be_v expect_v three_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o profained_a child_n bread_n give_v to_o dog_n pearl_n cast_v before_o swine_n the_o uncircumcised_a admit_v no_o difference_n put_v between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vild_a give_v the_o lord_n just_a cause_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o to_o say_v as_o sometime_o he_o do_v of_o his_o israel_n what_o have_v my_o belove_v to_o do_v in_o my_o house_n jeremiah_n 11.15_o four_o it_o will_v abundant_o grieve_v and_o burden_n the_o godly_a party_n even_o as_o putrify_v and_o rot_a member_n grieve_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o as_o its_o death_n for_o a_o dead_a carcase_n to_o be_v join_v to_o a_o live_a man_n and_o as_o in_o the_o best_a frame_a fabric_n although_o much_o of_o the_o material_n be_v very_o sound_a and_o good_a yet_o one_o rot_a pillar_n or_o beam_n may_v bring_v all_o about_o our_o ear_n and_o as_o no_o man_n will_v put_v a_o old_a piece_n into_o a_o new_a garment_n so_o be_v it_o not_o 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their_o year_n also_o neither_o parliament_n or_o eldership_n intend_v such_o a_o particular_a catechistical_a account_n of_o ancient_a man_n as_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n it_o be_v to_o pedagogical_a but_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o anciont_n be_v as_o precious_a as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o young_a and_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o ancient_a as_o well_o as_o the_o young_a people_n will_v be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n that_o willing_o receive_v they_o into_o sacramental_a communion_n that_o by_o unworthy_a participate_v become_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n then_o i_o say_v it_o be_v of_o as_o great_a necessity_n for_o the_o old_a as_o well_o as_o young_a people_n to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o church_n have_v not_o i_o pray_v you_o nichodemus_n need_v enough_o of_o catechise_v a_o ancient_a man_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n and_o as_o ignorant_a be_v many_o of_o our_o great_a and_o ancient_a man_n both_o of_o regeneration_n and_o also_o of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n &_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o no_o doubt_n but_o all_o the_o respect_n that_o may_v be_v will_v be_v have_v both_o to_o age_n and_o sex_n the_o work_n be_v intend_v by_o all_o entrust_v in_o it_o to_o be_v carry_v on_o with_o all_o humility_n love_n and_o christian_a tenderness_n lay_v aside_o all_o sinister_a respect_n or_o ambitious_a end_n according_a to_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 5.23_o speak_v there_o to_o the_o elder_n exhort_v they_o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o they_o and_o of_o who_o they_o have_v oversight_n not_o by_o constraint_n or_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o to_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o stock_n and_o for_o that_o some_o have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n together_o the_o long_a the_o worse_o with_o many_o for_o we_o know_v by_o woeful_a experience_n how_o promiscuous_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n have_v be_v even_o hand_n over_o head_n dispense_v to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o shame_n of_o such_o as_o have_v power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v and_o lament_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a corruption_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v plead_v for_o in_o the_o least_o old_a custom_n have_v beget_v old_a corruption_n 13._o ob._n but_o must_v all_o man_n be_v examine_v certain_o some_o man_n be_v as_o able_a to_o examine_v the_o eldership_n as_o the_o elder_n they_o what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o examine_v such_o a._n will_v to_o god_n all_o man_n be_v so_o and_o their_o conversation_n as_o suitable_a with_o moses_n i_o wish_v all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v prophet_n yet_o man_n never_o so_o well_o qualify_v must_v be_v examine_v before_o admit_v yea_o and_o by_o man_n peradventure_o some_o of_o they_o of_o mean_a ability_n than_o those_o examine_v for_o 1._o the_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n although_o make_v upon_o long_a and_o serious_a debate_n for_o that_o purpose_n exempt_v none_o 2._o if_o man_n be_v never_o so_o able_a or_o honest_a if_o not_o know_v the_o duty_n may_v not_o be_v omit_v 3._o if_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o yet_o to_o avoid_v exception_n and_o to_o encourage_v other_o although_o less_o pain_n need_v be_v take_v it_o be_v not_o needless_a to_o render_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o according_a to_o apostolical_a injunction_n certain_o when_o the_o apostle_n enjoin_v all_o