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 only_o unsuitable_a but_o very_o unsafe_a nay_o destructive_a to_o admit_v man_n ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a to_o fellowship_n with_o the_o saint_n what_o fellowship_n can_v light_o have_v with_o darkness_n or_o god_n with_o belial_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v it_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n lay_v so_o heavy_a upon_o the_o corinthian_n many_o of_o they_o visit_v with_o sickness_n and_o death_n for_o their_o unworthy_a participate_v the_o lord_n body_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 14._o consider_v that_o apostolical_a injunction_n be_v bind_v to_o all_o governor_n in_o church_n in_o this_o case_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o eat_v not_o the_o apostle_n prohibit_v not_o eat_v common_a bread_n with_o such_o for_o then_o we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o therefore_o appoint_v this_o remedy_n vers_fw-la 13._o put_v away_o therefore_o from_o among_o you_o that_o wicked_a person_n 12._o ob._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 a._n it_o be_v very_o good_a indeed_o for_o young_a people_n to_o be_v well_o catechise_v in_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o may_v become_v capable_a of_o those_o holy_a mystery_n and_o if_o in_o public_a the_o ancient_a loose_a nothing_o by_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o too_o common_a for_o old_a man_n to_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n enough_o of_o examination_n and_o yet_o respect_n have_v to_o 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 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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
be_v wise_a for_o the_o body_n then_o for_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o the_o whole_a world_n 5._o although_o man_n be_v never_o so_o rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v call_v and_o qualify_v for_o this_o work_n they_o must_v become_v fool_n child_n and_o servant_n or_o else_o not_o fit_a 5.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o either_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v one_o obsticle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o great_a man_n who_o if_o they_o have_v eye_n to_o see_v they_o may_v know_v that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n be_v not_o only_o the_o great_a freedom_n 4.20_o 1_o cor._n 4.20_o but_o the_o high_a honour_n 6._o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o ignorant_a and_o carnal_a heart_n and_o of_o such_o as_o be_v utter_o unacquainted_a with_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o to_o stumble_v at_o his_o cross_n be_v it_o not_o the_o ignorance_n and_o impiety_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n thus_o to_o do_v do_v not_o they_o say_v of_o the_o lord_n christ_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n son_n be_v not_o his_o brethren_n with_o we_o etc._n etc._n do_v any_o of_o the_o ruler_n believe_v in_o he_o etc._n etc._n who_o be_v it_o that_o count_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n foolishness_n but_o man_n worldly_a wise_n and_o be_v not_o we_o apt_a to_o say_v what_o be_v such_o or_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o we_o know_v they_o well_o enough_o take_n exception_n at_o man_n excellent_o quallisied_a if_o not_o so_o great_a in_o the_o world_n as_o ourselves_o 7._o know_v this_o be_v only_o a_o block_n cast_v in_o the_o way_n by_o satan_n that_o man_n may_v stumble_v without_o cause_n and_o fall_v notwithstanding_o man_n of_o abilicie_n and_o know_a fidelity_n be_v in_o most_o place_n choose_v yet_o it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n to_o obstruct_v therefore_o if_o he_o can_v quarrel_v with_o the_o ordinance_n then_o with_o dispensation_n if_o no_o cause_n there_o then_o with_o the_o instrument_n and_o if_o with_o none_o of_o those_o then_o with_o christ_n with_o truth_n itself_o for_o he_o know_v the_o settlement_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n will_v exceed_o obstruct_v the_o increase_n of_o his_o kingdom_n when_o corruption_n be_v cast_v out_o and_o person_n ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a debar_v that_o ordinance_n which_o make_v they_o ten_o fold_n more_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o unworthy_a participate_v for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o either_o to_o make_v man_n rush_v hand_n overhead_o upon_o the_o ordinance_n to_o their_o ruin_n or_o to_o raise_v a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o duty_n and_o instrument_n employ_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o mercy_n which_o by_o god_n blessing_n may_v be_v very_o instrumental_a to_o their_o salvation_n 8._o if_o they_o be_v legal_o choose_v have_v past_o the_o trial_n and_o