he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n john_n 3.3_o require_v regeneration_n as_o a_o indispensable_a condition_n in_o a_o member_n of_o his_o church_n a_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o his_o temple_n be_v now_o to_o be_v build_v of_o live_a stone_n 1_o pet._n 2.5_o man_n spiritual_o and_o save_o quicken_v from_o their_o death_n in_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o holy-ghost_n whereof_o they_o be_v partaker_n make_v a_o meet_a habitation_n for_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o which_o receive_v vital_a supply_n from_o christ_n its_o head_n increase_v in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n edify_v itself_o in_o love_n ephes._n 4.15_o 16._o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n do_v ascribe_v unto_o all_o the_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o a_o participation_n in_o this_o effectual_a vocation_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v saint_n call_v sanctify_a justify_v and_o accept_v with_o god_n in_o christ_n rom._n 1.5_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o 1_o cor._n 4.15_o heb._n 3.1_o jam._n 1.18_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o 18._o 1_o cor._n 6.11_o so_o many_o of_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o that_o relation_n and_o condition_n be_v such_o as_o none_o can_v perform_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o own_o benefit_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o the_o end_n of_o all_o obedience_n unless_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o effectual_a call_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o ephes._n 4.16_o add_v hereunto_o that_o these_o church_n and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o be_v not_o only_o command_v to_o separate_v themselves_o as_o to_o their_o worship_n of_o god_n from_o the_o world_n that_o be_v man_n in_o their_o worldly_a state_n and_o condition_n but_o be_v also_o require_v when_o any_o among_o they_o trasgress_v against_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o this_o holy_a call_n above_o describe_v to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o their_o society_n and_o communion_n 1_o cor._n 5.13_o from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v who_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o these_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o second_o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o namely_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o three_o the_o general_a end_n of_o their_o call_n which_o be_v all_o speak_v to_o in_o this_o answer_n quest._n 20._o by_o what_o mean_n do_v person_n so_o call_v become_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n answ._n they_o be_v constitute_v a_o church_n and_o interest_v in_o the_o right_n power_n and_o privilege_n of_o a_o gospel-church_n by_o the_o will_n promise_n authority_n and_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o engagement_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o due_a subjection_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n unto_o his_o authority_n as_o their_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n and_o in_o a_o holy_a observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n matth._n 18.20_o chap._n 28.18_o 19_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o exod._n 24.3_o deut._n 5.27_o psalm_n 110.3_o isa._n 44.5_o chap._n 59.21_o ephes._n 4.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o 2._o cor._n 8.5_o explication_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v constitute_v such_o a_o church-state_n as_o that_o which_o we_o inquire_v about_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o unto_o a_o church_n so_o constitute_v he_o have_v also_o by_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n annex_v all_o those_o privilege_n and_o power_n which_o we_o find_v a_o church_n to_o be_v entrust_v withal_o this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o stand_n and_o unalterable_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o charter_n of_o their_o spiritual_a society_n and_o incorporation_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v any_o person_n be_v interest_v in_o the_o right_n of_o a_o church_n any_o otherwise_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o law_n and_o constitution_n this_o therefore_o be_v first_o to_o be_v lay_v down_o that_o the_o sole_a moral_a foundation_n of_o that_o church-state_n which_o we_o inquire_v after_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o word_n law_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ._n he_o alone_o have_v authority_n to_o erect_v such_o a_o society_n he_o be_v the_o builder_n of_o this_o house_n as_o well_o as_o the_o lord_n over_o it_o heb._n 3.3_o 6._o neither_o without_o it_o can_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n appoint_v such_o a_o state_n or_o erect_v a_o church_n and_o all_o acceptable_a act_n of_o man_n herein_o be_v no_o other_o but_o act_n of_o pure_a obedience_n unto_o christ._n farthermore_o we_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n do_v prepare_v and_o fit_a man_n to_o be_v subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n member_n of_o his_o church_n the_o work_n of_o send_v forth_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n of_o translate_n they_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n into_o light_n he_o have_v take_v upon_o himself_o and_o do_v effectual_o accomplish_v it_o in_o every_o generation_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o build_v his_o church_n matth._n 18.20_o for_o unto_o all_o person_n so_o call_v he_o give_v command_v that_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o to_o do_v mat._n 28.20_o in_o particular_a that_o they_o profess_v their_o subjection_n to_o he_o and_o their_o obedience_n in_o join_v themselves_o in_o that_o state_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o observe_v all_o his_o other_o law_n and_o institution_n with_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n require_v therein_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n they_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o they_o may_v now_o obey_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o all_o thing_n among_o his_o command_n this_o of_o join_v themselves_o in_o church_n society_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o matth._n 18.20_o that_o be_v to_o dwell_v among_o they_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n isa._n 59.21_o be_v the_o very_a first_o this_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o command_n and_o promise_v of_o his_o they_o be_v warrant_v and_o enable_v to_o do_v nor_o do_v they_o need_v any_o other_o warrant_n the_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v man_n out_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o be_v then_o make_v willing_a and_o ready_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n psalm_n 110.3_o they_o consent_v choose_v and_o agree_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n and_o hereby_o do_v they_o become_v a_o church_n for_o their_o become_v a_o church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o willing_a obedience_n unto_o christ._n this_o obedience_n be_v a_o act_n of_o their_o will_n guide_v by_o rule_n for_o this_o also_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o proceed_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o appointment_n afterward_o to_o be_v unfold_v and_o herein_o upon_o their_o obedience_n unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o promise_n do_v believer_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n become_v a_o gospel_n church_n and_o be_v real_o and_o true_o interest_v in_o all_o the_o power_n right_n and_o privilege_n that_o be_v grant_v unto_o any_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o in_o this_o obedience_n they_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n which_o alone_o he_o require_v in_o any_o person_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o interest_n in_o these_o privilege_n first_o they_o confess_v he_o his_o person_n his_o authority_n his_o law_n his_o grace_n second_o they_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o his_o command_n thus_o do_v god_n take_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o a_o church-state_n of_o old_a he_o propose_v unto_o they_o the_o church_n obedience_n that_o he_o require_v of_o they_o and_o they_o voluntary_o and_o free_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o exod._n 24.3_o and_o moses_n come_v and_o tell_v the_o people_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o judgement_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v with_o one_o voice_n and_o say_v all_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v will_v we_o do_v so_o deut._n 5.7_o and_o hereby_o they_o have_v their_o solemn_a admission_n into_o their_o church-state_n and_o relation_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o like_a course_n they_o take_v when_o ever_o there_o be_v need_n of_o renew_v their_o engagement_n josh._n 24.18_o 21_o 22._o and_o the_o people_n say_v we_o will_v serve_v the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v our_o god_n and_o joshua_n say_v unto_o the_o people_n you_o be_v witness_n against_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v choose_v the_o lord_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o they_o say_v we_o be_v witness_n this_o be_v the_o covenant_n that_o be_v between_o god_n and_o that_o people_n which_o be_v solemn_o renew_v so_o often_o as_o the_o
and_o believer_n of_o all_o nation_n under_o heaven_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o worship_n eph._n 2.15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n with_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v particular_a church_n or_o unite_a assembly_n of_o believer_n among_o and_o by_o who_o he_o will_v have_v all_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o worship_n celebrate_v and_o this_o institution_n of_o he_o at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v invariable_o and_o inviolable_o observe_v by_o all_o that_o take_v on_o they_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n without_o any_o one_o instance_n of_o question_v it_o to_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o of_o the_o celebration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n among_o any_o person_n but_o only_o in_o such_o society_n or_o particular_a church_n and_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n and_o warranty_n of_o this_o institution_n give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o first_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o approve_v by_o christ._n matth._n 18.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v then_o tell_v it_o unto_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v also_o in_o heaven_n again_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o two_o of_o you_o shall_v agree_v on_o earth_n as_o touch_v any_o thing_n that_o they_o shall_v ask_v it_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o they_o of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o such_o a_o church_n he_o suppose_v and_o approve_v as_o his_o disciple_n have_v relation_n unto_o and_o as_o any_o one_o of_o they_o can_v have_v recourse_n unto_o as_o a_o brother_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o direction_n this_o can_v not_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n neither_o in_o its_o whole_a body_n nor_o in_o any_o of_o its_o judicatories_n for_o as_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o solemn_a decree_n of_o excommunication_n against_o all_o and_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v profess_v his_o name_n john_n 9.22_o the_o jew_n have_v already_o agree_v that_o if_o any_o man_n do_v confess_v that_o he_o be_v christ_n he_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n which_o be_v execute_v according_o upon_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a verse_n the_o 34._o which_o utter_o disable_v they_o from_o make_v any_o use_n of_o this_o direction_n command_n or_o institution_n of_o he_o for_o the_o present_a so_o afterward_o the_o chief_a business_n of_o the_o ruler_n of_o those_o assembly_n from_o the_o high_a court_n of_o their_o sanhedrim_n to_o the_o mean_a judicatory_a in_o their_o synagogue_n be_v to_o persecute_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o unto_o death_n math._n 10.17_o they_o will_v deliver_v you_o up_o to_o the_o council_n and_o they_o will_v scourge_v you_o in_o their_o synagogue_n john_n 15.21_o and_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v send_v his_o disciple_n for_o direction_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o their_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o mutual_a love_n towards_o one_o another_o unto_o they_o with_o who_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v withal_o and_o if_o they_o be_v intend_v they_o be_v all_o already_o make_v as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n be_v cast_v out_o by_o they_o for_o refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o in_o their_o blasphemy_n and_o persecution_n of_o christ_n himself_o such_o a_o society_n also_o be_v plain_o intend_v as_o whereunto_o christ_n promise_v his_o presence_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o who_o righteous_a sentence_n he_o take_v upon_o himself_o to_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v