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state_n faith_n grace_n justification_n 1,459 5 9.0615 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39931 A gospel-church, or, God's holy temple opened wherein is shewed from the scriptures ... / by Stephen Ford ... Ford, Stephen, d. 1694. 1675 (1675) Wing F1510; ESTC R23167 209,792 396

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may_v know_v in_o measure_n how_o dear_o he_o love_v we_o and_o how_o dear_a we_o have_v cost_v there_o we_o may_v see_v our_o sin_n pardon_v person_n accept_v god_n reconcile_v and_o well-pleased_n &_o there_o we_o may_v hear_v he_o say_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o prison_n for_o i_o have_v find_v and_o accept_v a_o ransom_n sure_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o powerful_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n to_o produce_v and_o provoke_v to_o repentance_n yea_o pure_a gospel-repentance_n in_o believer_n than_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v for_o here_o be_v present_v to_o we_o all_o the_o great_a and_o strong_a gospel-motive_n to_o unfeigned_a spiritual_a and_o gospel-repentance_n to_o melt_v &_o soften_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v love_n &_o grace_n the_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o acceptance_n and_o of_o be_v sanctify_v and_o save_v that_o provoke_v and_o produce_v repentance_n unto_o life_n not_o fear_n and_o dread_a of_o divine_a wrath_n and_o vengeance_n not_o the_o bare_a sight_n and_o conviction_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o future_a punishment_n no_o but_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n or_o hope_v at_o least_o of_o our_o person_n be_v love_v and_o accept_v into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o of_o our_o be_v acquit_v and_o justify_v through_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o do_v it_o 9_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o admire_v adore_v and_o praise_v the_o great_a and_o free_a love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n they_o do_v in_o and_o by_o this_o ordinance_n set_v off_o and_o commend_v their_o free_a eternal_a and_o distinguish_a love_n and_o grace_n unto_o believer_n and_o thereby_o give_v they_o occasion_n of_o praising_n admire_v and_o adore_v it_o these_o be_v some_o of_o god_n holy_a and_o gracious_a end_n in_o appoint_v this_o ordinance_n for_o and_o give_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o these_o and_o whatever_o other_o use_n and_o end_n there_o be_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v diligent_o seek_v out_o and_o understand_v by_o all_o believer_n and_o be_v sound_n out_o they_o shall_v be_v careful_o diligent_o and_o faithful_o aim_v at_o and_o pursue_v by_o they_o well_o then_o do_v you_o join_v issue_n with_o god_n aim_v at_o and_o carry_v on_o the_o holy_a end_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o by_o your_o so_o do_v you_o will_v please_v and_o honour_v he_o and_o great_o profit_v your_o own_o soul_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o preparation_n of_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o what_o be_v require_v of_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o ans_fw-fr there_o qualification_n and_o preparation_n be_v twofold_a 1._o a_o state_n qualification_n or_o worthiness_n 2._o a_o habitual_a and_o practical_a or_o actual_a fitness_n 1._o a_o state-worthiness_n or_o qualification_n which_o in_o brief_a be_v this_o or_o consist_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o regeneration_n 2._o union_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n 1_o regeneration_n or_o a_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a as_o to_o salvation_n joh._n 3.3_o 5._o so_o to_o fit_v and_o qualify_v man_n to_o and_o for_o every_o good_a work_n without_o regeneration_n or_o be_v bear_v again_o we_o can_v believe_v repent_v or_o obey_v the_o gospel_n in_o a_o right_n and_o acceptable_a manner_n without_o this_o change_n of_o nature_n we_o can_v love_v god_n nor_o fear_n god_n we_o can_v know_v he_o right_o nor_o worship_v he_o spiritual_o joh._n 4.23_o 24._o phil._n 3.3_o for_o we_o can_v worship_v he_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n until_o we_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o of_o his_o special_a grace_n to_o do_v it_o withal_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o heb._n 12_o 28._o in_o our_o unregenerate_a state_n we_o be_v blind_a and_o dark_a eph._n 5.8_o dead_a in_o sin_n eph._n 2.1.5_o enemy_n to_o god_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n rom._n 5.10_o eph._n 2.12_o we_o be_v carnal_a and_o vain_a hard-hearted_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o unbelief_n yea_o we_o be_v hater_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o excessive_a lover_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n and_o altogether_o void_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o real_a love_n and_o pity_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n now_o then_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n eph._n 2.10_o for_o till_o then_o we_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o do_v they_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n how_o then_o can_v we_o receive_v and_o partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n worthy_o until_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o make_v new_a creature_n how_o can_v we_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n 1_o cor._n 11.29_o and_o how_o can_v we_o understand_v the_o mystery_n and_o take_v in_o the_o profit_n of_o christ_n his_o death_n to_o our_o soul_n until_o we_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o receive_v it_o in_o faith_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n until_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n be_v form_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o until_o our_o heart_n be_v bow_v and_o melt_v by_o grace_n into_o the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o worship_n god_n and_o celebrate_v