unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o promise_a presence_n respect_v only_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v on_o this_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o which_o have_v the_o least_o influence_n into_o what_o they_o do_v if_o in_o any_o of_o his_o institution_n they_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v suit_v or_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o ecclesiastical_a society_n government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o like_a they_o say_v be_v they_o suppose_v and_o contend_v that_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v according_o the_o interposition_n of_o his_o authority_n they_o will_v allow_v only_o in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o have_v no_o light_n in_o reason_n or_o nature_n so_o desirous_a be_v some_o to_o have_v as_o little_a to_o do_v with_o christ_n as_o they_o can_v even_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o if_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o particular_a in_o a_o especial_a manner_n for_o especial_a end_n of_o his_o own_o have_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o a_o agreement_n with_o what_o in_o like_a case_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n seem_v to_o direct_v unto_o that_o therefore_o his_o authority_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o sole_a immediate_a reason_n of_o our_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a first_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v therein_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o his_o authority_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o ephes._n 4.15_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n eph._n 2.20_o 21._o you_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n second_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o suitableness_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o right_a reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v no_o ground_n for_o a_o church_n observation_n of_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v also_o appoint_v and_o command_v in_o especial_a by_o jesus_n christ._n three_o that_o be_v so_o appoint_v and_o command_v it_o become_v a_o especial_a institution_n of_o he_o and_o as_o such_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v so_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v always_o principal_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o every_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o command_v by_o he_o without_o which_o consideration_n it_o have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n quest._n 19_o what_o be_v a_o institute_v church_n of_o the_o gospel_n answ._n a_o society_n of_o person_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o their_o natural_a worldly_a state_n by_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n soyn_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a band_n or_o by_o special_a agreement_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n rome_n 1.5_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o 1_o cor._n 14.15_o heb._n 3_o 1._o james_n 1.18_o rev._n 1.20_o 1_o peter_n 2.5_o ephes._n 2.21.22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o 17_o 18._o explication_n the_o church_n who_o nature_n be_v here_o inquire_v after_o be_v not_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o elect_a believer_n of_o all_o age_n and_o season_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n unto_o the_o end_n thereof_o nor_o of_o any_o one_o age_n nor_o the_o universality_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o particular_a church_n wherein_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o attend_v unto_o according_a to_o his_o will._n for_o although_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o of_o who_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v that_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n see_v that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o so_o on_o that_o account_n they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n as_o also_o that_o they_o make_v visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o moreover_o it_o be_v the_o will_n command_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v join_v together_o in_o particular_a society_n or_o church_n for_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o can_v alone_o be_v do_v in_o such_o assembly_n for_o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o know_v unto_o one_o another_o mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o make_v they_o so_o whence_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o they_o be_v as_o such_o invisible_z to_o the_o world_n and_o themselves_o visible_a only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o can_v mere_o as_o such_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o observation_n be_v their_o profession_n so_o the_o visible_a professor_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o any_o age_n can_v at_o any_o time_n assemble_v together_o which_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o the_o celebration_n of_o sundry_a part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o he_o require_v in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o particular_a church_n be_v themselves_o a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o old_a for_o when_o god_n of_o old_a erect_v his_o worship_n and_o enjoin_v the_o solemn_a observation_n of_o it_o he_o also_o appoint_v a_o church_n as_o his_o institution_n for_o the_o due_a celebration_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n solemn_o take_v into_o a_o church_n relation_n with_o he_o by_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o his_o worship_n exod._n 20.19_o speak_v thou_o with_o we_o and_o we_o will_v hear_v exod._n 24.3_o and_o moses_n come_v and_o tell_v the_o people_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o judgement_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v with_o one_o voice_n and_o say_v all_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v we_o will_v do_v deut._n 5.27_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o we_o will_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o and_o god_n according_o appoint_v they_o ordinance_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o they_o together_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o place_n exod._n 23.17_o three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n all_o thy_o male_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n deut._n 16.16_o three_o time_n in_o a_o year_n all_o thy_o male_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v choose_v neither_o will_v god_n allow_v any_o stranger_n any_o one_o not_o of_o the_o church_n so_o institute_v by_o he_o to_o celebrate_v any_o part_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n until_o he_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o that_o church_n as_o a_o member_n thereof_o exod._n 12.47_o 48._o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n shall_v keep_v it_o and_o when_o a_o stranger_n shall_v sojourn_v with_o thou_o and_o will_v keep_v the_o passover_n to_o the_o lord_n let_v all_o his_o male_n be_v circumcise_v and_o then_o let_v he_o come_v near_o and_o keep_v it_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v as_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o land_n for_o no_o uncircumcised_a person_n shall_v eat_v thereof_o to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n when_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v diffuse_v all_o the_o world_n over_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n
therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy-ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o colos._n 4.17_o and_o say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n wherein_o they_o minister_v which_o christ_n appoint_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o manifest_v to_o be_v his_o own_o institution_n and_o appointment_n and_o this_o be_v full_o declare_v rev._n chap._n 2.3_o where_o all_o the_o deal_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o angel_n or_o minister_n be_v about_o their_o behaviour_n and_o deportment_n among_o his_o candlestick_n each_o of_o they_o the_o candlestick_n whereunto_o he_o be_v relate_v or_o the_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o have_v care_n of_o and_o preside_v in_o the_o candlestick_n be_v no_o less_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o angel_n and_o they_o be_v distinct_a particular_a church_n which_o have_v their_o distinct_a particular_a officer_n who_o he_o treat_v distinct_o withal_o about_o his_o institution_n and_o worship_n especial_o about_o that_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o and_o their_o constitution_n according_a to_o his_o mind_n second_o there_o be_v no_o instruction_n exhortation_n or_o reproof_n give_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o ascension_n in_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o as_o they_o be_v collect_v into_o and_o be_v member_n of_o such_o particular_a church_n this_o will_v be_v evidence_v in_o the_o many_o instance_n of_o those_o duty_n that_o shall_v afterward_o be_v insist_v on_o and_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o leave_v that_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n choice_n or_o conveniency_n which_o he_o have_v make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n whereby_o his_o disciple_n yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n to_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n six_o the_o principal_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v express_o direct_v unto_o such_o church_n and_o all_o of_o they_o intentional_o 1_o cor._n 1.1_o 2_o cor._n 1.1_o gal._n 1.2_o phil._n 1.1_o colos._n 1.2_o chap._n 4.16_o 1_o thes._n 1.1_o 2_o thes._n 1.1_o ephes._n 1.1_o compare_v with_o act_n 20.17_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o or_o unto_o particular_a person_n give_v direction_n for_o their_o behaviour_n and_o duty_n in_o such_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o tit._n 1.5_o so_o that_o the_o great_a care_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v about_o these_o church_n as_o the_o principal_a institution_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o whereon_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o all_o his_o other_o command_n do_v depend_v of_o what_o nature_n or_o sort_n these_o church_n be_v shall_v be_v afterward_o evince_v we_o here_o only_o manifest_v their_o institution_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n seven_o much_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o those_o epistle_n direct_v to_o those_o church_n consist_v in_o rule_n precept_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o in_o purity_n and_o order_n with_o their_o continuance_n in_o a_o condition_n of_o due_a obedience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ._n to_o this_o end_n do_v they_o so_o full_o and_o large_o acquaint_v the_o ruler_n and_o member_n of_o they_o with_o their_o mutual_a duty_n in_o that_o especial_a relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o each_o other_o as_o also_o of_o all_o person_n in_o particular_a in_o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o membership_n in_o any_o particular_a society_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o sundry_a of_o paul_n epistle_n and_o to_o give_v more_o strength_n hereunto_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o revelation_n that_o he_o make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v personal_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n insist_v principal_o about_o the_o condition_n order_n and_o preservation_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n not_o belong_v to_o they_o or_o join_v with_o they_o these_o he_o warn_v reprove_v instruct_v threaten_v command_n all_o in_o order_n unto_o their_o walk_n before_o he_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o particular_a church_n rev._n 2._o and_o 3._o at_o large_a beside_o as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o to_o be_v the_o â—eat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n have_v grant_v the_o right_n of_o they_o unto_o they_o alone_o 1_o tim._n 3_o 1â—_n entrust_v they_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o this_o world_n he_o have_v also_o appoint_v the_o most_o holy_a institution_n of_o his_o supper_n to_o denote_v and_o express_v thâ—â—_n union_n and_o communion_n which_o the_o member_n of_o each_o of_o these_o church_n have_v by_o his_o ordinance_n among_o themseule_n 1_o cor._n 10.17_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n and_o also_o he_o give_v out_o unto_o they_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o make_v every_o one_o of_o they_o meet_v for_o and_o useful_a in_o that_o place_n which_o he_o hold_v in_o such_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v at_o large_a 1_o cor._n 12.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o verse_n colos._n 2.19_o eph._n 4.16_o it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o his_o disciple_n no_o communication_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v promise_v to_o they_o no_o especial_a duty_n be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o church_n of_o his_o institution_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n four_o thing_n be_v declare_v tend_v to_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o churches_n 1._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o they_o or_o the_o person_n whereof_o such_o a_o church_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o consist_v 2._o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o condition_n capable_a of_o such_o a_o estate_n or_o qualify_v for_o it_o 3._o the_o general_a end_n of_o their_o call_n 4._o the_o especial_a mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v constitute_v a_o church_n which_o last_o will_v be_v speak_v unto_o in_o the_o next_o question_n for_o the_o first_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v in_o this_o state_n man_n be_v not_o subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n nor_o meet_v to_o become_v member_n of_o his_o church_n out_o of_o this_o condition_n they_o can_v deliver_v themselves_o they_o have_v neither_o will_n unto_o it_o nor_o power_n for_o it_o but_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o it_o this_o calling_n be_v that_o which_o effectual_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o translate_v they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o work_n or_o effect_v the_o scripture_n on_o several_a account_n various_o express_v sometime_o by_o regeneration_n or_o a_o new_a birth_n sometime_o by_o conversion_n or_o turn_v unto_o god_n sometime_o by_o vivification_n or_o quicken_a from_o the_o dead_a sometime_o by_o illumination_n or_o open_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a all_o which_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o sanctification_n in_o holiness_n and_o attend_v with_o justification_n and_o adoption_n and_o as_o these_o be_v all_o distinct_a in_o themselves_o have_v several_a formal_a reason_n of_o they_o so_o they_o all_o concur_v to_o complete_a that_o effectual_a vocation_n or_o calling_n that_o be_v require_v to_o constitute_v person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o typical_a holiness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o old_a into_o the_o room_n whereof_o real_a holiness_n be_v to_o succeed_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n exod._n 19.6_o psal._n 24_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o psal._n 15.1_o 2._o isa._n 35.8_o 9_o isa._n 54.13_o chap._n 60.21_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o everlasting_a rule_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o