in_o heaven_n moreover_o such_o a_o church_n do_v he_o direct_v unto_o as_o wiâ—h_v which_o his_o disciple_n be_v to_o have_v familiar_a brotherly_n constant_a converse_n and_o communion_n with_o who_o they_o be_v so_o to_o be_v join_v in_o society_n as_o to_o be_v own_v or_o reject_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o judgement_n as_o be_v apparent_a in_o the_o practice_n enjoin_v unto_o they_o and_o without_o relation_n whereunto_o no_o duty_n here_o appoint_v can_v be_v perform_v as_o therefore_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n bespeak_v a_o society_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o society_n but_o that_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v here_o intend_v second_o these_o church_n he_o call_v his_o candlestick_n rev._n 1.20_o in_o allusion_n unto_o the_o candlestick_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v direct_o declare_v these_o church_n to_o be_v so_o under_o the_o new_a and_o this_o he_o speak_v in_o reference_n unto_o those_o seven_o principal_a church_n of_o asia_n every_o one_o of_o which_o be_v a_o candlestick_n or_o a_o institution_n of_o his_o own_o three_o in_o pursuit_n of_o this_o appointment_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n the_o apostle_n so_o soon_o as_o any_o be_v convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n at_o jerusalem_n although_o the_o old_a national_a church_n state_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o continue_v gather_v they_o into_o a_o church_n or_o society_n for_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n acts._n 2.41_o 42._o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o they_o continue_v steadfast_o together_o in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n verse_n 47_o the_o lord_n add_v unto_o this_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o this_o company_n be_v express_o call_v the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n acts._n 8.1_o this_o church_n thus_o call_v and_o collect_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o the_o dispose_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n into_o church_n societye_n in_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n throughout_o the_o world_n act_n 11.26_o act_n 14.23_o 27._o four_o they_o take_v care_n for_o the_o form_n complete_n and_o establish_v they_o in_o order_n according_a to_o his_o will_n under_o the_o rule_n of_o they_o give_v and_o grant_v unto_o they_o by_o himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n all_o in_o a_o stâ—ddy_a pursuit_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n act_v 14.23_o they_o ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n titus_n 1.5_o for_o this_o cause_n leave_v i_o thou_o in_o crect_n that_o thou_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v and_o ordain_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n as_o i_o have_v appoint_v thou_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o five_o they_o do_v every_o where_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n give_v unto_o these_o church_n rule_n direction_n and_o precept_n for_o the_o due_a order_n of_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o mind_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o in_o particular_a for_o first_o there_o be_v no_o charge_n give_v unto_o the_o officer_n minister_n guide_n or_o overseer_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v but_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o such_o church_n that_o minister_n or_o officer_n be_v of_o christ_n appointment_n be_v express_o declare_v ephes._n 4.11.12_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n some_o evangelist_n 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 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n first_o apostle_n secondary_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n these_o be_v of_o christ_n institution_n but_o to_o what_o end_n why_o as_o they_o be_v ordain_v in_o every_o church_n act_v 14.23_o titus_n 1.5_o so_o their_o whole_a charge_n be_v limit_v to_o the_o church_n act_n 20.17_o he_o send_v to_o ephesus_n and_o call_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o say_v to_o they_o verse_n the_o 28._o take_v heed_n
therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy-ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n 1_o pet._n 5.2_o the_o elder_n which_o be_v among_o you_o i_o exhort_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o god_n which_o be_v among_o you_o take_v the_o oversight_n thereof_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o colos._n 4.17_o and_o say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o the_o ministry_n which_o thou_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o lord_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n wherein_o they_o minister_v which_o christ_n appoint_v they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o manifest_v to_o be_v his_o own_o institution_n and_o appointment_n and_o this_o be_v full_o declare_v rev._n chap._n 2.3_o where_o all_o the_o deal_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o angel_n or_o minister_n be_v about_o their_o behaviour_n and_o deportment_n among_o his_o candlestick_n each_o of_o they_o the_o candlestick_n whereunto_o he_o be_v relate_v or_o the_o particular_a church_n that_o they_o have_v care_n of_o and_o preside_v in_o the_o candlestick_n be_v no_o less_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o angel_n and_o they_o be_v distinct_a particular_a church_n which_o have_v their_o distinct_a particular_a officer_n who_o he_o treat_v distinct_o withal_o about_o his_o institution_n and_o worship_n especial_o about_o that_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n themselves_o and_o their_o constitution_n according_a to_o his_o mind_n second_o there_o be_v no_o instruction_n exhortation_n or_o reproof_n give_v unto_o any_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n after_o his_o ascension_n in_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o as_o they_o be_v collect_v into_o and_o be_v member_n of_o such_o particular_a church_n this_o will_v be_v evidence_v in_o the_o many_o instance_n of_o those_o duty_n that_o shall_v afterward_o be_v insist_v on_o and_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o leave_v that_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n choice_n or_o conveniency_n which_o he_o have_v make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o due_a manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n whereby_o his_o disciple_n yield_v obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n to_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n six_o the_o principal_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v express_o direct_v unto_o such_o church_n and_o all_o of_o they_o intentional_o 1_o cor._n 1.1_o 2_o cor._n 1.1_o gal._n 1.2_o phil._n 1.1_o colos._n 1.2_o chap._n 4.16_o 1_o thes._n 1.1_o 2_o thes._n 1.1_o ephes._n 1.1_o compare_v with_o act_n 20.17_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o or_o unto_o particular_a person_n give_v direction_n for_o their_o behaviour_n and_o duty_n in_o such_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o tit._n 1.5_o so_o that_o the_o great_a care_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v about_o these_o church_n as_o the_o principal_a institution_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o whereon_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o all_o his_o other_o command_n do_v depend_v of_o what_o nature_n or_o sort_n these_o church_n be_v shall_v be_v afterward_o evince_v we_o here_o only_o manifest_v their_o institution_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ._n seven_o much_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o those_o epistle_n direct_v to_o those_o church_n consist_v in_o rule_n precept_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o in_o purity_n and_o order_n with_o their_o continuance_n in_o a_o condition_n of_o due_a obedience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ._n to_o this_o end_n do_v they_o so_o full_o and_o large_o acquaint_v the_o ruler_n and_o member_n of_o they_o with_o their_o mutual_a duty_n in_o that_o especial_a relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o each_o other_o as_o also_o of_o all_o person_n in_o particular_a in_o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o membership_n in_o any_o particular_a society_n as_o may_v be_v see_v at_o large_a in_o sundry_a of_o paul_n epistle_n and_o to_o give_v more_o strength_n hereunto_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o revelation_n that_o he_o make_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_v personal_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n insist_v principal_o about_o the_o condition_n order_n and_o preservation_n of_o particular_a church_n not_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n not_o belong_v to_o they_o or_o join_v with_o they_o these_o he_o warn_v reprove_v instruct_v threaten_v command_n all_o in_o order_n unto_o their_o walk_n before_o he_o in_o the_o condition_n of_o particular_a church_n rev._n 2._o and_o 3._o at_o large_a beside_o as_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o to_o be_v the_o â—eat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o his_o ordinance_n have_v grant_v the_o right_n of_o they_o unto_o they_o alone_o 1_o tim._n 3_o 1â—_n entrust_v they_o with_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o he_o put_v forth_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o this_o world_n he_o have_v also_o appoint_v the_o most_o holy_a institution_n of_o his_o supper_n to_o denote_v and_o express_v thâ—â—_n union_n and_o communion_n which_o the_o member_n of_o each_o of_o these_o church_n have_v by_o his_o ordinance_n among_o themseule_n 1_o cor._n 10.17_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n which_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n and_o also_o he_o give_v out_o unto_o they_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o make_v every_o one_o of_o they_o meet_v for_o and_o useful_a in_o that_o place_n which_o he_o hold_v in_o such_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v at_o large_a 1_o cor._n 12.15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26._o verse_n colos._n 2.19_o eph._n 4.16_o it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o his_o disciple_n no_o communication_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v promise_v to_o they_o no_o especial_a duty_n be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o church_n of_o his_o institution_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n four_o thing_n be_v declare_v tend_v to_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o churches_n 1._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o they_o or_o the_o person_n whereof_o such_o a_o church_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o consist_v 2._o the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o condition_n capable_a of_o such_o a_o estate_n or_o qualify_v for_o it_o 3._o the_o general_a end_n of_o their_o call_n 4._o the_o especial_a mean_n whereby_o they_o be_v constitute_v a_o church_n which_o last_o will_v be_v speak_v unto_o in_o the_o next_o question_n for_o the_o first_o all_o man_n be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v in_o this_o state_n man_n be_v not_o subject_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n nor_o meet_v to_o become_v member_n of_o his_o church_n out_o of_o this_o condition_n they_o can_v deliver_v themselves_o they_o have_v neither_o will_n unto_o it_o nor_o power_n for_o it_o but_o they_o be_v call_v out_o of_o it_o this_o calling_n be_v that_o which_o effectual_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o translate_v they_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o work_n or_o effect_v the_o scripture_n on_o several_a account_n various_o express_v sometime_o by_o regeneration_n or_o a_o new_a birth_n sometime_o by_o conversion_n or_o turn_v unto_o god_n sometime_o by_o vivification_n or_o quicken_a from_o the_o dead_a sometime_o by_o illumination_n or_o open_n of_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a all_o which_o be_v carry_v on_o by_o sanctification_n in_o holiness_n and_o attend_v with_o justification_n and_o adoption_n and_o as_o these_o be_v all_o distinct_a in_o themselves_o have_v several_a formal_a reason_n of_o they_o so_o they_o all_o concur_v to_o complete_a that_o effectual_a vocation_n or_o calling_n that_o be_v require_v to_o constitute_v person_n member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o typical_a holiness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o old_a into_o the_o room_n whereof_o real_a holiness_n be_v to_o succeed_v under_o the_o new_a testament_n exod._n 19.6_o psal._n 24_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o psal._n 15.1_o 2._o isa._n 35.8_o 9_o isa._n 54.13_o chap._n 60.21_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o everlasting_a rule_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o
