preposterous_a and_o unwarrantable_a thrust_v himself_o upon_o such_o divine_a displeasure_n why_o shall_v thou_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v the_o guilt_n of_o thy_o blood_n upon_o the_o eldership_n or_o why_o shall_v thou_o pull_v ruin_n upon_o thyself_o and_o although_o thou_o be_v not_o capable_a bless_v god_n for_o a_o believe_a wife_n or_o if_o thy_o wife_n uncapable_a and_o thou_o admit_v endeavour_v her_o instruction_n that_o she_o may_v in_o due_a time_n be_v also_o receive_v in_o to_o sacramental_a communion_n here_o and_o both_o spiritual_o unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ignorance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n and_o reformation_n that_o make_v man_n scruple_n hereat_o for_o any_o such_o reason_n none_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o rush_v upon_o divine_a ordinance_n to_o their_o ruin_n than_o man_n and_o woman_n most_o uncapable_a to_o receive_v they_o right_o ob._n 24._o 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 a._n they_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o every_o man_n and_o woman_n may_v read_v they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n wherein_o be_v set_v down_o certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n concern_v admission_n and_o suspension_n in_o point_n of_o ignorance_n and_o scandal_n but_o for_o that_o all_o have_v not_o that_o ordinance_n i_o shall_v hint_n out_o the_o head_n brief_o as_o follow_v all_o admit_v aught_o to_o know_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a and_o everliving_a god_n maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o this_o only_a true_a god_n be_v the_o god_n who_o we_o worship_v that_o this_o god_n be_v but_o one_o yet_o three_o distinct_a person_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n all_o equal_o god_n 2._o that_o god_n create_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n in_o knowledge_n righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n that_o by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n that_o thereby_o also_o all_o man_n be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n and_o so_o liable_a to_o eternal_a death_n the_o wage_n of_o every_o sin_n 3._o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v also_o over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o neither_o be_v their_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o that_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n that_o he_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n to_o save_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n that_o he_o rise_v the_o three_o day_n from_o the_o dead_a ascend_v into_o heaven_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o of_o who_o fullness_n we_o receive_v all_o grace_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n 4._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n be_v apply_v only_o by_o faith_n that_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o have_v it_o not_o of_o ourselves_o but_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n 5._o that_o faith_n be_v that_o grace_n whereby_o we_o believe_v and_o trust_v in_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v not_o on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o to_o eternity_n 6._o that_o they_o who_o true_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n do_v see_v they_o sorrow_n for_o they_o and_o turn_v from_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o except_a man_n repent_v they_o shall_v sure_o perish_v 7._o that_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v conscionable_o order_v according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 8._o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o the_o outward_a element_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v bread_n and_o wine_n and_o do_v signify_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n crucify_v which_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n by_o faith_n do_v partake_v of_o in_o this_o sacrament_n which_o christ_n have_v likewise_o ordain_v for_o a_o remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n that_o whosoever_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o examine_v himself_o lest_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n 9_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a after_o death_n do_v immediate_o live_v with_o christ_n in_o blessedness_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v immediate_o go_v into_o hell_n torment_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n both_o of_o just_a and_o unjust_a at_o the_o last_o day_n at_o which_o time_n all_o shall_v appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o life_n eternal_a and_o the_o wicked_a into_o everlasting_a punishment_n ob._n 25._o what_o be_v the_o crime_n that_o make_v man_n uncapable_a of_o admittance_n in_o point_n of_o scandal_n a._n 1._o all_o person_n that_o shall_v blasphemous_o speak_v or_o write_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n his_o holy_a word_n or_o sacrament_n 2._o a_o incestuous_a person_n 3._o a_o adulterer_n 4._o a_o fornicator_n 5._o a_o drunkard_n 6._o a_o profane_a swearer_n or_o curser_n 7._o one_o that_o have_v take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o