he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3.3_o require_v regeneration_n as_o a_o indispensable_a condition_n in_o a_o member_n of_o his_o church_n a_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o his_o temple_n be_v now_o to_o be_v build_v of_o live_a stone_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o man_n spiritual_o and_o save_o quicken_v from_o their_o death_n in_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o holy-ghost_n whereof_o they_o be_v partaker_n make_v a_o meet_a habitation_n for_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o which_o receive_v vital_a supply_n from_o christ_n its_o head_n increase_v in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n edify_v itself_o in_o love_n ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n do_v ascribe_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o a_o participation_n in_o this_o effectual_a vocation_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v saint_n call_v sanctify_a justify_v and_o accept_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n rom._n 1.5_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o 1_o cor._n 4.15_o heb._n 3.1_o jam._n 1.18_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 6.11_o so_o many_o of_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o that_o relation_n and_o condition_n be_v such_o as_o none_o can_v perform_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o own_o benefit_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o the_o end_n of_o all_o obedience_n unless_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o effectual_a call_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o ephes._n 4.16_o add_v hereunto_o that_o these_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o only_o command_v to_o separate_v themselves_o as_o to_o their_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o the_o world_n that_o be_v man_n in_o their_o worldly_a state_n and_o condition_n but_o be_v also_o require_v when_o any_o among_o they_o trasgress_v against_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o this_o holy_a call_n above_o describe_v to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o society_n and_o communion_n 1_o cor._n 5.13_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v who_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o these_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o second_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o namely_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o three_o the_o general_a end_n of_o their_o call_n which_o be_v all_o speak_v to_o in_o this_o answer_n quest._n 20._o by_o what_o mean_n do_v person_n so_o call_v become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n answ._n they_o be_v constitute_v a_o church_n and_o interest_v in_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o gospel-church_n by_o the_o will_n promise_n authority_n and_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o engagement_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o due_a subjection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o his_o authority_n as_o their_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o in_o a_o holy_a observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n matth._n 18.20_o chap._n 28.18_o 19_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o exod._n 24.3_o deut._n 5.27_o psalm_n 110.3_o isa._n 44.5_o chap._n 59.21_o ephes._n 4.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 2._o cor._n 8.5_o explication_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v constitute_v such_o a_o church-state_n as_o that_o which_o we_o inquire_v about_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o unto_o a_o church_n so_o constitute_v he_o have_v also_o by_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n annex_v all_o those_o privilege_n and_o power_n which_o we_o find_v a_o church_n to_o be_v entrust_v withal_o this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o stand_n and_o unalterable_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o charter_n of_o their_o spiritual_a society_n and_o incorporation_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v any_o person_n be_v interest_v in_o the_o right_n of_o a_o church_n any_o otherwise_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o law_n and_o constitution_n this_o therefore_o be_v first_o to_o be_v lay_v down_o that_o the_o sole_a moral_a foundation_n of_o that_o church-state_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o word_n law_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n he_o alone_o have_v authority_n to_o erect_v such_o a_o society_n he_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o this_o house_n as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n over_o it_o heb._n 3.3_o 6._o neither_o without_o it_o can_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n appoint_v such_o a_o state_n or_o erect_v a_o church_n and_o all_o acceptable_a act_n of_o man_n herein_o be_v no_o other_o but_o act_n of_o pure_a obedience_n unto_o christ._n farthermore_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n do_v prepare_v and_o fit_a man_n to_o be_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n member_n of_o his_o church_n the_o work_n of_o send_v forth_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n of_o translate_n they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n into_o light_n he_o have_v take_v upon_o himself_o and_o do_v effectual_o accomplish_v it_o in_o every_o generation_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o build_v his_o church_n matth._n 18.20_o for_o unto_o all_o person_n so_o call_v he_o give_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o to_o do_v mat._n 28.20_o in_o particular_a that_o they_o profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o their_o obedience_n in_o join_v themselves_o in_o that_o state_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o observe_v all_o his_o other_o law_n and_o institution_n with_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n require_v therein_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n they_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v now_o obey_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o all_o thing_n among_o his_o command_n this_o of_o join_v themselves_o