of_o the_o church_n express_v which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o exceed_v in_o any_o thing_n herein_o be_v bound_n and_o limit_n fix_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o three_o this_o power_n or_o authority_n thus_o grant_v and_o convey_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n with_o skill_n and_o diligence_n rom._n 12.6_o 1_o cor._n 12._o and_o the_o skill_n require_v hereunto_o be_v a_o gift_n or_o a_o ability_n of_o mind_n bestow_v by_o the_o holy-ghost_n upon_o man_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n by_o he_o appoint_v or_o a_o spiritual_a wisdom_n whereby_o man_n know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o their_o several_a place_n for_o its_o due_a edification_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o this_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o person_n time_n and_o action_n with_o their_o circumstance_n be_v such_o a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o whereof_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n answer_v to_o the_o distinct_a duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n on_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o member_n on_o the_o other_o and_o where_o this_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n be_v want_v there_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v preserve_v or_o carry_v on_o hereunto_o also_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n be_v to_o be_v add_v without_o which_o ability_n and_o power_n will_v never_o obtain_v their_o proper_a end_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o four_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discipline_n be_v continuance_n increase_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o first_o institution_n 1_o cor._n 5.7_o this_o power_n have_v christ_n give_v his_o church_n for_o its_o conservation_n without_o which_o it_o must_v necessary_o decay_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o where_o any_o church_n be_v call_v and_o gather_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o destitute_a of_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o preserve_v itself_o in_o that_o state_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v unto_o it_o and_o that_o which_o be_v one_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n be_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o discipline_n the_o power_n and_o privilege_n whereof_o the_o lord_n have_v leave_v unto_o they_o and_o entrust_v they_o withal_o for_o their_o own_o preservation_n in_o order_n purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o they_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o he_o rev._n 2.14_o 15_o 20._o chap._n 3.2_o as_o be_v also_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o as_o they_o be_v commend_v who_o attend_v unto_o the_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o it_o revel_v 2.2_o chap._n 3.9_o the_o disuse_n also_o of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o defilement_n abomination_n and_o confusion_n that_o have_v spread_v themselves_o over_o many_o church_n in_o the_o world_n quest._n 42._o unto_o who_o be_v the_o power_n and_o administration_n of_o this_o discipline_n commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n answ._n as_o to_o the_o authority_n to_o be_v exert_v in_o it_o in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v concern_v unto_o the_o elder_n as_o unto_o trial_n judgement_n and_o consent_n in_o and_o unto_o its_o exercise_n unto_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n as_o unto_o love_n care_n and_o watchfuless_a in_o private_a and_o particular_a case_n to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 24.45_o ephes._n 4.13_o 14._o act_n 20.28_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o chap._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o pet._n 2.3_o 1_o thes._n 5.12_o gal._n 6.1_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 4.14_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 4_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o explication_n it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o this_o power_n be_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ._n now_o this_o law_n assign_v the_o mean_n and_o way_n whereby_o any_o person_n do_v obtain_v a_o interest_n therein_o and_o make_v the_o just_a allotment_n to_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o what_o this_o law_n constitution_n or_o word_n of_o christ_n assign_v unto_o any_o as_o such_o that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n soever_o they_o come_v to_o be_v entrust_v therein_o thus_o that_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o first_o formal_o reside_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n unorganize_v or_o distinct_a from_o they_o though_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o their_o office_n by_o their_o suffrage_n and_o choice_n but_o they_o be_v themselves_o as_o such_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o office_n power_n for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n christ._n nor_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o this_o power_n of_o discipline_n whatever_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o elder_n but_o be_v immediate_o grant_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n first_o in_o this_o way_n and_o manner_n the_o authority_n above_o describe_v be_v give_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o such_o unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n this_o authority_n be_v before_o explain_v in_o answer_n unto_o the_o 28_o question_n as_o also_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o they_o receive_v it_o and_o it_o be_v that_o power_n of_o office_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a duty_n in_o the_o teach_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n