to_o this_o duty_n he_o mean_v not_o only_a man_n of_o weak_a ability_n but_o even_o the_o strong_a christian_n 4._o although_o man_n be_v never_o so_o able_a yet_o they_o must_v obey_v they_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o who_o be_v lawful_o call_v to_o that_o function_n and_o who_o have_v receive_v authority_n from_o god_n ability_n must_v not_o make_v man_n shake_v off_o obedience_n 5._o such_o man_n as_o be_v able_a and_o godly_a do_v seldom_o or_o never_o scruple_n this_o their_o heart_n be_v most_o averse_a that_o have_v least_o knowledge_n of_o god_n ignorance_n and_o scandal_n be_v the_o grand_a reason_n of_o man_n stand_v out_o be_v not_o man_n in_o the_o dark_a they_o will_v not_o stumble_v 14._o ob._n but_o must_v woman_n also_o be_v examine_v be_v there_o any_o rule_n for_o that_o in_o scripture_n a._n there_o be_v as_o much_o rule_n for_o examination_n of_o woman_n before_o their_o first_o admittance_n as_o there_o be_v for_o their_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v no_o positive_a precept_n for_o it_o although_o very_o undeniable_a consequence_n from_o the_o word_n certain_o woman_n be_v conversant_a with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o although_o not_o record_v in_o holy_a writ_n yet_o doubtless_o do_v participate_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n sacramental_o as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o if_o they_o have_v immortal_a soul_n and_o must_v live_v by_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o salvation_n but_o jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o if_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o blood_n may_v by_o unworthy_a rush_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n be_v charge_v upon_o the_o eldership_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o themselves_o certain_o as_o much_o care_n have_v need_v to_o be_v take_v how_o they_o be_v admit_v and_o what_o right_o they_o have_v to_o the_o sacred_a and_o divine_a mirestery_n peradventure_o shamefac'dnesse_a and_o modesty_n subject_a to_o that_o sex_n may_v at_o first_o a_o little_a be_v
the_o sacramental_a stumbling-block_n remove_v or_o a_o brief_a discourse_n concern_v examination_n by_o the_o congregational_a eldership_n before_o admittance_n to_o the_o sacrament_n wherein_o all_o contrary_a scruple_n be_v silence_v the_o equity_n and_o necessity_n of_o that_o duty_n vindicate_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o undeniable_a argument_n set_a forth_o for_o 1._o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o weak_a 2._o the_o information_n of_o the_o ignorant_a 3._o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o obstinate_a 4._o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o w._n l._n cast_v you_o up_o cast_v you_o up_o prepare_v the_o way_n take_v up_o the_o stumbling-block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o my_o people_n isa_n 57.14_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n for_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o heb._n 13.7_o but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o london_n print_v by_o james_n and_o joseph_n moxon_n for_o henry_n overton_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o popes-head_n alley_n 1648._o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n christian_n reader_n the_o grand_a confusion_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a opposition_n that_o that_o so_o needful_a and_o desirable_a work_n of_o reformation_n now_o meet_v with_o together_o with_o the_o great_a pressure_n now_o lie_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o as_o bear_v good_a will_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n thereof_o have_v compel_v i_o to_o the_o press_n and_o although_o the_o unfit_a of_o ten_o thousand_o yet_o by_o draw_v this_o bush_n in_o the_o gap_n i_o may_v by_o god_n blessing_n not_o only_o prevent_v that_o devastation_n that_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v be_v like_a to_o follow_v if_o not_o timely_o prevent_v but_o also_o encourage_v some_o masterbuilder_n to_o repair_v the_o breach_n with_o better_a material_n and_o more_o skilful_a hand_n i_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v nothing_o more_o move_v i_o than_o the_o love_n i_o bear_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o reformation_n so_o much_o endeavour_v both_o by_o parliament_n and_o synod_n so_o much_o desire_v by_o the_o saint_n so_o much_o oppugn_v and_o opposs_v by_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n and_o if_o by_o this_o contemptible_a clay_n the_o cure_n be_v in_o any_o good_a measure_n effect_v i_o have_v my_o aim_n and_o desire_v thou_o with_o myself_o to_o give_v the_o glory_n to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o i_o be_o thou_o w._n i._n a_o catalogve_n of_o such_o qvery_n and_o scruple_n as_o be_v