of_o the_o knowledge_n gift_n experience_n prudence_n and_o gravity_n wherewith_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v endue_v the_o officer_n in_o the_o 1._o house_n of_o god_n who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v of_o several_a soit_n preach_v elder_n or_o minister_n teach_v elder_n or_o doctor_n and_o rule_v or_o govern_v elder_n all_o these_o three_o be_v often_o time_n in_o the_o n._n t._n comprise_v under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o elder_a act._n 15_o 6_o 22._o &_o 20._o 3._o 17._o 1._o pet._n 5_o it_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_a who_o we_o have_v now_o to_o do_v with_o who_o be_v so_o call_v not_o because_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n belong_v to_o he_o alone_o for_o it_o also_o belong_v to_o the_o preach_a â—nd_n teach_v elder_n or_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o doctor_n but_o because_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v be_v the_o principal_a and_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o employment_n it_o be_v the_o high_a act_n of_o his_o office_n it_o be_v not_o competent_a for_o he_o to_o preach_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o pastor_n or_o minister_n nor_o to_o teach_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o doctor_n but_o his_o office_n be_v comprise_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v the_o govern_n or_o rule_v elder_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o rome_n 8_o ch_z 1â—_n 8._o call_v he_o him_z that_o rule_v and_o 1_o cor._n 28._o 12._o 28_o he_o call_v they_o government_n put_v the_o abstract_n for_o the_o concrete_a government_n for_o governor_n thus_o than_o we_o have_v the_o proper_a or_o right_a name_n of_o these_o church_n officer_n which_o serve_v to_o correct_v a_o twofold_a mistake_n the_o 1._o be_v of_o these_o who_o either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o disdain_n do_v call_v they_o lay-elder_n as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o people_n only_o and_o not_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n who_o the_o popish_a church_n in_o their_o pride_n and_o other_o follow_v they_o call_v the_o clergy_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n inheritance_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o laity_n or_o people_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o base_a and_o much_o inferior_a to_o the_o other_o in_o worth_n and_o excellency_n whereas_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v his_o portion_n and_o the_o lot_n of_o he_o in_o heritance_n deut._n 32._o 9_o 1._o pet._n 5._o 3._o the_o second_o mistake_n be_v of_o these_o who_o do_v call_v these_o only_a ruling-elders_a who_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n allow_v to_o other_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n but_o not_o of_o ruling-elders_a but_o every_o elder_a in_o the_o lord_n house_n be_v a_o ruling-eld_a because_o the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o rule_n and_o government_n belong_v to_o every_o elder_a though_o some_o of_o they_o upon_o special_a occasion_n be_v call_v to_o a_o more_o eminent_a exercise_n of_o it_o than_o other_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o ruling-elders_a the_o institution_n of_o 2._o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_a be_v divine_a it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinance_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n the_o lord_n jesus_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v and_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n have_v in_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v such_o a_o officer_n in_o his_o house_n for_o the_o right_n and_o orderly_o govern_v thereof_o it_o be_v true_a that_o by_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o teacher_n while_o they_o alone_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o and_o by_o the_o policy_n of_o satan_n and_o inadvertance_n of_o the_o church_n these_o officer_n be_v for_o many_o age_n together_o out_o of_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o both_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o after_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v seniores_fw-la or_o elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v such_o appear_v from_o 2_o chro._n 19_o 8._o jer._n 29._o 1._o mat._n 16_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 26_o 57_o 59_o act._n 4._o 5._o and_o that_o the_o christian_a 56._o church_n also_o have_v they_o in_o the_o primitive_a &_o pure_a time_n thereof_o appear_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a writer_n as_o may_v be_v find_v by_o these_o who_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v into_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n for_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o elder_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o any_o testimony_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o first_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v rom._n 12._o 6_o 7_o 8._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v we_o whether_o pprophecy_n let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n he_o that_o give_v let_v he_o do_v it_o wih_o simplicity_n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n with_o cheerfulness_n in_o which_o text_n the_o apostle_n do_v first_o comprehend_v all_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o ordinary_a stand_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o two_o general_a head_n to_o wit_n prophecy_n whereby_o be_v mean_v the_o ordinary_a faculty_n of_o right_a understanding_n and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n and_o ministry_n under_o which_o be_v comprehend_v all_o other_o church-officer_n and_o employment_n to_o each_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n add_v their_o general_a duty_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o who_o propehsy_v shall_v do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n h._n e._n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o minister_n let_v he_o wait_v on_o his_o minister_a h._n e._n let_v he_o not_o do_v it_o negligent_o or_o slothful_o but_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o then_o he_o subdivides_a these_o two_o general_n into_o the_o special_a office_n contain_v under_o they_o he_o divide_v he_o that_o propehsy_v into_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v or_o into_o the_o doctor_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o teach_v or_o instruction_n belong_v and_o the_o pastor_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n be_v competent_a under_o he_o that_o minister_v he_o comprehend_v first_o he_o that_o give_v by_o who_o be_v mean_v the_o deacon_n who_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o poor_a second_o he_o