any_o person_n malicious_o 8._o all_o worshipper_n of_o image_n cross_n crucifix_n or_o relic_n all_o that_o shall_v make_v any_o image_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o any_o person_n thereof_o all_o religious_a worshipper_n of_o saint_n angel_n or_o any_o mere_a creature_n 9_o any_o person_n that_o profess_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o his_o neighbour_n 10._o any_o person_n that_o shall_v challenge_v any_o other_o person_n by_o word_n message_n or_o write_v to_o fight_v or_o that_o shall_v accept_v such_o challenge_n and_o agree_v thereunto_o any_o person_n that_o shall_v know_o carry_v any_o such_o challenge_n by_o word_n message_n or_o write_v 11._o any_o person_n that_o on_o the_o lordsday_n shall_v use_v any_o dance_a play_v at_o die_n or_o card_n or_o any_o other_o game_n mask_v wake_v shoot_v bowl_v play_v at_o football_n or_o stoolball_n wrestle_a or_o that_o shall_v make_v or_o resort_v to_o any_o play_n interlud_n fence_v bull-baiting_n or_o bear-baiting_n or_o shall_v use_v hawk_v hunt_v or_o course_v fish_v or_o fowl_v or_o that_o shall_v public_o expose_v any_o ware_n to_o sale_n otherwaise_v then_o be_v provide_v by_o a_o ordinance_n of_o parliament_n of_o the_o 6._o of_o april_n 1644._o any_o person_n that_o shall_v travel_v upon_o the_o lordsday_n without_o reasonable_a cause_n 12._o any_o person_n that_o keep_v a_o know_a stew_n or_o brothel-house_n or_o that_o shall_v solicit_v the_o chastity_n of_o any_o person_n for_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o 13._o any_o person_n father_n or_o mother_n that_o shall_v consent_v to_o the_o marriage_n of_o their_o child_n to_o a_o papist_n or_o any_o person_n that_o shall_v marry_v a_o papist_n 14._o any_o person_n that_o shall_v repair_v for_o any_o advice_n to_o any_o witch_n wizard_n or_o fortune-teller_n 15._o any_o person_n that_o shall_v assault_v his_o parent_n or_o any_o magistrate_n minister_n or_o elder_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o office_n 16._o any_o person_n that_o shall_v be_v legal_o attaint_v of_o barratry_a forgery_n extortion_n or_o bribery_n and_o the_o several_a eldership_n shall_v have_v power_n likewise_o to_o suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lords-supper_n all_o minister_n that_o shall_v be_v due_o prove_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o of_o the_o crime_n aforesaid_a from_o give_v or_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lords-supper_n finis_fw-la imprimatur_fw-la james_n cranford_n john_n bellamy_n errata_fw-la pag_n 4._o line_n 6._o for_o the_o journey_n read_v their_o journey_n l._n 9_o for_o no_o way_n r._n in_o a_o way_n p._n 4._o ob._n 4._o r._n appear_v p._n 4._o l._n 24_o for_o tresbytery_n r._n presbytery_n p._n 10._o l._n 34._o for_o desolute_a r._n destitute_a p._n 11._o l._n 8._o for_o gelding_n r._n gold_n ring_n p._n 12._o l._n 5._o for_o which_o r._n when_o p._n 15._o l._n 17._o for_o aposiles_n r._n appeal_v p._n 16._o l._n 10._o for_o hardly_o r._n lordly_a p._n 16._o l._n 11._o for_o dominum_fw-la r._n dominion_n p._n 16._o l._n 31._o for_o record_n r._n retard_v p._n 22._o l._n 9_o for_o injustifiable_o r._n inevitable_o p._n 24._o l._n 34._o for_o their_o idol_n r._n the_o jew_n p._n 30._o l._n 3._o for_o preach_v preacher_n
vain_a be_v to_o set_v thing_n to_o right_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n in_o secret_a which_o be_v the_o great_a work_n the_o apostle_n urge_v that_o only_a not_o intend_v to_o exclude_v examination_n by_o the_o church_n as_o needless_a and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n peter_n lay_v down_o that_o apostolical_a injunction_n 1._o pet._n 3.15_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v 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 first_o say_v he_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n that_o be_v be_v sure_o the_o heart_n be_v upright_o with_o god_n and_o then_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o render_v account_n etc._n etc._n if_o a_o man_n must_v be_v always_o ready_a and_o to_o all_o man_n to_o give_v account_n sure_o especial_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o although_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o make_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n even_o to_o heathen_n or_o persecutor_n if_o call_v to_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v main_o intend_v that_o none_o shall_v refuse_v to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o that_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o that_o they_o must_v be_v both_o know_v and_o faithful_a that_o render_v account_n as_o well_o as_o man_n ignorant_a or_o scandalous_a now_o that_o examination_n by_o the_o eldership_n be_v very_o requisite_a will_v appear_v by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a ensue_a argument_n it_o be_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n their_o office_n title_n and_o employment_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o also_o that_o their_o title_n be_v suitable_a to_o their_o employment_n they_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v ruler_n governor_n overseer_n steward_n watchman_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o office_n as_o have_v be_v large_o prove_v