find_v fault_n withal_o for_o their_o be_v inchurch_v and_o incorporate_v into_o distinct_a congregation_n but_o they_o be_v often_o commend_v for_o it_o act._n 2._o col._n 2.5_o for_o man_n to_o set_v up_o church_n temple_n and_o house_n to_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o worship_n and_o then_o to_o entile_a the_o name_n &_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o they_o have_v be_v a_o most_o high_a and_o presumptuous_a wickedness_n indeed_o and_o such_o as_o he_o will_v never_o have_v wink_v at_o but_o abhor_v and_o reject_v they_o as_o man_n work_n therefore_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o he_o will_v undoubted_a have_v severe_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o so_o walk_v ten_o these_o congregational_a church_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o god_n because_o without_o such_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n can_v regular_o &_o orderly_o be_v observe_v and_o perform_v by_o man_n in_o a_o solemn_a fix_v and_o public_a state_v way_n and_o manner_n neither_o can_v the_o pastor_n &_o overseer_n of_o they_o right_o and_o comfortable_o perform_v their_o work_n and_o administer_v the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n to_o man_n for_o all_o that_o be_v privilege_v with_o christ_n his_o institutes_n and_o profess_v to_o own_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n aught_o to_o live_v under_o his_o government_n and_o discipline_n and_o to_o subject_n themselves_o to_o all_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o own_o and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o rule_n of_o such_o as_o he_o have_v set_v over_o they_o and_o their_o teacher_n and_o elder_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o watch_v over_o and_o due_o administer_v to_o such_o as_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o their_o care_n inspection_n and_o charge_n now_o how_o can_v they_o do_v it_o unless_o they_o be_v fix_v form_v and_o know_v church_n or_o congregation_n unless_o they_o have_v mutual_o choose_v each_o either_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o capacity_n as_o a_o state_v church_n or_o family_n of_o god_n how_o can_v they_o be_v overseer_n of_o church_n and_o take_v care_n of_o they_o as_o such_o as_o christ_n command_v they_o act._n 20.17_o 28._o unless_o they_o be_v first_o church_n and_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o unto_o their_o guide_n that_o they_o may_v take_v the_o care_n and_o charge_n of_o and_o administer_v to_o they_o as_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o their_o officer_n be_v state_v fix_a officer_n to_o they_o than_o they_o must_v be_v state_v fix_a church_n to_o their_o officer_n how_o else_o shall_v they_o know_v who_o be_v their_o flock_n their_o care_n and_o charge_n and_o who_o be_v not_o who_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o oversee_v and_o minister_v too_o as_o their_o own_o peculiar_a flock_n what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v give_v or_o receive_v to_o or_o from_o they_o or_o how_o to_o discharge_v their_o ministerial_a work_n unto_o they_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n unless_o they_o be_v incorporate_v societys_n who_o have_v engage_v to_o walk_v together_o as_o church_n in_o all_o christs-ordinance_n and_o choose_v they_o to_o administer_v to_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o how_o can_v they_o administer_v church-ordinance_n unto_o they_o as_o church-officer_n unless_o they_o be_v and_o they_o own_o and_o approve_v of_o they_o as_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v set_v there_o by_o christ_n as_o church-officer_n to_o officiate_v for_o he_o as_o such_o to_o his_o church_n as_o church_n what_o authority_n can_v they_o claim_v over_o they_o unless_o with_o their_o own_o mutual_a consent_n they_o acknowledge_v and_o own_v each_o other_o as_o church_n and_o officer_n of_o christ_n to_o and_o in_o they_o how_o can_v they_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n to_o they_o authoritative_o require_v their_o attendance_n on_o their_o administration_n and_o reprove_v their_o neglect_n and_o how_o can_v their_o teacher_n preach_v to_o they_o with_o all_o authority_n how_o can_v they_o watch_v over_o and_o feed_v they_o and_o expect_v their_o love_n duty_n and_o subjection_n and_o how_o can_v they_o exercise_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o administer_v censure_n to_o and_o among_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o one_o another_o as_o officer_n and_o church_n minister_n be_v charge_v to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o flock_n act._n 20.17_o 28._o and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o so_o and_o so_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n 1_o tim._n 3.5_o 15._o and_o such_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v mat._n 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o who_o then_o say_v christ_n be_v a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n or_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n have_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o many_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n that_o may_v be_v give_v to_o show_v that_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n i_o may_v have_v add_v as_o many_o more_o to_o evince_v and_o confirm_v it_o but_o these_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o and_o encourage_v believer_n in_o their_o walk_n in_o church_n fellowship_n or_o congregate_a into_o distinct_a church_n and_o particular_a society_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o gospel-church_n or_o the_o material_n of_o god_n holy_a temple_n 4._o question_v what_o be_v the_o material_n of_o a_o house_n of_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v person_n be_v qualify_v for_o church-fellowship_n or_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v church-member_n ans_fw-fr only_o regenerate_v and_o convert_v person_n such_o as_o be_v marry_v to_o and_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v save_o and_o powerful_o enlighten_v and_o enliven_v quicken_v and_o convince_v of_o sin_n righteousness_n and_o judgement_n joh._n 16.8_o 9_o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o eph._n 2.1_o 5._o such_o as_o have_v choven_v christ_n for_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o resign_v and_o make_v over_o themselves_o to_o christ_n &_o receive_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n col._n 2.6_o 1_o cor._n 6.19_o 20._o such_o only_a as_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o and_o be_v in_o favour_n with_o god_n as_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o set_v a_o part_n for_o holiness_n and_o unto_o live_v to_o god_n and_o no_o more_o unto_o themselves_o such_o as_o be_v the_o belove_a of_o god_n call_v effectual_o to_o be_v saint_n and_o have_v real_o and_o sincere_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n jesus_n i_o say_v such_o person_n and_o only_o such_o do_v jesus_n christ_n account_n meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o privilege_n and_o dignity_n col._n 1.12_o and_o to_o make_v heavenly_a place_n eph._n 1.3_o although_o man_n do_v not_o certain_o know_v they_o to_o be_v such_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o darkness_n and_o fallable_n judgement_n they_o may_v receive_v and_o admit_v other_o into_o church_n and_o unto_o their_o privilege_n and_o immunity_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o have_v no_o right_n unto_o they_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v there_o for_o these_o spiritual-ho_o thing_n be_v for_o and_o only_o for_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a man_n heavenly_a place_n be_v for_o heavenly_a person_n and_o spiritual_a work_n for_o spiritual_a men._n now_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a holy_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a place_n and_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n christ_n prepare_v man_n by_o his_o grace_n word_n and_o spirit_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a and_o meet_v material_n and_o then_o he_o call_v they_o to_o join_v together_o and_o become_v a_o spiritual_a house_n for_o his_o delight_n service_n and_o glory_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o and_o therefore_o such_o and_o only_o such_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o because_o god_n threaten_v and_o often_o declare_v his_o detestation_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o other_o be_v there_o and_o manifest_v his_o indignation_n against_o they_o as_o to_o the_o man_n that_o come_v to_o the_o supper_n without_o the_o wedding_n garment_n matth._n 22.11_o 12_o 13._o then_o say_v the_o king_n to_o his_o servant_n bound_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o outer_a darkness_n isa_n 33.14_o the_o sinner_n in_o zion_n be_v afraid_a fearfulness_n have_v surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o the_o devour_a fire_n who_o among_o we_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o the_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n mat._n 25._o and_o the_o
fear_n or_o love_v he_o or_o his_o church_n sincere_o to_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o impart_v his_o secret_n and_o counsel_n to_o they_o sure_o no._n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v with_o save_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o ministerial_a gift_n for_o office_n power_n and_o work_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o may_v argue_v this_o point_n very_o large_o and_o copious_o do_v i_o intend_v a_o large_a discourse_n as_o i_o do_v not_o but_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a brevity_n in_o all_o thing_n i_o shall_v mention_v and_o present_v to_o consideration_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o discourse_n 3._o and_o therefore_o three_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v and_o be_v qualify_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o special_a grace_n but_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n also_o it_o be_v not_o such_o gift_n and_o grace_n that_o will_v sufficient_o qualify_v and_o enable_v man_n to_o discharge_v their_o ministerial_a work_n in_o the_o church_n without_o the_o spirit_n they_o will_v not_o be_v willing_a ready_a nor_o apt_a to_o teach_v without_o the_o spirit_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2._o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o without_o the_o spirit_n 2_o tim._n 2.15_o and_o therefore_o have_v jesus_n christ_n promise_v to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n in_o their_o ministerial_a work_n who_o be_v his_o minister_n mat._n 28.18_o 20._o joh._n 14.15_o and_o 16._o chapter_n they_o must_v preach_v and_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n watch_v over_o feed_v and_o water_v the_o church_n by_o the_o spirit_n for_o their_o gift_n and_o grace_n can_v do_v nothing_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v promise_v to_o help_v they_o to_o teach_v warm_a strengthen_v and_o quicken_v they_o to_o comfort_n lead_v and_o guide_v they_o and_o whenever_o christ_n send_v any_o shepherd_n into_o his_o sheepfold_n in_o love_n and_o mercy_n he_o send_v they_o and_o they_o come_v there_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o their_o heart_n look_v over_o paul_n epistle_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n and_o to_o the_o particular_a church_n and_o you_o may_v find_v this_o truth_n confirm_v thus_o god_n promise_v his_o new_a testament_n church_n long_o before_o they_o subsist_v or_o have_v a_o be_v in_o the_o world_n jer._n 3.15_o and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o pastor_n according_a to_o my_o own_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v you_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o make_v man_n able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o not_o create_v grace_n and_o gift_n only_o the_o apostle_n speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n act_v 2.4_o and_o as_o they_o be_v move_v or_o carry_v forth_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o a_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v build_v by_o the_o spirit_n for_o the_o habitation_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v give_v forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n from_o christ_n joh._n 16.13_o 14_o 15._o all_o the_o grace_n and_o gift_n bestow_v on_o man_n be_v by_o the_o spirit_n their_o life_n strength_n and_o success_n be_v by_o and_o from_o the_o spirit_n their_o work_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n be_v give_v they_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v accompany_v and_o abide_v with_o his_o own_o minister_n there_o four_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v and_o adorn_v with_o singular_a spirit_n with_o excellent_a and_o choice_a spirit_n and_o frame_n of_o heart_n they_o shall_v excel_v other_o in_o such_o quality_n and_o virtue_n as_o these_o first_o they_o shall_v be_v singular_a and_o excel_a in_o knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n to_o discern_v the_o difference_n of_o thing_n that_o differ_v and_o to_o judge_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o 1_o cor._n 2._o they_o shall_v abound_v in_o heavenly_a wisdom_n and_o prudence_n in_o conformity_n to_o their_o lord_n christ_n second_o they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o gospel_n simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n too_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o 2_o cor._n 2.17_o three_o they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o humility_n in_o all_o meekness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n and_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 6._o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o must_v not_o be_v proud_a and_o lofty_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o carriage_n but_o meek_a and_o lowly_a mat._n 11.29_o 2_o tim._n 2_o 25._o four_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o gentleness_n and_o peaceablenesse_n they_o must_v not_o brawl_v nor_o strive_v 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 1_o tim._n 3.3_o five_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a in_o self-denial_n and_o curb_v the_o flesh_n keep_v under_o carnal_a worldly_a self_n and_o cross_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n 1_o cor._n 9_o ult_n six_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o patience_n and_o contentation_n they_o must_v not_o be_v soon_o angry_a or_o move_v to_o passion_n and_o wrath_n 1_o tim._n 3._o seven_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o a_o sober_a serious_a holy_a chearfulnesse_n and_o sweetness_n pleasantness_n and_o affability_n they_o must_v not_o be_v of_o vain_a and_o frothy_a spirit_n nor_o of_o froward_a sullen_a lumpish_a and_o sad_a carriage_n and_o deportment_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v hateful_a in_o all_o christian_n much_o more_o be_v they_o so_o in_o such_o as_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o light_n and_o example_n to_o they_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o good_a behaviour_n the_o apostle_n say_v they_o must_v be_v endue_v withal_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o eight_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n also_o for_o if_o private_a christian_n shall_v abound_v in_o it_o rom._n 12.11_o 2_o cor._n 7.11_o then_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n tit._n 2.14_o rev._n 3.19_o nine_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o love_n pity_n and_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o soul_n they_o must_v not_o be_v of_o hard_a and_o insensible_a spirit_n but_o full_a of_o tender_a earn_v bowel_n towards_o their_o flock_n col._n 3.12_o 1_o pet._n 3.8_o rom._n 12.15_o so_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o be_v paul_n towards_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n they_o have_v to_o do_v withal_o except_v obstinate_a sinner_n who_o trample_v pearl_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o so_o must_v minister_n be_v now_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a say_v paul_n eph._n 4._o ult_n ten_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o heavenly_a mindedness_n they_o must_v not_o be_v covetous_a nor_o greedy_a after_o worldly_a thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v filthy_a lucre_n 1_o tim._n 3.3_o tit._n 1.7_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o they_o must_v declare_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o earthly_a enjoyment_n they_o be_v heavenly_a mind_v and_o live_v above_o they_o they_o be_v holy_a man_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o must_v flee_v those_o thing_n 1_o tim._n 6.11_o 2_o pet._n 1._o ult_n and_o follow_v after_o heaverly_o eleven_o they_o must_v be_v singular_a and_o eminent_a in_o gavity_n and_o solidity_n they_o must_v not_o be_v vain_a light_a and_o frothy_a talker_n and_o of_o foolish_a jest_a spirit_n and_o carriage_n but_o grave_n and_o serious_a 1_o tim._n 3._o twelve_o they_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v set_v forward_o and_o entertain_v holy_a and_o profitable_a discourse_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n which_o will_v not_o now_o be_v easy_o find_v i_o fear_v among_o professor_n however_o they_o shall_v be_v always_o ready_a apt_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v their_o duty_n although_o other_o be_v not_o to_o do_v they_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 1_o tim._n 3.2_o eph._n 4.29_o col._n 4.6_o thirteen_o they_o shall_v be_v well_o arm_v with_o wisdom_n faith_n and_o patience_n to_o endure_v and_o stand_v fast_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n and_o to_o bear_v up_o under_o all_o the_o great_a discouragement_n they_o may_v meet_v withal_o from_o friend_n and_o foe_n for_o they_o will_v be_v try_v by_o both_o hence_o the_o apostle_n charge_v timothy_n to_o follow_v after_o faith_n and_o patience_n 1_o tim._n 6.11_o and_o in_o 1_o tim._n 4.12_o say_v he_o be_v thou_o a_o example_n to_o the_o believer_n in_o faith_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o shall_v come_v to_o their_o work_n well_o arm_v and_o fence_v with_o faith_n and_o patience_n for_o it_o will_v be_v try_v to_o the_o utmost_a as_o sad_a experience_n show_v fourteent_o they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o set_v up_o high_a and_o noble_a end_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o heart_n in_o their_o office_n and_o work_n in_o the_o church_n the_o great_a
