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
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
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 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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 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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 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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
they_o as_o spiritual_a heavenly_a person_n and_o when_o they_o walk_v and_o carry_v themselves_o proud_o in_o their_o word_n and_o deportment_n how_o can_v they_o love_v they_o as_o the_o meek_a and_o humble_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o their_o love_n must_v be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a then_o undoubted_o the_o person_n or_o object_n of_o it_o must_v be_v such_o also_o for_o be_v it_o possible_a or_o do_v god_n require_v i_o to_o love_v a_o proud_a churlish_a touchy_a peevish_a and_o cross-grained_n professor_n as_o much_o and_o with_o that_o complacency_n i_o can_v or_o may_v love_v a_o humble_a sweet_a meek_a and_o patient_a one_o can_v i_o or_o be_v it_o my_o duty_n so_o to_o love_v a_o sour_a crabbed_a contentious_a and_o quarrel_a relation_n as_o a_o peaceable_a quiet_a affable_a and_o courteous_a one_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o i_o to_o love_v a_o vain_a frothy_a worldly_a professor_n and_o one_o who_o care_v not_o how_o unlovely_a undesirable_a yea_o and_o in_o 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and_o constant_o free_o easy_o and_o that_o with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n for_o otherwise_o as_o it_o will_v be_v most_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a for_o we_o to_o expect_v it_o from_o they_o so_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o so_o to_o love_v we_o and_o by_o our_o own_o contrary_a walking_n and_o carriage_n we_o wrong_v ourselves_o of_o their_o love_n to_o we_o and_o tempt_v they_o to_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o injure_v their_o own_o soul_n we_o shall_v grieve_v their_o heart_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o withdraw_v their_o love_n and_o kindness_n from_o we_o and_o thereby_o offend_v god_n grieve_v and_o vex_v his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o withdraw_v his_o love_a countenance_n from_o we_o three_o christ_n have_v charge_v and_o strict_o command_v all_o church-member_n to_o live_v in_o peace_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n among_o themselves_o and_o to_o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o be_v to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n oh_o how_o often_o and_o with_o what_o vehemency_n do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o the_o apostle_n press_v &_o enjoin_v this_o duty_n especial_o among_o church-member_n every_o where_n in_o the_o gospel_n see_v some_o text_n psal_n 34.14_o 1_o pet_n 3.11_o rom._n 14.19_o 2_o cor._n 13.11_o 1_o thes_n 5.13_o heb._n 12.14_o eph._n 5.3_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v call_v we_o to_o peace_n not_o only_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n in_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o amity_n with_o he_o but_o with_o one_o another_o 1_o cor._n 7.15_o such_o walking_n and_o carriage_n one_o to_o another_o when_o in_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v please_v to_o he_o but_o strife_n discord_n and_o contention_n and_o such_o like_a practice_n be_v most_o hateful_a and_o abominable_a to_o he_o pro._n 6.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o these_o six_o thing_n do_v the_o lord_n hate_v yea_o seven_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o seven_o why_o sow_v discord_n among_o brethren_n this_o wickedness_n be_v so_o hateful_a to_o god_n as_o the_o word_n can_v sufficient_o declare_v his_o abhorrency_n of_o it_o hence_o we_o often_o find_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o paul_n earnest_o dehort_v church-member_n from_o all_o debate_n strife_n and_o contention_n one_o with_o or_o against_o another_o especial_o in_o their_o church-meeting_n phil._n 2.3_o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n and_o vers_fw-la 14._o do_v all_o thing_n without_o murmur_n and_o dispute_n rom._n 13.13_o and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v every_o where_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o most_o accurse_a weed_n and_o venomous_a plant_n a_o cockatrice_n egg_n and_o devilish_a serpent_n pride_n be_v that_o womb_n that_o bear_v it_o pro._n 13.10_o and_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o heart_n gal._n 5.20_o and_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o father_n and_o author_n of_o this_o accurse_a strife_n and_o contention_n jam._n 3.14_o 15._o bless_a paul_n be_v much_o afflict_v to_o see_v any_o of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o know_v from_o whence_o it_o spring_v and_o what_o the_o fruit_n and_o end_n of_o it_o will_v be_v what_o wrong_n it_o will_v do_v their_o soul_n and_o what_o reproach_v it_o will_v lay_v they_o under_o how_o it_o will_v reflect_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n and_o render_v they_o all_o contemptible_a how_o it_o will_v hinder_v their_o profit_n and_o