be_v to_o order_v out_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o church_n decent_o to_o admit_v or_o suspend_v from_o the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o man_n several_a capacity_n etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o examination_n must_v inevitable_o follow_v for_o argum._n 1_o they_o that_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v account_n to_o god_n concern_v the_o church_n and_o the_o particular_a member_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n but_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n of_o particular_a congregation_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v account_n to_o god_n of_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o their_o church_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n argum._n 2_o those_o to_o who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v and_o obey_v in_o the_o church_n to_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o render_v account_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o call_v to_o it_o examination_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n but_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o and_o to_o obey_v the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o church_n ordinance_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v they_o in_o this_o ordinance_n of_o examination_n argum._n 3_o if_o none_o but_o man_n sit_v to_o participate_v the_o sacrament_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o that_o the_o unfit_a be_v to_o be_v keep_v back_o by_o the_o eldership_n it_o be_v of_o necessity_n they_o shall_v know_v who_o be_v fit_a and_o who_o be_v not_o which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o examination_n but_o the_o worthy_a be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o the_o unworthy_a to_o be_v suspend_v by_o the_o eldership_n neither_o can_v they_o know_v man_n several_a capacity_n or_o condition_n without_o examination_n therefore_o examination_n by_o the_o eldership_n be_v of_o necessity_n without_o which_o they_o can_v separate_v between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a as_o their_o duty_n be_v 15..19_o jer._n 15..19_o many_o argument_n may_v more_o be_v offer_v but_o the_o matter_n be_v so_o plain_a that_o to_o any_o reasonable_a man_n there_o can_v remain_v no_o scruple_n neither_o do_v i_o quotescripture_n to_o those_o argument_n by_o reason_n they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o former_a scripture_n allege_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o eldership_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n i_o shall_v only_o propound_v this_o one_o text_n which_o will_v answer_v all_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o 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 not_o profitable_a for_o you_o heb._n 13.17_o in_o which_o scripture_n all_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o the_o forego_n argument_n and_o many_o more_o be_v strong_o hold_v forth_o there_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n these_o follow_a truth_n 1._o that_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o rule_n and_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n must_v obey_v those_o that_o rule_n in_o the_o church_n be_v for_o that_o they_o be_v set_n over_o their_o soul_n as_o watchman_n and_o must_v give_v account_n to_o god_n concern_v those_o commit_v to_o their_o charge_n 3._o that_o its_o a_o occasion_n of_o joy_n to_o governor_n in_o the_o church_n when_o people_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o and_o of_o grief_n when_o they_o disobey_v 4._o that_o the_o hurt_n that_o follow_v upon_o the_o people_n non_fw-fr obedience_n and_o the_o good_a that_o attend_v their_o obedience_n redound_v to_o themselves_o 5._o that_o its_o the_o sin_n of_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o that_o in_o the_o lord_n be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o church_n certain_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o office_n and_o the_o end_n of_o their_o appointment_n to_o they_o be_v argument_n enough_o doubtless_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o steward_n nor_o can_v possible_o give_v account_n that_o know_v not_o the_o state_n of_o his_o charge_n neither_o be_v he_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o shepherd_n that_o know_v not_o the_o state_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o if_o elder_n must_v reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v admonish_v and_o encourage_v as_o occasion_n be_v how_o shall_v they_o do_v this_o without_o examine_v those_o with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v 4.2_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o notwithstanding_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o general_a averseness_n to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n i_o add_v these_o ensue_a consideration_n be_v willing_a to_o satisfy_v all_o 1._o consider_v if_o public_a profession_n and_o confession_n be_v requisite_a in_o man_n grow_v to_o maturity_n before_o they_o can_v be_v baptize_v much_o more_o requisite_a be_v it_o before_o admittance_n to_o this_o ordinance_n the_o eunuch_n although_o a_o man_n of_o great_a authority_n