in_o church_n society_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o matth._n 18.20_o that_o be_v to_o dwell_v among_o they_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n isa._n 59.21_o be_v the_o very_a first_o this_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o command_n and_o promise_v of_o his_o they_o be_v warrant_v and_o enable_v to_o do_v nor_o do_v they_o need_v any_o other_o warrant_n the_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v man_n out_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o be_v then_o make_v willing_a and_o ready_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n psalm_n 110.3_o they_o consent_v choose_v and_o agree_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n and_o hereby_o do_v they_o become_v a_o church_n for_o their_o become_v a_o church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o willing_a obedience_n unto_o christ._n this_o obedience_n be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o will_n guide_v by_o rule_n for_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o proceed_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o appointment_n afterward_o to_o be_v unfold_v and_o herein_o upon_o their_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n do_v believer_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n become_v a_o gospel_n church_n and_o be_v real_o and_o true_o interest_v in_o all_o the_o power_n right_n and_o privilege_n that_o be_v grant_v unto_o any_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o in_o this_o obedience_n they_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o alone_o he_o require_v in_o any_o person_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o these_o privilege_n first_o they_o confess_v he_o his_o person_n his_o authority_n his_o law_n his_o grace_n second_o they_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n thus_o do_v god_n take_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o a_o church-state_n of_o old_a he_o propose_v unto_o they_o the_o church_n obedience_n that_o he_o require_v of_o they_o and_o they_o voluntary_o and_o free_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o exod._n 24.3_o and_o moses_n come_v and_o tell_v the_o people_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o judgement_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v with_o one_o voice_n and_o say_v all_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v will_v we_o do_v so_o deut._n 5.7_o and_o hereby_o they_o have_v their_o solemn_a admission_n into_o their_o church-state_n and_o relation_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o like_a course_n they_o take_v when_o ever_o there_o be_v need_n of_o renew_v their_o engagement_n josh._n 24.18_o 21_o 22._o and_o the_o people_n say_v we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v our_o god_n and_o joshua_n say_v unto_o the_o people_n you_o be_v witness_n against_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v choose_v the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o they_o say_v we_o be_v witness_n this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o that_o people_n which_o be_v solemn_o renew_v so_o often_o as_o the_o
to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v before_o declare_v and_o that_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v make_v the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n namely_o of_o be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.33_o this_o work_n be_v secret_a hide_a and_o invisible_a the_o church_n can_v judge_v of_o direct_o and_o in_o its_o own_o form_n or_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o mean_n effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v testify_v unto_o it_o concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o its_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n it_o be_v require_v therefore_o of_o they_o first_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o conversation_n free_a from_o blame_n in_o the_o world_n for_o whereas_o one_o end_n of_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n be_v to_o hold_v forth_o and_o express_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o turn_v man_n from_o all_o ungodliness_n unto_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o honesty_n it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o they_o that_o they_o answer_v this_o end_n and_o this_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o that_o believe_v will_v effect_v and_o produce_v for_o although_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v attain_v a_o unblameable_a honesty_n in_o this_o world_n be_v inward_o quicken_v with_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o save_a grace_n yet_o it_o do_v that_o they_o who_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o principle_n will_v be_v so_o unblameable_a and_o although_o they_o may_v on_o other_o account_n be_v evil_a speak_v of_o yet_o their_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n will_v justify_v itself_o second_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v another_o mean_n whereby_o the_o great_a qualification_n inquire_v after_o be_v testify_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o as_o without_o this_o no_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v profitable_o make_v use_n of_o nor_o any_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v so_o save_v light_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o conversion_n and_o do_v inseparable_o accompany_v it_o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n where_o this_o be_v want_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o person_n to_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o blindness_n darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o all_o man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n such_o a_o measure_n then_o of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o apprehend_v aright_o of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o mediation_n the_o benefit_n thereof_o and_o the_o obedience_n that_o he_o require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o disciple_n be_v expect_v in_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n three_o hereunto_o be_v to_o be_v add_v soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o love_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n thereof_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v towards_o the_o church_n call_v therefore_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n one_o faith_n ephes._n 4.5_o the_o common_a faith_n the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o which_o be_v the_o sound_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 1.10_o which_o those_o that_o will_v not_o endure_v must_v be_v turn_v from_o 2_o tim._n 4.3_o the_o faithful_a word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v fast_o tit._n 1.9_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o and_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v sound_a in_o tit._n 1.13_o contain_a in_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n as_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o this_o soundness_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v improve_v unto_o oneness_n of_o mind_n and_o oneness_n of_o accord_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n phil._n 2.2_o though_o it_o may_v admit_v of_o some_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o