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
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
to_o nourish_v strengthen_v and_o refresh_v the_o city_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v make_v fat_a and_o fruitful_a the_o spring_n treasure_n and_o fountain_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n be_v open_v in_o and_o to_o the_o church_n and_o there_o christ_n jesus_n cause_v the_o horn_n of_o his_o david_n to_o flourish_v psal_n 132.17_o in_o a_o church-state_n believer_n live_v in_o the_o stream_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v grow_v there_o as_o willow_n by_o the_o watercourse_n esa_n 44.4_o for_o there_o they_o may_v with_o joy_n draw_v water_n out_o of_o these_o well_n of_o salvation_n esa_n 12.3_o the_o more_o obedient_a believer_n be_v to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o king_n the_o more_o he_o will_v bless_v they_o and_o communicate_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o grace_n to_o they_o joh_n 14.13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 21_o 23._o joh._n 15.7_o 10._o now_o in_o a_o church-state_n they_o do_v give_v up_o themselves_o in_o universal_a profess_a and_o avow_a obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v themselves_o under_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o under_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v to_o be_v communicate_v to_o their_o soul_n by_o they_o 3._o god_n have_v promise_v to_o impart_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n to_o his_o people_n in_o their_o walk_n with_o he_o in_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n in_o a_o especial_a manner_n cant._n 7.12_o let_v we_o get_v up_o early_o to_o the_o vineyard_n the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o they_o there_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o my_o love_n psal_n 92.12_o 13_o 14._o the_o righteous_a shall_v flourish_v like_o the_o palmtree_n he_o shall_v grow_v like_o a_o cedar_n 〈◊〉_d lebanon_n but_o where_o shall_v they_o thus_o grow_v and_o flourish_v see_v the_o 13.14_o verse_n those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_v in_o the_o court_n of_o our_o god_n they_o shall_v still_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o old_a age_n they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a well_o might_n david_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o dwell_v in_o thy_o house_n psal_n 84.4_o for_o great_a and_o glorious_a be_v their_o provision_n privilege_n and_o advantage_n to_o help_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o journey_n towards_o heaven_n god_n have_v also_o promise_v to_o bless_v yea_o abundant_o to_o bless_v his_o church_n provision_n and_o to_o satisfy_v their_o poor_a with_o bread_n that_o be_v to_o fill_v and_o empower_v his_o ordinance_n and_o their_o ministry_n with_o his_o presence_n grace_n and_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v great_o profit_v their_o soul_n and_o nourish_v they_o up_o to_o eternal_a life_n psal_n 132.15_o 16._o 4._o god_n love_v &_o delight_v most_o in_o his_o church_n or_o in_o believer_n walk_v together_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o inchurch_v state_n psal_n 87.2_o 3._o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob._n glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o thou_o o_o city_n of_o god_n selah_n eph._n 3.17_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o viz_o zion_n vers_fw-la 16._o â—is_n mighty_a he_o will_v save_v he_o will_v rejoice_v over_o thou_o with_o joy_n he_o will_v rest_v in_o his_o love_n he_o will_v rejoice_v over_o thou_o with_o sing_v where_o man_n love_v and_o delight_v most_o there_o they_o be_v most_o free_a and_o liberal_a to_o such_o they_o be_v most_o bountiful_a and_o open_a hand_a so_o be_v god_n to_o his_o church_n because_o they_o be_v in_o their_o holy_a walk_v the_o great_a object_n of_o his_o love_n and_o delight_n of_o his_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v therefore_o i_o say_v they_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n and_o favour_n 5._o church_n or_o believer_n in_o a_o church-state_n do_v christ_n more_o service_n than_o when_o they_o walk_v single_o and_o out_o of_o that_o gospel-way_n and_o order_n they_o be_v now_o his_o live_a public_a witness_n his_o candlestick_n that_o hold_v up_o his_o burn_a candle_n and_o they_o be_v his_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o his_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n they_o do_v public_o and_o open_o own_o and_o profess_v he_o to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o law_n and_o authority_n and_o declare_v themselves_o his_o true_a and_o loyal_a friend_n and_o subject_n and_o that_o before_o all_o man_n they_o manifest_a in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o his_o yoke_n nor_o his_o so_o much_o despise_v word_n and_o way_n but_o own_o they_o cleave_v to_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o