will_v either_o have_v be_v find_v unfit_a upon_o trial_n or_o if_o not_o hearty_a to_o the_o work_n will_v have_v hinder_v the_o success_n thereof_o 3._o if_o but_o one_o three_o part_n of_o those_o choose_a hold_n and_o who_o be_v upon_o trial_n find_v fit_a be_v confirm_v by_o they_o their_o authority_n be_v as_o bind_v as_o if_o five_o time_n their_o number_n have_v embrace_v it_o and_o the_o few_o there_o be_v the_o more_o commendable_a be_v their_o resolution_n against_o difficulty_n and_o the_o less_o fear_n of_o dissension_n who_o also_o if_o they_o find_v the_o work_n too_o hard_o as_o opportunity_n be_v offer_v may_v admit_v of_o additional_a assistance_n 4._o the_o numerousnesse_n of_o the_o presbytery_n be_v one_o of_o the_o block_n cast_v in_o the_o way_n of_o reformation_n therefore_o there_o be_v less_o need_n to_o stumble_v at_o their_o paucity_n if_o able_a to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n ob._n 22._o but_o be_v it_o meet_v all_o man_n shall_v come_v before_o the_o 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predominate_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v against_o the_o rule_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o yea_o and_o derogate_v very_o much_o from_o the_o disposition_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v either_o fit_a for_o church_n communion_n or_o heavenly_a entertainment_n mark_v 10.15_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o receive_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n as_o a_o little_a child_n he_o shall_v not_o enter_v therein_o so_o also_o matth._n 18.4_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v humble_v himself_o as_o this_o little_a child_n the_o same_o be_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n david_n a_o king_n yet_o think_v it_o his_o honour_n to_o be_v humble_a 131.2_o psal_n 131.2_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v as_o a_o wean_a child_n 4._o where_o the_o soul_n true_o thirst_v after_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o ordinance_n it_o will_v easy_o step_v over_o this_o block_n hunger_n will_v break_v stone_n wall_n and_o although_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n endeavour_v to_o hedge_v up_o thy_o way_n to_o the_o ordinance_n yet_o if_o thou_o spiritual_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n all_o these_o will_v be_v lay_v low_o every_o one_o that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v learned_a to_o deny_v himself_o 5._o although_o the_o eldership_n will_v willing_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n to_o win_v man_n by_o love_n and_o ready_a to_o deny_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o offence_n and_o the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o herein_o they_o shall_v but_o please_v some_o and_o displease_v many_o more_o and_o bring_v such_o a_o endless_a task_n upon_o themselves_o as_o will_v take_v up_o much_o time_n and_o abundant_o retard_v the_o work_n 6._o it_o be_v not_o a_o work_n either_o command_v or_o commend_v to_o any_o particular_a eldership_n by_o the_o classical_a assembly_n how_o ever_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n something_o of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v do_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o particular_a presbytery_n and_o who_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o will_v condescend_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v promote_v the_o work_n of_o god_n ob._n 23._o but_o if_o man_n and_o woman_n must_v both_o be_v examine_v it_o may_v fall_v out_o a_o man_n may_v be_v find_v unfit_a and_o his_o wife_n may_v be_v receive_v sometime_o the_o man_n receive_v and_o his_o wife_n unfit_a what_o a_o kind_n of_o confusion_n will_v this_o be_v do_v not_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v the_o unbelieving_a woman_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o believe_a man_n and_o the_o unbelieving_a man_n by_o the_o believe_a woman_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o a._n the_o apostle_n speak_v there_o concern_v the_o reason_n why_o unbeliever_n and_o believer_n may_v cohabit_v and_o continue_v in_o a_o conjugal_a estate_n of_o matrimony_n and_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o that_o the_o wife_n can_v be_v save_v by_o the_o husband_n faith_n or_o the_o husband_n by_o the_o wife_n this_o be_v to_o cross_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n for_o every_o man_n must_v know_v and_o believe_v for_o himself_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o his_o faith_n neither_o abraham_n noah_n job_n or_o daniel_n can_v deliver_v any_o man_n soul_n by_o their_o faith_n though_o never_o so_o near_o relate_v the_o apostle_n only_o signify_v three_o that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o depart_v matrimonial_a society_n because_o both_o be_v not_o believer_n for_o that_o if_o the_o