church_n be_v eminent_o reform_v now_o although_o the_o outward_a solemnity_n and_o ceremony_n of_o this_o covenant_n be_v peculiar_a unto_o that_o people_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o nature_n of_o it_o in_o a_o sacred_a consent_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o which_o the_o nature_n and_o edification_n of_o a_o church_n do_v require_v it_o belong_v to_o every_o church_n as_o such_o even_a under_o the_o gosple_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o beleiver_n or_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v enter_v into_o this_o state_n the_o formal_a constitute_a cause_n of_o any_o church_n this_o account_n do_v the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o macedonian_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o as_o we_o hope_v but_o first_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n before_o the_o performance_n of_o other_o duty_n and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o they_o first_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n or_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n and_o institution_n which_o be_v the_o intendment_n of_o that_o expression_n among_o these_o command_n one_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n rule_n and_o government_n in_o the_o order_n by_o christ_n prescribe_v that_o be_v in_o church_n order_n this_o therefore_o they_o do_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n this_o description_n do_v the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o way_n whereby_o the_o believer_n of_o macedonia_n be_v bring_v into_o church_n it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o obedience_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n consent_v agree_v and_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o do_v the_o believer_n at_o jerusalem_n act_v 2.41_o 42._o be_v convert_v by_o the_o word_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o that_o conversion_n in_o their_o baptism_n they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o steadfast_a continuance_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o other_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n beside_o the_o church_n be_v a_o house_n a_o temple_n the_o house_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o the_o house_n of_o christ_n heb._n 3.6_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n ephe._n 2.21_o 22._o believer_n single_o consider_v be_v stone_n live_v stone_n 1_o peter_z 2.5_o now_o how_o shall_v these_o live_a stone_n come_v to_o be_v a_o house_n a_o temple_n can_v it_o be_v by_o occasional_a occurrence_n civil_a cohabitation_n in_o political_a precinct_n usage_n or_o custom_n of_o assemble_v for_o some_o part_n of_o worship_n in_o any_o place_n these_o thing_n will_v never_o frame_v they_o into_o a_o house_n or_o temple_n this_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o do_v but_o bytheir_a own_o voluntary_a consent_n and_o disposition_n ephe._n 2.19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o you_o be_v 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 corner_n stone_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 chap._n 4.16_o from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n from_o these_o and_o sundry_a other_o place_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o believer_n coalition_n into_o a_o church-state_n be_v their_o own_o obedience_n of_o faith_n act_v itself_o in_o a_o joint_a voluntary_a consent_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a observation_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n whence_o the_o be_v and_o union_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v give_v unto_o any_o convenient_a number_n of_o they_o by_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n qu._n 21._o see_v the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n or_o spiritual_a incorporation_n of_o person_n under_o rule_n government_n or_o discipline_n declare_v who_o or_o what_o be_v the_o ruler_n governor_n or_o officer_n therein_o under_o jesus_n christ_n an._n they_o have_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1_o extraordinary_a appoint_v for_o a_o season_n only_o and_o 2_o ordinary_a to_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n qu._n 22._o who_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a officer_n or_o ruler_n or_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n appoint_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n therein_o for_o a_o season_n only_o an._n 1_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o 2_o the_o evangelist_n and_o prophet_n endow_v with_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n associate_v with_o they_o and_o employ_v by_o they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o ministry_n 1_o math._n 10.2_o 3._o act_n 1.26_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 2_o luke_n 10.1_o 2_o tim._n 4.5_o titus_n 1.5_o act_n 11.27_o 28._o act_n 21.9_o 10_o 11._o 2._o cor._n 1.1_o explication_n that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o spiritual_a corporation_n attend_v with_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n only_o as_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n or_o worldly_a so_o this_o rule_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o external_a and_o secular_a but_o spiritual_a neither_o do_v this_o rule_n at_o all_o belong_v unto_o it_o mere_o as_o material_o consider_v in_o man_n yield_v obedience_n unto_o the_o call_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o absolute_o as_o it_o be_v formal_o constitute_v a_o church_n by_o the_o consent_n and_o agreement_n describe_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v require_v that_o it_o be_v organical_o complete_a with_o officer_n or_o ruler_n now_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o such_o a_o society_n or_o corporation_n there_o be_v require_v first_o that_o the_o person_n whereof_o it_o be_v constitute_v do_v consent_n together_o into_o it_o for_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n which_o they_o design_v without_o this_o no_o society_n of_o any_o kind_n can_v exist_v this_o be_v the_o form_n of_o man_n coalescencie_n into_o societye_n and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o church_n such_o a_o consent_n and_o agreement_n have_v be_v show_v second_o that_o there_o be_v rule_n or_o law_n for_o the_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o society_n in_o order_n to_o their_o pursuit_n of_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o it_o that_o such_o rule_n or_o law_n be_v give_v and_o prescribe_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n unto_o the_o church_n will_v afterward_o appear_v in_o our_o consideration_n of_o they_o in_o particular_a so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n walk_v according_a unto_o rule_n or_o law_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o society_n three_o that_o there_o be_v authority_n institute_v for_o to_o see_v to_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o these_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o the_o society_n which_o consist_v in_o this_o 1_o that_o some_o be_v appoint_v to_o rule_n and_o govern_v in_o the_o church_n 2_o other_o to_o obey_v and_o be_v rule_v or_o govern_v both_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o both_o these_o be_v eminent_o find_v in_o this_o church-state_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o the_o ensue_a question_n with_o their_o answer_n and_o explication_n now_o that_o these_o officer_n or_o ruler_n shall_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v and_o so_o have_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n appoint_v for_o when_o the_o church_n be_v first_o to_o be_v call_v gather_v and_o erect_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o person_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d extraordinary_o employ_v in_o that_o work_n for_o ordinary_a officer_n antecedent_n unto_o the_o call_n and_o erection_n of_o the_o church_n there_o can_v be_v none_o and_o therefore_o these_o peson_n be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n endow_v with_o all_o that_o power_n which_o afterward_o be_v to_o reside_v in_o the_o church_n themselves_o and_o moreover_o with_o that_o which_o be_v peculiar_o needful_a unto_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o that_o special_a duty_n and_o work_n that_o they_o be_v appoint_v unto_o but_o when_o church_n be_v call_v gather_v erect_v and_o settle_v for_o continuance_n there_o be_v need_n of_o officer_n suit_v to_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n call_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n that_o be_v
acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v poor_a and_o needy_a in_o the_o church_n whether_o by_o the_o address_n of_o such_o poor_a one_o who_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v know_v their_o want_n occasion_n and_o necessity_n unto_o they_o or_o by_o the_o information_n of_o other_o or_o their_o own_o observation_n second_o to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n as_o occasion_n require_v with_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a under_o their_o care_n that_o those_o who_o be_v able_a may_v be_v stir_v up_o by_o the_o elder_n to_o a_o free_a supply_n and_o contribution_n three_o to_o dispose_v what_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o faithful_o cheerful_o tender_o with_o partiality_n or_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o for_o any_o outward_a respect_n whatever_o four_o to_o keep_v and_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o the_o church_n when_o call_v for_o of_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o how_o they_o have_v dispose_v of_o it_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v know_v to_o have_v well_o discharge_v their_o office_n that_o be_v with_o care_n wisdom_n and_o tenderness_n whereby_o they_o procure_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n with_o boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o the_o church_n be_v encourage_v to_o entrust_v they_o far_o with_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o their_o alm_n which_o be_v so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n quest._n 24._o wherein_o consist_v the_o general_a duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o in_o their_o proper_a station_n and_o condition_n answ._n in_o perform_v do_v and_o keep_v inviolate_a all_o the_o command_n and_o institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n walk_v unblamable_o and_o fruitful_o in_o the_o world_n hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o glorify_v the_o lord_n christ_n in_o and_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o keep_v his_o testimony_n unto_o the_o end_n matth._n 28.20_o act_n 2.42_o phil_n 2.15_o 16._o chap._n 4.8_o 9_o 1_o thes._n 3.8_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o heb._n 10.23_o explication_n beside_o the_o general_a duty_n of_o christianity_n incumbent_n on_o all_o believer_n or_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o such_o there_o be_v sundry_a especial_a duty_n require_v of_o they_o as_o gather_v into_o church_n society_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o especial_a trust_n commit_v unto_o they_o in_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n for_o first_o the_o church_n be_v appoint_v as_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o ordinance_n of_o gospel_n worship_n it_o be_v its_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o member_n in_o his_o proper_a place_n to_o use_v all_o care_n watchfulness_n and_o diligence_n that_o all_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v keep_v inviolate_a and_o all_o his_o institution_n observe_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n thus_o those_o add_v to_o the_o church_n act_v 2.42_o together_o with_o the_o whole_a church_n continue_v steadfast_o which_o argue_v care_n circumspection_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_n of_o bread_n and_o prayer_n which_o principal_a duty_n be_v enumerate_v to_o express_v their_o respect_n towards_o all_o this_o be_v their_o stand_n fast_o in_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o joy_n to_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o find_v it_o in_o the_o thessalonian_n 1_o ephe._n 3.8_o for_o now_o we_o live_v if_o you_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o lord_n that_o order_n and_o steadfastness_n which_o he_o rejoice_v over_o in_o the_o colossian_n chap._n 2.5_o for_o though_o i_o be_o absent_a in_o the_o flesh_n yet_o be_o i_o with_o you_o in_o the_o spirit_n joy_v and_o bohold_v your_o order_n and_o the_o steadfastness_n of_o your_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o where_o this_o duty_n be_v despise_v man_n content_v themselves_o with_o what_o be_v do_v by_o other_o there_o be_v a_o great_a neglect_n of_o that_o faithfulness_n in_o obedience_n which_o the_o church_n owe_v unto_o jesus_n christ._n second_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v manifest_v in_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o holy_a exemplary_a conversation_n be_v commit_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o this_o be_v one_o end_n wherefore_o the_o lord_n christ_n call_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n separate_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o bring_v they_o forth_o unto_o a_o visible_a profession_n and_o put_v his_o name_n upon_o they_o namely_o that_o in_o their_o walk_n and_o conversation_n he_o may_v show_v forth_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n grace_n and_o example_n to_o effect_v in_o they_o all_o holiness_n godliness_n righteousness_n and_o honesty_n in_o the_o world_n hence_o be_v they_o earnest_o exhort_v unto_o these_o thing_n phil._n 4.8.9_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o their_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v