for_o whereas_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v unto_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man._n 1_o that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n appointment_n and_o institution_n 2._o that_o upon_o a_o prescription_n of_o duty_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a engagement_n unto_o their_o performance_n on_o the_o part_n of_o men._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v especial_a promise_n of_o god_n annex_v thereunto_o in_o which_o consist_v the_o matter_n of_o confederation_n whereof_o mutual_a express_a restipulation_n be_v the_o form_n they_o all_o concur_v herein_o 9_o this_o covenant_n which_o we_o intend_v be_v not_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n absolute_o consider_v nor_o be_v all_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o that_o covenant_n prescribe_v in_o it_o but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o as_o faith_n repentance_n and_o the_o like_a be_v presuppose_v unto_o it_o nor_o have_v annex_v unto_o it_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n absolute_o consider_v but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v prescribe_v as_o a_o gospel_n duty_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereunto_o do_v belong_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n all_o the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o especial_a promise_n of_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o church_n 10._o whereas_o therefore_o in_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n believer_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v bind_v solemn_o to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o christ_n have_v command_v to_o be_v do_v and_o observe_v in_o that_o state_n whereon_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o among_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n which_o presence_n of_o he_o do_v interest_n they_o in_o all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n their_o so_o do_v have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n include_v in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o their_o church_n sit_v and_o be_v 11._o beside_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v before_o there_o be_v many_o mutual_a duty_n require_v of_o all_o which_o join_v in_o church_n society_n and_o power_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o submit_v unto_o whereunto_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v without_o their_o own_o consent_n they_o must_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n that_o be_v they_o must_v agree_v consent_n and_o engage_v among_o themselves_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o mutual_a duty_n to_o use_v all_o those_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o those_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v prescribe_v and_o grant_v unto_o his_o church_n see_v jerem._n 50.4_o 5._o 12._o this_o complete_v the_o confederation_n intend_v which_o be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n and_o without_o which_o either_o express_o or_o virtual_o perform_v there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n state._n 13._o indeed_o herein_o most_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o think_v they_o do_v not_o that_o nor_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o dispute_v against_o it_o as_o unlawful_a or_o unnecessary_a which_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o they_o do_v themselves_o and_o will_v condemn_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o conscience_n if_o they_o do_v it_o not_o for_o unto_o what_o end_n do_v they_o join_v themselves_o unto_o parochial_a church_n and_o assembly_n to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o require_v all_o professor_n of_o the_o protestant_a religion_n so_o to_o do_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n by_o penalty_n annex_v unto_o its_o neglect_n be_v it_o not_o that_o they_o may_v yield_v obedience_n unto_o christ_n in_o their_o so_o do_v be_v it_o not_o to_o profess_v that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o do_v it_o in_o that_o society_n in_o those_o assembly_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v be_v there_o not_o therein_o virtual_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o engagement_n among_o they_o unto_o all_o those_o end_n it_o must_v be_v so_o with_o they_o who_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n in_o religion_n fight_v uncertain_o as_o man_n beat_v the_o air._n 14._o now_o whereas_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o know_v gospel_n duty_n which_o all_o believer_n be_v indispensable_o oblige_v unto_o the_o more_o express_v our_o engagement_n be_v concern_v they_o the_o more_o do_v we_o glorify_v christ_n in_o our_o profession_n and_o the_o great_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n will_v abide_v on_o our_o conscience_n and_o great_a encouragement_n be_v give_v unto_o the_o performance_n of_o mutual_a duty_n as_o also_o the_o more_o evident_a will_v the_o warranty_n be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n power_n yet_o do_v i_o not_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o church_n unto_o those_o society_n wherein_o these_o thing_n be_v virtual_o only_o observe_v especial_o in_o church_n of_o some_o continuance_n wherein_o there_o be_v at_o least_o a_o implicit_a consent_n unto_o