this_o ordinance_n with_o lively_a heart_n whilst_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o how_o can_v we_o apply_v the_o seal_n to_o that_o grace_n which_o we_o have_v not_o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o all_o that_o receive_v this_o holy_a seal_n be_v regenerate_v and_o make_v new_a creature_n for_o how_o can_v that_o ordinance_n feed_v and_o nourish_v that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o be_v namely_o the_o new_a creature_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o faith_n also_o they_o must_v be_v in_o he_o and_o have_v relation_n to_o he_o as_o live_v member_n to_o their_o head_n 2_o cor._n 5.17_o col._n 2.6_o christ_n must_v be_v they_o and_o they_o must_v be_v his_o by_o faith_n or_o they_o can_v claim_v he_o as_o they_o nor_o receive_v any_o benefit_n by_o his_o death_n for_o else_o how_o can_v they_o join_v with_o christ_n in_o his_o say_n take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24._o but_o i_o must_v hasten_v 2._o they_o must_v have_v a_o habitual_a worthiness_n or_o meetness_n for_o the_o right_n receive_v and_o due_a celebration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n likewise_o i_o mean_v a_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a ready_a and_o accurate_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o heart_n to_o &_o for_o it_o they_o must_v have_v their_o sight_n faith_n and_o love_v ready_a in_o act_n and_o exercise_n or_o they_o be_v not_o can_v be_v meet_a partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o regeneration_n but_o they_o must_v be_v also_o in_o or_o qualify_v with_o a_o habitual_a frame_n posture_n and_o disposition_n of_o heart_n to_o receive_v and_o celebrate_v it_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o profit_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n tit._n 3.1_o their_o heart_n and_o grace_n must_v be_v ready_o fix_v and_o tune_v for_o the_o work_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v of_o they_o or_o at_o a_o loss_n concern_v they_o when_o they_o shall_v honour_v christ_n with_o and_o get_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o they_o psal_n 57.7_o psal_n 108.1_o psal_n 112.7_o this_o habitual_a meetness_n or_o worthiness_n qualification_n or_o preparation_n call_v it_o which_o you_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n especial_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v labour_v all_o you_o can_v to_o obtain_v it_o 2._o there_o be_v a_o practical_a and_o actual_a meetness_n and_o preparedness_n for_o the_o worthy_a and_o acceptable_a receive_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n also_o that_o be_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o 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to_o nourish_v strengthen_v and_o refresh_v the_o city_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v make_v fat_a and_o fruitful_a the_o spring_n treasure_n and_o fountain_n of_o love_n and_o grace_n be_v open_v in_o and_o to_o the_o church_n and_o there_o christ_n jesus_n cause_v the_o horn_n of_o his_o david_n to_o flourish_v psal_n 132.17_o in_o a_o church-state_n believer_n live_v in_o the_o stream_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v grow_v there_o as_o willow_n by_o the_o watercourse_n esa_n 44.4_o for_o there_o they_o may_v with_o joy_n draw_v water_n out_o of_o these_o well_n of_o salvation_n esa_n 12.3_o the_o more_o obedient_a believer_n be_v to_o the_o will_n of_o their_o king_n the_o more_o he_o will_v bless_v they_o and_o communicate_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o grace_n to_o they_o joh_n 14.13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 21_o 23._o joh._n 15.7_o 10._o now_o in_o a_o church-state_n they_o do_v give_v up_o themselves_o in_o universal_a profess_a and_o 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still_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o old_a age_n they_o shall_v be_v fat_a and_o flourish_a well_o might_n david_n say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o dwell_v in_o thy_o house_n psal_n 84.4_o for_o great_a and_o glorious_a be_v their_o provision_n privilege_n and_o advantage_n to_o help_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o journey_n towards_o heaven_n god_n have_v also_o promise_v to_o bless_v yea_o abundant_o to_o bless_v his_o church_n provision_n and_o to_o satisfy_v their_o poor_a with_o bread_n that_o be_v to_o fill_v and_o empower_v his_o ordinance_n and_o their_o ministry_n with_o his_o presence_n grace_n and_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v great_o profit_v their_o soul_n and_o nourish_v they_o up_o to_o eternal_a life_n psal_n 132.15_o 16._o 4._o god_n love_v &_o delight_v most_o in_o his_o church_n or_o in_o believer_n walk_v together_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o inchurch_v state_n psal_n 87.2_o 3._o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob._n glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o thou_o o_o city_n of_o god_n selah_n eph._n 3.17_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o viz_o zion_n vers_fw-la 16._o ●is_n mighty_a he_o will_v save_v he_o will_v rejoice_v over_o thou_o with_o joy_n he_o will_v rest_v in_o his_o love_n he_o will_v rejoice_v over_o thou_o with_o sing_v where_o man_n love_v and_o delight_v most_o there_o they_o be_v most_o free_a and_o liberal_a to_o such_o they_o be_v most_o bountiful_a and_o open_a hand_a so_o be_v god_n to_o his_o church_n because_o they_o be_v in_o their_o holy_a walk_v the_o great_a object_n of_o his_o love_n and_o delight_n of_o his_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v therefore_o i_o say_v they_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n and_o favour_n 5._o church_n or_o believer_n in_o a_o church-state_n do_v christ_n more_o service_n than_o when_o they_o walk_v single_o and_o out_o of_o that_o gospel-way_n and_o 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glitter_a light_n and_o beauty_n on_o each_o other_o and_o so_o make_v a_o more_o lovely_a and_o glorious_a sight_n to_o beholder_n there_o they_o do_v or_o may_v wait_v