that_o rule_v by_o who_o can_v be_v mean_v no_o other_o than_o the_o rule_v elder_a see_v a_o ordinary_a roll_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v different_a from_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o second_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o prove_v the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n afterward_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n kind_n of_o tongue_n some_o of_o the_o bibles_n of_o the_o late_a english_a translation_n read_v help_n in_o government_n but_o cross_a to_o the_o text_n in_o the_o first_o language_n that_o bear_v help_n government_n as_o two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o other_o edition_n of_o that_o translation_n this_o be_v help_v in_o this_o text_n the_o apostle_n reckon_v several_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n some_o extraordinary_a which_o be_v to_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o season_n such_o as_o apostle_n prophet_n power_n or_o miracle_n gift_n of_o heal_a kind_n of_o tongue_n some_o ordinary_a which_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o be_v teacher_n or_o the_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n who_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o word_n help_n h._n e._n the_o deacon_n who_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o help_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o government_n h._n e._n the_o govern_n and_o rule_v elder_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n that_o the_o apostle_n by_o government_n do_v mean_v a_o church-officer_n who_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n for_o rule_v and_o govern_v thereof_o now_o this_o can_v be_v any_o other_o of_o the_o church-officer_n for_o these_o he_o have_v name_v beside_o and_o therefore_o it_o remain_v that_o it_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_a the_o three_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v 1tim_fw-la 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n special_o they_o that_o
in_o to_o swart_a a_o temper_n if_o we_o may_v find_v grace_n in_o the_o lord_n sight_n to_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o this_o great_a church-evil_a whence_o many_o church_n evil_n flow_v and_o be_v bring_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o what_o a_o branch_n of_o hope_n may_v it_o be_v that_o our_o reproach_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o and_o we_o become_v a_o people_n instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o walk_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v now_o evil_o speak_v of_o because_o of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o loose_a conversation_n of_o many_o among_o we_o therefore_o be_o i_o bold_a as_o press_v in_o spirit_n albeit_o one_o of_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o unworthy_a to_o offer_v this_o little_a treatise_n with_o a_o eye_n upon_o this_o end_n and_o let_v i_o without_o offence_n beseech_v all_o the_o minister_n elder_n deacon_n congregation_n presbytery_n and_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yea_o let_v i_o obâ—est_v they_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n by_o their_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n honour_n by_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o love_n to_o 13_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o sury_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v cause_v to_o rest_v upon_o we_o because_o he_o purge_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o be_v purge_v and_o as_o they_o desire_v the_o lord_n shall_v bring_v we_o again_o and_o cause_v we_o stand_v before_o he_o and_o 8_o leave_v we_o a_o remnant_n and_o give_v we_o a_o nail_n in_o his_o holy_a place_n that_o they_o will_v each_o of_o they_o in_o their_o station_n endeavour_v to_o take_v forth_o the_o precious_a 19_o from_o the_o vile_a and_o purge_v the_o lord_n house_n in_o this_o land_n from_o corrupt_a officer_n and_o corrupt_a member_n 27._o oh_o will_v we_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o will_v it_o once_o be_v to_o the_o christian_a reader_n the_o inducement_n that_o persuade_v i_o first_o to_o write_v and_o then_o to_o publish_v this_o little_a treatise_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n be_v chief_o these_o 1._o the_o sensible_a impression_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v upon_o my_o spirit_n as_o also_o i_o know_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o great_a prejudice_n that_o come_v to_o this_o poor_a church_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o man_n in_o these_o office_n who_o neither_o know_v their_o duty_n nor_o make_v conscience_n to_o perform_v it_o 2._o the_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n concern_v these_o church-offiâ—ers_a that_o the_o mouth_n of_o such_o who_o speak_v evil_a may_v be_v stop_v and_o other_o who_o stumble_v may_v be_v satisfy_v 3._o the_o press_a desire_n of_o brethren_n minister_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n where_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v i_o all_o which_o do_v receive_v some_o spirit_n and_o life_n when_o i_o find_v my_o name_n among_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gen._n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n do_v commit_v and_o recommend_v this_o work_n long_o ago_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o handle_v it_o with_o as_o much_o plainness_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o short_o without_o wrong_v of_o the_o matter_n as_o i_o can_v it_o be_v not_o unlike_a that_o some_o may_v think_v that_o i_o have_v do_v no_o great_a business_n because_o i_o have_v bring_v no_o new_a thing_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v so_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v for_o the_o matter_n i_o trust_v and_o in_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o word_n too_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o protestant_a divine_n and_o of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o act_n s_o and_o policy_n thereof_o i_o have_v but_o put_v together_o in_o one_o and_o digest_v into_o some_o method_n what_o be_v lie_v scatter_v of_o before_o that_o these_o who_o either_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v for_o such_o thing_n may_v now_o have_v they_o at_o their_o hand_n other_o may_v look_v upon_o this_o treatise_n as_o not_o plain_a enough_o or_o as_o not_o so_o exact_a full_a and_o perfect_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o these_o i_o shall_v not_o contend_v i_o have_v do_v what_o i_o can_v at_o lest_o what_o i_o conceive_v best_a in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n i_o propound_v to_o myself_o if_o other_o shall_v find_v favour_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v better_o i_o shall_v bless_v