and_o well_o instruct_v by_o philip_n and_o although_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n yet_o can_v not_o be_v baptize_v till_o he_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o be_v first_o well_o catechise_v concern_v christ_n act._n 8.37_o if_o thou_o believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n thou_o may_v and_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v i_o believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o although_o the_o jew_n be_v circumcise_v and_o be_v of_o the_o nationall_n church_n of_o god_n yet_o be_v none_o of_o they_o receive_v into_o the_o particular_a congregation_n and_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n without_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o confession_n of_o sin_n out_o of_o which_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o our_o baptism_n give_v we_o no_o right_n at_o all_o to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n unless_o we_o be_v suitable_o qualify_v we_o may_v eat_v and_o drink_v our_o own_o damnation_n 2._o consider_v there_o be_v in_o every_o christian_a require_v not_o only_o a_o believe_a heart_n but_o a_o verbal_a profession_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n rom._n 10.10_o for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v to_o salvation_n 3._o although_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v himself_o that_o come_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n must_v also_o examine_v else_o how_o shall_v they_o know_v who_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v himself_o and_o i_o fear_v they_o that_o plead_v most_o against_o examination_n by_o the_o eldership_n be_v both_o least_o capable_a and_o most_o careless_a of_o that_o especial_a duty_n of_o self_n examination_n beside_o self_n examination_n be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v of_o any_o man_n after_o first_o admittance_n those_o the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o 1._o cor._n 11.28_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o have_v before_o admittance_n make_v profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n 4._o methinks_v particular_a man_n shall_v not_o stumble_v at_o examination_n see_v those_o that_o be_v in_o place_n of_o
to_o god_n that_o their_o office_n be_v also_o distinct_a the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a they_o need_v no_o interpretation_n some_o rule_n some_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 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 a._n the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v no_o such_o distinction_n i_o do_v not_o read_v in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o either_o lay_v or_o ecclesiastic_a but_o elder_n they_o be_v endow_v extraoadinary_o with_o several_a gift_n some_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n although_o in_o that_o fence_n we_o take_v lay_v viz._n for_o tradesman_n i_o believe_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o be_v the_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o separate_a church_n rather_o question_v our_o ecclesiastic_a elder_n than_o the_o lay_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n on_o the_o otherside_n by_o reason_n our_o church_n have_v be_v govern_v by_o man_n devote_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o the_o ministry_n many_o think_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o ecclesiastical_a i_o shall_v adhere_v with_o neither_o of_o they_o but_o say_v with_o all_o reform_a church_n that_o let_v man_n be_v gift_v by_o god_n whether_o by_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a mean_n let_v they_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n to_o the_o function_n whether_o lay_v or_o ecclesiastic_a they_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n only_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v all_o to_o be_v alike_o qualify_v some_o gift_v for_o the_o ministry_n other_o for_o discipline_n order_n government_n and_o other_o church_n administration_n 6._o object_n what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o roll_a elder_n a._n according_a to_o their_o several_a title_n in_o scripture_n so_o be_v their_o office_n and_o employment_n they_o be_v call_v governor_n ruler_n overseer_n steward_n watchman_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o office_n be_v 1._o to_o govern_v and_o direct_v person_n and_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n reprove_v those_o that_o despise_v government_n in_o that_o 2_o pet._n 2.10_o but_o chief_o they_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o lust_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o despise_v government_n and_o indeed_o who_o be_v there_o despise_v government_n more_o than_o dissolute_a vain_a person_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o they_o be_v call_v help_v in_o government_n viz._n such_o as_o together_o with_o the_o pastor_n govern_v the_o church_n therefore_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n 2._o as_o steward_n and_o overseer_n they_o be_v to_o see_v the_o law_n of_o their_o master_n house_n observe_v 4.10_o luk._n 1â—_n 41_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o to_o who_o they_o must_v give_v account_n