power_n 2._o pray_v for_o i_o heb._n 13.18_o and_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a importunity_n and_o constancy_n for_o the_o more_o you_o do_v so_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o i_o the_o more_o profitable_a he_o will_v make_v my_o labour_n to_o your_o soul_n pray_v for_o i_o in_o your_o closet_n and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o i_o for_o you_o especial_o you_o who_o walk_v with_o god_n may_v do_v much_o for_o i_o in_o your_o closet_n i_o do_v remember_v you_o in_o i_o oh_o let_v i_o be_v remember_v by_o you_o in_o our_o closet_n also_o for_o a_o stock_n of_o prayer_n of_o hearty_a believe_v fervent_a prayer_n keep_v a-running_a one_o for_o another_o will_v bring_v in_o a_o great_a revenue_n of_o grace_n from_o heaven_n to_o we_o you_o can_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v preach_v warm_o profitable_o and_o powerful_o to_o you_o unless_o you_o so_o pray_v for_o i_o therefore_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o for_o your_o own_o profit_n do_v you_o continue_v in_o fervent_a prayer_n unto_o god_n for_o i_o entreat_v he_o to_o pour_v out_o much_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o i_o fill_v i_o with_o ministerial_a gift_n and_o make_v i_o a_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o god_n may_v give_v i_o the_o door_n of_o utterance_n and_o enable_v i_o to_o speak_v as_o i_o ought_v to_o speak_v eph._n 6.20_o that_o god_n may_v work_v in_o i_o whatever_o be_v wel-pleasing_a in_o his_o sight_n heb._n 13.21_o fulfil_v in_o i_o all_o the_o good_a counsel_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o work_n of_o faith_n with_o power_n 2_o thes_n 1.11_o that_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o i_o and_o by_o i_o oh_o pray_v for_o i_o that_o i_o may_v be_v keep_v faithful_a to_o christ_n and_o you_o that_o i_o may_v labour_v and_o not_o faint_a run_v and_o not_o be_v weary_a that_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v up_o under_o all_o burden_n and_o temptation_n and_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v and_o conquer_v they_o all_o that_o i_o may_v right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o administer_v the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o will_n so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v magnify_v and_o your_o soul_n profit_v that_o my_o heart_n may_v stand_v clear_a off_o the_o world_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v take_v and_o entangle_v with_o any_o snare_n and_o that_o i_o may_v perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o and_o for_o whatever_o else_o you_o may_v rational_o judge_v i_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o as_o your_o minister_n 3._o i_o do_v request_n you_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n you_o do_v certain_o see_v and_o undoubted_o know_v any_o fail_v or_o miscarriage_n in_o or_o by_o i_o that_o you_o will_v speedy_o serious_o meek_o humble_o and_o as_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v inform_v i_o of_o it_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o if_o you_o do_v it_o as_o you_o ought_v and_o may_v do_v it_o i_o shall_v through_o grace_n assist_v receive_v it_o thank_v you_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o and_o account_v it_o my_o mercy_n but_o i_o shall_v desire_v you_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o these_o three_o evil_n towards_o i_o in_o this_o matter_n 1_o that_o you_o do_v not_o fancy_v and_o make_v evil_n or_o miscarriage_n for_o i_o and_o then_o charge_v they_o on_o i_o as_o i_o when_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v not_o so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n to_o condemn_v the_o righteous_a and_o justify_v the_o wicked_a as_o you_o know_v prov._n 17.15_o and_o it_o be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o righteous_a god_n to_o condemn_v or_o false_o to_o charge_v his_o ambassador_n because_o they_o stand_v in_o his_o stead_n bear_v his_o image_n of_o authority_n and_o do_v his_o ministerial_a work_n in_o his_o church_n and_o yet_o how_o common_a be_v this_o evil_n among_o professor_n as_o i_o can_v testify_v 2_o do_v not_o take_v up_o a_o report_n from_o other_o against_o i_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v because_o you_o hear_v some_o professor_n of_o the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n tell_v you_o so_o for_o the_o world_n yea_o and_o the_o church_n also_o be_v too_o full_a of_o slanderous_a and_o back_o bite_a tongue_n they_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o this_o evil_a but_o hug_v and_o embrace_v it_o in_o their_o bosom_n practise_v it_o without_o fear_n and_o commit_v this_o abomination_n with_o both_o hand_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v remember_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v strict_o charge_v you_o in_o 1_o tim._n 5.19_o that_o you_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o receive_v a_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_a under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n and_o that_o on_o their_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o fact_n not_o upon_o their_o conjecture_n and_o feign_a circumstance_n for_o god_n be_v very_o curious_a and_o tender_a of_o their_o good_a name_n credit_n and_o reputation_n and_o he_o know_v and_o all_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n do_v know_v that_o they_o be_v more_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o envy_n and_o that_o they_o lie_v more_o open_a to_o the_o wrath_n and_o hatred_n of_o man_n than_o other_o man_n do_v therefore_o i_o say_v god_n have_v set_v a_o high_a mound_n about_o their_o good_a name_n for_o their_o security_n than_o about_o other_o 3_o do_v not_o take_v up_o my_o real_a or_o suppose_a miscarriage_n and_o spread_v they_o before_o other_o oh_o my_o brethren_n let_v not_o this_o filthy_a devilish_a wickedness_n be_v find_v in_o you_o let_v not_o other_o hear_v of_o my_o fault_n before_o i_o do_v myself_o be_v not_o you_o backbiter_n and_o whisperer_n against_o he_o who_o love_v you_o so_o much_o as_o that_o he_o can_v spend_v and_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o service_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o who_o seek_v your_o good_a all_o he_o can_v requite_v not_o his_o love_n to_o you_o with_o such_o mischief_n and_o wickedness_n against_o he_o for_o the_o lord_n sake_n you_o may_v do_v he_o much_o wrong_n thereby_o but_o you_o will_v much_o more_o wrong_a christ_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o let_v none_o of_o you_o think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o idle_a spectator_n of_o what_o you_o do_v herein_o that_o he_o observe_v you_o not_o or_o that_o because_o you_o imagine_v you_o intend_v he_o no_o hurt_n in_o what_o you_o say_v of_o he_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v hold_v you_o guiltless_a no_o no_o be_v not_o deceive_v for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v what_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o reap_v gal._n 6.7_o god_n do_v not_o say_v you_o may_v speak_v evil_a of_o his_o minister_n or_o other_o man_n if_o you_o intend_v not_o to_o hurt_v they_o thereby_o no_o but_o he_o death_n express_o forbid_v you_o to_o back_o bite_v or_o speak_v of_o their_o evil_n though_o real_a at_o all_o behind_o their_o back_n until_o they_o prove_v incorrigible_a and_o have_v reject_v your_o reproof_n and_o endeavour_n to_o convince_v and_o convert_v they_o levit._n 19.16_o 17._o jam._n 4.11_o tit._n 3.2_o rom._n 1.30_o 31._o psal_n 15.3_o 2_o cor._n 12.20_o but_o in_o truth_n this_o excuse_n or_o pretence_n be_v but_o a_o carnal_a blind_a and_o diabolical_a delusion_n to_o shut_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n and_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o the_o evil_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v commit_v it_o with_o the_o more_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n that_o neither_o man_n nor_o their_o own_o conscience_n may_v reprove_v or_o control_v they_o and_o cry_v shame_n on_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v obstruct_v or_o any_o way_n impede_v in_o their_o do_v of_o that_o wherein_o they_o find_v pleasure_n neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o hate_v they_o or_o intend_v their_o hurt_n for_o it_o be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o they_o do_v not_o real_o love_v such_o and_o that_o they_o be_v prejudice_v against_o they_o and_o do_v not_o in_o truth_n seek_v their_o good_a for_o can_v i_o persuade_v any_o reasonable_a man_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n that_o i_o love_v he_o and_o seek_v his_o good_a in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o he_o by_o do_v or_o speak_v that_o which_o experience_n show_v will_v inevitable_o tend_v to_o his_o hurt_n to_o his_o shame_n and_o reproach_n and_o to_o the_o alienate_n of_o other_o affection_n from_o he_o well_o then_o tell_v i_o of_o my_o real_a fault_n to_o my_o face_n that_o i_o may_v mend_v and_o do_v so_o no_o more_o for_o that_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n matth._n 18.15_o 4._o i_o do_v request_n you_o to_o visit_v i_o and_o let_v i_o have_v your_o good_a company_n as_o often_o as_o convenient_o you_o can_v and_o
20._o and_o there_o be_v many_o reason_n for_o it_o i_o will_v but_o name_v a_o few_o 1_o because_o the_o work_n they_o have_v to_o do_v be_v the_o lord_n not_o their_o own_o and_o what_o have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o meddle_v with_o it_o until_o their_o lord_n call_v &_o send_v they_o otherwise_o he_o may_v say_v unto_o they_o friend_n what_o do_v you_o here_o in_o my_o vineyard_n about_o my_o work_n and_o concernment_n do_v i_o call_v or_o send_v you_o hither_o or_o rather_o do_v you_o not_o come_v upon_o your_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n 2_o because_o the_o church_n in_o which_o they_o work_v be_v the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v his_o own_o appoint_a and_o design_v servant_n in_o his_o own_o family_n and_o household_n and_o none_o else_o he_o alot_v and_o appoint_v the_o several_a work_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o shall_v work_v and_o leave_v it_o not_o to_o their_o own_o will_n &_o choice_n but_o as_o direct_v and_o guide_v move_v and_o carry_v forth_o by_o he_o as_o god_n send_v paul_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o peter_n to_o the_o jew_n so_o do_v god_n now_o send_v such_o a_o man_n to_o such_o a_o church_n and_o another_o to_o another_o church_n to_o administer_v there_o and_o if_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n shall_v find_v such_o a_o servant_n here_o as_o he_o do_v intend_v for_o a_o other_o place_n how_o will_v he_o answer_v his_o be_v out_o of_o his_o own_o place_n 3_o because_o their_o go_v forth_o and_o labour_v in_o the_o vineyard_n must_v be_v obediential_a acts._n they_o must_v do_v it_o not_o because_o it_o be_v their_o own_o will_n and_o choice_n but_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o in_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o how_o can_v they_o do_v that_o except_o they_o have_v some_o good_a assurance_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v and_o call_v they_o how_o can_v they_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o be_v not_o well_o satisfy_v that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o feel_v the_o lord_n speak_v to_o their_o heart_n in_o answer_n unto_o prayer_n 4_o because_o they_o must_v go_v forth_o and_o labour_v in_o dependence_n on_o and_o expectation_n of_o he_o to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o to_o bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o to_z crown_z and_o succeed_v their_o endeavour_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o they_o now_o how_o can_v they_o do_v so_o unless_o they_o know_v that_o god_n have_v send_v and_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o work_n 5_o they_o must_v go_v forth_o and_o labour_v in_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o divine_a acceptance_n also_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o accept_v the_o command_v work_n and_o service_n of_o his_o people_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n therefore_o they_o must_v know_v that_o they_o be_v do_v of_o or_o about_o to_o do_v their_o lord_n work_v when_o and_o where_o he_o will_v have_v they_o 6_o because_o they_o be_v promise_v a_o reward_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v and_o look_v for_o it_o only_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o no_o where_o else_o and_o how_o can_v any_o expect_v a_o reward_n for_o do_v that_o which_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v be_v not_o their_o duty_n at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o such_o a_o place_n in_o such_o a_o way_n 7_o because_o they_o ought_v to_o bless_v thank_v and_o praise_n god_n for_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o so_o great_a work_n and_o service_n 1_o tim._n 1.12_o which_o they_o can_v do_v unless_o they_o be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v of_o the_o lord_n call_v they_o to_o it_o ten_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o their_o own_o soul_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v and_o send_v they_o into_o his_o vineyard_n so_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v send_v shall_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o same_o likewise_o and_o they_o shall_v find_v great_a and_o real_a acceptance_n in_o each_o other_o heart_n the_o church_n shall_v own_v and_o receive_v they_o as_o send_v by_o and_o from_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o they_o to_o do_v his_o work_n and_o administer_v his_o holy_a law_n and_o ordinance_n to_o they_o and_o that_o as_o great_a and_o promise_a mercy_n and_o blessing_n for_o their_o good_a their_o union_n communion_n and_o spiritual_a relation_n must_v be_v found_v in_o love_n and_o strong_a affection_n one_o to_o another_o and_o ground_v upon_o real_a satisfaction_n in_o and_o cordial_a acceptance_n one_o of_o a_o another_o as_o marry_v together_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o make_v one_o entire_a body_n and_o temple_n these_o be_v no_o light_n and_o insignificant_a matter_n but_o very_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n indeed_o they_o put_v themselves_o into_o each_o other_o hand_n and_o become_v one_o another_o in_o the_o lord_n in_o which_o state_n and_o condition_n they_o must_v abide_v and_o live_v together_o until_o the_o lord_n shall_v separate_v they_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a providence_n for_o till_o then_o they_o can_v part_v one_o from_o another_o nor_o leave_v each_o other_o no_o not_o with_o mutual_a consent_n at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n because_o they_o be_v join_v together_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a doer_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o low_a will_n and_o power_n can_v dissolve_v the_o knot_n then_o that_o which_o at_o first_o do_v knit_v it_o these_o minister_n must_v go_v and_o take_v up_o with_o the_o church_n as_o send_v to_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n must_v own_v and_o receive_v they_o as_o christ_n choice_n and_o gracious_a gift_n unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o each_o other_o and_o find_v deep_a real_a love_n cordial_a acceptance_n and_o room_n in_o one_o another_o heart_n resolve_v to_o live_v walk_v and_o continue_v together_o in_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o before_o they_o do_v unite_v and_o engage_v together_o in_o a_o church-relation_n for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o become_v one_o holy_a church_n and_o communion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o join_v they_o or_o call_v they_o to_o own_o accept_v and_o choose_v one_o another_o in_o that_o relation_n if_o they_o be_v not_o congregat_v and_o unite_a together_o by_z and_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o gospel-love_n and_o affection_n and_o if_o they_o enter_v not_o into_o and_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n and_o relation_n union_n and_o communion_n together_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o will_n and_o call_v of_o christ_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n they_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o continue_v long_o together_o in_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o have_v god_n dwell_v in_o and_o walk_v with_o they_o or_o to_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o comfortable_a judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n call_v and_o join_v they_o together_o in_o love_n and_o mercy_n thus_o or_o by_o these_o thing_n first_o if_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n &_o their_o own_o spiritual_a profit_n and_o edification_n lay_v deep_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v their_o great_a and_o only_o end_v in_o their_o unite_n and_o join_v together_o 2._o if_o they_o have_v unfeigned_o and_o importunate_o ask_v counsel_n and_o conduct_v of_o god_n commit_v the_o whole_a to_o his_o choice_n and_o disposal_n to_o make_v up_o or_o hinder_v the_o match_n between_o they_o as_o he_o please_v and_o do_v indeed_o resign_v up_o their_o will_n and_o concernment_n whole_o unto_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereign_a pleasure_n to_o order_v and_o determine_v they_o and_o for_o they_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a in_o order_n to_o the_o say_a end_n and_o in_o their_o prayer_n together_o and_o apart_o have_v stand_v in_o a_o even_a balance_n wait_v and_o expect_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v say_v and_o do_v in_o the_o case_n to_z and_z for_o they_o 3._o and_o if_o after_o they_o have_v so_o do_v they_o find_v their_o heart_n more_o and_o more_o incline_v and_o knit_v one_o to_o another_o though_o still_o with_o a_o free_a and_o holy_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o they_o find_v providence_n work_v for_o they_o without_o by_o remove_a obstruction_n and_o make_v the_o way_n plain_a for_o they_o i_o think_v they_o may_v comfortable_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v send_v and_o call_v they_o to_o join_v themselves_o together_o and_o become_v a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n for_o when_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v concur_v and_o fall_v in_o as_o it_o be_v together_o undoubted_o it_o be_v of_o god_n and_o by_o his_o special_a order_n and_o direction_n it_o be_v god_n that_o set_v up_o those_o holy_a end_n and_o design_n in_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v god_n that_o stir_v up_o and_o move_v
a_o gospel-church_n or_o god_n holy_a temple_n open_v wherein_o be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n 1._o what_o a_o gospel-church_n be_v 2._o that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 3._o with_o what_o material_n such_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v form_v 4._o the_o form_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v build_v 5._o the_o several_a officer_n and_o office_n in_o the_o say_a church_n and_o their_o respective_a work_n and_o duty_n there_o 6._o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n to_o their_o officer_n 7._o their_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o 8._o their_o church-priviledge_n and_o several_a other_o matter_n and_o concernment_n which_o may_v not_o here_o be_v mention_v but_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o epistle_n all_o intend_a for_o the_o spiritual_a profit_n of_o church-member_n by_o stephen_n ford_n preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o london_n these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 14_o 15._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o dwell_v in_o thy_o house_n they_o will_v be_v still_o praise_v thou_o they_o go_v from_o strength_n to_o strength_n every_o one_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o zion_n psal_n 84.4.7_o london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1675._o the_o epistle_n dedicatory_a to_o my_o entire_o belove_a the_o elder_n deacon_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n over_o who_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v i_o a_o overseer_n friend_n i_o be_o you_o and_o i_o hope_v you_o be_v christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23._o you_o be_v exceed_o dear_a to_o i_o and_o lie_v deep_a in_o my_o heart_n 1_o thes_n 2.8_o phil._n 1.7_o and_o you_o be_v my_o joy_n and_o crown_n of_o rejoice_v especial_o some_o of_o you_o 1_o thes_n 2.19_o 20._o phil._n 4.1_o your_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n be_v i_o your_o thrive_a and_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o be_v i_o and_o your_o stand_n fast_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o bear_v much_o fruit_n be_v my_o comfort_n 1._o thes_n 3.7_o 8_o 9_o your_o trial_n and_o affliction_n be_v i_o and_o your_o withering_n and_o languish_n be_v my_o great_a affliction_n and_o sorrow_n 2_o cor._n 11.29_o rom._n 12.15_o whatever_o some_o of_o you_o may_v think_v or_o say_v of_o i_o yet_o i_o can_v bold_o say_v if_o i_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o my_o heart_n that_o god_n be_v my_o record_n how_o great_o i_o long_v after_o you_o all_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n phil._n 1.8_o how_o thoughtful_a and_o studious_a i_o be_o to_o serve_v you_o and_o to_o promote_v your_o present_a and_o eternal_a blessedness_n and_o that_o by_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_v i_o can_v and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o successful_a in_o my_o design_n and_o endeavour_n it_o be_v my_o burden_n and_o i_o can_v help_v it_o i_o know_v that_o minister_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o plant_v and_o water_n but_o it_o be_v god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n 1_o cor._n 3.7_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o weak_a and_o i_o know_v also_o that_o the_o happy_a success_n of_o good_a man_n labour_n lie_v not_o in_o or_o proceed_v not_o from_o their_o ability_n but_o from_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n work_v with_o and_o by_o they_o or_o else_o even_o a_o great_a prophet_n isaiah_n may_v say_v i_o have_v labour_v in_o vain_a isa_n 49.4_o yet_o i_o say_v my_o conscience_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o it_o be_v my_o desire_n aim_v and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v faithful_a to_o christ_n and_o you_o and_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o my_o work_n and_o your_o service_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n 2_o tim._n 4.2_o to_o feed_v you_o with_o the_o bread_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o to_o give_v to_o every_o one_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n i_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o all-seeing-eye_n of_o my_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n be_v still_o on_o i_o and_o that_o i_o must_v short_o give_v unto_o he_o a_o account_n of_o my_o stewardship_n luk._n 16.2_o how_o i_o have_v perform_v my_o work_n and_o discharge_v my_o trust_n to_o you_o and_o therefore_o i_o dare_v not_o but_o endeavour_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o my_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o you._n shall_v any_o of_o you_o suffer_v loss_n by_o any_o neglect_n or_o unfaithfulness_n of_o i_o the_o sight_n and_o conviction_n of_o it_o will_v exceed_o afflict_v i_o for_o i_o do_v great_o love_v you_o i_o will_v be_v eminent_o instrumental_a in_o nurse_n educate_v and_o build_v you_o up_o in_o christ_n in_o knowledge_n faith_n love_n peace_n joy_n holiness_n and_o spiritual_a consolation_n unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o be_o real_o afflict_v that_o i_o can_v do_v no_o more_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o and_o that_o i_o be_o no_o more_o successful_a in_o what_o i_o do_v i_o hope_v you_o have_v some_o clear_a proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o myself_o and_o endeavour_n from_o my_o practice_n among_o you_o for_o what_o other_o end_n can_v i_o have_v in_o all_o my_o labour_n and_o spend_n but_o to_o serve_v christ_n and_o your_o soul_n especial_o in_o and_o by_o those_o that_o be_v extraordinary_a what_o shall_v i_o aim_v at_o and_o design_n in_o the_o monthly_a lecture_n to_o and_o with_o you_o only_o in_o my_o lord_n day_n fortnight_n lecture_n and_o in_o write_v this_o and_o some_o other_o book_n but_o your_o good_a you_o know_v that_o i_o have_v spend_v my_o strength_n in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n to_o convince_v regenerate_v and_o educate_v your_o family_n your_o child_n servant_n and_o other_o relation_n of_o you_o for_o as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v for_o their_o sake_n that_o i_o set_v it_o up_o and_o have_v continue_v it_o many_o year_n but_o how_o you_o have_v esteem_v and_o encourage_v it_o and_o how_o your_o relation_n have_v improve_v it_o i_o leave_v to_o all_o your_o conscience_n to_o judge_v but_o however_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o my_o love_n to_o you_o and_o care_n of_o they_o by_o spend_v my_o strength_n and_o spirit_n with_o and_o for_o their_o good_a and_o all_o unprejudiced_a person_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v it_o i_o can_v have_v sit_v down_o as_o other_o do_v with_o preachi_n g_o to_o you_o twice_o every_o lord_n day_n and_o one_o lecture_n in_o the_o weekday_n have_v i_o not_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o do_v more_o and_o have_v not_o my_o cordial_a love_n to_o your_o soul_n constrain_v i_o to_o the_o take_n of_o extraordinary_a pain_n with_o you_o and_o for_o you_o my_o end_n and_o design_n in_o the_o say_v monthly_a lecture_n be_v 1_o to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o and_o convince_v you_o of_o your_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o every_o one_o of_o you_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v yourselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o what_o duty_n be_v or_o be_v incumbent_a on_o you_o there_o 2_o to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o your_o church-priviledge_n and_o spiritual_a advantage_n that_o you_o may_v value_v and_o esteem_v they_o own_o and_o embrace_v they_o improve_v and_o walk_v worthy_a of_o they_o and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v thankful_a for_o they_o 3_o that_o you_o may_v know_v on_o what_o bottom_n you_o stand_v in_o your_o church-state_n and_o that_o you_o may_v stand_v there_o unmovable_o 4_o that_o you_o may_v know_v your_o miscarriage_n in_o your_o church-state_n and_o relation_n and_o be_v humble_v for_o and_o repent_v of_o they_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n 5_o that_o you_o may_v know_v the_o evil_n and_o temptation_n you_o be_v liable_a to_o in_o a_o church-state_n and_o that_o you_o may_v watch_v against_o and_o avoid_v they_o 6_o that_o you_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o answer_v gainsayers_a and_o refel_v their_o objection_n 7_o that_o you_o may_v look_v for_o and_o expect_v all_o the_o promise_v good_a in_o your_o church-state_n and_o endeavour_v the_o obtainment_n of_o it_o 8_o to_o quicken_v and_o provoke_v you_o to_o move_v and_o persuade_v you_o to_o all_o possible_a diligence_n care_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o and_o in_o your_o own_o jesus_n christ_n and_o one_o another_o concern_v in_o your_o church-state_n that_o you_o may_v be_v please_v to_o god_n and_o profitable_a to_o your_o own_o and_o each_o other_o soul_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o your_o union_n and_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o these_o be_v some_o of_o my_o end_n in_o set_v up_o that_o lecture_n and_o which_o i_o have_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n carry_v on_o though_o under_o no_o small_a discouragement_n from_o within_o and_o without_o and_o in_o