his_o name_n on_o their_o behalf_n and_o receive_v and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o pain_n with_o thankfulness_n and_o some_o may_v happy_o think_v that_o there_o be_v here_o too_o much_o lay_v upon_o ruling-elders_a more_o nor_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a or_o willing_a to_o undertake_v yea_o more_o than_o the_o lord_n do_v require_v of_o they_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v mention_v by_o we_o be_v incumbent_a to_o minister_n rather_o than_o to_o elder_n it_o be_v true_a what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o elder_n duty_n be_v also_o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n for_o what_o soever_o the_o elder_a aught_o to_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_v that_o also_o ought_v the_o minister_n to_o do_v and_o somewhat_o more_o but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v nothing_o be_v speak_v here_o of_o the_o elder_a that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o if_o through_o ignorance_n or_o want_n of_o ability_n or_o neglect_v or_o custom_n elder_n have_v not_o do_v these_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v help_v it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n for_o they_o to_o awake_v and_o to_o know_v and_o own_o and_o follow_v their_o duty_n and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scotland_n to_o know_v how_o much_o she_o have_v smart_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o ignorant_a and_o slothful_a yea_o and_o scandalous_a man_n we_o will_v not_o always_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o disguise_v and_o histrionical_a 3._o man_n puff_v up_o with_o title_n or_o with_o idol_n dead_a in_o sin_n to_o be_v elder_n but_o will_v seek_v after_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o obedience_n god_n authorise_v they_o and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n choose_v they_o and_o call_v they_o undertake_v the_o government_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v labour_v to_o the_o conservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o same_o in_o christ_n neither_o need_v the_o qualification_n or_o multitude_n or_o difficulty_n of_o the_o particular_n here_o speak_v of_o discourage_v or_o scar_n any_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o measure_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o we_o have_v set_v down_o what_o a_o rule_v elder_a ought_v to_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o his_o charge_n sundry_a particular_n whereof_o the_o most_o part_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v seldom_o call_v to_o exercise_v and_o if_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n fit_v for_o these_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n which_o god_n call_v they_o to_o exercise_v and_o follow_v the_o same_o with_o singleness_n of_o heart_n they_o may_v believe_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v assist_v and_o accept_v of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o employment_n be_v not_o they_o but_o the_o lord_n from_o who_o they_o may_v expect_v both_o their_o furniture_n and_o also_o their_o reward_n let_v they_o arise_v and_o be_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v with_o they_o a_o short_a treatise_n of_o rule_v elder_n chap._n i._n of_o their_o name_n what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v concern_v ruling_n elder_n may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o four_o 1._o their_o name_n 2._o their_o institution_n 3._o their_o call_v 4._o their_o qualification_n and_o duty_n the_o word_n elder_a in_o the_o scripture_n do_v signify_v divers_a 1._o thing_n 1._o it_o signify_v old_a man_n or_o man_n come_v to_o age_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 1._o rebuke_v not_o an-eld_a but_o entreat_v he_o as_o a_o father_n and_o the_o young_a man_n as_o brethren_n 2._o it_o signify_v those_o who_o have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o old_a mat._n 15._o 2._o why_o do_v thy_o 2._o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n 3._o it_o be_v take_v for_o honourable_a and_o worthy_a man_n isa._n 3._o 2._o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v take_v away_o from_o jerusalem_n and_o judah_n the_o prudent_a and_o the_o ancient_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o spiritual_a officer_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n act_n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o 23._o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o city_n in_o this_o last_o signification_n it_o be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n for_o these_o who_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n who_o be_v call_v elder_n because_o
labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n which_o text_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o distinguish_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o rule_v one_o sort_n who_o do_v also_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o wit_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n another_o sort_n who_o do_v only_o rule_v and_o do_v it_o well_o be_v account_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o these_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v from_o this_o that_o the_o office_n of_o the_o 17._o rule_v elder_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n we_o gather_v these_o conclusion_n first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n arbitrary_a and_o indifferent_a for_o such_o to_o wait_v upon_o their_o charge_n yea_o or_o not_o as_o they_o please_v or_o as_o their_o attendance_n may_v contribute_v for_o their_o own_o or_o their_o friend_n particular_a which_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o too_o too_o many_o elder_n but_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n diligent_o to_o attend_v and_o follow_v the_o duty_n thereof_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o the_o keep_n of_o session_n or_o presbytery_n and_o other_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v call_v and_o desire_v thereto_o second_o that_o elder_n ought_v to_o do_v their_o office_n not_o formal_o and_o hypocritical_o for_o the_o fashion_n only_o but_o sincere_o and_o honest_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o who_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o holy_a call_v and_o to_o who_o they_o must_v render_v a_o account_n of_o their_o discharge_n of_o this_o great_a trust_n three_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o domineer_v over_o their_o fellow_n brethren_n and_o elder_n but_o carry_v themselves_o humble_o and_o serviceable_o as_o these_o who_o be_v appoint_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o minister_a unto_o and_o edify_v of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n four_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o