resolve_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n 1._o object_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o reformation_n pag._n 2._o 2._o object_n be_v not_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v protestant_n and_o we_o enjoy_v far_o more_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n then_o now_o man_n enjoy_v then_o the_o ordinance_n without_o interruption_n and_o doubtless_o many_o thousand_o go_v to_o heaven_n by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o mean_n then_o in_o use_n pag._n 3._o 3._o ob._n but_o be_v there_o not_o some_o that_o create_v church_n to_o themselves_o what_o think_v you_o of_o they_o pag._n 3._o 4._o object_n can_v you_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n pag._n 4._o 5._o object_n but_o what_o elder_n be_v those_o speak_v of_o in_o those_o scripture_n be_v they_o lay_v elder_n or_o ecclesiastical_a pag._n 5._o 6._o object_n what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o roll_a elder_n pag._n 5._o 7._o object_n but_o where_o i_o pray_v you_o will_v man_n be_v find_v fit_a for_o such_o weighty_a employment_n pag._n 8._o 8._o object_n but_o why_o do_v they_o choose_v such_o young_a man_n as_o in_o many_o place_n they_o have_v and_o some_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n i_o think_v they_o shall_v choose_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o able_a man_n in_o the_o parish_n who_o will_v better_o become_v both_o the_o title_n and_o office_n of_o elder_n pag._n 9_o 9_o object_n i_o think_v the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n in_o presbyterian_a congregation_n be_v neither_o right_o call_v nor_o fit_o qualify_v pag._n 12._o 10._o object_n q._n but_o why_o must_v we_o appeal_v to_o class_n have_v they_o any_o power_n to_o determine_v difference_n and_o to_o reform_v abuse_n in_o particular_a congregation_n pag._n 13._o 11._o object_n but_o they_o say_v now_o none_o must_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o examination_n by_o the_o eldership_n which_o some_o hold_n to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o point_n of_o popery_n however_o it_o be_v very_o needless_a and_o ridiculous_a for_o ancient_a man_n that_o have_v bear_v all_o office_n in_o the_o parish_n and_o church_n too_o live_v long_o under_o the_o mean_n often_o former_o admit_v now_o to_o be_v catechise_v like_o boy_n neither_o do_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o rule_n for_o it_o in_o the_o word_n the_o apostle_n say_v let_v every_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o pag._n 17._o 12._o object_n methinks_v if_o they_o will_v catechise_v the_o young_a people_n it_o will_v do_v well_o but_o for_o ancient_a man_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n together_o or_o more_o that_o have_v bear_v all_o office_n in_o both_o church_n and_o parish_n to_o be_v now_o call_v to_o account_v like_o boy_n this_o can_v be_v endure_v pag._n 25._o 13._o ob._n but_o must_v all_o man_n be_v examine_v certain_o some_o man_n be_v as_o able_a to_o examine_v the_o eldership_n as_o the_o elder_n they_o what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o examine_v such_o pag._n 26._o 14._o ob._n but_o must_v woman_n also_o be_v examine_v be_v there_o any_o rule_n for_o that_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 27._o 15._o ob._n be_v it_o only_o to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o minister_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o but_o for_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n to_o come_v before_o so_o many_o dash_v they_o out_o of_o countenance_n pag._n 28._o 16._o ob._n methinks_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o suspend_v the_o scandalous_a be_v there_o any_o such_o need_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o ignorant_a be_v not_o the_o sacrament_n a_o convert_v ordinance_n pag._n 29._o 17._o ob._n but_o do_v you_o what_o you_o can_v yet_o many_o corrupt_a man_n will_v be_v admit_v pag._n 29._o 18._o ob._n sure_o be_v it_o a_o good_a work_n and_o according_a to_o god_n good_a minister_n will_v promote_v it_o but_o there_o be_v divers_a good_a preacher_n about_o london_n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o act_n little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o this_o way_n pag._n 30._o 19_o ob._n but_o what_o if_o the_o king_n come_v home_o think_v you_o this_o government_n will_v stand_v pag._n 32._o 20._o ob._n do_v you_o not_o see_v how_o parish_n be_v divide_v about_o this_o business_n in_o divers_a place_n they_o be_v altogether_o by_o the_o ear_n pag._n 33._o 21._o ob._n but_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n so_o many_o elder_n be_v choose_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o so_o few_o hold_n not_o half_o in_o some_o place_n pag._n 34._o 22._o ob._n but_o be_v it_o meet_v all_o man_n shall_v come_v before_o the_o eldership_n to_o be_v