and_o make_v they_o a_o holy_a and_o glorious_a temple_n or_o church_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o and_o chap._n 5.27_o so_o that_o we_o have_v enough_o to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n viz._n that_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n in_o this_o one_o particular_a namely_o because_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o former_a and_o builder_n of_o they_o mat._n 16.18_o isa_n 43.21_o second_o it_o further_o appear_v by_o the_o lord_n be_v own_v of_o they_o promise_v and_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o which_o he_o will_v never_o do_v if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n but_o now_o the_o lord_n declare_v his_o own_n of_o and_o promise_v his_o presence_n and_o abode_n with_o they_o as_o his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o by_o
his_o spirit_n prepare_v and_o fit_a man_n for_o this_o state_n build_v they_o up_o and_o stamp_v his_o own_o and_o his_o father_n name_n upon_o they_o but_o also_o he_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o his_o walk_n palace_n and_o place_n of_o his_o delight_n here_o say_v he_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o psal_n 135.14_o yea_o these_o church_n be_v his_o choose_a and_o most_o pleasant_a habitation_n psal_n 132.13_o where_o he_o rest_v and_o repose_v himself_o five_o 14._o and_o that_o for_o ever_o not_o to_o look_v on_o or_o visit_v they_o now_o and_o then_o but_o to_o rest_v himself_o and_o dwell_v there_o for_o ever_o not_o for_o a_o few_o day_n but_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o rev._n 2.1_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tell_v the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n that_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o distinct_a particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n rev._n 1.20_o and_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 9.16_o say_v he_o i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n now_o particular_a congregational_a church_n be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n but_o they_o can_v be_v of_o man_n devise_v and_o set_v up_o because_o god_n own_v they_o and_o confirm_v they_o with_o his_o presence_n desire_n and_o choose_v they_o for_o his_o rest_n and_o dwell_v in_o they_o continual_o with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v of_o god_n for_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n will_v not_o own_o the_o device_n of_o man_n in_o and_o about_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n but_o abhor_v and_o loathe_v they_o condemn_v and_o reject_v they_o as_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a thing_n leu._n 10.2_o sam._n 6._o and_o much_o less_o will_v he_o delight_v and_o rest_n in_o they_o three_o that_o particular_a congregational-churche_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v further_a evince_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v any_o jew_n or_o gentile_n convert_v to_o christ_n but_o assoon_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n they_o join_v to_o or_o congregat_v into_o church_n so_o act_v 2.41_o 42._o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n vers_fw-la 47._o and_o act_n 5.14_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v that_o assoon_o as_o a_o number_n be_v convert_v they_o congregat_v as_o be_v the_o first_o work_n they_o be_v to_o do_v after_o they_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n col._n 2.6_o and_o ever_o after_o they_o be_v call_v church_n of_o christ_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n a_o multitude_n of_o they_o you_o read_v of_o in_o the_o act_n epistle_n of_o paul_n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n and_o what_o they_o do_v therein_o be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o according_a to_o what_o they_o teach_v they_o from_z and_z in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 2_o pet._n 1._o ult_n now_o what_o they_o do_v and_o practise_v by_o apostolical_a direction_n and_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o bind_a force_n and_o power_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o heb._n 6.12_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a saint_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o we_o can_v hardly_o find_v any_o one_o of_o they_o continue_v out_o of_o a_o church-state_n any_o time_n after_o their_o conversion_n we_o seldom_o read_v in_o divine_a history_n of_o any_o believer_n but_o what_o have_v relation_n to_o one_o church_n or_o other_o plant_v and_o water_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n 1_o cor._n 3.6_o by_o which_o say_v universal_a practice_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n own_o institution_n for_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n dare_v not_o do_v then_o as_o many_o dare_v do_v now_o namely_o to_o live_v in_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o duty_n and_o privilege_n the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n easy_o persuade_v they_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o christ_n in_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o his_o whole_a reveal_v will_n and_o they_o can_v not_o congregate_v and_o join_v into_o church_n nor_o abide_v and_o worship_n god_n in_o they_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unless_o they_o have_v know_v that_o what_o they_o do_v therein_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o duty_n four_o this_o truth_n be_v further_o confirm_v by_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o order_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n as_o church_n and_o not_o as_o to_o individual_a and_o single_a believer_n almost_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n be_v write_v for_o and_o direct_v to_o believer_n as_o inchurch_v and_o incorporate_v into_o body_n and_o distinct_a congregation_n and_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o they_o under_o the_o stile_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o in_o which_o epistle_n be_v all_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o order_n for_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n walk_v and_o practice_n contain_v which_o shall_v be_v afterward_o open_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n be_v write_v and_o send_v to_o he_o to_o direct_v he_o how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o show_v he_o what_o his_o work_n and_o duty_n be_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 14_o 15._o so_o other_o epistle_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o that_o state_n and_o relation_n there_o be_v rule_n and_o law_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o order_n for_o their_o walking_n and_o practice_n there_o they_o be_v instruct_v and_o teach_v how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o god_n the_o father_n and_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o ruler_n towards_o their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o towards_o one_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n there_o they_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o particular_a work_n and_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o show_v how_o they_o shall_v perform_v they_o as_o also_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o move_v and_o quicken_v they_o to_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o although_o all_o sort_n of_o duty_n be_v there_o lay_v down_o and_o command_v namely_o such_o as_o respect_v other_o relation_n and_o capacity_n as_o of_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o chief_a and_o great_a end_n matter_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o they_o as_o believer_n in_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n as_o will_v further_o appear_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o special_a and_o particular_a duty_n of_o church_n member_n as_o such_o now_o then_o if_o god_n have_v give_v his_o law_n rule_n and_o order_n unto_o church_n or_o to_o believer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n state_n and_o condition_n for_o their_o holy_a and_o regular_a walk_v towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o as_o in_o that_o relation_n then_o undoubted_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a institution_n for_o sure_o the_o holy_a and_o jealous_a god_n will_v never_o so_o far_o own_o and_o privilege_v the_o device_n and_o institution_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n that_o so_o near_o concern_v his_o worship_n and_o glory_n as_o to_o dignify_v they_o with_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o ordinance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o his_o own_o church_n that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o appointment_n five_o this_o truth_n be_v further_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o officer_n he_o have_v give_v to_o they_o for_o their_o well-being_n order_v and_o manage_n of_o church-affair_n and_o concernment_n in_o his_o name_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o profit_n these_o officer_n be_v specify_v and_o enumerate_v in_o eph._n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o phil._n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o elsewhere_o as_o in_o act_n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o be_v not_o give_v by_o man_n but_o god_n authorize_v &_o empower_v by_o he_o to_o act_n and_o officiate_v as_o such_o in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v they_o in_o his_o church_n and_o act_v 20.28_o say_v paul_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o
find_v fault_n withal_o for_o their_o be_v inchurch_v and_o incorporate_v into_o distinct_a congregation_n but_o they_o be_v often_o commend_v for_o it_o act._n 2._o col._n 2.5_o for_o man_n to_o set_v up_o church_n temple_n and_o house_n to_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o worship_n and_o then_o to_o entile_a the_o name_n &_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o they_o have_v be_v a_o most_o high_a and_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n indeed_o and_o such_o as_o he_o will_v never_o have_v wink_v at_o but_o abhor_v and_o reject_v they_o as_o man_n work_n therefore_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o he_o will_v undoubted_a have_v severe_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o so_o walk_v ten_o these_o congregational_a church_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o god_n because_o without_o such_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v regular_o &_o orderly_o be_v observe_v and_o perform_v by_o man_n in_o a_o solemn_a fix_v and_o public_a state_v way_n and_o manner_n neither_o can_v the_o pastor_n &_o overseer_n of_o they_o right_o and_o comfortable_o perform_v their_o work_n and_o administer_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o man_n for_o all_o that_o be_v privilege_v with_o christ_n his_o institutes_n and_o profess_v to_o own_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n aught_o to_o live_v under_o his_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o all_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o own_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o rule_n of_o such_o as_o he_o have_v set_v over_o they_o and_o their_o teacher_n and_o elder_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o watch_v over_o and_o due_o administer_v to_o such_o as_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o their_o care_n inspection_n and_o charge_n now_o how_o can_v they_o do_v it_o unless_o they_o be_v fix_v form_v and_o know_v church_n or_o congregation_n unless_o they_o have_v mutual_o choose_v each_o either_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o capacity_n as_o a_o state_v church_n or_o family_n of_o god_n how_o can_v they_o be_v overseer_n of_o church_n and_o take_v care_n of_o they_o as_o such_o as_o christ_n command_v they_o act._n 20.17_o 28._o unless_o they_o be_v first_o church_n and_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o unto_o their_o guide_n that_o they_o may_v take_v the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o and_o administer_v to_o they_o as_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o their_o officer_n be_v state_v