pursuance_n of_o these_o and_o other_o holy_a end_n i_o have_v write_v some_o of_o the_o matter_n that_o i_o preach_v to_o you_o and_o have_v make_v they_o ready_a for_o your_o eye_n to_o read_v and_o behold_v they_o your_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n to_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o for_o your_o heart_n to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o and_o that_o upon_o your_o desire_n i_o have_v do_v it_o as_o you_o know_v they_o be_v your_o matter_n and_o therefore_o to_o you_o i_o do_v dedicate_v and_o commend_v they_o because_o i_o love_v you_o and_o if_o you_o give_v i_o encouragement_n i_o can_v willing_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v for_o you_o 2_o cor._n 12.15_o brethren_n i_o grudge_v not_o at_o any_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n care_n and_o labour_n i_o have_v take_v and_o expend_v on_o you_o or_o you_o for_o i_o think_v that_o all_o that_o i_o can_v do_v for_o you_o be_v too_o little_a i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v i_o can_v be_v more_o serviceable_a and_o profitable_a to_o you_o and_o the_o more_o you_o shall_v encourage_v and_o strengthen_v my_o hand_n to_o serve_v you_o the_o better_a i_o shall_v do_v it_o i_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o write_v this_o book_n or_o to_o compose_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v have_v i_o be_v able_a i_o shall_v have_v do_v it_o better_o but_o however_o it_o be_v do_v be_v you_o sure_o that_o the_o matter_n discourse_v of_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n to_o you_o you_o will_v find_v but_o little_a in_o it_o of_o man_n human_a frailty_n except_v but_o therefore_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v find_v the_o more_o of_o god_n and_o gospel-truth_n there_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n shine_v forth_o more_o glorious_o when_o they_o appear_v in_o their_o naked_a native_a beauty_n and_o simplicity_n than_o when_o they_o come_v to_o we_o clothe_v with_o humane_a eloquence_n and_o with_o the_o rhetorical_a flourish_n of_o man_n wit_n they_o be_v such_o glorious_a thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o that_o they_o be_v never_o more_o powerful_a on_o and_o acceptable_a to_o holy_a gracious_a heart_n than_o when_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o pure_a clear_a and_o entire_a in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o language_n strip_v of_o humane_a ornament_n and_o garnish_n my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o commend_v myself_o but_o the_o real_a the_o holy_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n not_o to_o show_v you_o what_o any_o man_n think_v or_o judge_v of_o these_o matter_n but_o to_o show_v you_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n think_v and_o speak_v of_o they_o i_o expect_v severe_a censure_n from_o other_o because_o far_o better_a man_n work_n do_v usual_o meet_v with_o they_o but_o i_o hope_v to_o meet_v with_o none_o from_o you_o for_o love_n will_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o weakness_n in_o those_o who_o aim_n end_n and_o design_n be_v good_a in_o any_o good_a work_n and_o you_o can_v but_o judge_v that_o i_o be_v good_a in_o this_o good_a undertake_n you_o put_v i_o on_o the_o work_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v find_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o plainness_n in_o it_o and_o cover_v my_o infirmity_n with_o a_o mantle_n of_o charity_n judge_v that_o i_o have_v perform_v it_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v for_o christ_n my_o own_o and_o your_o sake_n and_o conclude_v that_o i_o have_v not_o wilful_o know_o or_o careless_o fail_v in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o now_o it_o be_v prepare_v for_o you_o and_o bring_v to_o you_o by_o a_o hand_n of_o love_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v and_o mind_n it_o to_o understand_v and_o practice_v the_o duty_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o although_o the_o form_n of_o it_o as_o make_v by_o i_o may_v not_o have_v your_o esteem_n and_o consideration_n yet_o do_v not_o fail_v to_o give_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o be_v due_a respect_n and_o acknowledgement_n let_v your_o head_n and_o king_n his_o truth_n and_o way_n have_v their_o due_n from_o you_o as_o also_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o you_o will_v great_o gratify_v the_o author_n who_o be_v your_o real_a friend_n in_o this_o book_n i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o several_a chapter_n 1_o what_o a_o institute_v gospel-church_n be_v 2_o that_o particular_a congregational_a church_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 3_o of_o what_o material_n they_o shall_v be_v constitute_v and_o form_v 4_o what_o be_v the_o form_n of_o such_o church_n or_o how_o fit_a material_n shall_v be_v join_v together_o and_o make_v a_o formal_a house_n 5_o the_o several_a officer_n of_o a_o church_n with_o their_o call_n qualification_n work_n and_o duty_n 6_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n to_o their_o officer_n 7_o their_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o 8_o their_o church-priviledge_n and_o advantage_n 9_o i_o have_v show_v that_o all_o believer_n be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o gospel-church_n if_o they_o can_v 10_o what_o the_o ordinance_n be_v that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n 11_o how_o all_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o walk_v towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o what_o evil_n and_o temptation_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o or_o in_o danger_n of_o 12_o i_o have_v speak_v something_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o of_o many_o other_o thing_n and_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n as_o you_o will_v find_v in_o your_o read_n of_o the_o book_n throughout_o as_o that_o church-member_n ought_v not_o to_o break_v off_o from_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v join_v but_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n i_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v but_o shall_v present_v a_o few_o request_n to_o you_o for_o myself_o my_o god_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o which_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o deny_v i_o but_o free_o grant_v i_o because_o you_o will_v find_v they_o very_o reasonable_a request_n and_o such_o as_o do_v near_o concern_v you_o and_o your_o god_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o 1._o i_o do_v earnest_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v you_o for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n and_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o do_v all_o you_o can_v and_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o do_v to_o encourage_v i_o in_o my_o work_n strengthen_v my_o hand_n under_o my_o weight_n and_o burden_n and_o help_v i_o to_o run_v my_o race_n and_o finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n 1_o cor._n 9_o act._n 20.24_o and_o avoid_v whatever_o may_v just_o discourage_v tempt_v and_o provoke_v i_o or_o that_o may_v weaken_v my_o hand_n grieve_v and_o sadden_fw-mi my_o heart_n unfit_a &_o indispose_v i_o for_o &_o in_o my_o work_n &_o duty_n with_o you_o for_o if_o you_o do_v not_o avoid_v it_o you_o will_v tempt_v and_o provoke_v i_o to_o sin_n and_o hinder_v i_o in_o my_o work_n and_o duty_n and_o my_o sin_n will_v be_v your_o sin_n my_o loss_n your_o loss_n and_o my_o sorrow_n will_v be_v your_o sorrow_n at_o long_o run_v i_o can_v appeal_v to_o god_n that_o i_o seek_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v you_o good_a in_o whatever_o i_o do_v or_o propound_v to_o have_v do_v for_o or_o among_o you_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o neglect_v to_o come_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v your_o place_n and_o when_o you_o neglect_v to_o set_v forward_o any_o good_a work_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a you_o do_v discourage_v i_o and_o tempt_v i_o to_o sin_n and_o the_o like_v you_o may_v do_v many_o other_o way_n which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o shall_v not_o mention_v only_o this_o one_o namely_o by_o your_o nonproficiency_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o will_v be_v my_o great_a affliction_n because_o i_o dear_o love_v you_o your_o serious_a conscientious_a and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n with_o i_o your_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o profit_v by_o they_o your_o readiness_n to_o help_v and_o assist_v i_o in_o promote_a and_o carry_v on_o of_o good_a work_n in_o the_o church_n and_o stand_v by_o i_o in_o the_o lord_n work_n will_v exceed_o comfort_v &_o encourage_v i_o in_o my_o ministerial_a work_n and_o pray_v consider_v if_o it_o be_v not_o your_o duty_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v so_o do_v heb._n 13.17_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 that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n why_o why_o say_v he_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o oh_o give_v i_o your_o help_a hand_n and_o do_v not_o load_v and_o burden_v my_o work_n but_o endeavour_v to_o make_v my_o work_n easy_a and_o my_o life_n comfortable_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o your_o
much_o be_v give_v much_o be_v require_v and_o expect_v and_o you_o know_v how_o to_o apply_v it_o to_o yourselves_o 8_o consider_v what_o you_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o and_o what_o be_v now_o prepare_v for_o you_o in_o heaven_n you_o have_v your_o race_n to_o run_v and_o you_o have_v a_o great_a prize_n to_o win_v 1_o cor._n 9_o you_o have_v a_o wilderenss_n to_o go_v through_o and_o a_o heavenly_a canaan_n to_o possess_v you_o be_v now_o to_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 6.12_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v crown_v in_o the_o end_n 2_o tim._n 4.7_o 8._o now_o you_o be_v to_o sow_n in_o tear_n that_o you_o may_v reap_v in_o joy_n and_o now_o you_o be_v to_o sow_v and_o gather_v fruit_n unto_o eternal_a life_n joh._n 4.36_o and_o hereafter_o you_o shall_v reap_v life_n everlasting_a gal._n 6.8_o your_o head_n and_o king_n be_v go_v to_o heaven_n to_o take_v possession_n for_o you_o and_o make_v ready_a mansion_n of_o glory_n for_o your_o reception_n and_o entertainment_n joh._n 14.2_o 3._o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o come_v again_o in_o glorious_a state_n and_o triumph_n to_o fetch_v you_o home_o unto_o himself_o and_o to_o present_v you_o spotless_a and_o glorious_a before_o his_o father_n with_o exceed_a joy_n because_o he_o live_v namely_o at_o his_o father_n right_a hand_n in_o eternal_a glory_n you_o shall_v live_v there_o also_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v ever_o with_o the_o lord_n joh._n 14.3_o 19_o math._n 25.32_o 33_o 34._o 1_o thes_n 4.16_o 17._o eph._n 5._o judas_n 24._o you_o be_v now_o of_o the_o church_n militant_a short_o you_o shall_v be_v of_o and_o with_o the_o church_n triumphant_a you_o be_v entitle_v to_o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n and_o short_o you_o shall_v be_v put_v into_o the_o peaceable_a and_o joyful_a possession_n of_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o you_o be_v of_o full_a age._n your_o name_n be_v now_o enrole_v among_o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o believer_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a write_v in_o heaven_n heb._n 12.23_o but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v long_o ere_o you_o shall_v be_v take_v in_o among_o that_o heavenly_a and_o glorious_a society_n where_o you_o shall_v see_v and_o know_v as_o you_o be_v know_v 1_o cor._n 13._o 1_o joh._n 3._o oh_o that_o you_o will_v now_o apply_v these_o thing_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o they_o 1_o pet._n 1.8_o oh_o that_o you_o will_v be_v look_v for_o and_o hasten_v to_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o your_o great_a god_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n tit._n 2.13_o 2_o pet._n 3.12_o oh_o that_o you_o will_v be_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o your_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15._o ult_n now_o be_v your_o working-time_n hereafter_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o reward_v and_o rest_v time_n the_o one_o be_v very_o short_a the_o other_o eternal_a oh_o consider_v how_o fast_o your_o glass_n be_v run_v out_o and_o how_o near_o you_o may_v be_v at_o your_o journey_n end_v how_o gray_a hair_n be_v come_v on_o you_o and_o what_o a_o great_a change_n death_n will_v short_o make_v among_o you_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v at_o work_n for_o you_o in_o heaven_n and_o you_o lie_v deep_a in_o his_o heart_n and_o dear_a affection_n he_o will_v send_v you_o many_o love-letter_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o shall_v ravish_v and_o great_o rejoice_v your_o heart_n if_o you_o carry_v yourselves_o dutiful_o to_o and_o walk_v pleasant_o before_o he_o he_o will_v open_v the_o rich_a treasure_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n unto_o you_o and_o cause_v his_o fountain_n of_o pleasure_n to_o flow_v in_o upon_o your_o soul_n and_o after_o a_o little_a while_n he_o will_v instate_v you_o into_o and_o give_v you_o a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o oh_o that_o i_o may_v so_o run_v as_o to_o obtain_v so_o prithee_o walk_v and_o minister_n unto_o you_o as_o to_o make_v you_o fat_a and_o flourish_a in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o approve_v myself_o a_o faithful_a steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n to_o you_o oh_o that_o you_o who_o be_v rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n and_o be_v honour_v with_o noble_a work_n and_o office_n in_o his_o house_n will_v careful_o diligent_o faithful_o and_o profitable_o mind_n your_o work_n and_o do_v your_o duty_n there_o and_o that_o all_o the_o member_n will_v mind_v and_o practice_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n also_o o_o what_o a_o happy_a and_o renown_a church_n will_v you_o then_o be_v and_o what_o peace_n you_o may_v obtain_v to_o yourselves_o thereby_o oh_o what_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n have_v you_o all_o to_o honour_n christ_n convince_v the_o world_n profit_v your_o own_o soul_n and_o be_v useful_a to_o one_o another_o which_o i_o do_v once_o more_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n and_o so_o walk_v as_o to_o obtain_v the_o end_n of_o your_o church-state_n and_o privilege_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o pray_v read_v this_o book_n over_o and_o over_o again_o and_o that_o with_o a_o single_a eye_n and_o unprejudicate_a mind_n read_v and_o ponder_v welâ—_n what_o you_o read_v read_v and_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n on_o your_o heart_n and_o read_v that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o practice_v your_o duty_n therein_o hold_v forth_o not_o that_o you_o may_v find_v matter_n to_o cavil_v at_o and_z except_z against_o receive_v and_o use_v this_o book_n as_o a_o pledge_n and_o testimony_n of_o my_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a love_n &_o respect_n to_o you_o &_o a_o evidence_n of_o my_o cordial_a desire_n and_o intention_n to_o promote_v the_o everlasting_a welfare_n of_o your_o soul_n brethren_n i_o call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o witness_v that_o in_o all_o my_o ministration_n to_o you_o in_o all_o my_o writing_n and_o do_n for_o and_o with_o you_o i_o do_v hearty_o earnest_o and_o unfeigned_o seek_v and_o design_v your_o present_a and_o eternal_a good_a your_o peace_n and_o unity_n your_o comfort_n and_o holiness_n your_o growth_n and_o stability_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o truth_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v a_o glorious_a temple_n of_o god_n and_o a_o church_n of_o renown_n for_o fruitfulness_n and_o spirituality_n for_o peace_n concord_n and_o true_a holiness_n oh_o how_o do_v i_o desire_v it_o and_o long_o to_o see_v it_o and_o know_v that_o what_o be_v want_v in_o my_o ability_n to_o do_v you_o service_n shall_v be_v make_v up_o in_o diligence_n love_n and_o faithfulness_n while_o i_o live_v and_o now_o brethren_n i_o commend_v you_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o to_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o all_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o shall_v remain_v for_o ever_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o love_n and_o serve_v to_o his_o power_n s._n f._n errata_fw-la candid_a reader_n thou_o will_v find_v many_o fault_n commit_v by_o the_o press_n which_o i_o do_v entreat_v thy_o wisdom_n to_o correct_v and_o thy_o charity_n to_o pardon_v see_v they_o be_v not_o the_o author_n the_o chief_a be_v these_o page_n 17._o line_n 2._o read_v suffragia_fw-la p._n 20._o l._n 19_o f._n either_o r._n other_o p._n 29._o l._n 34._o f._n now_o r._n own_o p._n 41._o l._n 17._o r._n root_v p._n 44._o l._n 9_o f._n that_o r._n yet_o p._n 45._o l._n 5._o f._n if_o r._n that_o p._n 63._o l._n 12._o put_v out_o with_o p._n 64._o r._n chapt._n 4._o p._n 88_o l._n 35._o r._n gravity_n p._n 121._o l._n 18._o r._n and_o p._n 124._o l._n 34._o f._n they_o r._n you_o p._n 145._o l._n 31._o r._n backbite_v p._n 150._o l._n 32._o after_o in_o r._n and_o p._n 177._o l_o 8._o r._n have_v p._n 201._o l._n 1._o r._n hand_v p._n 226._o put_v cause_n out_o of_o l._n 7._o and_o r._n it_o in_o l._n 9_o p._n 236._o l._n 14._o f._n in_o r._n about_o before_z to_z r._n be_v p._n 238._o l._n 6._o f._n and_o r._n as_o p._n 243._o l._n 2._o r._n and_o p._n 249._o l._n 7._o r._n careless_a p._n 258._o l._n 1._o r._n and_o p._n 270._o l._n 1._o f._n to_o r._n for_o p._n 271._o l._n 35._o f._n but_o r._n for_o p._n 308._o l._n 10._o f._n of_o r._n and_o p._n 310._o l._n 11._o after_n and_o put_v in_o that_o p._n 314._o l._n 23._o r._n the_o l._n 35._o f._n continue_v r._n confirm_v p._n 315._o l._n 19_o r._n to_o p._n 320._o l._n 9_o r._n smell_v a_o gospel-church_a or_o god_n holy_a temple_n a_o brief_a discourse_n of_o a_o new-testament_n church_n from_o ephes_n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o now_o therefore_o you_o be_v
his_o spirit_n prepare_v and_o fit_a man_n for_o this_o state_n build_v they_o up_o and_o stamp_v his_o own_o and_o his_o father_n name_n upon_o they_o but_o also_o he_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o his_o walk_n palace_n and_o place_n of_o his_o delight_n here_o say_v he_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o psal_n 135.14_o yea_o these_o church_n be_v his_o choose_a and_o most_o pleasant_a habitation_n psal_n 132.13_o where_o he_o rest_v and_o repose_v himself_o five_o 14._o and_o that_o for_o ever_o not_o to_o look_v on_o or_o visit_v they_o now_o and_o then_o but_o to_o rest_v himself_o and_o dwell_v there_o for_o ever_o not_o for_o a_o few_o day_n but_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o rev._n 2.1_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tell_v the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n that_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o distinct_a particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n rev._n 1.20_o and_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 9.16_o say_v he_o i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n now_o particular_a congregational_a church_n be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n but_o they_o can_v be_v of_o man_n devise_v and_o set_v up_o because_o god_n own_v they_o and_o confirm_v they_o with_o his_o presence_n desire_n and_o choose_v they_o for_o his_o rest_n and_o dwell_v in_o they_o continual_o with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v of_o god_n for_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n will_v not_o own_o the_o device_n of_o man_n in_o and_o about_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n but_o abhor_v and_o loathe_v they_o condemn_v and_o reject_v they_o as_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a thing_n leu._n 10.2_o sam._n 6._o and_o much_o less_o will_v he_o delight_v and_o rest_n in_o they_o three_o that_o particular_a congregational-churche_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v further_a evince_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v any_o jew_n or_o gentile_n convert_v to_o christ_n but_o assoon_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n they_o join_v to_o or_o congregat_v into_o church_n so_o act_v 2.41_o 42._o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n vers_fw-la 47._o and_o act_n 5.14_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v that_o assoon_o as_o a_o number_n be_v convert_v they_o congregat_v as_o be_v the_o first_o work_n they_o be_v to_o do_v after_o they_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n col._n 2.6_o and_o ever_o after_o they_o be_v call_v church_n of_o christ_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n a_o multitude_n of_o they_o you_o read_v of_o in_o the_o act_n epistle_n of_o paul_n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n and_o what_o they_o do_v therein_o be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o according_a to_o what_o they_o teach_v they_o from_z and_z in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 2_o pet._n 1._o ult_n now_o what_o they_o do_v and_o practise_v by_o apostolical_a direction_n and_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o bind_a force_n and_o power_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o heb._n 6.12_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a saint_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o we_o can_v hardly_o find_v any_o one_o of_o they_o continue_v out_o of_o a_o church-state_n any_o time_n after_o their_o conversion_n we_o seldom_o read_v in_o divine_a history_n of_o any_o believer_n but_o what_o have_v relation_n to_o one_o church_n or_o other_o plant_v and_o water_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n 1_o cor._n 3.6_o by_o which_o say_v universal_a practice_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n own_o institution_n for_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n dare_v not_o do_v then_o as_o many_o dare_v do_v now_o namely_o to_o live_v in_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o duty_n and_o privilege_n the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n easy_o persuade_v they_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o christ_n in_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o his_o whole_a reveal_v will_n and_o they_o can_v not_o congregate_v and_o join_v into_o church_n nor_o abide_v and_o worship_n god_n in_o they_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unless_o they_o have_v know_v that_o what_o they_o do_v therein_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o duty_n four_o this_o truth_n be_v further_o confirm_v by_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o order_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n as_o church_n and_o not_o as_o to_o individual_a and_o single_a believer_n almost_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n be_v write_v for_o and_o direct_v to_o believer_n as_o inchurch_v and_o incorporate_v into_o body_n and_o distinct_a congregation_n and_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o they_o under_o the_o stile_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o in_o which_o epistle_n be_v all_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o order_n for_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n walk_v and_o practice_n contain_v which_o shall_v be_v afterward_o open_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n be_v write_v and_o send_v to_o he_o to_o direct_v he_o how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o show_v he_o what_o his_o work_n and_o duty_n be_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 14_o 15._o so_o other_o epistle_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o that_o state_n and_o relation_n there_o be_v rule_n and_o law_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o order_n for_o their_o walking_n and_o practice_n there_o they_o be_v instruct_v and_o teach_v how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o god_n the_o father_n and_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o ruler_n towards_o their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o towards_o one_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n there_o they_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o particular_a work_n and_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o show_v how_o they_o shall_v perform_v they_o as_o also_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o move_v and_o quicken_v they_o to_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o although_o all_o sort_n of_o duty_n be_v there_o lay_v down_o and_o command_v namely_o such_o as_o respect_v other_o relation_n and_o capacity_n as_o of_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o chief_a and_o great_a end_n matter_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o they_o as_o believer_n in_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n as_o will_v further_o appear_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o special_a and_o particular_a duty_n of_o church_n member_n as_o such_o now_o then_o if_o god_n have_v give_v his_o law_n rule_n and_o order_n unto_o church_n or_o to_o believer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n state_n and_o condition_n for_o their_o holy_a and_o regular_a walk_v towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o as_o in_o that_o relation_n then_o undoubted_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a institution_n for_o sure_o the_o holy_a and_o jealous_a god_n will_v never_o so_o far_o own_o and_o privilege_v the_o device_n and_o institution_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n that_o so_o near_o concern_v his_o worship_n and_o glory_n as_o to_o dignify_v they_o with_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o ordinance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o his_o own_o church_n that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o appointment_n five_o this_o truth_n be_v further_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o officer_n he_o have_v give_v to_o they_o for_o their_o well-being_n order_v and_o manage_n of_o church-affair_n and_o concernment_n in_o his_o name_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o profit_n these_o officer_n be_v specify_v and_o enumerate_v in_o eph._n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o phil._n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o elsewhere_o as_o in_o act_n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o be_v not_o give_v by_o man_n but_o god_n authorize_v &_o empower_v by_o he_o to_o act_n and_o officiate_v as_o such_o in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v they_o in_o his_o church_n and_o act_v 20.28_o say_v paul_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o
find_v fault_n withal_o for_o their_o be_v inchurch_v and_o incorporate_v into_o distinct_a congregation_n but_o they_o be_v often_o commend_v for_o it_o act._n 2._o col._n 2.5_o for_o man_n to_o set_v up_o church_n temple_n and_o house_n to_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o worship_n and_o then_o to_o entile_a the_o name_n &_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o they_o have_v be_v a_o most_o high_a and_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n indeed_o and_o such_o as_o he_o will_v never_o have_v wink_v at_o but_o abhor_v and_o reject_v they_o as_o man_n work_n therefore_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o he_o will_v undoubted_a have_v severe_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o so_o walk_v ten_o these_o congregational_a church_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o god_n because_o without_o such_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v regular_o &_o orderly_o be_v observe_v and_o perform_v by_o man_n in_o a_o solemn_a fix_v and_o public_a state_v way_n and_o manner_n neither_o can_v the_o pastor_n &_o overseer_n of_o they_o right_o and_o comfortable_o perform_v their_o work_n and_o administer_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o man_n for_o all_o that_o be_v privilege_v with_o christ_n his_o institutes_n and_o profess_v to_o own_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n aught_o to_o live_v under_o his_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o all_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o own_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o rule_n of_o such_o as_o he_o have_v set_v over_o they_o and_o their_o teacher_n and_o elder_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o watch_v over_o and_o due_o administer_v to_o such_o as_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o their_o care_n inspection_n and_o charge_n now_o how_o can_v they_o do_v it_o unless_o they_o be_v fix_v form_v and_o know_v church_n or_o congregation_n unless_o they_o have_v mutual_o choose_v each_o either_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o capacity_n as_o a_o state_v church_n or_o family_n of_o god_n how_o can_v they_o be_v overseer_n of_o church_n and_o take_v care_n of_o they_o as_o such_o as_o christ_n command_v they_o act._n 20.17_o 28._o unless_o they_o be_v first_o church_n and_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o unto_o their_o guide_n that_o they_o may_v take_v the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o and_o administer_v to_o they_o as_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o their_o officer_n be_v state_v fix_a officer_n to_o they_o than_o they_o must_v be_v state_v fix_a church_n to_o their_o officer_n how_o else_o shall_v they_o know_v who_o be_v their_o flock_n their_o care_n and_o charge_n and_o who_o be_v not_o who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o oversee_v and_o minister_v too_o as_o their_o own_o peculiar_a flock_n what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v give_v or_o receive_v to_o or_o from_o they_o or_o how_o to_o discharge_v their_o ministerial_a work_n unto_o they_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n unless_o they_o be_v incorporate_v societys_n who_o have_v engage_v to_o walk_v together_o as_o church_n in_o all_o christs-ordinance_n and_o choose_v they_o to_o administer_v to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o how_o can_v they_o administer_v church-ordinance_n unto_o they_o as_o church-officer_n unless_o they_o be_v and_o they_o own_o and_o approve_v of_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v set_v there_o by_o christ_n as_o church-officer_n to_o officiate_v for_o he_o as_o such_o to_o his_o church_n as_o church_n what_o authority_n can_v they_o claim_v over_o they_o unless_o with_o their_o own_o mutual_a consent_n they_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v each_o other_o as_o church_n and_o officer_n of_o christ_n to_o and_o in_o they_o how_o can_v they_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o they_o authoritative_o require_v their_o attendance_n on_o their_o administration_n and_o reprove_v their_o neglect_n and_o how_o can_v their_o teacher_n preach_v to_o they_o with_o all_o authority_n how_o can_v they_o watch_v over_o and_o feed_v they_o and_o expect_v their_o love_n duty_n and_o subjection_n and_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o administer_v censure_n to_o and_o among_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o one_o another_o as_o officer_n and_o church_n minister_n be_v charge_v to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o flock_n act._n 20.17_o 28._o and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o so_o and_o so_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n 1_o tim._n 3.5_o 15._o and_o such_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v mat._n 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o who_o then_o say_v christ_n be_v a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n or_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n have_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o many_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n that_o may_v be_v give_v to_o show_v that_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n i_o may_v have_v add_v as_o many_o more_o to_o evince_v and_o confirm_v it_o but_o these_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o and_o encourage_v believer_n in_o their_o walk_n in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o congregate_a into_o distinct_a church_n and_o particular_a society_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o gospel-church_n or_o the_o material_n of_o god_n holy_a temple_n 4._o question_v what_o be_v the_o material_n of_o a_o house_n of_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v person_n be_v qualify_v for_o church-fellowship_n or_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v church-member_n ans_fw-fr only_o regenerate_v and_o convert_v person_n such_o as_o be_v marry_v to_o and_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v save_o and_o powerful_o enlighten_v and_o enliven_v quicken_v and_o convince_v of_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n joh._n 16.8_o 9_o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o eph._n 2.1_o 5._o such_o as_o have_v choven_v christ_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o resign_v and_o make_v over_o themselves_o to_o christ_n &_o receive_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n col._n 2.6_o 1_o cor._n 6.19_o 20._o such_o only_a as_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o and_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n as_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o set_v a_o part_n for_o holiness_n and_o unto_o live_v to_o god_n and_o no_o more_o unto_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v the_o belove_a of_o god_n call_v effectual_o to_o be_v saint_n and_o have_v real_o and_o sincere_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n jesus_n i_o say_v such_o person_n and_o only_o such_o do_v jesus_n christ_n account_n meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o privilege_n and_o dignity_n col._n 1.12_o and_o to_o make_v heavenly_a place_n eph._n 1.3_o although_o man_n do_v not_o certain_o know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o darkness_n and_o fallable_n judgement_n they_o may_v receive_v and_o admit_v other_o into_o church_n and_o unto_o their_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o they_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v there_o for_o these_o spiritual-ho_o thing_n be_v for_o and_o only_o for_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a man_n heavenly_a place_n be_v for_o heavenly_a person_n and_o spiritual_a work_n for_o spiritual_a men._n now_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a holy_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a place_n and_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n christ_n prepare_v man_n by_o his_o grace_n word_n and_o spirit_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a and_o meet_v material_n and_o then_o he_o call_v they_o to_o join_v together_o and_o become_v a_o spiritual_a house_n for_o his_o delight_n service_n and_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o therefore_o such_o and_o only_o such_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o because_o god_n threaten_v and_o often_o declare_v his_o detestation_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o other_o be_v there_o and_o manifest_v his_o indignation_n against_o they_o as_o to_o the_o man_n that_o come_v to_o the_o supper_n without_o the_o wedding_n garment_n matth._n 22.11_o 12_o 13._o then_o say_v the_o king_n to_o his_o servant_n bound_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o outer_a darkness_n isa_n 33.14_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n be_v afraid_a fearfulness_n have_v surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o devour_a fire_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n mat._n 25._o and_o the_o