adorn_v and_o christ_n glorify_v in_o all_o thing_n tit._n 2.10_o and_o those_o who_o fail_v herein_o be_v say_v to_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n phil._n 3.18_o as_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o by_o represent_v it_o undesirable_a in_o their_o conversation_n this_o also_o therefore_o even_o the_o duty_n of_o universal_a holiness_n with_o a_o especial_a regard_n unto_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o be_v call_v and_o design_v to_o testify_v and_o express_v in_o the_o world_n be_v incumbent_a on_o the_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o namely_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v that_o they_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n among_o who_o they_o be_v to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n phil._n 2.15_o three_o the_o care_n of_o declare_v and_o manifest_v the_o truth_n be_v also_o commit_v unto_o they_o christ_n have_v make_v the_o church_n to_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o firm_o seat_v found_v fix_v establish_a and_o then_o lift_v up_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n to_o be_v see_v discern_v and_o know_v by_o other_o and_o as_o this_o be_v do_v principal_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o their_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o so_o it_o be_v also_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n of_o life_n phill._n 2.16_o by_o minister_a of_o the_o gift_n that_o every_o man_n have_v receive_v 1_o peter_n 4.10_o in_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n appointment_n in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a instance_n do_v our_o lord_n jesus_n require_v of_o his_o church_n that_o they_o express_v in_o the_o world_n their_o subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o his_o authority_n and_o that_o they_o abide_v therein_o unto_o the_o end_n against_o all_o opposition_n whatever_o the_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o church_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n herein_o be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o that_o apostasy_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o general_o of_o old_a fell_a into_o when_o the_o member_n of_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v no_o advantage_n by_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n but_o only_o the_o outward_a participation_n of_o some_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o no_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o but_o only_o to_o attend_v and_o follow_v the_o motion_n and_o act_n of_o their_o guide_n the_o whole_a society_n quick_o become_v corrupt_v and_o fit_a to_o be_v dispose_v of_o according_a to_o the_o carnal_a interest_n of_o those_o that_o have_v by_o their_o neglect_n and_o sin_n get_v dominion_n over_o they_o and_o at_o all_o time_n as_o the_o people_n be_v negligent_a in_o their_o duty_n the_o leader_n of_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o usurp_v undue_a authority_n when_o the_o one_o sort_n will_v not_o do_v that_o which_o they_o ought_v the_o other_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v upon_o they_o what_o they_o ought_v not_o it_o be_v a_o circumspect_a performance_n of_o duty_n on_o all_o hand_n alone_o that_o will_v keep_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o church_n within_o those_o bound_n and_o limit_n and_o up_o to_o those_o right_n and_o privilege_n which_o christ_n have_v allot_v and_o grant_v unto_o they_o
of_o the_o church_n express_v which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o exceed_v in_o any_o thing_n herein_o be_v bound_n and_o limit_n fix_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o of_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o three_o this_o power_n or_o authority_n thus_o grant_v and_o convey_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n with_o skill_n and_o diligence_n rom._n 12.6_o 1_o cor._n 12._o and_o the_o skill_n require_v hereunto_o be_v a_o gift_n or_o a_o ability_n of_o mind_n bestow_v by_o the_o holy-ghost_n upon_o man_n to_o put_v in_o execution_n the_o law_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n by_o he_o appoint_v or_o a_o spiritual_a wisdom_n whereby_o man_n know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o their_o several_a place_n for_o its_o due_a edification_n in_o faith_n and_o love_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o this_o ability_n of_o mind_n to_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o person_n time_n and_o action_n with_o their_o circumstance_n be_v such_o a_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n as_o whereof_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n answer_v to_o the_o distinct_a duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n on_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o member_n on_o the_o other_o and_o where_o this_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n be_v want_v there_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v preserve_v or_o carry_v on_o hereunto_o also_o diligence_n and_o watchfulness_n be_v to_o be_v add_v without_o which_o ability_n and_o power_n will_v never_o obtain_v their_o proper_a end_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o four_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discipline_n be_v continuance_n increase_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o first_o institution_n 1_o cor._n 5.7_o this_o power_n have_v christ_n give_v his_o church_n for_o its_o conservation_n without_o which_o it_o must_v necessary_o decay_v and_o come_v to_o nothing_o nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o where_o any_o church_n be_v call_v and_o gather_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o destitute_a of_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o preserve_v itself_o in_o that_o state_n and_o order_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v unto_o it_o and_o that_o which_o be_v one_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o asian_a church_n be_v the_o neglect_n of_o this_o discipline_n the_o power_n and_o privilege_n whereof_o the_o lord_n have_v leave_v unto_o they_o and_o entrust_v they_o withal_o for_o their_o own_o preservation_n in_o order_n purity_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o they_o be_v great_o blame_v by_o he_o rev._n 2.14_o 15_o 20._o chap._n 3.2_o as_o be_v also_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o as_o they_o be_v commend_v who_o attend_v unto_o the_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o it_o revel_v 2.2_o chap._n 3.9_o the_o disuse_n also_o of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o defilement_n abomination_n and_o confusion_n that_o have_v spread_v themselves_o over_o many_o church_n in_o the_o world_n quest._n 42._o unto_o who_o be_v the_o power_n and_o administration_n of_o this_o discipline_n commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n answ._n as_o to_o the_o authority_n to_o be_v exert_v in_o it_o in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v concern_v unto_o the_o elder_n as_o unto_o trial_n judgement_n and_o consent_n in_o and_o unto_o its_o exercise_n unto_o the_o whole_a brotherhood_n as_o unto_o love_n care_n and_o watchfuless_a in_o private_a and_o particular_a case_n to_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n matth._n 24.45_o ephes._n 4.13_o 14._o act_n 20.28_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o chap._n 5.17_o heb._n 13.17_o 1_o pet._n 2.3_o 1_o thes._n 5.12_o gal._n 6.1_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 4.14_o 1_o cor._n 5.2_o 4_o 5._o 2_o cor._n 2.6_o 7_o 8._o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o explication_n it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o this_o power_n be_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ._n now_o this_o law_n assign_v the_o mean_n and_o way_n whereby_o any_o person_n do_v obtain_v a_o interest_n therein_o and_o make_v the_o just_a allotment_n to_o all_o concern_v in_o it_o what_o this_o law_n constitution_n or_o word_n of_o christ_n assign_v unto_o any_o as_o such_o that_o they_o be_v the_o first_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n soever_o they_o come_v to_o be_v entrust_v therein_o thus_o that_o power_n or_o authority_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o first_o formal_o reside_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n unorganize_v or_o distinct_a from_o they_o though_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o their_o office_n by_o their_o suffrage_n and_o choice_n but_o they_o be_v themselves_o as_o such_o the_o first_o subject_n of_o office_n power_n for_o so_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n christ._n nor_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o this_o power_n of_o discipline_n whatever_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o elder_n but_o be_v immediate_o grant_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n first_o in_o this_o way_n and_o manner_n the_o authority_n above_o describe_v be_v give_v in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o such_o unto_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n this_o authority_n be_v before_o explain_v in_o answer_n unto_o the_o 28_o question_n as_o also_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o they_o receive_v it_o and_o it_o be_v that_o power_n of_o office_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a duty_n in_o the_o teach_n and_o rule_v of_o the_o church_n call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n from_o mat._n 16.19_o which_o expression_n be_v metaphorical_a and_o in_o general_a liable_a unto_o many_o interpretation_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o declaration_n make_v of_o it_o in_o those_o particular_a instance_n wherein_o it_o be_v express_v nor_o be_v it_o a_o twofold_a power_n or_o authority_n that_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o one_o to_o teach_v and_o another_o to_o rule_v common_o call_v the_o power_n of_o order_n and_o of_o jurisdiction_n but_o it_o be_v one_o power_n of_o office_n the_o duty_n whereof_o be_v of_o several_a kind_n refer_v unto_o the_o two_o general_a head_n first_o of_o teach_v by_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o 2_o of_o rule_n or_o government_n by_o virtue_n hereof_o be_v they_o make_v ruler_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n matth._n 24.45_o steward_n in_o his_o house_n 1_o cor._n 4.1_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 20.28_o 1_o peter_n 5.2_o guide_n unto_o the_o church_n heb._n 13.7_o 17._o not_o that_o they_o have_v a_o supreme_a or_o autocratorical_a power_n commit_v unto_o they_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v what_o seem_v right_a and_o good_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n see_v they_o be_v express_o bind_v up_o unto_o the_o term_n of_o their_o commission_n matth._n 28.19_o 20._o to_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o and_o only_o what_o christ_n have_v command_v nor_o have_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o any_o dominion_n in_o or_o over_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o law_n rule_n or_o privilege_n of_o it_o or_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o alter_v change_n add_v diminish_v or_o bind_v by_o their_o own_o authority_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o mark_v 10.42_o 43_o 44._o but_o it_o be_v a_o power_n mere_o ministerial_a in_o who_o exercise_n they_o be_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n accountable_a servant_n heb._n 13.17_o matth._n 24.45_o and_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n for_o jesus_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o this_o authority_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n they_o exert_v and_o put_v forth_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o not_o either_o as_o declare_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o or_o act_v what_o be_v delegated_a unto_o they_o thereby_o but_o as_o ministerial_o exercise_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n commit_v unto_o themselves_o second_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o brethren_n woman_n be_v except_v by_o especial_a prohibition_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o 35._o 1_o tim._n 2.11_o 12._o be_v by_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n interest_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o this_o power_n of_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o first_o to_o consider_v try_v and_o make_v a_o judgement_n in_o and_o about_o all_o person_n thing_n and_o cause_n in_o reference_n whereunto_o