as_o they_o do_v for_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o not_o as_o believer_n only_o but_o as_o their_o teacher_n and_o spiritual_a father_n also_o certain_o this_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o their_o work_n and_o business_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o neglect_v it_o but_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v diligent_a in_o it_o in_o secret_a and_o in_o public_a when_o present_a with_o they_o they_o must_v bless_v they_o and_o the_o word_n and_o seal_n ministerial_o and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o place_n office_n and_o power_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o numb_a 6.23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o thus_o bless_v paul_n be_v much_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o namely_o in_o present_v the_o church_n case_n to_o god_n and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o they_o phil._n 1.9_o col._n 1.9_o 2_o thes_n 1.11_o wherefore_o we_o pray_v always_o for_o you_o so_o col._n 1.3_o 1_o thes_n 3.10_o seven_o resolve_v doubt_n and_o case_n that_o trouble_v any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 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you_o see_v before_o what_o ordinary_a elder_n ought_v to_o do_v and_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v unto_o in_o their_o place_n and_o office_n namely_o to_o give_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n col._n 4.17_o that_o they_o fulfil_v it_o that_o they_o attend_v to_o study_v read_v meditation_n exhortation_n doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 4.13_o 15._o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o that_o they_o wait_v on_o the_o altar_n 1_o cor._n 9.13_o 2._o example_n must_v not_o be_v take_v and_o advance_v against_o precept_n paul_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a officer_n or_o minister_n his_o work_n and_o power_n be_v every_o where_o where_o the_o lord_n call_v he_o to_o preach_v he_o be_v not_o a_o particular_a fix_a elder_a or_o pastor_n to_o one_o single_a church_n neither_o be_v he_o bind_v or_o necessitate_v to_o attend_v to_o read_v studying_z etc._n etc._n as_o ordinary_a minister_n be_v moreover_o paul_n and_o other_o 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evil_n of_o it_o &_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o they_o shall_v assist_v and_o help_v they_o with_o their_o company_n advice_n and_o counsel_n when_o desire_v and_o need_n require_v it_o moreover_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o make_v the_o ministry_n of_o their_o teacher_n acceptable_a unto_o the_o church_n and_o to_o see_v that_o all_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o that_o they_o defraud_v not_o their_o teacher_n of_o convenient_a and_o due_a maintenance_n nor_o carry_v themselves_o rude_o and_o disrespectful_o unto_o they_o or_o towards_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o they_o warn_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o as_o christ_n have_v command_v that_o they_o constant_o seasonable_o and_o reverent_o attend_v to_o and_o wait_v on_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o make_v holy_a earning_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o 9_o they_o ought_v to_o project_n and_o prepare_v good_a order_n and_o matter_n for_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o church_n to_o 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and_o private_o and_o ruling-elders_a be_v to_o do_v it_o private_o and_o particular_o and_o because_o the_o frequent_a meeting_n of_o christian_n for_o prayer_n and_o discourse_n be_v a_o duty_n exceed_v profitable_a and_o beneficial_a unto_o their_o soul_n when_o right_o improve_v wise_o and_o spiritual_o manage_v the_o elder_n shall_v encourage_v it_o set_v it_o forward_o and_o endeavour_v to_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v such_o good_a work_v and_o duty_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o meeting_n will_v great_o promote_v godliness_n and_o keep_v a_o savour_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o heart_n now_o who_o shall_v promote_v and_o further_o this_o good_a work_n so_o much_o as_o the_o elder_n who_o may_v and_o ought_v authoritative_o to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v another_o of_o their_o work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o church_n therefore_o see_v you_o do_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n who_o be_v elder_n 10._o last_o ruling-elders_a as_o well_o as_o teach_v have_v another_o great_a work_n to_o do_v in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v singular_o exemplary_a in_o their_o word_n deed_n and_o carriage_n be_v thou_o a_o example_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n 1_o epistle_n 4.12_o to_o the_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n for_o without_o these_o thing_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v worth_a nothing_o at_o all_o elder_n and_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n as_o well_o as_o the_o deacon_n shall_v be_v example_n and_o encourage_a pattern_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n to_o other_o in_o their_o garb_n or_o clothing_n elder_n shall_v be_v singular_a in_o wisdom_n zeal_n seriousness_n and_o gravity_n in_o love_n sweetness_n diligence_n faithfulness_n spirituallity_n heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o in_o all_o good_a work_n show_v thyself_o say_v paul_n a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n in_o all_o thing_n tit._n 2.7_o they_o must_v so_o walk_v as_o that_o other_o may_v safe_o follow_v their_o step_n and_o be_v excite_v and_o encourage_v so_o to_o do_v by_o their_o example_n they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o be_v good_a example_n out_o of_o and_o in_o the_o congregation_n or_o church_n when_o assemble_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n then_o shall_v the_o elder_n show_v good_a example_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o their_o timely_a come_n there_o and_o by_o their_o holy_a serious_a and_o reverend_a carriage_n and_o deportment_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o when_o they_o neglect_v their_o place_n and_o duty_n there_o or_o come_v unreasonable_o carry_v themselves_o careless_o and_o unreverent_o they_o tempt_v other_o to_o do_v so_o too_o for_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v a_o name_n among_o they_o so_o they_o eye_v they_o much_o and_o expect_v great_a thing_n of_o and_o from_o they_o therefore_o elder_n must_v take_v heed_n to_o their_o way_n and_o see_v that_o they_o walk_v circumspect_o or_o exact_o eph._n 5.15_o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o they_o will_v do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a in_o the_o church_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o rule_v elder_n have_v work_n enough_o to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v need_n and_o use_n enough_o of_o they_o and_o sure_o they_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o the_o church_n and_o prove_v a_o great_a blessing_n indeed_o to_o she_o will_v they_o but_o know_v mind_n attend_v to_o and_o do_v their_o own_o proper_a work_n and_o business_n and_o real_o concern_v themselves_o with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n concernment_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o oh_o that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o that_o office_n and_o dignity_n will_v serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n their_o way_n and_o do_n wherefore_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o invest_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o intend_v and_o in_o good_a 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stumble_v at_o any_o stumbling-stone_n or_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o so_o great_a and_o importunate_a matter_n 2._o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v their_o great_a and_o only_a rule_n and_o guide_n in_o church-matter_n no_o other_o voice_n must_v be_v hear_v there_o but_o he_o nor_o any_o other_o authority_n law_n or_o rule_v to_o be_v observe_v follow_v and_o obey_v but_o he_o it_o be_v give_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o church_n eph._n 1.22_o 23._o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o nothing_o else_o math._n 28.20_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o or_o for_o the_o church_n this_o they_o must_v careful_o and_o continual_o mind_n and_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o do_v not_o their_o own_o will_n and_o walk_v by_o their_o own_o rule_n but_o christ_n for_o in_o so_o do_v he_o will_v bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o help_n and_o assist_v they_o and_o in_o the_o end_n he_o will_v reward_v all_o their_o conformity_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n but_o otherwise_o he_o will_v say_v who_o require_v these_o thing_n of_o you_o therefore_o when_o any_o case_n or_o work_n be_v offer_v to_o you_o you_o must_v consider_v they_o and_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o you_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o what_o you_o be_v call_v to_o do_v and_o then_o proceed_v and_o manage_v your_o work_n according_o be_v you_o sure_a to_o steer_v your_o course_n aright_o by_o divine_a light_n and_o law_n look_v up_o to_o and_o own_o christ_n and_o his_o authority_n in_o all_o your_o proceedure_n for_o you_o act_n not_o as_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o a_o state_n but_o as_o the_o spiritual_a magistrate_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o be_v his_o will_n
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
no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n our_o apostle_n have_v show_v the_o believe_a ephesian_n what_o they_o be_v before_o their_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 5_o 11_o 12._o verse_n he_o proceed_v to_o show_v they_o their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n with_o the_o efficient_a meritorious_a and_o instrumental_a cause_n thereof_o and_o first_o he_o show_v they_o what_o they_o be_v not_o vers_n 19_o now_o therefore_o you_o be_v no_o more_o as_o once_o you_o be_v strangers_z and_o foreigner_n 2_o what_o they_o now_o be_v in_o what_o state_n and_o condition_n 1._o you_o be_v say_v he_o fellow-citizen_n and_o that_o with_o the_o saint_n 2._o and_o of_o the_o household_n or_o family_n of_o god_n 3._o you_o be_v in_o a_o happy_a and_o secure_a state_n for_o you_o be_v not_o build_v say_v he_o upon_o your_o own_o sandy_a foundation_n but_o upon_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n namely_o 1._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n 2._o on_o jesus_n christ_n the_o chief_a cornerstone_n vers_fw-la 20._o the_o only_a foundation_n lay_v by_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n which_o by_o they_o be_v lay_v before_o the_o world_n be_v 1._o cor._n 3.11_o math._n 16.18_o 2_o tim._n 1.9_o tit._n 1.2_o and_o which_o be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o uphold_v support_v and_o secure_v all_o that_o build_v and_o bear_v themselves_o upon_o it_o in_o the_o text_n you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o a_o temple_n habitation_n or_o a_o 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totum_fw-la aedisicium_fw-la congruenter_v coagmentatum_fw-la beza_n you_o be_v congruous_o and_o right_o lay_v into_o the_o building_n and_o so_o become_v a_o excellent_a and_o comely_a fabric_n or_o house_n of_o god_n 2._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v for_o a_o habitation_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o former_a and_o builder_n or_o the_o agent_n employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o build_v a_o holy_a temple_n or_o church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n vers_n 21._o now_o this_o he_o do_v 1._o by_o fit_v and_o prepare_v material_n it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o make_v man_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a spirit_n it_o be_v his_o work_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o hand_n only_o to_o quicken_v the_o dead_a to_o enlighten_v the_o blind_a to_o translate_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o christ_n 2._o he_o do_v it_o by_o show_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o by_o make_v their_o heart_n willing_a and_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o they_o shall_v go_v 3._o by_o give_v they_o law_n and_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o 4._o by_o stir_v up_o his_o minister_n heart_n and_o tongue_n to_o move_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o 4thly_a we_o have_v here_o one_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o spirit_n his_o building_n of_o church_n and_o that_o be_v for_o a_o habitation_n for_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o psal_n 132.14_o rev._n 2.1_o and_o as_o these_o thing_n be_v here_o express_v so_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n employ_v and_o include_v which_o be_v not_o express_v as_o the_o law_n order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o a_o house_n of_o god_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o their_o duty_n there_o as_o likewise_o the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o they_o in_o that_o state_n and_o the_o privilege_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o several_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v discourse_v on_o in_o my_o proceedure_n god_n do_v not_o set_v up_o church_n to_o stand_v empty_a and_o idle_a only_o to_o have_v a_o name_n and_o to_o be_v gaze_v on_o but_o he_o have_v institute_v appoint_v and_o erect_v they_o for_o his_o name_n honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o soul-profit_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o he_o and_z he_o with_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v obey_v and_o honour_v he_o and_o he_o supply_v and_o enrich_v they_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o for_o other_o glorious_a end_n and_o purpose_n which_o shall_v be_v discourse_v of_o the_o lord_z assisting_z chap._n i._n of_o a_o institute_v gospel-church_n and_o the_o extent_n thereof_o my_o purpose_n and_o design_n be_v to_o discourse_v only_o of_o a_o particular_a institute_v gospel-church_n and_o in_o my_o proceedure_n i_o shall_v not_o concern_v myself_o with_o any_o man_n conception_n of_o a_o church_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n but_o keep_v clôss_n to_o the_o subject_n or_o church_n under_o consideration_n without_o meddle_v with_o the_o controversy_n that_o be_v among_o learned_a man_n in_o their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o church_n and_o their_o concernment_n for_o as_o i_o desire_v and_o hope_v i_o may_v without_o offend_v any_o to_o have_v liberty_n to_o declare_v and_o practice_v my_o own_o light_n faith_n and_o persuasion_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o i_o think_v it_o most_o reasonable_a to_o leave_v other_o to_o their_o own_o persuasion_n expression_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o matter_n without_o any_o reflection_n it_o be_v the_o profit_n of_o such_o as_o i_o be_o concern_v withal_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o and_o i_o judge_v myself_o oblige_v in_o duty_n to_o make_v know_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n to_o those_o i_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o according_a to_o my_o light_n ability_n and_o opportunity_n and_o that_o by_o all_o the_o regular_a way_n and_o mean_v i_o can_v find_v out_o and_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o and_o it_o be_v for_o they_o that_o i_o chief_o intend_v these_o line_n although_o they_o may_v probable_o fall_v into_o other_o man_n hand_n therefore_o wave_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o acquaint_v you_o who_o shall_v read_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v &_o believe_v and_o as_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o you_o which_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o way_n of_o question_n and_o answer_n 1._o quest_n what_o be_v a_o true_a institute_v gospel-church_n answ_n a_o true_a institute_v gospel-church_n be_v a_o society_n or_o congregation_n of_o person_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o their_o state_n of_o death_n blindness_n and_o unbelief_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n unite_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a band_n by_o special_a and_o voluntary_a agreement_n who_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n under_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v together_o as_o saint_n in_o love_n peace_n and_o in_o the_o constant_a celebration_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o