examine_v before_o admittance_n methinks_v they_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o some_o man_n of_o best_a rank_n and_o converse_v with_o they_o there_o pag._n 35._o 23._o ob._n but_o if_o man_n and_o woman_n must_v both_o be_v examine_v it_o may_v fall_v out_o a_o man_n may_v be_v find_v unfit_a and_o his_o wife_n may_v be_v receive_v sometime_n the_o man_n receive_v and_o his_o wife_n unfit_a what_o a_o kind_n of_o confusion_n will_v this_o be_v do_v not_o the_o apostle_n paul_n lie_v the_o unbelieved_a woman_n be_v sanct_a fie_v by_o the_o believe_a man_n and_o the_o unbelieved_a man_n by_o the_o believe_a woman_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o pag._n 36._o 24._o ob._n what_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n that_o will_v be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o eldership_n what_o time_n man_n come_v before_o they_o pag._n 39_o 25._o ob._n what_o be_v the_o crime_n that_o make_v unapable_a of_o admittance_n in_o point_n of_o scandal_n pag._n 41._o the_o sacramental_a stumbling-block_n remove_v forasmuch_o as_o the_o lord_n by_o unexpected_a and_o unspeakable_a providence_n have_v so_o compose_v the_o grand_a quarrel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o notwithstanding_o
the_o spirit_n of_o many_o the_o arch_a enemy_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n be_v not_o subdue_v yet_o their_o rage_n and_o malice_n be_v so_o limit_v that_o although_o like_o the_o surge_a untamed_a wave_n they_o will_v again_o break_v out_o if_o not_o bound_v and_o their_o power_n so_o break_v that_o the_o mighty_a leviathan_n be_v now_o hold_v by_o the_o hook_n of_o god_n that_o god_n have_v also_o in_o this_o breath_n of_o time_n put_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o parliament_n and_o synod_n to_o settle_v a_o government_n in_o the_o church_n have_v lay_v a_o good_a foundation_n of_o reformation_n of_o corruption_n in_o and_o about_o the_o ordinance_n officer_n and_o administration_n thereof_o and_o for_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v wonderful_o averse_a to_o this_o so_o necessary_a a_o work_n that_o although_o it_o have_v cost_v so_o much_o time_n treasure_n and_o blood_n to_o bring_v to_o this_o maturity_n yet_o glad_a they_o will_v be_v to_o bring_v religion_n to_o a_o very_a hotchpotch_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o many_o vain_a and_o needless_a scruple_n and_o stumbling-block_n which_o satan_n and_o such_o man_n be_v every_o day_n cast_v in_o to_o obstruct_v i_o have_v think_v good_a as_o in_o duty_n every_o christian_n be_v bind_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o help_v the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a and_o that_o no_o man_n that_o true_o desire_v satisfaction_n may_v miss_v of_o it_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o enumerate_v all_o such_o objection_n as_o have_v any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o ignorant_a may_v be_v inform_v the_o wilful_a convince_v and_o the_o weak_a christian_a satisfy_v that_o so_o the_o church_n may_v be_v edify_v and_o god_n glorify_v and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v tedious_a i_o shall_v without_o more_o ado_n lay_v down_o these_o follow_a truth_n which_o by_o god_n grace_n i_o shall_v vindicate_v against_o all_o opposer_n that_o reformation_n of_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n although_o not_o to_o the_o be_v yet_o to_o the_o well_o be_v thereof_o and_o that_o as_o well_o in_o discipline_n as_o doctrine_n that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n that_o although_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o hear_v the_o word_n yet_o neither_o the_o ignorant_a nor_o profane_a aught_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o self_n examination_n although_o a_o duty_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o every_o communicant_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o all_o require_v and_o that_o examination_n by_o the_o eldership_n be_v both_o ground_v upon_o scripture_n and_o good_a reason_n for_o the_o first_o that_o reformation_n of_o corruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n etc._n etc._n be_v grant_v of_o all_o therefore_o need_v no_o dispute_n only_o 1._o q._n what_o be_v mean_v by_o reformation_n a._n the_o bring_n of_o the_o church_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n to_o as_o near_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o primative_a institution_n as_o may_v be_v both_o by_o cast_v out_o corruption_n and_o by_o supply_n of_o defect_n in_o and_o about_o the_o ordinance_n administration_n officer_n and_o member_n thereof_o 2._o object_n be_v not_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v protestant_n and_o we_o enjoy_v far_o more_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n then_o now_o man_n enjoy_v then_o the_o