from_o mat._n 16.19_o which_o expression_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o in_o general_a liable_a unto_o many_o interpretation_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o declaration_n make_v of_o it_o in_o those_o particular_a instance_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v nor_o be_v it_o a_o twofold_a power_n or_o authority_n that_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o one_o to_o teach_v and_o another_o to_o rule_v common_o call_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n but_o it_o be_v one_o power_n of_o office_n the_o duty_n whereof_o be_v of_o several_a kind_n refer_v unto_o the_o two_o general_a head_n first_o of_o teach_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o 2_o of_o rule_n or_o government_n by_o virtue_n hereof_o be_v they_o make_v ruler_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n matth._n 24.45_o steward_n in_o his_o house_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 20.28_o 1_o peter_n 5.2_o guide_n unto_o the_o church_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o not_o that_o they_o have_v a_o supreme_a or_o autocratorical_a power_n commit_v unto_o they_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v what_o seem_v right_a and_o good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n see_v they_o be_v express_o bind_v up_o unto_o the_o term_n of_o their_o commission_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o to_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o and_o only_o what_o christ_n have_v command_v nor_o have_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o any_o dominion_n in_o or_o over_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o law_n rule_n or_o privilege_n of_o it_o or_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o alter_v change_n add_v diminish_v or_o bind_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o mark_v 10.42_o 43_o 44._o but_o it_o be_v a_o power_n mere_o ministerial_a in_o who_o exercise_n they_o be_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n accountable_a servant_n heb._n 13.17_o matth._n 24.45_o and_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o this_o authority_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n they_o exert_v and_o put_v forth_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o not_o either_o as_o declare_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o or_o act_v what_o be_v delegated_a unto_o they_o thereby_o but_o as_o ministerial_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n commit_v unto_o themselves_o second_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n woman_n be_v except_v by_o especial_a prohibition_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o 35._o 1_o tim._n 2.11_o 12._o be_v by_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n interest_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o power_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o first_o to_o consider_v try_v and_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o and_o about_o all_o person_n thing_n and_o cause_n in_o reference_n whereunto_o
unto_o he_o that_o will_v be_v account_v to_o have_v take_v that_o office_n upon_o he_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o communication_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o the_o apostle_n declare_v ephes._n 4.7_o 8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o but_o unto_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o he_o say_v when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o continue_v if_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v not_o continue_v to_o give_v gift_n unto_o man_n for_o that_o end_n the_o ministry_n must_v and_o will_v cease_v in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o church_n order_n and_o administration_n thereon_o the_o exercise_n also_o of_o the_o gift_n be_v require_v in_o all_o they_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o sacred_a office_n 1_o tim._n 4.14_o neglect_n nor_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o hence_o person_n destitute_a of_o these_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o can_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n discharge_v any_o one_o duty_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o want_v a_o interest_n in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o office_n be_v not_o esteem_v of_o god_n as_o minister_n at_o all_o whatever_o their_o outward_a call_n may_v be_v hosea_n 4.6_o because_o thou_o have_v reject_v knowledge_n i_o will_v also_o reject_v thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v be_v no_o priest_n to_o me._n second_o their_o unblameableness_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n be_v previous_o require_v in_o they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o unto_o the_o ministry_n this_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v and_o lay_v down_o many_o particular_a instance_n whereby_o it_o be_v to_o be_v try_v tit._n 1.7_o 8_o 9_o for_o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n not_o self-willed_a not_o soon_o angry_a not_o give_v to_o wine_n no_o striker_n not_o give_v to_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o a_o lover_n of_o hospitality_n a_o lover_n of_o good_a man_n sober_a just_a holy_a temperate_a hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayer_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o a_o bishop_n must_v be_v blameless_a the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n vigilant_a sober_a of_o good_a behaviour_n give_v to_o hospitality_n apt_a to_o teach_v not_o give_v to_o wine_n no_o striker_n not_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o patient_a not_o a_o brawler_n nor_o covetous_a one_o that_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o child_n in_o subjection_n with_o all_o gravity_n for_o if_o