on_o god_n their_o father_n and_o christ_n their_o head_n and_o king_n with_o their_o praise_n and_o melodious_a harp_n and_o that_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o soul_n psal_n 65.1_o their_o harmonious_a consent_n in_o breathe_v forth_o their_o oneness_n love_n faith_n hope_n and_o delight_n into_o one_o another_o heart_n do_v great_o raise_v heat_n and_o animate_v one_o another_o in_o pour_v out_o their_o joint_a love_n affection_n and_o praise_n into_o the_o ear_n and_o heart_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v most_o lovely_a and_o pleasant_a unto_o he_o cant._n 2.14_o 6._o they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o great_a trouble_n from_o the_o world_n in_o a_o church-state_n than_o in_o walk_v single_o a_o church_n be_v as_o a_o beacon_n set_v on_o a_o hill_n which_o be_v visible_a to_o all_o beholder_n and_o by_o their_o public_a 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privilege_v with_o more_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n so_o likewise_o with_o mutual_a help_n and_o assistance_n from_o one_o another_o their_o nearness_n in_o union_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n their_o knowledge_n of_o and_o acquaintance_n with_o each_o other_o together_o with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o enjoin_v they_o thereunto_o and_o brotherly_a love_n result_v from_o all_o capacitates_fw-la enable_v quicken_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o more_o and_o constant_a usefulness_n to_o one_o another_o than_o otherwise_o they_o can_v or_o will_v be_v their_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a intimacy_n and_o communion_n beget_v and_o preserve_v warm_a hearty_a and_o strong_a love_n and_o affection_n one_o to_o another_o which_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o mind_n and_o do_v their_o external_a duty_n to_o each_o other_o it_o prompt_v and_o put_v they_o upon_o sympathize_v one_o with_o another_o on_o watch_v 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when_o we_o meet_v let_v our_o come_n together_o be_v for_o the_o better_a and_o not_o for_o the_o worse_o sure_o i_o think_v it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o give_v i_o love_a visit_n as_o well_o as_o i_o you_o and_o that_o when_o you_o come_v you_o show_v a_o readiness_n to_o spend_v our_o time_n and_o improve_v our_o visit_n to_o the_o profit_n of_o our_o soul_n unless_o the_o meeting_n be_v design_v for_o other_o business_n the_o strangeness_n of_o some_o be_v no_o small_a burden_n to_o my_o spirit_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o their_o conscience_n do_v dispense_v with_o such_o omission_n how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o such_o do_v real_o love_v one_o another_o who_o regard_v not_o each_o other_o company_n nor_o though_o they_o live_v near_o together_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o give_v they_o a_o visit_n in_o a_o whole_a year_n together_o for_o true_a love_n incline_v to_o communion_n free_a and_o openhearted_n society_n together_o and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v burdensome_a to_o 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host_n mal._n 2.7_o mark_v it_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v always_o or_o most_o go_v to_o their_o people_n but_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v to_o they_o thus_o the_o disciple_n come_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o their_o case_n and_o true_o friend_n you_o will_v great_o rejoice_v my_o heart_n if_o i_o may_v see_v the_o same_o practise_v by_o you_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o serious_a manner_n i_o do_v assure_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v very_o welcome_a to_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v most_o free_o afford_v you_o my_o help_n and_o give_v you_o what_o assistance_n i_o can_v and_o i_o do_v further_o request_v and_o entreat_v you_o that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o visit_v you_o that_o then_o i_o may_v find_v you_o ready_a to_o entertain_v i_o with_o some_o profitable_a discourse_n that_o may_v better_v we_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n for_o that_o be_v the_o best_a entertainment_n i_o desire_v or_o expect_v from_o you_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v turn_v to_o the_o best_a account_n now_o and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n these_o be_v some_o of_o my_o reasonable_a request_n to_o you_o for_o myself_o which_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o deny_v i_o 2._o i_o have_v a_o few_o request_n to_o you_o for_o god_n and_o your_o head_n and_o king_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1._o that_o you_o will_v still_o remember_v how_o you_o have_v receive_v he_o as_o your_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o col._n 2.6_o examine_v the_o foundation_n you_o stand_v upon_o and_o take_v not_o up_o with_o reformation_n without_o regeneration_n and_o real_a union_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o too_o too_o many_o church-member_n sit_v down_o short_a of_o christ_n a_o new_a state_n and_o a_o thorough_a change_n of_o heart_n that_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o their_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n and_o with_o their_o church-priviledge_n we_o read_v of_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n in_o fellowship_n with_o five_o wise_a virgin_n and_o we_o read_v of_o bad_a fish_n in_o the_o net_n with_o the_o good_a of_o tare_n grow_v among_o the_o good_a wheat_n and_o of_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o church_n which_o christ_n shall_v gather_v out_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n matth._n 25.2_o matth._n 13.47_o 48_o 49_o 50._o isa_n 33.14_o take_v good_a heed_n that_o none_o of_o you_o be_v such_o you_o have_v pass_v the_o test_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o they_o take_v you_o for_o true_a saint_n in_o their_o char_n table_n judgement_n but_o you_o may_v be_v notorious_a hypocrite_n for_o