hope_v i_o may_v affirm_v and_o assert_v without_o reflection_n on_o or_o offence_n to_o such_o as_o be_v otherwise_o mind_v if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v that_o fear_n god_n believer_n be_v thus_o build_v and_o form_v together_o be_v now_o become_v a_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n and_o be_v according_o own_v by_o he_o as_o such_o and_o now_o they_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n power_n and_o authority_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o and_o for_o his_o church_n use_n and_o benefit_n i_o mean_v they_o or_o this_o church_n so_o form_v and_o build_v have_v all_o these_o essential_o though_o not_o formal_o until_o christ_n set_v one_o or_o more_o teach_v elder_n in_o it_o for_o the_o orderly_o use_v and_o manage_n of_o that_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n give_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o i_o say_v i_o think_v that_o it_o do_v essential_o reside_v in_o they_o as_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o the_o key_n for_o i_o find_v the_o key_n give_v unto_o they_o for_o the_o use_n and_o behoof_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 16.18_o 19_o which_o say_v power_n of_o the_o key_n can_v be_v give_v only_o to_o peter_n nor_o unto_o the_o universal_a or_o catholic_n church_n that_o it_o shall_v use_v they_o as_o such_o for_o that_o be_v impossible_a but_o they_o be_v give_v to_o particular_a church_n as_o form_v up_o of_o believer_n namely_o to_o such_o as_o can_v have_v matter_n bring_v to_o and_o be_v receive_v and_o hear_v by_o they_o from_o a_o offend_a brother_n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o such_o a_o church_n be_v here_o mean_v as_o have_v power_n to_o deal_v with_o a_o sin_v member_n in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n and_o therefore_o the_o catholic_n church_n as_o such_o be_v nor_o there_o intend_v now_o this_o church_n speak_v of_o have_v power_n to_o elect_v and_o call_v such_o person_n out_o from_o among_o themselves_o to_o use_v and_o exert_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n already_o give_v they_o and_o minister_a to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o judge_v the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v fit_v qualify_v for_o give_v to_o and_o send_v among_o they_o and_o invest_v with_o authority_n and_o ability_n for_o their_o good_n i_o say_v they_o have_v power_n to_o elect_v and_o call_v such_o to_o office_n power_n over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v with_o all_o convenient_a speed_n after_o they_o be_v build_v up_o to_o do_v it_o because_o till_o that_o be_v do_v they_o can_v orderly_o and_o regular_o administer_v or_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o all_o can_v exert_v and_o exercise_v that_o power_n that_o do_v essential_o reside_v in_o themselves_o as_o a_o church_n neither_o can_v any_o private_a member_n while_o such_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o officer_n or_o one_o in_o office_n that_o be_v call_v set_v apart_o and_o whole_o dedicate_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n among_o they_o therefore_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o look_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o and_o call_v to_o office_n such_o as_o they_o judge_v christ_n have_v send_v they_o act._n 6.3_o act._n 14.23_o chap._n v._n show_v what_o officer_n christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o and_o give_v to_o his_o gospel-churche_n and_o what_o be_v their_o office_n and_o work_n in_o a_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n 7._o quest_n what_o officer_n have_v jesus_n christ_n give_v to_o the_o church_n answ_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v by_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n give_v to_o his_o church_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n all_o which_o officer_n be_v invest_v with_o different_a power_n and_o entrust_v with_o different_a work_n in_o the_o church_n now_o the_o teaching-ruling_a officer_n have_v several_a name_n and_o appellation_n give_v they_o according_a to_o the_o particular_a part_n and_o branch_n of_o their_o work_n in_o the_o church_n as_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n bishop_n guide_n all_o these_o name_n be_v give_v to_o the_o same_o person_n and_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n sometime_o they_o be_v call_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n eph._n 4.11_o sometime_o elder_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o sometime_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n act._n 20.28_o sometime_o guide_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o and_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n order_n and_o degree_n their_o work_n office_n and_o power_n the_o same_o for_o although_o they_o have_v different_a name_n in_o sound_n yet_o not_o of_o work_n power_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n the_o person_n be_v the_o same_o their_o office_n power_n and_o authority_n the_o same_o and_o their_o work_n the_o same_o the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_n give_v one_o ordinary_a teach_a officer_n more_o power_n and_o authority_n than_o another_o or_o set_v one_o sort_n of_o teach_v elder_n over_o another_o sort_n nor_o give_v they_o distinct_a and_o different_a work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n but_o so_o as_o that_o whatever_o power_n or_o work_v a_o bishop_n have_v in_o the_o church_n to_o exercise_v and_o do_v the_o same_o have_v a_o elder_a or_o pastor_n also_o have_v a_o bishop_n power_n and_o authority_n to_o command_v and_o teach_v so_o have_v a_o elder_a too_o have_v a_o bishop_n i_o mean_v one_o of_o christ_n make_v the_o order_n of_o church-matter_n and_o manage_v the_o discipline_n thereof_o so_o have_v a_o elder_a also_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o for_o they_o be_v the_o same_o beside_o teach_v elder_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v give_v and_o appoint_v mere_a roll_a elder_n to_o his_o church_n also_o for_o the_o well-being_n peace_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v the_o teach_v roll_a elder_n in_o look_v after_o &_o take_v care_n of_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n call_v help_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o they_o be_v express_o call_v rule_v elder_n distinct_o from_o the_o teach_v roll_a elder_n 1_o tim_n 5.17_o and_o help_v government_n in_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o in_o rom._n 12.8_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o rule_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o diligence_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o treach_v minister_a and_o exhort_v ruler_n for_o teacher_n have_v the_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o discipline_n as_o well_o as_o the_o mere_a roll_a elder_n in_o 7_o 8._o verse_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o there_o of_o different_a office_n in_o the_o same_o person_n though_o that_o be_v a_o truth_n but_o of_o different_a person_n and_o officer_n for_o say_v he_o let_v the_o teacher_n wait_v on_o their_o teach_v minister_a and_o exhort_v that_o be_v as_o it_o be_v their_o great_a and_o principal_a work_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o to_o ease_v they_o a_o little_a of_o the_o roll_a part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o fix_o and_o cheerful_o attend_v unto_o and_o perform_v that_o other_o part_n of_o their_o work_n namely_o to_o teach_v and_o minister_v in_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v some_o to_o attend_v only_o ordinary_o to_o the_o work_n of_o rule_v to_o keep_v all_o in_o order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o charge_v they_o to_o do_v it_o with_o diligence_n rom._n 12.8_o beside_o these_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v deacon_n to_o his_o church_n also_o act._n 6._o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o to_o 14._o vers_fw-la and_o phil._n 1.1_o for_o another_o kind_n of_o work_n namely_o to_o attend_v table_n to_o look_v after_o the_o poor_a and_o provide_v for_o they_o to_o dispose_v of_o the_o church_n distribution_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o church_n 8._o quest_n how_o ought_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o be_v qualify_v or_o what_o be_v require_v unto_o their_o right_a constitution_n and_o officiate_a in_o the_o church_n as_o such_o officer_n answ_n first_o they_o must_v be_v furnish_v with_o ministerial_a gift_n for_o their_o work_n namely_o such_o as_o christ_n promise_v and_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o give_v unto_o man_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o which_o he_o receive_v of_o the_o father_n for_o they_o even_o then_o when_o he_o give_v all_o thing_n into_o his_o hand_n joh._n 3.35_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o that_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o soul_n or_o to_o oversee_v and_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n these_o gift_n be_v spiritual_a which_o they_o receive_v not_o from_o man_n but_o from_o christ_n their_o lord_n who_o send_v they_o as_o his_o steward_n into_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n matth._n 24._o as_o his_o servant_n into_o his_o vineyard_n to_o dress_v prune_n and_o order_v it_o to_o keep_v and_o
as_o they_o do_v for_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o not_o as_o believer_n only_o but_o as_o their_o teacher_n and_o spiritual_a father_n also_o certain_o this_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o business_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o neglect_v it_o but_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v diligent_a in_o it_o in_o secret_a and_o in_o public_a when_o present_a with_o they_o they_o must_v bless_v they_o and_o the_o word_n and_o seal_n ministerial_o and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o place_n office_n and_o power_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o numb_a 6.23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o thus_o bless_v paul_n be_v much_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o namely_o in_o present_v the_o church_n case_n to_o god_n and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o they_o phil._n 1.9_o col._n 1.9_o 2_o thes_n 1.11_o wherefore_o we_o pray_v always_o for_o you_o so_o col._n 1.3_o 1_o thes_n 3.10_o seven_o resolve_v doubt_n and_o case_n that_o trouble_v any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v present_v to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v matter_n worthy_a consideration_n they_o must_v study_v case_n of_o conscience_n and_o such_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n as_o may_v arise_v in_o the_o heart_n or_o head_n of_o their_o people_n that_o they_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o apply_v some_o satisfy_a medicine_n unto_o they_o they_o be_v to_o study_v person_n and_o their_o case_n and_o malady_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n for_o they_o must_v always_o be_v able_a to_o apply_v and_o right_o to_o use_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o weary_a trouble_a &_o burden_a soul_n as_o well_o as_o to_o preach_v public_o and_o promiscuous_o to_o all_o from_o a_o study_a compose_a subject_n this_o work_n of_o teacher_n in_o the_o church_n be_v no_o light_n ordinary_a matter_n it_o will_v show_v what_o they_o be_v and_o try_v their_o learning_n and_o ability_n for_o their_o work_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o be_v a_o special_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o able_a spiritual_a physician_n indeed_o who_o can_v find_v out_o spiritual_a disease_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o ready_o apply_v proper_a remedy_n to_o they_o that_o can_v right_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o he_o that_o be_v weary_a esa_n 50.4_o and_o comfort_v the_o feeble-minded_n 1_o thes_n 5.14_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o paul_n be_v much_o exercise_v and_o employ_v in_o this_o work_n and_o so_o shall_v teacher_n now_o as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v for_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o their_o mouth_n mal._n 2.7_o they_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n to_o be_v their_o spiritual_a nurse_n and_o physician_n for_o the_o cure_n and_o health_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v administer_v physic_n and_o cordial_n unto_o sick_a and_o pain_a soul_n in_o private_a as_o well_o as_o in_o public_a eight_o that_o they_o may_v discharge_v their_o ministerial_a work_n as_o become_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n they_o must_v exercise_v themselves_o in_o read_v and_o study_v they_o must_v give_v themselves_o to_o read_v and_o study_v the_o scripture_n the_o work_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o also_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o they_o must_v read_v search_n and_o endeavour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o know_v the_o state_n case_n condition_n and_o want_v of_o their_o own_o particular_a flock_n that_o they_o may_v make_v full_a proof_n of_o their_o ministry_n 2_o tim._n 4.5_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n aright_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o speak_v word_n in_o season_n to_o all_o sort_n especial_o to_o weary_a and_o burden_a soul_n esa_n 50.4_o and_o that_o they_o may_v both_o save_v themselves_o and_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o 1_o tim._n 4.16_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n must_v be_v continual_o lie_v in_o as_o well_o as_o lie_v out_o they_o must_v furnish_v themselves_o with_o grace_n truth_n and_o experience_n that_o they_o may_v communicate_v unto_o other_o out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o their_o heart_n their_o heart_n head_n and_o lip_n must_v be_v fill_v with_o variety_n of_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n that_o they_o may_v free_o and_o ready_o impart_v of_o their_o receiving_n to_o every_o one_o needs_o mal._n 2.7_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n charge_v they_o to_o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v 1_o tim._n 4.13_o to_o meditation_n 1_o tim._n 4.15_o and_o to_o study_v 2_o tim._n 2.15_o they_o must_v search_v the_o scripture_n joh._n 5.39_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o inspect_v their_o people_n pro._n 27.23_o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o act_n 20.28_o they_o must_v not_o look_v for_o immediate_a inspiration_n nor_o to_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o needful_a supply_n from_o heaven_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n and_o ministerial_a work_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n but_o in_o and_o by_o their_o diligent_a use_n of_o god_n mean_n god_n that_o appoint_v and_o promise_v the_o end_n appoint_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n lead_v to_o the_o obtainment_n of_o that_o end_n the_o end_n direct_v to_o in_o and_z by_o the_o say_a mean_n be_v the_o supply_n of_o grace_n gift_n and_o all_o necessary_a and_o profitable_a ministerial_a ability_n for_o such_o as_o christ_n put_v into_o the_o work_n and_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o rule_v in_o his_o church_n therefore_o they_o may_v not_o divert_v to_o or_o take_v up_o with_o any_o other_o employment_n that_o may_v any_o way_n impede_fw-la or_o hinder_v they_o in_o or_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a duty_n but_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n ob._n but_o do_v not_o paul_n work_v with_o his_o hand_n and_o labour_n in_o other_o business_n and_o exercise_v himself_o in_o worldly_a and_o secular_a matter_n after_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o if_o so_o why_o may_v not_o other_o man_n do_v the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o he_o 1._o you_o see_v before_o what_o ordinary_a elder_n ought_v to_o do_v and_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o their_o place_n and_o office_n namely_o to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n col._n 4.17_o that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o that_o they_o attend_v to_o study_v read_v meditation_n exhortation_n doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 4.13_o 15._o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o that_o they_o wait_v on_o the_o altar_n 1_o cor._n 9.13_o 2._o example_n must_v not_o be_v take_v and_o advance_v against_o precept_n paul_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a officer_n or_o minister_n his_o work_n and_o power_n be_v every_o where_o where_o the_o lord_n call_v he_o to_o preach_v he_o be_v not_o a_o particular_a fix_a elder_a or_o pastor_n to_o one_o single_a church_n neither_o be_v he_o bind_v or_o necessitate_v to_o attend_v to_o read_v studying_z etc._n etc._n as_o ordinary_a minister_n be_v moreover_o paul_n and_o other_o apostle_n have_v their_o office_n power_n their_o ability_n and_o furniture_n for_o their_o work_n immediate_o from_o christ_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o manner_n which_o ordinary_a officer_n now_o have_v not_o 3._o paul_n labour_v not_o with_o his_o hand_n or_o neglect_v his_o ministerial_a work_n but_o when_o necessitate_v thereunto_o and_o the_o apostle_n at_o jerusalem_n act._n 6._o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n 4._o ordinary_a pastor_n or_o elder_n of_o church_n do_v find_v that_o their_o so_o attend_v to_o their_o work_n in_o their_o study_n as_o command_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o discharge_n and_o well_o performance_n of_o the_o work_n their_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o to_o do_v and_o experience_n show_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o the_o most_o studious_a holy_a minister_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o profitable_a in_o their_o ministry_n 5._o the_o great_a and_o rich_a provision_n that_o god_n have_v make_v for_o they_o in_o their_o faithful_a attendance_n to_o their_o work_n in_o the_o church_n full_o prove_v and_o declare_v what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o attend_v unto_o god_n have_v command_v their_o hearer_n to_o provide_v carnal_a thing_n for_o they_o yea_o to_o communicate_v to_o they_o in_o all_o good_a thing_n that_o they_o may_v attend_v on_o their_o work_n and_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n without_o distraction_n gal._n 6.6_o 1_o cor._n 9.6.15_o rom._n 15.27_o nine_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_o holy_a and_o righteous_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n they_o be_v light_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v shine_v as_o such_o in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v the_o salt_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v of_o savoury_a spirit_n and_o practice_n matth._n 5.13_o
14_o 15_o 16._o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v give_v for_o and_o command_v to_o be_v example_n to_o their_o flock_n 1_o tim._n 4.12_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o imitate_v their_o master_n and_o to_o teach_v lead_v and_o conduct_v they_o in_o holiness_n to_o heaven_n as_o well_o by_o their_o walking_n and_o conversation_n as_o by_o their_o ministry_n that_o they_o may_v safe_o and_o comfortable_o follow_v they_o be_v you_o follower_n of_o i_o even_o as_o i_o also_o be_o of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o 1_o cor._n 4.16_o 2_o thes_n 3.7_o sure_o such_o as_o christ_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n to_o feed_v nourish_v comfort_n strengthen_v instruct_v and_o build_v up_o his_o people_n to_o conduct_v lead_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o gospel-holiness_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n shall_v be_v singular_a in_o practical_a godliness_n themselves_o they_o shall_v be_v singular_a in_o knowledge_n faith_n patience_n self-denial_n goodness_n meekness_n charity_n humility_n tenden-heartedness_n faithfulness_n and_o usefulness_n in_o the_o world_n they_o ought_v to_o live_v out_o their_o own_o doctrine_n and_o confirm_v it_o by_o conform_v their_o carriage_n word_n and_o action_n thereunto_o they_o must_v be_v clear_a of_o all_o vice_n and_o eminent_a in_o all_o virtue_n that_o they_o may_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o encourage_v man_n to_o follow_v their_o step_n for_o they_o be_v not_o set_v in_o the_o church_n only_o to_o teach_v and_o verbal_o to_o minister_v to_o they_o but_o to_o be_v pattern_n of_o piety_n also_o tit._n 2.7_o they_o must_v carry_v themselves_o grave_o sober_o wise_o serious_o and_o holy_o towards_o and_o before_o all_o man_n that_o those_o who_o seek_v occasion_n against_o they_o may_v find_v none_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o and_o report_n that_o god_n his_o fear_n love_n faith_n and_o spirit_n be_v in_o they_o of_o a_o truth_n 1_o cor._n 14.25_o and_o as_o they_o must_v serious_o mind_n and_o practise_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n or_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o so_o they_o must_v careful_o mind_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o too_o 1_o in_o all_o their_o ministration_n and_o walking_n they_o must_v regard_v and_o have_v their_o eye_n on_o their_o lord_n will_v and_o appointment_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v what_o ever_o i_o command_v you_o math._n 28._o ult_n they_o must_v not_o impose_v their_o own_o will_n and_o dictate_v and_o thereby_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o they_o be_v the_o servant_n and_o steward_n of_o christ_n not_o to_o make_v law_n for_o and_o impose_v they_o on_o his_o household_n but_o to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o their_o master_n law_n exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o keep_v and_o observe_v they_o as_o he_o command_v and_o to_o execute_v they_o on_o offender_n 2_o they_o must_v be_v diligent_a and_o constant_a in_o their_o work_n they_o must_v not_o be_v loiterer_n but_o labourer_n &_o be_v example_n to_o their_o flock_n by_o show_v all_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o their_o work_n act._n 18.25_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o prov._n 27.23_o 3_o they_o shall_v attend_v too_o and_o perform_v their_o work_n ready_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o not_o grudge_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 9.17_o they_o must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v â—_o tim._n 3.2_o and_o willing_a to_o communicate_v if_o all_o believer_n shall_v so_o perform_v all_o their_o work_n much_o more_o shall_v minister_n they_o shall_v account_v their_o ministerial_a work_n their_o privilege_n not_o their_o burden_n and_o carry_v themselves_o according_o in_o it_o 4_o they_o must_v always_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n the_o end_n of_o their_o work_n and_o office_n and_o prosecute_v intend_v and_o design_v they_o with_o all_o gospel_n sincerity_n they_o must_v not_o take_v their_o office_n on_o they_o nor_o do_v their_o work_n for_o filthy_a lucre_n 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o nor_o to_o honour_n and_o exalt_v themselves_o but_o to_o honour_n please_v and_o serve_v christ_n their_o lord_n and_o to_o profit_n and_o edify_v his_o people_n and_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a integrity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n 2_o cor._n 2._o ult_n for_o if_o these_o end_n be_v not_o upper-most_a in_o their_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o their_o desire_n choice_n aim_n and_o intention_n in_o their_o ministration_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v not_o call_v of_o christ_n nor_o qualify_v for_o church-work_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o prosper_v in_o it_o be_v own_v and_o bless_v by_o he_o nor_o profit_v his_o people_n thus_o brief_o of_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o teach_v elder_n or_o pastor_n to_o the_o church_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v they_o overseer_n now_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o the_o work_n and_o duty_n of_o church_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n who_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n among_o they_o chap._n vi_o wherein_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n to_o their_o pastor_n or_o teach_v elder_n be_v clear_o open_v and_o declare_v from_o scripture_n q._n how_o ought_v church-member_n to_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o pastor_n or_o teach_v elder_n or_o what_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n towards_o they_o answ_n it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o king_n &_o head_n of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v carry_v and_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o they_o in_o heart_n and_o practice_n as_o to_o his_o minister_n and_o ambassador_n who_o come_v to_o they_o in_o his_o name_n by_o his_o mission_n authority_n and_o commission_n with_o his_o gift_n and_o grace_n upon_o his_o errand_n and_o business_n as_o also_o for_o their_o soul_n profit_n they_o bear_v his_o image_n wear_v his_o livery_n do_v his_o work_n and_o serve_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o slight_v or_o despise_v they_o slight_n and_o despise_v he_o and_o his_o father_n too_o luk._n 10.16_o and_o he_o or_o they_o that_o receive_v they_o that_o love_n honour_n &_o carry_v it_o well_o to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v his_o send_v of_o he_o commissioned_n and_o qualify_v by_o he_o to_o serve_v and_o honour_v he_o in_o the_o church_n they_o do_v thereby_o receive_v honour_n and_o love_n christ_n himself_o gal._n 4.14_o they_o receive_v honour_n and_o love_n jesus_n christ_n in_o and_o by_o receive_v honour_v and_o love_v they_o as_o such_o and_o whatever_o good_a they_o do_v they_o or_o whatever_o respect_n they_o show_v they_o as_o such_o the_o lord_n jesus_n take_v it_o as_o do_v to_o himself_o matth._n 10._o ult_n matth._n 25._o therefore_o all_o church-member_n ought_v to_o carry_v and_o behave_v themselves_o well_o towards_o they_o and_o among_o other_o thing_n in_o these_o particular_n 1._o they_o ought_v to_o love_v they_o i_o say_v to_o love_v they_o and_o that_o with_o all_o cordial_a tender_a affection_n they_o must_v not_o love_v they_o as_o they_o do_v other_o saint_n of_o god_n only_o but_o they_o must_v have_v singular_a love_n for_o and_o show_v special_a love_n unto_o they_o as_o christ_n ambassador_n and_o their_o minister_n 1_o thes_n 5.12_o 13._o and_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o know_v they_o which_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o be_v over_o you_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o admonish_v you_o and_o to_o esteem_v very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n they_o must_v be_v love_v on_o several_a account_n 1._o as_o good_a man_n and_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o love_v they_o as_o fellow-brethren_n as_o we_o do_v other_o private_a member_n 2._o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v love_v as_o his_o ambassador_n and_o commissioner_n as_o his_o steward_n and_o officer_n gift_a and_o send_v forth_o by_o he_o about_o his_o concern_v in_o his_o church_n to_o do_v his_o work_n and_o business_n and_o as_o represent_v he_o by_o officiate_a in_o his_o name_n by_o his_o authority_n and_o do_v his_o message_n 3._o they_o ought_v to_o be_v love_v as_o your_o minister_n guide_n feeder_n and_o overseer_n as_o send_v unto_o you_o from_o christ_n and_o dispense_n the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o you_o declare_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o administer_a his_o holy_a appointment_n to_o you_o for_o your_o present_a comfort_n establishment_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o for_o your_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v love_v more_o than_o any_o other_o believer_n namely_o because_o
