church_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ad_fw-la pascendam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la dei_fw-la to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o in_o eph._n 4.11_o he_o that_o be_v christ_n vers_fw-la 10._o give_v pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n vers_fw-la 11._o and_o as_o they_o be_v give_v authorize_v and_o send_v of_o god_n or_o set_v by_o he_o in_o the_o church_n so_o he_o have_v allot_v and_o appoint_v they_o their_o several_a distinct_a work_n and_o business_n there_o and_o charge_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o see_v they_o do_v it_o as_o he_o appoint_v act_v 20.17_o 18._o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o take_v special_a care_n about_o their_o qualification_n for_o their_o work_n 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 1._o yea_o he_o give_v and_o bestow_v gift_n and_o ability_n himself_o on_o they_o for_o the_o church_n sake_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n not_o of_o the_o letter_n only_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o himself_z in_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o discharge_v their_o trust_n and_o perform_v their_o work_n eph._n 4._o rom._n 12._o mat._n 28._o ult._n and_o will_v bless_v and_o prosper_v their_o labour_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n benefit_n now_o assure_o god_n will_v never_o have_v make_v such_o provision_n for_o church_n of_o humane_a invention_n and_o set_v up_o he_o will_v never_o so_o far_o own_o the_o work_n of_o man_n hand_n without_o his_o mind_n authority_n &_o appointment_n and_o therefore_o see_v god_n have_v provide_v and_o set_v officer_n in_o they_o appoint_v they_o their_o work_n qualify_v &_o fit_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n &_o promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n must_v be_v of_o divine_a institution_n of_o god_n &_o not_o of_o man_n six_o this_o further_a appear_v by_o the_o order_n and_o discipline_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o require_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o practise_v in_o his_o church_n he_o have_v appoint_v and_o give_v officer_n unto_o they_o as_o before-said_a and_o to_o they_o have_v he_o commit_v the_o use_n exercise_n and_o power_n of_o the_o key_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v his_o door_n to_o execute_v his_o law_n and_o to_o manage_v his_o concernment_n and_o houshold-affair_n therein_o namely_o in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n he_o have_v give_v they_o for_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n and_o he_o have_v charge_v the_o church_n to_o obey_v and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o exercise_v of_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n in_o his_o name_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n profit_n according_a to_o his_o direction_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o these_o officer_n or_o elder_n have_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o correct_v offender_n to_o instruct_v admonish_v and_o reprove_v and_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o or_o remove_v they_o from_o their_o membership_n in_o the_o church_n which_o the_o church_n suffrage_n and_o upon_o repentance_n to_o receive_v they_o in_o again_o mat._n 16.18_o 19_o 1_o cor._n 5.4_o 5.7_o 12_o 13._o 2_o cor._n 2._o the_o neglect_n of_o which_o christ_n reprove_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n for_o rev._n 2.14_o 20._o and_o as_o the_o church_n have_v by_o their_o elder_n the_o order_n and_o discipline_n of_o christ_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o use_v and_o exercise_v the_o same_o so_o each_o particular_a church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v and_o appoint_v officer_n for_o themselves_o namely_o such_o as_o they_o judge_v the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v appoint_v and_o fit_v for_o they_o such_o as_o he_o offer_v and_o present_v to_o they_o and_o give_v a_o place_n and_o interest_n in_o their_o heart_n act_n 14.23_o acts._n 6.3_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quumque_fw-la ipis_fw-la per_fw-la susfragia_fw-la creassent_fw-la per_fw-la singulas_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la beza_n a_o church_n may_v authoritative_o do_v that_o which_o believer_n can_v so_o do_v in_o a_o single_a and_o individual_a capacity_n as_o believer_n but_o they_o may_v as_o a_o congregat_v body_n and_o as_o a_o incorporate_a society_n who_o have_v voluntary_o give_v up_o themselves_o and_o engage_v to_o one_o another_o &_o to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o