the_o first_o covenant-constitution_n 15._o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v officer_n ruler_n or_o leader_n in_o his_o church_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o look_v unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o church_n duty_n among_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o administer_v and_o dispense_v all_o its_o privilege_n and_o to_o exercise_v all_o its_o authority_n the_o consent_n and_o engagement_n insist_v on_o be_v express_o require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o this_o order_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o for_o without_o this_o no_o believer_n can_v be_v bring_v into_o that_o relation_n unto_o another_o as_o his_o pastor_n guide_n overseer_n ruler_n unto_o the_o end_v mention_v wherein_o he_o must_v be_v subject_a unto_o he_o partake_v of_o all_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n administer_v by_o he_o with_o authority_n in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n they_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god._n 16._o wherefore_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n consist_v in_o a_o obediential_a act_n of_o believer_n in_o such_o number_n as_o may_v be_v useful_a unto_o the_o end_n of_o church_n edification_n joint_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o his_o command_n rest_v on_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o especial_a presence_n thereon_o give_v and_o communicate_v by_o his_o law_n all_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n unto_o they_o and_o in_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o joint_o to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o in_o that_o state_n with_o a_o especial_a subjection_n unto_o the_o spiritual_a authority_n of_o rule_n and_o ruler_n appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o that_o state._n 17._o there_o be_v nothing_o herein_o which_o any_o man_n who_o have_v a_o conscientious_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n can_v question_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o whether_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n or_o no._n and_o whereas_o the_o nature_n and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o divine_a covenant_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o as_o such_o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o any_o church_n state._n 18._o thus_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n when_o god_n will_v take_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n into_o a_o new_a peculiar_a church_n state_n he_o do_v it_o by_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n herein_o as_o he_o prescribe_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o many_o bless_a promise_n of_o his_o presence_n with_o power_n and_o privilege_n innumerable_a so_o the_o people_n solemn_o covenant_v and_o engage_v with_o he_o that_o they_o will_v do_v and_o observe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v command_v they_o whereby_o they_o coalesce_v into_o that_o church_n state_n which_o abode_n unto_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n this_o covenant_n be_v at_o large_a declare_v exod._n 24._o for_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v there_o with_o the_o people_n and_o they_o with_o he_o be_v not_o the_o couénant_n of_o grace_n under_o a_o legal_a dispensation_n for_o that_o be_v establish_v unto_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n four_o hundred_o year_n before_o in_o the_o promise_n with_o the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n nor_o be_v it_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n under_o a_o gospel_n dispensation_n for_o god_n never_o renew_v that_o covenant_n under_o any_o consideration_n whatever_o but_o it_o be_v a_o peculiar_a covenant_n which_o god_n then_o make_v with_o they_o and_o have_v not_o make_v it_o with_o their_o father_n deut._n 5.2_o 3._o whereby_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o erect_v into_o a_o church_n state_n wherein_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o all_o the_o privilege_n and_o enjoin_v all_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v
the_o estate_n of_o visible_a regeneration_n do_v depend_v be_v require_v of_o they_o herein_o if_o they_o fail_v they_o lose_v all_o privilege_n and_o benefit_n by_o their_o baptism_n so_o speak_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o case_n of_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n rom._n 2.25_o for_o circumcision_n very_o profit_v if_o thou_o keep_v the_o law_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o breaker_n of_o the_o law_n thy_o circumcision_n be_v make_v uncircumcision_n it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o case_n of_o baptism_n very_o it_o profit_v if_o a_o man_n stand_v unto_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v tender_v therein_o between_o god_n and_o his_o soul_n for_o it_o will_v give_v he_o right_o unto_o all_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n his_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n 16._o as_o unto_o the_o real_a communication_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptance_n with_o he_o so_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o baptism_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o external_a right_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state._n 15.8_o 4._o god_n