produce_v many_o vile_a monster_n among_o they_o as_o envy_n wrath_n rail_a evil_a surmising_n hatred_n backbiting_n swell_n and_o division_n and_o therefore_o labour_v to_o prevent_v the_o growth_n of_o they_o and_o to_o pull_v up_o by_o the_o root_n these_o pernicious_a weed_n and_o that_o by_o counsel_n reproof_n caution_n instruction_n and_o dehortation_n from_o they_o and_o press_v they_o and_z we_o by_o all_o cogent_a argument_n to_o avoid_v contention_n and_o strife_n and_o follow_v after_o peace_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o 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agent_n and_o notorious_a mischief-maker_n they_o do_v a_o world_n of_o mischief_n to_o a_o church_n where_o they_o be_v and_o be_v real_a plague_n to_o or_o in_o it_o they_o great_o hinder_v edification_n and_o spoil_v the_o order_n beauty_n and_o harmony_n there_o contender_n and_o disputer_n in_o a_o church_n be_v the_o proud_a self-conceited_a man_n who_o be_v vain_o puff_v up_o with_o high_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o ability_n and_o that_o because_o they_o have_v get_v some_o light_n and_o notion_n into_o their_o head_n with_o a_o volubility_n of_o speech_n but_o without_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o humility_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o therefore_o they_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v wise_a than_o the_o church_n and_o more_o able_a to_o manage_n and_o order_n church_n affair_n than_o their_o elder_n their_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n make_v they_o slight_a and_o contemn_v their_o teacher_n and_o to_o raise_v up_o in_o a_o rebellious_a contention_n with_o and_o opposition_n against_o they_o as_o the_o prophet_n complain_v hosea_n 4.4_o for_o this_o people_n be_v as_o they_o that_o strive_v with_o the_o priest_n they_o think_v nothing_o can_v be_v well_o do_v unless_o they_o have_v the_o do_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o when_o any_o good_a work_n be_v upon_o the_o wheel_n they_o will_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o hinder_v it_o as_o some_o church_n can_v sad_o experience_n well_o then_o take_v heed_n of_o strife_n and_o contention_n and_o follow_v peace_n and_o concord_n one_o with_o another_o especial_o in_o your_o assemble_v together_o about_o church-work_n get_v humble_a heart_n and_o then_o you_o will_v not_o be_v contentious_a but_o peaceable_a four_o sympathize_v with_o and_o help_v to_o bear_v each_o other_o burden_n as_o need_n require_v you_o be_v not_o to_o live_v to_o and_o for_o yourselves_o in_o a_o
another_o wealth_n 1_o cor._n 10.24_o now_o we_o exhort_v you_o brethren_n warn_v the_o unruly_a 1_o thes_n 5.14_o and_o admonish_v the_o disorderly_a 2_o thes_n 3.15_o for_o this_o good_a work_n and_o their_o wise_a &_o conscientious_a do_v of_o it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n commend_v the_o church_n at_o rome_n chap._n 15.14_o and_o say_v god_n in_o levit._n 19.17_o thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_v he_o and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o admonish_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n but_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a in_o math._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o the_o lord_n press_v this_o duty_n and_o work_n on_o you_o and_o show_v you_o how_o you_o shall_v perform_v it_o therefore_o you_o must_v mind_n and_o careful_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o according_a to_o your_o direction_n there_o and_o not_o otherwise_o you_o must_v watch_v and_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v a_o sinner_n or_o sin_v member_n by_o your_o first_o private_a admonition_n in_o case_n the_o evil_n be_v private_a and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o with_o thou_o and_o see_v what_o that_o will_v do_v but_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v the_o work_n nor_o obtain_v the_o end_n on_o thy_o brother_n soul_n than_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o by_o their_o teacher_n or_o elder_n they_o may_v be_v inform_v of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o their_o deal_n with_o and_o proceed_n against_o he_o as_o command_v this_o be_v another_o of_o your_o great_a and_o indispensible_a work_v and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o be_v especial_o the_o elder_n work_n and_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v not_o they_o only_o but_o you_o also_o who_o be_v private_a member_n oh_o therefore_o be_v you_o persuade_v to_o mind_n careful_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o to_o practice_v this_o work_n and_o duty_n for_o unless_o you_o do_v so_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n honour_n and_o purity_n you_o will_v do_v christ_n and_o they_o singular_a service_n seven_o you_o must_v forbear_v and_o forgive_v one_o another_o for_o this_o be_v another_o of_o your_o command_a duty_n eph._n 4.2_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n vers_n 32._o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o and_o in_o col._n 3.13_o forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o any_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o do_v thy_o brother_n sin_n against_o thou_o or_o do_v thou_o any_o injury_n thou_o shall_v tell_v he_o