submit_v to_o &_o walk_v together_o by_o the_o same_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o society_n or_o corporation_n these_o have_v not_o single_o but_o joint_o as_o a_o corporation_n the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o discipline_n when_o you_o be_v come_v together_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o to_o satan_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n mat._n 16._o so_o than_o if_o christ_n have_v give_v rule_n law_n and_o power_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n to_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n than_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n and_o indeed_o spiritual_a discipline_n can_v elsewhere_o be_v right_o exercise_v seven_o this_o truth_n be_v further_o confirm_v by_o their_o name_n and_o honourable_a title_n god_n the_o father_n and_o jesus_n christ_n his_o son_n call_v they_o by_o their_o own_o name_n and_o so_o own_v they_o for_o their_o own_o church_n 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 17._o know_v you_o not_o that_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n defile_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v god_n destroy_v for_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v holy_a which_o temple_n you_o be_v so_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o and_o as_o jesus_n christ_n honour_v they_o with_o the_o high_a stile_n and_o title_n of_o his_o holy_a temple_n so_o also_o his_o habitation_n eph._n 2.22_o and_o his_o household_n eph._n 2.19_o as_o also_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n gal._n 6.10_o and_o further_o he_o entitle_v they_o his_o church_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o golden_a candlestick_n rev._n 1.20_o rom._n 16.16_o 1_o cor._n 11.16_o 2_o thes_n 1.4_o and_o that_o in_o allusion_n to_o the_o old_a temple_n and_o candlestick_n thereof_o which_o be_v of_o his_o own_o appointment_n moreover_o a_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.5.15_o heb._n 3.5_o 6._o and_o christ_n his_o walk_n rev._n 2.1_o these_o be_v particular_a congregational_a church_n that_o he_o thus_o own_v and_o honour_n with_o such_o title_n viz_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o ephesus_n corinthian_n thessalonian_o eight_o believer_n as_o inchurch_v or_o incorporote_v body_n be_v speak_v to_o by_o name_n the_o great_a this_fw-mi overy_n make_v of_o god_n purpose_n and_o intend_a work_n in_o the_o latter_a day_n be_v direct_v and_o give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n hence_o it_o be_v often_o say_v in_o the_o revelation_n he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n which_o be_v distinct_a incorporate_v body_n and_o society_n of_o believer_n rev_n 2.7_o 17_o 29._o rev._n 3.6_o 13_o 22._o the_o holy_a ghost_n reveal_v to_o they_o the_o rice_n name_n nature_n and_o work_n of_o antichrist_n what_o he_o shall_v be_v and_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v from_o whence_o he_o shall_v come_v what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o the_o church_n temple_n and_o belove_a city_n of_o god_n and_o what_o his_o end_n shall_v be_v there_o he_o describe_v the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o church-state_n of_o god_n people_n and_o what_o he_o will_v do_v with_o and_o for_o they_o there_o they_o be_v show_v large_o and_o abundant_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o his_o people_n of_o the_o war_n and_o conflict_n that_o shall_v be_v between_o the_o dragon_n beast_n whore_n false_a prophet_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o follower_n as_o also_o the_o issue_n of_o all_o as_o you_o may_v find_v in_o that_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n all_o which_o show_v that_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v never_o own_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v know_v to_o they_o such_o great_a thing_n as_o he_o there_o declare_v unto_o the_o church_n nine_o if_o particular_a congregational_a church_n have_v not_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n but_o of_o man_n devise_v then_o sure_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v have_v sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o set_n up_o their_o post_n by_o god_n post_n as_o he_o do_v the_o jew_n ezek._n 43.8_o and_o as_o he_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o miscarriage_n in_o their_o church-state_n rev._n 2.3_o and_o the_o corinthian_n and_o galatian_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o never_o find_v they_o reprove_v or_o