the_o time_n of_o exception_n not_o make_v use_n of_o blame_v yourselves_o nevertheless_o if_o they_o be_v unfit_a there_o be_v place_n of_o appeal_n and_o remedy_n 9_o ob._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 a_o i._o although_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o many_o yea_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v as_o well_o qualify_v as_o we_o can_v expect_v for_o that_o as_o we_o can_v expect_v perfection_n here_o nor_o in_o a_o legal_a sense_n any_o fit_o qualify_v yet_o evangelical_o consider_v although_o none_o be_v sufficient_a the_o lord_n look_v upon_o they_o with_o approbation_n and_o acceptance_n 2._o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v also_o sufficient_a provision_n make_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o such_o whether_o pastor_n or_o elder_n as_o be_v uncapable_a either_o by_o ignorance_n or_o scandal_n it_o be_v not_o here_o as_o in_o independent_a church_n where_o if_o the_o people_n injure_v their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n etc._n etc._n or_o the_o officer_n injure_v the_o people_n without_o redress_n but_o if_o either_o party_n be_v find_v faulty_a they_o be_v responsible_a and_o satisfaction_n be_v give_v to_o the_o suffer_a party_n according_a to_o the_o demerit_n and_o doubtless_o corruption_n will_v creep_v especial_o into_o church_n where_o provision_n be_v not_o make_v to_o keep_v it_o out_o 3._o although_o i_o will_v not_o plead_v for_o the_o unsutablenesse_n or_o incapacitie_n of_o any_o call_v to_o the_o mean_a office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yet_o i_o will_v have_v they_o look_v upon_o as_o man_n subject_a to_o infirmity_n not_o as_o angel_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o have_v such_o we_o must_v ascend_v high_a to_o look_v for_o pastor_n elder_n etc._n etc._n then_o either_o god_n or_o man_n ordain_v or_o expect_v and_o yet_o ordinary_o those_o that_o stumble_v most_o at_o the_o inablity_n of_o church-officer_n be_v man_n most_o incapable_a of_o church_n communion_n second_o for_o the_o call_v of_o church-officer_n if_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n be_v choose_v according_a to_o those_o direction_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o door_n of_o trial_n according_o as_o in_o most_o place_n they_o have_v or_o otherways_o man_n disaffect_v to_o the_o government_n will_v quick_o have_v let_v they_o know_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a exception_n especial_o if_o the_o time_n limit_v for_o exception_n be_v more_o than_o pass_v abundant_o unless_o you_o deny_v the_o public_a congregation_n in_o england_n to_o be_v true_a church_n which_o have_v be_v and_o be_v general_o attest_v not_o only_o by_o the_o national_a synod_n now_o sit_v the_o godly_a learned_a in_o general_a whether_o episcopal_a or_o presbyterian_a but_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n nay_o the_o most_o pious_a and_o prudent_a of_o the_o independent_a judgement_n also_o have_v public_o positive_o and_o affirmative_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n however_o confess_v on_o all_o side_n to_o be_v full_a of_o corruptiâ—ns_n or_o else_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o need_n of_o reformation_n many_o godly_a and_o learned_a divine_n have_v take_v much_o pain_n in_o public_a to_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o all_o opposer_n and_o indeed_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o weak_a christian_n as_o stumble_v hereat_o together_o with_o that_o other_o scruple_n of_o participate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o mix_a assembly_n be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o my_o own_o undertake_n that_o subject_a publish_v for_o common_a benefit_n in_o the_o book_n call_v the_o bramble_n berry_n wherein_o there_o be_v full_a satisfaction_n give_v to_o that_o point_n therefore_o not_o willing_a now_o to_o insist_v further_o i_o refer_v such_o as_o yet_o scruple_n thither_o 10._o 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 a._n yea_o and_o that_o for_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o 1._o beside_o the_o appointment_n by_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n they_o be_v our_o own_o trustee_n or_o representative_n such_o as_o be_v choose_v by_o particular_a congregation_n to_o hear_v and_o determine_v difference_n and_o reform_v such_o abuse_n as_o in_o case_n of_o error_n or_o injury_n they_o themselves_o can_v for_o be_v it_o not_o for_o classis_fw-la the_o pastor_n elder_n &c_n &c_n may_v injure_v the_o congregation_n or_o the_o people_n injure_v the_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n and_o remain_v remediless_a classis_fw-la therefore_o be_v as_o committee_n choose_v out_o or_o make_v up_o of_o pastor_n and_o elder_n out_o of_o particular_a church_n and_o although_o they_o