alone_o be_v judge_n concern_v this_o regeneration_n as_o unto_o its_o internal_a 2.23_o real_a principle_n and_o state_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereon_o the_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v depend_v the_o church_n be_v judge_v of_o its_o evidence_n and_o fruit_n in_o their_o external_a demonstration_n as_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o a_o regenerate_v state_n 8.13_o and_o no_o far_o and_o we_o shall_v hereon_o brief_o declare_v what_o belong_v unto_o the_o form_n of_o a_o right_a judgement_n herein_o and_o who_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v fit_a member_n of_o any_o gospel_n church-state_n or_o have_v a_o right_a so_o to_o be_v 1.16_o 1._o such_o as_o from_o who_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o withdraw_v or_o withhold_v communion_n can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n constitunent_a of_o a_o church_n or_o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o first_o constitution_n of_o it_o but_o such_o be_v all_o habitual_a sinner_n those_o who_o have_v prevalent_a habit_n and_o inclination_n unto_o sin_n of_o any_o kind_n unmortified_a do_v walk_v according_a unto_o they_o such_o be_v profane_a swearer_n drunkard_n fornicator_n covetous_a oppressor_n and_o the_o like_a who_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god._n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10_o 11._o phil._n 3.18_o 19_o 2_o thess._n 3.6_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o as_o a_o man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o be_v habitual_o without_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v so_o a_o man_n know_v to_o live_v in_o sin_n can_v regular_o be_v receive_v into_o any_o church_n to_o compose_v church_n of_o habitual_a sinner_n and_o that_o either_o as_o unto_o sin_n of_o commission_n or_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v not_o to_o erect_v temple_n of_o christ_n but_o chapel_n unto_o the_o devil_n 2._o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v admonish_v of_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o if_o they_o repent_v not_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n 18._o be_v not_o meet_v member_n for_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o a_o church_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o they_o who_o abide_v obstinate_a in_o any_o know_a sin_n 5.11_o whereby_o they_o have_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o without_o a_o profess_a repentance_n thereof_o although_o they_o have_v not_o live_v in_o it_o habitual_o 3._o they_o be_v to_o be_v such_o as_o visible_o answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o gospel_n church_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o as_o the_o title_n assign_v therein_o unto_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n may_v on_o good_a ground_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o they_o to_o compose_v church_n of_o such_o person_n as_o do_v not_o visible_o answer_v the_o character_n give_v of_o what_o they_o be_v of_o old_a and_o what_o they_o be_v always_o to_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o gospel-constitution_n be_v not_o church_n edification_n but_o destruction_n and_o those_o who_o look_v on_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o all_o church_n member_n of_o old_a as_o that_o they_o be_v saint_n by_o calling_n lively_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n justify_v and_o sanctify_v separate_a from_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n as_o those_o which_o be_v in_o they_o and_o do_v indeed_o belong_v unto_o they_o but_o even_o deride_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o present_a church_n member_n or_o the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v so_o be_v themselves_o no_o small_a part_n of_o that_o woeful_a degeneracy_n which_o christian_n religion_n be_v fall_v under_o let_v it_o then_o be_v consider_v what_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o dedication_n unto_o god_n as_o unto_o their_o typical_a holiness_n with_o the_o application_n of_o it_o unto_o christian_a church_n in_o real_a holiness_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 9_o with_o the_o description_n give_v of_o they_o constant_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o faithful_a holy_a believe_v as_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o his_o temple_n wherein_o he_o dwell_v by_o his_o spirit_n as_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n unite_v and_o compact_v by_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n unto_o they_o as_o also_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v their_o way_n walking_n and_o duty_n and_o it_o will_v be_v uncontrolable_o evident_a of_o what_o sort_n our_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o be_v nor_o be_v those_o of_o any_o other_o sort_n able_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_a on_o all_o church_n member_n nor_o to_o use_v the_o privilege_n they_o be_v entrust_v withal_o wherefore_o i_o say_v to_o suppose_v church_n regular_o to_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o as_o no_o way_n answer_v the_o description_n give_v of_o church_n member_n in_o their_o original_a institution_n nor_o capable_a to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n prescribe_v unto_o they_o but_o give_v evidence_n of_o habit_n and_o action_n inconsistent_a