his_o gospel-ordinance_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a profit_n rom._n 1.5_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o heb._n 3.1_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o eph._n 2.21_o 22._o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o eph._n 2.1.5_o col._n 2.6_o 2_o thes_n 1.5_o this_o church_n so_o unite_v and_o build_v be_v call_v a_o church_n a_o house_n a_o temple_n habitation_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o own_v it_o as_o their_o own_o call_v it_o by_o their_o own_o name_n and_o confirm_v it_o with_o their_o presence_n in_o it_o and_o as_o such_o a_o church_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o gospel-worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o other_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o here_o only_o take_v these_o sew_v hint_n of_o this_o church_n along_o with_o you_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o institute_v church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n namely_o a_o church_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o erection_n of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o form_v according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o approbation_n 2._o the_o material_n or_o person_n constitute_v this_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a person_n call_v out_o of_o their_o old_a worldly_a state_n of_o death_n blindness_n and_o unbelief_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n that_o be_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n 3._o the_o instrument_n that_o call_v they_o and_o work_v they_o for_o this_o state_n and_o that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n 4._o the_o form_n of_o this_o church_n namely_o their_o own_o free_a special_a and_o voluntary_a agreement_n among_o themselves_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n before_o each_o other_o and_o then_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o a_o holy_a band_n or_o engagement_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v together_o through_o divine_a assistance_n in_o love_n peace_n and_o in_o the_o celebration_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o law_n worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will._n 5._o the_o end_n of_o their_o so_o do_v namely_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a profit_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o definition_n of_o a_o institute_v gospel-church_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v through_o god_n help_n prove_v and_o demonstrate_v hereafter_o under_o several_a head_n 2._o quest_n of_o what_o extent_n shall_v a_o institute_v gospel-church_n be_v or_o how_o many_o person_n shall_v it_o consist_v of_o answ_n it_o shall_v be_v form_v of_o so_o many_o person_n as_o may_v capacitate_v they_o to_o perform_v all_o necessary-church_n act_n in_o pursuance_n of_o christ_n law_n and_o rule_n by_o which_o the_o society_n ought_v to_o walk_v mat._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o and_o of_o no_o more_o than_o may_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n now_o how_o many_o person_n precise_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v and_o constitute_v such_o a_o formal_a church_n i_o can_v determine_v but_o undoubted_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o number_n as_o may_v orderly_o and_o regular_o deal_v with_o and_o proceed_v against_o a_o delinquent-member_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n in_o mat._n 18._o and_o as_o the_o church_n shall_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o so_o it_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o person_n in_o it_o than_o as_o be_v say_v may_v comfortable_o and_o convenient_o meet_v or_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o one_o place_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v one_o congregation_n by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o divide_v and_o separate_v themselves_o one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n but_o there_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n rom._n 15.6_o 2_o because_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n except_v extraordinary_a case_n to_o wait_v and_o attend_v on_o the_o administration_n of_o their_o own_o officer_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n law_n heb._n 13.17_o enjoin_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o also_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o engagement_n and_o relation_n they_o stand_v in_o to_o they_o 3_o for_o their_o own_o comfort_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o church_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o church_n and_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o namely_o the_o profit_n and_o edification_n of_o all_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o 31._o but_o how_o can_v it_o be_v unless_o they_o can_v all_o hear_v and_o join_v one_o with_o another_o in_o the_o ordinance_n 4_o because_o a_o church_n ought_v to_o observe_v ordinance_n and_o worship_n god_n as_o a_o church_n and_o not_o as_o or_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o single_a and_o individual_a believer_n but_o as_o a_o unite_a body_n and_o society_n they_o must_v all_o at_o once_o and_o in_o the_o same_o numerical_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n join_v together_o as_o with_o one_o heart_n mouth_n mind_n and_o judgement_n design_v aim_v at_o and_z carrying_z on_o the_o same_o holy_a end_n in_o all_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therefore_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o exceed_v such_o a_o number_n of_o member_n as_o may_v convenient_o meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o head_n chap._n ii_o show_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 3._o question_n whether_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n answ_n they_o be_v appoint_v and_o institute_v of_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o will_v appear_v in_o or_o by_o these_o particular_n first_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o former_a and_o builder_n of_o they_o the_o text_n be_v clear_a for_o it_o in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 22._o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n by_o paul_n unto_o the_o particular_a congregational_a church_n of_o the_o believe_a ephesian_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n 27_o 28._o rev._n 2.1_o where_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v they_o a_o distinct_a household_n church_n or_o body_n of_o saint_n gather_v or_o join_v together_o in_o his_o name_n for_o his_o glory_n the_o celebration_n of_o his_o worship_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n i_o say_v christ_n style_v they_o a_o church_n and_o speak_v to_o they_o as_o a_o church_n and_o distinct_a body_n or_o house_n of_o saint_n from_o all_o other_o person_n or_o church_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o church_n be_v not_o form_v and_o build_v by_o man_n but_o by_o the_o will_n power_n light_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n &_o therefore_o the_o particular_a congregational_a church_n of_o ephesus_n be_v call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n in_o the_o same_o vers_n and_o the_o distinct_a particular_a church_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o 2_o thes_n 1.4_o 2_o cor._n 1.1_o and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n rom._n 16.16_o act._n 20.28_o and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o particular_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v act._n 2._o ult._n the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o the_o appointment_n and_o with_o the_o consent_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o christ_n his_o son_n who_o be_v also_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o rom._n 9.5_o prepares_z material_n for_o a_o church_n and_o then_o he_o join_v they_o together_o and_o make_v they_o a_o holy_a and_o glorious_a temple_n or_o church_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o and_o chap._n 5.27_o so_o that_o we_o have_v enough_o to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n viz._n that_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n in_o this_o one_o particular_a namely_o because_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o former_a and_o builder_n of_o they_o mat._n 16.18_o isa_n 43.21_o second_o it_o further_o appear_v by_o the_o lord_n be_v own_v of_o they_o promise_v and_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o which_o he_o will_v never_o do_v if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n but_o now_o the_o lord_n declare_v his_o own_n of_o and_o promise_v his_o presence_n and_o abode_n with_o they_o as_o his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o by_o
to_o the_o church_n and_o there_o the_o lord_n jesus_n come_v and_o observe_v how_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o obey_v rev._n 2.23_o 5._o god_n have_v institute_v and_o form_v up_o believer_n into_o church_n that_o he_o may_v feed_v and_o nourish_v they_o there_o as_o his_o flock_n that_o he_o may_v water_v they_o as_o his_o garden_n support_v they_o as_o his_o house_n order_n and_o govern_v they_o as_o his_o family_n &_o household_n and_o that_o by_o his_o spirit_n &_o minister_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o water_v they_o 1_o cor._n 3.6_o 7._o to_o feed_v and_o nourish_v they_o act._n 20.17_o 23._o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o and_o to_o rule_v govern_v and_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o heb_fw-mi 13.7_o 17._o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o to_o warnand_n caution_n they_o to_o reprove_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o comfort_v they_o and_o build_v they_o up_o with_o the_o milk_n and_o strong_a meat_n of_o spiritual_a sound_a doctrine_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o 2._o heb._n 5.12_o 13_o 14._o and_o that_o by_o their_o speak_n unto_o they_o as_o to_o their_o own_o flock_n and_o peculiar_a church_n and_o charge_n from_o and_o under_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o christ_n in_o love_n they_o may_v grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n eph._n 4.15_o so_o also_o for_o believer_n regular_a and_o orderly_o walk_v col._n 2.5_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o order_n and_o he_o love_v to_o see_v his_o people_n walk_v orderly_o and_o regular_o conform_v themselves_o to_o his_o law_n and_o government_n and_o if_o earthly_a governor_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v careful_a to_o set_v up_o and_o give_v unto_o their_o subject_n law_n and_o order_n for_o their_o regular_a and_o orderly_o walk_v and_o love_v great_o to_o see_v they_o so_o to_o walk_v under_o their_o law_n and_o government_n in_o their_o city_n and_o politic_a body_n how_o much_o more_o careful_a be_v jesus_n christ_n to_o set_v his_o people_n in_o order_n and_o method_n and_o how_o please_a and_o delightful_a must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o see_v his_o subject_n walk_v orderly_a and_o regular_o in_o his_o city_n and_o spiritual_a body_n that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o appointment_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o end_n of_o god_n in_o institute_v and_o erect_v of_o church_n many_o other_o may_v be_v name_v and_o insist_v on_o but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o exceed_v my_o intention_n four_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n must_v consist_v of_o new-creature_n and_o sincere-hearted_n believer_n because_o they_o can_v and_o will_v answer_v and_o prosecute_v these_o aforesaid_a and_o such_o like_a holy_a end_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o his_o church_n i_o say_v these_o can_v and_o will_v because_o they_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v in_o measure_n by_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o aim_v at_o and_o effectual_o to_o prosecute_v these_o holy_a end_n of_o god_n but_o so_o can_v other_o neither_o will_v they_o if_o they_o can_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o save_a knowledge_n nor_o practical_a wisdom_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o they_o be_v stranger_n in_o heart_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n all_z other_o at_o the_o best_a have_v but_o a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a at_o the_o root_n rev._n 3.1_o matth._n 8.22_o neither_o be_v they_o make_v a_o willing_a people_n to_o join_v issue_n and_o comply_v with_o the_o holy_a end_n of_o god_n psal_n 110.3_o because_o god_n have_v not_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o obstinacy_n wrought_v in_o they_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v in_o his_o peculiar_a people_n they_o be_v not_o yet_o wrought_v by_o god_n for_o this_o self_n same_o thing_n as_o real_a saint_n be_v phil._n 2.13_o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o they_o be_v not_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o their_o mind_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v they_o as_o saint_n be_v col._n 3.10_o but_o now_o real_a and_o peculiar_a believer_n be_v fit_v and_o frame_v mould_v and_o polished_a by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o their_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n eph._n 2.21_o and_o so_o by_o the_o constant_a and_o promise_a guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o their_o live_a head_n jesus_n christ_n with_o their_o spiritual_a qualification_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o answer_v and_o perform_v the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n in_o erect_v and_o build_v they_o up_o in_o church_n when_o a_o wise_a man_n build_v a_o house_n he_o will_v propound_v some_o end_n to_o himself_o in_o his_o so_o do_v and_o according_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o and_o lay_v in_o such_o material_n and_o so_o form_n and_o build_v it_o as_o that_o it_o may_v effectual_o answer_v his_o end_n if_o he_o be_v able_a now_o if_o he_o build_v it_o with_o hay_n and_o stubble_n or_o with_o rot_a wood_n althought_v it_o may_v stand_v a_o while_n yet_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o stand_v long_o nor_o answer_v his_o end_n so_o the_o great_a master_n builder_n who_o be_v the_o alsufficient_a and_o only_a wise_a god_n propound_v great_a and_o holy_a end_n to_o himself_o in_o institute_v and_o build_n of_o church_n and_o temple_n and_o these_o such_o as_o shall_v irrefrustrable_o be_v obtain_v notwithstanding_o all_o possible_a contingency_n &_o interveniency_n whatsoever_o for_o say_v god_n my_o purpose_n shall_v stand_v and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o my_o pleasure_n isa_n 46.10_o i_o will_v build_v church_n and_o temple_n for_o my_o glory_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o to_o have_v peculiar_a love_n homage_n and_o service_n from_o they_o to_o have_v their_o free_a hearty_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n and_o respect_n that_o i_o may_v enrich_v they_o with_o my_o grace_n build_v they_o up_o in_o faith_n and_o godliness_n delight_n in_o a_o refresh_v myself_o with_o they_o make_v they_o a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o glorify_v the_o house_n of_o my_o glory_n isa_n 60.7_o that_o there_o i_o may_v set_v my_o ministry_n and_o officer_n and_o that_o among_o they_o i_o may_v set_v my_o law_n rule_n and_o ordinance_n but_o hypocrite_n and_o formalist_n will_v never_o answer_v nor_o prosecute_v these_o end_n as_o i_o find_v by_o experience_n among_o the_o old-church-member_n of_o the_o jew_n i_o can_v look_v for_o it_o nor_o expect_v it_o from_o they_o for_o they_o be_v a_o people_n of_o a_o other_o spirit_n they_o slight_a my_o grace_n and_o reject_v my_o easy_a yoke_n and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v honour_v with_o membership_n in_o my_o church_n in_o my_o particular_a gosspel_n church_n but_o if_o they_o creep_v in_o as_o many_o will_v do_v i_o will_v loathe_v and_o abhor_v their_o presence_n i_o will_v root_v they_o up_o cast_v they_o out_o and_o that_o into_o everlasting_a fire_n for_o whatever_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v yet_o i_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o for_o my_o turn_n and_o will_v stand_v i_o in_o no_o stead_n there_o but_o to_o provoke_v i_o to_o wrath_n with_o their_o hypocrisy_n and_o make_v fuel_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o my_o jealousy_n therefore_o my_o new-testament-churche_n shall_v be_v build_v only_o of_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a material_n not_o of_o dead_a but_o live_a stone_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o eph._n 2.1.5_o such_o as_o my_o word_n and_o spirit_n shall_v polish_v and_o prepare_v for_o that_o work_n and_o service_n that_o so_o by_o they_o i_o may_v obtain_v my_o holy_a end_n and_o carry_v on_o my_o great_a design_n i_o know_v that_o my_o peculiar_a people_n will_v receive_v submit_v unto_o and_o obey_v my_o law_n that_o they_o will_v love_v and_o honour_v i_o that_o they_o will_v shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o will_v give_v i_o kind_a and_o cordial_a entertainment_n and_o that_o will_v cleave_v to_o and_o not_o forsake_v i_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o church_n five_o because_o all_o the_o law_n ordinance_n and_o work_n of_o church-member_n be_v holy_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o natural_a man_n understand_v not_o can_v discern_v what_o they_o be_v and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v such_o and_o they_o that_o be_v not_o teach_v of_o god_n save_o and_o powerful_o to_o understand_v and_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o they_o do_v think_v and_o judge_n of_o they_o carnal_o and_o vain_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o end_n but_o believer_n have_v they_o write_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n beforehand_o they_o have_v they_o not_o without_o book_n i_o mean_v they_o have_v the_o same_o law_n of_o christ_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o their_o heart_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o bible_n jer._n 31.33_o heb._n 8.10_o 11._o heb._n 10.16_o by_o which_o they_o be_v capacitate_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n enable_v to_o