and_o give_v each_o his_o portion_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o as_o as_o steward_n etc._n etc._n or_o dispensor_n vers_fw-la 2._o moreover_o it_o be_v require_v of_o a_o steward_n that_o he_o be_v find_v just_a and_o faithful_a so_o also_o heb_fw-mi 13.17_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_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 3._o their_o duty_n or_o office_n be_v to_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n why_o the_o lord_n give_v several_a gift_n to_o those_o that_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n commit_v to_o they_o ephes_n 4.12_o so_o also_o 1_o cor._n 14.12_o 4._o they_o ought_v to_o keep_v the_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n from_o corruption_n the_o church_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v from_o scandal_n 1_o cor._n 11.2_o now_o i_o pray_v you_o brethren_n that_o you_o remember_v i_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n as_o i_o deliver_v they_o to_o you_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o to_o those_o that_o have_v power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o commend_v they_o for_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o church_n pure_a again_o 1_o cor._n 5.7_o purge_v out_o therefore_o the_o old_a leven_fw-mi that_o you_o may_v be_v a_o new_a lump_n as_o you_o be_v unleavened_a 5._o their_o office_n be_v to_o redress_v abule_n in_o the_o church_n order_v the_o affair_n thereof_o decent_o as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.33_o for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n imply_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v keep_v in_o good_a order_n vers_fw-la 40._o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 6._o they_o be_v to_o end_v controversy_n and_o to_o make_v peace_n to_o help_v the_o weak_a to_o restore_v the_o penitent_a and_o to_o encourage_v every_o one_o in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o righteousness_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 6.5_o i_o speak_v it_o to_o your_o shame_n be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o you_o no_o not_o one_o that_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v between_o his_o brethren_n but_o a_o brother_n go_v to_o law_n with_o a_o brother_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 10.32_o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_a nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n philip._n 2.3_o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_n other_o better_a than_o himself_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n to_o neglect_v their_o duty_n ezek._n 34.4_o the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v you_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v neither_o have_v you_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o neither_o have_v you_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v but_o with_o force_n and_o with_o cruelty_n have_v you_o rule_v they_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o greatsin_v of_o our_o episcopal_a hyrarchy_n and_o of_o too_o too_o many_o of_o our_o idle_a shepherd_n under_o they_o the_o lord_n reform_v it_o in_o succeed_v time_n 7._o their_o duty_n be_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o when_o send_v for_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o give_v comfort_n to_o they_o james_n 5.14_o if_o any_o be_v sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o anoint_v he_o with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o although_o this_o unction_n be_v now_o out_o of_o use_n yet_o with_o subjection_n i_o may_v say_v the_o apostle_n intend_v that_o prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o go_v alone_o without_o apply_v lawful_a mean_n which_o indeed_o ought_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n 8._o their_o office_n be_v to_o admit_v such_o as_o be_v sit_v and_o to_o suspend_v the_o unworthy_a from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 5.5_o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n vers_fw-la 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 drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o eat_v not_o vers_fw-la 13._o therefore_o put_v away_o from_o you_o that_o wicked_a person_n 9_o they_o ought_v to_o admit_v or_o dismiss_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o these_o joint_o act._n 6.6_o and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o etc._n etc._n verse_n 2._o look_v you_o out_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n so_o that_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n their_o title_n office_n and_o employment_n in_o and_o about_o church_n administration_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o that_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o discreet_a 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 a._n indeed_o there_o be_v none_o sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v short_a of_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o can_v expect_v perfection_n in_o this_o life_n the_o most_o precious_a subject_n to_o manifold_a infirmity_n all_o may_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n yet_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