therewithal_o be_v not_o only_o to_o disturb_v all_o church_n order_n but_o utter_o to_o overthrow_v the_o end_n and_o be_v of_o church_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o scandalous_a unto_o christian_a religion_n than_o what_o bellarmine_n affirm_v to_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o other_o namely_o that_o no_o internal_a virtue_n or_o grace_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n in_o its_o member_n lib._n 3._o de_fw-fr eccles._n cap._n 2._o 15._o 4._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v a_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o subjection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o all_o his_o command_n this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v deny_v for_o not_o only_o do_v the_o scripture_n make_v this_o profession_n necessary_a unto_o the_o participation_n of_o any_o benefit_n or_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o require_v indispensable_o that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v take_v into_o the_o privilege_n attend_v obedience_n unto_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n without_o avow_v or_o profess_v that_o obedience_n wherefore_o our_o enquiry_n be_v only_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o such_o a_o profession_n as_o may_v render_v man_n meet_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o give_v they_o a_o right_a thereunto_o for_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o confession_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v compliant_a with_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v make_v by_o many_o who_o open_o live_v in_o sin_n be_v disobedient_a and_o unto_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a be_v to_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n itself_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o highpriest_n of_o such_o a_o profession_n i_o shall_v therefore_o declare_v brief_o what_o be_v necessary_a unto_o this_o profession_n that_o all_o may_v know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o entrance_n of_o any_o into_o our_o church_n wherein_o our_o practice_n have_v be_v sufficient_o traduce_v 1._o there_o be_v require_v unto_o it_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n especial_o concern_v the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ._n the_o confession_n hereof_o be_v the_o ground_n whereon_o he_o grant_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o all_o church_n power_n unto_o believer_n matth._n 16.17_o 18_o 19_o the_o first_o instruction_n which_o he_o give_v unto_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o they_o shall_v teach_v man_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n
annex_v thereunto_o this_o covenant_n be_v the_o sole_a formal_a cause_n of_o their_o church_n state_n which_o they_o be_v charge_v so_o often_o to_o have_v break_v and_o which_o they_o so_o often_o solemn_o renew_v unto_o god._n 19_o this_o be_v that_o covenant_n which_o be_v to_o be_v abolish_v whereon_o the_o church_n state_n that_o be_v build_v thereon_o be_v utter_o take_v away_o for_o hereon_o the_o hebrew_n cease_v to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a church_n of_o god_n because_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o they_o be_v make_v so_o be_v abolish_v and_o take_v away_o as_o the_o apostle_n dispute_v at_o large_a heb._n 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o promise_n will_v ☞_o still_o continue_v unto_o the_o true_a seed_n of_o abraham_n act._n 2.38_o 39_o but_o the_o church_n covenant_n be_v utter_o take_v away_o 20._o upon_o the_o removal_n therefore_o of_o this_o covenant_n and_o the_o church_n state_n found_v thereon_o all_o duty_n of_o worship_n and_o church_n privilege_n be_v also_o take_v away_o the_o thing_n substitute_v in_o their_o room_n be_v total_o of_o another_o kind_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o make_v with_o abraham_n be_v continue_v and_o transfer_v unto_o the_o gospel_n worshipper_n the_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o it_o give_v unto_o he_o be_v change_v but_o another_o substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o but_o whereas_o the_o privilege_n of_o this_o church_n covenant_n be_v in_o themselves_o carnal_a only_o and_o no_o way_n spiritual_a but_o as_o they_o be_v typical_a and_o the_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o it_o be_v burdensome_a yea_o a_o yoke_n intolerable_a the_o apostle_n declare_v in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o the_o new_a church_n state_n whereinto_o we_o be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n have_v no_o duty_n belong_v unto_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o easy_a but_o withal_o have_v such_o holy_a and_o eminent_a privilege_n as_o the_o church_n can_v no_o way_n enjoy_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o first_o church_n covenant_n nor_o can_v be_v believer_n make_v partaker_n of_o they_o before_o that_o covenant_n be_v abolish_v wherefore_o 21._o the_o same_o way_n for_o the_o erection_n of_o a_o church_n state_n for_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o more_o excellent_a privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o must_v still_o be_v continue_v for_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o power_n and_o privilege_n by_o a_o covenant_n or_o mutual_a consent_n with_o a_o engagement_n