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 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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
ten_o thing_n 1._o in_o look_v after_o the_o conversation_n of_o such_o as_o propound_v themselves_o to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n admit_v not_o any_o scandalous_a person_n among_o they_o that_o if_o they_o be_v such_o they_o may_v be_v debar_v and_o keep_v out_o if_o otherwise_o together_o with_o other_o qualification_n they_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o this_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v one_o part_n and_o end_n of_o church-power_n to_o keep_v the_o church_n clear_a from_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o authoritative_o and_o not_o as_o private_a member_n may_v do_v it_o only_o 2._o in_o the_o absence_n or_o upon_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o pastor_n they_o may_v admit_v or_o take_v member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o take_v they_o into_o church-membership_n by_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o show_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o privilege_n in_o a_o church-state_n and_o herein_o they_o represent_v the_o church_n and_o act_v authoritative_o therein_o for_o they_o this_o be_v another_o part_n of_o their_o office_n work_n and_o power_n and_o it_o require_v good_a ability_n to_o do_v it_o well_o and_o to_o purpose_n 3._o they_o may_v when_o need_n require_v command_v speech_n and_o silence_n in_o church-meeting_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o disorder_n and_o disorderly_a member_n in_o their_o word_n and_o carriage_n and_o they_o may_v authoritative_o and_o public_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v such_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n which_o private_a brethren_n may_v not_o do_v 4._o they_o may_v in_o some_o case_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n if_o at_o home_n call_v and_o assemble_v the_o church_n together_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o some_o apparent_a evil_n or_o promote_a of_o some_o good_a thing_n or_o work_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o case_n the_o pastor_n shall_v know_o neglect_a to_o do_v his_o duty_n in_o the_o case_n or_o case_n aforesaid_a doubtless_o the_o ruling-elders_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o obey_v their_o call_n for_o they_o do_v it_o by_o the_o authority_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o may_v not_o be_v do_v by_o any_o member_n that_o be_v not_o a_o elder_a but_o in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o elder_a and_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o they_o may_v authoritative_o propound_v the_o cause_n and_o end_n for_o which_o they_o call_v they_o there_o and_o require_v their_o assistance_n 5._o their_o work_n be_v to_o inspect_v and_o careful_o diligent_o wise_o and_o faithful_o to_o look_v after_o the_o walking_n and_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o work_n they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o what_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o by_o other_o report_n but_o to_o inquire_v after_o they_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o place_n and_o office_n to_o see_v if_o the_o member_n keep_v close_o to_o church-meeting_n and_o reverent_o attend_v they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o to_o reprove_v admonish_v &_o exhort_v they_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o that_o they_o may_v know_v their_o duty_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o sinful_a neglect_n repent_v of_o and_o amend_v they_o and_o that_o by_o their_o good_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n they_o may_v be_v provoke_v and_o encourage_v to_o and_o in_o their_o work_n ruling-elders_a shall_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o also_o in_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o speak_v word_n in_o season_n to_o he_o that_o be_v weary_a be_v able_a and_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apt_a to_o teach_v 1_o tim._n 3.2_o as_o well_o as_o the_o pastor_n the_o one_o more_o private_o and_o particular_o and_o the_o other_o more_o public_o for_o as_o the_o deacon_n work_n be_v to_o look_v after_o the_o want_n and_o corporal_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o teacher_n to_o mind_n and_o look_v after_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o make_v provision_n for_o they_o according_a to_o their_o need_n so_o ruling-elders_a have_v their_o work_n namely_o to_o look_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o encourage_v and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o tractable_a and_o obedient_a and_o to_o reprove_v convince_v and_o persuade_v the_o disobedient_a that_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o ought_v 6._o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v often_o visit_v they_o and_o see_v how_o they_o do_v and_o how_o they_o walk_v what_o they_o want_v and_o wherein_o they_o need_v