carry_v themselves_o with_o that_o authority_n holiness_n gravity_n and_o prudence_n that_o become_v these_o who_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o bear_v rule_n in_o his_o house_n five_o that_o elder_n once_o lawful_o call_v to_o the_o office_n and_o have_v gift_n from_o god_n meet_v to_o exexcise_n the_o same_o unless_o they_o be_v remove_v therefrom_o because_o of_o miscarriage_n be_v still_o elder_n though_o happy_o in_o congregation_n where_o many_o qualify_a man_n may_v be_v find_v 3._o some_o may_v be_v permit_v for_o a_o time_n to_o surcease_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o charge_n and_o other_o be_v put_v in_o their_o room_n as_o be_v among_o the_o levite_n under_o the_o law_n in_o serve_v in_o the_o temple_n by_o course_n six_o that_o people_n ought_v to_o obey_v such_o as_o these_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o because_o they_o wait_v for_o their_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 heb._n 13._o 17._o yea_o they_o will_v know_v they_o as_o these_o who_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v admonish_v they_o and_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 12_o 13._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o vocation_n or_o call_v of_o rule_v elder_n as_o no_o man_n be_v to_o intrude_v in_o any_o employment_n 3._o without_o a_o lawful_a call_v so_o much_o less_o ought_v any_o man_n to_o intrude_v himself_o without_o a_o call_v into_o any_o sacred_a function_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 5._o 3._o 4._o therefore_o before_o any_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereunto_o this_o call_v be_v inward_a or_o outward_a the_o inward_a call_v be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n concern_v some_o measure_n of_o ability_n and_o gift_n for_o the_o charge_n and_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a inclination_n and_o purpose_n to_o employ_v these_o gift_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n the_o outward_a call_v be_v to_o be_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o that_o of_o other_o church-officer_n and_o it_o stand_v in_o their_o election_n and_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o carriage_n gift_n and_o admission_n to_o the_o charge_n the_o election_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o congregation_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o bear_v charge_n act_v 6._o 3._o 5_o and_o 14._o 23._o that_o it_o may_v be_v go_v about_o in_o the_o more_o deacon_n orderly_a way_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o a_o nomination_n be_v make_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o eldership_n of_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o person_n fit_a and_o best_a qualify_v for_o the_o employment_n and_o that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n nominate_v by_o they_o be_v public_o intimate_v to_o the_o congregation_n and_o they_o desire_v in_o case_n of_o their_o not_o be_v satisfy_v as_o have_v exception_n or_o know_v other_o better_a qualify_v to_o represent_v the_o same_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o eldership_n if_o there_o be_v no_o eldership_n in_o the_o congregation_n a_o nomination_n may_v be_v make_v either_o by_o the_o presbytery_n or_o by_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o godly_a member_n of_o the_o congregation_n particular_o master_n of_o family_n together_o with_o the_o minister_n or_o one_o or_o more_o minister_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o case_n of_o the_o congregation_n want_v of_o a_o minister_n the_o trial_n be_v to_o be_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o eldership_n head_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o in_o case_n of_o the_o want_n of_o these_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o conversation_n that_o it_o be_v blameless_a and_o holy_a and_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o house_n and_o of_o their_o ability_n and_o prudence_n for_o government_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o trial_n of_o elder_n in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o gift_n require_v for_o their_o charge_n have_v not_o be_v much_o in_o use_n in_o this_o church_n it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o conscience_n will_v be_v make_v of_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o as_o have_v knowledge_n and_o be_v able_a and_o fit_a or_o that_o if_o any_o ignorant_a or_o not_o able_a and_o sitted_a be_v nominat_fw-la that_o some_o of_o the_o congregation_n upon_o the_o intimation_n of_o their_o name_n will_v except_v against_o they_o but_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o ignorant_a and_o unqualified_a man_n have_v be_v admit_v elder_n in_o many_o congregation_n to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o small_a reproach_n of_o our_o church_n the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 10._o speak_v of_o deacon_n which_o be_v the_o low_a rank_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n require_v that_o these_o also_o first_o be_v prove_v then_o let_v they_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v find_v blameless_a and_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o ground_n that_o plead_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o minister_n plead_v also_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o they_o their_o admission_n be_v to_o be_v by_o the_o minister_n book_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o one_o appoint_v by_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n with_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n concern_v their_o duty_n and_o with_o prayer_n and_o humiliation_n concern_v the_o spirit_n of_o their_o call_v to_o be_v pour_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v solemn_o to_o engage_v themselves_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a and_o watchful_a over_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o honourable_a employment_n and_o the_o people_n be_v also_o to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o honour_v they_o and_o high_o to_o esteem_v they_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o rule_v elder_a the_o duty_n of_o a_o rule_v elder_a be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o that_o be_v personal_a and_o relate_v to_o his_o conversation_n as_o a_o christian_a other_o that_o be_v official_a and_o relate_v to_o his_o rule_v as_o a_o office-bearer_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n his_o personal_a qualification_n 6._o or_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o conversation_n be_v the_o same_o with_o these_o which_o the_o