they_o be_v send_v authorize_v grace_v gift_v and_o qualify_v by_o christ_n do_v his_o work_n represent_v he_o stand_v in_o his_o stead_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o and_o as_o they_o be_v his_o minister_n for_o good_a to_o you_o well_o then_o mind_n your_o duty_n and_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o love_v they_o sincere_o and_o hearty_o strong_o and_o fervent_o fruitful_o and_o constant_o for_o they_o love_v you_o study_n pray_v and_o labour_n to_o do_v you_o good_a and_o know_v that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o love_v they_o you_o do_v not_o love_n christ_n who_o they_o be_v who_o they_o represent_v and_o serve_v and_o if_o you_o hate_v slight_a and_o despise_v they_o you_o do_v hate_n slight_a and_o despise_v christ_n himself_o in_o they_o second_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n your_o duty_n to_o honour_n and_o respect_n to_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v they_o in_o their_o faithful_a diligent_a discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o work_n among_o you_o they_o be_v the_o ambassador_n and_o commissioner_n of_o your_o great_a lord_n and_o king_n and_o send_v by_o he_o from_o heaven_n to_o you_o as_o be_v show_v 2_o cor._n 5.20_o eph._n 4._o and_o that_o about_o most_o high_a and_o honourable_a work_n yea_o the_o high_a work_n and_o service_n that_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n they_o come_v from_o and_o be_v send_v to_o you_o by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v honour_v they_o be_v his_o ambassador_n and_o commissioner_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o they_o be_v send_v and_o come_v to_o you_o as_o with_o his_o image_n of_o authority_n so_o of_o grace_n gift_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o they_o be_v send_v by_o christ_n to_o you_o on_z and_o for_o the_o service_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o and_o they_o represent_v christ_n and_o stand_v in_o his_o stead_n to_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o they_o do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v your_o servant_n and_o thereby_o do_v honour_n you_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o and_o they_o cheerful_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o your_o soul_n as_o your_o spiritual_a servant_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o christ_n require_v you_o to_o esteem_v they_o and_o that_o be_v not_o all_o but_o to_o esteem_v they_o high_o yea_o very_o high_o too_o 1_o thes_n 5.13_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v do_v it_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o slight_a or_o despise_v they_o no_o more_o than_o king_n will_v endure_v that_o any_o shall_v slight_v or_o despise_v their_o ambassador_n if_o you_o have_v low_a base_a thought_n of_o they_o in_o your_o heart_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o if_o you_o slight_a and_o despise_v their_o labour_n and_o administration_n you_o despise_v they_o if_o you_o vilify_v and_o speak_v slight_o of_o they_o behind_o their_o back_n and_o divulge_v their_o suppose_a or_o real_a weakness_n you_o despise_v they_o if_o you_o carry_v yourselves_o saucy_o and_o imperious_o before_o their_o face_n in_o word_n deed_n or_o deportment_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o and_o if_o you_o control_v they_o and_o disregard_n their_o judgement_n censure_n admonition_n or_o reproof_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o when_o you_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o their_o counsel_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o and_o when_o you_o disregard_n their_o power_n authority_n and_o their_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o way_n and_o instance_n church-member_n do_v not_o only_o neglect_v their_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o honour_v their_o teaching-elders_a but_o they_o do_v slight_a and_o despise_v they_o also_o and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o but_o as_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o law_n image_n work_n and_o authority_n also_o for_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o say_v christ_n luk._n 10.16_o and_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a slight_n and_o contemptible_a word_n and_o carriage_n towards_o they_o they_o do_v great_o provoke_v and_o discourage_v they_o they_o weaken_v their_o hand_n and_o distract_v their_o mind_n and_o so_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o work_n they_o be_v honour_v by_o christ_n and_o honourable_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o he_o strict_o charge_n and_o command_v his_o church_n to_o esteem_v they_o most_o