their_o assistance_n and_o help_a hand_n and_o when_o they_o know_v it_o to_o hold_v it_o out_o unto_o they_o free_o and_o ready_o certain_o elder_n shall_v be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o their_o congregation_n and_o with_o their_o walking_n also_o for_o if_o any_o miscarry_v through_o their_o default_n or_o neglect_v the_o guilt_n will_v lie_v at_o their_o door_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v require_v it_o at_o their_o hand_n oh_o that_o elder_n will_v seriouf_o consider_v it_o and_o lay_v this_o matter_n near_o their_o heart_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o penetrate_v and_o pierce_v their_o conscience_n and_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v in_o good_a earnest_n wherefore_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o for_o what_o end_v they_o have_v rule_n and_o discipline_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n that_o under_o deep_a conviction_n they_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o discharge_v their_o work_n and_o perform_v their_o trust_n mind_v their_o duty_n and_o prosecute_v the_o end_n of_o their_o appointment_n that_o god_n may_v be_v well_o please_v with_o and_o bless_v they_o own_o and_o delight_n to_o use_v they_o for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o receive_v benefit_n by_o their_o wisdom_n diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n may_v rejoice_v in_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o 7._o they_o must_v take_v up_o controversy_n and_o endeavour_v to_o end_v strife_n and_o debate_n in_o the_o church_n when_o such_o evil_n happen_v which_o be_v find_v too_o frequent_a through_o the_o pride_n and_o prejudice_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o great_a adversary_n to_o the_o peace_n beauty_n order_n and_o prosperity_n of_o church_n ruling-elders_a must_v not_o suffer_v any_o quarrel_n or_o contention_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a either_o between_o a_o few_o or_o many_o but_o present_o interpose_v their_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o reconcile_v the_o cause_n and_o person_n and_o set_v all_o in_o joint_n again_o for_o such_o evil_n if_o let_v alone_o will_v prove_v like_o cancer_n in_o the_o body_n and_o increase_v to_o more_o ungodliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v therefore_o the_o elder_n shall_v inquire_v into_o they_o and_o search_v out_o such_o as_o do_v the_o wrong_n begin_v the_o strife_n and_o such_o as_o they_o find_v be_v addict_v to_o take_v up_o prejudices_fw-la against_o and_o foment_n debate_v with_o their_o brethren_n and_o correct_v the_o offender_n and_o relieve_v the_o wrong_a and_o oppress_v as_o they_o see_v cause_n there_o must_v be_v no_o hammer_n no_o knock_v hear_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o we_o to_o they_o who_o give_v occasion_n for_o strife_n and_o debate_n and_o to_o such_o as_o do_v improve_v occasion_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n also_o so_o likewise_o to_o negligent_a and_o careless_a elder_n who_o do_v or_o may_v know_v these_o evil_n and_o yet_o let_v they_o alone_o or_o seek_v to_o heal_v they_o in_o a_o slight_a manner_n as_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o or_o be_v not_o indeed_o much_o concern_v in_o they_o but_o sure_o this_o be_v one_o of_o your_o great_a work_n as_o you_o have_v the_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o your_o hand_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o you_o may_v authoritative_o take_v up_o controversy_n and_o require_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o hearken_v to_o you_o and_o you_o may_v do_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n great_a service_n in_o this_o matter_n therefore_o mind_n it_o in_o good_a earnest_n 8._o their_o work_n be_v to_o assist_v and_o encourage_v the_o teaching-elders_a and_o to_o promote_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o must_v stand_v by_o and_o stand_v up_o for_o their_o teacher_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v wrong_v obstruct_a or_o discourage_v by_o any_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v prevent_v it_o by_o their_o power_n and_o wisdom_n do_v any_o backbite_v they_o rprove_v they_o do_v any_o slight_a or_o contemn_v their_o ministry_n reprove_v they_o &_o show_v they_o the_o