understand_v receive_v love_n and_o right_o obey_v the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n without_o the_o law_n say_v paul_n be_v spiritual_a rom._n 7._o and_o a_o real_a sound_a believer_n be_v call_v a_o spiritual_a man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o their_o law_n be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a their_o work_n and_o business_n in_o a_o church_n be_v so_o likewise_o john_n 4.23_o 24_o eph._n 5_o 19_o col._n 3.16_o and_o a_o particular_a congregat_v church_n be_v call_v a_o holy-temple_n and_o spiritual_a house_n eph._n 2.21_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o they_o have_v a_o holy_a god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n to_o serve_v and_o worship_n a_o spiritual_a head_n to_o believe_v in_o and_o obey_v and_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a work_n to_o do_v in_o their_o church-state_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_n be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a person_n not_o without_o in_o profession_n only_o but_o within_o in_o truth_n almost_o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o god_n expect_v his_o principal_a and_o choice_a worship_n from_o his_o church_n and_o they_o be_v all_o above_o and_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o carnal_a men._n god_n first_o make_v spiritual_a man_n and_o then_o with_o they_o he_o form_n spiritual_a house_n and_o then_o as_o such_o he_o give_v they_o holy_a law_n and_o ordinance_n and_o spiritual_a work_n to_o do_v and_o require_v they_o to_o do_v it_o as_o spiritual_a person_n and_o church_n christ_n do_v not_o form_v they_o into_o church_n as_o reasonable_a man_n but_o as_o good_a holy_a and_o spiritual_a man_n and_o suit_v his_o law_n to_o their_o capacity_n and_o state_n as_o at_o first_o he_o frame_v and_o suit_v they_o to_o his_o law_n christ_n call_v his_o people_n into_o church_n and_o incorporate_v congregat_v body_n that_o they_o may_v as_o such_o receive_v and_o practise_v his_o spiritual_a and_o holy_a church_n law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o good_a and_o they_o be_v spiritual_a law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o spiritual_a man_n and_o therefore_o only_a such_o shall_v be_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n for_o what_o shall_v hypocrite_n do_v in_o the_o holy_a spiritual_a temple_n and_o church_n of_o god_n and_o what_o use_n will_v they_o make_v of_o christ_n law_n and_o holy_a ordinance_n but_o to_o defile_v and_o pollute_v they_o and_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n 1_o cor._n 11._o six_o because_o the_o separation_n between_o saint_n and_o sinner_n begin_v here_o in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o lord_n call_v man_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o form_v they_o up_o into_o holy_a temple_n for_o himself_o be_v the_o begin_n of_o that_o everlasting_a separation_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o christ_n his_o appear_v between_o the_o sheep_n and_o the_o goat_n matth._n 25.31_o 32_o 41._o or_o at_o least_o a_o shadow_n and_o resemblance_n of_o it_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o wicked_a say_v christ_n hereafter_o i_o will_v come_v in_o glory_n set_v upon_o my_o throne_n before_o i_o shall_v be_v gather_v all_o nation_n and_o then_o will_v i_o separate_v they_o on_o from_o another_o as_o a_o shepherd_n divide_v this_o sheep_n from_o the_o goat_n 31_o 32._o and_o then_o i_o will_v say_v to_o the_o sheep_n come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n inherit_v the_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o and_o to_o the_o other_o go_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a sire_n 34.41_o now_o because_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o nor_o what_o i_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n see_v what_o i_o have_v begin_v already_o in_o it_o you_o see_v a_o few_o separate_v from_o you_o in_o this_o world_n before_o your_o eye_n and_o form_v up_o into_o holy-temple_n for_o i_o and_o this_o be_v not_o their_o own_o work_n or_o do_v of_o themselves_o or_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o carnal_a apprehension_n or_o singular_a proud_a notion_n and_o opinion_n as_o you_o false_o charge_v they_o no_o but_o this_o thing_n be_v do_v of_o i_o i_o will_v own_v it_o as_o my_o own_o work_n for_o i_o have_v command_v they_o to_o separate_v and_o have_v call_v they_o out_o from_o among_o you_o who_o continue_v still_o in_o your_o infidelity_n and_o unregenerate_a state_n john_n 15.19_o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o and_o bid_v they_o congregate_v together_o as_o my_o peculiar_a people_n and_o become_v my_o spiritual_a house_n and_o church_n and_o i_o have_v by_o my_o spirit_n make_v they_o willing_a and_o move_v their_o heart_n to_o do_v so_o as_o you_o see_v they_o do_v i_o own_o they_o and_o will_v stand_v by_o they_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o they_o that_o have_v separate_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v i_o myself_o that_o have_v do_v it_o and_o what_o they_o have_v do_v therein_o be_v in_o obedience_n unto_o i_o and_o that_o to_o convince_v you_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o my_o word_n for_o as_o certain_o as_o you_o see_v these_o my_o people_n now_o separate_v from_o you_o so_o i_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n make_v a_o eternal_a separation_n between_o they_o and_o you_o unless_o you_o repent_v and_o become_v my_o people_n in_o season_n and_o as_o it_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o conviction_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o wicked_a so_o also_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o confirmation_n of_o believer_n for_o by_o the_o lord_n separate_v they_o from_o the_o world_n and_o building_n they_o up_o into_o holy-temple_n he_o give_v they_o a_o notable_a pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o the_o assure_a and_o promise_a difference_n of_o that_o great_a and_o everlasting_a discrimination_n &_o separation_n that_o shall_v be_v between_o they_o and_o the_o wicked_a now_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o because_o all_o thing_n seem_v to_o happen_v alike_o to_o all_o as_o solomon_n speak_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n or_o very_o little_a between_o the_o wicked_a and_o they_o although_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o vast_a difference_n upon_o many_o account_n between_o they_o now_o and_o so_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v discourage_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o walking_n but_o to_o cheer_v they_o up_o and_o support_v their_o spirit_n here_o say_v god_n be_v a_o very_a great_a distinguish_a difference_n and_o a_o pledge_n of_o a_o great_a between_o you_o and_o the_o world_n i_o have_v call_v you_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o bring_v you_o near_o unto_o myself_o i_o have_v separate_v you_o already_o from_o the_o lion_n and_o goat_n and_o make_v you_o my_o formal_a and_o public_a habitation_n and_o holy-temple_n which_o be_v your_o honour_n privilege_n and_o dignity_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o such_o or_o such_o particular_a church_n be_v goat_n or_o unbeliever_n no_o i_o can_v entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n in_o my_o heart_n for_o as_o i_o think_v and_o fear_v that_o there_o be_v many_o hypocrite_n creep_v into_o church_n so_o i_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v many_o gracious_a person_n which_o to_o their_o own_o loss_n and_o god_n dishonour_n do_v live_v out_o of_o church-fellowship_n so_o their_o be_v other_o that_o will_v join_v with_o they_o but_o can_v and_o other_o can_v but_o will_v not_o but_o i_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v have_v his_o church_n make_v up_o of_o saint_n only_o and_o not_o of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v everlasting_o separate_v but_o of_o such_o as_o shall_v live_v and_o reign_v with_o jesus_n christ_n for_o evermore_o in_o the_o church_n triumphant_a and_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n among_o other_o because_o it_o may_v comfort_v and_o confirm_v the_o saint_n in_o their_o hope_n and_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o convince_v and_o terrify_v the_o wicked_a seven_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v build_v of_o believer_n and_o regenerate_a person_n because_o they_o may_v continue_v and_o stand_v fast_o in_o all_o storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o hold_v out_o unto_o the_o end_n as_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n jesus_n christ_n for_o whatever_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o sand_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n and_o help_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n will_v not_o stand_v long_o because_o it_o want_v a_o bottom_n to_o bear_v up_o its_o weight_n they_o must_v all_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n and_o chief_a cornerstone_n the_o foundation_n that_o god_n have_v lay_v matth._n 7.24_o 25._o 1_o cor._n 3.11_o matth._n 16.18_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tell_v we_o that_o upon_o this_o rock_n that_o be_v himself_o and_o the_o truth_n that_o peter_n have_v confess_v will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o now_o hypocrite_n be_v not_o build_v upon_o christ_n for_o if_o they_o be_v that_o great_a promise_n of_o perseverance_n will_v belong_v to_o they_o and_o
then_o the_o stony_a ground_n will_v be_v in_o as_o good_a and_o safe_a a_o condition_n as_o the_o good_a ground_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v apparent_a matth._n 13._o and_o matth._n 7._o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o build_v on_o christ_n by_o faith_n but_o be_v voct_v in_o themselves_o and_o build_v their_o vain_a hope_n on_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n job_n 8._o matth._n 7._o and_o in_o many_o other_o scripture_n be_v manifest_a therefore_o if_o there_o person_n be_v not_o build_v on_o christ_n their_o church-state_n be_v not_o but_o upon_o the_o sand._n hence_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o only_o sound_a believer_n be_v build_v on_o christ_n and_o so_o they_o be_v the_o person_n only_o that_o christ_n will_v have_v build_v up_o into_o holy-temple_n because_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n build_v he_o himself_o say_v he_o will_v build_v upon_o himself_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v inpregnable_o in_o all_o weather_n and_o that_o be_v only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v unite_v unto_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o have_v choose_v he_o for_o their_o only_a rock_n and_o foundation_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o not_o of_o such_o as_o do_v secret_o reject_v he_o obj._n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o text_n in_o matth._n 16._o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n i_o answer_v and_o i_o be_o speak_v too_o of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o say_v that_o all_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v unite_v unto_o and_o build_v upon_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o that_o these_o aught_o to_o congregate_v and_o become_v church_n of_o god_n and_o none_o else_o and_o that_o according_a unto_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o such_o that_o promise_n in_o matth._n belong_v to_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v secure_v by_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n although_o they_o be_v form_v up_o according_a to_o christ_n his_o institution_n into_o particular_a congregational_a church_n and_o although_o after_o they_o be_v thus_o form_v they_o may_v be_v break_v in_o a_o sense_n and_o scatter_v as_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v act._n 8.1_o yet_o they_o be_v still_o secure_v by_o that_o promise_n and_o have_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o in_o faith_n love_n tear_n and_o prayer_n in_o judgement_n and_o affection_n the_o lord_n jesus_n suffer_v in_o name_n and_o glory_n by_o the_o fall_n of_o his_o church_n or_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o as_o he_o that_o build_v his_o house_n on_o the_o sand_n be_v call_v a_o foolish_a man_n by_o spectator_n matth._n 7._o and_o if_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o build_v either_o for_o want_v of_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o good_a matter_n or_o wise_a and_o careful_a cement_n and_o form_v up_o the_o material_n how_o great_o will_v the_o wisdom_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n suffer_v by_o the_o tongue_n of_o his_o enemy_n because_o such_o church_n take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o walk_v by_o his_o law_n and_o as_o the_o fall_n of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o reproach_n to_o christ_n so_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o grief_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a member_n of_o christ_n also_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o or_o out_o of_o those_o church_n thus_o fall_v and_o it_o will_v great_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n against_o the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reality_n in_o his_o gospel_n religion_n and_o therefore_o christ_n can_v endure_v to_o see_v his_o house_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o take_v care_n that_o all_o that_o he_o build_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v so_o build_v and_o secure_v as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overthrow_v they_o nor_o by_o any_o mean_n prevail_v against_o they_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v found_v secure_v &_o support_v by_o his_o promise_n and_o spirit_n i_o may_v produce_v many_o other_o reason_n for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o none_o but_o real_a believer_n ought_v to_o be_v form_v up_o into_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o concern_v the_o privilege_n and_o promise_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o which_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o on_o a_o other_o head_n which_o be_v two_o high_a and_o glorious_a for_o the_o inglorious_a profess_v hypocrity_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v entail_v only_o on_o the_o true_a heir_n of_o they_o viz._n the_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n and_o child_n of_o god_n hypocrite_n who_o refuse_v to_o have_v christ_n on_o his_o own_o term_n and_o who_o prefer_v their_o lust_n before_o he_o and_o their_o own_o righteousness_n before_o christ_n and_o daily_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n 1_o john_n 5._o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o there_o be_v a_o little_a remnant_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o who_o they_o do_v only_o belong_v and_o they_o and_o only_o they_o may_v claim_v they_o as_o their_o own_o again_o because_o only_a believer_n be_v christ_n willing_a subject_n such_o as_o have_v free_o put_v their_o neck_n under_o his_o yoke_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o in_o universal_a obedience_n to_o he_o and_o that_o have_v hearty_o choose_v he_o for_o their_o lord_n and_o governor_n and_o his_o law_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o practice_n but_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o all_o other_o man_n do_v reject_v he_o and_o yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v have_v the_o lord_n jesus_n bow_v down_o to_o their_o term_n but_o they_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o he_o they_o say_v as_o those_o in_o joh._n 6.60_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a yoke_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o and_o therefore_o although_o we_o will_v profess_v he_o