they_o be_v send_v authorize_v grace_v gift_v and_o qualify_v by_o christ_n do_v his_o work_n represent_v he_o stand_v in_o his_o stead_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o and_o as_o they_o be_v his_o minister_n for_o good_a to_o you_o well_o then_o mind_n your_o duty_n and_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o love_v they_o sincere_o and_o hearty_o strong_o and_o fervent_o fruitful_o and_o constant_o for_o they_o love_v you_o study_n pray_v and_o labour_n to_o do_v you_o good_a and_o know_v that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o love_v they_o you_o do_v not_o love_n christ_n who_o they_o be_v who_o they_o represent_v and_o serve_v and_o if_o you_o hate_v slight_a and_o despise_v they_o you_o do_v hate_n slight_a and_o despise_v christ_n himself_o in_o they_o second_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n your_o duty_n to_o honour_n and_o respect_n to_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v they_o in_o their_o faithful_a diligent_a discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o work_n among_o you_o they_o be_v the_o ambassador_n and_o commissioner_n of_o your_o great_a lord_n and_o king_n and_o send_v by_o he_o from_o heaven_n to_o you_o as_o be_v show_v 2_o cor._n 5.20_o eph._n 4._o and_o that_o about_o most_o high_a and_o honourable_a work_n yea_o the_o high_a work_n and_o service_n that_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n they_o come_v from_o and_o be_v send_v to_o you_o by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v honour_v they_o be_v his_o ambassador_n and_o commissioner_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o they_o be_v send_v and_o come_v to_o you_o as_o with_o his_o image_n of_o authority_n so_o of_o grace_n gift_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o they_o be_v send_v by_o christ_n to_o you_o on_z and_o for_o the_o service_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o and_o they_o represent_v christ_n and_o stand_v in_o his_o stead_n to_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o they_o do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v your_o servant_n and_o thereby_o do_v honour_n you_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o and_o they_o cheerful_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o your_o soul_n as_o your_o spiritual_a servant_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o christ_n require_v you_o to_o esteem_v they_o and_o that_o be_v not_o all_o but_o to_o esteem_v they_o high_o yea_o very_o high_o too_o 1_o thes_n 5.13_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v do_v it_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o slight_a or_o despise_v they_o no_o more_o than_o king_n will_v endure_v that_o any_o shall_v slight_v or_o despise_v their_o ambassador_n if_o you_o have_v low_a base_a thought_n of_o they_o in_o your_o heart_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o if_o you_o slight_a and_o despise_v their_o labour_n and_o administration_n you_o despise_v they_o if_o you_o vilify_v and_o speak_v slight_o of_o they_o behind_o their_o back_n and_o divulge_v their_o suppose_a or_o real_a weakness_n you_o despise_v they_o if_o you_o carry_v yourselves_o saucy_o and_o imperious_o before_o their_o face_n in_o word_n deed_n or_o deportment_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o and_o if_o you_o control_v they_o and_o disregard_n their_o judgement_n censure_n admonition_n or_o reproof_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o when_o you_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o their_o counsel_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o and_o when_o you_o disregard_n their_o power_n authority_n and_o their_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o way_n and_o instance_n church-member_n do_v not_o only_o neglect_v their_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o honour_v their_o teaching-elders_a but_o they_o do_v slight_a and_o despise_v they_o also_o and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o but_o as_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o law_n image_n work_n and_o authority_n also_o for_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o say_v christ_n luk._n 10.16_o and_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a slight_n and_o contemptible_a word_n and_o carriage_n towards_o they_o they_o do_v great_o provoke_v and_o discourage_v they_o they_o weaken_v their_o hand_n and_o distract_v their_o mind_n and_o so_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o work_n they_o be_v honour_v by_o christ_n and_o honourable_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o he_o strict_o charge_n and_o command_v his_o church_n to_o esteem_v they_o most_o or_o very_o high_o and_o to_o give_v they_o double_a honour_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n give_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o every_o man_n his_o due_a fear_v to_o who_o fear_n honour_n to_o who_o honour_n rom._n 13.7_o it_o be_v their_o due_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o expect_v you_o shall_v give_v it_o to_o they_o not_o as_o they_o be_v such_o or_o such_o man_n but_o as_o his_o ambassador_n minister_n etc._n etc._n three_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o church_n shall_v pray_v for_o their_o pastor_n or_o teach_v elder_n and_o that_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n and_o measure_n i_o mean_v more_o than_o they_o do_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v for_o other_o 1_o thes_n 5.25_o heb._n 13.18_o rom._n 15.30_o you_o must_v be_v earnest_a and_o importunate_a wrestler_n with_o god_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o they_o that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o abundance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o and_o by_o his_o teach_n quickning_n and_o anointing_n make_v they_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o of_o the_o letter_n only_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o that_o they_o may_v open_v their_o mouth_n bold_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n sincere_o clear_o impartial_o and_o constant_o make_v know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n eph._n 6.18_o 19_o col._n 4.3_o that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o snare_n and_o temptation_n or_o be_v enable_v to_o encounter_v they_o and_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o overcome_v and_o conquer_v they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v eminent_a shine_a light_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o diligent_a in_o and_o faithful_a to_o their_o trust_n that_o they_o may_v be_v wise_a zealous_a and_o glorious_a pattern_n of_o piety_n &_o all_o godliness_n and_o be_v keep_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o may_v abound_v in_o all_o grace_n gifts_z work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o they_o may_v preach_v powerful_o and_o profitable_o and_o in_o all_o their_o way_n word_n and_o carriage_n adorn_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n tit._n 2.10_o that_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n without_o waver_v preach_v sound_a doctrine_n clear_o plain_o and_o close_o tit._n 2.1_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v themselves_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n for_o the_o order_n and_o well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o orderly_a management_n of_o their_o concern_v and_o that_o they_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n walk_v by_o their_o lord_n rule_n and_o aim_v at_o design_n and_o upright_o intend_v his_o glory_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o people_n and_o all_o other_o that_o hear_v they_o there_o be_v many_o reason_n enforce_v this_o duty_n on_o they_o to_o your_o pastor_n i_o will_v name_v a_o few_o 1._o because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v so_o as_o the_o aforesaid_a scripture_n show_v 2._o because_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o your_o earnest_a prayer_n if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o church_n prayer_n much_o more_o must_v ordinary_a teacher_n need_v they_o their_o work_n be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o 2_o cor._n 2.16_o their_o discouragement_n be_v many_o and_o great_a and_o their_o temptation_n many_o strong_a and_o powerful_a they_o have_v mystery_n to_o unfold_v continual_o and_o they_o have_v strong_a temptation_n to_o grapple_v with_o all_o than_o other_o have_v therefore_o they_o shall_v have_v your_o strong_a and_o most_o importunate_a prayer_n little_o do_v church_n know_v what_o they_o see_v feel_v and_o experience_n in_o their_o work_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o their_o teacher_n have_v a_o easy_a and_o sweet_a life_n of_o it_o and_o stand_v in_o little_a need_n of_o their_o assistance_n but_o sure_o they_o
be_v mistake_v for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n in_o the_o world_n so_o full_a of_o care_n and_o trouble_v as_o a_o conscientious_a minister_n be_v nor_o any_o that_o require_v more_o diligence_n circumspection_n watchfulness_n and_o faithfulness_n than_o he_o they_o work_v and_o labour_n in_o divine_a mystery_n and_o they_o work_v for_o christ_n and_o soul_n their_o matter_n lie_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o carnal_a and_o mere_a rational_a understanding_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n and_o they_o be_v always_o consult_v and_o conversant_a about_o new_a matter_n and_o thing_n oh_o what_o need_n have_v they_o of_o the_o church_n prayer_n 3._o because_o the_o church_n profit_n and_o soul_n benefit_n be_v much_o concern_v in_o their_o teacher_n administration_n for_o god_n ordinary_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n heart_n through_o or_o by_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o by_o their_o mouth_n the_o more_o they_o have_v of_o christ_n grace_n truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o more_o powerful_a spiritual_a and_o profitable_a they_o will_v be_v in_o prayer_n preach_v and_o in_o all_o other_o ministration_n unto_o they_o act._n 14.1_o four_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o know_v obey_v and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o teach_v elder_n or_o pastors_n authority_n teach_v government_n and_o to_o all_o their_o regular_a and_o orderly_a ministration_n in_o the_o lord_n the_o church_n owe_v they_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n and_o that_o as_o they_o be_v set_v over_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o by_o he_o make_v their_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n and_o send_v by_o he_o to_o take_v the_o charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o they_o and_o to_o administer_v his_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o they_o in_o his_o name_n for_o their_o good_a heb._n 13.7_o 17._o remember_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o or_o be_v guide_n unto_o you_o as_o the_o word_n also_o signify_v 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 unprofitable_a for_o you_o without_o government_n and_o governor_n power_n and_o authority_n law_n and_o order_n and_o without_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n in_o and_o of_o the_o member_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o corporation_n and_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a they_o will_v be_v but_o confuse_a rout_n and_o babel_n there_o will_v be_v can_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n as_o james_n speak_v chap._n 3.16_o if_o they_o be_v ruler_n and_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o appoint_v order_n and_o command_v as_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o have_v or_o they_o be_v but_o shadow_n or_o cypher_n 2_o thes_n 3.4_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 4.11_o tit._n 2._o ult_n than_o they_o may_v yea_o they_o ought_v to_o appoint_v order_n and_o command_v as_o they_o see_v occasion_n for_o the_o profit_n and_o well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o work_n and_o trust_v and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o yield_v all_o free_a hearty_a willing_a and_o cheerful_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o without_o grudge_v quarrel_a or_o irregular_a gainsaying_n that_o be_v they_o be_v to_o eye_n the_o will_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o express_v by_o they_o and_o so_o to_o conform_v to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v christ_n not_o they_o they_o must_v obey_v they_o not_o as_o gift_a man_n but_o as_o the_o ambassador_n minister_n and_o officer_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o authority_n in_o they_o that_o must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o be_v when_o through_o carelessness_n or_o wilfulness_n no_o less_o than_o disobedience_n too_o yea_o rebellion_n against_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o luk._n 10.16_o 17._o col._n 3.23_o 24._o great_a be_v the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n in_o provide_v law_n rule_n and_o order_n as_o also_o in_o authorise_v and_o send_v some_o to_o execute_v they_o for_o their_o spiritual_a good_a and_o his_o glory_n and_o therefore_o when_o church-member_n do_v slight_a neglect_n disobey_v and_o practical_o despise_v they_o they_o do_v thereby_o slight_a contemn_v and_o despise_v the_o love_n care_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n account_v it_o so_o although_o those_o teach_a ruler_n be_v not_o apostle_n but_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o luk._n 10.16_o 17._o show_n when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v to_o heaven_n he_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n viz._n minister_n and_o ministerial_a ability_n to_o they_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 4.10_o 11_o 12._o then_o he_o delegated_a his_o ministerial_a power_n to_o man_n promise_v to_o provide_v such_o for_o his_o saint_n and_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o his_o own_o gift_n yea_o to_o be_v with_o they_o himself_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n math._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o wherefore_o then_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v receive_v submit_v to_o and_o obey_v they_o in_o a_o sense_n even_o as_o christ_n himself_o as_o they_o be_v authorize_v gift_v grant_v and_o send_v by_o he_o in_o and_o about_o his_o message_n work_n and_o service_n in_o all_o their_o lawful_a command_n and_o appointment_n and_o regular_a ministration_n in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n he_o that_o receive_v you_o receive_v i_o say_v christ_n of_o the_o 70._o disciple_n he_o send_v to_o preach_v luk._n 10.16_o math._n 10.40_o and_o paul_n commend_v the_o galatian_n for_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n even_o as_o christ_n himself_o gal._n 4.14_o 15._o and_o the_o same_o apostle_n charge_v titus_n to_o speak_v and_o act_v in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o authority_n charge_v all_o the_o member_n also_o not_o to_o despise_v or_o slight_v he_o for_z or_o in_o his_o so_o do_v tit._n 2.15_o if_o not_o to_o despise_v or_o slight_v he_o then_o to_o honour_n submit_v to_o and_o obey_v he_o as_o christ_n and_o their_o minister_n well_o then_o do_v the_o elder_n or_o pastor_n of_o church_n careful_o mind_n and_o diligent_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o than_o all_o the_o member_n of_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o and_o wait_v on_o their_o ministry_n and_o not_o despise_v they_o and_o it_o by_o desert_v and_o withdraw_v from_o it_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o more_o of_o this_o anon_o 2._o do_v they_o appoint_v meeting_n or_o call_v their_o church_n to_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o to_o consult_v about_o the_o matter_n and_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o profit_n and_o christ_n glory_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o except_v in_o extraordinary_a case_n that_o hinder_v they_o as_o they_o will_v answer_v the_o contrary_a contempt_n to_o christ_n at_o their_o peril_n they_o must_v not_o look_v on_o their_o practical_a conformity_n to_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o stay_v at_o home_n or_o come_v at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o actual_o obey_v such_o a_o call_n or_o summons_n as_o christ_n not_o dispute_v it_o but_o obey_v it_o not_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n disdain_v it_o but_o ready_o and_o cheerful_o subject_a to_o it_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n heb._n 13.17_o and_o be_v sure_a when_o they_o appoint_v such_o meeting_n it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n advantage_n 3._o do_v they_o appoint_v or_o require_v speech_n or_o silence_n in_o the_o church_n or_o any_o good_a order_n and_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o without_o load_v they_o and_o obstruct_v their_o proceed_n with_o jangle_a dispute_n and_o opposition_n and_o as_o in_o these_o so_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n wherein_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o profit_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o consist_v ruler_n must_v see_v that_o they_o command_v and_o appoint_v order_n and_o rule_v wise_o and_o faithful_o and_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o commission_n design_n and_o carry_v on_o christ_n holy_a end_n in_o all_o and_o as_o they_o must_v rule_v well_o so_o all_o the_o member_n rule_v by_o they_o must_v obey_v well_o too_o and_o when_o both_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o place_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v
well_o as_o they_o let_v your_o love_n to_o they_o and_o esteem_v of_o they_o be_v see_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o expression_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v as_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o forbear_v whatever_o may_v discourage_v they_o and_o do_v all_o you_o can_v to_o encourage_v and_o forward_o they_o in_o their_o work_n but_o be_v sure_a that_o your_o visit_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a but_o to_o spiritual_a profit_n and_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o fruit_n of_o your_o cordial_a love_n to_o and_o esteem_v of_o they_o or_o else_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o paint_a image_n and_o white_v sepulcher_n and_o you_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o ezekiel_n hearer_n be_v to_o he_o who_o with_o their_o mouth_n do_v show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v of_o another_o mould_n ezek._n 33.30_o ult_n 4._o stand_v by_o they_o and_o help_v to_o bear_v their_o burden_n when_o you_o know_v they_o and_o they_o require_v your_o assistance_n bear_v you_o one_o another_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6.2_o if_o you_o know_v they_o fall_v into_o or_o under_o any_o sin_n or_o temptation_n set_v your_o hand_n to_o lift_v they_o up_o again_o if_o they_o fall_v under_o affliction_n help_v to_o bear_v they_o for_o they_o be_v like_o the_o good_a samaritan_n in_o this_o matter_n luk._n 10._o and_o not_o like_o the_o cruel_a priest_n and_o levite_n who_o see_v the_o wound_a man_n lie_v welter_v in_o his_o blood_n and_o cry_v out_o of_o his_o wound_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o shift_v for_o himself_o 31.32_o verse_n no_o but_o show_v yourselves_o good_a samaritan_n who_o simpathize_v with_o and_o actual_o help_v he_o in_o his_o distress_n according_a to_o his_o need_n if_o your_o minister_n must_v sympathize_v with_o you_o and_o help_v you_o in_o your_o need_n than_o you_o must_v do_v the_o same_o to_o they_o show_v bowel_n of_o love_n and_o pity_n to_o they_o and_o set_v your_o hand_n and_o shoulder_n too_o to_o help_v they_o under_o their_o sin_n temptation_n and_o other_o trial_n and_o affliction_n and_o if_o possible_a to_o lift_v they_o out_o of_o they_o be_v they_o reproach_v help_v to_o bear_v their_o burden_n be_v they_o persecute_v by_o man_n help_v to_o bear_v their_o burden_n and_o do_v the_o like_a in_o all_o other_o weighty_a case_n for_o they_o oh_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o pretend_v high_o for_o heaven_n but_o care_v not_o what_o become_v of_o their_o painful_a minister_n who_o can_v hear_v of_o their_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n and_o galio_n like_a care_v for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n nor_o serious_o mind_n whether_o they_o sink_v or_o swim_v but_o like_o paul_n pretend_a friend_n who_o when_o they_o see_v he_o in_o deadly_a danger_n forsake_v he_o 2_o tim._n 4.16_o and_o leave_v he_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o himself_o 5._o blame_v not_o their_o ministry_n to_o one_o another_o especial_o behind_o their_o back_n neither_o slight_a and_o undervalue_v their_o gift_n grace_n or_o any_o of_o their_o endeavour_n and_o labour_n in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n although_o they_o may_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n suit_n or_o please_v your_o humour_n thought_n or_o opinion_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o administration_n to_o please_v christ_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o light_n and_o judgement_n their_o persuasion_n and_o conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n edification_n and_o not_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o their_o church-member_n either_o in_o their_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n and_o those_o church_n that_o will_v impose_v their_o own_o apprehension_n and_o opinion_n on_o their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n and_o load_v they_o with_o burden_n of_o work_n and_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n never_o command_v they_o be_v in_o their_o so_o do_v no_o less_o than_o tyrannical-usurper_n over_o they_o for_o if_o elder_n may_v not_o impose_v any_o thing_n or_o matter_n on_o the_o church_n but_o the_o yoke_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n much_o less_o may_v the_o church_n impose_v their_o own_o opinion_n on_o their_o elder_n we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v too_o hard_a a_o matter_n for_o any_o man_n to_o please_v all_o man_n and_o experience_n show_v that_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a a_o matter_n for_o any_o elder_n of_o church_n to_o please_v all_o their_o member_n but_o that_o one_o or_o other_o will_v be_v offend_v at_o this_o another_z at_z that_o and_o then_o divulge_v their_o dislike_n of_o this_o or_o that_o in_o they_o unto_o other_o and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o dislike_n of_o it_o also_o and_o then_o to_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o tattle_v and_o talk_v of_o it_o one_o to_o another_o until_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o into_o further_a mischief_n therefore_o minister_n may_v no_o further_o seek_v to_o please_v their_o church_n then_o in_o and_o by_o their_o so_o do_v they_o may_v please_v christ_n their_o lord_n and_o what_o that_o be_v i_o shall_v think_v that_o their_o elder_n shall_v understand_v as_o well_o if_o not_o better_a than_o they_o paul_n seek_v not_o to_o please_v man_n but_o god_n in_o his_o ministry_n gal._n 1.10_o some_o professor_n do_v delight_v themselves_o in_o this_o evil_a work_n namely_o in_o seek_v matter_n and_o make_v fault_n against_o their_o elder_n and_o then_o possess_v other_o with_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o gratify_v and_o please_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o please_v they_o in_o nothing_o all_o their_o work_n be_v blame-worthy_a in_o their_o account_n but_o as_o this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o prejudice_n against_o their_o elder_n so_o they_o do_v thereby_o declare_v their_o own_o folly_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o own_o nakedness_n with_o a_o witness_n yea_o they_o dishonour_v christ_n hinder_v the_o profit_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n by_o their_o so_o contemn_v his_o and_o their_o ministry_n and_o great_o grieve_v and_o stumble_v their_o teacher_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o with_o sad_a heart_n therefore_o do_v you_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o this_o evil_a for_o the_o devil_n will_v tempt_v you_o to_o it_o that_o he_o may_v hurt_v your_o soul_n afflict_v your_o teacher_n and_o hinder_v the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v commend_v and_o esteem_v whatever_o be_v their_o virtue_n whatever_o you_o may_v see_v lovely_a in_o they_o and_o if_o you_o see_v any_o defect_n or_o unavoidable_a weakness_n in_o they_o to_o cast_v a_o mantle_n of_o love_n over_o they_o and_o by_o all_o mean_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o in_o each_o other_o heart_n a_o due_a esteem_n of_o and_o respect_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o ministry_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o hinder_v but_o furthr_v and_o encourage_v by_o your_o mean_n 6._o join_v with_o your_o teacher_n and_o that_o by_o afford_v they_o your_o concurrence_n and_o utmost_a assistance_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o promote_v good_a thing_n in_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o hinder_v or_o load_v such_o overture_n design_n and_o endeavour_n of_o your_o minister_n by_o your_o absence_n groundless_a dispute_n or_o by_o your_o sullen_a silence_n there_o when_o they_o propound_v any_o matter_n to_o you_o for_o your_o profit_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o your_o soul_n the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o then_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v well_o the_o reason_n which_o they_o give_v for_o what_o they_o do_v or_o desire_n shall_v be_v do_v or_o omit_v by_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n or_o altogether_o and_o if_o you_o can_v null_a and_o answer_v they_o or_o bring_v better_o for_o the_o contrary_a than_o you_o shall_v quiet_o thankful_o and_o peaceable_o accept_v of_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o design_n and_o not_o put_v difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n by_o some_o singular_a notion_n of_o your_o own_o do_v as_o nathan_n do_v when_o david_n propound_v a_o case_n to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v meet_v god_n shall_v have_v a_o house_n build_v for_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n and_o give_v he_o some_o reason_n for_o his_o proposition_n nathan_n reply_n go_v do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n 2_o sam._n 7._o he_o see_v it_o a_o most_o reasonable_a and_o useful_a a_o undertake_n and_o free_o comply_v with_o david_n and_o encourage_v he_o to_o go_v on_o and_o proceed_v why_o shall_v not_o you_o comply_v with_o your_o teacher_n when_o they_o design_n and_o propound_v some_o good_a work_n to_o be_v carry_v on_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n or_o other_o man_n and_o