all_o that_o and_o you_o must_v pass_v under_o the_o infallible_a trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n too_o who_o can_v and_o will_v make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o you_o therefore_o do_v you_o endeavour_v to_o know_v your_o own_o state_n by_o serious_a and_o diligent_a search_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o 2_o pet._n 1.10_o you_o may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n you_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o his_o people_n in_o church-fellowship_n whilst_o you_o be_v stranger_n to_o christ_n and_o know_v that_o if_o you_o be_v hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n you_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o you_o defile_v his_o holy_a temple_n and_o his_o soul_n abhor_v you_o but_o i_o say_v if_o upon_o your_o serious_a trial_n of_o yourselves_o you_o find_v indeed_o that_o you_o be_v new_a creature_n and_o have_v real_o receive_v christ_n the_o lord_n on_o his_o own_o term_n then_o do_v you_o walk_v in_o he_o and_o worthy_a of_o he_o col._n 1.10_o own_o he_o trust_v he_o love_v he_o obey_v he_o subject_a and_o live_v to_o he_o as_o to_o your_o head_n lord_n and_o king_n receive_v and_o walk_v by_o his_o law_n and_o rule_n only_o and_o give_v he_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o headship_n and_o authority_n over_o you_o in_o and_o by_o your_o so_o do_v luk._n 6.46_o remember_v that_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n buy_v with_o a_o price_n even_o the_o price_n of_o christ_n blood_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v his_o servant_n and_o subject_n therefore_o be_v you_o not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n in_o his_o matter_n and_o concernment_n 1_o cor._n 7.23_o 2._o do_v you_o stand_v up_o and_o be_v zealous_a for_o and_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o your_o lord_n and_o king_n rev._n 3.19_o you_o be_v redeem_v to_o it_o tit._n 2.14_o and_o your_o head_n expect_v it_o from_o you_o keep_v your_o heart_n with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o suffer_v no_o stranger_n no_o lust_n self_n or_o any_o creature_n to_o usurp_v and_o possess_v his_o throne_n in_o you_o show_v your_o zeal_n against_o all_o intruder_n and_o fight_v they_o off_o when_o ever_o they_o assault_v you_o or_o attempt_v to_o get_v possession_n of_o your_o heart_n be_v you_o zealous_a for_o and_o in_o his_o pure_a gospel-worship_n and_o ordinance_n for_o and_o in_o uphold_v sanctify_a and_o celebrate_v of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n 3._o encourage_v and_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n in_o each_o other_o heart_n and_o to_o enrich_v one_o another_o with_o the_o truth_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v for_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o you_o will_v thereby_o please_v and_o glorify_v he_o 1_o thes_n 5.11_o judas_n 20._o you_o shall_v labour_v to_o augment_v increase_n and_o nourish_v the_o grace_n comfort_n and_o experience_n provoke_v strengthen_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o to_o love_n trust_v fear_v honour_n and_o serve_v christ_n more_o and_o better_a for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v you_o 1_o thes_n 5.18_o 4._o honour_n christ_n by_o reprove_v your_o sinning-brethren_n and_o endeavour_v all_o you_o can_v to_o hide_v it_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o and_o to_o restore_v they_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n not_o suffer_v sin_n to_o rest_n upon_o they_o gal._n 6.1_o leu._n 19.17_o lift_v they_o out_o of_o the_o ditch_n of_o sin_n whereinto_o temptation_n have_v cast_v they_o and_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a secrecy_n and_o privacy_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o your_o brethren_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n who_o have_v sin_v sin_n especial_o in_o church-member_n carry_v reproach_n in_o its_o mouth_n on_o christ_n his_o way_n and_o temple_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n and_o reason_n and_o for_o the_o selfsame_a cause_n that_o we_o be_v to_o honour_n christ_n and_o prevent_v all_o reproach_n to_o his_o name_n gospel_n and_o people_n we_o shall_v hide_v each_o other_o sin_n as_o long_o as_o possible_a and_o there_o be_v hope_n and_o endeavour_v private_o to_o heal_v offence_n and_o
his_o gospel-ordinance_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a profit_n rom._n 1.5_o 6._o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o heb._n 3.1_o 1_o pet._n 2.5_o eph._n 2.21_o 22._o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o eph._n 2.1.5_o col._n 2.6_o 2_o thes_n 1.5_o this_o church_n so_o unite_v and_o build_v be_v call_v a_o church_n a_o house_n a_o temple_n habitation_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n and_o they_o own_v it_o as_o their_o own_o call_v it_o by_o their_o own_o name_n and_o confirm_v it_o with_o their_o presence_n in_o it_o and_o as_o such_o a_o church_n it_o be_v the_o proper_a seat_n and_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o gospel-worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o other_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o here_o only_o take_v these_o sew_v hint_n of_o this_o church_n along_o with_o you_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o institute_v church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n namely_o a_o 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and_o of_o no_o more_o than_o may_v convenient_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o gospel-ordinance_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n now_o how_o many_o person_n precise_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v and_o constitute_v such_o a_o formal_a church_n i_o can_v determine_v but_o undoubted_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o number_n as_o may_v orderly_o and_o regular_o deal_v with_o and_o proceed_v against_o a_o delinquent-member_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n in_o mat._n 18._o and_o as_o the_o church_n