one_o do_v believe_v it_o give_v their_o child_n right_a to_o external_a christian_a church_n privilege_n and_o such_o ordinance_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o as_o circumcision_n under_o the_o law_n baptism_n in_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n not_o that_o the_o parent_n can_v either_o add_v or_o infuse_v grace_n into_o their_o child_n for_o the_o dear_a of_o god_n saint_n may_v have_v child_n destitute_a of_o grace_n and_o uncapable_a either_o of_o church-fellowship_n or_o the_o least_o share_n in_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o be_v there_o the_o least_o hint_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o text_n of_o sacramental_a communion_n or_o of_o thing_n pertain_v to_o life_n and_o salvation_n for_o in_o such_o case_n every_o man_n and_o woman_n must_v plead_v their_o own_o interest_n and_o either_o have_v particular_a and_o peculiar_a save_a grace_n or_o the_o near_a relation_n they_o have_v to_o the_o most_o holy_a can_v do_v they_o no_o good_a he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o the_o son_n shall_v not_o see_v life_n but_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n abide_v on_o he_o 3.16_o john_n 3.16_o and_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o in_o the_o great_a and_o general_a judgement_n man_n and_o woman_n of_o near_a relation_n be_v separate_v two_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o field_n the_o one_o take_v and_o the_o other_o leave_v two_o woman_n grind_v at_o the_o mill_n the_o one_o take_v and_o the_o other_o leave_v march_n 24.40_o 41._o 2._o as_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n there_o be_v neither_o marry_v 12.16_o mark_v 12.16_o nor_o give_v in_o marriage_n but_o all_o be_v as_o the_o angel_n so_o the_o church_n of_o god_n on_o earth_n take_v no_o cognizance_n whether_o man_n be_v marry_v or_o single_a wife_n or_o virgin_n but_o he_o or_o she_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o church_n communion_n aught_o to_o be_v admit_v and_o must_v be_v visible_a saint_n and_o although_o never_o so_o near_o relate_v if_o not_o so_o aught_o to_o be_v shut_v out_o 3._o suppose_v a_o man_n upâ—â—_n examination_n be_v admit_v and_o his_o wife_n respite_v for_o her_o incapacity_n a_o while_n till_o god_n shall_v enable_v she_o or_o suppose_v the_o wife_n be_v admit_v and_o her_o husband_n for_o like_a reason_n suspend_v be_v it_o not_o better_o for_o that_o party_n find_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v and_o the_o party_n unfit_a to_o be_v debar_v then_o either_o both_o to_o be_v admit_v or_o both_o keep_v back_o or_o that_o either_o of_o they_o shall_v deny_v themselves_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o ordinance_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o tend_v much_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o communicant_a to_o be_v admit_v if_o worthy_a and_o to_o admit_v the_o unworthy_a be_v contrary_a to_o all_o 2._o what_o comfort_n can_v it_o be_v to_o thou_o while_o thou_o be_v participate_v the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o thy_o wife_n unworthy_o admit_v not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n be_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o herself_o or_o contrariwise_o if_o thy_o wife_n be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a it_o will_v be_v the_o terror_n of_o her_o soul_n to_o see_v her_o husband_n hail_v destruction_n upon_o himself_o by_o
the_o sacramental_a stumbling-block_n remove_v or_o a_o brief_a discourse_n concern_v examination_n by_o the_o congregational_a eldership_n before_o admittance_n to_o the_o sacrament_n wherein_o all_o contrary_a scruple_n be_v silence_v the_o equity_n and_o necessity_n of_o that_o duty_n vindicate_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o undeniable_a argument_n set_a forth_o for_o 1._o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o weak_a 2._o the_o information_n of_o the_o ignorant_a 3._o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o obstinate_a 4._o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o w._n l._n cast_v you_o up_o cast_v you_o up_o prepare_v the_o way_n take_v up_o the_o stumbling-block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o my_o people_n isa_n 57.14_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n for_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o heb._n 13.7_o but_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n god_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o london_n print_v by_o james_n and_o joseph_n moxon_n for_o henry_n overton_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n in_o popes-head_n alley_n 1648._o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n christian_n reader_n the_o grand_a confusion_n and_o distraction_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a opposition_n that_o that_o so_o needful_a and_o desirable_a work_n of_o