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
power_n consist_v in_o a_o relation_n unto_o the_o church_n that_o they_o be_v set_v over_o so_o they_o be_v command_v to_o attend_v unto_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o and_o whereunto_o they_o be_v so_o ordain_v act._n 20.28_o 1_o peter_n 1.2_o and_o that_o with_o all_o diligence_n care_n and_o watchfulness_n as_o those_o that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n heb._n 13.17_o which_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o do_v towards_o more_o church_n than_o one_o the_o same_o duty_n be_v at_o all_o time_n to_o be_v perform_v towards_o all_o and_o because_o the_o whole_a authority_n of_o the_o elder_n pastor_n or_o bishop_n of_o church_n be_v ministerial_a â—_o cor._n 4.1_o consist_v in_o a_o power_n of_o act_v upon_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o own_o person_n to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o office_n without_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o authority_n to_o delegate_v another_o or_o other_o to_o act_v their_o part_n or_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n which_o will_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o autocratorical_a authority_n and_o not_o of_o obedience_n or_o ministry_n the_o latter_a way_n also_o of_o relation_n unto_o many_o church_n be_v unwarrantable_a for_o 1_o it_o have_v no_o warrant_n in_o the_o scripture_n no_o law_n nor_o constitution_n of_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n can_v be_v produce_v to_o give_v it_o countenance_n but_o elder_n be_v ordain_v to_o their_o own_o church_n and_o command_v to_o attend_v unto_o they_o 2_o no_o rule_n be_v give_v unto_o any_o elder_n how_o they_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o reference_n unto_o more_o church_n than_o one_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o ministerial_a power_n as_o there_o be_v rule_v give_v unto_o every_o one_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o he_o be_v relate_v 3_o there_o be_v no_o example_n to_o give_v it_o countenance_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n 4_o the_o authority_n to_o be_v put_v forth_o have_v no_o foundation_n 1_o not_o in_o the_o gift_n they_o have_v receive_v for_o the_o ministerial_a power_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a ability_n or_o faculty_n of_o do_v what_o a_o man_n be_v able_a but_o a_o right_n whereby_o a_o man_n have_v power_n to_o do_v that_o right_o and_o lawful_o which_o before_o he_o can_v not_o do_v this_o gift_n will_v not_o give_v to_o any_o for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v do_v it_o to_o all_o that_o have_v receive_v they_o 2_o not_o in_o their_o election_n for_o they_o be_v choose_v in_o and_o by_o that_o church_n whereunto_o they_o stand_v in_o especial_a relation_n who_o choice_n can_v give_v ministerial_a power_n over_o any_o but_o themselves_o 3_o not_o in_o their_o set_n apart_o by_o fast_v prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n for_o this_o be_v only_o unto_o that_o office_n work_n and_o power_n whereunto_o they_o be_v choose_v they_o be_v not_o choose_v for_o one_o end_n and_o set_v apart_o for_o another_o 4_o not_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n for_o that_o give_v no_o new_a power_n but_o only_o a_o due_a exercise_n of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o receive_v qu._n 27._o what_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n an._n 1_o to_o be_v example_n unto_o the_o flock_n in_o faith_n love_n knowledge_n méekness_n patience_n readiness_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o constancy_n therein_o 2_o to_o watch_v for_o the_o soul_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o spiritual_a concernment_n of_o the_o whole_a flock_n commit_v to_o they_o 3_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n diligent_o divide_v it_o aright_o 4_o to_o preserve_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n 5_o to_o administer_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n due_o and_o orderly_o 6_o to_o stir_v up_o and_o exercise_v the_o gift_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a work_n and_o administration_n of_o all_o ordinance_n 7_o to_o instruct_v admonish_v cherish_v and_o comfort_n all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o condition_n occasion_n and_o necessity_n do_v require_v 8_o to_o attend_v with_o diligence_n skill_n and_o wisdom_n unto_o the_o discharge_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o 1_o 1_o tim._n 3.10_o 11_o 13._o chap._n 4.12_o 2_o tim._n 2.3_o coloss._n 1.24_o phil._n 2.17_o chap._n 3.17_o 2_o heb._n 13.17_o act_n 20.28_o 3_o 2_o tim._n 2.15_o 2_o tim._n 4.2_o rom._n 12.6_o 7_o 8._o 4_o 1_o tim._n 6.20_o act_n 20.28_o judas_n 3_o 5_o 1_o cor._n 4.1_o 2._o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o 6_o 1_o tim._n 4.14_o 15_o 16._o 7_o act_n 20.18_o 19_o 20_o 25_o 26._o 1_o thes._n 3.5_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o 25._o 8_o rom._n 12.