or_o very_o high_o and_o to_o give_v they_o double_a honour_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n give_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o every_o man_n his_o due_a fear_v to_o who_o fear_n honour_n to_o who_o honour_n rom._n 13.7_o it_o be_v their_o due_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o expect_v you_o shall_v give_v it_o to_o they_o not_o as_o they_o be_v such_o or_o such_o man_n but_o as_o his_o ambassador_n minister_n etc._n etc._n three_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o church_n shall_v pray_v for_o their_o pastor_n or_o teach_v elder_n and_o that_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n and_o measure_n i_o mean_v more_o than_o they_o do_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v for_o other_o 1_o thes_n 5.25_o heb._n 13.18_o rom._n 15.30_o you_o must_v be_v earnest_a and_o importunate_a wrestler_n with_o god_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o they_o that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o abundance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o and_o by_o his_o teach_n quickning_n and_o anointing_n make_v they_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o of_o the_o letter_n only_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o that_o they_o may_v open_v their_o mouth_n bold_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n and_o 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in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n without_o waver_v preach_v sound_a doctrine_n clear_o plain_o and_o close_o tit._n 2.1_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v themselves_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n for_o the_o order_n and_o well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o orderly_a management_n of_o their_o concern_v and_o that_o they_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n walk_v by_o their_o lord_n rule_n and_o aim_v at_o design_n and_o upright_o intend_v his_o glory_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o people_n and_o all_o other_o that_o hear_v they_o there_o be_v many_o reason_n enforce_v this_o duty_n on_o they_o to_o your_o pastor_n i_o will_v name_v a_o few_o 1._o because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v so_o as_o the_o aforesaid_a scripture_n show_v 2._o because_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o your_o earnest_a 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a_o gospel-church_n or_o god_n holy_a temple_n open_v wherein_o be_v show_v from_o the_o scripture_n 1._o what_o a_o gospel-church_n be_v 2._o that_o such_o a_o church_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 3._o with_o what_o material_n such_o a_o church_n shall_v be_v form_v 4._o the_o form_n of_o such_o a_o church_n and_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v build_v 5._o the_o several_a officer_n and_o office_n in_o the_o say_a church_n and_o their_o respective_a work_n and_o duty_n there_o 6._o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n to_o their_o officer_n 7._o their_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o 8._o their_o church-priviledge_n and_o several_a other_o matter_n and_o concernment_n which_o may_v not_o here_o be_v mention_v but_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o epistle_n all_o intend_a for_o the_o spiritual_a profit_n of_o church-member_n by_o stephen_n ford_n preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o london_n these_o thing_n i_o write_v unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v 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christ_n and_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v more_o care_n of_o and_o respect_n unto_o his_o name_n gospel_n and_o church_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o blood_n than_o to_o set_v over_o they_o erroneous_a and_o corrupt_a teacher_n eight_o humane_a learning_n be_v not_o to_o be_v slight_v and_o desp_v say_v in_o a_o minister_n as_o it_o be_v too_o much_o by_o some_o who_o know_v not_o the_o good_a of_o it_o for_o although_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v sufficient_o prepare_v &_o qualify_v a_o man_n for_o the_o ministry_n without_o it_o yet_o experience_n show_v that_o it_o be_v singular_o useful_a to_o holy_a man_n in_o their_o ministerial_a work_n it_o help_v to_o make_v they_o more_o able_a man_n though_o not_o christian_n it_o be_v useful_a to_o their_o head_n who_o know_v how_o to_o use_v it_o if_o not_o to_o their_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o good_a servant_n to_o wait_v on_o divinity_n though_o a_o bad_a master_n when_o it_o be_v 