that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v he_o rule_v over_o we_o and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o call_v they_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n bread_n or_o to_o his_o true_a subject_n privilege_n and_o blessing_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o moreover_o only_o true_a believer_n be_v clean_a and_o pure_a all_o other_o be_v unclean_a they_o be_v stranger_n to_o he_o and_o his_o people_n unwashed_a and_o uncircumcize_v in_o ear_n and_o heart_n they_o be_v not_o justify_v nor_o sanctify_v nor_o purge_v from_o their_o uncleanness_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o come_v near_o to_o or_o touch_v the_o holy_a thing_n of_o his_o church_n which_o be_v holy_a pure_a thing_n and_o sanctify_v unto_o the_o holy_a use_n of_o his_o enchurched-member_n i_o will_v not_o be_v tedious_a and_o therefore_o shall_v wave_v all_o further_a consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n although_o i_o can_v multiply_v reason_n to_o prove_v that_o only_o real_a true_a believer_n shall_v be_v church-member_n but_o i_o shall_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o a_o objection_n advance_v against_o this_o truth_n which_o be_v this_o but_o we_o read_v of_o tare_n in_o the_o field_n among_o the_o good_a wheat_n good_a and_o bad_a fish_n catch_v in_o the_o neat_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o also_o many_o evil_a member_n in_o several_a of_o the_o congregational_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o church_n may_v consist_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n all_o this_o may_v be_v true_a and_o yet_o the_o truth_n insist_v on_o not_o at_o all_o touch_v or_o weaken_v thereby_o it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v evil_a member_n in_o those_o gospel_n church_n and_o they_o prove_v evil_a member_n indeed_o and_o great_a affliction_n to_o bless_a paul_n and_o the_o good_a member_n of_o they_o but_o what_o then_o aught_o they_o to_o have_v be_v there_o or_o be_v they_o know_v to_o be_v such_o indeed_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o good_a man_n when_o they_o admit_v they_o be_v they_o there_o by_o christ_n call_n and_o with_o his_o approbation_n and_o allowance_n although_o he_o permit_v they_o to_o creep_v in_o among_o his_o people_n now_o unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o that_o they_o be_v admit_v when_o know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o afterward_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o privilege_n while_o such_o and_o that_o christ_n approve_v there_o be_v there_o i_o say_v until_o that_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v usurper_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o discourse_v of_o who_o be_v in_o the_o
church_n but_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o not_o who_o think_v themselves_o worthy_a and_o creep_v in_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o who_o christ_n call_v there_o and_o come_v in_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v not_o welcome_a to_o christ_n or_o his_o people_n the_o apostle_n wish_v such_o be_v cut_v off_o gal._n 5.12_o and_o exhort_v believer_n to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o that_o walk_v disorderly_o 2_o thes_n 3.6_o and_o to_o turn_v away_o from_o they_o 2_o tim._n 3.5_o to_o mark_v and_o avoid_v they_o rom._n 16.17_o and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n give_v in_o charge_n to_o his_o church_n that_o they_o prosecute_v his_o law_n against_o disorderly_a church-member_n even_o to_o the_o cast_n of_o they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n they_o repent_v not_o mat._n 18.17_o and_o threaten_v the_o evil_a member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o sardis_n &_o laodicea_n severe_o rev._n 3._o and_o therefore_o sure_o if_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n he_o will_v not_o have_v find_v they_o there_o to_o dishonour_v his_o name_n and_o grieve_v his_o people_n as_o they_o do_v and_o as_o for_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o tare_n and_o bad_a fish_n bring_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n no_o more_o can_v be_v say_v for_o the_o justife_v they_o in_o what_o they_o do_v than_o of_o the_o other_o before_o mind_v and_o answer_v and_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v refel_v these_o two_o likewise_o but_o if_o you_o mind_v it_o you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o tare_n there_o if_o mean_v of_o person_n and_o not_o of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v a_o question_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o and_o he_o that_o sow_v they_o be_v the_o devil_n vers_fw-la 38_o 39_o so_o that_o these_o tare_n or_o member_n be_v not_o of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o bring_v there_o but_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o who_o will_v say_v then_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o will_v jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o devil_n hand_n and_o help_v to_o enlarge_v his_o church_n or_o will_v he_o accept_v and_o approve_v of_o such_o person_n for_o his_o church-member_n to_o help_v forward_o the_o build_n of_o his_o holy_a temple_n for_o the_o habitation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v choose_v and_o send_v by_o the_o devil_n as_o for_o other_o it_o be_v express_o say_v vers_fw-la 37._o that_o he_o that_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o in_o opposition_n thereunto_o it_o be_v say_v his_o enemy_n the_o devil_n sow_v tare_n in_o the_o same_o field_n which_o be_v hurtful_a unto_o the_o good_a seed_n therefore_o as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o hypocrite_n be_v not_o call_v nor_o send_v by_o jesus_n christ_n into_o church_n but_o by_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n against_o their_o be_v there_o and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v they_o there_o but_o to_o grattify_v the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o lust_n to_o afflict_v and_o grieve_v if_o not_o corrupt_v the_o good_a seed_n to_o dishonour_n christ_n and_o increase_v their_o own_o misery_n as_o to_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a fish_n there_o need_v no_o more_o be_v say_v concern_v they_o than_o that_o hypocrite_n and_o rot_a heart_a man_n will_v crowd_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n among_o his_o good_a people_n but_o they_o ought_v not_o so_o to_o do_v for_o they_o be_v not_o call_v to_o come_v because_o they_o be_v of_o satan_n kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o have_v no_o part_n or_o portion_n with_o the_o true_a child_n of_o god_n and_o heir_n of_o his_o kingdom_n so_o that_o i_o think_v there_o have_v be_v enough_o say_v as_o to_o that_o namely_o that_o none_o ought_v to_o be_v member_n of_o christ_n particular_a church_n but_o real_a believer_n and_o now_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o form_n of_o a_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o speak_v a_o little_a unto_o two_o question_n first_o 5._o quest_n what_o fitness_n or_o qualification_n shall_v believer_n find_v in_o themselves_o for_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n before_o they_o enter_v into_o fellowship_n &_o become_v church-member_n or_o join_v themselves_o as_o member_n to_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n answ_n first_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o well_o ground_a hope_n of_o their_o regeneration_n or_o new_a state_n in_o christ_n that_o they_o have_v see_v their_o need_n of_o christ_n single_v he_o out_o by_o grace_n and_o choose_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v a_o measure_n of_o his_o anointing_n grace_n spirit_n light_n and_o life_n and_o that_o they_o be_v accept_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o they_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a and_o be_v renew_v in_o measure_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n after_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v they_o shall_v have_v at_o least_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n for_o many_o gracious_a heart_n have_v such_o a_o hope_n that_o have_v no_o assurance_n who_o hold_v their_o title_n and_o claim_n to_o christ_n and_o heaven_n but_o have_v never_o the_o seal_n of_o it_o on_o their_o heart_n or_o if_o they_o ever_o have_v it_o they_o have_v by_o their_o own_o carelessness_n lose_v it_o and_o so_o have_v only_o hope_v leave_v and_o this_o indeed_o will_v hold_v their_o soul_n in_o life_n by_o the_o spirit_n though_o not_o in_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n heb._n 6.19_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v such_o that_o they_o be_v save_v by_o hope_n rom._n 8.24_o and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n of_o hope_n which_o put_v they_o upon_o that_o great_a and_o noble_a work_n of_o purify_n themselves_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a 1_o joh._n 3.3_o and_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o as_o faith_n that_o precede_v it_o do_v act._n 15.9_o this_o hope_n be_v not_o a_o dead_a but_o a_o lively_a hope_n it_o be_v not_o idle_a but_o operative_a and_o work_a it_o be_v active_a and_o laborious_a in_o purge_v out_o of_o lust_n and_o get_v in_o of_o holiness_n and_o grace_n 1_o pet._n 1.3_o 1_o joh._n 3.3_o as_o a_o sound_a special_a faith_n be_v jam._n 2.18_o and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a heb._n 6.19_o so_o when_o god_n promise_v mercy_n unto_o his_o people_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o a_o door_n of_o hope_n hos_n 2.15_o which_o hope_n be_v christ_n in_o they_o phil._n 1.27_o and_o therefore_o if_o you_o have_v this_o hope_n you_o be_v in_o a_o happy_a state_n and_o aught_o to_o join_v yourselves_o unto_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n give_v up_o yourselves_o in_o universal_a obedience_n to_o christ_n and_o wait_v in_o a_o house_n of_o god_n for_o his_o seal_n and_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o love_n to_o your_o soul_n but_o more_o particular_o and_o brief_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o examine_v yourselves_o and_o see_v how_o you_o can_v answer_v these_o few_o interrogatory_n try_v yourselves_o effectual_o and_o thorough_o by_o they_o 1._o can_v you_o say_v indeed_o that_o you_o do_v serious_o and_o hearty_o desire_v choose_v and_o endeavour_v to_o see_v and_o be_v more_o deep_o and_o powerful_o convince_v of_o your_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o your_o own_o weakness_n and_o wretchedness_n and_o of_o your_o want_n and_o nothingnesse_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o your_o deep_a and_o spiritual_a humiliation_n and_o self_n debase_v that_o you_o may_v be_v more_o vile_a in_o your_o own_o eye_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o free_a grace_n more_o precious_a high_a and_o honourable_a more_o sweet_a and_o desirable_a that_o your_o heart_n may_v be_v melt_v into_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v move_v thereby_o to_o abhor_v yourselves_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n job_n 42.5_o 6._o 2._o can_v you_o say_v that_o you_o do_v serious_o and_o hearty_o desire_v choose_v and_o endeavour_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o receive_v and_o accept_v he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n such_o as_o you_o find_v in_o mark_n 8.34_o luke_n 14.26_o 27_o 28._o and_o elsewhere_o do_v you_o so_o desire_v choose_v and_o endeavour_v to_o have_v he_o with_o his_o yoke_n and_o cross_n matth._n 11.28_o 29._o and_o do_v you_o so_o deny_v yourselves_o of_o your_o sinful_a self_n and_o righteous_a self_n and_o worldly_a self_n and_o suppose_v able_a and_o powerful_a self_n and_o all_o other_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a self_n that_o christ_n may_v only_o be_v exalt_v that_o you_o may_v be_v nothing_o in_o your_o lustification_n and_o salvation_n but_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o free_a grace_n may_v be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n col._n 3.11_o phil._n 3.7_o 8._o do_v you_o desire_v choose_v
water_n it_o for_o his_o use_n that_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o intend_v to_o employ_v and_o make_v such_o use_n of_o they_o there_o he_o enrich_v all_o that_o he_o send_v with_o his_o own_o ministerial_a gift_n eph._n 4.8_o 10_o 11_o 12._o 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 he_o that_o descend_v be_v the_o same_o also_o that_o ascend_v up_o far_o above_o all_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v fill_v all_o thing_n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_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 here_o be_v a_o account_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o the_o person_n receive_v they_o and_o also_o the_o end_n for_o which_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o rom._n 12.6_o and_o 1_o cor._n 12._o as_o you_o may_v read_v there_o at_o large_a from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n where_o you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a gift_n themselves_o which_o be_v call_v spiritual_a vers_fw-la 1_o 2._o the_o author_n or_o immediate_a donor_n of_o they_o 7._o as_o also_o the_o end_n of_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o unto_o man_n and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v exercise_v and_o lay_v out_o 7_o 28._o and_o in_o other_o verse_n there_o these_o ministerial_a gift_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o believer_n because_o they_o be_v not_o intend_v nor_o call_v to_o the_o work_n and_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o give_v to_o they_o who_o jesus_n christ_n send_v into_o his_o church_n and_o incline_v the_o church_n heart_n to_o call_v and_o accept_v they_o for_o their_o officer_n and_o minister_n second_o as_o they_o must_v be_v gift_v with_o ministerial_a spiritual_a gift_n so_o they_o must_v be_v grace_v also_o with_o special_a save_a grace_n for_o the_o spiritual_a and_o evangelical_a discharge_n of_o their_o ministerial_a work_n in_o the_o church_n or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n although_o they_o may_v be_v of_o the_o letter_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o they_o must_v be_v call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o the_o marvellous_a save_a light_n of_o christ_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o and_o be_v the_o child_n of_o light_n eph._n 5.8_o before_o they_o can_v hold_v forth_o indeed_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n unto_o other_o they_o must_v be_v first_o teach_v of_o god_n themselves_o before_o they_o can_v spiritual_o teach_v other_o and_o be_v tutor_v in_o christ_n school_n before_o they_o will_v be_v wise_a builder_n up_o of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n mark_v 4.11_o they_o must_v first_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n before_o they_o can_v make_v other_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n they_o must_v not_o learn_v their_o lesson_n without_o in_o man_n or_o god_n book_n but_o they_o must_v also_o experience_n and_o be_v able_a to_o read_v the_o gospel_n within_o that_o they_o preach_v to_o other_o they_o must_v first_o learn_v and_o be_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o and_o in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n before_o they_o can_v be_v good_a pilot_n and_o guide_n of_o other_o thither_o they_o must_v first_o be_v quicken_v and_o enliven_v themselves_o by_o &_o with_o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n before_o they_o can_v claim_v a_o right_n to_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n or_o hold_v forth_o and_o right_o communicate_v the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o other_o many_o think_v that_o grace_n be_v not_o necessary_a in_o a_o minister_n or_o for_o the_o ministry_n where_o be_v ministerial_a gift_n and_o as_o they_o say_v a_o blameless_a conversation_n but_o sure_o the_o special_a grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a necessary_a and_o useful_a thing_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v for_o the_o fit_a and_o qualify_a a_o gospel-minister_n a_o churchofficer_n and_o guide_n but_o undoubted_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o how_o can_v they_o bring_v out_o of_o their_o treasury_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a for_o the_o profit_n of_o man_n if_o there_o be_v none_o lay_v in_o a_o good_a man_n out_o of_o the_o good_a treasure_n of_o the_o heart_n bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n and_o a_o evil_a man_n out_o of_o the_o evil_a treasure_n bring_v forth_o evil_a thing_n matth._n 12.35_o and_o man_n can_v gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n and_o fig_n of_o thistle_n matth._n 7.16_o and_o what_o be_v hypocrite_n but_o such_o be_v they_o not_o in_o darkness_n and_o do_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n fool_n and_o blind_a notwithstanding_o their_o great_a gift_n be_v not_o all_o unregenerate_a and_o graceless_a person_n raven_a wolf_n although_o cover_v with_o sheepskin_n and_o do_v not_o christ_n caution_n his_o sheep_n against_o they_o and_o charge_v they_o to_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o they_o mat._n 7.15_o and_o when_o christ_n send_v forth_o labourer_n into_o his_o vineyard_n say_v he_o to_o they_o i_o send_v you_o forth_o as_o