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o answer_n be_v full_a and_o plain_a qu._n 28._o wherein_o principal_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v an._n 1_o in_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o guidance_n thereof_o in_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o 2_o whatever_o they_o do_v as_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n according_a unto_o rule_n they_o do_v it_o not_o in_o the_o name_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o their_o power_n be_v derive_v unto_o they_o nor_o as_o member_n only_o of_o the_o church_n by_o their_o own_o consent_n or_o covenant_n but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o who_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n their_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n be_v receive_v so_o that_o 3_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o act_n of_o church_n power_n by_z and_o with_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v a_o obligation_n thence_o proceed_v which_o arise_v immediate_o from_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o rule_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 13.7_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o 2_o 1_o tim._n 3.5_o coloss._n 4.17_o 2_o cor._n 10.4_o 8._o 3_o 1_o tim._n 4.11_o titus_n 2.15_o 1_o peter_n 1.2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o explication_n the_o answer_n unto_o this_o question_n explain_v the_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n from_o who_o they_o do_v receive_v it_o and_o how_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o the_o right_n state_v whereof_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o whole_a discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v therefore_o here_o be_v far_o explain_v to_o this_o end_n we_o may_v consider_v first_o that_o all_o church_n power_n be_v original_o vest_v in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o sole_a head_n and_o monarch_n thereof_o god_n the_o father_n have_v commit_v it_o unto_o he_o and_o entrust_v he_o with_o it_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o work_n of_o mediation_n matth._n 28.18_o second_o that_o he_o do_v communicate_v of_o this_o authority_n by_o way_n of_o trust_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o in_o his_o name_n unto_o person_n by_o he_o appoint_v so_o much_o as_o be_v needful_a for_o the_o order_n and_o dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o church_n unto_o the_o bless_a end_n for_o which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v they_o for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o power_n in_o his_o church_n for_o any_o end_n whatever_o but_o by_o delegation_n from_o he_o what_o be_v not_o receive_v from_o he_o be_v mere_a usurpation_n and_o whoever_o take_v upon_o himself_o the_o exercise_n of_o any_o rule_n or_o authority_n or_o power_n in_o the_o church_n not_o grant_v unto_o they_o by_o he_o or_o not_o right_o derive_v from_o he_o be_v a_o oppressor_n a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n this_o necessary_o follow_v upon_o the_o absolute_a investiture_n of_o all_o power_n in_o he_o alone_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o ephe._n 4.11_o 12._o three_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o lord_n christ_n communicate_v this_o power_n unto_o man_n be_v by_o his_o law_n and_o constitution_n whereby_o he_o have_v grant_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o such_o and_o such_o power_n shall_v be_v exercise_v in_o his_o church_n and_o that_o by_o such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o be_v derive_v unto_o they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n therein_o be_v the_o first_o recipient_a seat_n and_o subject_n moral_o of_o all_o church_n power_n whatever_o matth._n 16.19_o matth._n 18.18_o 19_o 20._o four_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o any_o person_n come_v to_o a_o participation_n of_o this_o power_n regular_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o obedience_n unto_o and_o due_a observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o command_n
to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v before_o declare_v and_o that_o be_v that_o which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v make_v the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o enter_v into_o his_o kingdom_n namely_o of_o be_v bear_v again_o john_n 3.33_o this_o work_n be_v secret_a hide_a and_o invisible_a the_o church_n can_v judge_v of_o direct_o and_o in_o its_o own_o form_n or_o nature_n but_o in_o the_o mean_n effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v testify_v unto_o it_o concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o its_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n it_o be_v require_v therefore_o of_o they_o first_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o conversation_n free_a from_o blame_n in_o the_o world_n for_o whereas_o one_o end_n of_o the_o gather_n of_o church_n be_v to_o hold_v forth_o and_o express_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o turn_v man_n from_o all_o ungodliness_n unto_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o honesty_n it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o be_v admit_v into_o they_o that_o they_o answer_v this_o end_n and_o