a_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o rule_v his_o own_o house_n how_o shall_v he_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n not_o a_o novice_n lest_o be_v lift_v up_o with_o pride_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n moreover_o he_o must_v have_v a_o good_a report_n of_o they_o which_o be_v without_o lest_o he_o fall_v into_o reproach_n and_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n not_o that_o the_o particular_n here_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v only_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n but_o that_o in_o a_o universal_a holy_a conversation_n these_o thing_n he_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v eminent_a in_o among_o believer_n as_o those_o which_o have_v a_o especial_a respect_n to_o his_o work_n and_o office_n and_o a_o failure_n in_o any_o of_o they_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n or_o reason_n to_o debar_v any_o person_n from_o obtain_v a_o part_n and_o lot_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o whereas_o the_o especial_a end_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v to_o promote_v and_o far_a faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o edification_n of_o it_o how_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n will_v it_o be_v if_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o it_o who_o in_o their_o own_o person_n be_v stranger_n both_o unto_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o herein_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n serious_o to_o exercise_v themselves_o unto_o god_n that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o a_o universal_a labour_a after_o conformity_n in_o their_o life_n unto_o the_o great_a bishop_n and_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n three_o it_o be_v require_v that_o such_o a_o person_n have_v a_o willing_a mind_n to_o give_v up_o himself_o unto_o god_n in_o this_o work_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 3._o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o of_o a_o ready_a mind_n neither_o as_o be_v lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o flock_n willingness_n and_o readiness_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o thing_n here_o require_v as_o a_o previous_a qualification_n unto_o any_o man_n susception_n of_o this_o office_n and_o two_o thing_n do_v the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o be_v contrary_a hereunto_o first_o the_o undertake_n of_o it_o by_o constraint_n which_o comprise_v every_o antecedent_n external_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o undertaker_n such_o be_v personal_a outward_a necessity_n compulsion_n of_o friend_n and_o relation_n want_v of_o other_o way_n of_o subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o and_o the_o like_a be_v condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o bring_v some_o constraint_n on_o the_o mind_n which_o on_o other_o account_v oughty_a to_o be_v free_a and_o willing_a as_o also_o all_o tergiversation_n and_o backwardness_n in_o person_n due_o qualify_v and_o call_v on_o the_o consideration_n of_o difficulty_n temptation_n straits_n persecution_n be_v here_o condemn_v second_o a_o eye_n and_o regard_n unto_o filthy_a lucre_n or_o profit_n in_o the_o world_n be_v propose_v as_o opposite_a unto_o the_o readiness_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v require_v in_o they_o that_o be_v call_v to_o this_o work_n a_o aim_n in_o this_o employment_n for_o man_n by_o it_o to_o advantage_n themselves_o in_o the_o outward_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n without_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o office_n will_v lie_v neglect_v by_o the_o most_o of_o they_o who_o now_o will_v be_v account_v partaker_n of_o it_o be_v open_o here_o condemn_v by_o the_o apostle_n four_o election_n by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o call_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n so_o that_o without_o it_o formal_o or_o virtual_o give_v or_o obtain_v the_o call_v however_o otherwise_o carry_v on_o or_o solemnize_v be_v irregular_a and_o defective_a there_o be_v but_o two_o place_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o the_o manner_n whereby_o any_o be_v call_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n unto_o any_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o both_o of_o they_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o their_o election_n by_o the_o community_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o both_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o preside_v with_o a_o fullness_n of_o church_n power_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o that_o which_o be_v their_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v act_v the_o 6._o where_o all_o the_o apostle_n together_o to_o give_v a_o rule_n unto_o the_o future_a proceed_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o officer_n among_o they_o do_v appoint_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n or_o community_n of_o the_o church_n to_o look_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o or_o to_o choose_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o thereon_o unto_o their_o office_n which_o they_o do_v according_o verse_n 2_o 3_o and_o 5._o then_o the_o twelve_o call_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o disciple_n unto_o they_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v table_n wherefore_o brethren_n look_v you_o out_o among_o you_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n