shall_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o so_o it_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o person_n in_o it_o than_o as_o be_v say_v may_v comfortable_o and_o convenient_o meet_v or_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o one_o place_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v one_o congregation_n by_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o agreement_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o 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ordinance_n 4_o because_o a_o church_n ought_v to_o observe_v ordinance_n and_o worship_n god_n as_o a_o church_n and_o not_o as_o or_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o single_a and_o individual_a believer_n but_o as_o a_o unite_a body_n and_o society_n they_o must_v all_o at_o once_o and_o in_o the_o same_o numerical_a duty_n and_o ordinance_n in_o one_o place_n join_v together_o as_o with_o one_o heart_n mouth_n mind_n and_o judgement_n design_v aim_v at_o and_z carrying_z on_o the_o same_o holy_a end_n in_o all_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n therefore_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o exceed_v such_o a_o number_n of_o member_n as_o may_v convenient_o meet_v altogether_o in_o one_o place_n 1_o cor._n 5.4_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o head_n chap._n ii_o show_v that_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 3._o question_n whether_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n answ_n they_o be_v appoint_v and_o institute_v of_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o will_v appear_v in_o or_o by_o these_o particular_n first_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o former_a and_o builder_n of_o they_o the_o text_n be_v clear_a for_o it_o in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n vers_fw-la 22._o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n by_o paul_n unto_o the_o particular_a congregational_a church_n of_o the_o believe_a ephesian_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n 27_o 28._o rev._n 2.1_o where_o the_o lord_n jesus_n call_v they_o a_o distinct_a household_n church_n or_o body_n of_o saint_n gather_v or_o join_v together_o in_o his_o name_n for_o his_o glory_n the_o celebration_n of_o his_o worship_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n i_o say_v christ_n style_v they_o a_o church_n and_o speak_v to_o they_o as_o a_o church_n and_o distinct_a 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a_o church_n and_o then_o he_o join_v they_o together_o and_o make_v they_o a_o holy_a and_o glorious_a temple_n or_o church_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o and_o chap._n 5.27_o so_o that_o we_o have_v enough_o to_o confirm_v this_o truth_n viz._n that_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n in_o this_o one_o particular_a namely_o because_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o former_a and_o builder_n of_o they_o mat._n 16.18_o isa_n 43.21_o second_o it_o further_o appear_v by_o the_o lord_n be_v own_v of_o they_o promise_v and_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o which_o he_o will_v never_o do_v if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n but_o now_o the_o lord_n declare_v his_o own_n of_o and_o promise_v his_o presence_n and_o abode_n with_o they_o as_o his_o church_n jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o by_o
then_o the_o stony_a ground_n will_v be_v in_o as_o good_a and_o safe_a a_o condition_n as_o the_o good_a ground_n but_o the_o contrary_n be_v apparent_a matth._n 13._o and_o matth._n 7._o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v not_o build_v on_o christ_n by_o faith_n but_o be_v voct_v in_o themselves_o and_o build_v their_o vain_a hope_n on_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n job_n 8._o matth._n 7._o and_o in_o many_o other_o scripture_n be_v manifest_a therefore_o if_o there_o person_n be_v not_o build_v on_o christ_n their_o church-state_n be_v not_o but_o upon_o the_o sand._n hence_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o only_o sound_a believer_n be_v build_v on_o christ_n and_o so_o they_o be_v the_o person_n only_o that_o christ_n will_v have_v build_v up_o into_o holy-temple_n because_o the_o church_n that_o christ_n build_v he_o himself_o say_v he_o will_v build_v upon_o himself_o that_o they_o may_v stand_v inpregnable_o in_o all_o weather_n and_o that_o be_v only_o of_o such_o as_o be_v 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church_n take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o people_n and_o to_o walk_v by_o his_o law_n and_o as_o the_o fall_n of_o they_o will_v be_v a_o reproach_n to_o christ_n so_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o grief_n and_o scandal_n to_o the_o weak_a member_n of_o christ_n also_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o or_o out_o of_o those_o church_n thus_o fall_v and_o it_o will_v great_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o sinner_n against_o the_o good_a way_n of_o god_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reality_n in_o his_o gospel_n religion_n and_o therefore_o christ_n can_v endure_v to_o see_v his_o house_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o take_v care_n that_o all_o that_o he_o build_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n be_v so_o build_v and_o secure_v as_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o overthrow_v they_o nor_o by_o any_o mean_n prevail_v against_o they_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v found_v 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few_o word_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o a_o objection_n advance_v against_o this_o truth_n which_o be_v this_o but_o we_o read_v of_o tare_n in_o the_o field_n among_o the_o good_a wheat_n good_a and_o bad_a fish_n catch_v in_o the_o neat_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o also_o many_o evil_a member_n in_o several_a of_o the_o congregational_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o church_n may_v consist_v