reformation_n now_o meet_v with_o together_o with_o the_o great_a pressure_n now_o lie_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o as_o bear_v good_a will_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n thereof_o have_v compel_v i_o to_o the_o press_n and_o although_o the_o unfit_a of_o ten_o thousand_o yet_o by_o draw_v this_o bush_n in_o the_o gap_n i_o may_v by_o god_n blessing_n not_o only_o prevent_v that_o devastation_n that_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v be_v like_a to_o follow_v if_o not_o timely_o prevent_v but_o also_o encourage_v some_o masterbuilder_n to_o repair_v the_o breach_n with_o better_a material_n and_o more_o skilful_a hand_n i_o call_v god_n to_o witness_v nothing_o more_o move_v i_o than_o the_o love_n i_o bear_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o its_o reformation_n so_o much_o endeavour_v both_o by_o parliament_n and_o synod_n so_o much_o desire_v by_o the_o saint_n so_o much_o oppugn_v and_o opposs_v by_o satan_n and_o his_o instrument_n and_o if_o by_o this_o contemptible_a clay_n the_o cure_n be_v in_o any_o good_a measure_n effect_v i_o have_v my_o aim_n and_o desire_v thou_o with_o myself_o to_o give_v the_o glory_n to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o i_o be_o thou_o w._n i._n a_o catalogve_n of_o such_o qvery_n and_o scruple_n as_o be_v resolve_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n 1._o object_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o reformation_n pag._n 2._o 2._o object_n be_v not_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v protestant_n and_o we_o enjoy_v far_o more_o peace_n in_o the_o church_n then_o now_o man_n enjoy_v then_o the_o ordinance_n without_o interruption_n and_o doubtless_o many_o thousand_o go_v to_o heaven_n by_o god_n blessing_n upon_o mean_n then_o in_o use_n pag._n 3._o 3._o ob._n but_o be_v there_o not_o some_o that_o create_v church_n to_o themselves_o what_o think_v you_o of_o they_o pag._n 3._o 4._o object_n can_v you_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n by_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n etc._n etc._n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n pag._n 4._o 5._o object_n but_o what_o elder_n be_v those_o speak_v of_o in_o those_o scripture_n be_v they_o lay_v elder_n or_o ecclesiastical_a pag._n 5._o 6._o object_n what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o roll_a elder_n pag._n 5._o 7._o object_n but_o where_o i_o pray_v you_o will_v man_n be_v find_v fit_a for_o such_o weighty_a employment_n pag._n 8._o 8._o object_n but_o why_o do_v they_o choose_v such_o young_a man_n as_o in_o many_o place_n they_o have_v and_o some_o of_o the_o mean_a sort_n i_o think_v they_o shall_v choose_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o able_a man_n in_o the_o parish_n who_o will_v better_o become_v both_o the_o title_n and_o office_n of_o elder_n pag._n 9_o 9_o object_n i_o think_v the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n in_o presbyterian_a congregation_n be_v neither_o right_o call_v nor_o fit_o qualify_v pag._n 12._o 10._o object_n q._n but_o why_o must_v we_o appeal_v to_o class_n have_v they_o any_o power_n to_o determine_v difference_n and_o to_o reform_v abuse_n in_o particular_a congregation_n pag._n 13._o 11._o object_n but_o they_o say_v now_o none_o must_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o examination_n by_o the_o eldership_n which_o some_o hold_n to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o point_n of_o popery_n however_o it_o be_v very_o needless_a and_o ridiculous_a for_o ancient_a man_n that_o have_v bear_v all_o office_n in_o the_o parish_n and_o church_n too_o live_v long_o under_o the_o mean_n often_o former_o admit_v now_o to_o be_v catechise_v like_o boy_n neither_o do_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o rule_n for_o it_o in_o the_o word_n the_o apostle_n say_v let_v every_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 11.28_o pag._n 17._o 12._o object_n methinks_v if_o they_o will_v catechise_v the_o young_a people_n it_o will_v do_v well_o but_o for_o ancient_a man_n that_o have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n together_o or_o more_o that_o have_v bear_v all_o office_n in_o both_o church_n and_o parish_n to_o be_v now_o call_v to_o account_v like_o boy_n this_o can_v be_v endure_v pag._n 25._o 13._o ob._n but_o must_v all_o man_n be_v examine_v certain_o some_o man_n be_v as_o able_a to_o examine_v the_o eldership_n as_o the_o elder_n they_o what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o examine_v such_o pag._n 26._o 14._o ob._n but_o must_v woman_n also_o be_v examine_v be_v there_o any_o rule_n for_o that_o in_o scripture_n pag._n 27._o 15._o ob._n be_v it_o only_o to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o minister_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o but_o for_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n to_o