have_v appointment_n by_o authority_n of_o parliament_n and_o assembly_n so_o they_o be_v approve_v and_o choose_v by_o particular_a church_n as_o their_o trustee_n so_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n have_v like_o interest_n and_o so_o receive_v like_o redress_n in_o point_n of_o appeal_n and_o that_o these_o may_v not_o be_v oppressive_a or_o injurous_a they_o be_v responsible_a to_o the_o provincial_n which_o be_v also_o make_v up_o of_o so_o many_o delegate_n as_o be_v think_v fit_a out_o of_o the_o several_a classis_fw-la as_o their_o representative_n and_o those_o also_o responsible_a to_o a_o national_a synod_n and_o they_o likewise_o to_o a_o parliament_n so_o that_o as_o much_o provision_n as_o may_v be_v be_v make_v to_o keep_v out_o arbitrary_a proceed_v and_o tyranny_n and_o to_o redress_v all_o abuse_n and_o that_o neither_o pastor_n or_o other_o officer_n be_v wrong_v by_o the_o people_n or_o the_o people_n by_o the_o pastor_n etc._n etc._n or_o joint_o fall_v into_o error_n without_o remedy_n 2._o although_o its_o true_a we_o read_v of_o no_o such_o power_n in_o the_o church_n as_o classis_fw-la provincial_n nationalls_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o we_o find_v something_o
as_o equivalent_a to_o they_o as_o those_o time_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o condition_n thereof_o can_v admit_v for_o in_o case_n of_o controversy_n of_o doubt_n of_o error_n or_o injury_n etc._n etc._n we_o find_v the_o particular_a church_n appeal_n to_o a_o assembly_n of_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n from_o who_o they_o receive_v direction_n decree_n and_o in_o who_o determination_n the_o particular_a church_n acquiesce_v as_o in_o that_o great_a dissension_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n about_o circumcision_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v send_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o direction_n and_o determination_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o elder_n there_o act._n 15.1.2_o have_v have_v much_o debate_n and_o dispute_v of_o the_o matter_n send_v down_o their_o determination_n by_o messenger_n from_o among_o themselves_o together_o with_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n viz._n barsabas_n and_o sylas_n who_o carry_v they_o both_o by_o word_n and_o writing_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v in_o 28_o 29._o verse_n for_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n that_o you_o abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o from_o blood_n and_o from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o fornication_n from_o which_o if_o you_o keep_v yourselves_o you_o shall_v do_v well_o farewell_n after_o the_o receive_n of_o this_o determination_n we_o read_v of_o no_o more_o contend_v about_o circumcision_n but_o all_o be_v quiet_a so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o be_v something_o of_o like_a nature_n to_o a_o synodical_a assembly_n although_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n and_o state_n at_o that_o time_n neither_o have_v need_n of_o nor_o can_v possible_o set_v up_o either_o nationall_n provincial_n or_o classical_a assembly_n 1._o they_o have_v less_o need_n than_o now_o by_o reason_n the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o numerous_a 2._o there_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v endow_v with_o a_o more_o infallible_a spirit_n less_o need_n of_o apostle_n 2._o not_o possible_a 1._o for_o that_o the_o church_n be_v in_o its_o infancy_n they_o have_v not_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o apostle_n elder_n etc._n etc._n to_o make_v many_o assembly_n 2._o and_o more_o especial_o they_o live_v not_o under_o christian_a magistrate_n there_o be_v then_o no_o nationall_n church_n they_o neither_o have_v countenance_n nor_o encouragement_n from_o the_o civil_a majestracy_n there_o be_v neither_o nation_n province_n or_o city_n that_o general_o profess_a christ_n they_o have_v a_o particular_a church_n here_o and_o there_o and_o these_o liable_a ever_o and_o anon_o to_o be_v dissipate_v by_o persecution_n etc._n etc._n now_o there_o can_v be_v no_o nationall_n provincial_n or_o classical_a assembly_n where_o the_o nation_n province_n or_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v not_o profess_v christ_n now_o if_o there_o be_v much_o corruption_n where_o so_o great_a provision_n be_v make_v to_o reform_v how_o much_o more_o where_o there_o be_v no_o place_n of_o appeal_n therefore_o i_o shall_v affirm_v this_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o government_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o substantial_o of_o it_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o presbyterian_a for_o the_o circumstancialls_n the_o state_n of_o the_o time_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o kingdom_n can_v