and_o a_o more_o indispensible_a dury_n be_v not_o impose_v upon_o you_o who_o be_v able_a in_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o you_o can_v plead_v ignorance_n for_o the_o breach_n or_o neglect_v of_o it_o and_o if_o you_o do_v not_o obey_v your_o god_n and_o king_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n how_o can_v you_o be_v call_v obedient_a child_n 1_o pet._n 1.14_o and_o how_o shall_v christ_n commend_v you_o as_o he_o do_v zachary_n and_o elizabeth_n for_o walk_v in_o all_o his_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n blameless_o luk._n 1.6_o or_o how_o can_v you_o expect_v that_o christ_n shall_v say_v unto_o you_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n you_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o do_v when_o you_o know_v that_o you_o live_v in_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o a_o know_a and_o easy_a duty_n 3._o consider_v that_o god_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o your_o do_n and_o carriage_n towards_o his_o ambassador_n and_o your_o teacher_n he_o be_v privy_a to_o all_o your_o way_n and_o will_v abundant_o reward_v all_o your_o kindness_n and_o unkindness_n to_o they_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v his_o and_o you_o therefore_o be_v careful_a to_o demean_v and_o carry_v yourselves_o towards_o they_o so_o as_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n may_v say_v to_o you_o well_o do_v good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n you_o have_v be_v kind_a and_o good_a respectful_a and_o dutiful_a to_o my_o minister_n and_o to_o i_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v recompense_v all_o your_o work_n of_o faith_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n to_o they_o for_o what_o you_o do_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v my_o minister_n you_o do_v to_o i_o i_o take_v all_o as_o do_v to_o myself_o enter_v into_o the_o joy_n of_o your_o lord_n these_o be_v some_o and_o but_o some_o of_o the_o church_n duty_n towards_o their_o pastor_n or_o teaching-elders_a for_o although_o i_o have_v be_v large_a on_o this_o head_n than_o i_o intend_v yet_o i_o forbear_v speak_v any_o more_o lest_o some_o shall_v think_v i_o say_v too_o much_o chap._n vi_o of_o mere_a ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n of_o their_o office_n work_n and_o power_n in_o the_o church_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v their_o work_n and_o for_o what_o end_v they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n as_o also_o the_o church_n duty_n to_o they_o with_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o such_o officer_n quest_n what_o other_o officer_n have_v christ_n appoint_v for_o and_o set_v in_o his_o church_n or_o church_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n beside_o teaching-elders_a answ_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v set_v in_o his_o new_a testament-churche_n ruling-elders_a and_o deacon_n ruling-elders_a or_o elder_n who_o chief_a if_o not_o only_a work_n be_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o help_v to_o manage_v the_o discipline_n thereof_o with_o the_o teaching-elders_a seem_v to_o be_v warrant_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o text_n that_o speak_v most_o clear_o in_o the_o case_n be_v in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o rom._n 12.8_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o in_o timothy_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v express_o distinguish_v from_o teach_v ruling-elders_a let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n this_o especial_o refer_v to_o such_o ruling-elders_a who_o work_n and_o main_a business_n be_v to_o teach_v and_o who_o be_v especial_o therefore_o worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n for_o that_o they_o have_v a_o double_a work_n and_o office_n namely_o teach_v and_o rule_v but_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o word_n speak_v of_o mere_a ruling-elders_a who_o in_o the_o faithful_a diligent_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o their_o office_n and_o trust_n in_o the_o church_n be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v honour_v and_o respect_v as_o such_o by_o the_o church_n not_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n but_o elder_n who_o mind_n their_o business_n and_o perform_v their_o work_n well_o and_o faithful_o as_o become_v steward_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o the_o roman_n the_o word_n be_v these_o he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n in_o the_o 6._o and_o 7._o verse_n we_o have_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o another_o sort_n of_o officer_n namely_o teacher_n who_o great_a work_n be_v to_o prophesy_v minister_n and_o teach_v and_o therefore_o say_v he_o let_v such_o wait_v on_o that_o part_n of_o their_o work_n then_o he_o come_v to_o another_o sort_n of_o officer_n and_o these_o say_v he_o be_v to_o rule_v with_o diligence_n not_o to_o attend_v to_o teach_v as_o the_o other_o be_v to_o do_v but_o to_o rule_v and_o that_o with_o diligence_n whereby_o he_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v distinct_a person_n and_o officer_n from_o the_o teacher_n before_o mention_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o point_v out_o this_o sort_n of_o office_n and_o officer_n in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n say_v he_o have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n then_o help_v government_n now_o what_o shall_v these_o help_n government_n be_v as_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o distinguish_v from_o teach_v ruling-elders_a but_o this_o sort_n of_o ruling-elders_a i_o be_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o every_o church_n of_o christ_n need_v teach_v so_o also_o government_n and_o discipline_n for_o their_o order_n and_o well_o be_v but_o because_o the_o teach_v elder_n can_v attend_v continual_o to_o their_o rule_v work_n because_o their_o teach_v and_o minister_a other_o ordinance_n divert_v they_o from_o it_o so_o often_o as_o need_n require_v therefore_o have_v god_n set_v in_o his_o church_n mere_a rule_v elder_n that_o they_o as_o moses_n his_o 70._o elder_n may_v help_v to_o bear_v the_o burden_n and_o assist_v the_o teaching-elders_a in_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v in_o the_o corinth_n join_v to_o the_o teach_v ruling-elders_a and_o also_o in_o the_o roman_n and_o they_o be_v express_o call_v help_n government_n for_o that_o they_o be_v give_v of_o god_n to_o help_v their_o teacher_n or_o pastor_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o true_o it_o have_v its_o weight_n with_o i_o namely_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n to_o help_v their_o pastor_n in_o the_o government_n thereof_o for_o as_o satan_n be_v more_o busy_a and_o vigilant_a in_o the_o church_n to_o cause_n disorder_v therein_o than_o in_o any_o other_o society_n of_o man_n so_o there_o be_v the_o more_o need_n of_o diligent_a and_o careful_a government_n and_o inspection_n to_o keep_v all_o in_o order_n and_o as_o be_v say_v before_o the_o teaching-elders_a can_v so_o constant_o attend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o discipline_n because_o of_o their_o other_o work_n as_o need_n require_v therefore_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o nenessity_n of_o mere_a ruling-elders_a to_o help_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o well_o order_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v such_o officer_n and_o such_o a_o office_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n quest_n for_o what_o end_n have_v god_n set_v ruling-elders_a in_o his_o church_n and_o what_o be_v their_o office_n work_n and_o power_n there_o answ_n although_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v but_o little_a of_o thiâ—_n matter_n namely_o of_o their_o work_n use_v and_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n particular_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o such_o a_o office_n and_o officer_n distinct_a from_o the_o teacher_n be_v give_v to_o and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n appointment_n and_o that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o empower_v by_o christ_n to_o act_n and_o officiate_v there_o in_o his_o name_n than_o i_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v their_o special_a work_n to_o do_v there_o for_o they_o be_v not_o set_v there_o to_o have_v a_o name_n and_o signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o they_o have_v their_o work_n there_o as_o such_o which_o they_o be_v diligent_o to_o attend_v unto_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n now_o what_o their_o work_n and_o business_n be_v i_o shall_v search_v out_o and_o discover_v as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v and_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a brevity_n first_o then_o they_o be_v express_o call_v ruling-elders_a or_o elder_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o scripture_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o now_o what_o do_v their_o name_n and_o office_n signify_v and_o imply_v but_o that_o they_o be_v to_o assist_v their_o teacher_n in_o the_o orderly_a government_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v say_v before_o and_o i_o think_v their_o work_n lie_v chief_o in_o these_o
and_o authority_n only_o that_o you_o must_v observe_v and_o walk_v by_o 3._o diligent_o you_o must_v exercise_v your_o power_n with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n rom._n 12.8_o he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n that_o be_v he_o must_v frequent_o attend_v to_o his_o ruling-work_n and_o what_o he_o do_v therein_o he_o must_v do_v with_o all_o his_o ability_n he_o must_v be_v earnest_a and_o fervent_a in_o it_o and_o set_v himself_o to_o it_o as_o to_o his_o work_n and_o business_n he_o must_v not_o be_v slothful_a negligent_a or_o careless_a in_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n no_o but_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v diligent_a and_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n in_o what_o he_o do_v rom._n 12.11_o the_o negligent_a servant_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n luk._n 12_o 47._o they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o their_o flock_n prov._n 27.23_o for_o although_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o rule_v elder_n flock_v as_o they_o be_v the_o teach_v rule_v elder_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n their_o flock_n and_o charge_n to_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o inspect_v their_o manner_n and_o walking_n 4._o ready_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o teaching-elders_a in_o this_o also_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o example_n to_o the_o flock_n it_o be_v sad_a indeed_o when_o they_o look_v not_o after_o they_o nor_o mind_n their_o work_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o when_o they_o be_v constrain_v and_o as_o it_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o their_o teacher_n and_o can_v for_o shame_v but_o do_v something_o then_o but_o somewhat_o unwilling_o cold_o and_o indifferent_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n or_o a_o matter_n by_o the_o by_o and_o which_o they_o will_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o can_v they_o handsome_o evade_v and_o pass_v it_o by_o they_o grudge_v at_o it_o and_o account_v it_o their_o burden_n not_o their_o delight_n but_o sure_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o delight_n to_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o they_o shall_v most_o ready_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o do_v it_o 5._o conscientious_o and_o dutiful_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o duty_n their_o work_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v good_a shall_v lie_v deep_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o powerful_a on_o their_o conscience_n and_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o church_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o office-power_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o church_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o upon_o choice_n conscientious_o and_o dutiful_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v their_o place_n work_n and_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n authority_n who_o have_v for_o these_o end_n set_v they_o in_o the_o church_n appoint_v and_o enjoin_v they_o such_o work_n and_o service_n there_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o good_a they_o must_v not_o only_o bear_v rule_n but_o they_o must_v rule_v well_o too_o for_o those_o end_n or_o else_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n and_o service_n there_o now_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o rule_v well_o as_o command_v unless_o they_o use_v and_o exercise_v their_o office-power_n so_o namely_o wise_o diligent_o ready_o and_o willing_o cheerful_o conscientious_o and_o dutiful_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n 6._o they_o ought_v to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o use_v their_o power_n in_o the_o church_n with_o much_o love_n tenderness_n meekness_n impartiality_n and_o sometime_o as_o need_n require_v with_o severity_n too_o they_o must_v not_o exalt_v themselves_o and_o carry_v it_o in_o a_o lordly_a manner_n towards_o their_o brethren_n because_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o and_o may_v command_v they_o but_o they_o must_v see_v that_o they_o temper_v their_o power_n and_o the_o exercise_n and_o use_v of_o it_o with_o love_n tenderness_n humility_n and_o meekness_n they_o shall_v so_o carry_v themselves_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v not_o slight_v and_o despise_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n envy_v for_o their_o haughtiness_n they_o shall_v so_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o that_o they_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o all_o to_o think_v that_o they_o love_v they_o and_o respect_v their_o good_a in_o all_o they_o do_v so_o likewise_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v just_a and_o impartial_a in_o their_o proceedure_n towards_o all_o and_o not_o respect_v person_n in_o judgement_n but_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o stubborn_a and_o obstinate_a person_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v severe_a in_o deal_v with_o they_o when_o they_o can_v otherwise_o prevail_v on_o they_o to_o convince_v humble_a and_o reform_v they_o judas_n 22.23_o 7._o and_o in_o all_o their_o endeavour_n way_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v intend_v design_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o union_n peace_n holiness_n comfort_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o honour_n of_o religion_n encouragement_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n all_o which_o bless_a end_n they_o shall_v wise_o zealous_o sincere_o serious_o industrous_o and_o faithful_o prosecute_v and_o with_o all_o their_o might_n strive_v and_o labour_v to_o obtain_v and_o by_o all_o mean_n and_o that_o with_o much_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o hope_v and_o pray_v seek_v and_o wait_v to_o accomplish_v in_o the_o lord_n time_n they_o must_v not_o make_v one_o or_o two_o attempt_n to_o reconcile_v difference_n rectify_v disorder_n dissuade_v from_o sin_n persuade_v to_o duty_n to_o heal_v wound_n and_o encourage_v to_o repentance_n and_o so_o leave_v it_o without_o look_v after_o the_o issue_n and_o the_o success_n of_o their_o labour_n but_o they_o must_v follow_v on_o their_o work_n until_o the_o end_n be_v obtain_v they_o as_o well_o as_o their_o teach_a elder_n must_v look_v well_o to_o their_o herd_n prov._n 27.23_o they_o must_v see_v that_o they_o rule_v well_o and_o with_o diligence_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o rom._n 12.8_o and_o that_o they_o approve_v themselves_o faithful_a steward_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o make_v full_a proof_n thereof_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o rule_v elder_n or_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v qualify_v for_o so_o high_a and_o honourable_a work_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr i_o shall_v brief_o name_v some_o of_o their_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o but_o some_o of_o they_o and_o such_o as_o be_v indeed_o necessary_a for_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v will_v not_o rule_v well_o nor_o be_v profitable_a to_o the_o church_n first_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o special_a grace_n with_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n they_o shall_v be_v not_o only_o real_a saint_n but_o eminent_a saint_n too_o they_o must_v not_o only_o have_v peculiar_a grace_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o grace_n also_o sure_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n as_o shine_a light_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o discern_v case_n and_o person_n and_o make_v a_o sound_n and_o true_a judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o matter_n they_o may_v be_v call_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v they_o must_v not_o be_v novice_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n &_o gospel_n the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o must_v walk_v but_o they_o must_v have_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n col._n 3.16_o to_o help_v they_o in_o their_o work_n they_o can_v rule_v well_o unless_o they_o do_v understand_v and_o can_v speak_v well_o nor_o unless_o they_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o office_n work_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sober_a grave_a and_o serious_a person_n and_o not_o of_o vain_a light_a and_o frothy_a behaviour_n in_o their_o spirit_n &_o carriage_n they_o shall_v be_v of_o prompt_a ready_a mind_n and_o spirit_n for_o their_o work_n and_o not_o of_o dull_a lumpish_a and_o heavy_a temper_n for_o if_o they_o be_v such_o they_o will_v not_o act_v upon_o choice_n free_o but_o by_o constraint_n and_o that_o will_v render_v they_o unprofitable_a and_o undesirable_a to_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o blameless_a life_n and_o spotless_a conversation_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o warm_a and_o lively_a affection_n abound_v in_o love_n zeal_n and_o fervour_n of_o
spirit_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v man_n of_o courage_n fear_v god_n like_a moses_n his_o 70_o elder_n exod._n 18.21_o and_o be_v free_a from_o notorious_a and_o apparent_a covetousness_n and_o worldly_a mindedness_n they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a in_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o in_o other_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o pity_n compassion_n of_o bowel_n and_o mercy_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v they_o must_v not_o be_v angry_a passionate_a person_n or_o man_n of_o sour_a froward_a and_o peevish_a spirit_n and_o carriage_n for_o these_o abomination_n will_v very_o much_o blemish_v they_o and_o cause_n prejudices_fw-la in_o the_o mind_n of_o observer_n they_o must_v not_o be_v tattler_n meddler_n nor_o busy-body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n neither_o shall_v they_o be_v slothful_a negligent_a or_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o these_o be_v some_o of_o their_o necessary_a qualification_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n and_o how_o ought_v they_o to_o demean_v and_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o their_o rule_v elder_n ans_fw-fr when_o they_o do_v rule_v well_o and_o use_v their_o office_n power_n diligent_o faithful_o and_o profitable_o for_o the_o peace_n welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o ministry_n propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o do_v they_o be_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n love_n and_o respect_n from_o the_o church_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o give_v it_o to_o they_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o in_o obedience_n to_o christ_n who_o enjoin_v and_o require_v it_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o as_o also_o for_o their_o work_n and_o office_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o lord_n christ_n his_o sake_n who_o officer_n they_o be_v who_o image_n they_o bear_v and_o who_o work_n and_o service_n they_o do_v and_o be_v employ_v themselves_o in_o they_o must_v have_v not_o only_o simple_a honour_n love_n and_o respect_n from_o you_o but_o double_a they_o must_v have_v much_o more_o than_o any_o private_a brethren_n have_v when_o they_o rule_v well_o and_o that_o upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n 1._o as_o they_o be_v christ_n and_o your_o elder_n and_o officer_n and_o in_o a_o sense_n do_v represent_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o you_o in_o and_o by_o their_o work_n and_o office-power_n in_o the_o church_n 2._o as_o or_o because_o they_o rule_v well_o and_o use_v their_o office-power_n for_o your_o profit_n and_o benefit_n do_v they_o careful_o diligent_o and_o industrous_o attend_v to_o and_o follow_v their_o work_n and_o seek_v your_o good_a then_o remember_v that_o you_o owe_v they_o double_a honour_n love_n and_o respect_n and_o see_v you_o give_v it_o to_o they_o moreover_o church-member_n shall_v yield_v they_o their_o cheerful_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o their_o lawful_a command_n and_o appointment_n for_o their_o good_a and_o give_v they_o all_o possible_a encouragement_n in_o their_o work_n and_o not_o weaken_v their_o hand_n and_o make_v their_o work_n heavy_a and_o burdensome_a to_o they_o but_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o make_v it_o easy_a and_o sweet_a to_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n you_o shall_v also_o pray_v importunate_o for_o they_o that_o god_n will_v make_v they_o able_a willing_a and_o faithful_a to_o and_o in_o their_o work_n and_o bless_v and_o prosper_v their_o labour_n with_o success_n do_v they_o mind_v their_o work_n and_o labour_n for_o your_o good_a why_o than_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a that_o you_o shall_v mind_v they_o and_o give_v they_o their_o due_n that_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v in_o their_o work_n and_o diligence_n by_o your_o duty_n to_o they_o in_o a_o word_n you_o shall_v carry_v yourselves_o towards_o they_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o to_o spiritual_a magistrate_n and_o christ_n officer_n to_o you_o for_o your_o good_n as_o paul_n speak_v of_o civil_a magistrate_n rom._n 13.4_o for_o say_v he_o they_o be_v god_n minister_n to_o thou_o for_o good_a so_o your_o roll_a elder_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n to_o you_o for_o good_a therefore_o behave_v yourselves_o towards_o they_o and_o do_v for_o they_o as_o such_o not_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n among_o you_o but_o as_o they_o be_v good_a elder_n to_o you_o and_o such_o as_o rule_v well_o for_o your_o profit_n do_v they_o rule_v well_o mind_n and_o attend_v to_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n why_o then_o love_v honour_n and_o respect_v they_o as_o such_o do_v they_o labour_v with_o and_o take_v pain_n among_o you_o and_o be_v they_o diligent_a serious_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o office_n then_o pray_v much_o for_o they_o bless_v and_o thank_v god_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v accept_v and_o esteem_v of_o they_o carry_v yourselves_o submissive_o &_o obedient_o to_o they_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n and_o encourage_v their_o heart_n to_o and_o in_o their_o work_n and_o do_v all_o you_o can_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v for_o they_o do_v they_o walk_v holy_o humble_o wise_o zealous_o and_o fruitful_o do_v you_o follow_v their_o example_n imitate_v their_o step_n and_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a write_v after_o their_o copy_n and_o by_o so_o do_v you_o will_v honour_v christ_n and_o comfort_v they_o quest_n what_o other_o officer_n have_v jesus_n christ_n set_v in_o his_o church_n ans_fw-fr deacon_n the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v in_o his_o great_a love_n to_o and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n appoint_v and_o give_v to_o they_o this_o sort_n of_o officer_n also_o for_o their_o comfort_n profit_n and_o well_o be_v and_o they_o need_v they_o likewise_o for_o as_o the_o teach_v elder_n may_v not_o attend_v most_o to_o their_o roll_a work_n but_o to_o study_v read_v doctrine_n and_o exhortation_n and_o then_o not_o to_o serve_v table_n act_n 6._o so_o the_o rule_v elder_n leave_v their_o work_n to_o attend_v two_o which_o be_v not_o to_o serve_v table_n neither_o but_o to_o look_v after_o other_o church-matter_n and_o concernment_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v that_o deacon_n be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o officer_n by_o their_o name_n and_o work_v there_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o also_o their_o work_n use_v and_o qualification_n we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o in_o act_n 6.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o phil._n 1.1_o so_o that_o we_o see_v there_o be_v such_o a_o office_n and_o such_o officer_n be_v appoint_v for_o and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n quest_n what_o manner_n of_o person_n shall_v deacons_n be_v or_o what_o be_v their_o qualification_n by_o divine_a appointment_n ans_fw-fr they_o must_v be_v man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n act_v 6.3_o they_o must_v be_v grave_a not_o double-tongued_a not_o give_v to_o much_o wine_n not_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n hold_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o pure_a conscience_n even_o so_o must_v their_o wife_n be_v grave_a not_o slanderer_n sober_a faithful_a in_o all_o thing_n rule_v their_o child_n and_o their_o own_o house_n well_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o 11_o 12._o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o deacon_n in_o the_o church_n you_o that_o be_v deacon_n mind_v these_o thing_n and_o consider_v serious_o if_o you_o be_v so_o qualify_v for_o that_o office_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n if_o you_o be_v not_o so_o qualify_v humble_a yourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n entreat_v he_o to_o qualify_v you_o with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o good_a mean_n to_o obtain_v what_o be_v yet_o want_v in_o you_o for_o the_o well_o and_o profitable_a performance_n of_o your_o work_n as_o become_v such_o officer_n in_o a_o holy_a church_n of_o christ_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o deacon_n work_v in_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr in_o general_n their_o work_n be_v to_o serve_v table_n act_n 6._o but_o more_o particular_o 1._o they_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o and_o distribute_v to_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o their_o necessity_n act._n 6._o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o of_o they_o to_o want_v through_o their_o negligence_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o inquire_v what_o poor_a there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o their_o want_n be_v and_o according_o to_o supply_v they_o in_o order_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o church_n contribution_n and_o wise_o consider_v if_o what_o they_o do_v receive_v from_o they_o will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o satisfy_v other_o emergency_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o case_n they_o do_v not_o to_o acquaint_v one_o of_o the_o elder_n that_o