power_n consist_v in_o a_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v set_v over_o so_o they_o be_v command_v to_o attend_v unto_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o and_o whereunto_o they_o be_v so_o ordain_v act._n 20.28_o 1_o peter_n 1.2_o and_o that_o with_o all_o diligence_n care_n and_o watchfulness_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n heb._n 13.17_o which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o do_v towards_o more_o church_n than_o one_o the_o same_o duty_n be_v at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v perform_v towards_o all_o and_o because_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o the_o elder_n pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o church_n be_v ministerial_a â—_o cor._n 4.1_o consist_v in_o a_o power_n of_o act_v upon_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o office_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o authority_n to_o delegate_v another_o or_o other_o to_o act_v their_o part_n or_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n which_o will_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o autocratorical_a authority_n and_o not_o of_o obedience_n or_o ministry_n the_o latter_a way_n also_o of_o relation_n unto_o many_o church_n be_v unwarrantable_a for_o 1_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o law_n nor_o constitution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n can_v be_v produce_v to_o give_v it_o countenance_n but_o elder_n be_v ordain_v to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o command_v to_o attend_v unto_o they_o 2_o no_o rule_n be_v give_v unto_o any_o elder_n how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o reference_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a power_n as_o there_o be_v rule_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v relate_v 3_o there_o be_v no_o example_n to_o give_v it_o countenance_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n 4_o the_o authority_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o have_v no_o foundation_n 1_o not_o in_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a ability_n or_o faculty_n of_o do_v what_o a_o man_n be_v able_a but_o a_o right_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v power_n to_o do_v that_o right_o and_o lawful_o which_o before_o he_o can_v not_o do_v this_o gift_n will_v not_o give_v to_o any_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v do_v it_o to_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v they_o 2_o not_o in_o their_o election_n for_o they_o be_v choose_v in_o and_o by_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o stand_v in_o especial_a relation_n who_o choice_n can_v give_v ministerial_a power_n over_o any_o but_o themselves_o 3_o not_o in_o their_o set_n apart_o by_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o this_o be_v only_o unto_o that_o office_n work_n and_o power_n whereunto_o they_o be_v choose_v they_o be_v not_o choose_v for_o one_o end_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o another_o 4_o not_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n for_o that_o give_v no_o new_a power_n but_o only_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o receive_v qu._n 27._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n an._n 1_o to_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o faith_n love_n knowledge_n méekness_n patience_n readiness_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o constancy_n therein_o 2_o to_o watch_v for_o the_o soul_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a concernment_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n commit_v to_o they_o 3_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n diligent_o divide_v it_o aright_o 4_o to_o preserve_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n 5_o to_o administer_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n due_o and_o orderly_o 6_o to_o stir_v up_o and_o exercise_v the_o gift_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a work_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n 7_o to_o instruct_v admonish_v cherish_v and_o comfort_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o condition_n occasion_n and_o necessity_n do_v require_v 8_o to_o attend_v with_o diligence_n skill_n and_o wisdom_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o 1_o 1_o tim._n 3.10_o 11_o 13._o chap._n 4.12_o 2_o tim._n 2.3_o coloss._n 1.24_o phil._n 2.17_o chap._n 3.17_o 2_o heb._n 13.17_o act_n 20.28_o 3_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o 4_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o act_n 20.28_o judas_n 3_o 5_o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 6_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o 7_o act_n 20.18_o 19_o 20_o 25_o 26._o 1_o thes._n 3.5_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o 8_o rom._n 12.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o answer_n be_v full_a and_o plain_a qu._n 28._o wherein_o principal_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v an._n 1_o in_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o guidance_n thereof_o in_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o 2_o whatever_o they_o do_v as_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o rule_n they_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o name_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o their_o power_n be_v derive_v unto_o they_o nor_o as_o member_n only_o of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o covenant_n but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o who_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n be_v receive_v so_o that_o 3_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o church_n power_n by_z and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n thence_o proceed_v which_o arise_v immediate_o from_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 2_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o coloss._n 4.17_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 8._o 3_o 1_o tim._n 4.11_o titus_n 2.15_o 1_o peter_n 1.