sheep_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wolf_n matth._n 10.16_o christ_n do_v not_o say_v i_o send_v forth_o wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n to_o convert_v nourish_v and_o build_v up_o my_o sheep_n unto_o eternal_a life_n moreover_o minister_n must_v not_o only_o preach_v to_o man_n from_o the_o head_n the_o subject_n of_o mere_a gift_n but_o from_o their_o heart_n also_o from_o strong_a affection_n tender_a bowel_n of_o compassion_n and_o sincere_a love_n to_o soul_n which_o they_o can_v do_v until_o they_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n holy_a and_o gracious_a man_n for_o how_o can_v they_o love_v and_o pity_v other_o soul_n who_o have_v no_o love_n and_o pity_n for_o their_o own_o and_o how_o can_v they_o affectionate_o persuade_v man_n who_o know_v not_o experimental_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 5.11_o how_o can_v such_o open_a the_o mystery_n and_o spirituality_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o man_n who_o be_v never_o teach_v it_o themselves_o and_o how_o can_v they_o so_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o life_n who_o be_v yet_o dead_a in_o sin_n themselves_o as_o to_o enliven_v other_o therefore_o all_o the_o minister_n that_o jesus_n christ_n empower_n and_o send_v into_o his_o church_n in_o special_a love_n and_o mercy_n he_o first_o grace_v with_o his_o special_a light_n &_o life_n join_v and_o unite_v they_o to_o himself_o and_o put_v some_o of_o his_o own_o image_n nature_n and_o quality_n upon_o they_o before_o he_o send_v they_o or_o will_v be_v with_o they_o and_o bless_v they_o can_n or_o will_v such_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o to_o water_n and_o break_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n unto_o they_o who_o take_v no_o care_n about_o their_o own_o soul_n nor_o care_v what_o become_v of_o they_o and_o if_o jesus_n christ_n will_v have_v none_o but_o real_a heart_a believer_n and_o live_a member_n of_o his_o body_n in_o his_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v then_o certain_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v or_o approve_v of_o graceless_a and_o unregenerate_a guide_n and_o overseer_n in_o they_o and_o if_o his_o church_n be_v holy_a temple_n appoint_v for_o his_o presence_n and_o residence_n his_o glory_n and_o delight_n as_o they_o be_v as_o have_v be_v show_v then_o assure_o he_o will_v not_o have_v carnal_a and_o unbelieving_a steward_n in_o they_o to_o manage_v all_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o they_o and_o if_o all_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a as_o they_o be_v and_o church-officer_n i_o mean_v the_o pastor_n and_o elder_n be_v to_o be_v his_o mouth_n to_o they_o and_o the_o church_n mouth_n to_o he_o and_o to_o administer_v his_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o thing_n in_o his_o name_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o church_n spiritual_a profit_n then_o sure_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o spiritual_a men._n for_o will_v he_o own_v such_o for_o his_o minister_n as_o have_v no_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o or_o relation_n to_o he_o who_o have_v no_o peculiar_a love_n for_o he_o nor_o dependence_n on_o he_o who_o have_v not_o heart_n to_o obey_v he_o and_o make_v he_o the_o great_a end_n of_o their_o work_n and_o who_o never_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o into_o their_o own_o heart_n will_v the_o holy_a and_o love_a head_n and_o husband_n of_o his_o church_n set_v over_o they_o christlesse_a lifeless_a and_o graceless_a man_n as_o all_o unregenerate_a person_n be_v who_o neither_o
motive_n aim_n and_o end_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n shall_v be_v to_o please_v and_o honour_n jesus_n christ_n their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o to_o edify_v and_o profit_v his_o church_n act_v 20._o these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n that_o all_o pastor_n of_o church_n shall_v bring_v with_o they_o and_o labour_n to_o grow_v and_o increase_v in_o they_o when_o they_o be_v there_o five_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o holy_a and_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o carriage_n also_o these_o be_v in_o part_n describe_v in_o the_o 1_o tim._n 3._o tit._n 1._o and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n and_o titus_n in_o the_o act_n and_o other_o scripture_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o namely_o that_o they_o be_v singular_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 4.7_o but_o exercise_n thyself_o unto_o godliness_n for_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o set_v in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v their_o light_n and_o guide_n to_o be_v example_n to_o believer_n and_o all_o man_n 1_o tim._n 4.12_o mat._n 5.16_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o etc._n etc._n they_o will_v by_o blamable_a walking_n more_o dishonour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n more_o grieve_a and_o afflict_v the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n scandalize_v and_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o evil_a man_n than_o a_o hundred_o time_n as_o many_o private_a christian_n and_o pull_v great_a reproach_n and_o comtempt_v upon_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n they_o be_v more_o eye_v and_o observe_v and_o be_v near_o jesus_n christ_n than_o other_o be_v and_o great_a thing_n be_v expect_v from_o they_o than_o from_o other_o therefore_o they_o shall_v shine_v forth_o in_o all_o grace_n and_o be_v find_v though_o not_o without_o their_o fail_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o every_o good_a work_n as_o man_n christian_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o and_o such_o negative_a professor_n but_o they_o must_v be_v such_o and_o so_o in_o practical_a holiness_n they_o must_v not_o only_o abstain_v from_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o forbid_a but_o they_o must_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o commend_v otherwise_o they_o can_v be_v blameless_a but_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o of_o such_o spirit_n as_o aforesaid_a they_o will_v be_v of_o holy_a and_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o walk_v as_o gospel_n real_a true_a light_n &_o guide_n before_o all_o but_o if_o they_o want_v these_o heart_n and_o internal_a qualification_n they_o will_v not_o long_o if_o at_o all_o be_v blameless_a walker_n if_o they_o be_v of_o proud_a peevish_a cross_a and_o fretful_a of_o sour_a angry_a and_o wrathful_a temper_n and_o carriage_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v of_o hot_a testy_a fiery_a rash_a and_o quarrelsome_a temper_n and_o carriage_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v back_o biter_n and_o defamer_n of_o man_n or_o hearer_n and_o receiver_n of_o evil_a report_n against_o good_a man_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v covetous_a worldly_a person_n in_o their_o word_n and_o deed_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v excessive_a in_o their_o clothes_n house_n eat_v or_o drink_v they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v censorious_a and_o rash_a judge_n of_o other_o they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v cheater_n or_o detainer_n of_o other_o due_n from_o they_o they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v vain_a and_o light_a person_n and_o give_v much_o to_o frothy_a idle_a talk_n and_o jesting_n or_o to_o idleness_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v careless_a of_o and_o negligent_a in_o relative_a duty_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o family_n they_o be_v not_o blameless_a if_o they_o be_v not_o diligent_a in_o their_o calling_n and_o work_n but_o be_v addict_v to_o walk_v abroad_o sleep_n or_o otherways_o spend_v away_o their_o precious_a time_n vain_o and_o unprofitable_o they_o be_v not_o blameless_a i_o may_v instance_n in_o many_o more_o but_o that_o i_o study_v brevity_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n must_v not_o only_o be_v free_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n but_o they_o must_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n also_o avoidable_a infirmity_n except_v six_o they_o must_v also_o have_v and_o be_v endue_v with_o natural_a gift_n as_o ability_n of_o body_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n for_o although_o a_o man_n may_v have_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o grace_n gift_n and_o truth_n lay_v up_o in_o his_o head_n and_o heart_n yet_o if_o he_o want_v ability_n of_o body_n or_o speech_n to_o utter_v &_o plain_o declare_v they_o unto_o other_o how_o can_v he_o profit_v the_o church_n or_o minister_v to_o their_o edification_n which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o those_o gift_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o ministry_n therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v only_o qualify_v within_o but_o without_o also_o they_o must_v be_v able_a to_o speak_v as_o they_o ought_v eph._n 6.20_o as_o well_o as_o to_o judge_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o and_o understand_v divine_a matter_n sevent_o they_o must_v be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n too_o for_o if_o they_o be_v leaven_v with_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n taint_v with_o it_o they_o may_v easy_o corrupt_v and_o leaven_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o sow_v such_o tare_n and_o stink_a weed_n as_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o pull_v out_o again_o a_o little_a leaven_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n leaven_n the_o whole_a lump_n gal._n 5.9_o and_o when_o once_o false_a doctrine_n be_v get_v into_o the_o head_n they_o will_v quick_o defile_v and_o corrupt_v the_o whole_a heart_n and_o conversation_n and_o therefore_o to_o prevent_v such_o evil_n in_o the_o church_n the_o apostle_n labour_v exceed_o with_o the_o church_n and_o assoon_o as_o they_o perceive_v any_o tare_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n sow_o in_o the_o church_n they_o present_o endeavour_v the_o pull_n of_o they_o up_o and_o weed_n of_o they_o out_o either_o by_o preach_v or_o write_v and_o paul_n charge_v titus_n to_o see_v that_o teacher_n be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n tit._n 1.9.13_o and_o that_o they_o speak_v sound_a doctrine_n chap._n 2.1_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v of_o sound_a mind_n 2_o tim._n 1.7_o and_o also_o that_o they_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n vers_fw-la 13._o and_o also_o wish_v all_o corrupt_a and_o unsound_a teacher_n cut_v off_o gal._n 5.12_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v erroneous_a in_o their_o faith_n and_o judgement_n but_o sound_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v together_o with_o the_o aforesaid_a particular_n right_o qualify_v minister_n of_o 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 exalt_v above_o it_o as_o to_o many_o shameful_o and_o sinful_o do_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o mystery_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o the_o letter_n wherein_o it_o be_v hold_v forth_o and_o we_o come_v to_o understand_v the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o a_o superior_a by_o the_o word_n he_o speak_v to_o we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o understand_v not_o his_o word_n we_o can_v know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n or_o what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v do_v or_o receive_v and_o be_v it_o not_o the_o same_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n concern_v we_o but_o by_o his_o word_n and_o how_o by_o his_o word_n or_o word_n except_o we_o understand_v their_o sense_n
evil_o speak_v of_o 13._o be_v sure_a to_o make_v good_a and_o perform_v all_o your_o peremptory_a promise_n to_o man_n and_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o break_v they_o or_o fail_v and_o disappoint_a man_n of_o their_o just_a expectation_n from_o you_o for_o that_o also_o will_v be_v scandalous_a and_o offensive_a 14._o take_v heed_n of_o take_v into_o a_o marriage-bond_n such_o as_o be_v apparent_o in_o a_o unbelieving_a and_o carnal_a state_n and_o condition_n for_o that_o also_o be_v very_o offensive_a to_o holy_a serious_a man_n although_o some_o make_v light_a of_o it_o 15._o take_v heed_n of_o idleness_n and_o slothfulness_n in_o your_o calling_n for_o that_o will_v prove_v a_o pernicious_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n to_o other_o and_o your_o own_o soul_n too_o 16._o take_v not_o up_o a_o report_n against_o one_o another_o that_o be_v scandalous_a nor_o give_v a_o ear_n unto_o tatler_n and_o busybody_n nor_o be_v you_o busybody_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n yourselves_o for_o if_o you_o do_v you_o will_v give_v great_a offence_n these_o be_v some_o and_o but_o some_o of_o the_o scandalous_a evil_n that_o you_o must_v careful_o avoid_v as_o a_o duty_n that_o you_o owe_v to_o god_n to_o your_o brethren_n and_o to_o your_o own_o soul_n i_o can_v have_v name_v many_o more_o but_o i_o find_v these_o the_o most_o common_a among_o professor_n now_o as_o you_o must_v avoid_v these_o and_o other_o evil_n mind_n and_o practice_v the_o say_a duty_n as_o church-member_n one_o to_o another_o so_o you_o must_v serious_o mind_v the_o manner_n reason_n and_o end_n of_o do_v they_o also_o the_o reason_n of_o your_o so_o do_v must_v be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n your_o head_n and_o king_n because_o he_o have_v so_o command_v you_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o you_o do_v must_v be_v love_n to_o he_o and_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o your_o brethren_n the_o end_n must_v be_v to_o please_v honour_n and_o exalt_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o to_o profit_n and_o benefit_v your_o brethren_n soul_n and_o maintain_v the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therein_o and_o to_o preserve_v peace_n and_o purity_n among_o yourselves_o the_o manner_n must_v be_v thus_o namely_o wise_o dutiful_o cheerful_o obedient_o free_o willing_o humble_o holy_o serious_o diligent_o sincere_o and_o persevere_o for_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o careful_a of_o do_v your_o duty_n to_o man_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n as_o you_o be_v of_o perform_v your_o duty_n immediate_o to_o god_n so_o i_o can_v but_o mention_v these_o thing_n because_o i_o have_v exceed_v my_o intention_n in_o other_o the_o lord_n god_n bless_v they_o to_o you_o all_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o a_o gospel-church_n quest_n what_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n have_v god_n give_v to_o and_o appoint_v for_o a_o gospel-church_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o answ_n first_o walk_v together_o in_o constant_a cordial_a communion_n and_o gospel_n order_n in_o a_o church-state_n in_o brotherly_a love_n peace_n and_o oneness_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o frequent_a and_o joint_a celebration_n of_o all_o the_o worship_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n be_v certain_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o indispensâ—ble_a duty_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v believer_n may_v not_o enter_v their_o name_n among_o christ_n disciple_n and_o then_o take_v liberty_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v omit_v or_o neglect_v their_o place_n and_o duty_n there_o when_o and_o how_o they_o will_v and_o content_v themselves_o with_o have_v their_o name_n enroll_v in_o a_o church_n come_v among_o they_o and_o go_v from_o they_o at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n no_o but_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o ordinance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o they_o shall_v constant_o and_o conscientious_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n abide_v and_o continue_v there_o hold_v communion_n or_o 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joh._n 16.7_o 8._o and_o by_o it_o he_o turn_v they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n and_o work_v they_o to_o and_o for_o his_o own_o use_n make_v they_o vessel_n of_o honour_n and_o translate_v they_o out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o devil_n into_o his_o own_o kingdom_n col._n 1.13_o the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o preach_v and_o hear_v the_o law_n and_o gospel_n be_v give_v and_o appoint_v to_o make_v fit_a and_o prepare_v sinful_a man_n for_o membership_n with_o christ_n &_o his_o holy_a gospel-churche_n for_o until_o they_o be_v mould_v and_o qualify_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n they_o be_v no_o way_n capable_a of_o either_o consider_v what_o condition_n all_o man_n be_v in_o by_o sinful_a nature_n namely_o dead_a blind_a filthy_a vile_a hateful_a enemy_n to_o god_n child_n of_o satan_n under_o the_o law_n the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n stranger_n to_o and_o ignorant_a of_o god_n christ_n grace_n duty_n and_o gospel-holiness_n 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they_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n and_o for_o your_o satisfaction_n therein_o i_o refer_v you_o unto_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n begin_v at_o page_n the_o 47th_o and_o end_v at_o page_n the_o 55._o where_o you_o will_v