as_o the_o only_a good_a holy_a and_o safe_a way_n many_o spiritual_a diamond_n orderly_o set_v in_o one_o gold_n ring_n church_n form_n do_v cast_v their_o lustre_n and_o reflect_v their_o glitter_a light_n and_o beauty_n on_o each_o other_o and_o so_o make_v a_o more_o lovely_a and_o glorious_a sight_n to_o beholder_n there_o they_o do_v or_o may_v wait_v on_o god_n their_o father_n and_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o king_n with_o their_o praise_n and_o melodious_a harp_n and_o that_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o soul_n psal_n 65.1_o their_o harmonious_a consent_n in_o breathe_v forth_o their_o oneness_n love_n faith_n hope_n and_o delight_n into_o one_o another_o heart_n do_v great_o raise_v heat_n and_o animate_v one_o another_o in_o pour_v out_o their_o joint_a love_n affection_n and_o praise_n into_o the_o ear_n and_o heart_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v most_o lovely_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o he_o cant._n 2.14_o 6._o they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o great_a trouble_n from_o the_o world_n in_o a_o church-state_n than_o in_o walk_v single_o a_o church_n be_v as_o a_o beacon_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n which_o be_v visible_a to_o all_o beholder_n and_o by_o their_o public_a practical_a and_o avow_a separation_n from_o the_o world_n and_o walk_v by_o themselves_o they_o lay_v themselves_o open_a thereby_o to_o their_o adversary_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n they_o be_v the_o butt_n of_o their_o invenomed_a arrow_n of_o reproach_n scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o malice_n hatred_n and_o persecution_n the_o world_n take_v more_o notice_n of_o a_o hundred_o saint_n walk_v in_o close_a and_o intimate_a communion_n in_o a_o church-state_n than_o of_o five_o thousand_o of_o other_o who_o walk_v single_o this_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o all_o as_o that_o it_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n to_o confirm_v it_o now_o then_o the_o more_o believer_n expose_v themselves_o to_o suffering_n in_o the_o lord_n way_n and_o for_o his_o sake_n the_o more_o of_o his_o presence_n and_o blessing_n they_o shall_v have_v esa_n 43.1_o 2._o esa_n 41.10_o joh._n 14.15_o 16._o chapter_n 1_o pet._n 3.14_o 1_o pet._n 4.12_o 13_o 14._o three_o as_o believer_n inchurch_v be_v privilege_v with_o more_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n so_o likewise_o with_o mutual_a help_n and_o assistance_n from_o one_o another_o their_o nearness_n in_o union_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n their_o knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n with_o each_o other_o together_o with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o enjoin_v they_o thereunto_o and_o brotherly_a love_n result_v from_o all_o capacitates_fw-la enable_v quicken_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o more_o and_o constant_a usefulness_n to_o one_o another_o than_o otherwise_o they_o can_v or_o will_v be_v their_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a intimacy_n and_o communion_n beget_v and_o preserve_v warm_a hearty_a and_o strong_a love_n and_o affection_n one_o to_o another_o which_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o mind_n and_o do_v their_o external_a duty_n to_o each_o other_o it_o prompt_v and_o put_v they_o upon_o sympathize_v one_o with_o another_o on_o watch_v over_o one_o another_o on_o exhort_v comfort_v and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n heb._n 10.24_o 25._o to_o reprove_v admonish_v and_o endeavour_v to_o heal_v each_o other_o when_o need_n require_v gal._n 6.1_o 2._o to_o edify_v one_o another_o warn_v the_o unruly_a and_o support_v the_o weak_a 1_o thes_n 5.11_o 14._o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n to_o our_o soul_n to_o have_v such_o seasonable_a assistance_n one_o from_o another_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a privilege_n when_o i_o be_o tempt_v and_o burden_v to_o have_v my_o brethren_n hand_n under_o i_o to_o support_v and_o strengthen_v i_o when_o by_o my_o heedlessness_n i_o have_v fall_v and_o break_v my_o bone_n wound_v and_o weaken_v my_o soul_n to_o have_v such_o a_o spiritual_a physician_n to_o give_v i_o physic_n such_o a_o good_a samaritan_n at_o