of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n all_o this_o may_v be_v true_a and_o yet_o the_o truth_n insist_v on_o not_o at_o all_o touch_v or_o weaken_v thereby_o it_o be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v evil_a member_n in_o those_o gospel_n church_n and_o they_o prove_v evil_a member_n indeed_o and_o great_a affliction_n to_o bless_a paul_n and_o the_o good_a member_n of_o they_o but_o what_o then_o aught_o they_o to_o have_v be_v there_o or_o be_v they_o know_v to_o be_v such_o indeed_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o 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holy_a end_n of_o god_n in_o desire_v communion_n with_o they_o as_o 1_o to_o enjoy_v god_n and_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o appointment_n 2_o to_o worship_n god_n there_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o give_v he_o your_o homage_n and_o service_n in_o his_o house_n 3_o to_o show_v and_o declare_v your_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o to_o make_v a_o public_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o he_o before_o man_n 4_o to_o receive_v of_o his_o grace_n to_o enrich_v your_o soul_n with_o his_o fullness_n and_o to_o be_v seal_v by_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o day_n of_o your_o redemption_n 5_o that_o you_o may_v walk_v orderly_a and_o beautiful_o and_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o world_n before_o saint_n and_o sinner_n 6_o that_o you_o may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n live_v under_o the_o watch_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n minister_n and_o of_o fellow_n member_n that_o by_o their_o inspection_n and_o faithful_a deal_n with_o you_o you_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o and_o bring_v back_o from_o sin_n to_o god_n by_o their_o wise_a reproof_n and_o holy_a instruction_n 7_o that_o you_o may_v yield_v up_o yourselves_o in_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o christ_n and_o do_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o command_v you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o right_a use_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o your_o purchase_a privilege_n and_o be_v secure_v against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v these_o and_o such_o like_a end_n in_o your_o mind_n and_o heart_n in_o your_o walk_n in_o church-fellowship_n and_o can_v you_o find_v the_o forementioned_a mark_n or_o sign_n of_o grace_n in_o you_o in_o measure_n though_o not_o so_o clear_o and_o full_o as_o you_o will_v why_o then_o i_o may_v bold_o and_o humble_o tell_v you_o that_o you_o be_v fit_v and_o qualify_v for_o church_n membership_n that_o you_o be_v call_v and_o invite_v into_o the_o house_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o that_o you_o be_v 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table_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v most_o free_o and_o hearty_o welcome_a to_o your_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v your_o unavoidable_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o house_n 5._o quest_n ought_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n especial_o the_o guide_n thereof_o to_o let_v in_o any_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n and_o way_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o they_o or_o ought_v they_o not_o to_o try_v and_o prove_v they_o first_o whether_o they_o be_v right_o qualify_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n for_o full_a membership_n with_o his_o people_n if_o so_o then_o what_o be_v the_o qualification_n they_o shall_v look_v for_o and_o find_v in_o they_o for_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n which_o they_o admit_v into_o the_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n ought_v not_o may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o lord_n holy_a temple_n because_o many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n and_o notorious_a scandalous_a in_o their_o life_n as_o sad_a and_o woeful_a experience_n show_v 2._o it_o have_v be_v i_o think_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o that_o not_o any_o but_o real-hearted_n sound_a believer_n be_v fit_a material_n for_o a_o house_n and_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o than_o a_o church_n or_o the_o guide_n thereof_o may_v not_o admit_v any_o into_o it_o but_o such_o only_a as_o they_o judge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o charitable_a discretion_n be_v such_o indeed_o although_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v be_v hypocrite_n but_o they_o may_v not_o admit_v they_o if_o they_o ground_o know_v or_o think_v they_o to_o be_v such_o for_o if_o they_o shall_v admit_v such_o against_o their_o knowledge_n they_o betray_v their_o trust_n and_o defile_v christ_n holy_a temple_n by_o take_v in_o such_o person_n as_o they_o know_v or_o aught_o to_o know_v christ_n will_v not_o have_v there_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o try_v and_o prove_v person_n that_o they_o may_v know_v their_o worthiness_n and_o fitness_n before_o they_o admit_v they_o in_o be_v clear_a in_o act_n 9.26_o and_o because_o christ_n have_v commit_v the_o key_n of_o his_o temple_n unto_o they_o to_o take_v in_o and_o put_v out_o according_a to_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n moreover_o he_o blame_v some_o for_o suffer_v tare_n if_o mean_v of_o person_n to_o be_v sow_v in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o not_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v and_o keep_v they_o out_o matth._n 13.25_o say_v he_o while_o man_n sleep_v the_o enemy_n come_v and_o sow_v tare_n that_o be_v while_o such_o as_o shall_v have_v keep_v the_o temple_n gate_n shut_v against_o they_o to_o have_v keep_v they_o out_o be_v negligent_a and_o careless_a of_o their_o duty_n for_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o have_v keep_v out_o the_o devil_n seed_n for_o what_o agreement_n have_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n with_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n &_o the_o