of_o it_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o search_v out_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o see_v if_o he_o do_v it_o unadvised_o through_o weakness_n or_o ignorance_n and_o without_o any_o design_n to_o wrong_v thou_o or_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o witting_o and_o know_o and_o until_o thou_o be_v sure_o that_o he_o do_v it_o know_o and_o witting_o or_o wilful_o thou_o must_v forbear_v censure_v he_o as_o have_v so_o do_v it_o for_o else_o thou_o will_v prove_v a_o usurper_n and_o a_o false_a judge_n which_o christ_n forbid_v math._n 7.1_o 2._o rom._n 14._o but_o if_o upon_o a_o impartial_a search_n thou_o find_v he_o to_o have_v wrong_v thou_o through_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n thou_o must_v judge_v charitable_o of_o he_o and_o carry_v thyself_o towards_o he_o as_o god_n do_v towards_o thou_o under_o thy_o weakness_n and_o ignorances_n thou_o must_v not_o be_v rash_a and_o severe_a towards_o he_o either_o in_o thy_o carriage_n or_o censure_n but_o if_o it_o clear_o appear_v upon_o impartial_a enquiry_n that_o he_o do_v know_o and_o wilful_o do_v thou_o wrong_n then_o thou_o must_v carry_v thyself_o towards_o and_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o wilful_a transgressor_n thou_o must_v lay_v his_o sin_n before_o he_o and_o show_v he_o what_o law_n he_o have_v transgress_v what_o evil_a he_o have_v do_v thou_o what_o wrong_v to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o offence_n he_o have_v do_v to_o christ_n by_o break_v his_o holy_a law_n admonish_v he_o again_o and_o again_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o censure_v he_o not_o too_o severe_o until_o you_o find_v he_o obstinate_a and_o stubborn_a for_o until_o then_o you_o must_v forbear_v he_o while_o you_o be_v wait_v on_o he_o and_o on_o god_n for_o he_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o give_v he_o repentance_n unto_o life_n but_o if_o your_o endeavour_n be_v bless_v to_o those_o end_n you_o must_v ready_o forgive_v he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v once_o true_o and_o save_o convince_v of_o and_o humble_v for_o his_o sin_n be_v sure_a that_o he_o will_v most_o free_o own_v and_o confess_v it_o to_o thou_o as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v thou_o amends_o and_o give_v thou_o all_o possible_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o wrong_n he_o have_v do_v thou_o and_o this_o he_o will_v do_v not_o by_o constraint_n but_o free_o willing_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n without_o thy_o seek_n to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o a_o person_n be_v not_o powerful_o and_o save_o convince_v of_o and_o humble_v for_o his_o sin_n while_o he_o hang_v off_o and_o must_v be_v seek_v after_o to_o make_v satisfafaction_n to_o such_o as_o he_o have_v wrong_v for_o be_v his_o heart_n real_o melt_v into_o the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o dare_v not_o yea_o can_v not_o be_v quiet_a until_o he_o have_v give_v all_o possible_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o wrong_a luk._n 19.8_o but_o now_o in_o case_n he_o remain_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o reproof_n what_o be_v you_o to_o do_v then_o why_o then_o he_o shall_v take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o and_o deal_v with_o he_o and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o by_o their_o elder_n may_v see_v what_o they_o can_v do_v with_o he_o but_o if_o they_o can_v prevail_v on_o he_o to_o repent_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n then_o i_o think_v the_o offend_a may_v prosecute_v the_o law_n against_o he_o for_o the_o law_n be_v make_v for_o the_o lawless_a and_o disobedient_a 1_o tim._n 1.9_o 10._o but_o yet_o he_o shall_v be_v still_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v he_o whenever_o he_o shall_v repent_v pray_v and_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v repent_v and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o although_o it_o be_v long_o first_o actual_o and_o cordial_o forgive_v he_o and_o renew_v his_o kindness_n and_o brotherly_a love_n to_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o sin_v eight_o it_o be_v your_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o hearken_v too_o and_o receive_v instruction_n admonition_n and_o reproof_n one_o from_o another_o also_o for_o if_o some_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v at_o some_o time_n to_o give_v they_o sure_o other_o who_o need_v they_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o receive_v they_o prov._n 8.33_o hear_v instruction_n and_o be_v wise_a for_o he_o that_o despise_v reproof_n sin_v but_o he_o that_o keep_v instruction_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n prov._n 10.17_o and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o in_o prov._n 12.1_o whoso_o love_v instruction_n love_v knowledge_n but_o he_o that_o hate_v reproof_n be_v brutish_a such_o as_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o reproof_n be_v mark_v out_o for_o scorner_n in_o prov._n 9.8_o and_o he_o that_o be_v often_o reprove_v and_o yet_o harden_v his_o neck_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n prov._n 29.1_o such_o as_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o reproof_n and_o