unto_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n belong_v unto_o it_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v any_o thing_n in_o common_a with_o other_o voluntary_a relation_n and_o society_n be_v institute_v by_o god_n himself_o as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o erect_v the_o church_n state_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o duty_n as_o be_v express_o require_v of_o all_o believer_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o polity_n rule_n or_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n 1._o the_o thing_n last_o treat_v of_o concern_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o essential_a constituent_a part_n of_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ._n it_o remain_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o we_o shall_v treat_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v organical_a or_o a_o body_n corporate_a a_o spiritual_o political_a society_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n wherewith_o it_o be_v entrust_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v now_o whereas_o it_o be_v bring_v into_o this_o estate_n by_o the_o set_n fix_v or_o place_v officer_n in_o it_o method_n will_v require_v that_o we_o shall_v first_o treat_v of_o they_o their_o nature_n name_n power_n and_o the_o way_n of_o come_v unto_o their_o office_n but_o whereas_o all_o thing_n concern_v they_o be_v found_v in_o the_o grant_n of_o power_n unto_o the_o church_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n of_o polity_n and_o rule_n therein_o by_o jesus_n christ_n i_o shall_v first_o treat_v somewhat_o thereof_o in_o general_n that_o which_o we_o intend_v on_o various_a consideration_n and_o in_o divers_a respect_n be_v call_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n the_o polity_n the_o rule_n the_o government_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n the_o formal_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v its_o authority_n or_o power_n it_o be_v polity_n be_v skill_n and_o wisdom_n to_o act_v that_o power_n unto_o its_o proper_a end_n it_o be_v rule_n be_v the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o that_o power_n according_a unto_o that_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n it_o be_v government_n be_v the_o exercise_n and_o application_n of_o that_o authority_n according_a unto_o that_o skill_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v its_o proper_a object_n and_o it_o be_v call_v its_o discipline_n principal_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o end_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o material_a whether_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o accurate_o distinguish_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v intend_v in_o they_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o general_a the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n give_v unto_o it_o according_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o direction_n prescribe_v by_o himself_o unto_o its_o edification_n this_o power_n in_o actu_fw-la primo_fw-la or_o fundamental_o be_v in_o the_o church_n itself_o in_o actu_fw-la secundo_fw-la or_o its_o exercise_n in_o they_o that_o be_v especial_o call_v thereunto_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v now_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n by_o some_o be_v a_o plain_a secular_a dominion_n have_v any_o affinity_n hereunto_o be_v just_o doubt_v that_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o act_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o man_n be_v ministerial_a only_o be_v evident_a for_o 1._o all_o this_o authority_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n be_v vest_v in_o he_o alone_o 2._o it_o be_v over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n only_o which_o no_o authority_n can_v reach_v but_o he_o and_o that_o as_o it_o be_v he_o whereof_o we_o shall_v treat_v more_o afterward_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o the_o ministerial_a exercise_n of_o this_o power_n and_o rule_n by_o virtue_n thereof_o unto_o the_o church_n be_v the_o edification_n of_o itself_o rom._n 15.1_o 2_o 3._o 2_o cor._n 10.8_o chap._n 13.10_o ephes._n 4.14_o 15._o 3._o this_o be_v the_o especial_a nature_n and_o especial_a end_n of_o all_o power_n grant_v by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o the_o church_n namely_o a_o ministry_n unto_o edification_n in_o opposition_n unto_o all_o the_o end_n whereunto_o it_o have_v be_v abuse_v for_o it_o have_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o usurpation_n of_o a_o dominion_n over_o the_o person_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n accompany_v with_o secular_a grandeur_n wealth_n and_o power_n the_o lord_n christ_n never_o make_v a_o grant_n of_o any_o authority_n for_o any_o such_o end_n yea_o they_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o he_o luk._n 22.25_o matth._n 20.26_o 27_o 28._o jesus_n call_v his_o disciple_n unto_o he_o and_o say_v you_o know_v that_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n exercise_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o they_o that_o be_v great_a exercise_n authority_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o among_o you_o but_o whosoever_o will_v be_v great_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o minister_n and_o whosoever_o will_v be_v chief_a among_o you_o let_v he_o be_v your_o servant_n