this_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v communicate_v unto_o they_o that_o believe_v will_v effect_v and_o produce_v for_o although_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v attain_v a_o unblameable_a honesty_n in_o this_o world_n be_v inward_o quicken_v with_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o save_a grace_n yet_o it_o do_v that_o they_o who_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o principle_n will_v be_v so_o unblameable_a and_o although_o they_o may_v on_o other_o account_n be_v evil_a speak_v of_o yet_o their_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ_n will_v justify_v itself_o second_o competent_a knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v another_o mean_n whereby_o the_o great_a qualification_n inquire_v after_o be_v testify_v unto_o the_o church_n for_o as_o without_o this_o no_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v profitable_o make_v use_n of_o nor_o any_o duty_n of_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v so_o save_v light_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o conversion_n and_o do_v inseparable_o accompany_v it_o 2_o cor._n 4.6_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n where_o this_o be_v want_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o person_n to_o evidence_n that_o he_o be_v deliver_v from_o that_o blindness_n darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o all_o man_n be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n such_o a_o measure_n then_o of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n as_o whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o apprehend_v aright_o of_o the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o mediation_n the_o benefit_n thereof_o and_o the_o obedience_n that_o he_o require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o disciple_n be_v expect_v in_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n three_o hereunto_o be_v to_o be_v add_v soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o love_n and_o all_o the_o duty_n thereof_o which_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v towards_o the_o church_n call_v therefore_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n one_o faith_n ephes._n 4.5_o the_o common_a faith_n the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n judas_n 3_o which_o be_v the_o sound_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 1.10_o which_o those_o that_o will_v not_o endure_v must_v be_v turn_v from_o 2_o tim._n 4.3_o the_o faithful_a word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v fast_o tit._n 1.9_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o and_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v sound_a in_o tit._n 1.13_o contain_a in_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n as_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o and_o this_o soundness_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v improve_v unto_o oneness_n of_o mind_n and_o oneness_n of_o accord_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n phil._n 2.2_o though_o it_o may_v admit_v of_o some_o different_a apprehension_n in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o some_o may_v have_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n than_o other_o which_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o all_o may_v walk_v according_a to_o the_o same_o rule_n phil._n 3.15_o 16._o so_o it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o and_o by_o the_o faith_n whereof_o the_o church_n hold_v on_o the_o head_n jesus_n christ_n coloss._n 2.19_o and_o in_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o gospel_n worship_n the_o joint_a celebration_n whereof_o be_v the_o next_o end_n of_o the_o gather_v the_o church_n for_o without_o a_o consent_n of_o mind_n and_o accord_v herein_o no_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v unto_o edification_n nor_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v preserve_v and_o these_o principle_n be_v those_o which_o we_o have_v explain_v four_o it_o be_v require_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v testify_v by_o they_o unto_o the_o church_n with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n grace_n towards_o they_o and_o their_o resolution_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o same_o grace_n to_o cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n and_o to_o live_v in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o he_o they_o come_v to_o the_o church_n as_o disciple_n of_o christ_n profess_v that_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n which_o what_o it_o infer_v the_o apostle_n teach_v at_o large_a ephes._n 4.20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o see_v also_o act_v 11.23_o act_n 8.21_o 22_o 23._o and_o this_o by_o themselves_o to_o be_v testify_v unto_o the_o church_n first_o that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n as_o real_a partaker_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n hope_n and_o salvation_n with_o themselves_o as_o live_v member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ._n second_o that_o on_o all_o ensue_a occasion_n they_o may_v