rebel_n with_o the_o true_a subject_n of_o christ_n or_o as_o paul_n say_v what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 3._o as_o to_o satisfy_a qualification_n in_o person_n desire_v admission_n into_o church_n i_o say_v that_o when_o they_o have_v be_v well_o try_v and_o be_v find_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n such_o as_o christ_n have_v receive_v and_o competent_o qualify_v for_o church_n membership_n they_o ought_v to_o receive_v they_o in_o the_o lord_n rom._n 14.1_o rom._n 15.7_o 1._o if_o they_o can_v make_v forth_o and_o declare_v unto_o the_o church_n their_o at_o least_o seem_o regeneration_n conversion_n repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o christ_n their_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o way_n law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o their_o lose_a and_o perish_a state_n in_o sin_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o their_o sincere_a desire_n and_o resolution_n to_o become_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o walk_v with_o he_o unto_o all_o well-pleasing_a in_o all_o his_o way_n 2._o if_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o chief_a and_o principal_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n thereof_o although_o they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o err_v in_o lesser_a matter_n if_o they_o have_v some_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o faith_n concern_v these_o and_o other_o such_o truth_n and_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n wherein_o man_n be_v first_o create_v how_o he_o lose_v that_o holy_a and_o bless_a state_n and_o the_o misery_n he_o bring_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n into_o thereby_o concern_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n and_o condemn_v to_o eternal_a death_n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o and_o at_o enmity_n with_o god_n that_o they_o have_v neither_o will_v nor_o power_n by_o nature_n either_o to_o will_v or_o do_v that_o which_o they_o ought_v and_o be_v please_v to_o god_n that_o they_o have_v forsake_v god_n and_o be_v under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o child_n subject_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n world_n and_o their_o own_o lust_n that_o god_n leave_v not_o all_o man_n in_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n but_o provide_v a_o all-sufficient_a remedy_n namely_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o by_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n enter_v into_o with_o christ_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o man_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n tit._n 1.2_o 2_o tim._n 1.9_o prov._n 8._o and_o that_o in_o pursuance_n thereof_o he_o elect_v and_o give_v some_o to_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v
by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n in_o his_o first_o sermon_n after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o he_o and_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o act._n 2.39_o when_o he_o be_v about_o the_o set_n up_o of_o church_n and_o church-order_n law_n and_o ordinance_n among_o they_o say_v he_o repent_v you_o and_o be_v baptise_a why_o for_o the_o promise_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v a_o far_o off_o even_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v call_v which_o be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n give_v before_o to_o abraham_n and_o paul_n tell_v the_o galatian_n chapt._n 3.14_o that_o the_o blessing_n of_o abraham_n be_v come_v on_o the_o gentile_n through_o jesus_n christ_n this_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n be_v of_o mere_a institution_n and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o and_o by_o the_o gospel_n the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o neither_o be_v we_o bind_v to_o observe_v it_o but_o upon_o the_o command_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o we_o need_v no_o further_o warrant_v for_o our_o observation_n of_o it_o five_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v clear_o another_o church-ordinance_n and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v right_o and_o orderly_o administer_v and_o receive_v but_o in_o a_o regular_a church-state_n we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o believer_n that_o receive_v it_o or_o any_o officer_n that_o administer_v it_o after_o christ_n ascension_n but_o as_o they_o be_v congregat_v enchurched_n em-bodied_n and_o form_v into_o a_o holy_a temple_n but_o we_o read_v of_o church_n celebrate_v it_o as_o at_o jerusalem_n act_v 2._o corinth_n 1_o epistle_n 11._o and_o elsewhere_o we_o find_v the_o institution_n of_o this_o ordinance_n in_o matth._n 26.26_o 27_o 28._o mark_v 14.22_o 23_o 24._o luk._n 22.17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o to_o the_o end_n in_o this_o last_o scripture_n we_o have_v many_o weighty_a thing_n of_o and_o concern_v this_o great_a ordinance_n 1_o the_o institution_n its_o self_n 2_o the_o time_n when_o the_o same_o night_n in_o the_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v 3_o the_o institutor_n namely_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 4_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o lord_n jesus_n own_o practice_n he_o take_v bless_a break_v and_o give_v the_o bread_n and_o say_v take_v eat_z this_o be_v my_o body_n 2._o by_o commandment_n this_o do_v you_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o 5_o who_o shall_v receive_v it_o and_o how_o person_n shall_v be_v qualify_v and_o prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o 1._o with_o light_n and_o faith_n they_o must_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o to_o make_v suitable_a and_o pertinent_a application_n of_o all_o to_o themselves_o 2._o they_o must_v be_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o actual_o to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v in_o a_o state_n and_o practical_a fitness_n and_o readiness_n to_o meet_v christ_n in_o it_o to_o thank_v and_o praise_v he_o and_o