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 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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 earnest_n set_v to_o their_o work_n and_o unfeigned_o design_n and_o prosecute_v those_o end_n quest_n how_o shall_v ruling-elders_a perform_v their_o work_n in_o the_o church_n answ_n first_o with_o wisdom_n or_o wise_o they_o shall_v wise_o observe_v the_o matter_n they_o have_v to_o concern_v themselves_o about_o and_o to_o manage_v in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o time_n and_o scason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o to_o who_o and_o when_o 3._o the_o manner_n how_o they_o shall_v or_o ought_v to_o do_v they_o much_o light_n knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o church_n government_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v great_a need_n to_o pray_v read_v and_o study_n much_o for_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o not_o mistake_v their_o way_n and_o work_v nor_o the_o time_n season_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o nor_o 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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 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holy_a end_n of_o god_n in_o desire_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o 1_o to_o enjoy_v god_n and_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o appointment_n 2_o to_o worship_n god_n there_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o give_v he_o your_o homage_n and_o service_n in_o his_o house_n 3_o to_o show_v and_o declare_v your_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v a_o public_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o he_o before_o man_n 4_o to_o receive_v of_o his_o grace_n to_o enrich_v your_o soul_n with_o his_o fullness_n and_o to_o be_v seal_v by_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o day_n of_o your_o redemption_n 5_o that_o you_o may_v walk_v orderly_a and_o beautiful_o and_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o world_n before_o saint_n and_o sinner_n 6_o that_o you_o may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n live_v under_o the_o watch_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o of_o fellow_n member_n that_o by_o their_o inspection_n and_o faithful_a deal_n with_o you_o you_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o and_o bring_v back_o from_o sin_n to_o god_n by_o their_o wise_a reproof_n and_o holy_a instruction_n 7_o that_o you_o may_v yield_v up_o yourselves_o in_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o right_a use_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o your_o purchase_a privilege_n and_o be_v secure_v against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v these_o and_o such_o like_a end_n in_o your_o mind_n and_o heart_n in_o your_o walk_n in_o church-fellowship_n and_o can_v you_o find_v the_o forementioned_a mark_n or_o sign_n of_o grace_n in_o you_o in_o measure_n though_o not_o so_o clear_o and_o full_o as_o you_o will_v why_o then_o i_o may_v bold_o and_o humble_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v for_o church_n membership_n that_o you_o be_v call_v and_o invite_v into_o the_o house_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o you_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o answer_v to_o the_o call_v of_o god_n and_o say_v behold_v lord_n we_o come_v unto_o thou_o and_o will_v free_o without_o delay_n thankful_o without_o grudy_v humble_o without_o pride_n with_o mourning_n and_o rejoice_v enter_v into_o thy_o court_n join_v with_o thy_o church_n and_o grow_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n to_o thy_o praise_n and_o honour_n we_o will_v no_o long_o slight_v our_o great_a privilege_n neglect_v our_o great_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n or_o walk_v disorderly_a as_o we_o have_v do_v but_o we_o do_v now_o willing_o come_v and_o offer_v ourselves_o unto_o thou_o and_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a engagement_n to_o be_v thou_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o thy_o way_n and_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v thou_o i_o say_v that_o church_n privilege_n be_v you_o the_o door_n of_o god_n house_n stand_v open_a for_o you_o christ_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n and_o wait_n for_o you_o he_o invite_v you_o to_o come_v in_o sit_v down_o at_o his_o table_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v most_o free_o and_o hearty_o welcome_a to_o your_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v your_o unavoidable_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o house_n 5._o quest_n ought_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o the_o guide_n thereof_o to_o let_v in_o any_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n and_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o they_o or_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o try_v and_o prove_v they_o first_o whether_o they_o be_v right_o qualify_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n for_o full_a membership_n with_o his_o people_n if_o so_o then_o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n they_o shall_v look_v for_o and_o find_v in_o they_o for_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o admit_v into_o the_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n ought_v not_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o lord_n holy_a temple_n because_o many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n and_o notorious_a scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n as_o sad_a and_o woeful_a experience_n show_v 2._o it_o have_v be_v i_o think_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o that_o not_o any_o but_o real-hearted_n sound_a believer_n be_v fit_a material_n for_o a_o house_n