execution_n of_o some_o decree_n of_o the_o church-assembly_n such_o as_o the_o imposition_n of_o hand_n the_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n the_o receive_n of_o penitent_n the_o intimation_n of_o the_o deposition_n of_o minister_n and_o such_o like_a do_v belong_v to_o minister_n alone_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o power_n of_o rule_v elder_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n its_o requisite_a that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o ability_n and_o qualification_n as_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o exercise_v thereof_o but_o because_o all_o rule_v elder_n be_v not_o always_o call_v to_o sit_v in_o all_o these_o assembly_n but_o one_o from_o every_o session_n suffice_v to_o the_o presbytery_n and_o provincial_a synod_n and_o a_o few_o from_o every_o presbytery_n and_o from_o great_a congregation_n or_o burgh_n therein_o to_o the_o general_n assembly_n as_o also_o a_o few_o from_o the_o whole_a church_n throughout_o a_o land_n to_o a_o more_o universal_a assembly_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o endeavour_v that_o all_o elder_n may_v have_v due_a qualification_n for_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o though_o special_a care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v every_o where_o to_o choose_v the_o most_o qualify_v yet_o in_o particular_a congregation_n man_n may_v be_v choose_v elder_n who_o have_v not_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o all_o these_o qualification_n they_o be_v otherwise_o man_n of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o have_v such_o a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o prudence_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o govern_v that_o congregation_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o session_n thereof_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v matter_n of_o scandal_n and_o try_v and_o admit_v of_o penitent_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o be_v not_o of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o have_v not_o some_o measure_n of_o these_o qualification_n require_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o a_o rule_v elder_a no_o congregation_n ought_v to_o choose_v any_o such_o nor_o any_o session_n or_o presbytery_n to_o admit_v they_o to_o the_o charge_n for_o it_o be_v not_o seemly_a that_o the_o servant_n of_o corruption_n shall_v have_v authority_n to_o judge_v in_o the_o kirk_n of_o god_n and_o if_o any_o such_o have_v be_v admit_v they_o be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o they_o as_o they_o will_v not_o partake_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v find_v guilty_a before_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o soul_n which_o can_v but_o suffer_v prejudice_n through_o negligence_n or_o ill_a guide_n of_o such_o man_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n in_o censure_a scandal_n and_o scandalous_a person_n and_o receive_v of_o penitent_n because_o the_o government_n and_o duty_n of_o elder_n in_o congregation_n lie_v for_o most_o part_n in_o censure_v scandal_n and_o scandalous_a person_n and_o try_v and_o admit_v of_o penitent_n therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o their_o right_a way_n of_o follow_v their_o duty_n in_o these_o thing_n 1._o for_o the_o person_n about_o who_o their_o 7._o censure_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v it_o be_v all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n indifferent_o and_o impartial_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n the_o rich_a as_o well_o as_o the_o poor_a the_o high_a as_o well_o as_o the_o low_a their_o friend_n kinsman_n alliance_n neighbour_n and_o acquaintance_n as_o well_o as_o other_o ja._n 2._o sharp_o reprove_v these_o who_o have_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n of_o glory_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n by_o prefer_v the_o rich_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o solomon_n say_v that_o divers_a weight_n and_o divers_a measure_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n must_v it_o not_o then_o be_v worthy_a of_o rebuke_n to_o have_v the_o censure_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n with_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o to_o weigh_v the_o rich_a and_o the_o poor_a the_o high_a and_o the_o low_a in_o divers_a balance_n by_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o one_o and_o pass_v by_o the_o other_o 2._o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o they_o to_o exercise_v their_o power_n not_o only_o over_o the_o people_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o also_o over_o these_o of_o their_o ps._n own_o number_n as_o all_o christian_n so_o so_o they_o in_o a_o special_a way_n who_o be_v yoke-fellow_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n aught_o to_o consider_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v find_v negligent_a or_o insufficient_a or_o do_v in_o any_o thing_n miscarry_v to_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o blame_v of_o the_o eldership_n he_o be_v to_o be_v censure_v by_o the_o minister_n or_o minister_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o elder_n as_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o offence_n do_v require_v the_o apostle_n paul_n act_v 20._o 28._o give_v charge_n to_o all_o elder_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v they_o overseer_n 3._o as_o all_o sort_n of_o scandalous_a person_n whether_o in_o the_o congregation_n or_o among_o themselves_o so_o all_o sort_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o they_o the_o apostle_n 2_o thes._n 3._o 6._o command_n that_o we_o withdraw_v from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o among_o disorderly_a walker_n he_o do_v vers_fw-la 11._o reckon_v idle_a person_n who_o do_v not_o work_v at_o all_o but_o be_v busy_a body_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o even_o these_o scandal_n and_o disorder_n which_o be_v by_o many_o little_a take_v notice_n of_o &_o look_v upon_o as_o no_o fault_n aught_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o the_o church_n that_o all_o her_o member_n may_v walk_v honest_o and_o as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o act_n of_o our_o church_n do_v appoint_v that_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o may_v spot_v that_o christian_a congregation_n ought_v not_o to_o escape_v either_o admonition_n or_o censure_n so_o in_o the_o order_n of_o ecclesiastic_a discipline_n 1567._o two_o great_a neglect_n there_o be_v that_o by_o ignorance_n or_o custom_n have_v creep_v in_o among_o elder_n in_o many_o congregation_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o omission_n of_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o commission_n of_o fault_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o there_o be_v any_o member_n of_o the_o congregation_n who_o live_v idle_o and_o wait_v not_o upon_o his_o call_v who_o be_v