43_o 45._o deut._n 14.23_o psal._n 133.3_o math._n 18.20_o rev._n 21.3_o 5_o exod._n 20.5_o deut._n 4.23_o 24._o josh._n 24.19_o ezek._n 16._o 6_o levit._n 10.1_o 2._o num._n 16.3_o 8_o 9_o 32_o 35._o 1_o sam._n 2.28_o 29._o 2_o sam._n 6.6_o 7._o 2_o chron._n 26.16_o 19_o 1_o cor._n 11.30_o explication_n for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o institute_v worship_n of_o god_n be_v neglect_v and_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n some_o be_v utter_o regardless_o of_o it_o suppose_v that_o if_o they_o attend_v after_o their_o manner_n unto_o moral_a obedience_n that_o neither_o god_n nor_o themselves_o be_v much_o concern_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o his_o worship_n other_o think_v the_o disposal_n and_o order_n of_o it_o to_o be_v so_o leave_v unto_o man_n that_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o performance_n they_o may_v do_v with_o it_o as_o it_o seem_v right_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o some_o follow_v they_o therein_o as_o willing_o walk_v after_o their_o commandment_n without_o any_o respect_n unto_o the_o will_n or_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o the_o whole_a scripture_n give_v we_o utter_o another_o account_n of_o this_o matter_n the_o honour_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o profess_a subjection_n to_o he_o and_o the_o save_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o appointment_n be_v therein_o lay_v upon_o the_o due_a and_o right_a observance_n of_o institute_v worship_n and_o they_o who_o be_v negligent_a about_o these_o thing_n what_o ever_o they_o pretend_v have_v no_o real_a respect_n unto_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v call_v religion_n first_o therefore_o in_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n god_n have_v give_v his_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n as_o the_o touchstone_n and_o trial_n of_o its_o faith_n and_o obedience_n so_o that_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v neglect_v do_v open_o refuse_v to_o come_v unto_o god_n trial_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n the_o trial_n of_o adam_n obedience_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v in_o and_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n gen._n 2.16_o 17._o and_o the_o lord_n god_n command_v the_o man_n say_v of_o every_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n thou_o may_v free_o eat_v but_o of_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v this_o be_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o purity_n and_o in_o our_o first_o parent_n neglect_v of_o attend_v thereunto_o do_v they_o transgress_v the_o whole_a law_n of_o their_o creation_n as_o fail_v in_o their_o duty_n in_o that_o which_o be_v appointment_n for_o their_o trial_n in_o the_o whole_a chap._n 3.11_o have_v thou_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n whereof_o i_o command_v thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o church_n in_o his_o family_n after_o the_o fall_n build_v upon_o the_o promise_n be_v try_v also_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o institute_v worship_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o discovery_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o cain_n or_o approbation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o abel_n until_o they_o come_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o their_o sacrifice_n a_o new_a part_n of_o god_n institute_v worship_n the_o first_o in_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o fall_n whereinto_o it_o be_v bring_v gen._n 4.3_o 4_o 5._o in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v cain_n bring_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n a_o offering_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o abel_n he_o also_o bring_v of_o the_o firstling_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o of_o the_o fat_a thereof_o and_o the_o lord_n have_v respect_n unto_o abel_n and_o to_o his_o offering_n but_o unto_o cain_n and_o his_o offering_n he_o have_v not_o respect_n the_o ground_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n declare_v heb._n 11.4_o by_o faith_n abel_n offer_v unto_o god_n a_o more_o excellent_a sacrifice_n than_o cain_n by_o which_o he_o obtain_v witness_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a god_n testify_v of_o his_o gift_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o that_o first_o institution_n give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o fall_n do_v abel_n receive_v a_o testimony_n of_o his_o be_v justify_v and_o accept_v with_o god_n afterward_o when_o abraham_n be_v call_v and_o peculiar_o separate_v to_o bare_a forth_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o become_v the_o spring_n of_o the_o church_n for_o future_a age_n he_o have_v the_o institution_n of_o circumcision_n give_v he_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n the_o law_n and_o condition_n whereof_o be_v that_o he_o who_o observe_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v esteem_v a_o alien_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n gen._n 17.9_o 10_o 11._o god_n say_v unto_o abraham_n thou_o shall_v keep_v my_o covenant_n thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n which_o you_o shall_v keep_v between_o i_o and_o you_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o every_o manchild_n among_o you_o shall_v be_v circumcise_v verse_n the_o 14_o and_o the_o uncircumcised_a manchild_n who_o flesh_n of_o his_o foreskin_n be_v not_o circumcise_v that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n he_o have_v break_v my_o covenant_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o his_o posterity_n be_v to_o be_v collect_v into_o a_o new_a church_n state_n and_o order_n god_n give_v they_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o passover_n exod._n 12.24_o you_o shall_v observe_v this_o thing_n for_o a_o ordinance_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o son_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o upon_o the_o same_o penalty_n with_o that_o of_o circumcision_n to_o these_o he_o add_v many_o more_o on_o mount_n sinai_n exod._n 20._o all_o as_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o succeed_a generation_n how_o he_o have_v deal_v with_o his_o church_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o shall_v afterward_o declare_v in_o no_o state_n or_o condition_n then_o of_o the_o church_n do_v god_n ever_o accept_v of_o moral_a obedience_n without_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o institute_v worship_n accommodate_v in_o his_o wisdom_n unto_o its_o various_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o as_o we_o have_v see_v he_o have_v make_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o according_a unto_o his_o mind_n and_o appointment_n the_o mean_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n whole_a obedience_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o acceptance_n or_o rejection_n of_o they_o and_o so_o it_o continue_v at_o this_o day_n what_o ever_o be_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n about_o the_o worship_n which_o at_o present_a he_o require_v beside_o god_n have_v appoint_v that_o his_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n shall_v be_v as_o effectual_a mean_n as_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o will_n and_o mind_n so_o of_o communicate_v his_o love_n mercy_n and_o grace_n unto_o we_o as_o also_o of_o that_o communion_n or_o intercourse_n with_o his_o holy_a majesty_n which_o he_o have_v gracious_o grant_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o as_o it_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_v in_o the_o scripture_n quote_v in_o answer_n unto_o this_o question_n so_o it_o be_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n who_o have_v explain_v the_o nature_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o therefore_o in_o particular_a we_o need_v not_o here_o insist_v much_o in_o the_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o thus_o abraham_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o circumcision_n gen._n 17.10_o which_o be_v often_o explain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o apply_v it_o in_o particular_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o conversion_n call_v the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n deut_n 10.16_o chap._n 30.6_o jer._n 4.4_o as_o also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n coloss._n 2.11_o and_o by_o the_o passover_n where_o the_o people_n teach_v not_o only_o the_o mercy_n of_o their_o present_a deliverance_n exod._n 12.23_o 24._o but_o also_o to_o look_v for_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n who_o be_v to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1.29_o the_o true_a passover_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o they_o 1_o cor._n 5.7_o how_o our_o incision_n or_o implant_n into_o christ_n be_v represent_v and_o signify_v by_o our_o baptism_n the_o apostle_n declare_v rom._n 6.3_o 4_o 5._o as_o also_o our_o communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o death_n by_o
the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n matth._n 26.27_o 1_o cor._n 11.25_o and_o all_o these_o grace_n which_o they_o teach_v they_o also_o exhibit_v and_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o the_o communication_n of_o they_o unto_o beleiver_n moreover_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o beleiver_n who_o have_v conscientious_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o their_o due_a observance_n may_v be_v produce_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o the_o instruction_n edification_n consolation_n spiritual_a strength_n courage_n and_o resolution_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o and_o by_o they_o have_v be_v witness_v unto_o in_o their_o life_n and_o end_n and_o they_o to_o who_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n do_v but_o in_o vain_a pretend_v a_o regard_n unto_o god_n in_o any_o thing_n whatever_o farthermore_o god_n have_v appoint_v our_o duty_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o glorify_v he_o in_o the_o world_n nor_o can_v we_o otherwise_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n but_o as_o we_o own_o his_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o yield_v obedience_n to_o what_o he_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o what_o we_o do_v herein_o be_v principal_o evident_a in_o those_o duty_n which_o lie_v under_o the_o eye_n and_o observation_n of_o men._n some_o duty_n of_o obedience_n there_o be_v which_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v discern_v in_o believer_n such_o be_v their_o faith_n inward_a holiness_n purity_n of_o heart_n heavenly_a mindedness_n sincere_a mortification_n of_o indwelling_a sin_n some_o who_o performance_n ought_v to_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o as_o personal_a prayer_n and_o alm_n matth._n 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o some_o there_o be_v which_o be_v very_o liable_a to_o misconstruction_n among_o man_n as_o zeal_n in_o many_o of_o the_o act_n of_o it_o but_o this_o conscientious_a observation_n of_o institute_v worship_n and_o therein_o avow_v our_o subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o the_o world_n may_v see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o that_o which_o unless_o in_o case_n of_o persecution_n aught_o not_o to_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o and_o that_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n at_o and_o therefore_o have_v god_n appoint_v that_o by_o this_o mean_n and_o way_n we_o shall_v honour_v and_o glorify_v he_o in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o we_o neglect_v we_o do_v evident_o cast_v off_o all_o regard_n unto_o his_o concernment_n in_o this_o world_n herein_o it_o be_v that_o we_o manifest_v ourselves_o not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n of_o he_o and_o his_o word_n which_o he_o so_o indispensable_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n mark_v 8.38_o for_o say_v he_o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n hereby_o do_v we_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o friend_n john_n 13.35_o for_o these_o peculiarly_a be_v his_o command_n and_o if_o we_o suffer_v for_o they_o than_o we_o do_v most_o proper_o suffer_v as_o christian_n which_o be_v our_o glory_n that_o 1_o pet._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n happy_a be_v you_o for_o the_o spirit_n of_o glory_n and_o of_o god_n rest_v upon_o you_o on_o their_o part_n he_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o but_o on_o your_o part_n he_o be_v glorify_v but_o let_v none_o of_o you_o suffer_v as_o a_o murderer_n or_o as_o a_o thief_n or_o as_o a_o evil_a doer_n or_o as_o a_o busiâ—_n body_n in_o other_o man_n matter_n but_o if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a let_v he_o not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o let_v he_o glorify_v god_n â—n_o this_o behalf_n and_o a_o happy_a and_o a_o bless_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o special_a command_n of_o christ._n far_o to_o encourage_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n the_o holy_a faithful_a god_n have_v give_v we_o many_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o he_o will_v gracious_o afford_v unto_o we_o his_o especial_a sanctify_a blessing_n presence_n in_o our_o attendance_n on_o his_o worship_n according_a to_o his_o appointment_n for_o as_o he_o promise_v of_o old_a that_o he_o will_v make_v glorious_a the_o place_n of_o his_o foot_n or_o abode_n among_o his_o people_n isa._n 60.13_o that_o he_o will_v meet_v they_o in_o his_o sanctuary_n the_o place_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o there_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o bless_v they_o and_o be_v their_o god_n exod._n 29.42_o 43_o 44_o 45._o deut._n 14.24_o so_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v his_o presence_n to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n unto_o all_o they_o that_o assemble_v together_o in_o his_o name_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o worship_n which_o in_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v