find_v ten_o qualification_n requisite_a for_o church-membership_a and_o help_v to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o yourselves_o if_o they_o be_v in_o you_o therefore_o read_v they_o and_o try_v yourselves_o by_o they_o and_o know_v that_o if_o you_o be_v so_o qualify_v or_o if_o you_o can_v find_v these_o sign_n of_o grace_n in_o you_o that_o then_o you_o be_v in_o a_o meet_a condition_n for_o church_n membership_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n house_n what_o ever_o else_o you_o may_v want_v 2._o but_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o neglecter_n of_o church-fellowship_n and_o they_o be_v such_o who_o neglect_n arise_v from_o their_o carelessness_n indifferency_n cold-heartedness_n stupidity_n and_o woeful_a 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that_o they_o shall_v the_o rather_o join_v with_o they_o and_o by_o their_o goodness_n and_o ability_n endeavour_v to_o better_a and_o mend_v they_o by_o their_o wise_a counsel_n and_o holy_a conversation_n as_o know_v that_o all_o church_n as_o church_n have_v their_o butt_n as_o well_o as_o particular_a believer_n their_o own_o personal_a butt_n this_o be_v the_o careless_a generation_n of_o man_n who_o have_v lose_v their_o god_n and_o heart_n in_o earthly_a thing_n and_o bury_v themselves_o and_o grace_n under_o the_o clod_n of_o worldly_a care_n profit_n and_o pleasure_n and_o so_o be_v regardless_o of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o indifferent_a what_o become_v of_o they_o this_o together_o with_o carnal_a self-love_n and_o fond_a affection_n to_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n eager_a desire_n after_o the_o get_n and_o keep_v they_o and_o indulge_v fear_n of_o lose_v they_o lay_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o their_o neglect_n although_o other_o pretence_n there_o be_v or_o other_o obstruction_n be_v pretend_v for_o they_o to_o set_v a_o fair_a face_n on_o a_o foul_a matter_n this_o conscience_n will_v tell_v they_o if_o they_o will_v hearken_v to_o it_o and_o give_v it_o leave_v to_o speak_v out_o all_o it_o have_v to_o say_v in_o the_o case_n against_o they_o let_v i_o then_o exhort_v you_o in_o the_o prophet_n word_n hag._n 1.5.7_o lam._n 3.40_o consider_v your_o way_n and_o search_v and_o try_v your_o way_n ask_v the_o question_n in_o good_a earnest_n and_o put_v it_o home_o to_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o desire_v they_o to_o speak_v out_o plain_o and_o tell_v you_o clear_o what_o obstruction_n or_o matter_n they_o be_v that_o keep_v you_o from_o help_v to_o build_v the_o lord_n house_n or_o house_n that_o hinder_v you_o from_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n from_o appear_v before_o god_n in_o zion_n and_o pay_v your_o vow_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o see_v if_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v you_o which_o do_v hinder_v the_o jew_n in_o haggai_n day_n what_o their_o hindrance_n be_v you_o may_v read_v in_o that_o book_n at_o large_a and_o be_v they_o not_o the_o evil_n that_o hinder_v you_o from_o join_v yourselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o celebrate_v his_o worship_n and_o partake_v of_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n there_o be_v not_o the_o great_a let_n and_o impediment_n within_o you_o and_o some_o from_o a_o worldly_a concern_v without_o you_o do_v you_o not_o consult_v flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o the_o case_n and_o not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o do_v you_o not_o find_v a_o contest_v sometime_o in_o you_o between_o conscience_n and_o self_n conscience_n and_o the_o world_n do_v not_o conscience_n sometime_o bid_v you_o go_v and_o join_v yourselves_o to_o the_o people_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o then_o you_o think_v of_o do_v so_o and_o then_o appear_v self_n and_o the_o world_n and_o forbid_v you_o call_v you_o back_o again_o and_o put_v you_o into_o another_o mood_n because_o you_o harken_v to_o their_o voice_n and_o not_o to_o conscience_n which_o speak_v to_o you_o from_o god_n for_o god_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n well_o then_o do_v not_o stand_v any_o long_o in_o your_o neglect_v on_o vain_a and_o groundless_a objection_n and_o pretend_a scruple_n but_o stick_v to_o your_o duty_n give_v yourselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o people_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o act_n 2.41_o 42_o 43._o ult_n five_o you_o ought_v to_o join_v yourselves_o to_o god_n people_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o they_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n for_o his_o name_n authority_n interest_n and_o glory_n sake_n for_o that_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n be_v concern_v in_o your_o so_o do_v as_o well_o as_o your_o own_o good_a you_o hear_v before_o that_o gospel-churche_n be_v his_o temple_n walk_n palace_n delight_n and_o habitation_n that_o they_o be_v his_o golden_a candlestick_n the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o his_o gospel-institution_n the_o beauty_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o that_o they_o be_v his_o great_a and_o live_a witness_n in_o the_o world_n now_o as_o a_o stately_a and_o well-built_a house_n afford_v much_o more_o honour_n and_o renown_n to_o a_o great_a man_n than_o ten_o thousand_o time_n as_o many_o material_n whereof_o the_o say_a house_n be_v build_v whilst_o they_o lay_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o world_n so_o a_o company_n of_o holy_a person_n form_v up_o into_o a_o holy_a temple_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n do_v more_o honour_n and_o glorify_v the_o lord_n christ_n than_o ten_o thousand_o of_o saint_n can_v do_v whilst_o they_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o as_o scatter_a stone_n among_o other_o christ_n account_v himself_o much_o exalt_v by_o his_o people_n when_o they_o do_v it_o together_o with_o one_o hair_n and_o mouth_n rom._n 15.6_o we_o ought_v to_o cause_v our_o light_n to_o shine_v as_o clear_o as_o possible_a before_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n adâ—_n glorify_v god_n matth._n 5.16_o the_o world_n know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o professor_n whilst_o they_o wall_n promiscuous_o and_o confuse_o in_o and_o with_o the_o world_n they_o can_v so_o well_o discern_v they_o from_o other_o man_n neither_o know_v they_o what_o to_o think_v of_o they_o and_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v who_o they_o be_v for_o and_o what_o they_o intend_v when_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o individual_n as_o when_o they_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o fix_a congregation_n and_o walk_v live_v and_o converse_v worship_n god_n and_o serve_v one_o another_o together_o as_o a_o family_n and_o household_n of_o god_n as_o
to_o he_o for_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o we_o to_o hold_v and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n to_o be_v warm_a lively_a and_o strong_a in_o our_o duty_n and_o performance_n and_o for_o such_o holy_a end_n as_o god_n require_v thus_o you_o see_v that_o all_o god_n people_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o and_o walk_v in_o spiritual_a fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o for_o what_o end_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n they_o shall_v do_v so_o chap._n xi_o show_v how_o church-member_n ought_v to_o walk_v and_o what_o sin_n and_o temptation_n they_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o in_o their_o church-state_n with_o rule_n and_o caution_n against_o they_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v to_o practise_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o quest_n how_o ought_v believer_n to_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n answ_n i_o have_v show_v already_o what_o their_o duty_n be_v and_o how_o they_o shall_v carry_v themselves_o towards_o their_o officer_n and_o towards_o one_o another_o in_o a_o church-state_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o mention_v they_o here_o but_o shall_v answer_v the_o question_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o church-member_n must_v walk_v exemplary_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o so_o many_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n they_o of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o shine_a light_n their_o grace_n gift_n word_n deed_n and_o carriage_n shall_v shine_v so_o clear_a and_o bright_a so_o glorious_o and_o conspicuous_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o force_n and_o prevalency_n of_o law_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o beholder_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v safe_o &_o secure_o imitate_v &_o follow_v they_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n be_v as_o so_o many_o sea-mark_n pilot_n &_o guide_n to_o man_n they_o live_v more_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o church_n be_v call_v in_o rev._n 13.6_o &_o in_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o glorious_a son_n of_o righteousness_n than_o other_o do_v and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v give_v better_o and_o clear_a light_n than_o other_o can_v they_o be_v much_o more_o eye_a mind_a and_o observe_v than_o other_o be_v and_o man_n expect_v and_o look_v for_o more_o good_a in_o and_o choice_a fruit_n from_o they_o than_o they_o do_v from_o other_o man_n they_o do_v or_o may_v converse_v more_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n with_o they_o than_o other_o man_n do_v and_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o great_a thing_n from_o he_o than_o other_o man_n be_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v a_o singular_a people_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n church-member_n be_v high_o dignify_v and_o great_o privilege_v their_o holy_a profession_n give_v out_o &_o bespeak_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a treasure_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v declare_v before_o all_o man_n that_o they_o be_v such_o indeed_o and_o not_o in_o pretence_n only_o their_o frame_n of_o heart_n word_n deed_n and_o deportment_n must_v speak_v for_o they_o &_o manifest_v they_o to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o truth_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v church-member_n word_n work_n and_o carriage_n must_v praise_v they_o in_o the_o gate_n 1._o they_o shall_v be_v shine_a light_n in_o humility_n and_o meekness_n col._n 3.12_o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n 1_o pet._n 5.5_o and_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n phil._n 2.3_o but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o matth._n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n church-member_n must_v not_o be_v high_a proud_a and_o lofty_a they_o may_v not_o think_v high_o of_o themselves_o rom._n 12.3_o nor_o cloth_n and_o deck_v themselves_o as_o other_o do_v they_o may_v not_o carry_v themselves_o strange_o or_o disdainful_o towards_o man_n but_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a towards_o their_o brethren_n and_o all_o man_n in_o their_o apparel_n word_n deed_n and_o carriage_n for_o if_o this_o part_n of_o christ_n image_n do_v not_o appear_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n on_o they_o they_o can_v have_v any_o at_o all_o a_o meek_a spirit_n carriage_n and_o deportment_n be_v one_o of_o their_o ornament_n it_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 2._o they_o must_v shine_v in_o zeal_n &_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n this_o holy_a fire_n shall_v burn_v among_o they_o they_o must_v not_o be_v of_o dull_a stupid_a heavy_a and_o lumpish_a spirit_n worship_n god_n appear_v before_o he_o and_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o indifferent_o cold_o dull_o regardless_o and_o heavy_o as_o if_o they_o be_v rather_o drive_v to_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n against_o their_o will_n than_o with_o their_o choice_n love_n and_o desire_n but_o they_o must_v be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rom._n 12.11_o for_o which_o some_o of_o the_o corinthian_n be_v commend_v 2_o cor._n 7.11_o and_o phinchas_n numb_a 25.11.13_o and_o david_n psal_n 69.9_o to_o this_o they_o be_v redeem_v and_o for_o it_o they_o be_v purchase_v tit._n 2.14_o not_o only_o to_o do_v good_a work_n but_o to_o be_v zealous_a in_o and_o for_o they_o the_o lord_n jesus_n charge_v his_o church_n to_o be_v zealous_a church_n rev._n 3.19_o in_o imitation_n of_o himself_o who_o zeal_n to_o god_n do_v eat_v he_o up_o joh._n 2.17_o much_o holy_a zeal_n govern_v and_o guide_v by_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n make_v a_o man_n a_o excellent_a shine_a useful_a acceptable_a and_o desirable_a man_n indeed_o this_o shall_v be_v another_o of_o the_o church_n beauty_n and_o comely_a ornament_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v still_o be_v clothe_v deck_v and_o adorn_v in_o this_o world_n if_o this_o diamond_n do_v not_o shine_v if_o they_o be_v not_o adorn_v with_o this_o rare_a jewel_n what_o be_v they_o worth_a and_o what_o be_v they_o good_a for_o they_o will_v be_v like_o fire_n without_o heat_n and_o light_n as_o to_o their_o duty_n work_n and_o usefulness_n they_o will_v be_v like_o drone_n or_o like_a bee_n without_o sting_n namely_o of_o no_o considerable_a use_n in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o they_o do_v for_o god_n man_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o esteem_n and_o account_n 3._o they_o must_v shine_v in_o love_n and_o charity_n too_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n col._n 3.14_o the_o ligament_n and_o sinew_n the_o cord_n and_o instrument_n that_o tie_v we_o fast_o to_o god_n and_o to_o one_o another_o see_v that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o with_o pure_a heart_n fervent_o 1_o pet._n 122._o and_o let_v love_n be_v without_o dissimulation_n rom._n 12.9_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n soul_n and_o strength_n matth._n 22.37_o the_o internal_a motive_n or_o move_a cause_n of_o all_o obedience_n and_o service_n to_o god_n must_v be_v love_n to_o he_o and_o our_o duty_n joh._n 14.15_o 1_o joh._n 5.3_o it_o be_v true_a that_o man_n can_v certain_o discern_v this_o love_n to_o god_n in_o one_o another_o but_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n may_v and_o must_v church_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v church_n of_o love_n they_o shall_v be_v act_v and_o animate_v draw_v and_o constrain_v to_o every_o good_a work_n by_o love_n 2_o cor._n 5.14_o all_o the_o way_n and_o working_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o we_o all_o that_o he_o do_v to_o or_o for_o we_o be_v love_n do_v he_o instruct_v we_o or_o do_v he_o correct_v we_o it_o be_v all_o in_o and_o from_o love_n love_n to_o we_o be_v the_o bottom_n spring_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o we_o his_o anger_n be_v provoke_v love_n love_n shall_v knit_v our_o heart_n fast_o to_o our_o god_n and_o head_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o service_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o church-fellowship_n but_o of_o this_o already_o elsewhere_o 4._o church_n must_v shine_v in_o that_o great_a work_n and_o duty_n of_o self-denial_n when_o need_n require_v he_o that_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v christ_n must_v deny_v himself_o mark_n 8.34_o matth._n 16.24_o luk._n 9.26_o they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o self-denial_n or_o in_o deny_v themselves_o of_o many_o thing_n for_o christ_n for_o their_o brethren_n and_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n sake_n their_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o great_a copy_n pattern_n and_o examplar_n of_o self-denial_n and_o that_o for_o they_o to_o serve_v they_o and_o promote_v their_o happiness_n phil._n 2.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o act_n 20.28_o and_o without_o this_o we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v ourselves_o