not_o give_v to_o prayer_n who_o be_v not_o charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a who_o wait_v not_o upon_o the_o public_a ordinance_n if_o there_o be_v any_o master_n of_o a_o family_n who_o pray_v not_o in_o his_o family_n who_o do_v not_o bring_v up_o his_o child_n in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o 2._o thar_z they_o do_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o fault_n and_o scandal_n of_o all_o sort_n but_o of_o some_o few_o only_a such_o as_o fornication_n adultery_n and_o profane_v of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o suffer_v many_o other_o such_o as_o tipple_a drunkenness_n filthy_a communication_n lie_v curse_a swear_v oppression_n reproach_v of_o piety_n and_o godliness_n etc._n etc._n to_o pass_v without_o 6._o observation_n 4._o elder_n be_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o bring_v in_o no_o civil_a question_n and_o debate_n before_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v nor_o inflict_v any_o civil_a mulct_n or_o punishment_n upon_o person_n convict_v of_o scandal_n these_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o censure_n thereof_o be_v spiritual_a and_o not_o of_o this_o world_n john_n 18._o 36._o 5._o in_o the_o take_a notice_n of_o offence_n 1571._o they_o be_v to_o observe_v this_o order_n if_o the_o offence_n be_v private_a and_o know_v to_o but_o a_o few_o then_o be_v they_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o admonish_v the_o offender_n private_o and_o if_o he_o harken_v to_o the_o admonition_n and_o amend_v it_o needs_o go_v no_o further_o nor_o be_v dilate_v to_o the_o church_n if_o he_o do_v not_o hearken_v nor_o amend_v then_o be_v the_o elder_a to_o take_v with_o he_o some_o of_o his_o brethren_n and_o to_o admonish_v the_o offender_n before_o witness_n and_o if_o he_o harken_v the_o church_n need_v not_o be_v acquaint_v therewith_o but_o if_o he_o despise_v this_o second_o admonition_n then_o be_v â—e_n to_o be_v dilate_v by_o the_o elder_a to_o the_o church_n that_o he_o may_v be_v call_v before_o the_o session_n and_o convict_v and_o censure_v by_o they_o this_o be_v the_o order_n command_v and_o prescribe_v by_o jesus_n christ_n mat._n 18_o 12._o 15_o 16_o 17._o if_o the_o offence_n be_v
a_o treatise_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n in_o which_o these_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n be_v clear_o and_o short_o set_v down_o by_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n tim._n 3._o â—3_n they_o that_o have_v use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n well_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o great_a boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n edinburgh_n reprint_v by_o the_o heir_n of_o andrew_n anderson_n printer_n to_o their_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1690._o the_o preface_n the_o lord_n who_o fire_n be_v in_o zion_n and_o 9_o whosefurnace_n be_v in_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o depth_n of_o his_o wisdom_n 5._o speak_v by_o terrible_a thing_n in_o righteousness_n against_o this_o nation_n he_o have_v bring_v we_o 9_o down_o wonderful_o and_o have_v make_v our_o breach_n wide_a as_o the_o 13._o sea_n who_o can_v heal_v we_o our_o bruise_n be_v incurable_a and_o our_o 1â—_n wound_n be_v grievous_a for_o the_o lord_n have_v wounded_n we_o with_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o enemy_n with_o the_o chastisement_n of_o a_o cruel_a one_o because_o our_o sin_n 14_o be_v increase_v he_o have_v mingle_v a_o perverse_a spirit_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o which_o cause_v we_o to_o err_v in_o every_o work_n as_o 20._o a_o drunken_a man_n stagger_v in_o his_o vomit_n and_o we_o eat_v every_o man_n the_o flesh_n of_o his_o own_o arm_n for_o all_o this_o his_o anger_n be_v not_o turn_v away_o but_o his_o hand_n be_v stretch_v out_o still_o the_o yoke_n 14._o of_o our_o transgression_n be_v bind_v by_o his_o hand_n they_o be_v wreathe_v and_o come_v up_o upon_o our_o neck_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o 1._o calamity_n he_o have_v cover_v we_o with_o a_o cloud_n in_o his_o anger_n 10._o that_o like_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o dark_a we_o grope_v for_o the_o wall_n and_o can_v find_v either_o our_o sin_n or_o our_o duty_n some_o cry_n that_o there_o be_v many_o of_o our_o prophet_n 14._o who_o have_v not_o discover_v our_o iniquity_n to_o turn_v away_o our_o captivity_n other_o complain_v that_o not_o a_o few_o of_o they_o have_v see_v for_o we_o false_a burden_n and_o cause_n of_o banishment_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v whilst_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o we_o sure_o it_o be_v 2._o meet_v to_o be_v say_v unto_o god_n show_v i_o why_o thou_o contend_v 32._o with_o i_o i_o have_v bear_v chastisement_n i_o will_v not_o offend_v any_o more_o that_o which_o i_o see_v not_o teach_v thou_o i_o if_o i_o have_v do_v iniquity_n i_o will_v do_v no_o more_o until_o the_o 12._o lord_n shall_v reveal_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o make_v we_o wise_a in_o heart_n to_o understand_v this_o and_o speak_v to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v declare_v it_o for_o what_o the_o land_n mourn_v it_o be_v fit_a that_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n controversy_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n i_o do_v suppose_v that_o all_o of_o we_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o this_o that_o our_o corrupt_a mixture_n in_o church_n member_n and_o church-officer_n be_v one_o main_a cause_n why_o so_o much_o wrath_n be_v go_v forth_o from_o the_o lord_n against_o we_o and_o do_v abide_v upon_o we_o the_o lord_n design_n upon_o scotland_n for_o a_o long_a time_n past_a seem_v to_o have_v be_v to_o purge_v 9_o his_o house_n and_o as_o to_o have_v his_o ordinance_n pure_a so_o to_o have_v his_o people_n and_o his_o officer_n also_o pure_a i_o mean_v not_o of_o a_o high_a pitch_n than_o the_o doctrine_n and_o policy_n of_o our_o church_n do_v reach_v because_o i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v it_o the_o measure_v line_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n have_v be_v stretch_v over_o these_o â—o_o give_v unto_o they_o due_a scripture_n dimension_n concern_v the_o qualification_n of_o church_n member_n and_o church_n officer_n if_o in_o these_o thing_n our_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o rule_n we_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o may_v speak_v with_o our_o enemy_n in_o the_o gate_n and_o answer_v he_o that_o reproach_v we_o our_o sin_n be_v that_o be_v weigh_v in_o our_o own_o balance_n we_o be_v find_v too_o light_a how_o many_o church-member_n be_v there_o in_o scotland_n who_o our_o church_n discipline_n if_o conscientious_o wield_v will_v cut_v off_o as_o rot_v how_o many_o church-officer_n who_o