some_o may_v have_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n than_o other_o which_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o all_o may_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n phil._n 3.15_o 16._o so_o it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o and_o by_o the_o faith_n whereof_o the_o church_n hold_v on_o the_o head_n jesus_n christ_n coloss._n 2.19_o and_o in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o gospel_n worship_n the_o joint_a celebration_n whereof_o be_v the_o next_o end_n of_o the_o gather_v the_o church_n for_o without_o a_o consent_n of_o mind_n and_o accord_v herein_o no_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v unto_o edification_n nor_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o these_o principle_n be_v those_o which_o we_o have_v explain_v four_o it_o be_v require_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v testify_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o they_o and_o their_o resolution_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o live_v in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o he_o they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n as_o disciple_n of_o christ_n profess_v that_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n which_o what_o it_o infer_v the_o apostle_n teach_v at_o large_a ephes._n 4.20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o see_v also_o act_v 11.23_o act_n 8.21_o 22_o 23._o and_o this_o by_o themselves_o to_o be_v testify_v unto_o the_o church_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n as_o real_a partaker_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n hope_n and_o salvation_n with_o themselves_o as_o live_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ._n second_o that_o on_o all_o ensue_a occasion_n they_o may_v be_v mind_v of_o their_o own_o profession_n and_o engagement_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o thereby_o unto_o faithfulness_n steadfastness_n and_o perseverance_n hereupon_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o judge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o meekness_n concern_v their_o condition_n and_o meetness_n to_o be_v lay_v as_o live_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v 1._o reject_v false_a hypocritical_a pretender_n if_o in_o or_o by_o any_o mean_v their_o hypocrisy_n be_v discover_v unto_o they_o act_n 8.20_o 23._o titus_n 1.10_o jer._n 15.19_o 2._o that_o they_o may_v direct_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o way_n such_o as_o appear_v to_o be_v sincere_a instruct_v they_o principal_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n whereinto_o they_o be_v engage_v the_o duty_n danger_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o act_n 18.26_o act._n 14.22_o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23._o 3._o to_o propose_v they_o their_o condition_n their_o desire_n their_o resolution_n unto_o the_o church_n after_o their_o own_o expression_n of_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o in_o love_n and_o meekness_n act_v 9.26_o 27._o whereupon_o those_o that_o be_v approve_v do_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o abide_v in_o the_o fellowship_n thereof_o whereunto_o they_o be_v admit_v act_v 2.41_o 42._o quest._n 51._o wherein_o do_v the_o especial_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n whereby_o it_o become_v such_o and_o be_v distinguish_v as_o such_o from_o all_o other_o consist_v answ._n in_o the_o special_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n numerical_o hence_o its_o constitution_n and_o distinction_n from_o other_o church_n do_v proceed_v exod._n 19.5_o 8._o chap._n 24.3_o 7._o deut._n 26.17_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o act_n 14.23_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 13.17_o explication_n it_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v what_o especial_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o a_o due_a subjection_n unto_o and_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ._n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v it_o its_o special_a form_n and_o distinction_n from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o a_o church_n all_o church_n do_v agree_v and_o equal_o partake_v there_o be_v the_o same_o law_n of_o the_o constitution_n
observance_n which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v entire_a according_a to_o the_o primitive_a institution_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o also_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o not_o admit_v of_o any_o corruption_n in_o it_o to_o avoid_v the_o great_a trouble_n gal._n 5.11_o and_o i_o brethren_n if_o i_o yet_o preach_v circumcision_n why_o do_v i_o yet_o suffer_v persecution_n qu._n 9_o how_o do_v we_o in_o our_o observation_n profess_v our_o subjection_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n answ._n in_o that_o be_v all_o of_o they_o 1._o appoint_a by_o he_o as_o the_o head_n lawgiver_n king_n of_o his_o church_n and_o 2._o make_a by_o he_o the_o ensign_n and_o token_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o subject_n in_o their_o due_a observation_n principal_o consist_v that_o profession_n of_o he_o and_o his_o name_n which_o be_v so_o often_o call_v we_o unto_o and_o so_o indispensable_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o heb._n 3.6_o heb._n 12.25_o john_n 8.31_o chap._n 13.13_o chap._n 14.15_o 21_o 23._o chap._n 15._o 14_o 17._o chap._n 13.35_o chap._n 15.14_o luke_n 9.26_o rom._n 10.10_o 1_o john_n 2.3_o 4._o explication_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v evident_a the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n straight_o enjoin_v all_o his_o disciple_n the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o lay_v it_o on_o they_o as_o indispensable_a unto_o salvation_n rom._n 10.10_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n or_o profession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n john_n 12.42_o 43_o 44_o 45._o now_o this_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v so_o much_o abuse_v and_o mistake_v in_o the_o world_n consist_v in_o the_o keep_n of_o his_o commandment_n john_n 15.14_o you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o so_o also_o mat._n 28.20_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o command_v now_o whereas_o he_o be_v the_o head_n and_o king_n of_o the_o church_n the_o next_o immediate_a and_o special_a lawgiver_n of_o it_o appoint_v unto_o it_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o its_o whole_a worship_n as_o it_o become_v he_o who_o be_v lord_n of_o the_o house_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n worship_n be_v his_o most_o especial_a command_n and_o in_o their_o observation_n consist_v that_o profession_n of_o he_o which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o therein_o do_v he_o call_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n by_o profession_n who_o he_o have_v redeem_v out_o of_o it_o by_o his_o blood_n 1_o cor._n 6.15_o 16_o 17._o rev._n 5.9_o in_o these_o he_o exercise_v his_o kingly_a or_o lordly_a power_n over_o his_o church_n heb._n 3.6_o and_o in_o the_o willing_a obedience_n of_o his_o people_n gather_v themselves_o unto_o the_o ensign_n of_o his_o rule_n he_o be_v glorify_v in_o the_o world_n qu._n 10._o how_o do_v we_o in_o and_o by_o they_o build_v up_o