be_v mind_v of_o their_o own_o profession_n and_o engagement_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o thereby_o unto_o faithfulness_n steadfastness_n and_o perseverance_n hereupon_o be_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n to_o judge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o meekness_n concern_v their_o condition_n and_o meetness_n to_o be_v lay_v as_o live_a stone_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v 1._o reject_v false_a hypocritical_a pretender_n if_o in_o or_o by_o any_o mean_v their_o hypocrisy_n be_v discover_v unto_o they_o act_n 8.20_o 23._o titus_n 1.10_o jer._n 15.19_o 2._o that_o they_o may_v direct_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o way_n such_o as_o appear_v to_o be_v sincere_a instruct_v they_o principal_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n whereinto_o they_o be_v engage_v the_o duty_n danger_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o act_n 18.26_o act._n 14.22_o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23._o 3._o to_o propose_v they_o their_o condition_n their_o desire_n their_o resolution_n unto_o the_o church_n after_o their_o own_o expression_n of_o they_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o in_o love_n and_o meekness_n act_v 9.26_o 27._o whereupon_o those_o that_o be_v approve_v do_v give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o command_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o lord_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o abide_v in_o the_o fellowship_n thereof_o whereunto_o they_o be_v admit_v act_v 2.41_o 42._o quest._n 51._o wherein_o do_v the_o especial_a form_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n whereby_o it_o become_v such_o and_o be_v distinguish_v as_o such_o from_o all_o other_o consist_v answ._n in_o the_o special_a consent_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n numerical_o hence_o its_o constitution_n and_o distinction_n from_o other_o church_n do_v proceed_v exod._n 19.5_o 8._o chap._n 24.3_o 7._o deut._n 26.17_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o act_n 14.23_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 13.17_o explication_n it_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v what_o especial_a agreement_n or_o covenant_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o a_o due_a subjection_n unto_o and_o observance_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ._n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v it_o its_o special_a form_n and_o distinction_n from_o all_o other_o church_n in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o a_o church_n all_o church_n do_v agree_v and_o equal_o partake_v there_o be_v the_o same_o law_n of_o the_o constitution_n
account_n that_o the_o people_n may_v fear_v that_o glorious_a and_o dreadful_a name_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n deut._n 28.58_o which_o name_n he_o have_v so_o often_o engage_v in_o his_o command_n say_v thou_o shall_v do_v it_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n propose_v his_o authority_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o command_a and_o our_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n mat._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o jesus_n come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v all_o power_n be_v give_v i_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o all_o our_o obedience_n as_o the_o great_a and_o only_a lawgiver_n of_o his_o church_n as_o the_o one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v james_n 4.12_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n over_o his_o house_n heb._n 3.4_o 5_o 6._o unto_o who_o every_o knee_n be_v to_o bow_v and_o every_o conscience_n to_o be_v in_o subjection_n and_o he_o who_o hear_v not_o his_o voice_n be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o people_n of_o god_n act_v 3.23_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o soul_n which_o will_v not_o hear_v that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v destroy_v from_o among_o the_o people_n second_o god_n have_v frequent_o promise_v his_o special_a presence_n in_o and_o with_o his_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o old_a both_o unto_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o place_n wherein_o they_o be_v according_a to_o his_o appointment_n to_o be_v celebrate_v those_o of_o place_n be_v also_o of_o his_o special_a institution_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o difference_n of_o and_o respect_n unto_o place_n be_v take_v away_o john_n 4.21_o the_o hour_n come_v when_o you_o shall_v neither_o in_o this_o mountain_n nor_o yet_o at_o jerusalem_n worship_v the_o father_n but_o the_o hour_n come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n for_o the_o father_n seek_v such_o to_o worship_v he_o and_o we_o be_v command_v in_o all_o place_n equal_o to_o make_v our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n but_o his_o presence_n be_v promise_v and_o continue_v with_o the_o due_a celebration_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o by_o he_o appoint_v for_o his_o service_n maâ—_n 28.20_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 