fix_a officer_n to_o they_o than_o they_o must_v be_v state_v fix_a church_n to_o their_o officer_n how_o else_o shall_v they_o know_v who_o be_v their_o flock_n their_o care_n and_o charge_n and_o who_o be_v not_o who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o oversee_v and_o minister_v too_o as_o their_o own_o peculiar_a flock_n what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v give_v or_o receive_v to_o or_o from_o they_o or_o how_o to_o discharge_v their_o ministerial_a work_n unto_o they_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n unless_o they_o be_v incorporate_v societys_n who_o have_v engage_v to_o walk_v together_o as_o church_n in_o all_o christs-ordinance_n and_o choose_v they_o to_o administer_v to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o how_o can_v they_o administer_v church-ordinance_n unto_o they_o as_o church-officer_n unless_o they_o be_v and_o they_o own_o and_o approve_v of_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v set_v there_o by_o christ_n as_o church-officer_n to_o officiate_v for_o he_o as_o such_o to_o his_o church_n as_o church_n what_o authority_n can_v they_o claim_v over_o they_o unless_o with_o their_o own_o mutual_a consent_n they_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v each_o other_o as_o church_n and_o officer_n of_o christ_n to_o and_o in_o they_o how_o can_v they_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o they_o authoritative_o require_v their_o attendance_n on_o their_o administration_n and_o reprove_v their_o neglect_n and_o how_o can_v their_o teacher_n preach_v to_o they_o with_o all_o authority_n how_o can_v they_o watch_v over_o and_o feed_v they_o and_o expect_v their_o love_n duty_n and_o subjection_n and_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o administer_v censure_n to_o and_o among_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o one_o another_o as_o officer_n and_o church_n minister_n be_v charge_v to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o flock_n act._n 20.17_o 28._o and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o so_o and_o so_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n 1_o tim._n 3.5_o 15._o and_o such_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v mat._n 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o who_o then_o say_v christ_n be_v a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n or_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n have_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o many_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n that_o may_v be_v give_v to_o show_v that_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n i_o may_v have_v add_v as_o many_o more_o to_o evince_v and_o confirm_v it_o but_o these_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o and_o encourage_v believer_n in_o their_o walk_n in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o congregate_a into_o distinct_a church_n and_o particular_a society_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o gospel-church_n or_o the_o material_n of_o god_n holy_a temple_n 4._o question_v what_o be_v the_o material_n of_o a_o house_n of_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v person_n be_v qualify_v for_o church-fellowship_n or_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v church-member_n ans_fw-fr only_o regenerate_v and_o convert_v person_n such_o as_o be_v marry_v to_o and_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v save_o and_o powerful_o enlighten_v and_o enliven_v quicken_v and_o convince_v of_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n joh._n 16.8_o 9_o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o eph._n 2.1_o 5._o such_o as_o have_v choven_v christ_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o resign_v and_o make_v over_o themselves_o to_o christ_n &_o receive_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n col._n 2.6_o 1_o cor._n 6.19_o 20._o such_o only_a as_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o and_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n as_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o set_v a_o part_n for_o holiness_n and_o unto_o live_v to_o god_n and_o no_o more_o unto_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v the_o belove_a of_o god_n call_v effectual_o to_o be_v saint_n and_o have_v real_o and_o sincere_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n jesus_n i_o say_v such_o person_n and_o only_o such_o do_v jesus_n christ_n account_n meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o privilege_n and_o dignity_n col._n 1.12_o and_o to_o make_v heavenly_a place_n eph._n 1.3_o although_o man_n do_v not_o certain_o know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o darkness_n and_o fallable_n judgement_n they_o may_v receive_v and_o admit_v other_o into_o church_n and_o unto_o their_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o they_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v there_o for_o these_o spiritual-ho_o thing_n be_v for_o and_o only_o for_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a man_n heavenly_a place_n be_v for_o heavenly_a person_n and_o spiritual_a work_n for_o spiritual_a men._n now_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a holy_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a place_n and_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n christ_n prepare_v man_n by_o his_o grace_n word_n and_o spirit_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a and_o meet_v material_n and_o then_o he_o call_v they_o to_o join_v together_o and_o become_v a_o spiritual_a house_n for_o his_o delight_n service_n and_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o therefore_o such_o and_o only_o such_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o because_o god_n threaten_v and_o often_o declare_v his_o detestation_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o other_o be_v there_o and_o manifest_v his_o indignation_n against_o they_o as_o to_o the_o man_n that_o come_v to_o the_o supper_n without_o the_o wedding_n garment_n matth._n 22.11_o 12_o 13._o then_o say_v the_o king_n to_o his_o servant_n bound_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o outer_a darkness_n isa_n 33.14_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n be_v afraid_a fearfulness_n have_v surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o devour_a fire_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n mat._n 25._o and_o the_o
to_o the_o church_n and_o there_o the_o lord_n jesus_n come_v and_o observe_v how_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o obey_v rev._n 2.23_o 5._o god_n have_v institute_v and_o form_v up_o believer_n into_o church_n that_o he_o may_v feed_v and_o nourish_v they_o there_o as_o his_o flock_n that_o he_o may_v water_v they_o as_o his_o garden_n support_v they_o as_o his_o house_n order_n and_o govern_v they_o as_o his_o family_n &_o household_n and_o that_o by_o his_o spirit_n &_o minister_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o water_v they_o 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 7._o to_o feed_v and_o nourish_v they_o act._n 20.17_o 23._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o to_o rule_v govern_v and_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o heb_fw-mi 13.7_o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o to_o warnand_n caution_n they_o to_o reprove_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o comfort_v they_o and_o build_v they_o up_o with_o the_o milk_n and_o strong_a meat_n of_o spiritual_a sound_a doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 2._o heb._n 5.12_o 13_o 14._o and_o that_o by_o their_o speak_n unto_o they_o as_o to_o their_o own_o flock_n and_o peculiar_a church_n and_o charge_n from_o and_o under_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o christ_n in_o love_n they_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n eph._n 4.15_o so_o also_o for_o believer_n regular_a and_o orderly_o walk_v col._n 2.5_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o he_o love_v to_o see_v his_o people_n walk_v orderly_o and_o regular_o conform_v themselves_o to_o his_o law_n and_o government_n and_o if_o earthly_a governor_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v careful_a to_o set_v up_o and_o give_v unto_o their_o subject_n law_n and_o order_n for_o their_o regular_a and_o orderly_o walk_v and_o love_v great_o to_o see_v they_o so_o to_o walk_v under_o their_o law_n and_o government_n in_o their_o city_n and_o politic_a body_n how_o much_o more_o careful_a be_v jesus_n christ_n to_o set_v his_o people_n in_o order_n and_o method_n and_o how_o please_a and_o delightful_a must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o see_v his_o subject_n walk_v orderly_a and_o regular_o in_o his_o city_n and_o spiritual_a body_n that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o appointment_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o end_n of_o god_n in_o institute_v and_o erect_v of_o church_n many_o other_o may_v be_v name_v and_o insist_v on_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o exceed_v my_o intention_n four_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v consist_v of_o new-creature_n and_o sincere-hearted_n believer_n because_o they_o can_v and_o will_v answer_v and_o prosecute_v these_o aforesaid_a and_o such_o like_a holy_a end_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o his_o church_n i_o say_v these_o can_v and_o will_v because_o they_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v in_o measure_n by_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o aim_v at_o and_o effectual_o to_o prosecute_v these_o holy_a end_n of_o god_n but_o so_o can_v other_o neither_o will_v they_o if_o they_o can_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o save_a knowledge_n nor_o practical_a wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o they_o be_v stranger_n in_o heart_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n all_z other_o at_o the_o best_a have_v but_o a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a at_o the_o root_n rev._n 3.1_o matth._n 8.22_o neither_o be_v they_o make_v a_o willing_a people_n to_o join_v issue_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o holy_a end_n of_o god_n psal_n 110.3_o because_o god_n have_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o obstinacy_n wrought_v in_o they_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v in_o his_o peculiar_a people_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o wrought_v by_o god_n for_o this_o self_n same_o thing_n as_o real_a saint_n be_v phil._n 2.13_o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o they_o be_v not_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v they_o as_o saint_n be_v col._n 3.10_o but_o now_o real_a and_o peculiar_a believer_n be_v fit_v and_o frame_v mould_v and_o polished_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o their_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n eph._n 2.21_o and_o so_o by_o the_o constant_a and_o promise_a guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o their_o live_a head_n jesus_n christ_n with_o their_o spiritual_a qualification_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o answer_v and_o perform_v the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n in_o erect_v and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o church_n when_o a_o wise_a man_n build_v a_o house_n he_o will_v propound_v some_o end_n to_o himself_o in_o his_o so_o do_v and_o according_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o and_o lay_v in_o such_o material_n and_o so_o form_n and_o build_v it_o as_o that_o it_o may_v effectual_o answer_v his_o end_n if_o he_o be_v able_a now_o if_o he_o build_v it_o with_o hay_n and_o stubble_n or_o with_o rot_a wood_n althought_v it_o may_v stand_v a_o while_n yet_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o stand_v long_o nor_o answer_v his_o end_n so_o the_o great_a master_n builder_n who_o be_v the_o alsufficient_a and_o only_a wise_a god_n propound_v great_a and_o holy_a end_n to_o himself_o in_o institute_v and_o build_n of_o church_n and_o temple_n and_o these_o such_o as_o shall_v irrefrustrable_o be_v obtain_v notwithstanding_o all_o possible_a contingency_n &_o interveniency_n whatsoever_o for_o say_v god_n my_o