church-state_n only_o but_o to_o and_o for_o one_o another_o too_o you_o be_v command_v to_o remember_v they_o that_o be_v in_o bond_n as_o be_v bind_v with_o they_o heb._n 13.3_o and_o they_o that_o suffer_v adversity_n as_o be_v yourselves_o in_o the_o body_n you_o be_v strict_o command_v and_o charge_v by_o the_o great_a god_n to_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v and_o weep_v with_o they_o that_o weep_v and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n one_o towards_o another_o rom._n 12.15_o 16._o and_o look_v not_o every_o man_n at_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o every_o man_n also_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o phil_n 2.4_o and_o let_v no_o man_n seek_v his_o own_o but_o every_o man_n another_o wealth_n 1_o cor._n 10.24_o bear_v you_o one_o another_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n you_o must_v make_v and_o account_v your_o brethren_n cross_n loss_n temptation_n and_o affliction_n your_o own_o and_o when_o they_o want_v and_o call_v for_o your_o help_a hand_n to_o support_v or_o lift_v they_o up_o be_v fall_v you_o must_v give_v it_o they_o free_o ready_o and_o cheerful_o and_o not_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o or_o hide_v your_o eye_n from_o they_o and_o their_o cry_n for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o god_n holy_a and_o gracious_a end_n in_o appoint_v church_n and_o bring_v you_o into_o church-fellowship_n and_o so_o into_o acquaintance_n one_o with_o another_o namely_o that_o you_o may_v be_v fellow-mutual-helper_n and_o comforter_n one_o of_o another_o for_o if_o you_o be_v cruel_a to_o or_o careless_a of_o one_o another_o in_o affliction_n the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v require_v it_o at_o your_o hand_n and_o take_v it_o as_o do_v to_o himself_o therefore_o see_v it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o one_o another_o let_v we_o put_v on_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n col._n 3.12_o and_o be_v tender_a heart_a eph._n 4._o ult_n and_o as_o peter_n speak_v be_v pitiful_a and_o courteous_a to_o each_o other_o 1_o pet._n 3.8_o let_v the_o same_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o and_o let_v we_o show_v the_o same_o affection_n to_o one_o another_o in_o measure_n that_o christ_n jesus_n have_v show_v and_o still_o do_v express_v to_o we_o we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v full_a of_o love_a kindness_n pity_n sympathy_n and_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o we_o psal_n 103.13_o 14._o phil._n 2.1_o 2._o to_o show_v his_o member_n how_o they_o shall_v be_v and_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o one_o a_o other_o and_o to_o oblige_v and_o provoke_v they_o to_o do_v so_o too_o oh_o my_o brethren_n we_o shall_v much_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o five_o exhort_v and_o comfort_v one_o another_o for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v you_o this_o be_v not_o only_o your_o teacher_n duty_n and_o work_n but_o you_o also_o to_o each_o other_o heb._n 10.24_o 25._o and_o let_v we_o consider_v one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n but_o exhort_v one_o another_o this_o work_n and_o duty_n must_v be_v diligent_o and_o frequent_o do_v heb._n 3.13_o but_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n 1_o thes_n 5.11_o wherefore_o comfort_n yourselves_o together_o and_o edify_v one_o another_o even_o as_o also_o you_o do_v vers_n 14._o now_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n warn_v they_o that_o be_v unruly_a comfort_v the_o feeble_a mind_v support_v the_o weak_a my_o brothren_n you_o stand_v in_o continual_a need_n of_o one_o another_o exhortation_n and_o consolation_n and_o if_o you_o mind_n and_o manage_v this_o work_n well_o you_o may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o profitable_a one_o to_o another_o great_o oblige_v and_o knit_v your_o heart_n to_o each_o other_o and_o occasion_n many_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n thereby_o we_o be_v exceed_o apt_a and_o prone_a to_o fall_v backward_o and_o therefore_o need_v each_o other_o hand_n to_o draw_v we_o forward_o to_o grow_v cold_a and_o dead_a heart_a and_o therefore_o need_v each_o other_o help_v to_o warm_v and_o quicken_v we_o we_o be_v apt_a and_o ready_a to_o stand_v still_o and_o lie_v down_o a_o nap_v and_o therefore_o do_v great_o need_v one_o another_o awakening_n and_o holy_a provocation_n when_o this_o duty_n be_v frequent_o and_o conscientious_o practise_v by_o the_o saint_n they_o do_v thrive_v and_o prosper_v but_o since_o it_o have_v be_v so_o woeful_o neglect_v the_o contrary_a be_v apparent_a in_o the_o life_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o saint_n well_o then_o do_v you_o revive_v this_o work_n all_o you_o can_v set_a it_o forward_o with_o all_o your_o might_n and_o improve_v all_o your_o opportunity_n to_o the_o profit_n of_o each_o other_o soul_n for_o you_o see_v that_o it_o be_v your_o indispensible_a duty_n six_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o your_o head_n the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v each_o other_o keeper_n that_o you_o shall_v watch_v one_o over_o another_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v one_o another_o as_o need_n require_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o you_o shall_v pry_v into_o one_o another_o secret_n or_o be_v busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n no_o for_o that_o be_v hateful_a and_o abominable_a and_o god_n have_v forbid_v you_o to_o do_v so_o 1_o thes_n 3.11_o 1_o pet._n 4.15_o 1_o tim._n 5.13_o but_o my_o meaning_n be_v this_o namely_o that_o you_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o walking_n and_o conversation_n that_o if_o they_o do_v well_o you_o may_v encourage_v they_o if_o ill_a you_o may_v by_o counsel_n reproof_n admonition_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n labour_v to_o mend_v they_o and_o do_v all_o you_o can_v to_o convince_v and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o real_a sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o miscarriage_n as_o also_o to_o unfeigned_a repentance_n by_o which_o good_a work_n you_o will_v do_v they_o the_o church_n yea_o christ_n himself_o good_a and_o acceptable_a service_n you_o shall_v careful_o mind_v and_o observe_v if_o all_o do_v keep_v close_o to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n or_o be_v remiss_a and_o negligent_a if_o they_o carry_v themselves_o holy_o righteous_o and_o sober_o in_o their_o conversation_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v frothy_a vain_a proud_a extravagant_a loose_a unjust_a idle_a careless_a or_o any_o way_n scandalous_a you_o shall_v strict_o mind_v and_o observe_v if_o there_o be_v any_o tatler_n backbiter_n or_o sower_n of_o discord_n or_o such_o as_o speak_v contemptible_o and_o slight_o of_o their_o brethren_n especial_o of_o their_o elder_n and_o their_o administration_n as_o also_o such_o as_o combine_v together_o and_o make_v party_n or_o faction_n in_o the_o church_n or_o endeavour_v to_o load_v or_o obstruct_v any_o good_a work_n which_o their_o elder_n be_v promote_a of_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o deal_v with_o they_o according_o you_o must_v mind_n and_o careful_o observe_v if_o any_o be_v fall_v under_o sin_n or_o temptation_n in_o any_o case_n and_o not_o let_v they_o alone_o but_o present_o set_v your_o hand_n to_o help_v they_o to_o succour_v and_o restore_v they_o gal._n 6.1_o brethren_n if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n you_o which_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v take_v heed_n of_o that_o cain_n like_o spirit_n who_o when_o god_n ask_v he_o where_o his_o brother_n abel_n be_v reply_v be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n gen._n 4._o you_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o this_o evil_n towards_o your_o brethren_n namely_o to_o imagine_v that_o you_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v with_o they_o and_o that_o if_o they_o do_v otherwise_o than_o they_o shall_v the_o guilt_n will_v only_o lie_v at_o their_o door_n but_o you_o shall_v be_v blameless_a but_o my_o brethren_n it_o be_v not_o so_o you_o be_v not_o to_o be_v indifferent_a in_o this_o matter_n for_o assure_o you_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v keeper_n of_o one_o another_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o prevent_v and_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o sin_n in_o one_o another_o or_o else_o your_o brethren_n sin_n which_o you_o do_v or_o may_v know_v if_o you_o will_v and_o the_o wrong_n they_o do_v to_o themselves_o thereby_o yea_o and_o the_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n that_o may_v come_v to_o the_o church_n thereby_o will_v lie_v at_o your_o door_n and_o be_v cast_v on_o your_o soul_n because_o you_o neglect_v your_o duty_n and_o do_v not_o in_o season_n prevent_v it_o as_o you_o may_v have_v do_v if_o you_o will_v look_v not_o every_o man_n on_o his_o own_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o other_o also_o phil._n 2.4_o and_o seek_v not_o your_o own_o but_o every_o one_o
careful_a and_o mindful_a of_o they_o for_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o their_o good_a believer_n in_o live_v on_o and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o a_o church-state_n be_v of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a condition_n they_o be_v under_o the_o great_a security_n from_o seduction_n and_o satanical_a delusion_n from_o backslide_n and_o apostasy_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n from_o spiritual_a decay_n and_o withering_n from_o hardness_n of_o heart_n or_o from_o be_v harden_v and_o stupefy_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n and_o ensnare_a allurement_n of_o this_o world_n heb._n 3.13_o for_o they_o have_v great_a and_o more_o constant_a mean_n and_o provision_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o security_n than_o other_o have_v they_o have_v more_o promise_n of_o be_v secure_v by_o their_o lord_n and_o king_n esa_n 27.2_o 3._o sing_v you_o unto_o her_o a_o vineyard_n of_o red_a wine_n i_o the_o lord_n do_v keep_v it_o i_o will_v water_v it_o every_o moment_n lest_o any_o hurt_n it_o i_o will_v keep_v it_o night_n and_o day_n they_o have_v the_o lord_n presence_n and_o glory_n his_o love_n grace_n and_o benefit_n frequent_o before_o their_o eye_n to_o warn_v quicken_v and_o keep_v they_o awake_v and_o watchful_a diligent_a and_o faithful_a and_o they_o have_v fresh_a spring_n often_o flow_v in_o upon_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v much_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v much_o in_o their_o eye_n which_o keep_v a_o awe_n on_o they_o and_o the_o frequent_a view_n of_o his_o glorious_a person_n love_n grace_n law_n and_o ordinance_n be_v of_o great_a use_n towards_o their_o safety_n so_o also_o be_v the_o watchfulness_n help_n and_o assistance_n they_o have_v from_o one_o another_o in_o a_o church-state_n believer_n walk_v irregular_o and_o disorderly_o as_o they_o do_v when_o not_o join_v to_o some_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v as_o common_a field_n that_o lie_v open_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o beast_n and_o as_o soldier_n walk_v and_o straggle_v without_o the_o camp_n ready_a to_o become_v a_o prey_n unto_o their_o enemy_n but_o in_o a_o church-state_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n therein_o they_o be_v as_o a_o garden_n wall_v in_o as_o a_o castle_n and_o city_n with_o â—ates_n and_o barrs_n and_o as_o a_o household_n of_o person_n shut_v in_o with_o doors_z and_o lock_n they_o be_v hedge_v in_o with_o christ_n his_o discipline_n and_o secure_v with_o his_o watchful_a eye_n and_o protection_n so_o as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v so_o easy_o prevail_v against_o they_o as_o they_o may_v against_o other_o seven_o gospel-churche_n be_v very_o honourable_a society_n and_o corporation_n they_o be_v exalt_v and_o dignify_v so_o by_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o high_a excellent_a as_o honourable_a house_n and_o city_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v the_o house_n and_o household_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n 1_o tim._n 6.15_o psal_n 48.1_o 2_o 3._o eph._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o a_o house_n build_v up_o fit_o frame_v and_o artificial_o form_v of_o hew_a stone_n and_o timber_n be_v much_o more_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a than_o the_o material_n whereof_o it_o be_v build_v be_v before_o they_o be_v so_o form_v up_o one_o holy_a temple_n fit_o frame_v consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o meet_v and_o well_o qualify_v person_n have_v more_o beauty_n glory_n excellency_n honour_n and_o renown_n on_o it_o than_o ten_o thousand_o such_o material_n have_v whilst_o they_o lie_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o among_o the_o rubbish_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o they_o do_v more_o as_o it_o be_v adorn_v and_o beautify_v christ_n in_o the_o world_n so_o he_o do_v more_o adorn_v &_o beautify_v they_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v beautiful_a for_o situation_n psal_n 48.2_o and_o god_n holy_a temple_n eph._n 2.21_o they_o be_v honour_v with_o more_o of_o his_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a presence_n with_o more_o of_o his_o holy_a and_o sweet_a law_n and_o ordinance_n and_o with_o more_o of_o his_o promise_n power_n gift_n and_o grace_n their_o honour_n fame_n and_o renown_n be_v far_o above_o my_o reach_n and_o far_o beyond_o what_o i_o can_v declare_v they_o be_v make_v the_o keeper_n and_o upholder_n of_o his_o truth_n name_n and_o interest_n church_n in_o their_o orderly_a and_o holy_a walking_n be_v terrible_a as_o a_o army_n with_o banner_n cant._n 6.4_o 10._o and_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o this_o city_n of_o god_n psal_n 87.3_o as_o god_n say_v of_o job_n namely_o that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n job_n 8_o 1._o so_o he_o say_v of_o his_o new-testament_n church_n that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o society_n like_o they_o in_o the_o earth_n for_o what_o other_o corporation_n and_o society_n of_o man_n be_v so_o qualify_v that_o have_v god_n with_o they_o as_o they_o have_v that_o have_v such_o a_o head_n and_o king_n such_o ordinance_n law_n and_o lawgiver_n as_o such_o church_n have_v where_o be_v those_o society_n to_o be_v find_v that_o god_n speak_v so_o honourable_o of_o and_o give_v such_o honourable_a title_n to_o as_o he_o do_v to_o they_o they_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v all_o stone_n of_o gold_n and_o precious_a jewel_n they_o be_v king_n and_o priest_n and_o make_v up_o of_o royal_a diadem_n esa_n 62.3_o rev._n 2.1_o mal._n 3.17_o they_o have_v the_o lord_n name_v write_v on_o they_o and_o they_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n they_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n what_o other_o society_n of_o man_n be_v there_o govern_v by_o such_o law_n rule_v by_o such_o ruler_n animate_v by_o such_o a_o spirit_n and_o feed_v with_o such_o heavenly_a bread_n and_o spiritual_a provision_n as_o they_o be_v they_o be_v the_o light_n and_o glory_n of_o or_o in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o their_o joint_a prayer_n and_o interest_n in_o heaven_n they_o be_v the_o supporter_n of_o the_o world_n these_o be_v a_o few_o of_o the_o special_a privilege_n of_o inchurch_v saint_n which_o have_v be_v dear_o purchase_v for_o they_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o confer_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o affect_v their_o heart_n with_o they_o rejoice_v great_o with_o they_o and_o in_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v very_o thankful_a for_o and_o faithful_o improve_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o their_o own_o peace_n comfort_n encouragement_n in_o holiness_n and_o to_o their_o growth_n in_o grace_n you_o that_o be_v church_n and_o church-member_n be_v bind_v to_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n your_o great_a singular_a and_o invaluable_a privilege_n your_o unworthiness_n of_o they_o the_o price_n they_o have_v cost_v your_o head_n and_o king_n the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v you_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o they_o in_o your_o church-state_n and_o relation_n and_o see_v that_o you_o walk_v and_o carry_v yourselves_o honourable_o in_o all_o your_o way_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o remember_v that_o god_n give_v you_o all_o these_o and_o other_o privilege_n and_o enjoyment_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n yea_o that_o you_o may_v abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o tim._n 6.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 15._o ult_n your_o privilege_n be_v singular_a and_o glorious_a oh_o so_o let_v your_o word_n carriage_n deed_n and_o performance_n be_v also_o god_n have_v dignify_v you_o do_v you_o see_v that_o you_o exalt_v he_o god_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o you_o do_v you_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o he_o you_o shall_v reap_v the_o benefit_n and_o he_o the_o glory_n chap._n x._o that_o it_o be_v the_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o all_o believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o some_o right_o constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n if_o they_o can_v together_o with_o the_o reason_n and_o end_n of_o their_o so_o do_v quest_n ovght_v not_o all_o true_a believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o and_o walk_v in_o fellow_n ship_n with_o some_o holy_a and_o well-constituted_n church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n where_o they_o may_v enjoy_v and_o partake_v of_o his_o gospel-ordinance_n ans_fw-fr it_o be_v their_o undoubted_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n so_o to_o do_v if_o they_o have_v the_o conveniency_n and_o opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o they_o may_v not_o wilful_o or_o careless_o neglect_v to_o do_v it_o one_o day_n after_o they_o have_v opportunity_n offer_v they_o they_o be_v not_o can_v be_v dispense_v withal_o in_o their_o omission_n for_o their_o wilful_a or_o careless_a neglect_n be_v their_o sin_n they_o be_v by_o such_o neglect_v guilty_a of_o disobedience_n and_o contempt_n they_o disobey_v the_o royal_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o their_o sovereign_a
brethren_n dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n psal_n 133.1_o 2._o and_o unite_v in_o a_o holy_a band._n i_o have_v speak_v somewhat_o of_o this_o elsewhere_o under_o another_o head_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o believer_n may_v more_o honour_n christ_n by_o walk_v together_o in_o gospel_n or_o church-fellowship_n than_o otherwise_o that_o then_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n so_o to_o walk_v for_o if_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o exalt_v and_o honour_n christ_n all_o they_o can_v as_o certain_o it_o be_v than_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v it_o now_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o and_o set_v in_o his_o church_n many_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o he_o expect_v a_o revenue_n of_o glory_n by_o his_o people_n therefore_o the_o more_o of_o his_o ordinance_n you_o have_v in_o your_o hand_n and_o spiritual_o observe_v the_o more_o be_v christ_n glorify_v by_o you_o beside_o this_o you_o be_v in_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n heb._n 10.24.25_o and_o to_o inflame_v one_o another_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o preserve_v each_o other_o from_o sin_v against_o he_o and_o reproach_v his_o holy_a name_n and_o way_n by_o sin_n in_o a_o church-state_n than_o out_o of_o it_o you_o will_v likewise_o be_v capacitate_v to_o honour_v the_o lord_n jesus_n more_o in_o a_o church-state_n than_o otherwise_o by_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o get_v more_o talent_n into_o your_o hand_n to_o trade_n withal_o and_o employ_v for_o he_o in_o the_o church_n and_o world_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o therefore_o do_v you_o no_o long_o stand_v off_o but_o join_v yourselves_o to_o some_o gospel-church_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n sake_n six_o you_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n aught_o to_o join_v yourselves_o to_o some_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o your_o fellow-member_n and_o brethren_n sake_n too_o you_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v to_o one_o another_o gal._n 6.10_o to_o further_o each_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n we_o need_v each_o other_o help_a hand_n and_o be_v set_v in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a one_o to_o another_o now_o by_o join_v ourselves_o one_o to_o another_o and_o walk_v together_o in_o mutual_a love_n peace_n and_o concord_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n though_o not_o so_o in_o all_o thing_n way_n and_o order_n in_o the_o same_o communion_n ordinance_n and_o worship_n we_o do_v great_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n cheer_n and_o quicken_v the_o heart_n of_o one_o another_o in_o our_o duty_n under_o our_o burden_n and_o temptation_n and_o help_v to_o make_v our_o yoke_n â—asie_a we_o animate_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o and_o put_v as_o it_o be_v new_a courage_n life_n and_o spirit_n into_o each_o other_o but_o by_o our_o neglect_n to_o join_v in_o fellowship_n with_o our_o brethren_n by_o be_v strange_a to_o and_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o we_o do_v very_o much_o weaken_v their_o hand_n sadden_fw-mi grieve_v and_o discourage_v their_o heart_n and_o lay_v they_o under_o many_o temptation_n trouble_n and_o disquietment_n as_o experience_n show_v we_o ought_v to_o bear_v each_o other_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6_o 2._o but_o we_o may_v not_o burden_v one_o another_o either_o by_o omission_n or_o commission_n we_o be_v debtor_n to_o one_o another_o by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n command_n and_o our_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o each_o other_o we_o live_v not_o from_o or_o by_o ourselves_o &_o therefore_o must_v not_o live_v for_o and_o to_o ourselves_o i_o be_o my_o brother_n and_o he_o be_v i_o as_o to_o help_v comfort_n service_n and_o usefulness_n one_o to_o another_o such_o as_o careless_o or_o wilful_o abide_v out_o of_o church-fellowship_n do_v in_o a_o sense_n condemn_v those_o who_o walk_v in_o it_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o one_o another_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thereby_o the_o more_o serviceable_a to_o each_o other_o i_o be_o my_o brother_n keeper_n teacher_n comforter_n reprover_n and_o admonisher_n and_o he_o be_v i_o i_o can_v well_o live_v nor_o ordinary_o live_v well_o without_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n nor_o he_o without_o i_o we_o have_v our_o work_n and_o business_n to_o do_v for_o one_o another_o as_o well_o as_o for_o ourselves_o the_o near_a and_o fast_a brethren_n be_v link_v and_o knit_v together_o the_o warm_a and_o strong_a their_o love_n will_v be_v to_o and_o the_o more_o care_n and_o tenderness_n they_o will_v have_v for_o and_o towards_o one_o another_o now_o though_o church-fellowship_n be_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o brethren_n love_n and_o service_n one_o to_o another_o but_o their_o oneness_n with_o christ_n and_o fellow-membership_a in_o he_o their_o head_n as_o also_o his_o reveal_v will_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o experience_n that_o their_o near_a and_o close_a communion_n together_o in_o church-fellowship_n do_v great_o provoke_v irritate_fw-la strengthen_v and_o draw_v forth_o their_o love_n one_o to_o another_o distance_n and_o strangeness_n weaken_v love_n but_o nearness_n and_o intimacy_n strengthen_v it_o church_n communion_n be_v a_o spiritual_a bond_n that_o tie_v spiritual_a man_n together_o and_o great_o knit_v they_o into_o one_o when_o otherwise_o in_o their_o walking_n they_o be_v divide_v and_o like_a bone_n out_o of_o joint_n therefore_o let_v all_o true-hearted_a brethren_n join_v in_o church-fellowship_n with_o their_o brethren_n and_o declare_v their_o oneness_n in_o christ_n in_o spirit_n faith_n and_o love_n by_o their_o so_o do_v let_v they_o strengthen_v each_o other_o hand_n and_o encourage_v one_o another_o heart_n in_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n in_o their_o privilege_n and_o mercy_n and_o know_v that_o you_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v so_o to_o do_v you_o have_v christ_n himself_o and_o his_o spirit_n call_v you_o you_o have_v your_o own_o and_o your_o brethren_n soul_n call_v you_o you_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a saint_n call_v you_o and_o in_o a_o sense_n you_o have_v the_o world_n call_v you_o into_o church-fellowship_n why_o then_o do_v it_o and_o make_v no_o long_o delay_n for_o while_o you_o neglect_v to_o do_v it_o you_o neglect_v your_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o your_o brethren_n and_o to_o your_o own_o soul_n yea_o you_o do_v practical_o slight_v your_o purchase_a privilege_n and_o dear-bought_a mercy_n do_v it_o speedy_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o for_o your_o own_o peace_n comfort_n growth_n and_o security_n seven_o you_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n aught_o to_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n that_o you_o may_v be_v and_o live_v under_o church_n promise_n you_o hear_v before_o that_o there_o be_v many_o promise_n make_v and_o give_v to_o church_n or_o to_o believer_n in_o that_o capacity_n which_o they_o can_v claim_v to_o themselves_o while_o they_o walk_v alone_o as_o individual_n and_o stranger_n to_o one_o another_o god_n tell_v solomon_n that_o his_o eye_n and_o heart_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o in_o his_o temple_n 2_o chron._n 7.16_o but_o david_n gold_n silver_n brass_n and_o other_o material_n that_o he_o have_v provide_v to_o build_v it_o have_v not_o such_o a_o promise_n until_o they_o be_v form_v up_o into_o a_o house_n for_o god_n so_o it_o be_v now_o with_o live_v or_o lively_a material_n that_o be_v hew_v and_o polished_a for_o to_o build_v he_o gospel-temple_n they_o may_v not_o expect_v the_o good_a of_o all_o the_o promise_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n appointment_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n although_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n unite_v and_o marry_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o all_o the_o good_a of_o they_o yet_o the_o great_a god_n give_v out_o and_o impart_v the_o juice_n and_o fatness_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o gospel_n precept_n and_o appointment_n that_o such_o as_o expect_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o they_o may_v seek_v all_o in_o those_o way_n i_o have_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n instance_a in_o several_a promise_n that_o belong_v unto_o church_n or_o unto_o believer_n walk_v with_o god_n in_o that_o state_n and_o capacity_n as_o that_o in_o rev._n 2.1_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o psal_n 92.12_o 13._o psal_n 132.12_o 13_o 14._o eph._n 2._o the_o three_o last_o verse_n with_o several_a other_o of_o like_a import_n now_o then_o if_o you_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o good_a of_o church-promise_n you_o must_v become_v holy_a and_o orderly_a church-member_n sure_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o look_v after_o and_o earnest_o to_o seek_v for_o
they_o and_o that_o where_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o you_o may_v find_v they_o there_o you_o may_v obtain_v the_o milk_n and_o honey_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n presence_n of_o make_v you_o fat_a and_o flourish_a of_o a_o bless_a ministry_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o of_o divine_a love_n and_o sweet_a provision_n and_o of_o peace_n and_o security_n i_o can_v have_v persuade_v you_o to_o join_v unto_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o other_o reason_n but_o i_o think_v these_o may_v suffice_v such_o as_o be_v of_o willing_a heart_n and_o of_o meek_a and_o humble_a soft_a and_o holy_a spirit_n quest_n what_o end_n shall_v all_o man_n aim_v at_o and_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n in_o join_v with_o and_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n or_o to_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n shall_v they_o become_v church-member_n answ_n 1._o to_o please_v and_o honour_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n and_o king_n in_o his_o church_n and_o to_o show_v their_o respect_n unto_o he_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o declare_v their_o dependence_n on_o he_o for_o all_o thing_n and_o their_o subjection_n to_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n christ_n the_o lord_n have_v do_v many_o good_a work_n to_o pleasure_v they_o exalt_v &_o honour_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v his_o will_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o please_v exalt_v and_o honour_v he_o esa_n 56.4_o col._n 1.10_o this_o glorious_a end_n every_o church-member_n must_v have_v in_o his_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o walk_v in_o church_n 2._o to_o express_v their_o high_a resentment_n of_o his_o savour_n to_o they_o and_o their_o cordial_a thank_v fullness_n for_o they_o they_o be_v great_o privilege_v and_o high_o dignify_v in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o membership_n there_o and_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o express_v their_o gratitude_n to_o their_o head_n and_o king_n but_o by_o accept_v they_o dutiful_a and_o faithful_a improvement_n of_o they_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v give_v good_a man_n do_v show_v how_o they_o value_v they_o by_o their_o accept_n and_o use_v they_o church_n and_o their_o privilege_n be_v not_o small_a matter_n in_o their_o account_n or_o light_a matter_n in_o their_o esteem_n but_o they_o be_v high_a and_o honourable_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o be_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n there_o likewise_o psal_n 27.4_o psal_n 63.1_o 2_o 3._o psal_n 84._o 3._o they_o shall_v aim_v at_o and_o design_n to_o have_v and_o hold_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n god_n be_v know_v in_o these_o palace_n psal_n 48.3_o and_o to_o be_v see_v in_o these_o gallery_n there_o he_o open_v himself_o and_o break_v open_v the_o treasure_n of_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n unto_o his_o people_n and_o there_o he_o stand_v hold_v out_o his_o golden_a sceptre_n there_o he_o wait_v to_o meet_v his_o spouse_n to_o kiss_v and_o embrace_v they_o to_o entertain_v and_o speak_v friendly_a to_o they_o he_o meet_v they_o that_o rejoice_v and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o remember_v he_o in_o his_o way_n esa_n 64.5_o the_o way_n and_o walk_v of_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v in_o his_o church_n there_o he_o dwell_v keep_v house_n manifest_v himself_o unto_o his_o household_n and_o rest_v himself_o take_v his_o delight_n and_o show_v forth_o his_o glory_n to_o they_o and_o thither_o they_o shall_v go_v to_o meet_v he_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o rev._n 2.1_o joh._n 14.21_o 23._o 4._o believer_n shall_v enter_v into_o and_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o church-fellowship_n to_o increase_v and_o augment_v their_o grace_n and_o to_o better_v their_o heart_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o and_o that_o they_o may_v perfect_v holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n joh._n 1.16_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n eph._n 3.19_o that_o they_o may_v eat_v of_o their_o father_n bread_n and_o drink_n of_o his_o wine_n be_v make_v fat_a and_o flourish_a and_o fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n psal_n 92._o psal_n 132._o col._n 1.10_o 5_o to_o keep_v their_o heart_n warm_a strong_a and_o lively_a for_o god_n his_o work_n and_o service_n and_o that_o they_o may_v obtain_v and_o enjoy_v all_o encouragement_n for_o and_o in_o their_o work_n trial_n and_o difficulty_n to_o fence_v and_o arm_v themselves_o against_o all_o their_o enemy_n assault_n on_o they_o and_o be_v enable_v to_o fight_v against_o and_o conquer_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o