ourselves_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n answ._n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o in_o their_o due_a observation_n he_o gracious_o invite_v and_o admit_v we_o unto_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o we_o and_o the_o testification_n of_o his_o love_n and_o good_a will_n towards_o we_o gen._n 17.10_o levit._fw-la 26.11_o 12._o prov._n 9.5_o 6._o ezek._n 26.27_o 28._o zach._n 14.16_o 17._o mat._n 26.27_o 28._o rom._n 6.3_o explication_n the_o next_o and_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o institute_v worship_n in_o respect_n of_o believer_n be_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o their_o edification_n in_o their_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o the_o testification_n of_o the_o good_a will_n of_o god_n unto_o they_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o henceforth_o be_v no_o more_o child_n toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v but_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n whence_o also_o be_v that_o prayer_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o church_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o ephes._n 3.16_o 17_o 18._o that_o he_o will_v grant_v you_o according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o inward_a man_n that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o faith_n that_o you_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n the_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n that_o you_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n for_o these_o end_n and_o with_o a_o design_n to_o have_v they_o accomplish_v in_o and_o upon_o their_o soul_n ought_v they_o to_o attend_v unto_o they_o james_n 1.21_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v your_o soul_n 1_o pet._n 2.2_o as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o you_o may_v grow_v thereby_o unto_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o end_n especial_o the_o increase_n and_o establishment_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v they_o suit_v and_o appoint_v of_o god_n whereon_o all_o their_o efficacy_n do_v depend_v in_o their_o due_a observation_n do_v god_n give_v out_o that_o supply_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v ephes._n 1.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o and_o thus_o also_o be_v faith_n exercise_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n which_o iâ—_n the_o only_a ordinary_a mean_n of_o its_o growth_n and_o increase_n habit_n both_o acquire_v and_o infuse_v be_v increase_v and_o strengthen_v by_o frequent_a act_n on_o suitable_a object_n hos._n 6.3_o then_o shall_v we_o know_v if_o we_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n god_n in_o christ_n propose_v himself_o in_o a_o intimate_a manner_n to_o the_o believe_a soul_n as_o his_o god_n and_o reward_n and_o his_o love_n in_o christ_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n in_o some_o ordinance_n so_o do_v christ_n also_o exhibit_v himself_o thereunto_o rev._n 3.20_o behold_v i_o stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o knock_v if_o any_o man_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n i_o will_v come_v in_o to_o he_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o he_o and_o he_o with_o i_o i'faith_o therefore_o direct_v by_o the_o word_n to_o rest_v in_o god_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o ordinance_n be_v excite_v increase_v strengthen_v and_o that_o in_o answer_n unto_o the_o appointment_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n qu._n 11._o how_o be_v mutual_a love_n and_o communion_n among_o believer_n testify_v and_o confirm_v in_o their_o observation_n answ._n in_o that_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n for_o that_o end_n and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o attend_v unto_o in_o their_o assembly_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n suit_v unto_o that_o purpose_n john_n 13.35_o 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 19_o ephes._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o explication_n the_o principle_n of_o mutual_a spiritual_a love_n among_o believer_n arise_v from_o their_o relation_n unto_o one_o father_n matth._n 23.9_o one_o be_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n who_o give_v unto_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n john_n 1.12_o and_o their_o be_v all_o child_n of_o the_o same_o family_n that_o family_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o be_v call_v after_o the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o father_n of_o it_o as_o the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n ephes._n 3.14_o 15._o and_o unto_o christ_n jesus_n as_o their_o elder_a brother_n who_o
church_n be_v eminent_o reform_v now_o although_o the_o outward_a solemnity_n and_o ceremony_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v peculiar_a unto_o that_o people_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o in_o a_o sacred_a consent_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o which_o the_o nature_n and_o edification_n of_o a_o church_n do_v require_v it_o belong_v to_o every_o church_n as_o such_o even_a under_o the_o gosple_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o beleiver_n or_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v enter_v into_o this_o state_n the_o formal_a constitute_a cause_n of_o any_o church_n this_o account_n do_v the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o as_o we_o hope_v but_o first_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n before_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o duty_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n and_o institution_n which_o be_v the_o intendment_n of_o that_o expression_n among_o these_o command_n one_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o order_n by_o christ_n prescribe_v that_o be_v in_o church_n order_n this_o therefore_o they_o do_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n this_o description_n do_v the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o believer_n of_o macedonia_n be_v bring_v into_o church_n it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n consent_v agree_v and_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o do_v the_o believer_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 2.41_o 42._o be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o that_o conversion_n in_o their_o baptism_n they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o steadfast_a continuance_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n beside_o the_o church_n be_v a_o house_n a_o temple_n the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o the_o house_n of_o christ_n heb._n 3.6_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n ephe._n 2.21_o 22._o believer_n single_o consider_v be_v stone_n live_v stone_n 1_o peter_z 2.5_o now_o how_o shall_v these_o live_a stone_n come_v to_o be_v a_o house_n a_o temple_n can_v it_o be_v by_o occasional_a occurrence_n civil_a cohabitation_n in_o political_a precinct_n usage_n or_o custom_n of_o assemble_v for_o some_o part_n of_o worship_n in_o any_o place_n these_o thing_n will_v never_o frame_v they_o into_o a_o house_n or_o temple_n this_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o bytheir_a own_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o disposition_n