purpose_n shall_v stand_v and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o my_o pleasure_n isa_n 46.10_o i_o will_v build_v church_n and_o temple_n for_o my_o glory_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o to_o have_v peculiar_a love_n homage_n and_o service_n from_o they_o to_o have_v their_o free_a hearty_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n and_o respect_n that_o i_o may_v enrich_v they_o with_o my_o grace_n build_v they_o up_o in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n delight_n in_o a_o refresh_v myself_o with_o they_o make_v they_o a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o glorify_v the_o house_n of_o my_o glory_n isa_n 60.7_o that_o there_o i_o may_v set_v my_o ministry_n and_o officer_n and_o that_o among_o they_o i_o may_v set_v my_o law_n rule_n and_o ordinance_n but_o hypocrite_n and_o formalist_n will_v never_o answer_v nor_o prosecute_v these_o end_n as_o i_o find_v by_o experience_n among_o the_o old-church-member_n of_o the_o jew_n i_o can_v look_v for_o it_o nor_o expect_v it_o from_o they_o for_o they_o be_v a_o people_n of_o a_o other_o spirit_n they_o slight_a my_o grace_n and_o reject_v my_o easy_a yoke_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v honour_v with_o membership_n in_o my_o church_n in_o my_o particular_a gosspel_n church_n but_o if_o they_o creep_v in_o as_o many_o will_v do_v i_o will_v loathe_v and_o abhor_v their_o presence_n i_o will_v root_v they_o up_o cast_v they_o out_o and_o that_o into_o everlasting_a fire_n for_o whatever_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v yet_o i_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o for_o my_o turn_n and_o will_v stand_v i_o in_o no_o stead_n there_o but_o to_o provoke_v i_o to_o wrath_n with_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o make_v fuel_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o my_o jealousy_n therefore_o my_o new-testament-churche_n shall_v be_v build_v only_o of_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a material_n not_o of_o dead_a but_o live_a stone_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o eph._n 2.1.5_o such_o as_o my_o word_n and_o spirit_n shall_v polish_v and_o prepare_v for_o that_o work_n and_o service_n that_o so_o by_o they_o i_o may_v obtain_v my_o holy_a end_n and_o carry_v on_o my_o great_a design_n i_o know_v that_o my_o peculiar_a people_n will_v receive_v submit_v unto_o and_o obey_v my_o law_n that_o they_o will_v love_v and_o honour_v i_o that_o they_o will_v shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o will_v give_v i_o kind_a and_o cordial_a entertainment_n and_o that_o will_v cleave_v to_o and_o not_o forsake_v i_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o church_n five_o because_o all_o the_o law_n ordinance_n and_o work_n of_o church-member_n be_v holy_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o natural_a man_n understand_v not_o can_v discern_v what_o they_o be_v and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v such_o and_o they_o that_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n save_o and_o powerful_o to_o understand_v and_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o they_o do_v think_v and_o judge_n of_o they_o carnal_o and_o vain_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o end_n but_o believer_n have_v they_o write_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n beforehand_o they_o have_v they_o not_o without_o book_n i_o mean_v they_o have_v the_o same_o law_n of_o christ_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o bible_n jer._n 31.33_o heb._n 8.10_o 11._o heb._n 10.16_o by_o which_o they_o be_v capacitate_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n enable_v to_o
then_o the_o stony_a ground_n will_v be_v in_o as_o good_a and_o safe_a a_o condition_n as_o the_o good_a ground_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v apparent_a matth._n 13._o and_o matth._n 7._o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o build_v on_o christ_n by_o faith_n but_o be_v voct_v in_o themselves_o and_o build_v their_o vain_a hope_n on_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n job_n 8._o matth._n 7._o and_o in_o many_o other_o scripture_n be_v manifest_a therefore_o if_o there_o person_n be_v not_o build_v on_o christ_n their_o church-state_n be_v not_o but_o upon_o the_o sand._n hence_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o only_o sound_a believer_n be_v build_v on_o christ_n and_o so_o they_o be_v the_o person_n only_o that_o christ_n will_v have_v build_v up_o into_o holy-temple_n because_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n build_v he_o himself_o say_v he_o will_v build_v upon_o himself_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v inpregnable_o in_o all_o weather_n and_o that_o be_v only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v unite_v unto_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o have_v choose_v he_o for_o their_o only_a rock_n and_o foundation_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o not_o of_o such_o as_o do_v secret_o reject_v he_o obj._n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o text_n in_o matth._n 16._o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n i_o answer_v and_o i_o be_o speak_v too_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o say_v that_o all_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v unite_v unto_o and_o build_v upon_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o that_o these_o aught_o to_o congregate_v and_o become_v church_n of_o god_n and_o none_o else_o and_o that_o according_a unto_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o such_o that_o promise_n in_o matth._n belong_v to_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v secure_v by_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n although_o they_o be_v form_v up_o according_a to_o christ_n his_o institution_n into_o particular_a congregational_a church_n and_o although_o after_o they_o be_v thus_o form_v they_o may_v be_v break_v in_o a_o sense_n and_o scatter_v as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v act._n 8.1_o yet_o they_o be_v still_o secure_v by_o that_o promise_n and_o have_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o faith_n love_n tear_n and_o prayer_n in_o judgement_n and_o affection_n the_o lord_n jesus_n suffer_v in_o name_n and_o glory_n by_o the_o fall_n of_o his_o church_n or_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o as_o he_o that_o build_v his_o house_n on_o the_o sand_n be_v call_v a_o foolish_a man_n by_o spectator_n matth._n 7._o and_o if_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o build_v either_o for_o want_v of_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o good_a matter_n or_o wise_a and_o careful_a cement_n and_o form_v up_o the_o material_n how_o great_o will_v the_o wisdom_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n suffer_v by_o the_o tongue_n of_o his_o enemy_n because_o such_o church_n take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o walk_v by_o his_o law_n and_o as_o the_o fall_n of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o reproach_n to_o christ_n so_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o grief_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a member_n of_o christ_n also_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o or_o out_o of_o those_o church_n thus_o fall_v and_o it_o will_v great_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n against_o the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reality_n in_o his_o gospel_n religion_n and_o therefore_o christ_n can_v endure_v to_o see_v his_o house_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o take_v care_n that_o all_o that_o he_o build_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v so_o build_v and_o secure_v as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overthrow_v they_o nor_o by_o any_o mean_n prevail_v against_o they_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v found_v secure_v &_o support_v by_o his_o promise_n and_o spirit_n i_o may_v produce_v many_o other_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o none_o but_o real_a believer_n ought_v to_o be_v form_v up_o into_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o concern_v the_o privilege_n and_o promise_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o which_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o on_o a_o other_o head_n which_o be_v two_o high_a and_o glorious_a for_o the_o inglorious_a profess_v hypocrity_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v entail_v only_o on_o the_o true_a heir_n of_o they_o viz._n the_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o child_n of_o god_n hypocrite_n who_o refuse_v to_o have_v christ_n on_o his_o own_o term_n and_o who_o prefer_v their_o lust_n before_o he_o and_o their_o own_o righteousness_n before_o christ_n and_o daily_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n 1_o john_n 5._o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o there_o be_v a_o little_a remnant_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o who_o they_o do_v only_o belong_v and_o they_o and_o only_o they_o may_v claim_v they_o as_o their_o own_o again_o because_o only_a believer_n be_v christ_n willing_a subject_n such_o as_o have_v free_o put_v their_o neck_n under_o his_o yoke_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o in_o universal_a obedience_n to_o he_o and_o that_o have_v hearty_o choose_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o governor_n and_o his_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o practice_n but_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o other_o man_n do_v reject_v he_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v have_v the_o lord_n jesus_n bow_v down_o to_o their_o term_n but_o they_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o he_o they_o say_v as_o those_o in_o joh._n 6.60_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a yoke_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o and_o therefore_o although_o we_o will_v profess_v he_o that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v he_o rule_v over_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o call_v they_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n bread_n or_o to_o his_o true_a subject_n privilege_n and_o blessing_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o moreover_o only_o true_a believer_n be_v clean_a and_o pure_a all_o other_o be_v unclean_a they_o be_v stranger_n to_o he_o and_o his_o people_n unwashed_a and_o uncircumcize_v in_o ear_n and_o heart_n they_o be_v not_o justify_v nor_o sanctify_v nor_o purge_v from_o their_o uncleanness_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o come_v near_o to_o or_o touch_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v holy_a pure_a thing_n and_o sanctify_v unto_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o his_o enchurched-member_n i_o will_v not_o be_v tedious_a and_o therefore_o shall_v wave_v all_o further_a consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n although_o i_o can_v multiply_v reason_n to_o prove_v that_o only_o real_a true_a believer_n shall_v be_v church-member_n but_o i_o shall_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o a_o objection_n advance_v against_o this_o truth_n which_o be_v this_o but_o we_o read_v of_o tare_n in_o the_o field_n among_o the_o good_a wheat_n good_a and_o bad_a fish_n catch_v in_o the_o neat_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o also_o many_o evil_a member_n in_o several_a of_o the_o congregational_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o church_n may_v consist_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n all_o this_o may_v be_v true_a and_o yet_o the_o truth_n insist_v on_o not_o at_o all_o touch_v or_o weaken_v thereby_o it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v evil_a member_n in_o those_o gospel_n church_n and_o they_o prove_v evil_a member_n indeed_o and_o great_a affliction_n to_o bless_a paul_n and_o the_o good_a member_n of_o they_o but_o what_o then_o aught_o they_o to_o have_v be_v there_o or_o be_v they_o know_v to_o be_v such_o indeed_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o good_a man_n when_o they_o admit_v they_o be_v they_o there_o by_o christ_n call_n and_o with_o his_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n although_o he_o permit_v they_o to_o creep_v in_o among_o his_o people_n now_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o that_o they_o be_v admit_v when_o know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o afterward_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o privilege_n while_o such_o and_o that_o christ_n approve_v there_o be_v there_o i_o say_v until_o that_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v usurper_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o discourse_v of_o who_o be_v in_o the_o