run_v their_o holy_a race_n cheerful_o and_o courageous_o and_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n act._n 20.24_o 1_o cor._n 9.24_o rom._n 8._o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n shine_v warm_a on_o believer_n soul_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v more_o spring_n of_o joy_n and_o harvest_n of_o profit_n than_o be_v or_o can_v be_v find_v elsewhere_o there_o be_v a_o river_n the_o stream_n whereof_o make_v glad_a the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a place_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o most_o high_a psal_n 46.4_o there_o be_v no_o spring_n like_o the_o church_n spring_n nor_o any_o harvest_n like_o the_o church_n harvest_n the_o full_a clear_a and_o most_o fatten_a stream_n of_o live_a water_n flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n christ_n on_o the_o church_n and_o the_o most_o comely_a and_o fruitful_a branch_n be_v or_o may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o they_o may_v be_v the_o warm_a sweet_a strong_a lively_a chearfull_a fruitfull_a and_o the_o most_o spiritual_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v such_o they_o shall_v join_v themselves_o to_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 6._o that_o they_o may_v adorn_v the_o gospel_n convince_v the_o world_n encourage_v their_o brethren_n and_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n way_n authority_n and_o headship_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v no_o small_a thing_n but_o they_o be_v all_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o of_o great_a concernment_n and_o therefore_o and_o for_o these_o end_n they_o shall_v walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n 7._o to_o augment_v and_o increase_v your_o experience_n to_o obtain_v more_o acquaintance_n with_o yourselves_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o you_o and_o in_o you_o and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v more_o clear_o and_o firm_o seal_v up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n 8._o to_o pay_v your_o vow_n and_o make_v good_a your_o promise_n to_o perform_v your_o covenant_n and_o discharge_v your_o work_n to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n your_o head_n you_o owe_v they_o personal_a and_o church-homage_n and_o service_n you_o be_v bind_v and_o engage_v to_o observe_v and_o do_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o your_o god_n command_v and_o appoint_v you_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v according_a to_o your_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n matth._n 28._o ult_n joh._n 14.15_o which_o you_o do_v not_o can_v do_v unless_o you_o walk_v in_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v yourselves_o under_o all_o his_o law_n ordinance_n and_o institution_n but_o that_o you_o may_v so_o do_v you_o put_v or_o aught_o to_o put_v yourselves_o under_o they_o by_o join_v yourselves_o to_o and_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o his_o people_n in_o church-fellowship_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o holy_a end_n all_o believer_n shall_v have_v in_o their_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o their_o aim_n and_o design_n they_o must_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o carnal_a self-end_n in_o this_o and_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v certain_o crowd_n in_o and_o carry_v a_o great_a stroke_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n abhor_v they_o and_o can_v endure_v to_o have_v his_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o concernment_n subject_v and_o make_v to_o serve_v man_n carnal_a interest_n he_o will_v have_v no_o other_o aim_n and_o end_n in_o church-member_n heart_n but_o his_o own_o whereby_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v and_o our_o soul_n profit_v and_o other_o encourage_v to_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o he_o we_o have_v no_o dispensation_n or_o allowance_n give_v we_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o design_n to_o augment_v and_o increase_v our_o trade_n and_o worldly_a profit_n or_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o church_n benevolence_n in_o and_o by_o our_o walk_n with_o they_o or_o to_o greaten_v our_o name_n and_o increase_v our_o friendship_n and_o acquaintance_n among_o man_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o capacitate_v we_o to_o do_v the_o more_o good_a to_o man_n to_o have_v large_a opportunity_n to_o serve_v christ_n our_o brethren_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o our_o aim_n end_n and_o design_n must_v be_v the_o lord_n namely_o to_o please_v and_o honour_n god_n to_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n
to_o he_o for_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o we_o to_o hold_v and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n to_o be_v warm_a lively_a and_o strong_a in_o our_o duty_n and_o performance_n and_o for_o such_o holy_a end_n as_o god_n require_v thus_o you_o see_v that_o all_o god_n people_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o and_o walk_v in_o spiritual_a fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o for_o what_o end_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n they_o shall_v do_v so_o chap._n xi_o show_v how_o church-member_n ought_v to_o walk_v and_o what_o sin_n and_o temptation_n they_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o in_o their_o church-state_n with_o rule_n and_o caution_n against_o they_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v to_o practise_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o quest_n how_o ought_v believer_n to_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n answ_n i_o have_v show_v already_o what_o their_o duty_n be_v and_o how_o they_o shall_v carry_v themselves_o towards_o their_o officer_n and_o towards_o one_o another_o in_o a_o church-state_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o mention_v they_o here_o but_o shall_v answer_v the_o question_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o church-member_n must_v walk_v exemplary_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o so_o many_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n they_o of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o shine_a light_n their_o grace_n gift_n word_n deed_n and_o carriage_n shall_v shine_v so_o clear_a and_o bright_a so_o glorious_o and_o conspicuous_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o force_n and_o prevalency_n of_o law_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o beholder_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v safe_o &_o secure_o imitate_v &_o follow_v they_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n be_v as_o so_o many_o sea-mark_n pilot_n &_o guide_n to_o man_n they_o live_v more_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o church_n be_v call_v in_o rev._n 13.6_o &_o in_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o glorious_a son_n of_o righteousness_n than_o other_o do_v and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v give_v better_o and_o clear_a light_n than_o other_o can_v they_o be_v much_o more_o eye_a mind_a and_o observe_v than_o other_o be_v and_o man_n expect_v and_o look_v for_o more_o good_a in_o and_o choice_a fruit_n from_o they_o than_o they_o do_v from_o other_o man_n they_o do_v or_o may_v converse_v more_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n with_o they_o than_o other_o man_n do_v and_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o great_a thing_n from_o he_o than_o other_o man_n be_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v a_o singular_a people_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n church-member_n be_v high_o dignify_v and_o great_o privilege_v their_o holy_a profession_n give_v out_o &_o bespeak_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a treasure_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v declare_v before_o all_o man_n that_o they_o be_v such_o indeed_o and_o not_o in_o pretence_n only_o their_o frame_n of_o heart_n word_n deed_n and_o deportment_n must_v speak_v for_o they_o &_o manifest_v they_o to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o truth_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v church-member_n word_n work_n and_o carriage_n must_v praise_v they_o in_o the_o gate_n 1._o they_o shall_v be_v shine_a light_n in_o humility_n and_o meekness_n col._n 3.12_o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n 1_o pet._n 5.5_o and_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n phil._n 2.3_o but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o matth._n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n church-member_n must_v not_o be_v high_a proud_a and_o lofty_a they_o may_v not_o think_v high_o of_o themselves_o rom._n 12.3_o nor_o cloth_n and_o deck_v themselves_o as_o other_o do_v they_o may_v not_o carry_v themselves_o strange_o or_o disdainful_o towards_o man_n but_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a towards_o their_o brethren_n and_o all_o man_n in_o their_o apparel_n word_n deed_n and_o carriage_n for_o if_o this_o part_n of_o christ_n image_n do_v not_o appear_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n on_o they_o they_o can_v have_v any_o at_o all_o a_o meek_a spirit_n carriage_n and_o deportment_n be_v one_o of_o their_o ornament_n it_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 2._o they_o must_v shine_v in_o zeal_n &_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n this_o holy_a fire_n shall_v burn_v among_o they_o they_o must_v not_o be_v of_o dull_a stupid_a heavy_a and_o lumpish_a spirit_n worship_n god_n appear_v before_o he_o and_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o indifferent_o cold_o dull_o regardless_o and_o heavy_o as_o if_o they_o be_v rather_o drive_v to_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n against_o their_o will_n than_o with_o their_o choice_n love_n and_o desire_n but_o they_o must_v be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rom._n 12.11_o for_o which_o some_o of_o the_o corinthian_n be_v commend_v 2_o cor._n 7.11_o and_o phinchas_n numb_a 25.11.13_o and_o david_n psal_n 69.9_o to_o this_o they_o be_v redeem_v and_o for_o it_o they_o be_v purchase_v tit._n 2.14_o not_o only_o to_o do_v good_a work_n but_o to_o be_v zealous_a in_o and_o for_o they_o the_o lord_n jesus_n charge_v his_o church_n to_o be_v zealous_a church_n rev._n 3.19_o in_o imitation_n of_o himself_o who_o zeal_n to_o god_n do_v eat_v he_o up_o joh._n 2.17_o much_o holy_a zeal_n govern_v and_o guide_v by_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n make_v a_o man_n a_o excellent_a shine_a useful_a acceptable_a and_o desirable_a man_n indeed_o this_o shall_v be_v another_o of_o the_o church_n beauty_n and_o comely_a ornament_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v still_o be_v clothe_v deck_v and_o adorn_v in_o this_o world_n if_o this_o diamond_n do_v not_o shine_v if_o they_o be_v not_o adorn_v with_o this_o rare_a jewel_n what_o be_v they_o worth_a and_o what_o be_v they_o good_a for_o they_o will_v be_v like_o fire_n without_o heat_n and_o light_n as_o to_o their_o duty_n work_n and_o usefulness_n they_o will_v be_v like_o drone_n or_o like_a bee_n without_o sting_n namely_o of_o no_o considerable_a use_n in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o they_o do_v for_o god_n man_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o esteem_n and_o account_n 3._o they_o must_v shine_v in_o love_n and_o charity_n too_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n col._n 3.14_o the_o ligament_n and_o sinew_n the_o cord_n and_o instrument_n that_o tie_v we_o fast_o to_o god_n and_o to_o one_o another_o see_v that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o with_o pure_a heart_n fervent_o 1_o pet._n 122._o and_o let_v love_n be_v without_o dissimulation_n rom._n 12.9_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n soul_n and_o strength_n matth._n 22.37_o the_o internal_a motive_n or_o move_a cause_n of_o all_o obedience_n and_o service_n to_o god_n must_v be_v love_n to_o he_o and_o our_o duty_n joh._n 14.15_o 1_o joh._n 5.3_o it_o be_v true_a that_o man_n can_v certain_o discern_v this_o love_n to_o god_n in_o one_o another_o but_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n may_v and_o must_v church_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v church_n of_o love_n they_o shall_v be_v act_v and_o animate_v draw_v and_o constrain_v to_o every_o good_a work_n by_o love_n 2_o cor._n 5.14_o all_o the_o way_n and_o working_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o we_o all_o that_o he_o do_v to_o or_o for_o we_o be_v love_n do_v he_o instruct_v we_o or_o do_v he_o correct_v we_o it_o be_v all_o in_o and_o from_o love_n love_n to_o we_o be_v the_o bottom_n spring_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o we_o his_o anger_n be_v provoke_v love_n love_n shall_v knit_v our_o heart_n fast_o to_o our_o god_n and_o head_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o service_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o church-fellowship_n but_o of_o this_o already_o elsewhere_o 4._o church_n must_v shine_v in_o that_o great_a work_n and_o duty_n of_o self-denial_n when_o need_n require_v he_o that_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v christ_n must_v deny_v himself_o mark_n 8.34_o matth._n 16.24_o luk._n 9.26_o they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o self-denial_n or_o in_o deny_v themselves_o of_o many_o thing_n for_o christ_n for_o their_o brethren_n and_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n sake_n their_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o great_a copy_n pattern_n and_o examplar_n of_o self-denial_n and_o that_o for_o they_o to_o serve_v they_o and_o promote_v their_o happiness_n phil._n 2.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o act_n 20.28_o and_o without_o this_o we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v ourselves_o
respect_v by_o we_o this_o general_n include_v many_o particular_a and_o subordinate_a end_n which_o in_o pursuance_n and_o obtain_n of_o the_o general_n we_o must_v have_v in_o our_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o our_o walk_n in_o this_o state_n and_o relation_n i_o shall_v not_o mention_v they_o here_o but_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o next_o forego_n chapter_n where_o you_o may_v find_v several_a of_o they_o only_o i_o shall_v add_v that_o you_o must_v sincere_o and_o unfeigned_o keep_v these_o and_o all_o other_o god_n holy_a end_n in_o your_o eye_n and_o heart_n and_o pursue_v they_o with_o all_o your_o might_n until_o you_o have_v obtain_v they_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n you_o may_v you_o must_v hold_v communion_n together_o for_o these_o end_n and_o you_o must_v discourse_v one_o with_o another_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v pray_v sing_n and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o for_o these_o end_n you_o must_v wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o secret_a quicken_v and_o provoke_v one_o another_o and_o prepare_v your_o heart_n that_o you_o may_v so_o enjoy_v ordinance_n and_o worship_n god_n together_o as_o to_o obtain_v they_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n three_o church-member_n must_v walk_v humble_o with_o god_n micah_n 6.8_o they_o must_v have_v a_o watchful_a eye_n against_o heart-pride_n and_o be_v great_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n because_o of_o their_o greatr_n piviledge_n &_o high_a dignity_n their_o nearness_n to_o god_n and_o the_o distinguish_a character_n that_o be_v upon_o they_o all_o your_o glory_v must_v be_v in_o god_n not_o in_o yourselves_o or_o privilege_n 1_o cor._n 1._o ult_n for_o all_o you_o have_v be_v but_o lend_v you_o a_o humble_a heart_n and_o lowly_a spirit_n be_v a_o jewel_n of_o great_a account_n in_o heaven_n to_o such_o a_o person_n god_n look_v with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n isa_n 66.2_o to_o he_o he_o give_v more_o grace_n and_o fill_v his_o soul_n with_o good_a thing_n 1_o pet._n 5.5_o luk._n 1.53_o the_o meek_a and_o humble-hearted_n he_o will_v teach_v psal_n 25.9_o the_o low_a any_o be_v in_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o high_a be_v god_n there_o the_o more_o humble-hearted_n any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a he_o be_v the_o more_o like_o the_o most_o renown_a worthy_n in_o scripture_n yea_o the_o more_o like_a christ_n himself_o matth._n 11.29_o the_o more_o humble_a and_o lowly_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o capable_a he_o be_v of_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o of_o be_v enrich_v with_o his_o grace_n and_o truth_n if_o you_o indulge_v the_o pride_n of_o your_o heart_n or_o countenance_n selfconceitedness_a in_o yourselves_o you_o will_v grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o forsake_v you_o for_o as_o a_o humble_a heart_n give_v god_n his_o due_a so_o a_o proud_a heart_n rob_v he_o of_o it_o and_o take_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o humble_a heart_n be_v a_o grow_a thrive_a and_o profit_v heart_n it_o will_v make_v happy_a earning_n of_o all_o god_n dispensation_n he_o that_o be_v of_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a spirit_n be_v a_o gainer_n by_o all_o providence_n &_o be_v better_v by_o all_o occurrence_n he_o gain_v by_o the_o rod_n and_o also_o by_o the_o word_n he_o gain_v by_o loss_n cross_n trial_n temptation_n poverty_n reproach_n so_o likewise_o by_o prosperity_n honour_n riches_n and_o all_o other_o smile_a providence_n if_o he_o lose_v without_o he_o gain_v within_o therefore_o you_o ought_v to_o put_v on_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_a humbleness_n of_o mind_n towards_o god_n 1_o col._n 3.12_o as_o well_o as_o humble_a carriage_n towards_o man_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o for_o god_n love_v to_o keep_v company_n with_o humble_a person_n four_o live_v by_o faith_n on_o your_o god_n and_o father_n on_o your_o head_n and_o king_n and_o expect_v in_o the_o way_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n all_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n and_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o give_v place_n to_o distrust_n doubt_n and_o fear_n or_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v forget_v you_o or_o deny_v you_o that_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v because_o of_o your_o personal_a unworthiness_n consider_v that_o he_o have_v call_v you_o into_o fellowship_n and_o form_v you_o into_o holy_a corporation_n put_v you_o under_o his_o ordinance_n and_o make_v you_o his_o household_n bring_v you_o into_o order_n and_o set_v you_o near_o unto_o himself_o that_o he_o may_v visit_v you_o and_o walk_v with_o you_o that_o he_o may_v impart_v his_o counsel_n to_o you_o distribute_v his_o covenant-favour_n to_o your_o soul_n perform_v his_o promise_n and_o fill_v you_o with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o himself_o therefore_o do_v you_o hang_v about_o he_o and_o cleave_v to_o he_o for_o he_o be_v faithful_a that_o have_v promise_v heb._n 10.23_o and_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v all_o his_o promise_n rom._n 4.21_o yea_o and_o he_o be_v most_o free_o willing_a to_o do_v it_o also_o micah_n 7._o ult_n remember_v that_o god_n have_v not_o bring_v you_o into_o his_o house_n to_o famish_v you_o or_o deal_v severe_o with_o you_o no_o but_o to_o nourish_v and_o feed_v you_o to_o strengthen_v and_o sanctify_v you_o to_o comfort_v and_o refresh_v you_o to_o teach_v you_o build_v you_o up_o care_v for_o you_o and_o prepare_v you_o for_o eternal_a life_n god_n be_v ever_o mindful_a of_o his_o covenant_n therefore_o do_v you_o remember_v to_o make_v he_o your_o stay_n and_o trust_v live_v upon_o he_o and_o expect_v all_o promise_a good_a from_o he_o he_o will_v have_v you_o do_v so_o he_o have_v command_v it_o and_o therefore_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n psal_n 37.3.5.7_o rom._n 1.17_o heb._n 11.38_o 1_o pet._n 5.7_o his_o hand_n and_o heart_n will_v be_v open_a to_o you_o and_o from_o his_o fountain_n of_o love_n &_o grace_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n into_o your_o soul_n zach._n 13.1_o he_o will_v always_o care_v for_o and_o watch_v over_o you_o for_o good_a he_o will_v water_v you_o every_o moment_n he_o will_v keep_v you_o night_n and_o day_n isa_n 27._o 3._o oh_o then_o trust_v in_o he_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o your_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o and_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o direct_v your_o step_n prov._n 3.6_o cast_v all_o your_o care_n on_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o you_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n shall_v keep_v you_o phil._n 4._o expect_v and_o look_v for_o your_o purchase_a and_o promise_v portion_n in_o your_o father_n house_n in_o walk_v in_o his_o family-order_n and_o under_o the_o government_n thereof_o under_o the_o law_n and_o inspection_n of_o the_o great_a and_o gracious_a lord_n thereof_o in_o all_o your_o waiting_n on_o he_o in_o every_o ordinance_n of_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o believe_v hope_v and_o wait_v for_o his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n whenever_o you_o ascend_v the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n to_o meet_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n and_o to_o present_v your_o king_n with_o a_o thank-offering_a be_v sure_a to_o carry_v faith_n with_o you_o go_v with_o much_o faith_n and_o hope_n unto_o he_o and_o do_v as_o child_n do_v whilst_o in_o their_o father_n house_n they_o live_v on_o their_o father_n for_o food_n raiment_n and_o all_o other_o bodily_a supply_v so_o do_v you_o in_o your_o father_n spiritual_a house_n live_v on_o he_o for_o all_o provision_n mind_v your_o duty_n and_o trust_v he_o with_o your_o promise_v all_o five_o let_v your_o praise_n wait_v for_o your_o god_n and_o king_n in_o zion_n psal_n 65.1_o and_o do_v not_o neglect_v to_o go_v up_o to_o his_o temple_n with_o your_o sacrifice_n when_o the_o tribe_n go_v or_o be_v call_v up_o thither_o then_o i_o say_v do_v you_o be_v sure_a to_o go_v up_o with_o they_o stay_v not_o behind_o nor_o tarry_v at_o home_n when_o other_o go_v up_o go_v with_o your_o brethren_n when_o they_o go_v that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v as_o in_o psal_n 84.7_o every_o one_o namely_o of_o the_o church_n appear_v before_o god_n in_o zion_n and_o be_v sure_a that_o when_o you_o go_v you_o go_v not_o empty-handed_n exod._n 23.15_o exod._n 34.20_o if_o you_o can_v present_v your_o king_n with_o a_o lamb_n for_o a_o thank-offering_a carry_v he_o two_o turtle_n dove_n with_o you_o if_o not_o able_a to_o carry_v two_o dove_n then_o carry_v with_o thou_o two_o mite_n as_o the_o widow_n the_o poor_a widow_n do_v mark_n 12.42_o 43_o 44._o but_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o two_o mite_n to_o carry_v with_o thou_o to_o present_v to_o thy_o god_n for_o a_o freewill_n or_o thank-offering_a then_o go_v abeg_v to_o he_o for_o one_o but_o in_o any_o wise_a go_v to_o your_o church-meeting_n with_o your_o brethren_n tarry_v not_o behind_o they_o for_o if_o you_o do_v neglect_v to_o
righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 5._o ult_n now_o that_o god_n and_o the_o mediator_n have_v so_o covenant_v promise_v and_o engage_v for_o and_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o believer_n that_o christ_n come_v and_o finish_v all_o the_o work_n that_o the_o father_n give_v he_o to_o do_v that_o christ_n have_v obey_v and_o suffer_v the_o father_n satisfy_v and_o well_o please_v and_o that_o peace_n friendship_n and_o reconciliation_n for_o man_n be_v obtain_v and_o that_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v heb._n 10.23_o and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o perform_v the_o truth_n to_o jacob_n and_o mercy_n to_o abraham_n micah_n 7._o ult_n be_v continue_v and_o ratify_v unto_o believer_n in_o and_o by_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o there_o be_v hold_v forth_o a_o clear_a proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o this_o be_v my_o body_n that_o be_v break_v and_o my_o blood_n that_o be_v shed_v or_o give_v 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24_o 25._o these_o be_v the_o first_o object_n and_o matter_n our_o faith_n eye_n and_o fix_v on_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o these_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o it_o seal_v unto_o 〈◊〉_d we_o namely_o that_o god_n have_v covenant_v and_o promise_v these_o mercy_n upon_o christ_n die_v that_o christ_n have_v dye_v do_v the_o father_n whole_a will_n and_o finish_v his_o work_n and_o that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v accept_v his_o mediation_n in_o our_o behalf_n justify_v his_o son_n jesus_n and_o be_v well-pleased_n with_o he_o and_o with_o we_o in_o he_o that_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v and_o that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o will_v perform_v his_o promise_n make_v to_o christ_n for_o and_o give_v down_o to_o we_o on_o these_o thing_n our_o faith_n must_v fix_v and_o then_o this_o ordinance_n of_o the_o supper_n will_v confirm_v they_o we_o 2._o as_o the_o lord_n supper_n seal_v or_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v to_o our_o faith_n the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o be_v satisfy_v and_o well_o please_v with_o christ_n mediation_n for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o will_v perform_v his_o covenant_n and_o promise_n unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n so_o it_o seal_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v believer_n interest_n and_o propriety_n in_o they_o it_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o they_o be_v interest_v in_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v they_o that_o they_o be_v regenerate_v and_o redeem_v that_o their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v and_o their_o person_n accept_v in_o the_o belove_a eph._n 1.6_o 7._o this_o ordinance_n seal_v to_o they_o the_o fruit_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o to_o the_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o peculiarity_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v their_o head_n and_o they_o be_v his_o member_n that_o he_o love_v they_o and_o they_o love_v he_o with_o special_a and_o peculiar_a love_n this_o ordinance_n seal_v to_o they_o their_o adoption_n and_o their_o right_n unto_o the_o eternal_a inheritance_n and_o it_o assure_v they_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o christ_n appoint_v for_o that_o end_n that_o god_n be_v their_o father_n and_o they_o be_v his_o child_n that_o christ_n be_v their_o husband_n and_o they_o be_v his_o spouse_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v live_v and_o reign_v with_o he_o in_o glory_n but_o yet_o know_v that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o natural_a aptness_n in_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n thus_o to_o seal_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o you_o as_o it_o be_v christ_n ordinance_n and_o institute_v by_o he_o for_o this_o end_n yet_o it_o can_v do_v not_o do_v it_o of_o or_o by_o its_o self_n or_o its_o own_o power_n but_o it_o seal_v as_o a_o ordinance_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o as_o a_o fit_a medium_n and_o mean_n whereby_o and_o wherewith_o the_o holy_a spirit_n seal_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o seal_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v his_o own_o work_n in_o believer_n heart_n eph._n 1.13_o eph._n 4.30_o and_o this_o great_a work_n he_o do_v especial_o in_o and_o by_o the_o lord_n supper_n on_o the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n for_o as_o the_o matter_n he_o seal_v to_o be_v his_o own_o work_n in_o their_o heart_n so_o he_o only_o can_v confirm_v they_o to_o their_o faith_n and_o conscience_n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v shed_v abroad_o into_o our_o heart_n by_o he_o rom._n 5.5_o and_o to_o this_o he_o set_v his_o seal_n and_o give_v in_o his_o testimony_n rom._n 8.16_o namely_o that_o he_o have_v shed_v abroad_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o our_o heart_n that_o god_n love_v we_o &_o we_o love_v he_o with_o special_a love_n and_o that_o he_o have_v beget_v we_o again_o unto_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a 1_o pet._n 1.2_o he_o first_o write_v his_o law_n and_o create_v his_o grace_n in_o our_o heart_n put_v the_o lord_n jesus_n into_o the_o possession_n of_o they_o form_n say_v repentance_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o and_o then_o he_o seal_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v all_o to_o we_o cant._n 8.6_o 2._o cor._n 1.22_o job_n 33.16_o so_o that_o now_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n to_o life_n joh._n 3.14_o and_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v we_o and_o we_o be_v his_o cant._n 2.16_o and_o can_v say_v with_o thomas_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n and_o with_o david_n i_o be_o thou_o and_o with_o paul_n and_o other_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.1_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o this_o ordinance_n seal_v up_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o when_o ever_o you_o receive_v it_o be_v sure_a to_o look_v for_o and_o expect_v it_o and_o make_v use_v of_o it_o for_o though_o not_o only_o for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o prepare_v and_o fit_v yourselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o this_o seal_n on_o your_o heart_n and_o than_o you_o need_v not_o doubt_v of_o your_o obtainment_n of_o it_o 3._o this_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v and_o give_v to_o inchurch_v saint_n to_o bring_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o they_o together_o into_o the_o near_a clear_a and_o close_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n that_o can_v be_v in_o this_o low_a state_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o they_o do_v great_o love_v one_o another_o and_o delight_n in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o cant._n 4._o ult_n cant._n 5.1_o believer_n in_o their_o holy_a obediential_a and_o orderly_o walk_v be_v christ_n dear_o belove_a spouse_n and_o he_o be_v their_o dear_o belove_a husband_n cant._n 2.16_o jer._n 12.7_o they_o do_v great_o love_v and_o rejoice_v in_o one_o another_o company_n and_o society_n their_o speech_n be_v pleasant_a and_o their_o countenance_n sweet_a and_o lovely_a to_o each_o other_o zeph._n 3.17_o cant._n 1.4_o cant._n 2.7_o 10_o 13._o cant._n 2.14_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a fondness_n and_o a_o heart-ravishing_a friendliness_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o belove_a they_o lie_v deep_a in_o each_o other_o heart_n and_o be_v so_o knit_v to_o one_o another_o in_o warm_a affection_n as_o that_o they_o can_v patient_o bear_v each_o other_o absence_n hence_o we_o find_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o people_n invite_v one_o another_o and_o importunate_o solicit_v each_o other_o to_o come_v to_o they_o yea_o and_o proffer_v themselves_o and_o as_o it_o be_v invite_v or_o press_v themselves_o upon_o or_o into_o one_o another_o company_n cant._n 2._o â—0_n 13_o 14_o 7._o cant._n 4.8_o ult_n cant._n 5.1_o cant._n 6._o ult_n cant._n 7.11_o 12._o rev._n 3.20_o joh._n 14.21_o 23._o therefore_o have_v glorious_a jesus_n institute_v church_n and_o gather_v up_o his_o people_n into_o spiritual_a household_n form_v they_o into_o holy_a society_n and_o make_v they_o his_o wall_a garden_n therefore_o have_v he_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o holy_a band_n knit_v they_o together_o into_o body_n and_o give_v to_o they_o this_o feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n this_o pledge_n and_o token_n of_o his_o distinguish_a love_n and_o this_o holy_a sign_n and_o seal_v that_o he_o may_v invite_v and_o bring_v they_o together_o to_o take_v and_o eat_v and_o that_o himself_o may_v come_v and_o be_v with_o they_o there_o he_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o feast_n and_o he_o be_v the_o king_n