come_v before_o so_o many_o dash_v they_o out_o of_o countenance_n pag._n 28._o 16._o ob._n methinks_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o suspend_v the_o scandalous_a be_v there_o any_o such_o need_n to_o keep_v off_o the_o ignorant_a be_v not_o the_o sacrament_n a_o convert_v ordinance_n pag._n 29._o 17._o ob._n but_o do_v you_o what_o you_o can_v yet_o many_o corrupt_a man_n will_v be_v admit_v pag._n 29._o 18._o ob._n sure_o be_v it_o a_o good_a work_n and_o according_a to_o god_n good_a minister_n will_v promote_v it_o but_o there_o be_v divers_a good_a preacher_n about_o london_n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o act_n little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o this_o way_n pag._n 30._o 19_o ob._n but_o what_o if_o the_o king_n come_v home_o think_v you_o this_o government_n will_v stand_v pag._n 32._o 20._o ob._n do_v you_o not_o see_v how_o parish_n be_v divide_v about_o this_o business_n in_o divers_a place_n they_o be_v altogether_o by_o the_o ear_n pag._n 33._o 21._o ob._n but_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n so_o many_o elder_n be_v choose_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o so_o few_o hold_n not_o half_o in_o some_o place_n pag._n 34._o 22._o ob._n but_o be_v it_o meet_v all_o man_n shall_v come_v before_o the_o eldership_n to_o be_v examine_v before_o admittance_n methinks_v they_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o some_o man_n of_o best_a rank_n and_o converse_v with_o they_o there_o pag._n 35._o 23._o ob._n but_o if_o man_n and_o woman_n must_v both_o be_v examine_v it_o may_v fall_v out_o a_o man_n may_v be_v find_v unfit_a and_o his_o wife_n may_v be_v receive_v sometime_n the_o man_n receive_v and_o his_o wife_n unfit_a what_o a_o kind_n of_o confusion_n will_v this_o be_v do_v not_o the_o apostle_n paul_n lie_v the_o unbelieved_a woman_n be_v sanct_a fie_v by_o the_o believe_a man_n and_o the_o unbelieved_a man_n by_o the_o believe_a woman_n 1_o cor._n 7.14_o pag._n 36._o 24._o ob._n what_o be_v the_o principal_a point_n that_o will_v be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o eldership_n what_o time_n man_n come_v before_o they_o pag._n 39_o 25._o ob._n what_o be_v the_o crime_n that_o make_v unapable_a of_o admittance_n in_o point_n of_o scandal_n pag._n 41._o the_o sacramental_a stumbling-block_n remove_v forasmuch_o as_o the_o lord_n by_o unexpected_a and_o unspeakable_a providence_n have_v so_o compose_v the_o grand_a quarrel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n that_o notwithstanding_o
to_o god_n that_o their_o office_n be_v also_o distinct_a the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a they_o need_v no_o interpretation_n some_o rule_n some_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 5._o object_n but_o what_o elder_n be_v those_o speak_v of_o in_o those_o scripture_n be_v they_o lay_v elder_n or_o ecclesiastical_a a._n the_o word_n of_o god_n make_v no_o such_o distinction_n i_o do_v not_o read_v in_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n of_o either_o lay_v or_o ecclesiastic_a but_o elder_n they_o be_v endow_v extraoadinary_o with_o several_a gift_n some_o to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n although_o in_o that_o fence_n we_o take_v lay_v viz._n for_o tradesman_n i_o believe_v such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o not_o all_o be_v the_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o those_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o separate_a church_n rather_o question_v our_o ecclesiastic_a elder_n than_o the_o lay_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n on_o the_o otherside_n by_o reason_n our_o church_n have_v be_v govern_v by_o man_n devote_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o the_o ministry_n many_o think_v there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o ecclesiastical_a i_o shall_v adhere_v with_o neither_o of_o they_o but_o say_v with_o all_o reform_a church_n that_o let_v man_n be_v gift_v by_o god_n whether_o by_o ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a mean_n let_v they_o have_v a_o lawful_a call_n to_o the_o function_n whether_o lay_v or_o ecclesiastic_a they_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n only_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v all_o to_o be_v alike_o qualify_v some_o gift_v for_o the_o ministry_n other_o for_o discipline_n order_n government_n and_o other_o church_n administration_n 6._o object_n what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o roll_a elder_n a._n according_a to_o their_o several_a title_n in_o scripture_n so_o be_v their_o office_n and_o employment_n they_o be_v call_v governor_n ruler_n overseer_n steward_n watchman_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o 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in_o all_o thing_n and_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n as_o i_o deliver_v