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and_o authority_n only_o that_o you_o must_v observe_v and_o walk_v by_o 3._o diligent_o you_o must_v exercise_v your_o power_n with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n rom._n 12.8_o he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n that_o be_v he_o must_v frequent_o attend_v to_o his_o ruling-work_n and_o what_o he_o do_v therein_o he_o must_v do_v with_o all_o his_o ability_n he_o must_v be_v earnest_a and_o fervent_a in_o it_o and_o set_v himself_o to_o it_o as_o to_o his_o work_n and_o business_n he_o must_v not_o be_v slothful_a negligent_a or_o careless_a in_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n no_o but_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v diligent_a and_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n in_o what_o he_o do_v rom._n 12.11_o the_o negligent_a servant_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n luk._n 12_o 47._o they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o their_o flock_n prov._n 27.23_o for_o although_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o rule_v elder_n flock_v as_o they_o be_v the_o teach_v rule_v elder_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n their_o flock_n and_o charge_n to_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o inspect_v their_o manner_n and_o walking_n 4._o ready_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o teaching-elders_a in_o this_o also_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o example_n to_o the_o flock_n it_o be_v sad_a indeed_o when_o they_o look_v not_o after_o they_o nor_o mind_n their_o work_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o when_o they_o be_v constrain_v and_o as_o it_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o their_o teacher_n and_o can_v for_o shame_v but_o do_v something_o then_o but_o somewhat_o unwilling_o cold_o and_o indifferent_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n or_o a_o matter_n by_o the_o by_o and_o which_o they_o will_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o can_v they_o handsome_o evade_v and_o pass_v it_o by_o they_o grudge_v at_o it_o and_o account_v it_o their_o burden_n not_o their_o delight_n but_o sure_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o delight_n to_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o they_o shall_v most_o ready_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o do_v it_o 5._o conscientious_o and_o dutiful_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o duty_n their_o work_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v good_a shall_v lie_v deep_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o powerful_a on_o their_o conscience_n and_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o church_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o office-power_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o church_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o upon_o choice_n conscientious_o and_o dutiful_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v their_o place_n work_n and_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n authority_n who_o have_v for_o these_o end_n set_v they_o in_o the_o church_n appoint_v and_o enjoin_v they_o such_o work_n and_o service_n there_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o good_a they_o must_v not_o only_o bear_v rule_n but_o they_o must_v rule_v well_o too_o for_o those_o end_n or_o else_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n and_o service_n there_o now_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o rule_v well_o as_o command_v unless_o they_o use_v and_o exercise_v their_o office-power_n so_o namely_o wise_o diligent_o ready_o and_o willing_o cheerful_o conscientious_o and_o dutiful_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n 6._o they_o ought_v to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o use_v their_o power_n in_o the_o church_n with_o much_o love_n tenderness_n meekness_n impartiality_n and_o sometime_o as_o need_n require_v with_o severity_n too_o they_o must_v not_o exalt_v themselves_o and_o carry_v it_o in_o a_o lordly_a manner_n towards_o their_o brethren_n because_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o and_o may_v command_v they_o but_o they_o must_v see_v that_o they_o temper_v their_o power_n and_o the_o exercise_n and_o use_v of_o it_o with_o love_n tenderness_n humility_n and_o meekness_n they_o shall_v so_o carry_v themselves_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v not_o slight_v and_o despise_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n envy_v for_o their_o haughtiness_n they_o shall_v so_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o