ordinance_n without_o interruption_n and_o doubtless_o many_o thousand_o go_v to_o heaven_n by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o mean_n then_o in_o use_n a._n i_o shall_v nor_o need_v now_o to_o spend_v time_n about_o that_o argument_n of_o the_o government_n by_o bishop_n and_o their_o substitute_n abundance_n of_o satisfaction_n have_v by_o divers_a be_v give_v to_o that_o point_n true_a it_o be_v they_o be_v protestant_a bishop_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n general_o own_v but_o their_o stand_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a right_n both_o parliament_n and_o synod_n have_v long_o since_o condemn_v that_o hyrarchy_n without_o doubt_n that_o lordly_a prelacy_n over_o god_n heritage_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o neither_o be_v as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v example_n to_o the_o flock_n it_o be_v true_a we_o enjoy_v much_o peace_n because_o the_o strong_a man_n keep_v possession_n none_o dare_v to_o question_v their_o proceed_n though_o never_o so_o impious_a but_o when_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o account_v for_o their_o oppression_n and_o tyranny_n and_o that_o satan_n see_v his_o kingdom_n begin_v to_o shake_v he_o muster_v up_o all_o his_o servant_n to_o his_o support_n which_o have_v make_v our_o time_n so_o troublesome_a and_o although_o many_o by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o mean_n and_o ordinance_n then_o in_o use_n be_v save_v this_o we_o must_v attribute_v to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o to_o god_n own_v his_o own_o ordinance_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o much_o corruption_n this_o therefore_o make_v not_o at_o all_o against_o cast_v out_o abuse_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n neither_o can_v we_o expect_v so_o great_a a_o work_n as_o the_o turn_n of_o church_n and_o state_n up-side_n down_o can_v be_v do_v without_o much_o combustion_n especial_o consider_v how_o most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v lead_v by_o custom_n though_o never_o so_o corrupt_a and_o its_o a_o special_a mercy_n consider_v how_o many_o grand_a enemy_n we_o have_v have_v to_o do_v withal_o that_o god_n have_v put_v so_o timely_a a_o period_n to_o our_o old_a trouble_n i_o pray_v god_n our_o corrupt_a heart_n and_o causeless_a contention_n provoke_v he_o not_o to_o punish_v we_o yet_o seven_o time_n more_o 3._o object_n but_o be_v there_o not_o some_o that_o create_v church_n to_o themselves_o what_o think_v you_o of_o they_o a._n i_o think_v if_o they_o deny_v our_o congregation_n to_o be_v true_a church_n they_o be_v erroneous_a and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o their_o separation_n the_o more_o unlawful_a and_o i_o think_v as_o there_o be_v many_o go_v from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o so_o many_o be_v join_v to_o other_o assembly_n because_o our_o government_n be_v so_o long_o before_o settle_v be_v too_o impatient_a to_o wait_v god_n leisure_n such_o man_n sure_o forget_v the_o israelite_n be_v forty_o year_n together_o without_o the_o passeover_n all_o the_o while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o journey_n to_o canaan_n have_v they_o but_o well_o eye_v the_o church_n they_o may_v have_v see_v it_o some_o year_n together_o in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o distraction_n but_o still_o no_o way_n to_o reformation_n and_o therefore_o ought_v rather_o to_o have_v wait_v till_o god_n have_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o desire_a land_n then_o to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o that_o work_n which_o fare_v the_o worse_o for_o their_o departure_n many_o thousand_o be_v go_v that_o will_v have_v they_o continue_v have_v much_o add_v to_o the_o visible_a beauty_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v just_o to_o be_v blame_v god_n and_o man_n look_v for_o reformation_n not_o separation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n god_n so_o much_o confound_v their_o language_n who_o will_v be_v building_n babel_n to_o themselves_o for_o the_o second_o that_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n 4._o object_n can_v you_o make_v it_o dppear_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n a._n yea_o by_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n as_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o the_o apostle_n there_o say_v neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v give_v with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o tresbytery_n again_o 1_o cor._n 12._o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secundary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_v in_o government_n etc._n etc._n viz._n man_n fit_v with_o several_a gift_n suitable_a to_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n again_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n likewise_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o the_o elder_n that_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v who_o also_o be_o a_o elder_a and_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n so_o also_o rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o have_v gift_n differ_v etc._n etc._n by_o all_o which_o place_n its_o apparent_a that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n be_v according_a