expect_v to_o find_v record_v in_o all_o thing_n conducible_a to_o the_o well_o be_v of_o a_o church_n in_o regard_n of_o union_n and_o order_n i_o will_v to_o god_n we_o have_v more_o wisdom_n then_o to_o quarrel_v about_o circumstance_n certain_o will_v we_o promote_v the_o substantial_o of_o reformation_n wherein_o both_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_a agree_v other_o thing_n will_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v but_o while_o we_o thus_o contend_v about_o that_o punctillo_n of_o appeal_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n be_v most_o sinful_o and_o shameful_o neglect_v for_o as_o i_o say_v former_o independent_a government_n be_v presbyterian_a except_o in_o point_n of_o appeal_n nay_o episcopacy_n regulate_v viz._n when_o their_o lordly_a usurp_a power_n their_o diocesan_n dominion_n their_o temporal_a civil_a and_o secular_a jurisdiction_n be_v take_v off_o be_v also_o presbyterian_a a_o scripture_n bishop_n be_v a_o pastor_n or_o presbyter_n or_o elder_a only_o every_o pastor_n be_v a_o elder_a but_o every_o elder_a not_o a_o pastor_n some_o rule_n some_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o bishop_n pastor_n teacher_n presbyter_n elder_a will_v admit_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o interpretation_n therefore_o let_v we_o cease_v contend_v about_o word_n that_o tend_v rather_o to_o strife_n then_o edify_v let_v we_o not_o tithe_v mint_n and_o annis_n etc._n etc._n while_o we_o neglect_v judgement_n mercy_n and_o fidelity_n etc._n etc._n while_o we_o quarrel_n in_o circumstance_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n worship_n like_o a_o foolish_a builder_n we_o be_v conver_v the_o house_n before_o the_o foundation_n be_v well_o lay_v lie_v a_o stargazing_a while_o the_o ship_n be_v ready_a to_o sink_v under_o we_o we_o quarrel_v about_o rosemary_n and_o bay_n while_o church_n and_o state_n run_v both_o to_o ruin_v and_o our_o neighbour_a nation_n wallow_v in_o its_o blood_n stand_v comb_v and_o trime_a our_o beard_n while_o our_o house_n be_v on_o fire_n over_o our_o head_n true_o thus_o and_o far_o more_o ridiculous_a be_v our_o condition_n the_o lord_n help_v we_o to_o see_v it_o and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o give_v we_o over_o to_o pursue_v shadow_n and_o lie_v vanity_n in_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o own_o mercy_n for_o that_o we_o be_v so_o weded_a to_o promote_v the_o circumstance_n in_o the_o retard_v and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o substantial_o of_o god_n worship_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n the_o three_o and_o four_o particular_a concern_v the_o lawfullnesse_n and_o usefulness_n of_o examination_n by_o the_o eldership_n as_o follow_v 11._o ob._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 catichise_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 a._n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o none_o be_v now_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o that_o upon_o good_a ground_n neither_o be_v there_o the_o least_o punctillo_n of_o popery_n in_o it_o or_o be_v it_o either_o needless_a or_o ridiculous_a but_o a_o very_a necessary_a duty_n and_o ground_v both_o upon_o scripture_n and_o good_a reason_n as_o well_o for_o ancient_a as_o young_a people_n and_o see_v this_o be_v the_o grand_a stumbling-block_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v its_o removal_n especial_o and_o for_o that_o indeed_o without_o examination_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a reformation_n 1._o for_o that_o it_o be_v object_v as_o tend_v to_o popery_n whosoever_o think_v so_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o ignorance_n for_o it_o be_v not_o intend_v either_o by_o parliament_n or_o synod_n or_o any_o particular_a congregationall_a eldership_n to_o expect_v auricular_a confession_n but_o only_o a_o account_n of_o a_o reason_n of_o man_n faith_n which_o man_n may_v do_v and_o yet_o have_v little_a share_n in_o jesus_n christ_n true_a if_o a_o man_n render_v a_o competent_a account_n of_o his_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n if_o nothing_o of_o scandal_n appear_v in_o the_o life_n he_o can_v be_v keep_v back_o from_o sacramental_a visible_a communion_n although_o as_o before_o a_o stranger_n from_o union_n with_o christ_n therefore_o be_v it_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a examination_n requisite_a 1._o examination_n of_o a_o man_n own_o heart_n whether_o he_o have_v the_o sincerity_n godly_a zeal_n knowledge_n faith_n repentance_n love_n etc._n etc._n with_o such_o grace_n as_o indeed_o give_v a_o man_n right_a not_o only_o to_o the_o element_n but_o to_o jesus_n christ_n without_o which_o he_o can_v have_v no_o comfort_n in_o participate_v 2._o examination_n by_o the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n whereby_o he_o be_v know_v fit_a for_o visible_a communion_n for_o although_o a_o man_n may_v give_v the_o eldership_n a_o fair_a account_n yet_o may_v he_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o principal_a part_n without_o which_o all_o be_v