save_v they_o and_o that_o of_o his_o mere_a grace_n and_o love_n joh._n 6.37_o 40._o joh._n 10._o joh._n 17._o eph._n 2.4_o that_o god_n the_o father_n give_v and_o set_v his_o son_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n to_o mediate_v peace_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o god_n by_o his_o active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n that_o jesus_n christ_n give_v himself_o and_o become_v a_o propitiation_n for_o their_o sin_n that_o he_o assume_v our_o nature_n and_o take_v it_o up_o into_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o himself_o whereby_o there_o be_v two_o nature_n in_o one_o person_n by_o which_o he_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o his_o mediatorship_n that_o he_o be_v god-man_n in_o one_o person_n take_v upon_o himself_o our_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n obey_v the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n that_o man_n have_v break_v and_o do_v always_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v god_n that_o when_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o active_a obedience_n he_o become_v obedient_a unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o curse_v of_o the_o law_n gal._n 3.12_o phil._n 2._o that_o he_o real_o dye_v and_o be_v bury_v lie_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n and_o after_o forty_o day_n he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v down_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a that_o he_o be_v king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n a_o king_n to_o give_v law_n unto_o man_n and_o command_v their_o obedience_n to_o they_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v his_o subject_n and_o to_o reward_v the_o obedient_a and_o punish_v the_o disobedient_a that_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v commit_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v coequal_o and_o coeternal_o god_n with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o high_a priest_n he_o dye_v and_o make_v atonement_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n and_o sit_v in_o heaven_n to_o make_v intercession_n and_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o they_o heb._n 7.25.9.24_o that_o there_o be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n but_o one_o god_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v eternal_a god_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n &_o come_v from_o the_o father_n &_o son_n for_o the_o elect_a sake_n that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o regenerate_v person_n work_v effectual_o in_o their_o heart_n apply_v jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o man_n and_o save_o convince_v his_o elect_n of_o sin_n right_o ousness_n and_o judgement_n joh_n 3.5_o joh._n 16.1_o 8.13_o 14_o 15._o that_o all_o that_o right_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o that_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n must_v be_v careful_a to_o do_v good_a work_n that_o believer_n be_v make_v righteous_a with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o they_o have_v none_o of_o their_o own_o to_o commend_v they_o unto_o god_n that_o god_n have_v make_v jesus_n christ_n unto_o his_o choose_a righteousness_n wisdom_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 1_o cor._n 1.30_o and_o that_o they_o be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 5._o ult_n that_o god_n impute_v their_o sin_n to_o christ_n and_o impute_v the_o blood_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v justify_v thereby_o and_o not_o by_o inherent_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o god_n love_v pardon_n justifyes_n and_o save_v man_n free_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o good_a work_n as_o any_o cause_n thereof_o but_o all_o the_o move_a cause_n without_o himself_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o mediation_n that_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o do_v good_a work_n be_v the_o reveal_v will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n command_v they_o and_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o express_v their_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o please_v and_o honour_v he_o to_o meet_v with_o god_n and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o to_o receive_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o good_a of_o many_o promise_n to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v useful_a unto_o man_n to_o declare_v who_o and_o what_o they_o be_v and_o to_o lie_v up_o for_o a_o reward_n in_o another_o world_n to_o keep_v their_o lust_n under_o and_o their_o grace_n in_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o to_o manifest_v their_o respect_n and_o subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n his_o authority_n and_o law_n that_o the_o law_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o qualify_v by_o christ_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o all_o obedience_n &_o that_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n &_o subjection_n to_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a that_o regeneration_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o without_o it_o none_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n joh._n 2.3_o 5_o 7._o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n contain_v and_o hold_v forth_o unto_o man_n the_o whole_a reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o and_o that_o whatsoever_o you_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v be_v contain_v therein_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v many_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o people_n profit_n and_o that_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v and_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o they_o that_o all_o person_n be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o mind_n and_o careful_o to_o observe_v the_o principal_a manner_n and_o end_n of_o all_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o see_v that_o they_o be_v right_a holy_a and_o spiritual_a indeed_o and_o not_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n without_o they_o that_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v god_n or_o do_v any_o acceptable_a work_n unto_o he_o until_o they_o be_v regenerate_v and_o put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o shall_v right_o in_o measure_n understand_v and_o believe_v that_o be_v admit_v into_o full_a membership_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o and_o other_o truth_n must_v not_o be_v notional_o light_o and_o in_o the_o general_a know_v and_o believe_v but_o hearty_o powerful_o and_o particular_o not_o for_o other_o but_o themselves_o or_o else_o their_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n will_v no_o way_n profit_v their_o soul_n to_o salvation_n 3._o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v also_o with_o blameless_a conversation_n their_o conversation_n must_v become_v the_o gospel_n phil._n 1.27_o or_o else_o they_o be_v not_o meet_v for_o membership_n with_o gospel-churche_n carnal_a walking_n will_v not_o suit_v spiritual_a temple_n for_o they_o will_v great_o pollute_v and_o defile_v they_o stain_n and_o darken_v their_o beauty_n and_o glory_n therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v brawler_n or_o contentious_a person_n they_o must_v not_o be_v covetous_a and_o worldly_a mind_v vain_a and_o frothy_a person_n they_o must_v not_o be_v froward_a and_o peevish_a person_n neither_o must_v or_o may_v they_o be_v defrauder_n or_o such_o as_o detain_v other_o due_n carelessy_a from_o they_o nor_o such_o as_o slight_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o family_n or_o be_v careless_a of_o govern_v and_o educate_v they_o in_o good_a manner_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n they_o may_v not_o be_v such_o as_o be_v know_v to_o neglect_v duty_n and_o ordinance_n in_o their_o time_n and_o season_n or_o to_o have_v vicious_a family_n through_o their_o neglect_n nor_o any_o other_o such_o kind_n of_o person_n who_o stink_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n be_v odious_a to_o god_n and_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o their_o profession_n be_v they_o may_v not_o be_v accept_v or_o receive_v into_o the_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n until_o they_o have_v repent_v of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o hateful_a and_o scandalous_a evil_n in_o their_o carriage_n and_o walking_n 4._o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v choose_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o king_n and_o head_n give_v up_o and_o make_v over_o themselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o live_v in_o he_o and_o to_o he_o have_v single_v he_o out_o and_o set_v he_o apart_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o trust_n love_n and_o delight_n of_o their_o service_n and_o obedience_n if_o they_o have_v choose_v and_o close_v up_o with_o he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n as_o they_o hope_v renounce_v and_o reject_v all_o their_o own_o
at_o all_o for_o if_o they_o be_v as_o a_o common_a without_o any_o bound_n or_o property_n as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o not_o fix_v and_o tie_v some_o where_o how_o many_o absurdity_n will_v unavoidable_o follow_v as_o first_o while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o move_n and_o wander_a condition_n they_o be_v not_o a_o house_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o scatter_a stone_n and_o timber_n and_o so_o can_v bear_v the_o name_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o holy_a temple_n and_o church_n of_o god_n 2._o they_o can_v while_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n be_v call_v own_a or_o account_v a_o holy_a church_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n either_o by_o god_n or_o men._n 3._o neither_o shall_v they_o have_v neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o expect_v or_o look_v for_o church-blessing_n and_o privilege_n or_o claim_v the_o good_a of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o saint_n as_o a_o form_v fix_a temple_n or_o house_n of_o god_n as_o that_o god_n shall_v dwell_v &_o walk_v with_o &_o among_o they_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o do_v in_o his_o church_n and_o temple_n 2_o cor._n 6.16_o rev._n 2.1_o eph._n 2.22_o neither_o can_v they_o orderly_o participate_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o ordinance_n belong_v to_o the_o fix_a household_n of_o god_n not_o to_o scatter_a saint_n occasional_o meet_v together_o as_o saint_n only_o without_o any_o tie_n or_o obligation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o their_o minister_n that_o shall_v minister_v it_o unto_o they_o these_o and_o other_o privilege_n they_o can_v claim_v while_o they_o walk_v irregular_o and_o disorderly_o 4._o they_o make_v the_o ordinance_n &_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n null_a and_o void_a and_o of_o no_o force_n and_o virtue_n at_o all_o and_o so_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v they_o in_o vain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n profit_n or_o concernment_n unto_o saint_n for_o it_o will_v inevitable_o follow_v i_o think_v that_o in_o case_n their_o loose_a walking_n without_o any_o fix_a order_n or_o obligation_n on_o each_o other_o to_o live_v together_o as_o a_o distinct_a household_n or_o family_n of_o god_n be_v the_o condition_n wherein_o they_o shall_v live_v and_o walk_v that_o then_o they_o have_v find_v out_o a_o better_a way_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o