and_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o church_n or_o the_o guide_n thereof_o may_v not_o admit_v any_o into_o it_o but_o such_o only_a as_o they_o judge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o charitable_a discretion_n be_v such_o indeed_o although_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v be_v hypocrite_n but_o they_o may_v not_o admit_v they_o if_o they_o ground_o know_v or_o think_v they_o to_o be_v such_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v admit_v such_o against_o their_o knowledge_n they_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o defile_v christ_n holy_a temple_n by_o take_v in_o such_o person_n as_o they_o know_v or_o aught_o to_o know_v christ_n will_v not_o have_v there_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o try_v and_o prove_v person_n that_o they_o may_v know_v their_o worthiness_n and_o fitness_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o in_o be_v clear_a in_o act_n 9.26_o and_o because_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o temple_n unto_o they_o to_o take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n moreover_o he_o blame_v some_o for_o suffer_v tare_n if_o mean_v of_o person_n to_o be_v sow_v in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o not_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v and_o keep_v they_o out_o matth._n 13.25_o say_v he_o while_o man_n sleep_v the_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n that_o be_v while_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v keep_v the_o temple_n gate_n shut_v against_o they_o to_o have_v keep_v they_o out_o be_v negligent_a and_o careless_a of_o their_o duty_n for_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o have_v keep_v out_o the_o devil_n seed_n for_o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n &_o the_o rebel_n with_o the_o true_a subject_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o paul_n say_v what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 3._o as_o to_o satisfy_a qualification_n in_o person_n desire_v admission_n into_o church_n i_o say_v that_o when_o they_o have_v be_v well_o try_v and_o be_v find_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n such_o as_o christ_n have_v receive_v and_o competent_o qualify_v for_o church_n membership_n they_o ought_v to_o receive_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n rom._n 14.1_o rom._n 15.7_o 1._o if_o they_o can_v make_v forth_o and_o declare_v unto_o the_o church_n their_o at_o least_o seem_o regeneration_n conversion_n repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n their_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o their_o lose_a and_o perish_a state_n in_o sin_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o their_o sincere_a desire_n and_o resolution_n to_o become_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o walk_v with_o he_o unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a in_o all_o his_o way_n 2._o if_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n thereof_o although_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o err_v in_o lesser_a matter_n if_o they_o have_v some_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n concern_v these_o and_o other_o such_o truth_n and_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o man_n be_v first_o create_v how_o he_o lose_v that_o holy_a and_o bless_a state_n and_o the_o misery_n he_o bring_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n into_o thereby_o concern_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n and_o condemn_v to_o eternal_a death_n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o and_o at_o enmity_n with_o god_n that_o they_o have_v neither_o will_v nor_o power_n by_o nature_n either_o to_o will_v or_o do_v that_o which_o they_o ought_v and_o be_v please_v to_o god_n that_o they_o have_v forsake_v god_n and_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n subject_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n world_n and_o their_o own_o lust_n that_o god_n leave_v not_o all_o man_n in_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n but_o provide_v a_o all-sufficient_a remedy_n namely_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o by_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n enter_v into_o with_o christ_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n tit._n 1.2_o 2_o tim._n 1.9_o prov._n 8._o and_o that_o in_o pursuance_n thereof_o he_o elect_v and_o give_v some_o to_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v