that_o they_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o all_o to_o think_v that_o they_o love_v they_o and_o respect_v their_o good_a in_o all_o they_o do_v so_o likewise_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v just_a and_o impartial_a in_o their_o proceedure_n towards_o all_o and_o not_o respect_v person_n in_o judgement_n but_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o stubborn_a and_o obstinate_a person_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v severe_a in_o deal_v with_o they_o when_o they_o can_v otherwise_o prevail_v on_o they_o to_o convince_v humble_a and_o reform_v they_o judas_n 22.23_o 7._o and_o in_o all_o their_o endeavour_n way_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v intend_v design_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o union_n peace_n holiness_n comfort_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o honour_n of_o religion_n encouragement_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n all_o which_o bless_a end_n they_o shall_v wise_o zealous_o sincere_o serious_o industrous_o and_o faithful_o prosecute_v and_o with_o all_o their_o might_n strive_v and_o labour_v to_o obtain_v and_o by_o all_o mean_n and_o that_o with_o much_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o hope_v and_o pray_v seek_v and_o wait_v to_o accomplish_v in_o the_o lord_n time_n they_o must_v not_o make_v one_o or_o two_o attempt_n to_o reconcile_v difference_n rectify_v disorder_n dissuade_v from_o sin_n persuade_v to_o duty_n to_o heal_v wound_n and_o encourage_v to_o repentance_n and_o so_o leave_v it_o without_o look_v after_o the_o issue_n and_o the_o success_n of_o their_o labour_n but_o they_o must_v follow_v on_o their_o work_n until_o the_o end_n be_v obtain_v they_o as_o well_o as_o their_o teach_a elder_n must_v look_v well_o to_o their_o herd_n prov._n 27.23_o they_o must_v see_v that_o they_o rule_v well_o and_o with_o diligence_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o rom._n 12.8_o and_o that_o they_o approve_v themselves_o faithful_a steward_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o make_v full_a proof_n thereof_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o rule_v elder_n or_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v qualify_v for_o so_o high_a and_o honourable_a work_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr i_o shall_v brief_o name_v some_o of_o their_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o but_o some_o of_o they_o and_o such_o as_o be_v indeed_o necessary_a for_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v will_v not_o rule_v well_o nor_o be_v profitable_a to_o the_o church_n first_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o special_a grace_n with_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n they_o shall_v be_v not_o only_o real_a saint_n but_o eminent_a saint_n too_o they_o must_v not_o only_o have_v peculiar_a grace_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o grace_n also_o sure_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n as_o shine_a light_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o discern_v case_n and_o person_n and_o make_v a_o sound_n and_o true_a judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o matter_n they_o may_v be_v call_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v they_o must_v not_o be_v novice_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n &_o gospel_n the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o must_v walk_v but_o they_o must_v have_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n col._n 3.16_o to_o help_v they_o in_o their_o work_n they_o can_v rule_v well_o unless_o they_o do_v understand_v and_o can_v speak_v well_o nor_o unless_o they_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o office_n work_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sober_a grave_a and_o serious_a person_n and_o not_o of_o vain_a light_a and_o frothy_a behaviour_n in_o their_o spirit_n &_o carriage_n they_o shall_v be_v of_o prompt_a ready_a mind_n and_o spirit_n for_o their_o work_n and_o not_o of_o dull_a lumpish_a and_o heavy_a temper_n for_o if_o they_o be_v such_o they_o will_v not_o act_v upon_o choice_n free_o but_o by_o constraint_n and_o that_o will_v render_v they_o unprofitable_a and_o undesirable_a to_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o blameless_a life_n and_o spotless_a conversation_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o warm_a and_o lively_a affection_n abound_v in_o love_n zeal_n and_o fervour_n of_o