appoint_v matth._n 18.20_o for_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o my_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o therein_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n his_o gracious_a dwell_a place_n with_o men._n rev._n 21.3_o now_o when_o god_n offer_v unto_o we_o his_o presence_n his_o gracious_a blessing_n sanctify_a and_o save_a presence_n and_o that_o in_o and_o by_o promise_n which_o shall_v never_o fail_v what_o unspeakable_a guilt_n must_v we_o needs_o contract_v upon_o our_o own_o soul_n if_o we_o neglect_v or_o despise_v the_o tender_n of_o such_o grace_n but_o because_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v slothful_a and_o be_v slow_a of_o heart_n in_o admit_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n that_o fall_v not_o in_o with_o the_o light_n and_o principle_n of_o nature_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o unto_o a_o diligence_n in_o our_o attendance_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o look_v upon_o our_o obedience_n herein_o as_o our_o whole_a loyalty_n unto_o he_o in_o that_o conjugal_a covenant_n which_o he_o be_v please_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o take_v beleiver_n into_o with_o himself_o jer._n 3.14_o turn_v o_o backslide_a child_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o marry_v unto_o you_o and_o will_v take_v you_o one_o of_o a_o city_n and_o two_o of_o a_o family_n and_o will_v bring_v you_o unto_o zion_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o pastor_n according_a unto_o my_o heart_n which_o shall_v feed_v you_o with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n come_v unto_o zion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o lead_n and_o conduct_n of_o pastor_n according_a to_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n be_v our_o answer_v the_o relation_n wherein_o we_o stand_v unto_o he_o as_o he_o be_v marry_v unto_o we_o and_o thereupon_o he_o teach_v we_o that_o as_o a_o husband_n he_o be_v jealous_a of_o our_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n account_v our_o neglect_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o profanation_n of_o it_o by_o invention_n and_o addition_n of_o our_o own_o to_o be_v spiritual_a disloyalty_n whoredom_n and_o adultery_n which_o his_o soul_n abhor_v for_o which_o he_o will_v cast_v off_o any_o church_n or_o people_n and_o that_o for_o ever_o see_v exod._n 20.5_o deut._n 4.23_o 24._o jos._n 24.19_o ezek._n 16._o whatever_o he_o will_v bear_v withal_o in_o his_o church_n he_o will_v not_o bear_v with_o that_o which_o his_o jealousy_n be_v exercise_v about_o if_o it_o transgress_v therein_o he_o will_v give_v it_o a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n which_o repudiate_v condition_n be_v the_o state_n of_o many_o church_n in_o the_o world_n however_o they_o please_v and_o boast_v themselves_o in_o their_o meritricious_a ornament_n and_o practice_n to_o give_v yet_o far_o strength_n unto_o all_o these_o consideration_n that_o we_o may_v not_o only_o have_v rule_n and_o precept_n but_o example_n also_o for_o our_o instruction_n god_n have_v give_v many_o signal_n instance_n of_o his_o severity_n against_o person_n who_o by_o ignorance_n neglect_n or_o regardlesness_n have_v miscarry_v in_o not_o observe_v exact_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n in_o and_o about_o his_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o nadab_n and_o abide_v the_o son_n of_o aaron_n levit._n 10.1_o 2._o of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abirain_n numb_a 16.3_o 8_o 9_o 32_o 35._o of_o the_o son_n of_o ely_n a_o sin_n not_o to_o be_v expiate_v with_o sacrifice_n and_o burn_a offering_n forever_o 1_o sam._n 2.28_o 29._o of_o vzza_n in_o put_v the_o ark_n into_o a_o cart_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v bear_v it_o upon_o his_o shoulder_n 1_o chron._n 16.13_o of_o vzzia_n the_o king_n in_o offer_v incense_n contrary_n to_o god_n institution_n that_o duty_n be_v appropriate_v unto_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o aaron_n 2_o chron._n
26.16_o 19_o these_o be_v sufficient_a intimation_n of_o what_o care_n and_o diligence_n we_o ought_v to_o use_v in_o attend_v unto_o what_o god_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o worship_n and_o although_o now_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o do_v not_o ordinary_o proceed_v to_o the_o inflict_v of_o temporal_a judgement_n in_o thâ—_n like_o case_n of_o neglect_n yâ—â—_n he_o have_v not_o whole_o leave_v we_o without_o instance_n of_o his_o put_v forth_o token_n of_o his_o displeasure_n in_o temporal_a visitation_n on_o such_o miscarriage_n in_o his_o church_n 1_o cor._n 11.30_o for_o this_o cause_n say_v the_o apostle_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n from_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v of_o what_o concernment_n it_o be_v unto_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n to_o attend_v diligent_o unto_o our_o duty_n in_o the_o strict_a and_o sincere_a observation_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o he_o let_v we_o know_v that_o now_o a_o more_o severe_a punishment_n be_v substitute_v against_o such_o transgression_n in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o which_o he_o so_o visible_o inflict_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n heb._n 10.25_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 29._o qu._n 16._o be_v there_o yet_o any_o other_o consideration_n that_o may_v stir_v up_o beleiver_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a care_n about_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n answ._n yea_o namely_o that_o the_o great_a apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o last_o day_n foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o which_o god_n threaten_v to_o punish_v and_o revenge_v consist_v principal_o in_o false_a worship_n and_o a_o departure_n from_o the_o institution_n of_o christ._n rev._n 14.4_o 5._o chap._n 17.1_o 2_o 3_o 5._o explication_n that_o there_o be_v a_o apostasy_n of_o the_o church_n foretell_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o with_o sincerity_n have_v inquire_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n therein_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o this_o day_n and_o for_o many_o age_n pass_v in_o the_o world_n sufficient_o confirm_v that_o persuasion_n and_o herein_o sundry_a thing_n in_o general_a be_v obvious_a unto_o every_o sober_a consideration_n thereof_o first_o the_o horrible_a evil_n trouble_n and_o confusion_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o and_o upon_o the_o world_n thereby_o second_o the_o high_a guilt_n and_o provocation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o and_o do_v accompany_v it_o three_o the_o dreadful_a vengeance_n that_o god_n in_o his_o appoint_a time_n will_v take_v upon_o all_o the_o promoter_n and_o obstinate_a maintainer_n of_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v at_o large_a all_o of_o they_o foretell_v in_o the_o revelation_n and_o therein_o also_o the_o apostasy_n itself_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o plague_n and_o destruction_n that_o by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n now_o as_o god_n do_v earnest_o call_v upon_o all_o that_o fear_v he_o not_o to_o intermeddle_v nor_o partake_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o apostate_n lest_o they_o shall_v also_o partake_v in_o their_o judgement_n chap._n 18.4_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v come_v out_o of_o she_o my_o people_n that_o you_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o her_o sin_n and_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o of_o her_o plague_n so_o he_o do_v plain_o declare_v wherein_o the_o apostasy_n and_o sin_n itself_o shall_v principal_o consist_v and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o corrupt_a and_o contaminate_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o the_o introduction_n of_o false_a worship_n join_v with_o the_o persecution_n of_o they_o who_o refuse_v to_o submit_v thereunto_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o sin_n itself_o set_v out_o under_o the_o name_n of_o fornication_n and_o whoredom_n and_o the_o church_n that_o maintain_v it_o be_v call_v the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n chap._n 17.5_o that_o by_o fornication_n and_o whoredom_n in_o the_o church_n the_o adulterate_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o admission_n of_o false_a self-invented_n worship_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o whereof_o god_n be_v jealous_a be_v intend_v the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v it_o be_v easy_a then_o to_o gather_v of_o how_o great_a concernment_n unto_o we_o it_o be_v especial_o in_o these_o latter_a day_n wherein_o this_o so_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a sin_n be_v prevalent_a in_o the_o world_n careful_o to_o attend_v unto_o the_o safe_a unerring_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o diligent_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v therein_o quest._n 17._o which_o be_v the_o principal_a institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n answ._n 1_o the_o calling_n gather_v and_o settle_v of_o church_n with_o their_o officer_n as_o the_o seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o other_o solemn_a institute_v worship_n 2._o prayer_n with_o thanksgiving_n 3._o sing_v of_o psalm_n 4._o preach_v the_o word_n 5._o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n 6._o discipline_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n collect_v and_o settle_v most_o of_o which_o have_v also_o sundry_a particular_a duty_n relate_v unto_o they_o and_o subservient_fw-fr unto_o their_o due_a observation_n 1._o matth._n 28.19_o 20._o act_n 2.41_o 42._o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12._o matth._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o 1_o cor._n 4.17_o 1_o cor._n 7.17_o act_n 14.23_o titus_n 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 2._o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o act_n 6.4_o act_n 13.2_o 3._o 3._o ephes._n 5.19_o colos._n 3.16_o 4._o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o act_n 2.42_o 1_o cor._n 14.3_o act_n 6.2_o heb._n 13.7_o 5._o matth._n 28.19_o matth._n 26.26_o 27._o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 6._o matth._n 18.17_o 18_o 19_o rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o rev._n 2.3_o explication_n these_o thing_n be_v all_o of_o they_o afterward_o to_o be_v speak_v unto_o several_o and_o apart_o need_v not_o here_o any_o particular_a explication_n they_o be_v the_o principal_a head_n wherein_o gospel-worship_n consist_v and_o whereunto_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o it_o may_v be_v reduce_v qu._n 18._o whereas_o sundry_a of_o these_o thing_n be_v found_v in_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o requisite_a unto_o all_o solemn_a worship_n and_o be_v moreover_o command_v in_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o explication_n of_o it_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n how_o do_v you_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o evangelical_n institution_n to_o be_v observe_v principal_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n answ._n neither_o their_o general_a suitableness_n unto_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n do_v at_o all_o hinder_v they_o from_o depend_v on_o the_o mere_a institution_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o those_o especial_a end_n of_o the_o â—â—â—ry_n of_o god_n in_o and_o by_o himself_o and_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o church_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o he_o whereunto_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o nor_o as_o unto_o that_o especial_a manner_n of_o their_o performance_n which_o he_o require_v in_o which_o respect_n they_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v on_o â—he_n account_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o command_n only_o matth._n 17.5_o matth._n 28._o â—0_n john_n 16.23_o 24._o heb._n 3.4_o 5_o 6._o ephes._n 1.22_o chap._n 2.20_o 21_o 22._o heb._n 12.25_o explication_n the_o principal_a thing_n we_o be_v to_o aim_v at_o in_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n heb._n 3.6_o christ_n as_o a_o son_n over_o his_o own_o house_n who_o house_n be_v we_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o that_o thou_o may_v know_v how_o thou_o ought_v to_o behave_v thyself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o live_a god_n this_o we_o can_v do_v unless_o we_o consider_v his_o authority_n as_o the_o formal_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o observance_n of_o all_o that_o we_o do_v therein_o if_o we_o perform_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n on_o any_o other_o account_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o so_o we_o can_v neither_o expect_v his_o grace_n to_o assist_v we_o nor_o have_v we_o his_o promise_n to_o accept_v we_o therein_o for_o that_o he_o have_v annex_v unto_o our_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o have_v command_v and_o that_o because_o he_o have_v command_v we_o matth._n 28_o 20._o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o
unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o promise_a presence_n respect_v only_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n some_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v on_o this_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o which_o have_v the_o least_o influence_n into_o what_o they_o do_v if_o in_o any_o of_o his_o institution_n they_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v suit_v or_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o ecclesiastical_a society_n government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o like_a they_o say_v be_v they_o suppose_v and_o contend_v that_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v according_o the_o interposition_n of_o his_o authority_n they_o will_v allow_v only_o in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o have_v no_o light_n in_o reason_n or_o nature_n so_o desirous_a be_v some_o to_o have_v as_o little_a to_o do_v with_o christ_n as_o they_o can_v even_o in_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o it_o will_v be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o if_o what_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v in_o his_o church_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o particular_a in_o a_o especial_a manner_n for_o especial_a end_n of_o his_o own_o have_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o it_o a_o agreement_n with_o what_o in_o like_a case_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n seem_v to_o direct_v unto_o that_o therefore_o his_o authority_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o sole_a immediate_a reason_n of_o our_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a first_o that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o king_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n the_o lord_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v do_v therein_o but_o with_o respect_n unto_o his_o authority_n matth._n 17.5_o this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o ephes._n 4.15_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n eph._n 2.20_o 21._o you_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 corner_n stone_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 second_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o suitableness_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o right_a reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v no_o ground_n for_o a_o church_n observation_n of_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v also_o appoint_v and_o command_v in_o especial_a by_o jesus_n christ._n three_o that_o be_v so_o appoint_v and_o command_v it_o become_v a_o especial_a institution_n of_o he_o and_o as_o such_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v so_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v or_o to_o be_v do_v with_o respect_n unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o christ_n be_v always_o principal_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o every_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o command_v by_o he_o without_o which_o consideration_n it_o have_v no_o place_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n quest._n 19_o what_o be_v a_o institute_v church_n of_o the_o gospel_n answ._n a_o society_n of_o person_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o their_o natural_a worldly_a state_n by_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n or_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n soyn_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a band_n or_o by_o special_a agreement_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n rome_n 1.5_o 6._o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o 1_o cor._n 14.15_o heb._n 3_o 1._o james_n 1.18_o rev._n 1.20_o 1_o peter_n 2.5_o ephes._n 2.21.22_o 23._o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o 17_o 18._o explication_n the_o church_n who_o nature_n be_v here_o inquire_v after_o be_v not_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o elect_a believer_n of_o all_o age_n and_o season_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n unto_o the_o end_n thereof_o nor_o of_o any_o one_o age_n nor_o the_o universality_n of_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o a_o particular_a church_n wherein_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o attend_v unto_o according_a to_o his_o will._n for_o although_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o of_o who_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v that_o they_o be_v true_a believer_n see_v that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o so_o on_o that_o account_n they_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n as_o also_o that_o they_o make_v visible_a profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o moreover_o it_o be_v the_o will_n command_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v join_v together_o in_o particular_a society_n or_o church_n for_o the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o can_v alone_o be_v do_v in_o such_o assembly_n for_o as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o know_v unto_o one_o another_o mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o union_n with_o christ_n which_o make_v they_o so_o whence_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o they_o be_v as_o such_o invisible_z to_o the_o world_n and_o themselves_o visible_a only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o profession_n and_o therefore_o can_v mere_o as_o such_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o observation_n be_v their_o profession_n so_o the_o visible_a professor_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o any_o age_n can_v at_o any_o time_n assemble_v together_o which_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a for_o the_o celebration_n of_o sundry_a part_n of_o that_o worship_n which_o he_o require_v in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o particular_a church_n be_v themselves_o a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o old_a for_o when_o god_n of_o old_a erect_v his_o worship_n and_o enjoin_v the_o solemn_a observation_n of_o it_o he_o also_o appoint_v a_o church_n as_o his_o institution_n for_o the_o due_a celebration_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n solemn_o take_v into_o a_o church_n relation_n with_o he_o by_o covenant_n wherein_o they_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o his_o worship_n exod._n 20.19_o speak_v thou_o with_o we_o and_o we_o will_v hear_v exod._n 24.3_o and_o moses_n come_v and_o tell_v the_o people_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o judgement_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v with_o one_o voice_n and_o say_v all_o the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v we_o will_v do_v deut._n 5.27_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o we_o will_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o and_o god_n according_o appoint_v they_o ordinance_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o they_o together_o at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o place_n exod._n 23.17_o three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n all_o thy_o male_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n deut._n 16.16_o three_o time_n in_o a_o year_n all_o thy_o male_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v choose_v neither_o will_v god_n allow_v any_o stranger_n any_o one_o not_o of_o the_o church_n so_o institute_v by_o he_o to_o celebrate_v any_o part_n of_o his_o institute_v worship_n until_o he_o be_v solemn_o admit_v into_o that_o church_n as_o a_o member_n thereof_o exod._n 12.47_o 48._o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n shall_v keep_v it_o and_o when_o a_o stranger_n shall_v sojourn_v with_o thou_o and_o will_v keep_v the_o passover_n to_o the_o lord_n let_v all_o his_o male_n be_v circumcise_v and_o then_o let_v he_o come_v near_o and_o keep_v it_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v as_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o land_n for_o no_o uncircumcised_a person_n shall_v eat_v thereof_o to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o purpose_n when_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v diffuse_v all_o the_o world_n over_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n
full_a of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o wisdom_n and_o the_o say_v please_v the_o whole_a multitude_n and_o they_o choose_v stephen_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v do_v when_o only_a deacon_n be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o who_o the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o elder_n the_o same_o be_v mention_v again_o act_v 14.23_o where_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v say_v to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o the_o church_n by_o their_o election_n and_o suffrage_n for_o the_o word_n there_o use_v will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o sense_n however_o it_o be_v ambiguous_o express_v in_o our_o translation_n neither_o can_v any_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o the_o use_n of_o that_o word_n apply_v unto_o the_o communication_n of_o any_o office_n or_o power_n to_o any_o person_n or_o person_n in_o a_o assembly_n wherein_o it_o denote_v any_o other_o action_n but_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o this_o it_o do_v constant_o in_o all_o writer_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o right_a and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n in_o choose_v of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o long_a time_n preserve_v inviolate_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o the_o ancient_n do_v abundant_o testify_v yea_o the_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o can_v never_o be_v utter_o thrust_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v still_o retain_v in_o those_o church_n which_o yet_o reject_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o this_o institution_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o his_o apostle_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o abide_v therein_o for_o as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o person_n become_v a_o church_n by_o their_o own_o voluntary_a consent_n christ_n make_v his_o subject_n willing_a not_o slave_n his_o rule_n over_o they_o be_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o their_o own_o will_n and_o he_o will_v have_v they_o every_o way_n free_a in_o their_o obedience_n a_o church-state_n be_v a_o estate_n of_o absolute_a liberty_n under_o christ_n not_o for_o man_n to_o do_v what_o they_o will_v but_o for_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n free_o without_o compulsion_n now_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o this_o liberty_n than_o to_o have_v their_o guide_n ruler_n and_o overseer_n impose_v on_o they_o without_o their_o consent_n beside_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o discharge_v its_o duty_n towards_o christ_n in_o every_o institution_n of_o he_o which_o herein_o they_o can_v if_o they_o have_v not_o their_o free_a consent_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n but_o be_v consider_v as_o mute_a person_n or_o brute_n creature_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o ordinary_a way_n of_o communicate_v authority_n unto_o any_o in_o the_o church_n but_o by_o the_o voluntary_a submission_n and_o subjection_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o unto_o they_o for_o as_o all_o other_o imaginable_a way_n may_v fail_v and_o have_v do_v so_o where_o they_o have_v be_v trust_v unto_o so_o they_o be_v irrational_a and_o unscriptural_a as_o to_o their_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o the_o delegation_n of_o any_o power_n whatever_o five_o unto_o this_o election_n succeed_v the_o solemn_a set_n apart_o of_o they_o that_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o church_n unto_o this_o work_n and_o ministry_n by_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n before_o constitute_v in_o the_o church_n wherein_o any_o person_n be_v so_o to_o be_v set_v apart_o qu._n 26._o may_v a_o person_n be_v call_v to_o or_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o office_n or_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n or_o may_v he_o hold_v the_o relation_n and_o exercise_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o elder_a or_o minister_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n answ._n neither_o of_o these_o have_v either_o warrant_n or_o precedent_n in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v the_o first_o of_o they_o consistent_a with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ministry_n nor_o the_o latter_a with_o the_o duty_n thereof_o nor_o either_o of_o they_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o relation_n which_o be_v between_o the_o elder_n and_o the_o church_n act_v 14.23_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o act_n 20.28_o explication_n there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o this_o question_n and_o answer_n to_o be_v speak_v unto_o several_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v a_o person_n to_o be_v call_v or_o employ_v in_o any_o church_n in_o a_o part_n only_o of_o the_o office_n or_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v be_v call_v or_o choose_v by_o the_o church_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n but_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v or_o unto_o the_o rule_n or_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n or_o in_o like_a manner_n unto_o