at_o all_o for_o if_o they_o be_v as_o a_o common_a without_o any_o bound_n or_o property_n as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o not_o fix_v and_o tie_v some_o where_o how_o many_o absurdity_n will_v unavoidable_o follow_v as_o first_o while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o move_n and_o wander_a condition_n they_o be_v not_o a_o house_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o scatter_a stone_n and_o timber_n and_o so_o can_v bear_v the_o name_n and_o honour_n of_o a_o holy_a temple_n and_o church_n of_o god_n 2._o they_o can_v while_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n be_v call_v own_a or_o account_v a_o holy_a church_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n either_o by_o god_n or_o men._n 3._o neither_o shall_v they_o have_v neither_o indeed_o can_v they_o expect_v or_o look_v for_o church-blessing_n and_o privilege_n or_o claim_v the_o good_a of_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o saint_n as_o a_o form_v fix_a temple_n or_o house_n of_o god_n as_o that_o god_n shall_v dwell_v &_o walk_v with_o &_o among_o they_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o do_v in_o his_o church_n and_o temple_n 2_o cor._n 6.16_o rev._n 2.1_o eph._n 2.22_o neither_o can_v they_o orderly_o participate_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o that_o ordinance_n belong_v to_o the_o fix_a household_n of_o god_n not_o to_o scatter_a saint_n occasional_o meet_v together_o as_o saint_n only_o without_o any_o tie_n or_o obligation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o their_o minister_n that_o shall_v minister_v it_o unto_o they_o these_o and_o other_o privilege_n they_o can_v claim_v while_o they_o walk_v irregular_o and_o disorderly_o 4._o they_o make_v the_o ordinance_n &_o institution_n of_o particular_a church_n null_a and_o void_a and_o of_o no_o force_n and_o virtue_n at_o all_o and_o so_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v they_o in_o vain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n profit_n or_o concernment_n unto_o saint_n for_o it_o will_v inevitable_o follow_v i_o think_v that_o in_o case_n their_o loose_a walking_n without_o any_o fix_a order_n or_o obligation_n on_o each_o other_o to_o live_v together_o as_o a_o distinct_a household_n or_o family_n of_o god_n be_v the_o condition_n wherein_o they_o shall_v live_v and_o walk_v that_o then_o they_o have_v find_v out_o a_o better_a way_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v in_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o profit_n than_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v and_o so_o they_o do_v practical_o control_v he_o and_o in_o effect_n say_v that_o they_o be_v wise_a than_o christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o they_o have_v find_v out_o a_o more_o please_a and_o profitable_a way_n for_o themselves_o than_o christ_n appoint_v and_o institute_v for_o they_o so_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v have_v spare_v their_o pain_n in_o that_o matter_n &_o so_o the_o institution_n and_o the_o love_n wisdom_n care_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o case_n be_v all_o throw_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n 5._o there_o can_v be_v no_o discipline_n orderly_a or_o profitable_o exercise_v among_o believer_n while_o in_o a_o unchurch_v state_n and_o condition_n for_o how_o can_v offend_v person_n after_o the_o first_o &_o second_o admonition_n tell_v the_o church_n of_o a_o offend_a person_n his_o sin_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o of_o their_o deal_n with_o he_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n as_o command_v matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o if_o there_o be_v no_o fix_a church_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v and_o how_o can_v the_o cause_n be_v hear_v and_o the_o offender_n deal_v withal_o according_a to_o that_o charge_n by_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v none_o what_o power_n have_v any_o believer_n one_o over_o another_o but_o by_o their_o mutual_a consent_n and_o engagement_n one_o to_o another_o to_o give_v and_o take_v reproof_n and_o admonition_n to_o and_o of_o one_o another_o or_o how_o can_v they_o call_v offender_n to_o a_o account_n and_o require_v their_o attendance_n and_o subjection_n to_o their_o execute_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n upon_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v a_o form_v body_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o joint_a relation_n not_o as_o believer_n only_o but_o as_o unite_a and_o engage_v believer_n to_o one_o another_o in_o that_o society_n the_o ruler_n of_o a_o corporation_n may_v not_o exercise_v authority_n or_o execute_v their_o corporation_n law_n on_o such_o person_n as_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o although_o they_o be_v the_o king_n subject_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v incorporate_v neither_o may_v a_o thousand_o person_n in_o a_o place_n exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o each_o other_o because_o they_o live_v and_o often_o converse_v together_o neither_o have_v many_o believer_n such_o power_n over_o each_o other_o while_o they_o walk_v as_o so_o many_o single_a &_o individual_a person_n without_o a_o church-relation_n to_o one_o another_o as_o they_o may_v have_v in_o a_o church-relation_n as_o the_o forementioned_a text_n evince_n beside_o 6._o the_o officer_n or_o minister_n of_o christ_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discharge_v their_o work_n and_o duty_n unto_o they_o while_o they_o walk_v loose_o and_o disorderly_o for_o how_o can_v they_o