even_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o be_v minister_v unto_o but_o to_o minister_v all_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o romanist_n be_v utter_o insufficient_a to_o secure_v their_o papal_a domination_n from_o this_o sword_n of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o whereas_o their_o utmost_a pretence_n and_o defence_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o dominion_n and_o power_n absolute_o that_o be_v forbid_v but_o the_o unlawful_a tyrannical_a oppressive_a exercise_n of_o power_n such_o as_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n never_o be_v there_o any_o dominion_n in_o the_o world_n no_o not_o among_o the_o gentile_n more_o cruel_a oppressive_a and_o bloody_a than_o that_o of_o the_o pope_n have_v be_v but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o reflect_v on_o the_o rule_n or_o government_n of_o the_o king_n and_o prince_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o be_v good_a and_o righteous_a yea_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n who_o their_o subject_n for_o their_o moderate_a and_o equal_a rule_n with_o their_o usefulness_n unto_o their_o country_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
attendance_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o when_o man_n undertake_v the_o pastoral_n office_n and_o either_o judge_n it_o not_o their_o duty_n to_o preach_v or_o be_v not_o able_a so_o to_o do_v or_o attempt_v it_o only_o at_o some_o solemn_a season_n or_o attend_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o task_n require_v of_o they_o without_o that_o wisdom_n skill_n diligence_n care_n prudence_n zeal_n and_o compassion_n which_o be_v require_v thereunto_o the_o glory_n and_o use_v of_o the_o ministry_n will_v be_v utter_o destroy_v 2._o the_o second_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n towards_o his_o flock_n be_v continual_a fervent_a prayer_n for_o they_o 1.11_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n without_o this_o no_o man_n can_v or_o do_v preach_v to_o they_o as_o he_o ought_v nor_o perform_v any_o other_o duty_n of_o his_o pastoral_n office._n from_o hence_o may_v any_o man_n take_v the_o best_a measure_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n towards_o his_o flock_n he_o that_o do_v constant_o diligent_o fervent_o pray_v for_o they_o will_v have_v a_o testimony_n in_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o sincerity_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o other_o pastoral_n duty_n nor_o can_v he_o voluntary_o omit_v or_o neglect_v any_o of_o they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v negligent_a herein_o be_v their_o pain_n labour_n and_o travel_v in_o other_o duty_n never_o so_o great_a they_o may_v be_v influence_v from_o other_o reason_n and_o so_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o sincerity_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office._n in_o this_o constant_a prayer_n for_o the_o church_n which_o be_v so_o incumbent_a on_o all_o pastor_n as_o that_o whatever_o be_v do_v without_o it_o be_v of_o no_o esteem_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o jesus_n christ_n respect_n be_v to_o be_v have_v 1._o unto_o the_o success_n of_o the_o word_n unto_o all_o the_o bless_a end_n of_o it_o among_o they_o these_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o improvement_n and_o strengthen_n of_o all_o their_o grace_n the_o direction_n of_o all_o their_o duty_n their_o edification_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n with_o the_o entire_a conduct_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o life_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n therefore_o and_o not_o to_o follow_v it_o with_o constant_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o its_o success_n be_v to_o disbelieve_v its_o use_n neglect_v its_o end_n and_o to_o cast_v away_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o random_n 2._o unto_o the_o temptation_n that_o the_o church_n be_v general_o expose_v unto_o these_o great_o vary_v according_a unto_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o thing_n the_o temptation_n in_o general_a that_o accompany_v a_o state_n of_o outward_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o those_o that_o attend_v a_o time_n of_o trouble_n persecution_n distress_n and_o poverty_n and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o unto_o other_o occasion_n and_o circumstance_n these_o the_o pastor_n of_o church_n ought_v diligent_o to_o consider_v look_v on_o they_o as_o the_o mean_n and_o way_n whereby_o church_n have_v be_v ruin_v and_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o lose_v for_o ever_o with_o respect_n unto_o they_o therefore_o ought_v their_o prayer_n for_o the_o church_n to_o be_v fervent_a 3._o unto_o the_o especial_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o all_o the_o member_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o they_o there_o may_v be_v of_o they_o who_o be_v spiritual_o sick_a and_o disease_a tempt_v afflict_a bemisted_a wander_v out_o of_o the_o way_n surprise_v in_o sin_n and_o miscarriage_n disconsolate_a and_o trouble_v in_o spirit_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o all_o aught_o to_o abide_v with_o they_o and_o to_o be_v continual_o call_v over_o in_o their_o daily_a pastoral_n supplication_n 4._o unto_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n with_o all_o the_o bless_a