ephe._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o you_o be_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n chap._n 4.16_o from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n from_o these_o and_o sundry_a other_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o believer_n coalition_n into_o a_o church-state_n be_v their_o own_o obedience_n of_o faith_n act_v itself_o in_o a_o joint_a voluntary_a consent_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a observation_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n whence_o the_o be_v and_o union_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v give_v unto_o any_o convenient_a number_n of_o they_o by_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n qu._n 21._o see_v the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n or_o spiritual_a incorporation_n of_o person_n under_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n declare_v who_o or_o what_o be_v the_o ruler_n governor_n or_o officer_n therein_o under_o jesus_n christ_n an._n they_o have_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1_o extraordinary_a appoint_v for_o a_o season_n only_o and_o 2_o ordinary_a to_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n qu._n 22._o who_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a officer_n or_o ruler_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n therein_o for_o a_o season_n only_o an._n 1_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o 2_o the_o evangelist_n and_o prophet_n endow_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n associate_v with_o they_o and_o employ_v by_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o ministry_n 1_o math._n 10.2_o 3._o act_n 1.26_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 2_o luke_n 10.1_o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o titus_n 1.5_o act_n 11.27_o 28._o act_n 21.9_o 10_o 11._o 2._o cor._n 1.1_o explication_n that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a corporation_n attend_v with_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n only_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n or_o worldly_a so_o this_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o external_a and_o secular_a but_o spiritual_a neither_o do_v this_o rule_n at_o all_o belong_v unto_o it_o mere_o as_o material_o consider_v in_o man_n yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o call_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o absolute_o as_o it_o be_v formal_o constitute_v a_o church_n by_o the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n describe_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v require_v that_o it_o be_v organical_o complete_a with_o officer_n or_o ruler_n now_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o the_o person_n whereof_o it_o be_v constitute_v do_v consent_n together_o into_o it_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n which_o they_o design_v without_o this_o no_o society_n of_o any_o kind_n can_v exist_v this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o man_n coalescencie_n into_o societye_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n such_o a_o consent_n and_o agreement_n have_v be_v show_v second_o that_o there_o be_v rule_n or_o law_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o society_n in_o order_n to_o their_o pursuit_n of_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o it_o that_o such_o rule_n or_o law_n be_v give_v and_o prescribe_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n unto_o the_o church_n will_v afterward_o appear_v in_o our_o consideration_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n walk_v according_a unto_o rule_n or_o law_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o society_n three_o that_o there_o be_v authority_n institute_v for_o to_o see_v to_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o these_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n which_o consist_v in_o this_o 1_o that_o some_o be_v appoint_v to_o rule_n and_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n 2_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o be_v rule_v or_o govern_v both_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o both_o these_o be_v eminent_o find_v in_o this_o church-state_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o ensue_a question_n with_o their_o answer_n and_o explication_n now_o that_o these_o officer_n or_o ruler_n shall_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v and_o so_o have_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n appoint_v for_o when_o the_o church_n be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v gather_v and_o erect_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o person_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d extraordinary_o employ_v in_o that_o work_n for_o ordinary_a officer_n antecedent_n unto_o the_o call_n and_o erection_n of_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v none_o and_o therefore_o these_o peson_n be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n endow_v with_o all_o that_o power_n which_o afterward_o be_v to_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n themselves_o and_o moreover_o with_o that_o which_o be_v peculiar_o needful_a unto_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o that_o special_a duty_n and_o work_n that_o they_o be_v appoint_v unto_o but_o when_o church_n be_v call_v gather_v erect_v and_o settle_v for_o continuance_n there_o be_v need_n of_o officer_n suit_v to_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n call_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n that_o be_v
case_n there_o be_v not_o the_o success_n aim_v at_o obtain_v in_o these_o several_a degree_n of_o private_a admonition_n it_o be_v then_o the_o will_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o matter_n be_v report_v unto_o the_o church_n that_o the_o offender_n may_v be_v public_o admonish_v thereby_o and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n wherein_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o that_o the_o person_n who_o have_v endeavour_v in_o vain_a to_o reclaim_v their_o offend_a brother_n by_o private_a admonition_n be_v to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o case_n and_o crime_n as_o also_o what_o they_o have_v do_v according_a to_o rule_v for_o the_o rectify_v of_o it_o who_o upon_o that_o information_n be_v oblige_v to_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n to_o the_o church_n this_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o elder_n as_o to_o who_o the_o preservation_n of_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o proceed_n do_v belong_v as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o second_o the_o report_n make_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v 1._o of_o the_o crime_n guilt_n or_o offence_n 2._o of_o the_o testimony_n give_v unto_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 3._o of_o the_o mean_n use_v to_o bring_v the_o offender_n to_o acknowledgement_n and_o repentance_n 4._o of_o his_o deportment_n under_o the_o private_a previous_a admonition_n either_o as_o to_o his_o reject_v of_o they_o or_o as_o to_o any_o satisfaction_n tender_v all_o in_o order_n love_n meekness_n and_o tenderness_n three_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o the_o offender_n hear_v upon_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o offence_n and_o former_a proceed_n the_o whole_a