admonition_n or_o slight_a and_o refuse_v they_o do_v thereby_o rebel_v against_o trample_v upon_o and_o contemn_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o a_o mean_n of_o his_o appoint_v for_o their_o happiness_n and_o so_o they_o murder_v their_o own_o soul_n with_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v give_v to_o save_v they_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o hearken_v to_o and_o receive_v your_o brethren_n reproof_n counsel_n and_o admonition_n withal_o humility_n patience_n and_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n with_o all_o love_n meekness_n and_o thanfulnesse_n to_o god_n and_o the_o giver_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v great_a mercy_n to_o you_o and_o they_o be_v your_o real_a and_o profitable_a friend_n such_o as_o seek_v your_o good_a and_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v your_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o i_o wonder_v not_o at_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o such_o as_o refuse_v instruction_n and_o reproof_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n for_o 〈◊〉_d do_v despise_v the_o mean_n as_o in_o their_o present_a
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
he_o may_v speak_v to_o the_o church_n to_o augment_v their_o stock_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v enough_o to_o supply_v all_o occasion_n as_o need_n require_v 2._o they_o shall_v not_o only_o look_v after_o the_o poor_a to_o get_v money_n for_o they_o from_o the_o church_n but_o to_o ease_v the_o church_n they_o shall_v see_v that_o such_o as_o can_v work_v and_o so_o help_v to_o maintain_v themselves_o do_v so_o and_o such_o as_o can_v work_v but_o will_v not_o if_o any_o such_o be_v to_o reprove_v and_o admonish_v they_o and_o until_o they_o do_v set_v to_o work_v and_o endeavour_v to_o live_v and_o provide_v for_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v to_o detain_v all_o supply_n from_o they_o that_o their_o want_n may_v provoke_v they_o to_o labour_n but_o in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o poor_a in_o the_o church_n that_o will_v labour_v and_o not_o be_v chargeable_a to_o the_o church_n but_o can_v get_v employment_n the_o deacon_n ought_v to_o do_v their_o utmost_a from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o get_v they_o work_v and_o to_o give_v they_o all_o the_o encouragement_n they_o can_v therein_o and_o by_o their_o so_o do_v they_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o poor_a who_o will_v live_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n if_o they_o can_v find_v employment_n and_o who_o be_v as_o loath_a to_o be_v burdensome_a unto_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o 3._o they_o shall_v often_o visit_v the_o poor_a and_o see_v how_o it_o be_v with_o they_o encourage_v and_o comfort_v they_o and_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n and_o refresh_v their_o heart_n under_o their_o poverty_n and_o the_o temptation_n that_o attend_v it_o doubtless_o poverty_n have_v many_o great_a and_o strong_a temptation_n and_o therefore_o the_o poor_a have_v need_n of_o their_o support_n kindness_n and_o encouragement_n to_o bear_v up_o their_o heart_n from_o sink_a despondency_n sure_o deacon_n have_v more_o to_o do_v for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o poor_a thereof_o then_o to_o receive_v contribution_n and_o send_v it_o by_o other_o now_o and_o then_o to_o such_o as_o want_v when_o they_o be_v require_v so_o to_o do_v what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o they_o for_o their_o do_v of_o that_o if_o they_o have_v but_o eye_n and_o common_a reason_n they_o may_v do_v their_o work_n if_o that_o be_v all_o without_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n but_o their_o requisite_a qualification_n do_v declare_v sufficient_o that_o they_o have_v other_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n for_o which_o they_o must_v be_v so_o qualify_v but_o when_o man_n have_v once_o get_v the_o name_n of_o a_o office_n they_o take_v up_o with_o that_o but_o seldom_o or_o never_o mind_n endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o their_o office_n they_o must_v be_v even_o drive_v to_o mind_n it_o and_o angry_a if_o any_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o neglect_n sure_o such_o officer_n have_v a_o sad_a account_n to_o make_v and_o contract_v much_o blame_n shame_n and_o guilt_n on_o their_o name_n &_o soul_n and_o they_o must_v repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o even_o shed_v tear_n of_o blood_n for_o their_o sin_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v save_v yea_o the_o strait_n want_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o deacon_n neglect_v will_v cry_v out_o against_o they_o and_o condemn_v they_o oh_o sir_n remember_v who_o officer_n and_o steward_n you_o be_v and_o for_o what_o end_v you_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n consider_v your_o way_n what_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o you_o do_v and_o what_o you_o leave_v undo_v 4._o they_o shall_v provide_v conveniency_n for_o the_o church_n to_o worship_n god_n withal_o and_o see_v that_o the_o church_n suffer_v no_o detriment_n by_o any_o of_o their_o neglect_n 5._o their_o work_n also_o be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n