to_o show_v forth_o his_o death_n until_o he_o come_v 6_o the_o danger_n and_o peril_n they_o be_v in_o who_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o use_v this_o holy_a ordinance_n unworthy_o 1._o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n 2._o of_o their_o own_o damnation_n 7_o we_o be_v inform_v of_o some_o of_o the_o sad_a effect_n their_o unworthy_a receive_n of_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n have_v on_o some_o of_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n six_o sing_v of_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a song_n be_v another_o church-ordinance_n or_o institution_n of_o christ_n eph._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o col._n 3.16_o mat._n 26.30_o mark_n 14.26_o this_o be_v a_o spiritual_a ordinance_n and_o duty_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o heart-warming_a soul-refreshing_a spirit-raising_a and_o grace-quickning_a ordinance_n to_o the_o well_o performance_n of_o it_o much_o special_a grace_n and_o diligent_a exercise_n of_o it_o as_o also_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a much_o wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n life_n and_o vigour_n care_n and_o watchfulness_n be_v requisite_a sincerity_n and_o faithfulness_n spirituality_n and_o heavenly-mindedness_a be_v needful_a for_o our_o acceptable_a observance_n of_o it_o to_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o cor._n 14.15_o col._n 3.16_o eph._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o sing_v praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n unto_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o none_o can_v right_o holy_o and_o acceptable_o do_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v institute_v it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o church-ordinance_n and_o as_o or_o because_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o make_v it_o one_o of_o his_o gospel-ordinance_n for_o his_o church_n that_o therefore_o they_o ought_v so_o to_o observe_v it_o sevent_o holy_a discourse_n and_o heavenly_a conference_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v another_o church_n ordinance_n which_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o mind_n and_o practice_v as_o they_o have_v ability_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o observation_n and_o celebrate_n of_o which_o they_o shall_v seek_v for_o occasion_n and_o season_n to_o meet_v together_o and_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v it_o and_o when_o they_o have_v they_o in_o their_o hand_n to_o use_v and_o improve_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o mutual_a profit_n and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v their_o lord_n ordinance_n for_o their_o good_a the_o neglect_n of_o which_o be_v doubtless_o one_o of_o the_o procure_a cause_n of_o those_o withering_n languish_n and_o most_o dreadful_a decay_n in_o grace_n and_o woeful_a backslide_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_o evident_a among_o church-member_n this_o useful_a profitable_a ordinance_n be_v once_o in_o esteem_n &_o much_o account_v of_o by_o believer_n but_o it_o be_v now_o almost_o lay_v aside_o &_o forget_v by_o they_o it_o be_v their_o delight_n but_o now_o their_o burden_n they_o make_v happy_a earning_n of_o it_o to_o their_o soul_n but_o now_o they_o fancy_v that_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v neither_o duty_n nor_o privilege_n in_o it_o but_o however_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v ever_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o their_o observation_n of_o it_o their_o privilege_n and_o duty_n judas_n 20._o building_n up_o yourselves_o in_o your_o most_o holy_a faith_n 1_o thes_n 5.11_o wherefore_o comfort_n yourselves_o together_o and_o edify_v one_o another_o even_o as_o also_o you_o do_v see_v also_o vers_fw-la 14._o and_o heb._n 3.13_o heb._n 10.24_o 25._o mal._n 3.16_o 17._o church-member_n must_v take_v heed_n that_o they_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o better_a and_o not_o for_o the_o worse_a as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 11.17_o that_o they_o so_o improve_v their_o occasional_a and_o determine_a meeting_n as_o to_o profit_n and_o better_a one_o another_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v serious_o frequent_o diligent_o spiritual_o and_o sincere_o observe_v of_o all_o church-member_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v so_o observe_v and_o practice_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o with_o holy_a design_n and_o aim_n namely_o to_o please_v and_o honour_n god_n and_o to_o profit_n and_o better_v their_o own_o and_o each_o other_o soul_n they_o will_v find_v it_o a_o exceed_a profitable_a ordinance_n to_o they_o for_o the_o promote_a and_o carry_v on_o the_o grace_n and_o interest_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o increase_v love_n one_o to_o another_o unite_v their_o heart_n and_o endear_v affection_n god_n will_v bless_v and_o empower_v it_o in_o your_o dependence_n on_o christ_n and_o his_o free_a grace_n to_o keep_v your_o conscience_n awake_v your_o affection_n warm_a and_o your_o heart_n ready_a to_o every_o good_a work_n eight_o church-discipline_n this_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v for_o the_o church_n regular_a and_o orderly_o walk_v for_o the_o prevent_n and_o cure_v disorder_n in_o they_o and_o there_o be_v as_o much_o need_n of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n as_o of_o any_o other_o as_o experience_n show_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v serious_o mind_v and_o consider_v wise_o and_o diligent_o observe_v and_o practise_v in_o the_o church_n as_o much_o as_o any_o other_o ordinance_n of_o god_n therein_o there_o be_v no_o church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v subject_n to_o disorder_n and_o too_o many_o irregularity_n because_o the_o lust_n temptation_n and_o carnal_a interest_n of_o some_o of_o the_o member_n be_v strong_a and_o impetuous_a which_o cause_v many_o distemper_n and_o disturbance_n in_o the_o