they_o to_o you_o the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o to_o those_o that_o have_v power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o commend_v they_o for_o keep_v the_o ordinance_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o church_n pure_a again_o 1_o cor._n 5.7_o purge_v out_o therefore_o the_o old_a leven_fw-mi that_o you_o may_v be_v a_o new_a lump_n as_o you_o be_v unleavened_a 5._o their_o office_n be_v to_o redress_v abule_n in_o the_o church_n order_v the_o affair_n thereof_o decent_o as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 14.33_o for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n imply_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v keep_v in_o good_a order_n vers_fw-la 40._o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 6._o they_o be_v to_o end_v controversy_n and_o to_o make_v peace_n to_o help_v the_o weak_a to_o restore_v the_o penitent_a and_o to_o encourage_v every_o one_o in_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o righteousness_n as_o in_o the_o 1_o cor._n 6.5_o i_o speak_v it_o to_o your_o shame_n be_v it_o so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n among_o you_o no_o not_o one_o that_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o judge_v between_o his_o brethren_n but_o a_o brother_n go_v to_o law_n with_o a_o brother_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 10.32_o give_v no_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_a nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n philip._n 2.3_o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n or_o vain_a glory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_n other_o better_a than_o himself_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n to_o neglect_v their_o duty_n ezek._n 34.4_o the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v you_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v neither_o have_v you_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o neither_o have_v you_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v but_o with_o force_n and_o with_o cruelty_n have_v you_o rule_v they_o and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o greatsin_v of_o our_o episcopal_a hyrarchy_n and_o of_o too_o too_o many_o of_o our_o idle_a shepherd_n under_o they_o the_o lord_n reform_v it_o in_o succeed_v time_n 7._o their_o duty_n be_v to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o when_o send_v for_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o give_v comfort_n to_o they_o james_n 5.14_o if_o any_o be_v sick_a among_o you_o let_v he_o call_v for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v they_o pray_v over_o he_o anoint_v he_o with_o oil_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o although_o this_o unction_n be_v now_o out_o of_o use_n yet_o with_o subjection_n i_o may_v say_v the_o apostle_n intend_v that_o prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o go_v alone_o without_o apply_v lawful_a mean_n which_o indeed_o ought_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n 8._o their_o office_n be_v to_o admit_v such_o as_o be_v sit_v and_o to_o suspend_v the_o unworthy_a from_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 5.5_o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n vers_fw-la 11._o if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o eat_v not_o vers_fw-la 13._o therefore_o put_v away_o from_o you_o that_o wicked_a person_n 9_o they_o ought_v to_o admit_v or_o dismiss_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o these_o joint_o act._n 6.6_o and_o when_o they_o have_v pray_v they_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o they_o etc._n etc._n verse_n 2._o look_v you_o out_o seven_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n who_o we_o may_v appoint_v over_o this_o business_n so_o that_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n their_o title_n office_n and_o employment_n in_o and_o about_o church_n administration_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o that_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v godly_a and_o discreet_a 7._o object_n but_o where_o i_o pray_v you_o will_v man_n be_v find_v fit_a for_o such_o weighty_a employment_n a._n indeed_o there_o be_v none_o sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n the_o best_a of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v short_a of_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o can_v expect_v perfection_n in_o this_o life_n the_o most_o precious_a subject_n to_o manifold_a infirmity_n all_o may_v say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n yet_o