profit_n than_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v and_o so_o they_o do_v practical_o control_v he_o and_o in_o effect_n say_v that_o they_o be_v wise_a than_o christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o they_o have_v find_v out_o a_o more_o please_a and_o profitable_a way_n for_o themselves_o than_o christ_n appoint_v and_o institute_v for_o they_o so_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v have_v spare_v their_o pain_n in_o that_o matter_n &_o so_o the_o institution_n and_o the_o love_n wisdom_n care_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o case_n be_v all_o throw_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n 5._o there_o can_v be_v no_o discipline_n orderly_a or_o profitable_o exercise_v among_o believer_n while_o in_o a_o unchurch_v state_n and_o condition_n for_o how_o can_v offend_v person_n after_o the_o first_o &_o second_o admonition_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o a_o offend_a person_n his_o sin_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o of_o their_o deal_n with_o he_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n as_o command_v matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o if_o there_o be_v no_o fix_a church_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o how_o can_v the_o cause_n be_v hear_v and_o the_o offender_n deal_v withal_o according_a to_o that_o charge_n by_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v none_o what_o power_n have_v any_o believer_n one_o over_o another_o but_o by_o their_o mutual_a consent_n and_o engagement_n one_o to_o another_o to_o give_v and_o take_v reproof_n and_o admonition_n to_o and_o of_o one_o another_o or_o how_o can_v they_o call_v offender_n to_o a_o account_n and_o require_v their_o attendance_n and_o subjection_n to_o their_o execute_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v a_o form_v body_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o joint_a relation_n not_o as_o believer_n only_o but_o as_o unite_a and_o engage_v believer_n to_o one_o another_o in_o that_o society_n the_o ruler_n of_o a_o corporation_n may_v not_o exercise_v authority_n or_o execute_v their_o corporation_n law_n on_o such_o person_n as_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o although_o they_o be_v the_o king_n subject_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v incorporate_v neither_o may_v a_o thousand_o person_n in_o a_o place_n exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o each_o other_o because_o they_o live_v and_o often_o converse_v together_o neither_o have_v many_o believer_n such_o power_n over_o each_o other_o while_o they_o walk_v as_o so_o many_o single_a &_o individual_a person_n without_o a_o church-relation_n to_o one_o another_o as_o they_o may_v have_v in_o a_o church-relation_n as_o the_o forementioned_a text_n evince_n beside_o 6._o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discharge_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n unto_o they_o while_o they_o walk_v loose_o and_o disorderly_o for_o how_o can_v they_o watch_v and_o feed_v they_o as_o their_o own_o particular_a flock_n and_o charge_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o fix_a relation_n between_o they_o and_o they_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o which_o they_o can_v do_v unless_o their_o flock_n be_v tie_v to_o they_o and_o have_v mutual_o choose_v each_o other_o as_o be_v say_v before_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n unto_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n and_o they_o be_v to_o wait_v on_o and_o submit_v to_o their_o regular_a ministration_n church-officer_n must_v officiate_v in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o must_v know_v and_o work_v within_o their_o own_o bound_n and_o to_o their_o own_o charge_n so_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a congregat_v church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v charge_v to_o feed_v and_o watch_v over_o that_o particular_a church_n as_o their_o own_o peculiar_a flock_n and_o charge_n act_v 20.17_o 28._o and_o so_o be_v the_o several_a angel_n or_o officer_n of_o these_o other_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n all_o which_o be_v call_v church_n which_o have_v matter_n and_o form_n and_o beside_o these_o evil_a consequence_n there_o be_v many_o other_o that_o i_o can_v name_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a and_o time_n will_v permit_v which_o will_v sufficient_o evince_v the_o truth_n plead_v for_o now_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v how_o believer_n shall_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n form_n up_o themselves_o into_o a_o church-state_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o profit_n and_o spiritual_a welfare_n or_o what_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o lie_v show_v they_o the_o form_n of_o the_o house_n and_o the_o fashion_n of_o it_o and_o the_o go_n out_o thereof_o and_o the_o come_n in_o thereof_o and_o all_o the_o form_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o law_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o ezek._n 43.11_o first_o the_o person_n intend_v to_o join_v themselves_o together_o &_o to_o become_v a_o church_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o his_o name_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o for_o the_o orderly_a celebration_n of_o all_o the_o lord_n appointment_n and_o worship_n in_o a_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o each_o other_o fitness_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o jesus_n christ_n have_v receive_v rom._n 15.16_o and_o regenerate_v joh._n 3.3_o wrought_v and_o make_v ready_a for_o it_o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o that_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o sanctify_v to_o his_o use_n member_n of_o christ_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o charitable_a judgement_n that_o they_o be_v such_o that_o so_o they_o may_v take_v each_o other_o and_o have_v their_o heart_n kint_v to_o one_o another_o in_o spiritual_a real_a love_n as_o such_o and_o so_o have_v confidence_n in_o and_o of_o each_o other_o that_o they_o will_v live_v together_o as_o such_o in_o their_o church-state_n god_n will_v not_o have_v a_o ox_n and_o a_o ass_n draw_v together_o in_o over_o yoke_n neither_o will_v he_o have_v visible_a saint_n and_o sinner_n join_v together_o and_o build_v he_o a_o gospel-church_n or_o holy_a temple_n to_o dwell_v in_o what_o have_v the_o uncircumcize_v to_o do_v in_o the_o lord_n holy_a temple_n with_o the_o circumcise_v if_o god_n house_n must_v be_v a_o holy_a temple_n yea_o holiness_n to_o god_n isa_n 63.15_o than_o it_o must_v consist_v of_o and_o be_v form_v of_o holy_a person_n for_o unclean_a and_o unholy_a person_n can_v make_v a_o holy_a spiritual_a house_n for_o his_o glorious_a presence_n therefore_o such_o as_o
their_o ministry_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o and_o do_v not_o exercise_v the_o authority_n and_o execute_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o see_v too_o and_o require_v orderly_o walk_v of_o all_o the_o member_n and_o authoritative_o to_o deal_v with_o offender_n and_o transgressor_n of_o his_o law_n who_o have_v power_n or_o can_v do_v it_o a_o church_n of_o believer_n as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v a_o family_n a_o corporation_n and_o household_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n that_o all_o family_n and_o incorporate_v body_n of_o man_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o live_v under_o and_o submit_v unto_o the_o law_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o those_o family_n and_o corporation_n whereunto_o they_o belong_v and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o they_o have_v such_o among_o they_o as_o have_v power_n and_o authority_n to_o exercise_v discipline_n and_o execute_v law_n to_o command_v order_n and_o appoint_v what_o where_o when_o and_o how_o matter_n and_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v among_o they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v that_o the_o discipline_n of_o a_o family_n or_o church_n of_o god_n ought_v most_o careful_o to_o be_v attend_v too_o and_o practise_v and_o who_o shall_v exercise_v it_o but_o his_o minister_n and_o overseer_n act._n 20.17_o 28._o it_o be_v true_a that_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n also_o another_o sort_n of_o ruler_n which_o i_o think_v be_v say_v to_o be_v help_n to_o which_o government_n be_v join_v 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v as_o i_o judge_v god_n have_v chief_o entrust_v the_o roll_a power_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o teach_v elder_n and_o impower_v other_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o namely_o such_o as_o be_v call_v rule_v elder_n in_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o for_o they_o have_v need_n enough_o of_o such_o help_n in_o their_o well_o govern_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o more_o afterward_o this_o be_v another_o part_n or_o parcel_n of_o teaching-elders_a work_n three_o their_o work_n be_v to_o watch_n i_o say_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o church_n they_o be_v the_o church_n watchman_n to_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o and_o to_o make_v inspection_n into_o they_o act_v 20.17_o 28_o 31._o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o 1_o pet_n 5.2_o they_o be_v to_o watch_v the_o wolf_n and_o devil_n that_o will_v come_v among_o they_o to_o sow_v false_a doctrine_n and_o division_n to_o the_o break_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o spoil_v their_o communion_n and_o that_o will_v corrupt_v their_o faith_n and_o leaven_n their_o judgement_n and_o drive_v they_o away_o from_o the_o sheep-fold_n acts._n 20.29_o 30_o 31._o tit._n 1.10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o they_o must_v also_o watch_v their_o walking_n and_o conversation_n and_o see_v if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n phil._n 1.27_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v reprovable_a and_o scandalous_a so_o also_o if_o they_o keep_v to_o and_o practice_v their_o several_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o or_o neglect_v they_o that_o they_o may_v from_o christ_n encourage_v the_o obedient_a and_o rebuke_v the_o negligent_a 1_o thes_n 5.14_o they_o must_v also_o watch_v and_o make_v inspection_n into_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o see_v how_o matter_n go_v or_o stand_v with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o administer_v remedy_n to_o they_o as_o their_o case_n do_v require_v they_o shall_v inquire_v into_o their_o growth_n or_o decay_n in_o grace_n whether_o the_o word_n &_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n do_v profit_n or_o disprofit_v they_o &_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a they_o shall_v know_v what_o use_n and_o improvement_n they_o make_v of_o their_o gospel-mercy_n as_o also_o their_o trial_n and_o temptation_n their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n whether_o they_o continue_v find_v and_o sincere_a the_o elder_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v not_o only_o carry_v about_o the_o name_n of_o watchman_n but_o they_o must_v do_v and_o attend_v with_o diligence_n the_o real_a and_o full_a work_n of_o watchman_n they_o be_v set_v by_o he_o upon_o his_o wall_n to_o watch_v and_o inspect_v his_o church_n which_o indeed_o be_v no_o easy_a work_n but_o full_a of_o care_n trouble_n pain_n and_o difficulty_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o apostle_n say_v who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n for_o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a and_o soul-concernments_a of_o the_o whole_a church_n four_o they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n and_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n among_o they_o and_o to_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o power_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o know_v any_o truth_n or_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n doubt_v of_o or_o call_v into_o question_n by_o any_o in_o the_o church_n they_o must_v with_o all_o possible_a care_n wisdom_n faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o the_o doubt_n and_o question_n maintain_v the_o truth_n and_o establish_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n in_o they_o for_o shall_v the_o error_n at_o any_o time_n sow_v among_o they_o be_v let_v alone_o and_o suffer_v to_o take_v root_n in_o their_o head_n they_o will_v eat_v into_o the_o heart_n like_o a_o canker_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cancer_n or_o gangrene_n to_o prevent_v which_o the_o apostle_n charge_v timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o all_o elder_n of_o church_n in_o they_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n tit._n 1.9_o that_o by_o sound_a doctrine_n they_o may_v convince_v gainsayer_n and_o this_o be_v always_o paul_n care_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v show_v either_o to_o prevent_v the_o corrupt_a of_o truth_n and_o man_n soul_n with_o error_n or_o to_o overthrow_v and_o root_v they_o up_o where_o they_o be_v entertain_v thus_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o do_v now_o and_o that_o for_o christ_n his_o truth_n and_o church_n sake_n five_o they_o must_v administer_v all_o church-ordinance_n with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n care_n zeal_n and_o faithfulness_n it_o be_v their_o work_n and_o place_n to_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v careless_a or_o negligent_a but_o watch_v seek_v for_o and_o observe_v all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o that_o the_o church_n suffer_v no_o detriment_n by_o their_o neglect_n which_o they_o will_v quick_o do_v if_o neglect_v as_o experience_n show_v they_o must_v not_o only_a care_n to_o preach_v well_o but_o to_o administer_v all_o other_o appointment_n of_o christ_n also_o in_o their_o season_n for_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o church_n food_n and_o provision_n and_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n appoint_v by_o he_o for_o the_o communicate_v and_o dispense_n of_o his_o grace_n spirit_n yea_o and_o himself_n unto_o their_o soul_n and_o indeed_o without_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o house_n the_o house_n or_o church_n can_v subsist_v and_o they_o be_v the_o authorize_v steward_n of_o the_o house_n to_o give_v the_o lord_n household_n all_o their_o provision_n in_o due_a season_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a under_o his_o keep_n and_o donation_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o mat._n 24.45_o psal_n 92_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o every_o church_n ordinance_n be_v a_o golden_a pipe_n to_o convey_v light_n life_n and_o holiness_n into_o believer_n heart_n and_o as_o breast_n to_o convey_v nourishment_n to_o the_o soul_n they_o be_v spiritual_a ladder_n to_o carry_v the_o heart_n and_o grace_n of_o believer_n up_o to_o heaven_n and_o lodge_v their_o mind_n and_o affection_n there_o and_o they_o be_v as_o the_o ark_n where_o god_n will_v come_v and_o meet_v his_o people_n esa_n 64.5_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v careful_o frequent_o and_o holy_o dispense_v and_o administer_v by_o they_o who_o be_v set_v there_o to_o do_v it_o six_o they_o must_v stand_v between_o god_n and_o the_o church_n with_o holy_a heart_n hand_n and_o tongue_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n for_o the_o church_n or_o in_o their_o behalf_n and_o that_o private_o and_o public_o for_o their_o work_n and_o office_n be_v not_o only_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o from_o christ_n but_o they_o be_v to_o present_v their_o want_n desire_n and_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o they_o also_o which_o be_v no_o easy_a work_n to_o do_v they_o must_v pray_v and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o they_o as_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o carry_v they_o upon_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n in_o their_o secret_a address_n to_o god_n and_o plead_v with_o god_n importunate_o for_o they_o
14_o 15_o 16._o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v for_o and_o command_v to_o be_v example_n to_o their_o flock_n 1_o tim._n 4.12_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o imitate_v their_o master_n and_o to_o teach_v lead_v and_o conduct_v they_o in_o holiness_n to_o heaven_n as_o well_o by_o their_o walking_n and_o conversation_n as_o by_o their_o ministry_n that_o they_o may_v safe_o and_o comfortable_o follow_v they_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o 1_o cor._n 4.16_o 2_o thes_n 3.7_o sure_o such_o as_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n to_o feed_v nourish_v comfort_n strengthen_v instruct_v and_o build_v up_o his_o people_n to_o conduct_v lead_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o gospel-holiness_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n shall_v be_v singular_a in_o practical_a godliness_n themselves_o they_o shall_v be_v singular_a in_o knowledge_n faith_n patience_n self-denial_n goodness_n meekness_n charity_n humility_n tenden-heartedness_n faithfulness_n and_o usefulness_n in_o the_o world_n they_o ought_v to_o live_v out_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o conform_v their_o carriage_n word_n and_o action_n thereunto_o they_o must_v be_v clear_a of_o all_o vice_n and_o eminent_a in_o all_o virtue_n that_o they_o may_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o encourage_v man_n to_o follow_v their_o step_n for_o they_o be_v not_o set_v in_o the_o church_n only_o to_o teach_v and_o verbal_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o but_o to_o be_v pattern_n of_o piety_n also_o tit._n 2.7_o they_o must_v carry_v themselves_o grave_o sober_o wise_o serious_o and_o holy_o towards_o and_o before_o all_o man_n that_o those_o who_o seek_v occasion_n against_o they_o may_v find_v none_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o and_o report_n that_o god_n his_o fear_n love_n faith_n and_o spirit_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 14.25_o and_o as_o they_o must_v serious_o mind_n and_o practise_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n or_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o so_o they_o must_v careful_o mind_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o too_o 1_o in_o all_o their_o ministration_n and_o walking_n they_o must_v regard_v and_o have_v their_o eye_n on_o their_o lord_n will_v and_o appointment_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v what_o ever_o i_o command_v you_o math._n 28._o ult_n they_o must_v not_o impose_v their_o own_o will_n and_o dictate_v and_o thereby_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n and_o steward_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o make_v law_n for_o and_o impose_v they_o on_o his_o household_n but_o to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o their_o master_n law_n exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o keep_v and_o observe_v they_o as_o he_o command_v and_o to_o execute_v they_o on_o offender_n 2_o they_o must_v be_v diligent_a and_o constant_a in_o their_o work_n they_o must_v not_o be_v loiterer_n but_o labourer_n &_o be_v example_n to_o their_o flock_n by_o show_v all_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o their_o work_n act._n 18.25_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o prov._n 27.23_o 3_o they_o shall_v attend_v too_o and_o perform_v their_o work_n ready_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o not_o grudge_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 9.17_o they_o must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v â—_o tim._n 3.2_o and_o willing_a to_o communicate_v if_o all_o believer_n shall_v so_o perform_v all_o their_o work_n much_o more_o shall_v minister_n they_o shall_v account_v their_o ministerial_a work_n their_o privilege_n not_o their_o burden_n and_o carry_v themselves_o according_o in_o it_o 4_o they_o must_v always_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n the_o end_n of_o their_o work_n and_o office_n and_o prosecute_v intend_v and_o design_v they_o with_o all_o gospel_n sincerity_n they_o must_v not_o take_v their_o office_n on_o they_o nor_o do_v their_o work_n for_o filthy_a lucre_n 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o nor_o to_o honour_n and_o exalt_v themselves_o but_o to_o honour_n please_v and_o serve_v christ_n their_o lord_n and_o to_o profit_n and_o edify_v his_o people_n and_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a integrity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 2._o ult_n for_o if_o these_o end_n be_v not_o upper-most_a in_o their_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o their_o desire_n choice_n aim_n and_o intention_n in_o their_o ministration_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o christ_n nor_o qualify_v for_o church-work_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o prosper_v in_o it_o be_v own_v and_o bless_v by_o he_o nor_o profit_v his_o people_n thus_o brief_o of_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o teach_v elder_n or_o pastor_n to_o the_o church_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v they_o overseer_n now_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o church_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n who_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n among_o they_o chap._n vi_o wherein_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o teach_v elder_n be_v clear_o open_v and_o declare_v from_o scripture_n q._n how_o ought_v church-member_n to_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o pastor_n or_o teach_v elder_n or_o what_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n towards_o they_o answ_n it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o king_n &_o head_n of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v carry_v and_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o in_o heart_n and_o practice_n as_o to_o his_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n who_o come_v to_o they_o in_o his_o name_n by_o his_o mission_n authority_n and_o commission_n with_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n upon_o his_o errand_n and_o business_n as_o also_o for_o their_o soul_n profit_n they_o bear_v his_o image_n wear_v his_o livery_n do_v his_o work_n and_o serve_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o slight_v or_o despise_v they_o slight_n and_o despise_v he_o and_o his_o father_n too_o luk._n 10.16_o and_o he_o or_o they_o that_o receive_v they_o that_o love_n honour_n &_o carry_v it_o well_o to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v his_o send_v of_o he_o commissioned_n and_o qualify_v by_o he_o to_o serve_v and_o honour_v he_o in_o the_o church_n they_o do_v thereby_o receive_v honour_n and_o love_n christ_n himself_o gal._n 4.14_o they_o receive_v honour_n and_o love_n jesus_n christ_n in_o and_o by_o receive_v honour_v and_o love_v they_o as_o such_o and_o whatever_o good_a they_o do_v they_o or_o whatever_o respect_n they_o show_v they_o as_o such_o the_o lord_n jesus_n take_v it_o as_o do_v to_o himself_o matth._n 10._o ult_n matth._n 25._o therefore_o all_o church-member_n ought_v to_o carry_v and_o behave_v themselves_o well_o towards_o they_o and_o among_o other_o thing_n in_o these_o particular_n 1._o they_o ought_v to_o love_v they_o i_o say_v to_o love_v they_o and_o that_o with_o all_o cordial_a tender_a affection_n they_o must_v not_o love_v they_o as_o they_o do_v other_o saint_n of_o god_n only_o but_o they_o must_v have_v singular_a love_n for_o and_o show_v special_a love_n unto_o they_o as_o christ_n ambassador_n and_o their_o minister_n 1_o thes_n 5.12_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 very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n they_o must_v be_v love_v on_o several_a account_n 1._o as_o good_a man_n and_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o love_v they_o as_o fellow-brethren_n as_o we_o do_v other_o private_a member_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v love_v as_o his_o ambassador_n and_o commissioner_n as_o his_o steward_n and_o officer_n gift_a and_o send_v forth_o by_o he_o about_o his_o concern_v in_o his_o church_n to_o do_v his_o work_n and_o business_n and_o as_o represent_v he_o by_o officiate_a in_o his_o name_n by_o his_o authority_n and_o do_v his_o message_n 3._o they_o ought_v to_o be_v love_v as_o your_o minister_n guide_n feeder_n and_o overseer_n as_o send_v unto_o you_o from_o christ_n and_o dispense_n the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o you_o declare_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o administer_a his_o holy_a appointment_n to_o you_o for_o your_o present_a comfort_n establishment_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o for_o your_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v love_v more_o than_o any_o other_o believer_n namely_o because_o