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o explication_n the_o answer_n unto_o this_o question_n explain_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o and_o how_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o the_o right_n state_v whereof_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o whole_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v therefore_o here_o be_v far_o explain_v to_o this_o end_n we_o may_v consider_v first_o that_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o vest_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sole_a head_n and_o monarch_n thereof_o god_n the_o father_n have_v commit_v it_o unto_o he_o and_o entrust_v he_o with_o it_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o work_n of_o mediation_n matth._n 28.18_o second_o that_o he_o do_v communicate_v of_o this_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o trust_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o in_o his_o name_n unto_o person_n by_o he_o appoint_v so_o much_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o bless_a end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v they_o for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o power_n in_o his_o church_n for_o any_o end_n whatever_o but_o by_o delegation_n from_o he_o what_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o he_o be_v mere_a usurpation_n and_o whoever_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o rule_n or_o authority_n or_o power_n in_o the_o church_n not_o grant_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o or_o not_o right_o derive_v from_o he_o be_v a_o oppressor_n a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n this_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o the_o absolute_a investiture_n of_o all_o power_n in_o he_o alone_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o three_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v this_o power_n unto_o man_n be_v by_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n whereby_o he_o have_v grant_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o such_o and_o such_o power_n shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n and_o that_o by_o such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o be_v derive_v unto_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o be_v the_o first_o recipient_a seat_n and_o subject_n moral_o of_o all_o church_n power_n whatever_o matth._n 16.19_o matth._n 18.18_o 19_o 20._o four_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o any_o person_n come_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o power_n regular_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o obedience_n unto_o and_o due_a observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n
a_o brief_a instruction_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o way_n of_o question_n and_o answer_n with_o a_o explication_n and_o confirmation_n of_o those_o answer_n print_v 1667._o a_o short_a catechism_n with_o a_o explication_n upon_o the_o same_o q._n 1._o what_o do_v god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o our_o dependence_n on_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v by_o we_o and_o we_o accept_v with_o he_o answ._n that_o we_o ah_o worship_v he_o b_o in_o and_o by_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n a_o matth._n 4.10_o rev._n 14.7_o deut._n 6.13_o chap._n 10.20_o b_o leu._n 10.1_o 2_o 3._o exod._n 24.3_o gen._n 18.19_o joshua_n 23.6_o 8._o zach._n 14.16_o explication_n by_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n inquire_v after_o not_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a on_o moral_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o first_o commandment_n be_v intend_v such_o be_v our_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o our_o fear_n of_o he_o our_o subjection_n of_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o he_o as_o the_o great_a sovereign_a lord_n first_o cause_n last_o end_n judge_n and_o rewarder_n of_o all_o man_n the_o law_n whereof_o be_v original_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o have_v be_v various_o improve_v and_o direct_v by_o new_a revelation_n and_o institution_n and_o this_o worship_n be_v call_v natural_a upon_o a_o double_a account_n first_o because_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n a_o due_a perception_n and_o understanding_n whereof_o make_v all_o this_o worship_n indispensible_o necessary_a for_o none_o can_v know_v god_n but_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o love_v he_o trust_v he_o and_o call_v upon_o he_o which_o all_o be_v therefore_o curse_v that_o do_v not_o psalm_n 79.6_o 2_o thes._n 1.8_o and_o second_o because_o it_o be_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o concreated_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o that_o which_o suit_v direct_v and_o enable_v he_o to_o answer_v the_o law_n of_o his_o creation_n require_v this_o obedience_n of_o he_o in_o his_o dependence_n on_o god_n and_o this_o worship_n be_v invariable_a but_o it_o concern_v those_o outward_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v of_o he_o to_o be_v exercise_v and_o express_v unto_o his_o glory_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o worship_n though_o it_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o upon_o his_o free_a and_o arbitrary_a disposal_n and_o so_o be_v of_o old_a liable_a unto_o alteration_n yet_o god_n do_v ever_o strict_o require_v in_o the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n that_o his_o church_n have_v go_v through_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o most_o common_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o that_o whereby_o all_o the_o acceptable_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n towards_o he_o be_v express_v and_o the_o only_a way_n of_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o in_o the_o world_n as_o also_o of_o entertain_v a_o visible_a intercourse_n with_o he_o this_o therefore_o he_o