bless_v be_v god_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o he_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o pass_v by_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o be_v also_o able_a to_o furnish_v all_o such_o who_o he_o call_v to_o his_o work_n with_o suitable_a ability_n and_o qualification_n and_o herein_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n have_v find_v much_o comfort_n and_o with_o the_o apostle_n have_v have_v occasion_n to_o say_v and_o that_o true_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v they_o and_o although_o none_o call_v to_o the_o work_n can_v be_v in_o every_o degree_n fit_a or_o peradventure_o many_o call_v may_v have_v mean_a part_n than_o some_o other_o not_o call_v and_o notwithstanding_o all_o choose_a be_v not_o alike_o qualify_v yet_o where_o the_o call_n be_v good_a the_o heart_n upright_o to_o the_o work_n there_o will_v not_o want_v a_o competent_a supply_n from_o he_o that_o give_v to_o all_o liberal_o and_o several_o quality_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o indeed_o those_o that_o be_v most_o able_a if_o they_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_a know_v nothing_o therefore_o it_o become_v the_o best_a to_o see_v and_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n 2._o cor._n 3.5_o not_o that_o we_o be_v sufficient_a of_o ourselves_o to_o think_v any_o thing_n as_o of_o ourselves_o but_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n neither_o will_v i_o have_v man_n too_o much_o stumble_v at_o their_o own_o insufficiency_n so_o as_o to_o despair_v either_o of_o supply_n or_o success_n if_o right_o call_v and_o of_o upright_a heart_n but_o in_o midst_n of_o all_o discouragement_n sincere_o endeavour_v to_o improve_v the_o small_a talon_n receive_v rest_v upon_o god_n for_o he_o that_o have_v say_v 2_o cor._n 12.9_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a have_v also_o say_v i_o will_v never_o fail_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o heb._n 13.5_o 2._o we_o have_v experience_n that_o through_o mercy_n many_o able_a and_o honest_a man_n be_v call_v to_o this_o work_n and_o have_v love_o accept_v the_o trust_n who_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o will_v receive_v sufficient_a testimony_n of_o god_n presence_n with_o they_o by_o their_o daily_a improvement_n 3._o there_o be_v this_o remedy_n if_o man_n unfit_a or_o unable_a be_v choose_v they_o be_v to_o pass_v through_o examination_n and_o if_o find_v unfit_a be_v in_o a_o competent_a time_n to_o be_v except_v against_o whether_o it_o be_v for_o ignorance_n or_o scandal_n they_o be_v to_o be_v remedy_v and_o sitter_n choose_v 8._o object_n but_o why_o do_v they_o choose_v such_o young_a man_n as_o in_o many_o place_n they_o have_v and_o some_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n i_o think_v they_o shall_v choose_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o able_a man_n in_o the_o parish_n who_o will_v better_o become_v both_o the_o title_n and_o office_n of_o elder_n a._n they_o be_v not_o call_v elder_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o age_n but_o office_n and_o although_o it_o be_v very_o commendable_a if_o man_n can_v every_o where_o be_v get_v both_o grave_a and_o godly_a to_o deal_v in_o so_o weighty_a affair_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o in_o all_o place_n care_n be_v and_o will_v be_v not_o to_o neglect_v such_o as_o be_v well_o ground_v in_o religion_n sound_v in_o faith_n and_o of_o good_a understanding_n yet_o if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o young_a man_n be_v choose_v if_o thus_o qualify_v we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o stumble_v at_o their_o youth_n timothy_n be_v a_o very_a young_a man_n but_o paul_n give_v command_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v despise_v his_o youth_n 1_o tim._n 4.12_o it_o be_v not_o age_n but_o honesty_n and_o understanding_n make_v man_n fit_a for_o such_o employment_n and_o we_o know_v it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o very_o ordinary_a for_o man_n of_o 30._o or_o 40._o year_n to_o out-step_n many_o twice_o their_o age_n both_o in_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n neither_o shall_v man_n stumble_v if_o here_o and_o there_o man_n of_o ordinary_a rank_n be_v choose_v if_o well_o qualify_v although_o bless_v be_v god_n our_o time_n afford_v as_o many_o