evil_n of_o it_o &_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o they_o shall_v assist_v and_o help_v they_o with_o their_o company_n advice_n and_o counsel_n when_o desire_v and_o need_n require_v it_o moreover_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o make_v the_o ministry_n of_o their_o teacher_n acceptable_a unto_o the_o church_n and_o to_o see_v that_o all_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o that_o they_o defraud_v not_o their_o teacher_n of_o convenient_a and_o due_a maintenance_n nor_o carry_v themselves_o rude_o and_o disrespectful_o unto_o they_o or_o towards_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o they_o warn_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o as_o christ_n have_v command_v that_o they_o constant_o seasonable_o and_o reverent_o attend_v to_o and_o wait_v on_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o make_v holy_a earning_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o 9_o they_o ought_v to_o project_n and_o prepare_v good_a order_n and_o matter_n for_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o church_n to_o 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and_o private_o and_o ruling-elders_a be_v to_o do_v it_o private_o and_o particular_o and_o because_o the_o frequent_a meeting_n of_o christian_n for_o prayer_n and_o discourse_n be_v a_o duty_n exceed_v profitable_a and_o beneficial_a unto_o their_o soul_n when_o right_o improve_v wise_o and_o spiritual_o manage_v the_o elder_n shall_v encourage_v it_o set_v it_o forward_o and_o endeavour_v to_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v such_o good_a work_v and_o duty_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o meeting_n will_v great_o promote_v godliness_n and_o keep_v a_o savour_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o heart_n now_o who_o shall_v promote_v and_o further_o this_o good_a work_n so_o much_o as_o the_o elder_n who_o may_v and_o ought_v authoritative_o to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v another_o of_o their_o work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o church_n therefore_o see_v you_o do_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n who_o be_v elder_n 10._o last_o ruling-elders_a as_o well_o as_o teach_v have_v another_o great_a work_n to_o do_v in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v singular_o exemplary_a in_o their_o word_n deed_n and_o carriage_n be_v thou_o a_o example_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n 1_o epistle_n 4.12_o to_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 for_o without_o these_o thing_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v worth_a nothing_o at_o all_o elder_n and_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n as_o well_o as_o the_o deacon_n shall_v be_v example_n and_o encourage_a pattern_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n to_o other_o in_o their_o garb_n or_o clothing_n elder_n shall_v be_v singular_a in_o wisdom_n zeal_n seriousness_n and_o gravity_n in_o love_n sweetness_n diligence_n faithfulness_n spirituallity_n heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o in_o all_o good_a work_n show_v thyself_o say_v paul_n a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n in_o all_o thing_n tit._n 2.7_o they_o must_v so_o walk_v as_o that_o other_o may_v safe_o follow_v their_o step_n and_o be_v excite_v and_o encourage_v so_o to_o do_v by_o their_o example_n they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o be_v good_a example_n out_o of_o and_o in_o the_o congregation_n or_o church_n when_o assemble_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n then_o shall_v the_o elder_n show_v good_a example_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o their_o timely_a come_n there_o and_o by_o their_o holy_a serious_a and_o reverend_a carriage_n and_o deportment_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o when_o they_o neglect_v their_o place_n and_o duty_n there_o or_o come_v unreasonable_o carry_v themselves_o careless_o and_o unreverent_o they_o tempt_v other_o to_o do_v so_o too_o for_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v a_o name_n among_o they_o so_o they_o eye_v they_o much_o and_o expect_v great_a thing_n of_o and_o from_o they_o therefore_o elder_n must_v take_v heed_n to_o their_o way_n and_o see_v that_o they_o walk_v circumspect_o or_o exact_o eph._n 5.15_o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o they_o will_v do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a in_o the_o church_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o rule_v elder_n have_v work_n enough_o to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v need_n and_o use_n enough_o of_o they_o and_o sure_o they_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o the_o church_n and_o prove_v a_o great_a blessing_n indeed_o to_o she_o will_v they_o but_o know_v mind_n attend_v to_o and_o do_v their_o own_o proper_a work_n and_o business_n and_o real_o concern_v themselves_o with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n concernment_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o oh_o that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o that_o office_n and_o dignity_n will_v serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n their_o way_n and_o do_n wherefore_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o invest_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o intend_v and_o in_o good_a earnest_n set_v to_o their_o work_n and_o unfeigned_o design_n and_o prosecute_v those_o end_n quest_n how_o shall_v ruling-elders_a perform_v their_o work_n in_o the_o church_n answ_n first_o with_o wisdom_n or_o wise_o they_o shall_v wise_o observe_v the_o matter_n they_o have_v to_o concern_v themselves_o about_o and_o to_o manage_v in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o time_n and_o scason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o to_o who_o and_o when_o 3._o the_o manner_n how_o they_o shall_v or_o ought_v to_o do_v they_o much_o light_n knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o church_n government_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v great_a need_n to_o pray_v read_v and_o study_n much_o for_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o not_o mistake_v their_o way_n and_o work_v nor_o the_o time_n season_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o nor_o stumble_v at_o any_o stumbling-stone_n or_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o so_o great_a and_o importunate_a matter_n 2._o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v their_o great_a and_o only_a rule_n and_o guide_n in_o church-matter_n no_o other_o voice_n must_v be_v hear_v there_o but_o he_o nor_o any_o other_o authority_n law_n or_o rule_v to_o be_v observe_v follow_v and_o obey_v but_o he_o it_o be_v give_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o church_n eph._n 1.22_o 23._o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o nothing_o else_o math._n 28.20_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o or_o for_o the_o church_n this_o they_o must_v careful_o and_o continual_o mind_n and_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o do_v not_o their_o own_o will_n and_o walk_v by_o their_o own_o rule_n but_o christ_n for_o in_o so_o do_v he_o will_v bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o help_n and_o assist_v they_o and_o in_o the_o end_n he_o will_v reward_v all_o their_o conformity_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n but_o otherwise_o he_o will_v say_v who_o require_v these_o thing_n of_o you_o therefore_o when_o any_o case_n or_o work_n be_v offer_v to_o you_o you_o must_v consider_v they_o and_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o you_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o what_o you_o be_v call_v to_o do_v and_o then_o proceed_v and_o manage_v your_o work_n according_o be_v you_o sure_a to_o steer_v your_o course_n aright_o by_o divine_a light_n and_o law_n look_v up_o to_o and_o own_o christ_n and_o his_o authority_n in_o all_o your_o proceedure_n for_o you_o act_n not_o as_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o a_o state_n but_o as_o the_o spiritual_a magistrate_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o be_v his_o will_n
to_o nourish_v strengthen_v and_o refresh_v the_o city_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v make_v fat_a and_o fruitful_a the_o spring_n treasure_n and_o fountain_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n be_v open_v in_o and_o to_o the_o church_n and_o there_o christ_n jesus_n cause_v the_o horn_n of_o his_o david_n to_o flourish_v psal_n 132.17_o in_o a_o church-state_n believer_n live_v in_o the_o stream_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v grow_v there_o as_o willow_n by_o the_o watercourse_n esa_n 44.4_o for_o there_o they_o may_v with_o joy_n draw_v water_n out_o of_o these_o well_n of_o salvation_n esa_n 12.3_o the_o more_o obedient_a believer_n be_v to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o king_n the_o more_o he_o will_v bless_v they_o and_o communicate_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o grace_n to_o they_o joh_n 14.13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 21_o 23._o joh._n 15.7_o 10._o now_o in_o a_o church-state_n they_o do_v give_v up_o themselves_o in_o universal_a profess_a and_o avow_a obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v themselves_o under_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o under_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o their_o soul_n by_o they_o 3._o god_n have_v promise_v to_o impart_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n to_o his_o people_n in_o their_o walk_n with_o he_o in_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n cant._n 7.12_o let_v we_o get_v up_o early_o to_o the_o vineyard_n the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o they_o there_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o my_o love_n psal_n 92.12_o 13_o 14._o the_o righteous_a shall_v flourish_v like_o the_o palmtree_n he_o shall_v grow_v like_o a_o cedar_n 〈◊〉_d lebanon_n but_o where_o shall_v they_o thus_o grow_v and_o flourish_v see_v the_o 13.14_o verse_n those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_v in_o the_o court_n of_o our_o god_n they_o shall_v still_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o old_a age_n they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a well_o might_n david_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o dwell_v in_o thy_o house_n psal_n 84.4_o for_o great_a and_o glorious_a be_v their_o provision_n privilege_n and_o advantage_n to_o help_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o journey_n towards_o heaven_n god_n have_v also_o promise_v to_o bless_v yea_o abundant_o to_o bless_v his_o church_n provision_n and_o to_o satisfy_v their_o poor_a with_o bread_n that_o be_v to_o fill_v and_o empower_v his_o ordinance_n and_o their_o ministry_n with_o his_o presence_n grace_n and_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v great_o profit_v their_o soul_n and_o nourish_v they_o up_o to_o eternal_a life_n psal_n 132.15_o 16._o 4._o god_n love_v &_o delight_v most_o in_o his_o church_n or_o in_o believer_n walk_v together_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o inchurch_v state_n psal_n 87.2_o 3._o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob._n glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o thou_o o_o city_n of_o god_n selah_n eph._n 3.17_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o viz_o zion_n vers_fw-la 16._o â—is_n mighty_a he_o will_v save_v he_o will_v rejoice_v over_o thou_o with_o joy_n he_o will_v rest_v in_o his_o love_n he_o will_v rejoice_v over_o thou_o with_o sing_v where_o man_n