call_v for_o and_o require_v indispensible_o of_o all_o that_o draw_v nigh_o to_o he_o and_o that_o because_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n rev._n 14.6_o 7._o mat._n 4.10_o deut._n 10.12_o 13._o for_o his_o observance_n hereof_o do_v he_o so_o approve_v of_o abraham_n gen._n 18.19_o and_o set_v it_o down_o as_o a_o everlasting_a law_n unto_o all_o other_o that_o in_o a_o holy_a observation_n thereof_o he_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o that_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o leu._n 10._o 1_o 2_o 3._o his_o command_n also_o concern_v it_o be_v multiply_v in_o the_o scripture_n with_o the_o approbation_n of_o all_o those_o that_o attend_v unto_o they_o we_o may_v not_o think_v to_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n or_o to_o inherit_v the_o promise_n if_o suppose_v ourselves_o to_o adhere_v unto_o he_o in_o worship_n internal_a and_o natural_a we_o neglect_v that_o which_o be_v external_a and_o of_o his_o free_a appointment_n for_o beside_o that_o we_o renounce_v thereby_o our_o inward_a dependence_n on_o he_o also_o in_o not_o observe_v his_o command_n as_o adam_n do_v in_o transgress_v a_o institution_n we_o become_v whole_o useless_a unto_o all_o the_o end_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o neither_o do_v we_o only_o express_v and_o profess_v our_o inward_a moral_a natural_a worship_n of_o god_n hereby_o by_o which_o mean_v it_o become_v the_o principal_a way_n and_o instrument_n of_o faith_n and_o trust_n exert_v themselves_o in_o our_o obedience_n but_o also_o it_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a help_n and_o assistance_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o natural_a worship_n strengthen_v the_o habit_n of_o it_o and_o exciting_a it_o unto_o all_o suitable_a act_n unto_o its_o increase_n and_o growth_n qu._n 2._o by_o what_o mean_n do_v we_o come_v to_o know_v that_o god_n will_v thus_o be_v worship_v answ._n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o that_o according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o appointment_n be_v a_o a_o principal_a branch_n of_o the_o law_n of_o our_o creation_n write_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o b_o sense_n whereof_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o that_o worship_n depend_v mere_o on_o god_n c_o sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o institution_n a_o rom._n 1.21_o chap._n 2.14_o 15._o act_n 15.16_o 17._o act_n 17.23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o verse_n b_o exodus_fw-la 20.4_o 5_o 6_o c_o jer._n 7.31_o exod._n 25.40_o heb._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o john_n 1.18_o explication_n these_o two_o thing_n all_o man_n see_v by_o nature_n first_o that_o god_n however_o they_o mistake_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o he_o will_v be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v with_o some_o outward_a solemn_a worship_n so_o that_o although_o some_o be_v report_v to_o have_v even_o cast_v off_o all_o knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o divine_a be_v yet_o never_o any_o be_v hear_v of_o that_o come_v to_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o any_o god_n true_a or_o false_a but_o they_o all_o consent_v that_o he_o be_v constant_o and_o solemn_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o individual_a person_n but_o by_o society_n together_o that_o so_o they_o may_v own_v and_o honour_v he_o who_o they_o take_v for_o their_o god_n and_o thus_o far_o outward_a worship_n be_v require_v in_o the_o first_o commandment_n namely_o that_o the_o inward_a be_v exercise_v and_o express_v when_o we_o take_v god_n for_o our_o god_n we_o take_v he_o to_o worship_v he_o deut._n 10.12_o 13._o other_o thought_n namely_o of_o inward_a worship_n without_o outward_a expression_n at_o all_o or_o any_o time_n or_o in_o any_o way_n be_v but_o a_o covert_n unto_o atheism_n and_o second_o this_o also_o they_o be_v lead_v to_o a_o apprehension_n of_o by_o the_o same_o light_n whereby_o they_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o rom._n 2.14_o that_o god_n will_v be_v worship_v in_o the_o way_n and_o by_o the_o mean_n that_o he_o himself_o appoint_v and_o approve_v whence_o none_o among_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o undertake_v to_o appoint_v way_n and_o ceromony_n of_o worship_n but_o still_o they_o pretend_v to_o derive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o from_o the_o god_n themselves_o of_o who_o they_o reckon_v that_o every_o one_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o his_o own_o way_n and_o because_o notwitstand_v this_o pretence_n be_v leave_v of_o god_n and_o delude_v of_o satan_n they_o do_v invent_v false_a and_o foolish_a way_n of_o worship_n not_o only_o not_o appoint_v of_o god_n but_o such_o as_o be_v unsuit_v unto_o those_o inbred_a notion_n which_o they_o have_v of_o his_o nature_n and_o excellency_n the_o apostle_n convince_v and_o disprove_v they_o as_o man_n act_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n rom._n 1.21_o they_o may_v have_v see_v that_o in_o their_o idolatry_n they_o answer_v not_o their_o own_o inbred_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o as_o to_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n and_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n do_v he_o argue_v at_o large_a act_v 17.23_o but_o beyond_o this_o the_o inbred_a light_n of_o nature_n can_v not_o conduct_v any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n this_o alone_a be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o precept_n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v they_o know_v and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n they_o know_v but_o what_o those_o way_n and_o mean_n be_v they_o know_v not_o these_o always_o depend_v on_o god_n sovereign_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o