be_v expect_v three_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o profained_a child_n bread_n give_v to_o dog_n pearl_n cast_v before_o swine_n the_o uncircumcised_a admit_v no_o difference_n put_v between_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vild_a give_v the_o lord_n just_a cause_n to_o deprive_v we_o of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o to_o say_v as_o sometime_o he_o do_v of_o his_o israel_n what_o have_v my_o belove_v to_o do_v in_o my_o house_n jeremiah_n 11.15_o four_o it_o will_v abundant_o grieve_v and_o burden_n the_o godly_a party_n even_o as_o putrify_v and_o rot_a member_n grieve_v the_o whole_a body_n and_o as_o its_o death_n for_o a_o dead_a carcase_n to_o be_v join_v to_o a_o live_a man_n and_o as_o in_o the_o best_a frame_a fabric_n although_o much_o of_o the_o material_n be_v very_o sound_a and_o good_a yet_o one_o rot_a pillar_n or_o beam_n may_v bring_v all_o about_o our_o ear_n and_o as_o no_o man_n will_v put_v a_o old_a piece_n into_o a_o new_a garment_n so_o be_v it_o not_o only_o unsuitable_a but_o very_o unsafe_a nay_o destructive_a to_o admit_v man_n ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a to_o fellowship_n with_o the_o saint_n what_o fellowship_n can_v light_o have_v with_o darkness_n or_o god_n with_o belial_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v it_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n lay_v so_o heavy_a upon_o the_o corinthian_n many_o of_o they_o visit_v with_o sickness_n and_o death_n for_o their_o unworthy_a participate_v the_o lord_n body_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 14._o consider_v that_o apostolical_a injunction_n be_v bind_v to_o all_o governor_n in_o church_n in_o this_o case_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o if_o any_o that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o eat_v not_o the_o apostle_n prohibit_v not_o eat_v common_a bread_n with_o such_o for_o then_o we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o therefore_o appoint_v this_o 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their_o year_n also_o neither_o parliament_n or_o eldership_n intend_v such_o a_o particular_a catechistical_a account_n of_o ancient_a man_n as_o of_o the_o young_a sort_n it_o be_v to_o pedagogical_a but_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o anciont_n be_v as_o precious_a as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o young_a and_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o ancient_a as_o well_o as_o the_o young_a people_n will_v be_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n that_o willing_o receive_v they_o into_o sacramental_a communion_n that_o by_o unworthy_a participate_v become_v guilty_a of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n then_o i_o say_v it_o be_v of_o as_o great_a necessity_n for_o the_o old_a as_o well_o as_o young_a people_n to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o the_o church_n have_v not_o i_o pray_v you_o nichodemus_n need_v enough_o of_o catechise_v a_o ancient_a man_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n and_o as_o ignorant_a be_v many_o of_o our_o great_a and_o ancient_a man_n both_o of_o regeneration_n and_o also_o of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n &_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o no_o doubt_n but_o all_o the_o respect_n that_o may_v be_v will_v be_v have_v both_o to_o age_n and_o sex_n the_o work_n be_v intend_v by_o all_o entrust_v in_o it_o to_o be_v carry_v on_o with_o all_o humility_n love_n and_o christian_a tenderness_n lay_v aside_o all_o sinister_a respect_n or_o ambitious_a end_n according_a to_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 5.23_o speak_v there_o to_o the_o elder_n exhort_v they_o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o they_o and_o of_o who_o they_o have_v oversight_n not_o by_o constraint_n or_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 to_o be_v ensample_n to_o the_o stock_n and_o for_o that_o some_o have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n together_o the_o long_a the_o worse_o with_o many_o for_o we_o know_v by_o woeful_a experience_n how_o promiscuous_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n have_v be_v even_o hand_n over_o head_n dispense_v to_o the_o great_a dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o shame_n of_o such_o as_o have_v power_n in_o the_o church_n and_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v and_o lament_v to_o the_o loss_n of_o many_o a_o poor_a soul_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o grand_a corruption_n to_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v plead_v for_o in_o the_o least_o old_a custom_n have_v beget_v old_a corruption_n 13._o ob._n but_o must_v all_o man_n be_v examine_v certain_o some_o man_n be_v as_o able_a to_o examine_v the_o eldership_n as_o the_o elder_n they_o what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o examine_v such_o a._n will_v to_o god_n all_o man_n be_v so_o and_o their_o conversation_n as_o suitable_a with_o moses_n i_o wish_v all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v prophet_n yet_o man_n never_o so_o 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