do_v so_o you_o rob_v god_n break_v your_o covenant_n offend_v your_o brethren_n and_o wrong_v your_o own_o soul_n you_o must_v go_v up_o because_o you_o be_v call_v to_o go_v and_o that_o you_o may_v meet_v god_n in_o zion_n and_o receive_v his_o blessing_n for_o there_o he_o command_v they_o psal_n 133._o ult_n oh_o it_o be_v sad_a indeed_o when_o person_n shall_v pretend_v to_o enter_v into_o church_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n there_o solemnly_z and_o public_o promise_v and_o engage_v to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o his_o people_n and_o yet_o shall_v dare_v wilful_o to_o neglect_v their_o place_n and_o duty_n therein_o and_o to_o pay_v their_o vow_n to_o their_o god_n and_o king_n psal_n 65.1_o psal_n 61.5.8_o such_o as_o be_v good_a governor_n of_o family_n and_o corporation_n will_v careful_o mind_v if_o all_o within_o they_o do_v answer_n to_o their_o call_n and_o perform_v their_o duty_n when_o call_v so_o to_o do_v so_o do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o church_n he_o summons_v they_o by_o his_o minister_n to_o appear_v before_o he_o wait_v on_o and_o worship_v he_o together_o and_o bring_v he_o a_o church-offering_a and_o service_n and_o narrow_o observe_v who_o come_v and_o who_o neglect_v it_o how_o thy_o come_v and_o with_o what_o frame_v of_o heart_n &_o to_o what_o end_n as_o the_o 2._o &_o 3_o chap_n of_o rev._n show_v and_o if_o he_o find_v any_o want_v that_o may_v come_v or_o see_v they_o come_v careless_o and_o superficial_o he_o account_v himself_o slight_v &_o disobey_v and_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n contemn_v and_o undervalue_v god_n expect_v that_o you_o shall_v be_v constant_a in_o church-meeting_n and_o not_o decline_v they_o at_o any_o time_n but_o when_o his_o hand_n obstruct_v and_o impede_v you_o but_o that_o there_o you_o shall_v come_v with_o your_o freewill_n offering_n and_o do_v your_o duty_n &_o homage_n to_o he_o as_o he_o command_v you_o believe_v it_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o not_o to_o be_v slight_v or_o disregard_v by_o you_o six_o you_o must_v walk_v with_o god_n in_o church-fellowship_n in_o sincerity_n and_o with_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n to_o without_o this_o all_o your_o performance_n be_v in_o vain_a the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v very_o curious_a and_o critical_a in_o search_v your_o heart_n in_o your_o church-state_n rev._n 2.23_o and_o all_o the_o church_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o search_v the_o reins_o and_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o jer._n 17.10_o say_v god_n to_o the_o inchurch_v jew_n i_o the_o lord_n search_v the_o heart_n i_o try_v the_o reins_o then_o sure_o it_o must_v very_o much_o concern_v you_o to_o see_v that_o you_o draw_v night_n to_o god_n continual_o with_o true_a heart_n heb._n 10.22_o and_o that_o without_o all_o allow_a guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n a_o little_a of_o this_o leaven_n will_v quick_o leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n of_o duty_n gal._n 5.9_o it_o will_v so_o corrupt_v and_o sour_a they_o as_o that_o they_o will_v be_v all_o stark_a naught_o and_o good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o kindle_v and_o increase_v the_o flame_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o you_o therefore_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o hypocrisy_n and_o do_v not_o connive_v or_o wink_v at_o the_o least_o grain_n of_o it_o in_o your_o heart_n or_o duty_n but_o be_v sure_a to_o walk_v with_o god_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o duty_n in_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n be_v sure_a that_o your_o god_n expect_v it_o from_o you_o and_o require_v it_o of_o you_o joshua_n 24.14_o gen._n 17.1_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n run_v to_o and_o fro_o throughout_o the_o church_n to_o see_v who_o heart_n be_v perfect_a with_o he_o and_o who_o be_v hypocritical_a 2_o chron._n 16.9_o he_o require_v truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n psal_n 51.6_o and_o that_o all_o church-member_n shall_v walk_v before_o he_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o perfect_a heart_n 2_o king_n 20.3_o you_o must_v worship_v god_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o your_o all_o for_o your_o little_a all_o be_v but_o too_o little_a for_o he_o prov._n 23.26_o math._n 22.37_o psal_n 119.10_o you_o must_v not_o leave_v one_o hoof_n behind_o when_o you_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o god_n nor_o put_v god_n off_o with_o a_o part_n of_o your_o ability_n for_o the_o whole_a for_o if_o you_o do_v you_o will_v lose_v the_o acceptance_n and_o reward_n of_o