that_o discipline_n will_v cast_v out_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n we_o have_v rejoice_v 11â—_n in_o our_o pride_n and_o be_v haughty_a because_o of_o the_o lord_n be_v holy_a mountain_n but_o have_v not_o so_o zealous_o care_v that_o holiness_n to_o the_o 21._o lord_n may_v be_v engrave_v in_o all_o the_o pot_n of_o his_o house_n we_o have_v boast_v of_o a_o reformation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n without_o seek_v as_o real_o to_o reform_v church-officer_n and_o church-member_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n thereof_o pure_a ordinance_n be_v indeed_o thing_n precious_a and_o excellent_a and_o what_o soul_n among_o we_o that_o have_v any_o measure_n of_o the_o true_a zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n can_v behold_v the_o deface_a of_o these_o and_o not_o make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o lamentation_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o mean_v subordinate_a to_o a_o more_o high_a and_o superexcellent_a end_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v bring_v with_o open_a face_n to_o behold_v 18._o as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v change_v unto_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v all_o come_v unto_o 13._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a will_v not_o be_v live_v and_o lively_a 16._o stone_n in_o the_o lord_n temple_n neither_o do_v the_o rule_n of_o church-constitution_n hold_v out_o or_o cast_v out_o all_o who_o be_v not_o real_o such_o but_o this_o be_v the_o great_a scope_n that_o all_o of_o we_o ought_v to_o level_v at_o that_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v be_v holy_a that_o all_o who_o profess_v 5._o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n may_v walk_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n 27._o of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v attain_v unless_o these_o who_o bear_v the_o vessel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o who_o the_o charge_n of_o holy_a thing_n be_v commit_v be_v holy_a the_o son_n 4._o of_o levi_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o purge_v as_o gold_n and_o as_o silver_n before_o they_o offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o offering_n in_o righteousness_n when_o that_o be_v do_v then_o be_v the_o offering_n of_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n pleasant_a unto_o the_o lord_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v once_o upon_o a_o fair_a way_n for_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n they_o who_o interrupt_v we_o shall_v bear_v their_o burden_n but_o what_o be_v do_v in_o this_o thing_n be_v not_o more_o refresh_n to_o gracious_a heart_n than_o it_o be_v sore_o repine_v at_o and_o oppose_v by_o other_o a_o sin_n that_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o mercy_n therefore_o do_v many_o now_o make_v haste_n again_o to_o intrude_v themselves_o upon_o the_o cangregation_n whence_o they_o be_v once_o just_o cast_v out_o and_o not_o a_o few_o among_o the_o people_n love_v to_o have_v it_o so_o as_o though_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n to_o return_v to_o egypt_n and_o to_o build_v again_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n and_o repair_v the_o ruin_n of_o edom._n i_o do_v also_o acknowledge_v it_o with_o thank_v fullness_n unto_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o gracious_a man_n among_o the_o officer_n of_o his_o church_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o charge_n but_o there_o be_v also_o many_o that_o neither_o do_v so_o nor_o know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o minister_n it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a that_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o ignorant_a slothful_a earthly_a mind_a man_n who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o elder_n and_o deacon_n in_o many_o congregation_n and_o where_o such_o bear_v rule_n what_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n be_v despise_v and_o lie_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o congregation_n still_o abide_v
it_o be_v not_o take_v in_o this_o large_a sense_n for_o any_o church-officer_n of_o whatsoever_o sort_n but_o for_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o church_n officer_n distinct_a from_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n to_o who_o the_o collection_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o good_n of_o the_o church_n do_v belong_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a chap._n ii_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o deacon_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v divine_a it_o be_v a_o special_a ordinance_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v deacon_n in_o his_o house_n act_n 6._o 3._o the_o apostle_n give_v command_v to_o the_o disciple_n to_o choose_v out_o among_o themselves_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o wisdom_n who_o they_o may_v appoint_v over_o the_o business_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v according_o do_v as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o 5_o and_o 6_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n neither_o be_v this_o a_o temporary_a institution_n upon_o this_o particular_a occasion_n for_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n only_o but_o for_o all_o the_o church_n chap._n of_o christ_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o several_a of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n do_v mention_v they_o rom._n 12._o 8._o he_o exhort_v he_o that_o give_v or_o impart_v h._n e._n the_o deacon_n to_o who_o the_o care_n of_o give_v and_o distribute_v be_v commit_v to_o do_v it_o with_o simplicity_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o he_o reckon_v help_n h._n e._n deacon_n who_o be_v appoint_v for_o help_v the_o poor_a among_o these_o officer_n who_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n and_o write_v to_o the_o philippian_n he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o christ_n with_o the_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n under_o who_o he_o comprehend_v minister_n teacher_n and_o elder_n and_o to_o the_o deacon_n 1_o tim._n wherein_o he_o give_v rule_n concern_v the_o qualification_n and_o carriage_n of_o all_o church-officer_n he_o treat_v of_o the_o deacon_n at_o large_a chap._n 3._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o from_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o deacon_n 74._o we_o gather_v 1._o that_o the_o deacon_n be_v a_o distinct_a officer_n from_o the_o elder_a it_o be_v a_o defect_n and_o fault_n in_o some_o congregation_n that_o they_o put_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o those_o two_o but_o so_o confound_v and_o mingle_v they_o together_o as_o if_o they_o be_v both_o one_o either_o