and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n thereof_o until_o god_n shall_v by_o some_o extraordinary_a providence_n call_v they_o off_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o call_v off_o themselves_o and_o they_o do_v thereby_o practical_o contemn_v and_o trample_v on_o their_o solemn_a engagement_n as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o law_n order_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n 5_o their_o causeless_a and_o wilful_a departure_n from_o and_o leave_v of_o a_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v join_v be_v very_o reproachful_a and_o scandalous_a to_o the_o church_n for_o by_o their_o so_o forsake_v of_o it_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v too_o good_a and_o the_o church_n be_v too_o bad_a for_o their_o communion_n they_o cast_v dirt_n on_o the_o church_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n therein_o with_o a_o witness_n and_o manifest_v that_o either_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n and_o the_o ministry_n there_o be_v very_o vile_a and_o wicked_a or_o else_o why_o do_v they_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o it_o be_v either_o for_o their_o goodness_n or_o wickedness_n not_o for_o their_o goodness_n in_o their_o account_n for_o shall_v they_o pretend_v to_o leave_v they_o for_o their_o goodness_n they_o will_v thereby_o lay_v open_a their_o own_o hypocrisy_n and_o profaneness_n to_o all_o man_n and_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v in_o word_n at_o least_o why_o then_o what_o follow_v but_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o departure_n be_v the_o church_n and_o their_o minister_n wickedness_n or_o unworthiness_n thus_o they_o will_v do_v and_o care_v not_o what_o mischief_n they_o do_v unto_o the_o church_n so_o they_o may_v but_o save_v stake_n and_o gratify_v their_o own_o lust_n 6_o such_o deserter_n of_o church_n be_v church-destroyer_n they_o fight_v against_o god_n and_o pull_v down_o that_o which_o he_o build_v up_o god_n put_v in_o and_o fasten_v stone_n and_o they_o pull_v they_o out_o he_o set_v up_o and_o form_n holy_a temple_n for_o himself_o to_o dwell_v in_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o eph._n 2._o ult_n and_o they_o break_v they_o down_o or_o deface_v and_o mar_v they_o at_o least_o what_o church_n can_v stand_v in_o order_n from_z and_z beauty_n if_o the_o member_n of_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o please_v and_o go_v in_o and_o out_o when_o they_o will_v 7_o by_o such_o departure_n from_o their_o church_n they_o cut_v off_o and_o cast_v out_o themselves_o from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n and_o put_v themselves_o into_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n again_o for_o they_o may_v not_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v accept_v or_o receive_v into_o any_o of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n elsewhere_o because_o they_o be_v disorderly_a walker_n and_o be_v under_o the_o blot_n of_o scanda_fw-la ous_a person_n of_o lawless_a and_o disobedient_a member_n 8_o they_o may_v not_o depart_v because_o of_o the_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n grief_n and_o trouble_n that_o they_o will_v give_v the_o church_n thereby_o except_v in_o extraordinary_a case_n or_o be_v necessitate_v by_o stay_v and_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a how_o god_n have_v declare_v his_o abhorrence_n of_o such_o departure_n by_o the_o judgement_n that_o have_v follow_v such_o as_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o final_o my_o brethren_n let_v we_o all_o mind_n and_o follow_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o thing_n wherewith_o one_o may_v edify_v another_o rom._n 14.19_o let_v we_o in_o all_o our_o do_n and_o procedure_n consult_v and_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n walk_v by_o his_o law_n conform_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o and_o practice_v the_o holy_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o our_o glorious_a head_n &_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o king_n joh._n 14.15_o joh._n 15.10_o rom._n 12.1_o 2._o eph._n 6.6_o joh._n 14.21_o 23._o 1_o joh._n 5.2_o 3._o let_v we_o never_o adventure_v on_o any_o action_n or_o thing_n until_o we_o have_v a_o divine_a warrant_n for_o it_o and_o when_o we_o have_v that_o in_o our_o eye_n let_v we_o proceed_v with_o all_o our_o might_n do_v that_o which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v his_o will._n for_o then_o we_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v our_o work_n comfortable_o then_o we_o shall_v do_v they_o as_o the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o authority_n then_o shall_v we_o please_v and_o honour_v our_o head_n and_o king_n and_o by_o faith_n and_o hope_n look_v for_o and_o expect_v his_o free_a and_o gracious_a acceptance_n and_o his_o promise_a assistance_n as_o also_o a_o great_a reward_n in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v then_o you_o may_v confident_o expect_v and_o cheerful_o look_v for_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o all_o your_o way_n and_o duty_n when_o in_o your_o place_n and_o station_n you_o be_v real_o observe_v and_o do_v the_o holy_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n and_o not_o your_o own_o finis_fw-la