church_n or_o multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v with_o the_o elder_n to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n with_o the_o condition_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o offender_n with_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n set_v they_o a_o example_n of_o in_o his_o deal_n with_o sinner_n and_o which_o be_v require_v in_o they_o as_o his_o disciple_n gal._n 6.1_o 2._o 2_o cor._n 2.8_o four_o the_o elder_n and_o brethren_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o offender_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o if_o the_o offence_n be_v evident_a and_o persist_v in_o than_o five_o the_o offender_n be_v to_o be_v public_o admonish_v by_o the_o elder_n with_o the_o consent_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o church_n 1_o thes._n 5.14_o 1_o tim._n 5.20_o matth._n 18.16_o 17._o and_o this_o admonition_n consist_v of_o five_o part_n 1._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o crime_n or_o offence_n as_o it_o be_v evidence_v unto_o the_o church_n 2._o a_o conviction_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o from_o the_o rule_n or_o rule_n transgress_v against_o 3._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n in_o such_o case_n 4._o a_o rebuke_n of_o the_o offender_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n answer_v the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o offence_n 5._o a_o exhortation_n unto_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o acknowledgement_n eleven_o in_o case_n the_o offender_n despise_v this_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o come_v not_o upon_o it_o unto_o repentance_n it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o society_n thereof_o or_o be_v excommunicate_v wherein_o consist_v the_o last_o act_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o correction_n of_o offender_n and_o herein_o may_v be_v consider_v first_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n and_o so_o principal_o belong_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n who_o therein_o exert_v the_o power_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o his_o appointment_n matth._n 16.19_o john_n 20.23_o matth._n 18.18_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o titus_n 3.10_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o and_o both_o these_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o eldership_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o brethren_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o church_n second_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o cut_n off_o or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o person_n offend_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o consequent_o from_o that_o of_o all_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o earth_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o whereby_o he_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n matth._n 18.17_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 5_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o titus_n 3.10_o gal._n 5.12_o three_o the_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v 1._o the_o gain_n of_o the_o party_n offend_v by_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n humiliation_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o offence_n 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7._o 2_o cor._n 13.10_o 2._o the_o warning_n of_o other_o not_o to_o do_v so_o presumptuous_o 3._o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o purity_n and_o order_n 1_o cor._n 5.6_o 7._o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o jesus_n christ._n four_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o or_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n on_o which_o the_o church_n may_v proceed_v unto_o sentence_n against_o any_o offend_a person_n now_o these_o be_v no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v proceed_v upon_o in_o his_o final_a judgement_n at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o church_n judge_v in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v to_o exclude_v none_o from_o its_o communion_n but_o those_o who_o they_o find_v by_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o himself_o exclude_v from_o his_o kingdom_n and_o so_o that_o which_o they_o bind_v on_o earth_n be_v bind_v by_o he_o in_o heaven_n matth._n 18.18_o and_o their_o sentence_n herein_o be_v to_o be_v declare_v as_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o sentence_n which_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o will_v pronounce_v at_o the_o last_o day_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o it_o be_v also_o make_v know_v that_o this_o sentence_n of_o they_o be_v not_o final_a or_o decretory_a but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prevention_n of_o that_o which_o will_v be_v so_o unless_o the_o evil_n be_v repent_v of_o now_o although_o the_o particular_a evil_n sin_n or_o offence_n that_o may_v render_v a_o person_n obnoxious_a unto_o this_o censure_n and_o sentence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v enumerate_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n which_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o action_n yet_o they_o may_v in_o general_n be_v refer_v unto_o these_o head_n first_o moral_a evil_n contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o express_v command_n or_o prohibition_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n direct_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o of_o evil_a report_n in_o the_o world_n among_o man_n walk_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o church_n may_v proceed_v unto_o the_o sentence_n whereof_o we_o speak_v without_o previous_a admonition_n in_o case_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v notorious_a public_o and_o unquestionable_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o no_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impeach_v by_o particular_a instance_n lie_v against_o their_o proceedure_n 1_o cor._n 5.3_o 4._o 2_o tim._n 3.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o second_o offence_n against_o that_o mutual_a love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o church_n if_o pertinacious_o persist_v in_o matth._n 18.16_o 17._o three_o false_a doctrine_n against_o the_o fundamental_o in_o faith_n or_o worship_n especial_o if_o maintain_v with_o contention_n to_o the_o trouble_n and_o disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n gal._n 5.12_o titus_n 3.9_o 10_o 11._o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o 4_o 5._o revel_v 2.14_o 15._o four_o blasphemy_n or_o evil_a speak_v of_o the_o way_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n especial_o if_o join_v with_o a_o intention_n to_o hinder_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o to_o expose_v it_o to_o persecution_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o five_o desertion_n or_o total_a causeless_a relinquishment_n of_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o be_v self-condemned_n have_v break_v and_o renounce_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n that_o they_o make_v at_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o church_n heb._n 10.25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o six_o the_o time_n or_o season_n of_o the_o put_v forth_o