all_o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n say_v david_n psal_n 103.1_o seven_o see_v that_o you_o worship_v god_n and_o observe_v all_o his_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n in_o spirit_n or_o spiritual_o remember_v that_o you_o be_v his_o holy_a spiritual_a temple_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n eph._n 2.21_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o that_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n in_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a ordinance_n stamp_v with_o the_o image_n of_o god_n holiness_n and_o authority_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n or_o spiritual_o joh._n 4.23_o 24._o you_o must_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o you_o take_v not_o up_o with_o the_o external_a part_n and_o outside_n of_o your_o duty_n and_o privilege_n that_o you_o settle_v not_o yourselves_o and_o stay_v as_o it_o be_v in_o and_o upon_o ordinance_n and_o your_o enjoy_n and_o observe_v they_o but_o get_v within_o the_o veil_n seek_v and_o look_v for_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o heaven_n and_o glorious_a thing_n in_o they_o let_v your_o faith_n conduct_v you_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o bosom_n and_o heart_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o you_o may_v read_v his_o love_n grace_n and_o glorious_a excellency_n have_v intimate_v and_o close_a communion_n with_o he_o and_o be_v ravish_v and_o refresh_v with_o his_o person_n and_o love_n get_v into_o his_o gallery_n and_o see_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n in_o his_o beauty_n and_o transcendent_a sweetness_n and_o get_v into_o the_o sanctum_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la into_o the_o most_o holy_a place_n for_o the_o way_n be_v open_v and_o the_o vail_v draw_v off_o and_o remove_v by_o your_o head_n for_o you_o to_o come_v and_o meet_v he_o there_o heb._n 10.19_o 20_o therefore_o do_v not_o stand_v and_o worship_n in_o the_o outer_a court_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o go_v and_o pass_v through_o ordinance_n to_o christ_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o all_o and_o whenever_o you_o go_v and_o enter_v in_o be_v you_o sure_a that_o you_o carry_v all_o grace_n &_o the_o spirit_n with_o you_o to_o meet_v your_o lord_n and_o honour_v he_o with_o they_o endeavour_v all_o you_o can_v to_o see_v and_o feel_v he_o to_o get_v your_o heart_n ravish_v with_o his_o person_n and_o love_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o great_a delight_n joy_n cheerfulness_n adoration_n admiration_n and_o praise_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o his_o savour_n warm_v with_o his_o love_n draw_v by_o his_o beauty_n be_v by_o all_o knit_v and_o unite_v tie_v and_o bind_v fast_o to_o he_o then_o we_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n or_o spiritual_o when_o we_o worship_v he_o &_o go_v to_o meet_v he_o with_o all_o our_o grace_n in_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n &_o when_o our_o heart_n &_o grace_n do_v close_o up_o with_o and_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o these_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n psal_n 110.3_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o very_o few_o church-member_n be_v experimental_o acquaint_v with_o this_o matter_n for_o if_o they_o be_v so_o acquaint_v with_o it_o indeed_o they_o can_v not_o do_v as_o they_o do_v they_o can_v not_o neglect_v the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n nor_o cry_v up_o a_o cephas_n and_o cry_v down_o a_o paul_n as_o they_o do_v 1_o cor._n 3._o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o careless_a and_o formal_a in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v nor_o carry_v about_o such_o dead_a lumpish_a and_o heavy_a heart_n and_o mind_n as_o they_o do_v well_o but_o however_o it_o have_v be_v with_o you_o let_v it_o be_v so_o no_o more_o do_v you_o for_o time_n to_o come_v learn_v so_o to_o worship_n god_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o so_o you_o may_v please_v and_o honour_v he_o and_o he_o may_v delight_v to_o meet_v with_o and_o bless_v you_o eight_o you_o must_v walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n cheerful_o comfortable_o and_o joyful_o you_o must_v not_o be_v whiner_n and_o complainer_n you_o must_v not_o be_v sad_a lumpish_a and_o melancholy_a in_o your_o father_n house_n no_o for_o that_o will_v great_o reflect_v on_o your_o father_n and_o on_o your_o head_n and_o husband_n you_o will_v raise_v suspicion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n on_o the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n