proffer_v to_o join_v with_o they_o unless_o they_o have_v any_o just_a cause_n to_o deny_v they_o and_o what_o they_o do_v therein_o be_v by_o apostolical_a direction_n 3._o by_o refuse_v to_o accept_v they_o into_o communion_n speedy_o without_o just_a cause_n they_o do_v great_o wrong_v and_o injure_v they_o and_o grieve_v such_o as_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o have_v grieve_v 1._o they_o keep_v they_o out_o of_o their_o right_n and_o detain_v from_o they_o their_o just_a due_n they_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o privilege_n which_o christ_n have_v buy_v for_o they_o and_o 2_o lay_v they_o under_o many_o and_o great_a temptation_n to_o sin_n and_o despond_v 4._o they_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n which_o he_o may_v receive_v from_o they_o in_o their_o church-duty_n 5._o they_o discourage_v person_n from_o come_v to_o and_o join_v with_o they_o and_o so_o expose_v themselves_o to_o ruin_n for_o the_o church_n can_v long_o subsist_v without_o continual_a addition_n 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in_o all_o probability_n they_o shall_v be_v devour_v by_o they_o in_o this_o case_n the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o apostle_n and_o the_o elder_n at_o jerusalem_n flee_v and_o go_v their_o way_n and_o hereby_o the_o lord_n do_v often_o call_v off_o pastor_n now_o 2._o in_o case_n the_o church_n leave_v they_o and_o will_v not_o stand_v by_o they_o 3._o in_o case_n their_o church_n fall_v into_o rent_n &_o schism_n and_o they_o grow_v so_o headstrong_a and_o unruly_a as_o that_o they_o can_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o they_o as_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o 4._o in_o case_n they_o can_v live_v and_o subsist_v with_o and_o by_o they_o but_o in_o a_o miserable_a and_o distress_a condition_n for_o if_o the_o church_n provide_v not_o for_o they_o and_o they_o have_v not_o otherwise_o a_o subsistence_n they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o provide_v for_o their_o church_n for_o god_n have_v ordain_v that_o they_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n 1_o cor._n 9.14_o and_o they_o must_v live_v by_o bread_n and_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n or_o they_o deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n 1_o tim._n 5.8_o 5._o in_o case_n the_o lord_n do_v open_v a_o door_n for_o their_o ministry_n elsewhere_o which_o be_v always_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o matter_n if_o providence_n invite_v they_o elsewhere_o to_o minister_v to_o a_o people_n that_o they_o know_v not_o of_o and_o seek_v not_o after_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o providence_n present_v it_o to_o they_o as_o it_o be_v accidental_o and_o be_v by_o that_o strange_a people_n as_o to_o they_o desire_v to_o preach_v to_o and_o take_v the_o care_n of_o they_o and_o so_o they_o lay_v not_o down_o their_o work_n but_o follow_v it_o in_o those_o other_o place_n where_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o may_v do_v christ_n and_o soul_n great_a service_n and_o not_o expose_v themselves_o thereby_o to_o those_o strait_n and_o temptation_n to_o sin_n they_o be_v in_o before_o i_o say_v take_v 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that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o the_o lord_n charge_v they_o not_o to_o forsake_v their_o church_n nor_o hold_v communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n heb._n 10.24_o 25._o 2._o he_o brand_v they_o and_o set_v a_o black_a mark_n of_o ignonimy_n on_o all_o wilful_a and_o causeless_a deserter_n of_o church_n 1_o joh._n 2.19_o heb._n 10.25_o 26._o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v which_o be_v a_o contemptuous_a expression_n of_o they_o who_o forsake_v their_o church-membership_a and_o their_o place_n work_n and_o duty_n there_o 3._o deserter_n of_o their_o church-membership_a at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n do_v make_v the_o church_n thereby_o to_o be_v like_o inn_n or_o alehouse_n where_o person_n go_v in_o and_o out_o at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n such_o as_o do_v so_o in_o family_n and_o civil_a society_n be_v account_v vile_a lawless_a and_o extravagant_a person_n because_o they_o live_v not_o under_o good_a law_n nor_o walk_v by_o the_o good_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o society_n how_o much_o more_o vile_a and_o lawless_a be_v church-member_n who_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o in_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o and_o engage_v to_o walk_v as_o church-member_n and_o yet_o shall_v walk_v act_n and_o go_v in_o and_o out_o as_o lawless_a person_n who_o owe_v no_o subjection_n to_o christ_n nor_o to_o his_o law_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n 4._o wilful_a deserter_n of_o church_n be_v notorious_a covenant-breaker_n also_o when_o they_o give_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n they_o solemn_o promise_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o the_o church_n hold_v communion_n with_o it_o subject_n unto_o and_o live_v under_o the_o government_n