evidence_n and_o testimony_n of_o it_o this_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o give_v life_n and_o power_n unto_o all_o church_n assembly_n without_o which_o all_o outward_a order_n and_o form_n of_o divine_a worship_n in_o they_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a carcase_n now_o this_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o his_o church_n be_v by_o his_o spirit_n accompany_v all_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n with_o a_o gracious_a divine_a efficacy_n evidence_v itself_o by_o bless_a operation_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o congregation_n this_o be_v pastor_n of_o church_n continual_o to_o pray_v for_o and_o they_o will_v do_v so_o who_o understand_v that_o all_o the_o success_n of_o their_o labour_n and_o all_o the_o acceptance_n of_o the_o church_n with_o god_n in_o their_o duty_n do_v depend_v hereon_o 5._o to_o their_o preservation_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o fruitfulness_n with_o all_o the_o duty_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o all_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o this_o pastoral_n office_n do_v well_o consider_v and_o understand_v how_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n do_v consist_v in_o their_o continual_a fervent_a prayer_n for_o their_o flock_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o only_o institute_v way_n whereby_o they_o may_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n bless_v their_o congregation_n so_o will_v they_o find_v their_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o and_o by_o the_o discharge_n of_o it_o more_o and_o more_o fill_v with_o love_n and_o engage_v with_o diligence_n unto_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o their_o office_n and_o excite_v unto_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o grace_n towards_o the_o whole_a church_n on_o all_o occasion_n and_o where_o any_o be_v negligent_a herein_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n which_o they_o perform_v towards_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v influence_v with_o false_a consideration_n and_o will_v not_o hold_v weight_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n 3._o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o house_n of_o christ._n for_o unto_o they_o the_o authoritative_a dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n be_v commit_v whereunto_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n be_v annex_v for_o their_o principal_a end_n be_v the_o peculiar_a confirmation_n and_o application_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o herein_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o 1._o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o their_o administration_n unto_o the_o church_n edification_n especial_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n who_o frequency_n be_v enjoin_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o pastor_n to_o consider_v all_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o their_o administration_n as_o unto_o time_n place_n frequency_n order_n and_o decency_n 2._o to_o keep_v severe_o unto_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n as_o unto_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o administration_n the_o gradual_a introduction_n of_o uninstituted_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n into_o the_o church-celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n end_v at_o length_n in_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o mass._n herein_o then_o alone_z and_o not_o in_o bow_v cringe_v and_o vestment_n lie_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o these_o administration_n namely_o that_o they_o be_v compliant_a with_o and_o expressive_a of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n do_v in_o they_o but_o in_o express_a obedience_n unto_o his_o authority_n i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o case_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 3._o to_o take_v care_n that_o these_o holy_a thing_n be_v administer_v only_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v meet_v and_o worthy_a according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n those_o who_o impose_v on_o pastor_n the_o promiscuous_a administration_n of_o these_o divine_a ordinance_n or_o the_o application_n of_o the_o seal_n unto_o all_o without_o difference_n do_v deprive_v they_o of_o one_o half_a of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o duty_n but_o here_o it_o be_v inquire_v by_o some_o whether_o in_o case_n a_o church_n have_v no_o pastor_n at_o present_a or_o a_o teach_v elder_a with_o pastoral_n power_n whether_o it_o may_v not_o delegate_v and_o appoint_v the_o administration_n of_o these_o especial_a ordinance_n unto_o some_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o this_o or_o that_o season_n who_o be_v meet_o qualify_v for_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o they_o which_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o i_o shall_v examine_v 1._o no_o church_n be_v complete_a in_o order_n without_o teach_v officer_n ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 28._o a_o church_n not_o complete_a in_o order_n can_v be_v complete_a in_o administration_n because_o the_o power_n of_o administration_n depend_v upon_o the_o power_n of_o order_n proportionable_o that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n