watch_v and_o feed_v they_o as_o their_o own_o particular_a flock_n and_o charge_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o fix_a relation_n between_o they_o and_o they_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o which_o they_o can_v do_v unless_o their_o flock_n be_v tie_v to_o they_o and_o have_v mutual_o choose_v each_o other_o as_o be_v say_v before_o the_o officer_n be_v to_o administer_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n unto_o they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n and_o they_o be_v to_o wait_v on_o and_o submit_v to_o their_o regular_a ministration_n church-officer_n must_v officiate_v in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o must_v know_v and_o work_v within_o their_o own_o bound_n and_o to_o their_o own_o charge_n so_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o particular_a congregat_v church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v charge_v to_o feed_v and_o watch_v over_o that_o particular_a church_n as_o their_o own_o peculiar_a flock_n and_o charge_n act_v 20.17_o 28._o and_o so_o be_v the_o several_a angel_n or_o officer_n of_o these_o other_o church_n mention_v in_o the_o revelation_n all_o which_o be_v call_v church_n which_o have_v matter_n and_o form_n and_o beside_o these_o evil_a consequence_n there_o be_v many_o other_o that_o i_o can_v name_v if_o it_o be_v needful_a and_o time_n will_v permit_v which_o will_v sufficient_o evince_v the_o truth_n plead_v for_o now_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v how_o believer_n shall_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n form_n up_o themselves_o into_o a_o church-state_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o profit_n and_o spiritual_a welfare_n or_o what_o the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n be_v and_o wherein_o it_o lie_v show_v they_o the_o form_n of_o the_o house_n and_o the_o fashion_n of_o it_o and_o the_o go_n out_o thereof_o and_o the_o come_n in_o thereof_o and_o all_o the_o form_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o law_n thereof_o and_o all_o the_o ordinance_n thereof_o ezek._n 43.11_o first_o the_o person_n intend_v to_o join_v themselves_o together_o &_o to_o become_v a_o church_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n for_o his_o name_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o for_o the_o orderly_a celebration_n of_o all_o the_o lord_n appointment_n and_o worship_n in_o a_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o each_o other_o fitness_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o jesus_n christ_n have_v receive_v rom._n 15.16_o and_o regenerate_v joh._n 3.3_o wrought_v and_o make_v ready_a for_o it_o 2_o cor._n 5.5_o that_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o sanctify_v to_o his_o use_n member_n of_o christ_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n i_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v in_o a_o charitable_a judgement_n that_o they_o be_v such_o that_o so_o they_o may_v take_v each_o other_o and_o have_v their_o heart_n kint_v to_o one_o another_o in_o spiritual_a real_a love_n as_o such_o and_o so_o have_v confidence_n in_o and_o of_o each_o other_o that_o they_o will_v live_v together_o as_o such_o in_o their_o church-state_n god_n will_v not_o have_v a_o ox_n and_o a_o ass_n draw_v together_o in_o over_o yoke_n neither_o will_v he_o have_v visible_a saint_n and_o sinner_n join_v together_o and_o build_v he_o a_o gospel-church_n or_o holy_a temple_n to_o dwell_v in_o what_o have_v the_o uncircumcize_v to_o do_v in_o the_o lord_n holy_a temple_n with_o the_o circumcise_v if_o god_n house_n must_v be_v a_o holy_a temple_n yea_o holiness_n to_o god_n isa_n 63.15_o than_o it_o must_v consist_v of_o and_o be_v form_v of_o holy_a person_n for_o unclean_a and_o unholy_a person_n can_v make_v a_o holy_a spiritual_a house_n for_o his_o glorious_a presence_n therefore_o such_o as_o
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
king_n and_o lawgiver_n the_o lord_n christ_n and_o they_o do_v by_o such_o neglect_v slight_a and_o despise_v his_o love_n and_o grace_n his_o care_n and_o kindness_n he_o have_v provide_v holy_a temple_n and_o spiritual_a house_n for_o they_o to_o dwell_v in_o and_o heavenly_a provision_n be_v make_v ready_a in_o they_o for_o their_o entertainment_n the_o door_n be_v set_v open_a to_o let_v in_o such_o guest_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o great_a king_n be_v go_v forth_o to_o bid_v they_o come_v away_o and_o invite_v they_o to_o enter_v in_o there_o stand_v also_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n even_o at_o the_o door_n wait_v for_o they_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n attend_v there_o to_o welcome_v they_o when_o they_o come_v luk._n 14.16_o 17._o rev._n 3.20_o he_o get_v there_o before_o they_o and_o abide_v there_o in_o expectation_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o company_n of_o all_o his_o saint_n psal_n 11.4_o isa_n 30.18_o he_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v his_o good_a pleasure_n they_o shall_v come_v there_o and_o eat_v of_o his_o dainty_n that_o he_o have_v buy_v and_o prepare_v for_o they_o cant._n 5.1_o prov._n 9.