judicature_n &_o trust_n in_o the_o church_n ought_v and_o be_v first_o examine_v as_o 1._o tim._n 3._o after_o the_o apostle_n have_v lay_v down_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o be_v to_o bear_v office_n in_o the_o church_n in_o the_o 10._o v._n say_v and_o let_v these_o also_o be_v roved_z imply_v that_o all_o admit_v to_o church_n communion_n ought_v to_o be_v prove_v but_o first_o such_o as_o be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v these_o also_o must_v be_v prove_v and_o this_o the_o parliament_n and_o synod_n have_v make_v good_a provision_n for_o in_o that_o ordinance_n for_o settle_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n that_o none_o be_v admit_v to_o that_o trust_n but_o first_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o trier_n who_o must_v be_v find_v man_n of_o unblameable_a conversation_n and_o sound_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v great_a need_n that_o man_n that_o be_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v both_o grave_n and_o godly_a for_o if_o a_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o to_o rule_v his_o own_o house_n how_o shall_v he_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1._o tim._n 3.5_o 5._o no_o man_n can_v possess_v outward_a thing_n but_o he_o must_v declare_v his_o title_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n produce_v his_o evidence_n and_o do_v we_o think_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v pass_v hand_n over_o head_n to_o such_o as_o be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o plead_v their_o propriety_n think_v it_o requisite_a to_o deal_v secure_o for_o the_o body_n and_o be_v so_o loose_a and_o careless_a of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n 6._o consider_v who_o be_v it_o will_v suffer_v if_o man_n unworthy_a be_v admit_v as_o of_o necessity_n they_o will_v if_o not_o examine_v shall_v not_o such_o a_o one_o reap_v his_o own_o ruin_n nay_o and_o those_o that_o aught_o to_o have_v debar_v he_o inevitable_o incur_v the_o guilt_n of_o his_o blood_n therefore_o it_o be_v far_o better_a and_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o more_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n for_o man_n find_v unfit_a a_o while_n to_o be_v suspend_v till_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n prayer_n christian_a admonition_n etc._n etc._n they_o become_v capable_a to_o participate_v to_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o own_o comfort_n 7._o there_o be_v not_o so_o great_a cause_n of_o offence_n if_o any_o to_o any_o man_n if_o they_o confider_v it_o be_v but_o once_o at_o first_o admittance_n its_o needless_a when_o man_n be_v once_o sufficient_o know_v to_o the_o church_n if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v as_o often_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v administer_v there_o be_v more_o cause_n of_o exception_n 8._o consider_v authority_n upon_o long_a and_o serious_a debate_n have_v find_v it_o a_o duty_n of_o especial_a concernment_n much_o conduce_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o abuse_n in_o the_o church_n have_v have_v sufficient_a consult_v with_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n concern_v the_o legallity_n and_o necessity_n thereof_o and_o have_v find_v it_o a_o duty_n of_o divine_a right_n and_o therefore_o have_v enjoin_v all_o in_o authority_n that_o they_o admit_v none_o but_o first_o examine_v their_o aptness_n both_o in_o point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o conversation_n and_o this_o ordinance_n will_v not_o only_o debar_v the_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a but_o also_o man_n of_o unsound_a and_o rot_a judgement_n who_o be_v as_o dangerous_a in_o the_o church_n and_o far_o more_o than_o scandalous_a liver_n now_o if_o we_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n let_v we_o submit_v to_o this_o especial_o wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o eternal_a good_a be_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o certain_o those_o that_o most_o plead_v for_o conformity_n for_o obedience_n to_o authority_n in_o the_o bishop_n day_n shall_v not_o now_o spurn_v so_o much_o at_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o so_o it_o be_v that_o those_o former_o that_o be_v our_o great_a conformist_n be_v in_o this_o point_n chief_a non-conformists'_a and_o such_o man_n who_o i_o be_o sure_o cast_v a_o evil_a eye_n upon_o the_o separation_n for_o make_v rent_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o spurn_v against_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n run_v hither_o