may_v know_v in_o measure_n how_o dear_o he_o love_v we_o and_o how_o dear_a we_o have_v cost_v there_o we_o may_v see_v our_o sin_n pardon_v person_n accept_v god_n reconcile_v and_o well-pleased_n &_o there_o we_o may_v hear_v he_o say_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o prison_n for_o i_o have_v find_v and_o accept_v a_o ransom_n sure_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o powerful_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n to_o produce_v and_o provoke_v to_o repentance_n yea_o pure_a gospel-repentance_n in_o believer_n than_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v for_o here_o be_v present_v to_o we_o all_o the_o great_a and_o strong_a gospel-motive_n to_o unfeigned_a spiritual_a and_o gospel-repentance_n to_o melt_v &_o soften_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v love_n &_o grace_n the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n and_o of_o be_v sanctify_v and_o save_v that_o provoke_v and_o produce_v repentance_n unto_o life_n not_o fear_n and_o dread_a of_o divine_a wrath_n and_o vengeance_n not_o the_o bare_a sight_n and_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o future_a punishment_n no_o but_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n or_o hope_v at_o least_o of_o our_o person_n be_v love_v and_o accept_v into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o of_o our_o be_v acquit_v and_o justify_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o do_v it_o 9_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o admire_v adore_v and_o praise_v the_o great_a and_o free_a love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n they_o do_v in_o and_o by_o this_o ordinance_n set_v off_o and_o commend_v their_o free_a eternal_a and_o distinguish_a love_n and_o grace_n unto_o believer_n and_o thereby_o give_v they_o occasion_n of_o praising_n admire_v and_o adore_v it_o these_o be_v some_o of_o god_n holy_a and_o gracious_a end_n in_o appoint_v this_o ordinance_n for_o and_o give_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o these_o and_o whatever_o other_o use_n and_o end_n there_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v diligent_o seek_v out_o and_o understand_v by_o all_o believer_n and_o be_v sound_n out_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_o diligent_o and_o faithful_o aim_v at_o and_o pursue_v by_o they_o well_o then_o do_v you_o join_v issue_n with_o god_n aim_v at_o and_o carry_v on_o the_o holy_a end_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o by_o your_o so_o do_v you_o will_v please_v and_o honour_v he_o and_o great_o profit_v your_o own_o soul_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o preparation_n of_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o what_o be_v require_v of_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o ans_fw-fr there_o qualification_n and_o preparation_n be_v twofold_a 1._o a_o state_n qualification_n or_o worthiness_n 2._o a_o habitual_a and_o practical_a or_o actual_a fitness_n 1._o a_o state-worthiness_n or_o qualification_n which_o in_o brief_a be_v this_o or_o consist_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o regeneration_n 2._o union_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n 1_o regeneration_n or_o a_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a as_o to_o salvation_n joh._n 3.3_o 5._o so_o to_o fit_v and_o qualify_v man_n to_o and_o for_o every_o good_a work_n without_o regeneration_n or_o be_v bear_v again_o we_o can_v believe_v repent_v or_o obey_v the_o gospel_n in_o a_o right_n and_o acceptable_a manner_n without_o this_o change_n of_o nature_n we_o can_v love_v god_n nor_o fear_n god_n we_o can_v know_v he_o right_o nor_o worship_v he_o spiritual_o joh._n 4.23_o 24._o phil._n 3.3_o for_o we_o can_v worship_v he_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n until_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o of_o his_o special_a grace_n to_o do_v it_o withal_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o heb._n 12_o 28._o in_o our_o unregenerate_a state_n we_o be_v blind_a and_o dark_a eph._n 5.8_o dead_a in_o sin_n eph._n 2.1.5_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n rom._n 5.10_o eph._n 2.12_o we_o be_v carnal_a and_o vain_a hard-hearted_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o unbelief_n yea_o we_o be_v hater_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o excessive_a lover_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n and_o altogether_o void_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o real_a love_n and_o pity_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n now_o then_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n eph._n 2.10_o for_o till_o then_o we_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o do_v they_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n how_o then_o can_v we_o receive_v and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o until_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o make_v new_a creature_n how_o can_v we_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n 1_o cor._n 11.29_o and_o how_o can_v we_o understand_v the_o mystery_n and_o take_v in_o the_o profit_n of_o christ_n his_o death_n to_o our_o soul_n until_o we_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o receive_v it_o in_o faith_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n until_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n be_v form_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o until_o our_o heart_n be_v bow_v and_o melt_v by_o grace_n into_o the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o worship_n god_n and_o celebrate_v this_o ordinance_n with_o lively_a heart_n whilst_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o how_o can_v we_o apply_v the_o seal_n to_o that_o grace_n which_o we_o have_v not_o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o all_o that_o receive_v this_o holy_a seal_n be_v regenerate_v and_o make_v new_a creature_n for_o how_o can_v that_o ordinance_n feed_v and_o nourish_v that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o be_v namely_o the_o new_a creature_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o faith_n also_o they_o must_v be_v in_o he_o and_o have_v relation_n to_o he_o as_o live_v member_n to_o their_o head_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o col._n 2.6_o christ_n must_v be_v they_o and_o they_o must_v be_v his_o by_o faith_n or_o they_o can_v claim_v he_o as_o they_o nor_o receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o his_o death_n for_o else_o how_o can_v they_o join_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o say_n take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24._o but_o i_o must_v hasten_v 2._o they_o must_v have_v a_o habitual_a worthiness_n or_o meetness_n for_o the_o right_n receive_v and_o due_a celebration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n likewise_o i_o mean_v a_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a ready_a and_o accurate_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o heart_n to_o &_o for_o it_o they_o must_v have_v their_o sight_n faith_n and_o love_v ready_a in_o act_n and_o exercise_n or_o they_o be_v not_o can_v be_v meet_a partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o regeneration_n but_o they_o must_v be_v also_o in_o or_o qualify_v with_o a_o habitual_a frame_n posture_n and_o disposition_n of_o heart_n to_o receive_v and_o celebrate_v it_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o profit_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n tit._n 3.1_o their_o heart_n and_o grace_n must_v be_v ready_o fix_v and_o tune_v for_o the_o work_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v of_o they_o or_o at_o a_o loss_n concern_v they_o when_o they_o shall_v honour_v christ_n with_o and_o get_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o they_o psal_n 57.7_o psal_n 108.1_o psal_n 112.7_o this_o habitual_a meetness_n or_o worthiness_n qualification_n or_o preparation_n call_v it_o which_o you_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n especial_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v labour_v all_o you_o can_v to_o obtain_v it_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o practical_a and_o actual_a meetness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o the_o worthy_a and_o acceptable_a receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n also_o that_o be_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o worthy_a participate_v of_o it_o this_o practical_a preparation_n i_o shall_v brief_o present_v to_o you_o in_o some_o particular_n 1._o you_o must_v examine_v yourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o the_o cup._n and_o here_o 1._o you_o must_v examine_v your_o state_n and_o try_v if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o no_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o at_o least_o in_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n in_o a_o justify_v and_o regenerate_v state_n and_o condition_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o 2_o pet._n 1.10_o and_o to_o know_v whether_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o special_a grace_n be_v form_v in_o your_o heart_n gal._n 4.19_o this_o must_v be_v effectual_o do_v
fear_n or_o love_v he_o or_o his_o church_n sincere_o to_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o impart_v his_o secret_n and_o counsel_n to_o they_o sure_o no._n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v with_o save_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o ministerial_a gift_n for_o office_n power_n and_o work_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o may_v argue_v this_o point_n very_o large_o and_o copious_o do_v i_o intend_v a_o large_a discourse_n as_o i_o do_v not_o but_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a brevity_n in_o all_o thing_n i_o shall_v mention_v and_o present_v to_o consideration_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o discourse_n 3._o and_o therefore_o three_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v and_o be_v qualify_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o special_a grace_n but_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n also_o it_o be_v not_o such_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o will_v sufficient_o qualify_v and_o enable_v man_n to_o discharge_v their_o ministerial_a work_n in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v not_o be_v willing_a ready_a nor_o apt_a to_o teach_v without_o the_o spirit_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o without_o the_o spirit_n 2_o tim._n 2.15_o and_o therefore_o have_v jesus_n christ_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n in_o their_o ministerial_a work_n who_o be_v his_o minister_n mat._n 28.18_o 20._o joh._n 14.15_o and_o 16._o chapter_n they_o must_v preach_v and_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n watch_v over_o feed_v and_o water_v the_o church_n by_o the_o spirit_n for_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n can_v do_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o help_v they_o to_o teach_v warm_a strengthen_v and_o quicken_v they_o to_o comfort_n lead_v and_o guide_v they_o and_o whenever_o christ_n send_v any_o shepherd_n into_o his_o sheepfold_n in_o love_n and_o mercy_n he_o send_v they_o and_o they_o come_v there_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o their_o heart_n look_v over_o paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o you_o may_v find_v this_o truth_n confirm_v thus_o god_n promise_v his_o new_a testament_n church_n long_o before_o they_o subsist_v or_o have_v a_o be_v in_o the_o world_n jer._n 3.15_o and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o pastor_n according_a to_o my_o own_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v you_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o make_v man_n able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o not_o create_v grace_n and_o gift_n only_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n act_v 2.4_o and_o as_o they_o be_v move_v or_o carry_v forth_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o a_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v build_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o habitation_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n from_o christ_n joh._n 16.13_o 14_o 15._o all_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n bestow_v on_o man_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n their_o life_n strength_n and_o success_n be_v by_o and_o from_o the_o spirit_n their_o work_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v accompany_v and_o abide_v with_o his_o own_o minister_n there_o four_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v and_o adorn_v with_o singular_a spirit_n with_o excellent_a and_o choice_a spirit_n and_o frame_n of_o heart_n they_o shall_v excel_v other_o in_o such_o quality_n and_o virtue_n as_o these_o first_o they_o shall_v be_v singular_a and_o excel_a in_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n to_o discern_v the_o difference_n of_o thing_n that_o differ_v and_o to_o judge_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o 1_o cor._n 2._o they_o shall_v abound_v in_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o conformity_n to_o their_o lord_n christ_n second_o they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o gospel_n simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n too_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o 2_o cor._n 2.17_o three_o they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o humility_n in_o all_o meekness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n and_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 6._o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o must_v not_o be_v proud_a and_o lofty_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o carriage_n but_o meek_a and_o lowly_a mat._n 11.29_o 2_o tim._n 2_o 25._o four_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o gentleness_n and_o peaceablenesse_n they_o must_v not_o brawl_v nor_o strive_v 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 1_o tim._n 3.3_o five_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a in_o self-denial_n and_o curb_v the_o flesh_n keep_v under_o carnal_a worldly_a self_n and_o cross_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n 1_o cor._n 9_o ult_n six_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o patience_n and_o contentation_n they_o must_v not_o be_v soon_o angry_a or_o move_v to_o passion_n and_o wrath_n 1_o tim._n 3._o seven_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o a_o sober_a serious_a holy_a chearfulnesse_n and_o sweetness_n pleasantness_n and_o affability_n they_o must_v not_o be_v of_o vain_a and_o frothy_a spirit_n nor_o of_o froward_a sullen_a lumpish_a and_o sad_a carriage_n and_o deportment_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v hateful_a in_o all_o christian_n much_o more_o be_v they_o so_o in_o such_o as_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o light_n and_o example_n to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o good_a behaviour_n the_o apostle_n say_v they_o must_v be_v endue_v withal_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o eight_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n also_o for_o if_o private_a christian_n shall_v abound_v in_o it_o rom._n 12.11_o 2_o cor._n 7.11_o then_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n tit._n 2.14_o rev._n 3.19_o nine_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o love_n pity_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o soul_n they_o must_v not_o be_v of_o hard_a and_o insensible_a spirit_n but_o full_a of_o tender_a earn_v bowel_n towards_o their_o flock_n col._n 3.12_o 1_o pet._n 3.8_o rom._n 12.15_o so_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o be_v paul_n towards_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n they_o have_v to_o do_v withal_o except_v obstinate_a sinner_n who_o trample_v pearl_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o so_o must_v minister_n be_v now_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a say_v paul_n eph._n 4._o ult_n ten_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o heavenly_a mindedness_n they_o must_v not_o be_v covetous_a nor_o greedy_a after_o worldly_a thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v filthy_a lucre_n 1_o tim._n 3.3_o tit._n 1.7_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o they_o must_v declare_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n they_o be_v heavenly_a mind_v and_o live_v above_o they_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v flee_v those_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 6.11_o 2_o pet._n 1._o ult_n and_o follow_v after_o heaverly_o eleven_o they_o must_v be_v singular_a and_o eminent_a in_o gavity_n and_o solidity_n they_o must_v not_o be_v vain_a light_a and_o frothy_a talker_n and_o of_o foolish_a jest_a spirit_n and_o carriage_n but_o grave_n and_o serious_a 1_o tim._n 3._o twelve_o they_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v set_v forward_o and_o entertain_v holy_a and_o profitable_a discourse_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n which_o will_v not_o now_o be_v easy_o find_v i_o fear_v among_o professor_n however_o they_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a apt_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v their_o duty_n although_o other_o be_v not_o to_o do_v they_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o eph._n 4.29_o col._n 4.6_o thirteen_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o arm_v with_o wisdom_n faith_n and_o patience_n to_o endure_v and_o stand_v fast_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n and_o to_o bear_v up_o under_o all_o the_o great_a discouragement_n they_o may_v meet_v withal_o from_o friend_n and_o foe_n for_o they_o will_v be_v try_v by_o both_o hence_o the_o apostle_n charge_v timothy_n to_o follow_v after_o faith_n and_o patience_n 1_o tim._n 6.11_o and_o in_o 1_o tim._n 4.12_o say_v he_o be_v thou_o a_o example_n to_o the_o believer_n in_o faith_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o their_o work_n well_o arm_v and_o fence_v with_o faith_n and_o patience_n for_o it_o will_v be_v try_v to_o the_o utmost_a as_o sad_a experience_n show_v fourteent_o they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o set_v up_o high_a and_o noble_a end_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o their_o office_n and_o work_n in_o the_o church_n the_o great_a
motive_n aim_n and_o end_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n shall_v be_v to_o please_v and_o honour_n jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o to_o edify_v and_o profit_v his_o church_n act_v 20._o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n that_o all_o pastor_n of_o church_n shall_v bring_v with_o they_o and_o labour_n to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o they_o when_o they_o be_v there_o five_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o holy_a and_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o carriage_n also_o these_o be_v in_o part_n describe_v in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 1._o and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o the_o act_n and_o other_o scripture_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v singular_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 4.7_o but_o exercise_n thyself_o unto_o godliness_n for_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v their_o light_n and_o guide_n to_o be_v example_n to_o believer_n and_o all_o man_n 1_o tim._n 4.12_o mat._n 5.16_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o etc._n etc._n they_o will_v by_o blamable_a walking_n more_o dishonour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n more_o grieve_a and_o afflict_v the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n scandalize_v and_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o evil_a man_n than_o a_o hundred_o time_n as_o many_o private_a christian_n and_o pull_v great_a reproach_n and_o comtempt_v upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n they_o be_v more_o eye_v and_o observe_v and_o be_v near_o jesus_n christ_n than_o other_o be_v and_o great_a thing_n be_v expect_v from_o they_o than_o from_o other_o therefore_o they_o shall_v shine_v forth_o in_o all_o grace_n and_o be_v find_v though_o not_o without_o their_o fail_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o good_a work_n as_o man_n christian_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o and_o such_o negative_a professor_n but_o they_o must_v be_v such_o and_o so_o in_o practical_a holiness_n they_o must_v not_o only_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o forbid_a but_o they_o must_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o commend_v otherwise_o they_o can_v be_v blameless_a but_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o of_o such_o spirit_n as_o aforesaid_a they_o will_v be_v of_o holy_a and_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o walk_v as_o gospel_n real_a true_a light_n &_o guide_n before_o all_o but_o if_o they_o want_v these_o heart_n and_o internal_a qualification_n they_o will_v not_o long_o if_o at_o all_o be_v blameless_a walker_n if_o they_o be_v of_o proud_a peevish_a cross_a and_o fretful_a of_o sour_a angry_a and_o wrathful_a temper_n and_o carriage_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v of_o hot_a testy_a fiery_a rash_a and_o quarrelsome_a temper_n and_o carriage_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v back_o biter_n and_o defamer_n of_o man_n or_o hearer_n and_o receiver_n of_o evil_a report_n against_o good_a man_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v covetous_a worldly_a person_n in_o their_o word_n and_o deed_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v excessive_a in_o their_o clothes_n house_n eat_v or_o drink_v they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v censorious_a and_o rash_a judge_n of_o other_o they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v cheater_n or_o detainer_n of_o other_o due_n from_o they_o they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v vain_a and_o light_a person_n and_o give_v much_o to_o frothy_a idle_a talk_n and_o jesting_n or_o to_o idleness_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v careless_a of_o and_o negligent_a in_o relative_a duty_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o family_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v not_o diligent_a in_o their_o calling_n and_o work_n but_o be_v addict_v to_o walk_v abroad_o sleep_n or_o otherways_o spend_v away_o their_o precious_a time_n vain_o and_o unprofitable_o they_o be_v not_o blameless_a i_o may_v instance_n in_o many_o more_o but_o that_o i_o study_v brevity_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n must_v not_o only_o be_v free_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n but_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n also_o avoidable_a infirmity_n except_v six_o they_o must_v also_o have_v and_o be_v endue_v with_o natural_a gift_n as_o ability_n of_o body_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n for_o although_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o grace_n gift_n and_o truth_n lay_v up_o in_o his_o head_n and_o heart_n yet_o if_o he_o want_v ability_n of_o body_n or_o speech_n to_o utter_v &_o plain_o declare_v they_o unto_o other_o how_o can_v he_o profit_v the_o church_n or_o minister_v to_o their_o edification_n which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o those_o gift_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o ministry_n therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v only_o qualify_v within_o but_o without_o also_o they_o must_v be_v able_a to_o speak_v as_o they_o ought_v eph._n 6.20_o as_o well_o as_o to_o judge_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o and_o understand_v divine_a matter_n sevent_o they_o must_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n too_o for_o if_o they_o be_v leaven_v with_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n taint_v with_o it_o they_o may_v easy_o corrupt_v and_o leaven_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o sow_v such_o tare_n and_o stink_a weed_n as_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o pull_v out_o again_o a_o little_a leaven_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n gal._n 5.9_o and_o when_o once_o false_a doctrine_n be_v get_v into_o the_o head_n they_o will_v quick_o defile_v and_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a heart_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v such_o evil_n in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n labour_v exceed_o with_o the_o church_n and_o assoon_o as_o they_o perceive_v any_o tare_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n sow_o in_o the_o church_n they_o present_o endeavour_v the_o pull_n of_o they_o up_o and_o weed_n of_o they_o out_o either_o by_o preach_v or_o write_v and_o paul_n charge_v titus_n to_o see_v that_o teacher_n be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n tit._n 1.9.13_o and_o that_o they_o speak_v sound_a doctrine_n chap._n 2.1_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v of_o sound_a mind_n 2_o tim._n 1.7_o and_o also_o that_o they_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n vers_fw-la 13._o and_o also_o wish_v all_o corrupt_a and_o unsound_a teacher_n cut_v off_o gal._n 5.12_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v erroneous_a in_o their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n but_o sound_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v together_o with_o the_o aforesaid_a particular_n right_o qualify_v minister_n of_o christ_n and_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v more_o care_n of_o and_o respect_n unto_o his_o name_n gospel_n and_o church_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n than_o to_o set_v over_o they_o erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a teacher_n eight_o humane_a learning_n be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v and_o desp_v say_v in_o a_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v too_o much_o by_o some_o who_o know_v not_o the_o good_a of_o it_o for_o although_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v sufficient_o prepare_v &_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o the_o ministry_n without_o it_o yet_o experience_n show_v that_o it_o be_v singular_o useful_a to_o holy_a man_n in_o their_o ministerial_a work_n it_o help_v to_o make_v they_o more_o able_a man_n though_o not_o christian_n it_o be_v useful_a to_o their_o head_n who_o know_v how_o to_o use_v it_o if_o not_o to_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o good_a servant_n to_o wait_v on_o divinity_n though_o a_o bad_a master_n when_o it_o be_v exalt_v above_o it_o as_o to_o many_o shameful_o and_o sinful_o do_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o mystery_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o the_o letter_n wherein_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o and_o we_o come_v to_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o a_o superior_a by_o the_o word_n he_o speak_v to_o we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o understand_v not_o his_o word_n we_o can_v know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n or_o what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v do_v or_o receive_v and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n concern_v we_o but_o by_o his_o word_n and_o how_o by_o his_o word_n or_o word_n except_o we_o understand_v their_o sense_n