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o now_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o and_o become_v holy_a live_v and_o spiritual_a member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o possible_o they_o can_v will_v further_o appear_v by_o these_o follow_a reason_n and_o consideration_n first_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v erect_v institute_v and_o appoint_v church_n for_o this_o end_n among_o other_o namely_o that_o his_o call_v and_o sanctify_a people_n may_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v join_v and_o walk_v together_o in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o material_n of_o they_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n be_v not_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v for_o other_o person_n but_o only_o for_o the_o holy_a seed_n for_o god_n will_v not_o keep_v house_n with_o unregenerate_a and_o unholy_a person_n but_o with_o his_o choose_a generation_n and_o royal_a priesthood_n he_o will_n that_o particular_a congregational_a church_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n people_n shall_v join_v to_o and_o walk_v with_o they_o or_o else_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v they_o appoint_v institute_v and_o ordain_v by_o jesus_n christ_n if_o none_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n yea_o if_o all_o god_n people_n that_o can_v be_v not_o bind_v in_o duty_n and_o compliance_n with_o the_o lord_n end_n to_o become_v church_n join_v to_o and_o walk_v in_o and_o with_o they_o then_o this_o order_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o vain_a he_o have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v that_o which_o none_o be_v or_o will_v be_v advantage_v by_o which_o sure_o be_v far_o from_o the_o gracious_a thought_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1.24_o for_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o and_o ordain_v they_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o people_n he_o have_v make_v nothing_o in_o vain_a it_o be_v far_o below_o he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o below_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o imagine_v it_o and_o 2._o it_o will_v follow_v that_o whoever_o join_v themselves_o to_o such_o church_n they_o do_v it_o not_o as_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o as_o a_o act_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o or_o regard_n have_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a good_a so_o be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n which_o god_n loathe_v and_o abhor_v the_o very_a institution_n prove_v it_o sufficient_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o and_o become_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n second_o the_o unanimous_a and_o universal_a vote_n of_o all_o the_o primitive_a saint_n do_v prove_v this_o truth_n those_o good_a man_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v with_o and_o among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o converse_v and_o such_o as_o they_o plant_v feed_v and_o water_v 1_o cor._n 3._o and_o these_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n they_o do_v all_o of_o they_o by_o their_o constant_a practice_n witness_n to_o and_o confirm_v what_o i_o say_v look_v where_o you_o will_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o act_n where_o you_o read_v of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o man_n convert_v there_o or_o in_o paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o revelation_n you_o shall_v find_v the_o young_a convert_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 2_o cor._n 8.5_o we_o find_v they_o by_o and_o by_o inchurch_v and_o walk_v in_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n so_o in_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o ult_n act_n 5.14_o and_o be_v not_o all_o paul_n epistle_n that_o to_o philemon_n only_o except_v which_o be_v write_v upon_o a_o particular_a occasion_n write_v and_o send_v to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o and_o for_o believer_n as_o inchurch_v and_o embody_a together_o that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n or_o house_n of_o god_n towards_o god_n their_o elder_n and_o one_o another_o they_o be_v express_o call_v church_n the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n as_o be_v show_v before_o now_o all_o believer_n be_v charge_v and_o exhort_v to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o practice_n heb._n 6.12_o that_o you_o be_v not_o slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v see_v and_o mark_v they_o in_o their_o walking_n observe_v how_o they_o live_v and_o practise_v and_o do_v you_o so_o likewise_o paul_n indeed_o can_v not_o abide_v with_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o which_o he_o be_v join_v as_o a_o member_n act_v 9.26_o 27_o 28._o because_o he_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o 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