perform_v that_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o teacher_n or_o pastor_n namely_o to_o give_v he_o his_o due_n of_o subsistence_n according_a to_o that_o charge_n in_o gal._n 6.6_o 1_o cor._n 9_o rom._n 15.27_o and_o to_o collect_v it_o for_o he_o to_o provoke_v the_o negligent_a and_o exhort_v such_o as_o be_v backward_o to_o their_o duty_n their_o work_n be_v as_o be_v say_v to_o serve_v table_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o work_n of_o the_o church_n and_o deacon_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o uphold_v and_o encourage_a of_o the_o ministry_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o deacon_n work_v in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v attend_v with_o all_o possible_a wisdom_n diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o their_o work_n and_o business_n for_o god_n will_v require_v a_o account_n of_o they_o how_o they_o have_v carry_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n and_o perform_v their_o work_n there_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n towards_o their_o deacon_n in_o the_o faithful_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o trust_n ans_fw-fr they_o shall_v love_v and_o honour_v they_o as_o christ_n and_o their_o officer_n and_o give_v they_o all_o encouragement_n in_o their_o work_n they_o must_v not_o load_v and_o burden_v their_o work_n by_o discountenance_v blame_v or_o penuriousness_n towards_o they_o or_o by_o distrust_v they_o and_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v cheerful_o confide_v in_o they_o and_o pray_v importunate_o to_o god_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v their_o work_n and_o faithful_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o their_o place_n as_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v sure_o brethren_n christ_n can_v endure_v to_o see_v any_o of_o his_o church-officer_n who_o act_n and_o serve_v the_o church_n faithful_o from_o from_o and_o under_o he_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o appointment_n to_o be_v slight_v undervalue_v and_o discourage_v but_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v love_v honour_a and_o respect_v for_o his_o own_o and_o their_o work_n and_o office_n sake_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v find_v all_o possible_a encouragement_n from_o you_o the_o neglect_n of_o which_o be_v sin_n and_o disobedience_n against_o christ_n law_n and_o authority_n and_o your_o shame_n and_o loss_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o great_a &_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o church-member_n among_o themselves_o or_o to_o one_o another_o in_o a_o church_n relation_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n to_o one_o another_o ans_fw-fr there_o be_v two_o great_a end_n christ_n jesus_n have_v in_o his_o eye_n in_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v such_o a_o near_a relation_n union_n and_o communion_n for_o and_o among_o his_o people_n as_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n be_v first_o to_o capacitate_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v their_o respective_a duty_n and_o work_n 1._o to_o god_n 2._o to_o man_n or_o to_o one_o another_o second_o to_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o with_o great_a ease_n freedom_n order_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o otherwise_o they_o can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o near_a relation_n to_o and_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o one_o another_o person_n faith_n principle_n and_o conversation_n they_o can_v worship_v or_o glorify_v god_n together_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o mouth_n as_o command_v rom._n 15.6_o and_o walk_v together_o with_o god_n in_o all_o his_o way_n in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o judgement_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o which_o else_o they_o can_v not_o so_o well_o do_v so_o likewise_o to_o perform_v their_o respective_a duty_n to_o their_o officer_n and_o mutual_a duty_n to_o one_o another_o as_o brethren_n unite_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a band_n for_o those_o end_n and_o purpose_n their_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o as_o brethren_n and_o sister_n enchurch_v and_o knit_v together_o in_o one_o single_a and_o individual_a corporation_n under_o the_o law_n and_o lordship_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o their_o only_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v all_o lay_v down_o in_o his_o gospel_n for_o they_o and_o make_v their_o duty_n only_o by_o his_o appoint_v and_o command_v they_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o practise_v by_o all_o church-member_n and_o in_o all_o their_o observation_n of_o they_o they_o must_v have_v a_o choice_n and_o singular_a respect_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o they_o without_o which_o their_o do_v of_o they_o be_v not_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o the_o product_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n now_o then_o we_o will_v inquire_v into_o they_o endeavour_v brief_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o light_v and_o present_v some_o of_o they_o to_o you_o who_o desire_v