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
will_v either_o have_v be_v find_v unfit_a upon_o trial_n or_o if_o not_o hearty_a to_o the_o work_n will_v have_v hinder_v the_o success_n thereof_o 3._o if_o but_o one_o three_o part_n of_o those_o choose_a hold_n and_o who_o be_v upon_o trial_n find_v fit_a be_v confirm_v by_o they_o their_o authority_n be_v as_o bind_v as_o if_o five_o time_n their_o number_n have_v embrace_v it_o and_o the_o few_o there_o be_v the_o more_o commendable_a be_v their_o resolution_n against_o difficulty_n and_o the_o less_o fear_n of_o dissension_n who_o also_o if_o they_o find_v the_o work_n too_o hard_o as_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v may_v admit_v of_o additional_a assistance_n 4._o the_o numerousnesse_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v one_o of_o the_o block_n cast_v in_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n therefore_o there_o be_v less_o need_n to_o stumble_v at_o their_o paucity_n if_o able_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n ob._n 22._o 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 i_o think_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 answ_n unless_o in_o case_n of_o sickness_n or_o the_o like_a it_o be_v very_o unfit_a for_o 1._o it_o be_v exemplary_a give_v occasion_n to_o other_o to_o expect_v the_o like_a and_o set_v open_v a_o door_n of_o charge_v the_o eldership_n with_o partiality_n and_o un-even_a deal_n in_o distribution_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n 2._o it_o must_v needs_o draw_v contempt_n both_o upon_o governor_n and_o government_n and_o ordinance_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o endless_a work_n and_o let_v man_n be_v never_o so_o high_a in_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o they_o owe_v not_o so_o much_o respect_n for_o the_o work_n sake_n to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o come_v before_o they_o such_o man_n will_v never_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o ordinance_n and_o if_o such_o a_o spirit_n predominate_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v against_o the_o rule_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o yea_o and_o derogate_v very_o much_o from_o the_o disposition_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v either_o fit_a for_o church_n communion_n or_o heavenly_a entertainment_n mark_v 10.15_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o a_o little_a child_n he_o shall_v not_o enter_v therein_o so_o also_o matth._n 18.4_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v humble_v himself_o as_o this_o little_a child_n the_o same_o be_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n david_n a_o king_n yet_o think_v it_o his_o honour_n to_o be_v humble_a 131.2_o psal_n 131.2_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o a_o wean_a child_n 4._o where_o the_o soul_n true_o thirst_v after_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o ordinance_n it_o will_v easy_o step_v over_o this_o block_n hunger_n will_v break_v stone_n wall_n and_o although_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n endeavour_v to_o hedge_v up_o thy_o way_n to_o the_o ordinance_n yet_o if_o thou_o spiritual_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n all_o these_o will_v be_v lay_v low_o every_o one_o that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v learned_a to_o deny_v himself_o 5._o although_o the_o eldership_n will_v willing_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o win_v man_n by_o love_n and_o ready_a to_o deny_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n and_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o herein_o they_o shall_v but_o please_v some_o and_o displease_v many_o more_o and_o bring_v such_o a_o endless_a task_n upon_o themselves_o as_o will_v take_v up_o much_o time_n and_o abundant_o retard_v the_o work_n 6._o it_o be_v not_o a_o work_n either_o command_v or_o commend_v to_o any_o particular_a eldership_n by_o the_o classical_a assembly_n how_o ever_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n something_o of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v do_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n and_o who_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o will_v condescend_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v promote_v the_o work_n of_o god_n ob._n 23._o 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_o 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 say_v the_o unbelieving_a woman_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o believe_a man_n and_o the_o unbelieving_a man_n by_o the_o believe_a woman_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o a._n the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o concern_v the_o reason_n why_o unbeliever_n and_o believer_n may_v cohabit_v and_o continue_v in_o a_o conjugal_a estate_n of_o matrimony_n and_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o that_o the_o wife_n can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o husband_n faith_n or_o the_o husband_n by_o the_o wife_n this_o be_v to_o cross_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n for_o every_o man_n must_v know_v and_o believe_v for_o himself_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n neither_o abraham_n noah_n job_n or_o daniel_n can_v deliver_v any_o man_n soul_n by_o their_o faith_n though_o never_o so_o near_o relate_v the_o apostle_n only_o signify_v three_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o depart_v matrimonial_a society_n because_o both_o be_v not_o believer_n for_o that_o if_o the_o one_o do_v believe_v it_o give_v their_o child_n right_a to_o external_a christian_a church_n privilege_n and_o such_o ordinance_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o as_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n baptism_n in_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o the_o parent_n can_v either_o add_v or_o infuse_v grace_n into_o their_o child_n for_o the_o dear_a of_o god_n saint_n may_v have_v child_n destitute_a of_o grace_n and_o uncapable_a either_o of_o church-fellowship_n or_o the_o least_o share_n in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o be_v there_o the_o least_o hint_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o text_n of_o sacramental_a communion_n or_o of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o salvation_n for_o in_o such_o case_n every_o man_n and_o woman_n must_v plead_v their_o own_o interest_n and_o either_o have_v particular_a and_o peculiar_a save_a grace_n or_o the_o near_a relation_n they_o have_v to_o the_o most_o holy_a can_v do_v they_o no_o good_a he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o son_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 3.16_o john_n 3.16_o and_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o in_o the_o great_a and_o general_a judgement_n man_n and_o woman_n of_o near_a relation_n be_v separate_v two_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o field_n the_o one_o take_v and_o the_o other_o leave_v two_o woman_n grind_v at_o the_o mill_n the_o one_o take_v and_o the_o other_o leave_v march_n 24.40_o 41._o 2._o as_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n there_o be_v neither_o marry_v 12.16_o mark_v 12.16_o nor_o give_v in_o marriage_n but_o all_o be_v as_o the_o angel_n so_o the_o church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n take_v no_o cognizance_n whether_o man_n be_v marry_v or_o single_a wife_n or_o virgin_n but_o he_o or_o she_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o church_n communion_n aught_o to_o be_v admit_v and_o must_v be_v visible_a saint_n and_o although_o never_o so_o near_o relate_v if_o not_o so_o aught_o to_o be_v shut_v out_o 3._o suppose_v a_o man_n upâ—â—_n examination_n be_v admit_v and_o his_o wife_n respite_v for_o her_o incapacity_n a_o while_n till_o god_n shall_v enable_v she_o or_o suppose_v the_o wife_n be_v admit_v and_o her_o husband_n for_o like_a reason_n suspend_v be_v it_o not_o better_o for_o that_o party_n find_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v and_o the_o party_n unfit_a to_o be_v debar_v then_o either_o both_o to_o be_v admit_v or_o both_o keep_v back_o or_o that_o either_o of_o they_o shall_v deny_v themselves_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o tend_v much_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o communicant_a to_o be_v admit_v if_o worthy_a and_o to_o admit_v the_o unworthy_a be_v contrary_a to_o all_o 2._o what_o comfort_n can_v it_o be_v to_o thou_o while_o thou_o be_v participate_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o thy_o wife_n unworthy_o admit_v not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n be_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o herself_o or_o contrariwise_o if_o thy_o wife_n be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a it_o will_v be_v the_o terror_n of_o her_o soul_n to_o see_v her_o husband_n hail_v destruction_n upon_o himself_o by_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
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 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