and_o thither_o to_o promiscuous_a dispensation_n lust_a after_o their_o old_a onion_n become_v arch_a separatist_n which_o disorder_n doubtless_o as_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n go_v on_o and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n settle_v will_v easy_o be_v prevent_v 9_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n although_o before_o persecutor_n and_o tyrant_n and_o in_o midst_n of_o suffering_n and_o will_v thou_o be_v ashamed_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o thy_o faith_n to_o thy_o fellow_n brethren_n and_o friend_n 10._o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o any_o particular_a member_n that_o both_o pastor_n and_o elder_n have_v not_o cheerful_o undergo_v and_o that_o in_o a_o more_o serious_a and_o strict_a nature_n 11._o the_o turn_v our_o back_n upon_o the_o lord_n supper_n rather_o than_o to_o pass_v through_o this_o door_n of_o examination_n argue_v great_a slight_v of_o that_o sacred_a ordinance_n and_o herein_o we_o neglect_v our_o own_o mercy_n and_o bewray_v abundance_n of_o folly_n certain_o every_o man_n will_v charge_v he_o with_o folly_n that_o be_v heir_n to_o a_o good_a estate_n and_o will_v rather_o loose_v it_o then_o plead_v his_o interest_n or_o bring_v forth_o his_o evidence_n and_o have_v we_o not_o as_o great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v he_o both_o ignorant_a and_o unworthy_a to_o participate_v the_o lord_n christ_n that_o rather_o than_o show_v his_o right_n or_o plead_v his_o propriety_n will_v loose_v his_o part_n in_o he_o therefore_o by_o all_o mean_n take_v heed_n of_o contemn_v this_o weighty_a ordinance_n wherein_o our_o spiritual_a life_n &_o nutriment_n consist_v and_o the_o more_o thy_o heart_n be_v aver_v to_o submit_v the_o more_o certain_o conclude_v the_o ordinance_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n for_o natural_o our_o heart_n be_v averse_a to_o god_n and_o goodness_n 12._o by_o come_v in_o we_o shall_v declare_v ourselves_o friend_n to_o reformation_n promoter_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n to_o those_o that_o will_v glad_o increase_v our_o confusion_n who_o with_o sanballat_n and_o tobiah_n cast_v their_o daily_a scoff_v and_o reproach_n upon_o the_o way_n people_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n beside_o it_o be_v far_o better_a for_o man_n find_v uncapable_a by_o examination_n to_o be_v a_o while_n suspend_v then_o if_o promiscuous_o admit_v in_o a_o crowd_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o by_o excommunication_n 13._o consider_v the_o great_a mischiess_n that_o attend_v the_o admit_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n first_o hereby_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o the_o weak_a to_o despise_v and_o dislike_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o to_o contemn_v our_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n why_o many_o now_o of_o the_o separation_n have_v forsake_v our_o assembly_n and_o do_v at_o this_o day_n power_n so_o much_o reproach_n and_o contempt_n upon_o we_o although_o they_o be_v to_o be_v just_o condemn_v in_o so_o do_v woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n but_o withal_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o take_v offence_n hereat_o the_o sin_n of_o elies_n son_n 1._o sam._n 2.17_o be_v great_a in_o make_v the_o lord_n people_n to_o abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o this_o be_v also_o call_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o people_n so_o that_o they_o both_o sin_v even_o so_o promiscuous_a dispensation_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n give_v occasion_n of_o offence_n to_o many_o especial_o to_o god_n therefore_o sinful_a but_o yet_o it_o be_v their_o sin_n that_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n for_o that_o ground_n second_o it_o be_v a_o grand_a cause_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o sin_n hereby_o profane_a man_n be_v encourage_v to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o impiety_n by_o be_v admit_v into_o church_n privilege_n as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a man_n and_o not_o discountenance_v by_o cast_v out_o that_o that_o make_v god_n vineyard_n fruitful_a as_o a_o reverend_a able_a divine_v not_o long_o since_o well_o show_v be_v the_o fence_n of_o it_o and_o cast_v out_o the_o stone_n thereof_o esay_n 5.2_o but_o if_o the_o fence_n be_v so_o break_v down_o that_o swine_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o beast_n break_v in_o and_o if_o the_o stone_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o to_o wit_n man_n ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a its_o impossible_a for_o the_o church_n to_o edify_v or_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n please_v to_o god_n nothing_o but_o wild_a and_o sour_a grape_n can_v