that_o be_v both_o great_a and_o good_a as_o any_o age_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o many_o very_a able_a for_o estate_n as_o otherways_o be_v choose_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o man_n of_o a_o low_a rank_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v and_o have_v be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v offend_v thereat_o for_o 1._o we_o know_v man_n ordinary_o wise_a for_o the_o world_n be_v not_o wise_a to_o god-ward_o the_o lord_n have_v hide_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o kingdom_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o reveal_v they_o to_o babe_n mat._n 11.25_o luk._n 10.21_o 2._o when_o the_o lord_n christ_n who_o know_v best_o who_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o will_v pick_v and_o choose_v man_n out_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o advance_v his_o cause_n and_o kingdom_n he_o count_v it_o no_o policy_n to_o entertain_v the_o great_a man_n but_o a_o company_n of_o poor_a fisherman_n against_o who_o the_o world_n may_v as_o easy_o be_v offend_v it_o be_v as_o easy_a with_o he_o to_o have_v call_v great_a and_o rich_a man_n and_o have_v enable_v they_o for_o his_o work_n as_o those_o despicable_a one_o yet_o he_o choose_v the_o poor_a jam._n 2.5_o have_v not_o god_n choose_v the_o poor_a in_o this_o world_n rich_a in_o faith_n so_o 1_o cor._n 1.26_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v etc._n etc._n and_o true_o as_o not_o many_o such_o man_n be_v effectual_o call_v to_o god_n in_o christ_n so_o very_a few_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o church_n dispensation_n for_o rich_a and_o man_n great_a in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o care_n and_o trouble_v which_o bring_v no_o outward_a advantage_n they_o cry_v out_o who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a 4._o psal_n 4._o alas_o they_o have_v their_o farm_n to_o see_v their_o ox_n to_o prove_v their_o wife_n to_o marry_v etc._n etc._n when_o they_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v they_o will_v come_v to_o christ_n look_v all_o their_o life_n with_o felix_n for_o a_o more_o convenient_a time_n act._n 24.25_o till_o time_n be_v no_o more_o 3._o mean_a man_n in_o the_o world_n account_n as_o before_o be_v ordinary_o wise_a to_o god-ward_o and_o we_o be_v better_o have_v no_o governor_n at_o all_o in_o the_o church_n though_o never_o so_o age_a or_o rich_a if_o ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o in_o those_o thing_n about_o which_o they_o be_v especial_o conversant_a certain_o if_o ignorance_n and_o scandal_n make_v man_n incapable_a of_o sacramental_a communion_n much_o more_o of_o judicature_n in_o divine_a mystery_n yet_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o be_v not_o unpossible_a for_o rich_a man_n and_o great_a man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o i_o doubt_v not_o we_o have_v our_o abraham_n lot_n noah_n job_n david_n daniel_n etc._n etc._n man_n both_o great_a in_o the_o world_n and_o rich_a in_o grace_n but_o these_o be_v rare_a as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o time_n 4._o although_o in_o civil_a thing_n man_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v and_o respect_v for_o their_o age_n and_o other_o outward_a accommodation_n yet_o religion_n make_v no_o such_o difference_n but_o before_o god_n and_o good_a man_n a_o honest_a understanding_n christian_n be_v esteem_v above_o man_n great_a in_o the_o world_n desolute_a of_o save_a grace_n this_o worldly_a partiality_n the_o apostle_n james_n utter_o condemn_v james_n 2.1.2_o my_o brethren_n have_v not_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o respect_n of_o person_n read_v the_o 2.3_o and_o 4._o verse_n beside_o in_o point_n of_o policy_n if_o we_o will_v not_o befool_v ourselves_o and_o miss_v of_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o intrust_v those_o that_o be_v pious_a and_o prudent_a with_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n though_o never_o so_o mean_a outward_o certain_o a_o skilful_a pilot_n with_o a_o homely_a handkerchief_n about_o his_o neck_n will_v better_o conduct_v a_o ship_n to_o his_o right_a port_n than_o the_o lord_n major_a with_o his_o chain_n of_o gold_n riches_n avail_v not_o in_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n friend_n it_o be_v not_o a_o ruff-band_n a_o beaver_n hat_n a_o gelding_n a_o grey_a beard_n or_o thousand_o per_fw-la annum_fw-la can_v do_v thy_o soul_n good_a thou_o may_v perish_v for_o all_o that_o i_o believe_v he_o that_o be_v disease_v in_o his_o body_n or_o have_v a_o limb_n out_o of_o joint_n will_v rather_o listen_v to_o a_o skilful_a physician_n or_o chirurgeon_n in_o a_o threadbare_a coat_n then_o to_o a_o unskilful_a quack-salv_a in_o a_o velvet_n suit_n and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v our_o shame_n to_o