any_o other_o part_n or_o parcel_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n with_o a_o exemption_n of_o other_o duty_n from_o his_o charge_n or_o care_n if_o this_o be_v do_v by_o consent_n and_o agreement_n for_o any_o time_n or_o season_n it_o be_v unwarrantable_a and_o disorderly_a what_o may_v be_v do_v occasional_o upon_o a_o emergency_n or_o in_o case_n of_o weakness_n or_o disability_n befalling_a any_o elder_a as_o to_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n be_v not_o here_o inquire_v after_o for_o first_o if_o the_o person_n so_o call_v or_o employ_v have_v receive_v gift_n fit_v he_o for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n the_o exercise_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v by_o any_o consent_n or_o agreement_n see_v they_o be_v give_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v trade_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12_o 7._o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o and_o this_o he_o which_o have_v receive_v such_o gift_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v unto_o and_o pursue_v second_o if_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v such_o gift_n as_o complete_o to_o enable_v he_o unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o administer_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o call_v he_o unto_o that_o work_n wherein_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o go_v before_o they_o in_o qualify_a he_o for_o it_o yea_o to_o do_v so_o will_v be_v most_o irregular_a for_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o its_o attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n give_v unto_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v constitute_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o enlarge_v or_o straighten_v the_o power_n or_o duty_n of_o any_o one_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o office_n thereof_o neither_o can_v or_o ought_v any_o person_n that_o be_v call_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o give_v his_o consent_n to_o the_o restraint_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o gift_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v in_o a_o due_a and_o orderly_a manner_n nor_o to_o the_o abridgement_n of_o the_o authority_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o they_o to_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v their_o whole_a authority_n and_o to_o discharge_v their_o whole_a duty_n so_o that_o arbitrary_a constitution_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v irregular_a and_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n into_o church_n the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o same_o person_n to_o more_o church_n than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o his_o undertake_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o they_o as_o a_o elder_a or_o minister_n and_o this_o also_o be_v irregular_a and_o unwarrantable_a now_o a_o man_n may_v hold_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o elder_a pastor_n or_o minister_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o two_o way_n first_o formal_o and_o direct_o by_o all_o equal_a formal_a interest_n in_o they_o undertake_v the_o pastoral_n charge_v equal_o and_o alike_o of_o they_o be_v call_v alike_o to_o they_o and_o accept_v of_o such_o a_o relation_n 2_o virtual_o when_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n unto_o one_o church_n he_o put_v forth_o his_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o ministerial_a act_n in_o or_o towards_o another_o the_o first_o way_n be_v unlawful_a and_o destructive_a both_o of_o the_o office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n for_o as_o elder_n be_v ordain_v in_o and_o unto_o the_o church_n respective_o that_o they_o be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o act_v 14.23_o tit._n 1.5_o and_o their_o office_n
and_o herein_o alone_o do_v the_o order_n honour_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v church_n member_n therefore_o be_v to_o search_v and_o inquire_v after_o the_o particular_a duty_n which_o as_o such_o be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o as_o also_o to_o consider_v what_o influence_n their_o special_a state_n and_o condition_n as_o they_o be_v church_n member_n aught_o to_o have_v into_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o obedience_n as_o they_o be_v christian_n for_o this_o privilege_n be_v grant_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o edification_n that_o be_v their_o fartherance_n in_o their_o whole_a course_n of_o walk_v before_o god_n and_o if_o this_o be_v neglect_v if_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o name_n to_o live_v in_o this_o or_o that_o church_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o ordinance_n that_o be_v state_v and_o solemn_o administer_v only_o that_o which_o will_v have_v be_v to_o their_o advantage_n may_v prove_v to_o be_v a_o snare_n and_o temptation_n unto_o they_o what_o these_o especial_a duty_n be_v in_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o they_o be_v of_o too_o large_a a_o consideration_n here_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v inculcate_v of_o they_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o commit_v to_o their_o charge_n for_o the_o church_n due_a performance_n of_o its_o duty_n be_v their_o honour_n crown_n and_o reward_n qu._n 35._o whence_o do_v you_o reckon_v prayer_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o moral_n and_o natural_a worship_n among_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n an._n on_o many_o account_n as_o 1_o because_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v command_v his_o church_n to_o attend_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therein_o 2_o because_o he_o bestow_v on_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n gift_n and_o ability_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n thereof_o 3_o he_o have_v appoint_v that_o all_o his_o other_o ordinance_n shall_v be_v administer_v with_o prayer_n whereby_o it_o become_v a_o part_n of_o they_o 4_o because_o himself_o minister_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n as_o the_o great_a high_a priest_n of_o his_o church_n to_o present_v their_o prayer_n unto_o god_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n 5_o because_o in_o all_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o especial_a regard_n have_v unto_o himself_o and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o his_o mediation_n 1_o luke_n 18.1_o chap._n 21.36_o rom._n 12.5_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 2._o 2_o ephe._n 4.8_o 12_o 13._o rom._n 8.15_o 16._o gal._n 4.6_o 3_o act_n 2.42_o 1_o tim._n 4.5_o 4_o rev._n 8_o 3_o 4._o heb._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o chap._n 6.20_o chap._n 10.20.21_o 22._o 5_o john_n 14.13_o chap._n 15.16_o 22_o 26._o ephe._n 3.14_o 15._o qu._n 36._o may_v not_o the_o church_n in_o the_o solemn_a warship_n of_o god_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v use_n of_o and_o content_v itself_o in_o the_o use_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n compose_v by_o other_o and_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o an._n so_o to_o do_v will_v be_v 1_o contrary_a to_o one_o principal_a end_n of_o prayer_n itself_o which_o be_v that_o believer_n may_v therein_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o spiritual_a supply_n according_a to_o the_o present_a condition_n want_n and_o exigency_n of_o their_o soul_n 2_o to_o the_o maâ—n_a end_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n aim_v at_o in_o supply_v man_n with_o gift_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mimistry_n tend_v to_o render_v the_o the_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o church_n preservation_n and_o continuance_n néedless_a and_o useless_a moreover_o 3_o it_o will_v render_v the_o discharge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n unto_o several_a precept_n and_o exhortation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o use_n stir_v up_o and_o exercise_v of_o their_o gift_n impossible_a and_o 4_o thereby_o hinder_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n 1_o rom._n 8.26_o phil._n 4.6_o heb._n 4.16_o 1_o pet._n 4.7_o 2_o ephes._n 4.8_o 12_o 13._o 3_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 2_o tim._n 1.6_o 7._o colos._n 4.17_o matth._n 25.14_o 15_o 16._o 4_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o quest._n 37._o be_v the_o constant_a work_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n necessary_a answ._n it_o be_v so_o both_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o minister_n themselves_o of_o who_o that_o duty_n be_v strict_o require_v and_o who_o principal_o therein_o labour_n and_o watch_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o flock_n and_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o fartherance_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n by_o instruction_n reproof_n exhortation_n and_o consolation_n matth._n 24.45_o 46_o 47_o 48_o 49_o 50_o 51._o rom._n 12.7_o 8._o 1_o cor._n 9_o 17_o 18._o ephes._n 4.12_o 13._o 1_o tim._n 4_o 15_o 16._o chap._n 5.17_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o chap._n 3.14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o chapter_n 4.2_o quest._n 38._o who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o baptism_n answ._n profess_v believer_n if_o not_o baptize_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o their_o infant_n séed_o matth._n 28.19_o act_n 2.38_o 39_o act_n 16.33_o 1_o cor._n 1.16_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o colos._n 2.12_o 13._o with_o genesis_n 17.10_o 11_o 12._o quest._n 39_o where_o and_o to_o who_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n to_o be_v administer_v answ._n in_o the_o church_n or_o assembly_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o right_o prepare_v and_o due_o assemble_v or_o to_o such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v so_o assemble_v 1_o cor._n 11.20_o 21_o 22_o 28_o 29_o 33._o acts._n 2.46_o quest._n 40._o how_o often_o be_v that_o ordinance_n to_o be_v administer_v answ._n every_o first_o day_n of_o the_o wéek_v or_o at_o least_o as_o often_o as_o opportunity_n and_o conveniency_n may_v be_v obtain_v 1_o cor._n 11.26_o act_n 20.7_o quest._n 41._o what_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n answ._n it_o consist_v in_o the_o due_a exereise_n of_o that_o authority_n and_o power_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o and_o by_o his_o word_n have_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o its_o continuance_n increase_n and_o preservation_n in_o purity_n order_n and_o holiness_n according_a to_o his_o appointment_n matth._n 16.19_o rom._n 12.8_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 5_o 6._o rev._n 2.2_o 20._o explication_n sundry_a thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v about_o this_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n as_o first_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o grant_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n make_v unto_o it_o by_o jesus_n christ_n as_o mediator_n head_n king_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n for_o all_o discipline_n be_v a_o act_n of_o power_n and_o this_o be_v exercise_v in_o and_o about_o thing_n internal_a and_o spiritual_a no_o man_n can_v of_o themselves_o or_o by_o grant_n of_o any_o other_o have_v any_o right_a or_o authority_n to_o or_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o whoever_o have_v any_o interest_n herein_o or_o right_o hereunto_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v unto_o he_o from_o above_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o as_o mediator_n and_o head_n of_o his_o church_n for_o as_o all_o church_n power_n be_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n by_o the_o authority_n and_o grant_n of_o the_o father_n vest_v in_o he_o alone_o matth._n 28.18_o ephes._n 1.20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o so_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o be_v spiritual_a the_o object_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o conscience_n and_o gospel_n privilege_n of_o believer_n with_o the_o end_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n with_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v all_o manifest_a that_o it_o can_v have_v no_o other_o right_a nor_o foundation_n this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v to_o be_v fix_v that_o no_o authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v derive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v speak_v before_o second_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o lord_n christ_n do_v communicate_v this_o power_n and_o authority_n unto_o his_o church_n be_v his_o word_n or_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n concern_v it_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o be_v exact_o limit_v and_o bound_v thereby_o and_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n can_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v grant_v and_o convey_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o word_n see_v that_o christ_n communicate_v no_o power_n or_o authority_n any_o other_o way_n what_o ever_o of_o that_o nature_n be_v beside_o it_o or_o beyond_o it_o be_v mere_a usurpation_n and_o null_n in_o its_o exercise_n herein_o be_v the_o commission_n of_o the_o guide_n and_o rule_n