appoint_v none_o for_o the_o office_n of_o deacon_n but_o leave_v that_o charge_n also_o upon_o the_o elder_n or_o else_o give_v the_o deacon_n the_o same_o power_n and_o employment_n with_o the_o elder_n it_o be_v true_a whatsoever_o the_o deacon_n may_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o office_n that_o same_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o elder_a as_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v by_o a_o elder_a may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o minister_n because_o the_o high_a and_o more_o eminent_a office_n in_o the_o church_n do_v include_v the_o power_n of_o the_o low_a it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o the_o deacon_n may_v assist_v in_o 57_o judgement_n with_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n and_o be_v help_v to_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o congregation_n by_o information_n and_o advice_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o congregation_n shall_v so_o far_o regard_v the_o ordinance_n and_o reverence_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v these_o officer_n as_o to_o have_v both_o elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o to_o preserve_v they_o distinct_a in_o their_o act_n and_o operation_n not_o give_v to_o the_o deacon_n or_o suffer_v he_o to_o assume_v the_o elder_n office_n 2._o that_o deacon_n be_v not_o to_o count_v light_n of_o this_o employment_n or_o any_o other_o to_o esteem_v light_o of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v call_v thereunto_o and_o do_v exercise_v the_o same_o but_o that_o they_o themselves_o and_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o one_o of_o these_o holy_a and_o honourable_a employment_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v in_o his_o house_n for_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o do_v not_o disdain_v to_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n angel_n be_v all_o of_o they_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o their_o sake_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n why_o then_o shall_v any_o think_v it_o below_o they_o to_o serve_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o minister_v to_o the_o saint_n in_o this_o employment_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 13._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o call_v of_o deacon_n none_o be_v to_o step_v into_o this_o office_n 8._o but_o he_o that_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereto_o unto_o their_o call_v its_o needful_a first_o that_o they_o have_v ability_n and_o gift_n fit_a for_o the_o charge_n together_o with_o a_o honest_a purpose_n of_o heart_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n faithful_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o same_o by_o seek_v his_o honour_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o congregation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v which_o choice_n be_v to_o be_v make_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o that_o of_o rule_v elder_a 3._o that_o trial_n be_v take_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o elder_n concern_v their_o conversation_n that_o it_o be_v blameless_a and_o holy_a and_o concern_v their_o gift_n that_o they_o have_v that_o tenderness_n discretion_n dexterity_n and_o prudence_n that_o be_v fit_a for_o that_o employment_n and_o that_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o their_o charge_n with_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n and_o open_v of_o the_o word_n concern_v their_o duty_n public_o in_o the_o congregation_n where_o they_o be_v solemn_o to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v faithful_a in_o the_o trust_n commit_v to_o they_o of_o god_n act._n 6._o 3_o 5_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 10._o chap._n iu._n of_o their_o duty_n first_o of_o their_o conversation_n their_o duty_n be_v either_o that_o which_o concern_v their_o conversation_n or_o their_o office_n and_o calling_n for_o their_o conversation_n the_o apostle_n show_v what_o it_o must_v be_v 1_o tim._n 3._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o they_o must_v not_o be_v double_o tongue_v nor_o liar_n nor_o dissembler_n nor_o deceiver_n 2._o they_o must_v not_o be_v give_v to_o much_o wine_n nor_o tipler_n nor_o drunkard_n nor_o lover_n nor_o follower_n of_o strong_a drink_n 3._o they_o must_v not_o be_v greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n nor_o such_o as_o be_v covetous_a and_o who_o heart_n run_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n 4._o they_o must_v be_v grave_a man_n of_o a_o pose_v and_o stay_v carriage_n and_o not_o of_o a_o light_n and_o vain_a behaviour_n 5._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o hold_v fast_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n h._n e._n who_o do_v not_o only_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o do_v hold_v fast_o the_o faith_n thereof_o without_o waver_v and_o study_v to_o have_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o walk_v answerable_o thereto_o 6._o they_o must_v be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n such_o as_o abstain_v from_o all_o unlawful_a lust_n satisfy_v themselves_o with_o the_o remedy_n allow_v of_o god_n 7._o they_o must_v be_v such_o as_o rule_v their_o own_o house_n and_o their_o child_n well_o such_o as_o command_v and_o instruct_v their_o child_n and_o household_n to_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v before_o they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o godliness_n and_o all_o holy_a and_o religious_a duty_n chap._n v._n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v the_o duty_n that_o deacon_n be_v 8._o bind_v to_o perform_v in_o their_o call_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v careful_a to_o take_v exact_a notice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v poor_a in_o the_o congregation_n and_o have_v not_o wherewith_o to_o maintain_v themselves_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v careful_a from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o collect_v and_o receive_v from_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o stranger_n that_o come_v among_o they_o what_o the_o lord_n shall_v incline_v their_o heart_n to_o give_v for_o a_o supply_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o in_o a_o seasonable_a and_o christian_a way_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o exhort_v to_o charity_n and_o liberality_n that_o the_o more_o may_v be_v give_v 3._o that_o what_o be_v receive_v and_o collect_v by_o they_o be_v faithful_o deliver_v that_o it_o may_v be_v put_v in_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o congregation_n 4._o that_o they_o do_v timous_o make_v know_v the_o several_a condition_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o several_a poor_a