to_o christ_n and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o a_o church-relation_n that_o they_o may_v live_v to_o god_n and_o be_v useful_a to_o man_n 2_o cor._n 5.15_o gal._n 6.10_o do_v good_a to_o all_o man_n especial_o to_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n barren_a church-member_n be_v encumbrance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v dead_a while_o they_o live_v they_o live_v undesired_a and_o die_v unlamented_a they_o be_v like_o wither_a tree_n in_o a_o orchard_n good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v out_o down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n joh._n 15.6_o heb._n 6.7_o 8._o they_o must_v follow_v every_o good_a work_n 1_o tim._n 5.10_o in_o the_o church_n family_n and_o place_n where_o they_o live_v they_o must_v not_o sâ—ck_v their_o own_o thing_n but_o every_o one_o another_o wealth_n 1_o cor._n 10.24_o phil._n 2.4_o theya_n re_fw-mi indispensible_o bind_v to_o promote_v the_o welfare_n holiness_n and_o happiness_n of_o their_o church_n family_n relation_n and_o all_o other_o person_n so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v and_o that_o zealous_o diligent_o faithful_o and_o constant_o they_o be_v create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n eph._n 2.10_o and_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o same_o 8._o church_n shall_v shine_v in_o and_o with_o courteous_a and_o affable_a spirit_n word_n and_o carriage_n too_o for_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o their_o head_n and_o husband_n in_o this_o excellency_n also_o church-member_n must_v not_o be_v of_o harsh_a sour_a crabbed_a &_o churlish_a spirit_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o man_n for_o that_o will_v render_v they_o odious_a and_o contemptible_a but_o they_o must_v imitate_v and_o conform_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o a_o holy_a sweetness_n kindness_n courteousness_n and_o affability_n towards_o saint_n and_o sinner_n that_o they_o may_v adorn_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n tit._n 2.10_o 1_o pet._n 3.8_o a_o kind_n courteous_a and_o affable_a carriage_n and_o behaviour_n be_v a_o very_a comely_a and_o beautiful_a garment_n for_o all_o such_o to_o wear_v about_o they_o for_o it_o commend_v their_o person_n and_o religion_n unto_o man_n and_o make_v they_o exceed_o lovely_a desirable_a and_o acceptable_a in_o all_o society_n as_o also_o the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v to_o love_v and_o in_o which_o they_o walk_v 9_o they_o shall_v shine_v with_o sympathize_v and_o forgive_a spirit_n and_o practice_n their_o fall_a brethren_n or_o neighbour_n who_o have_v sin_v by_o wreng_v they_o may_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o pity_n pardon_v and_o sympathy_n and_o then_o they_o shall_v vouchsafe_v it_o to_o they_o and_o not_o be_v rash_a and_o severe_a unto_o they_o they_o must_v not_o lay_v on_o another_o load_n on_o their_o back_n &_o pursue_v they_o with_o rash_a censure_n show_v of_o cruelty_n and_o vengeance_n in_o word_n or_o deed_n in_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n but_o pity_v they_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o give_v they_o the_o hand_n to_o raise_v they_o up_o again_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o conviction_n and_o repentance_n until_o they_o appear_v obstinate_a and_o stubborn_a in_o their_o sin_n the_o servant_n that_o take_v his_o fellow_n servant_n by_o the_o throat_n say_v unto_o he_o pay_v i_o my_o due_n be_v brand_v for_o a_o wicked_a man_n math._n 18.28.35_o it_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o cruelty_n as_o god_n abhor_v and_o all_o holy_a man_n hate_v and_o the_o world_n be_v stumble_v at_o person_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o sin_n against_o we_o or_o any_o way_n wrong_v we_o be_v not_o present_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o contempt_n and_o cruelty_n or_o of_o our_o wrath_n &_o fury_n no_o but_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o pity_n and_o compassion_n of_o our_o sympathy_n and_o assistance_n and_o when_o they_o do_v serious_o repent_v of_o any_o wrong_n they_o have_v do_v we_o although_o they_o can_v make_v any_o other_o restitution_n or_o satisfaction_n we_o ought_v to_o forgive_v they_o help_n and_o comfort_v they_o eph._n 4._o ult_n col._n 3.13_o math._n 18_o ult_n 2_o cor._n 2.7.10_o 10._o church_n shall_v shine_v in_o their_o orderly_a and_o dutiful_a walking_n in_o the_o church_n as_o also_o in_o the_o family_n where_o they_o live_v and_o in_o and_o towards_o their_o several_a relation_n next_o to_o that_o mysterious_a and_o glorious_a union_n and_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o people_n that_o which_o be_v between_o his_o people_n in_o church-fellowship_n and_o relation_n be_v the_o near_a and_o great_a because_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a relation_n and_o union_n 2._o because_o it_o be_v a_o union_n and_o relation_n on_o christ_n account_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o he_o as_o their_o head_n and_o king_n 3._o because_o it_o be_v a_o everlasting_a union_n and_o relation_n therefore_o in_o this_o communion_n and_o relation_n we_o shall_v be_v most_o precise_a and_o exact_a in_o our_o walking_n and_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o they_o must_v keep_v their_o place_n in_o the_o church_n and_o constant_o attend_v unto_o all_o the_o duty_n therein_o they_o shall_v never_o neglect_v their_o church-meeting_n except_v in_o extraordinary_a case_n but_o be_v present_a at_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o divine_a worship_n &_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o demean_v themselves_o before_o god_n and_o man_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n they_o must_v endeavour_v so_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o family_n among_o and_o towards_o their_o relation_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v blameless_a give_v no_o offence_n phil._n 2.15_o 16._o col._n 2.5_o 2_o cor._n 6.3_o 11._o church-member_n must_v shine_v in_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n slothfulness_n &_o unfaithfulness_n be_v scandalous_a sin_n but_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o trust_n and_o business_n be_v ornament_n to_o our_o person_n and_o profession_n and_o to_o the_o gospel_n and_o holy_a name_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o do_v profess_v to_o love_v and_o believe_v church_n member_n be_v eye_v and_o much_o observe_v and_o therefore_o they_o have_v need_n walk_v circumspect_o eph._n 5.15_o and_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o lead_v they_o in_o plain_a path_n as_o david_n do_v because_o of_o their_o enemy_n as_o or_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n those_o which_o observe_v i_o psal_n 27.11_o they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a in_o their_o work_n and_o business_n and_o what_o their_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v to_o do_v it_o with_o all_o their_o might_n eccle._n 9.10_o 2_o pet._n 3.14_o heb._n 6.12_o and_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a so_o likewise_o faithful_a and_o trusty_a to_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v with_o they_o so_o as_o to_o answer_v every_o one_o reasonable_a expectation_n from_o they_o they_o must_v be_v faithful_a and_o true_a to_o one_o another_o in_o buy_v and_o sell_v in_o borrow_v and_o lend_v in_o work_n and_o business_n and_o in_o counsel_n and_o friendship_n whatever_o trust_n they_o commit_v to_o one_o another_o or_o be_v by_o any_o commit_v to_o they_o they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o be_v as_o faithful_a and_o true_a to_o such_o as_o to_o themselves_o they_o must_v render_v to_o all_o their_o due_n rom._n 13.7_o 8._o and_o not_o in_o any_o thing_n purloyn_n tit._n 2.10_o be_v they_o buyer_n or_o seller_n lender_n or_o borrower_n or_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v by_o any_o man_n in_o any_o thing_n they_o must_v be_v faithful_a to_o their_o trust_n or_o they_o will_v reproach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n scandalize_v man_n and_o great_o dishonour_v their_o profession_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o many_o good_a thing_n wherein_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o so_o many_o burn_a and_o shine_a light_n in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n second_o they_o must_v design_n aim_v at_o and_o prosecute_v all_o the_o end_n of_o god_n in_o appoint_v such_o a_o state_n and_o condition_n for_o they_o their_o cleave_v to_o join_v with_o and_o walk_v therein_o god_n and_o they_o must_v join_v issue_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o end_n and_o interest_n i_o have_v show_v you_o what_o end_v person_n shall_v have_v in_o their_o eye_n in_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n and_o now_o i_o say_v that_o in_o this_o state_n they_o must_v practical_o pursue_v they_o and_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n seriousness_n and_o faithfulness_n the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n and_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o king_n the_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n be_v the_o two_o or_o rather_o as_o free_a grace_n have_v lay_v it_o the_o one_o great_a end_n of_o their_o so_o do_v for_o these_o end_n be_v no_o more_o two_o but_o one_o and_o so_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o
may_v know_v in_o measure_n how_o dear_o he_o love_v we_o and_o how_o dear_a we_o have_v cost_v there_o we_o may_v see_v our_o sin_n pardon_v person_n accept_v god_n reconcile_v and_o well-pleased_n &_o there_o we_o may_v hear_v he_o say_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o prison_n for_o i_o have_v find_v and_o accept_v a_o ransom_n sure_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o powerful_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n to_o produce_v and_o provoke_v to_o repentance_n yea_o pure_a gospel-repentance_n in_o believer_n than_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v for_o here_o be_v present_v to_o we_o all_o the_o great_a and_o strong_a gospel-motive_n to_o unfeigned_a spiritual_a and_o gospel-repentance_n to_o melt_v &_o soften_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v love_n &_o grace_n the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n and_o of_o be_v sanctify_v and_o save_v that_o provoke_v and_o produce_v repentance_n unto_o life_n not_o fear_n and_o dread_a of_o divine_a wrath_n and_o vengeance_n not_o the_o bare_a sight_n and_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o future_a punishment_n no_o but_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n or_o hope_v at_o least_o of_o our_o person_n be_v love_v and_o accept_v into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o of_o our_o be_v acquit_v and_o justify_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o do_v it_o 9_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o admire_v adore_v and_o praise_v the_o great_a and_o free_a love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n they_o do_v in_o and_o by_o this_o ordinance_n set_v off_o and_o commend_v their_o free_a eternal_a and_o distinguish_a love_n and_o grace_n unto_o believer_n and_o thereby_o give_v they_o occasion_n of_o praising_n admire_v and_o adore_v it_o these_o be_v some_o of_o god_n holy_a and_o gracious_a end_n in_o appoint_v this_o ordinance_n for_o and_o give_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o these_o and_o whatever_o other_o use_n and_o end_n there_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v diligent_o seek_v out_o and_o understand_v by_o all_o believer_n and_o be_v sound_n out_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_o diligent_o and_o faithful_o aim_v at_o and_o pursue_v by_o they_o well_o then_o do_v you_o join_v issue_n with_o god_n aim_v at_o and_o carry_v on_o the_o holy_a end_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o by_o your_o so_o do_v you_o will_v please_v and_o honour_v he_o and_o great_o profit_v your_o own_o soul_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o preparation_n of_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o what_o be_v require_v of_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o ans_fw-fr there_o qualification_n and_o preparation_n be_v twofold_a 1._o a_o state_n qualification_n or_o worthiness_n 2._o a_o habitual_a and_o practical_a or_o actual_a fitness_n 1._o a_o state-worthiness_n or_o qualification_n which_o in_o brief_a be_v this_o or_o consist_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o regeneration_n 2._o union_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n 1_o regeneration_n or_o a_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a as_o to_o salvation_n joh._n 3.3_o 5._o so_o to_o fit_v and_o qualify_v man_n to_o and_o for_o every_o good_a work_n without_o regeneration_n or_o be_v bear_v again_o we_o can_v believe_v repent_v or_o obey_v the_o gospel_n in_o a_o right_n and_o acceptable_a manner_n without_o this_o change_n of_o nature_n we_o can_v love_v god_n nor_o fear_n god_n we_o can_v know_v he_o right_o nor_o worship_v he_o spiritual_o joh._n 4.23_o 24._o phil._n 3.3_o for_o we_o can_v worship_v he_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n until_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o of_o his_o special_a grace_n to_o do_v it_o withal_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o heb._n 12_o 28._o in_o our_o unregenerate_a state_n we_o be_v blind_a and_o dark_a eph._n 5.8_o dead_a in_o sin_n eph._n 2.1.5_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n rom._n 5.10_o eph._n 2.12_o we_o be_v carnal_a and_o vain_a hard-hearted_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o unbelief_n yea_o we_o be_v hater_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o excessive_a lover_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n and_o altogether_o void_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o real_a love_n and_o pity_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n now_o then_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n eph._n 2.10_o for_o till_o then_o we_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o do_v they_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n how_o then_o can_v we_o receive_v and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o until_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o make_v new_a creature_n how_o can_v we_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n 1_o cor._n 11.29_o and_o how_o can_v we_o understand_v the_o mystery_n and_o take_v in_o the_o profit_n of_o christ_n his_o death_n to_o our_o soul_n until_o we_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o receive_v it_o in_o faith_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n until_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n be_v form_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o until_o our_o heart_n be_v bow_v and_o melt_v by_o grace_n into_o the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o worship_n god_n and_o celebrate_v this_o ordinance_n with_o lively_a heart_n whilst_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o how_o can_v we_o apply_v the_o seal_n to_o that_o grace_n which_o we_o have_v not_o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o all_o that_o receive_v this_o holy_a seal_n be_v regenerate_v and_o make_v new_a creature_n for_o how_o can_v that_o ordinance_n feed_v and_o nourish_v that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o be_v namely_o the_o new_a creature_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o faith_n also_o they_o must_v be_v in_o he_o and_o have_v relation_n to_o he_o as_o live_v member_n to_o their_o head_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o col._n 2.6_o christ_n must_v be_v they_o and_o they_o must_v be_v his_o by_o faith_n or_o they_o can_v claim_v he_o as_o they_o nor_o receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o his_o death_n for_o else_o how_o can_v they_o join_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o say_n take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24._o but_o i_o must_v hasten_v 2._o they_o must_v have_v a_o habitual_a worthiness_n or_o meetness_n for_o the_o right_n receive_v and_o due_a celebration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n likewise_o i_o mean_v a_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a ready_a and_o accurate_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o heart_n to_o &_o for_o it_o they_o must_v have_v their_o sight_n faith_n and_o love_v ready_a in_o act_n and_o exercise_n or_o they_o be_v not_o can_v be_v meet_a partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o regeneration_n but_o they_o must_v be_v also_o in_o or_o qualify_v with_o a_o habitual_a frame_n posture_n and_o disposition_n of_o heart_n to_o receive_v and_o celebrate_v it_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o profit_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n tit._n 3.1_o their_o heart_n and_o grace_n must_v be_v ready_o fix_v and_o tune_v for_o the_o work_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v of_o they_o or_o at_o a_o loss_n concern_v they_o when_o they_o shall_v honour_v christ_n with_o and_o get_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o they_o psal_n 57.7_o psal_n 108.1_o psal_n 112.7_o this_o habitual_a meetness_n or_o worthiness_n qualification_n or_o preparation_n call_v it_o which_o you_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n especial_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v labour_v all_o you_o can_v to_o obtain_v it_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o practical_a and_o actual_a meetness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o the_o worthy_a and_o acceptable_a receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n also_o that_o be_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o worthy_a participate_v of_o it_o this_o practical_a preparation_n i_o shall_v brief_o present_v to_o you_o in_o some_o particular_n 1._o you_o must_v examine_v yourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.28_o but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o the_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o the_o cup._n and_o here_o 1._o you_o must_v examine_v your_o state_n and_o try_v if_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n or_o no_o if_o you_o be_v indeed_o at_o least_o in_o a_o well_o ground_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n in_o a_o justify_v and_o regenerate_v state_n and_o condition_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o 2_o pet._n 1.10_o and_o to_o know_v whether_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o special_a grace_n be_v form_v in_o your_o heart_n gal._n 4.19_o this_o must_v be_v effectual_o do_v