love_v and_o delight_v most_o there_o they_o be_v most_o free_a and_o liberal_a to_o such_o they_o be_v most_o bountiful_a and_o open_a hand_a so_o be_v god_n to_o his_o church_n because_o they_o be_v in_o their_o holy_a walk_v the_o great_a object_n of_o his_o love_n and_o delight_n of_o his_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v therefore_o i_o say_v they_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n and_o favour_n 5._o church_n or_o believer_n in_o a_o church-state_n do_v christ_n more_o service_n than_o when_o they_o walk_v single_o and_o out_o of_o that_o gospel-way_n and_o 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privilege_v with_o more_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n so_o likewise_o with_o mutual_a help_n and_o assistance_n from_o one_o another_o their_o nearness_n in_o union_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n their_o knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n with_o each_o other_o together_o with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o enjoin_v they_o thereunto_o and_o brotherly_a love_n result_v from_o all_o capacitates_fw-la enable_v quicken_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o more_o and_o constant_a usefulness_n to_o one_o another_o than_o otherwise_o they_o can_v or_o will_v be_v their_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a intimacy_n and_o communion_n beget_v and_o preserve_v warm_a hearty_a and_o strong_a love_n and_o affection_n one_o to_o another_o which_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o mind_n and_o do_v their_o external_a duty_n to_o each_o other_o it_o prompt_v and_o put_v they_o upon_o sympathize_v one_o with_o another_o on_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o on_o exhort_v comfort_v and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n heb._n 10.24_o 25._o to_o reprove_v admonish_v and_o endeavour_v to_o heal_v each_o other_o when_o need_n require_v gal._n 6.1_o 2._o to_o edify_v one_o another_o warn_v the_o unruly_a and_o support_v the_o weak_a 1_o thes_n 5.11_o 14._o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n to_o our_o soul_n to_o have_v such_o seasonable_a assistance_n one_o from_o another_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a privilege_n when_o i_o be_o tempt_v and_o burden_v to_o have_v my_o brethren_n hand_n under_o i_o to_o support_v and_o strengthen_v i_o when_o by_o my_o heedlessness_n i_o have_v fall_v and_o break_v my_o bone_n wound_v and_o weaken_v my_o soul_n to_o have_v such_o a_o spiritual_a physician_n to_o give_v i_o physic_n such_o a_o good_a samaritan_n at_o
king_n and_o lawgiver_n the_o lord_n christ_n and_o they_o do_v by_o such_o neglect_v slight_a and_o despise_v his_o love_n and_o grace_n his_o care_n and_o kindness_n he_o have_v provide_v holy_a temple_n and_o spiritual_a house_n for_o they_o to_o dwell_v in_o and_o heavenly_a provision_n be_v make_v ready_a in_o they_o for_o their_o entertainment_n the_o door_n be_v set_v open_a to_o let_v in_o such_o guest_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o great_a king_n be_v go_v forth_o to_o bid_v they_o come_v away_o and_o invite_v they_o to_o enter_v in_o there_o stand_v also_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n even_o at_o the_o door_n wait_v for_o they_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n attend_v there_o to_o welcome_v they_o when_o they_o come_v luk._n 14.16_o 17._o rev._n 3.20_o he_o get_v there_o before_o they_o and_o abide_v there_o in_o expectation_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o company_n of_o all_o his_o saint_n psal_n 11.4_o isa_n 30.18_o he_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v his_o good_a pleasure_n 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brethren_n dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n psal_n 133.1_o 2._o and_o unite_v in_o a_o holy_a band._n i_o have_v speak_v somewhat_o of_o this_o elsewhere_o under_o another_o head_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o believer_n may_v more_o honour_n christ_n by_o walk_v together_o in_o gospel_n or_o church-fellowship_n than_o otherwise_o that_o then_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n so_o to_o walk_v for_o if_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o exalt_v and_o honour_n christ_n all_o they_o can_v as_o certain_o it_o be_v than_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v it_o now_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o and_o set_v in_o his_o church_n many_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o he_o expect_v a_o revenue_n of_o glory_n by_o his_o people_n therefore_o the_o more_o of_o his_o ordinance_n you_o have_v in_o your_o hand_n and_o spiritual_o observe_v the_o more_o 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his_o reveal_v will_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o experience_n that_o their_o near_a and_o close_a communion_n together_o in_o church-fellowship_n do_v great_o provoke_v irritate_fw-la strengthen_v and_o draw_v forth_o their_o love_n one_o to_o another_o distance_n and_o strangeness_n weaken_v love_n but_o nearness_n and_o intimacy_n strengthen_v it_o church_n communion_n be_v a_o spiritual_a bond_n that_o tie_v spiritual_a man_n together_o and_o great_o knit_v they_o into_o one_o when_o otherwise_o in_o their_o walking_n they_o be_v divide_v and_o like_a bone_n out_o of_o joint_n therefore_o let_v all_o true-hearted_a brethren_n join_v in_o church-fellowship_n with_o their_o brethren_n and_o declare_v their_o oneness_n in_o christ_n in_o spirit_n faith_n and_o love_n by_o their_o so_o do_v let_v they_o strengthen_v each_o other_o hand_n and_o encourage_v one_o another_o heart_n in_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n in_o their_o privilege_n and_o mercy_n and_o know_v that_o you_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v so_o to_o do_v you_o have_v christ_n himself_o and_o his_o spirit_n call_v you_o you_o have_v your_o own_o and_o your_o brethren_n soul_n call_v you_o you_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a saint_n call_v you_o and_o in_o a_o sense_n you_o have_v the_o world_n call_v you_o into_o church-fellowship_n why_o then_o do_v it_o and_o make_v no_o long_o delay_n for_o while_o you_o neglect_v to_o do_v it_o you_o neglect_v your_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o your_o brethren_n and_o to_o your_o own_o soul_n yea_o you_o do_v practical_o slight_v your_o purchase_a privilege_n and_o dear-bought_a mercy_n do_v it_o speedy_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o for_o your_o own_o peace_n comfort_n growth_n and_o security_n seven_o you_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n aught_o to_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n that_o you_o may_v be_v and_o live_v under_o church_n promise_n you_o hear_v before_o that_o there_o be_v many_o promise_n make_v and_o give_v to_o church_n or_o to_o believer_n in_o that_o capacity_n which_o they_o can_v claim_v to_o themselves_o while_o they_o walk_v alone_o as_o individual_n and_o stranger_n to_o one_o another_o god_n tell_v solomon_n that_o his_o eye_n and_o heart_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o in_o his_o temple_n 2_o chron._n 7.16_o but_o david_n gold_n silver_n brass_n and_o other_o material_n that_o he_o have_v provide_v to_o build_v it_o have_v not_o such_o a_o promise_n until_o they_o be_v form_v up_o into_o a_o house_n for_o god_n so_o it_o be_v now_o with_o live_v or_o lively_a material_n that_o be_v hew_v and_o polished_a for_o to_o build_v he_o gospel-temple_n they_o may_v not_o expect_v the_o good_a of_o all_o the_o promise_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n appointment_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n although_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n unite_v and_o marry_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o all_o the_o good_a of_o they_o yet_o 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proffer_v to_o join_v with_o they_o unless_o they_o have_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o deny_v they_o and_o what_o they_o do_v therein_o be_v by_o apostolical_a direction_n 3._o by_o refuse_v to_o accept_v they_o into_o communion_n speedy_o without_o just_a cause_n they_o do_v great_o wrong_v and_o injure_v they_o and_o grieve_v such_o as_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v grieve_v 1._o they_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o their_o right_n and_o detain_v from_o they_o their_o just_a due_n they_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o privilege_n which_o christ_n have_v buy_v for_o they_o and_o 2_o lay_v they_o under_o many_o and_o great_a temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o despond_v 4._o they_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n which_o he_o may_v receive_v from_o they_o in_o their_o church-duty_n 5._o they_o discourage_v person_n from_o come_v to_o and_o join_v with_o they_o and_o so_o expose_v themselves_o to_o ruin_n for_o the_o church_n can_v long_o subsist_v without_o continual_a addition_n 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in_o all_o probability_n they_o shall_v be_v devour_v by_o they_o in_o this_o case_n the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n flee_v and_o go_v their_o way_n and_o hereby_o the_o lord_n do_v often_o call_v off_o pastor_n now_o 2._o in_o case_n the_o church_n leave_v they_o and_o will_v not_o stand_v by_o they_o 3._o in_o case_n their_o church_n fall_v into_o rent_n &_o schism_n and_o they_o grow_v so_o headstrong_a and_o unruly_a as_o that_o they_o can_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o they_o as_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o 4._o in_o case_n they_o can_v live_v and_o subsist_v with_o and_o by_o they_o but_o in_o a_o miserable_a and_o distress_a condition_n for_o if_o the_o church_n provide_v not_o for_o they_o and_o they_o have_v not_o otherwise_o a_o subsistence_n they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o provide_v for_o their_o church_n for_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o they_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9.14_o and_o they_o must_v live_v by_o bread_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n or_o they_o deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n 1_o tim._n 5.8_o 5._o in_o case_n the_o lord_n do_v open_v a_o door_n for_o their_o ministry_n elsewhere_o which_o be_v always_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o matter_n if_o providence_n invite_v they_o elsewhere_o to_o minister_v to_o a_o people_n that_o they_o know_v not_o of_o and_o seek_v not_o after_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o providence_n present_v it_o to_o they_o as_o it_o be_v accidental_o and_o be_v by_o that_o strange_a people_n as_o to_o they_o desire_v to_o preach_v to_o and_o take_v the_o care_n of_o they_o and_o so_o they_o lay_v not_o down_o their_o work_n but_o follow_v it_o in_o those_o other_o place_n where_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o may_v do_v christ_n and_o soul_n great_a service_n and_o not_o expose_v themselves_o thereby_o to_o those_o strait_n and_o temptation_n to_o sin_n they_o be_v in_o before_o i_o say_v take_v 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that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o the_o lord_n charge_v they_o not_o to_o forsake_v their_o church_n nor_o hold_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n heb._n 10.24_o 25._o 2._o he_o brand_v they_o and_o set_v a_o black_a mark_n of_o ignonimy_n on_o all_o wilful_a and_o causeless_a deserter_n of_o church_n 1_o joh._n 2.19_o heb._n 10.25_o 26._o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v which_o be_v a_o contemptuous_a expression_n of_o they_o who_o forsake_v their_o church-membership_a and_o their_o place_n work_n and_o duty_n there_o 3._o deserter_n of_o their_o church-membership_a at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n do_v make_v the_o church_n thereby_o to_o be_v like_o inn_n or_o alehouse_n where_o person_n go_v in_o and_o out_o at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n such_o as_o do_v so_o in_o family_n and_o civil_a society_n be_v account_v vile_a lawless_a and_o extravagant_a person_n because_o they_o live_v not_o 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