even_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o they_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n with_o man_n and_o he_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o they_o be_v his_o people_n rev._n 21.3_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n there_o he_o will_v be_v in_o midst_n of_o they_o mat._n 8.18_o 20._o and_o this_o promise_a presence_n of_o god_n or_o christ_n consist_v 1._o in_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n which_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n implant_v upon_o his_o ordinance_n to_o communicate_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n unto_o his_o church_n it_o be_v his_o covenant_n that_o his_o spirit_n shall_v accompany_v his_o word_n for_o ever_o unto_o that_o purpose_n isa._n 59.21_o 2._o in_o the_o special_a blessing_n which_o he_o give_v his_o people_n in_o those_o duty_n both_o in_o the_o acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o testify_v his_o good_a will_n unto_o they_o exod._n 29.42_o 43_o 45._o at_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n will_v i_o meet_v with_o the_o people_n say_v the_o lord_n there_o will_v i_o meet_v with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n shall_v be_v sanctify_v by_o my_o glory_n and_o i_o will_v dwell_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n zech._n 2.10_o 11._o ezek._n 20.40_o 41._o i_o will_v accept_v you_o with_o your_o sweet_a savour_n ezek._n 43.27_o in_o both_o give_v they_o intimate_a communion_n with_o himself_o by_o jesus_n christ_n john_n 1.3_o by_o all_o these_o he_o give_v that_o special_a presence_n which_o he_o require_v a_o especial_a reverence_n and_o regard_n of_o faith_n unto_o whereby_o his_o name_n be_v yet_o far_o sanctify_v 3._o god_n have_v give_v special_a promise_n or_o promise_n of_o his_o special_a grace_n unto_o they_o that_o attend_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o worship_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n and_o hereunto_o also_o belong_v that_o sacred_a relation_n which_o by_o virtue_n of_o divine_a institution_n be_v between_o the_o sacramental_a element_n and_o the_o especial_a grace_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o exhibit_v and_o confirm_v and_o the_o mix_n of_o these_o promise_n with_o faith_n according_a as_o they_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o any_o particular_a institution_n belong_v also_o to_o the_o right_a sanctification_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n so_o also_o 4._o do_v our_o delight_n in_o they_o now_o this_o delight_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n so_o much_o commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o propose_v unto_o our_o example_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o carnal_a self-pleasing_a or_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o outward_a mode_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a soul-refreshing_a contemplation_n on_o the_o will_v wisdom_n grace_n and_o condescension_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o be_v please_v of_o his_o own_o sovereign_n mere_a will_n and_o grace_n so_o to_o manifest_v himself_o unto_o such_o poor_a sinful_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v so_o to_o condescend_v unto_o out_o weakness_n so_o to_o communicate_v himself_o unto_o we_o so_o to_o excite_v and_o draw_v forth_o our_o soul_n unto_o himself_o and_o to_o give_v we_o such_o pledge_n of_o his_o gracious_a intercourse_n with_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o soul_n draw_v forth_o to_o delight_n in_o god_n last_o whereas_o great_a opposition_n lie_v oftentimes_o against_o the_o church_n obedience_n unto_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o much_o persecution_n befall_v it_o on_o that_o account_n great_a weariness_n also_o be_v apt_a from_o the_o remainder_n of_o unbelief_n carnal_a wisdom_n indwelling_a sin_n weakness_n of_o the_o flesh_n in_o believer_n themselves_o to_o arise_v in_o the_o course_n thereof_o and_o many_o temptation_n also_o beset_v they_o on_o every_o hand_n to_o turn_v they_o aside_o from_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a celebration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n belong_v unto_o this_o duty_n and_o this_o perseverance_n respect_v both_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n both_o which_o be_v of_o the_o high_a concernment_n for_o we_o diligent_o to_o attend_v unto_o first_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o herein_o do_v we_o principal_o glorify_v god_n and_o give_v due_a honour_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n when_o we_o abide_v in_o our_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o he_o and_o observance_n of_o his_o command_n against_o difficulty_n opposition_n and_o persecution_n this_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o rev._n 2.13_o thou_o hold_v fast_v my_o name_n and_o have_v not_o deny_v my_o faith_n even_o in_o those_o day_n wherein_o antipas_n be_v my_o faithful_a martyr_n who_o be_v slay_v among_o you_o where_o satan_n dwell_v and_o this_o he_o require_v of_o we_o indispensable_o if_o we_o will_v be_v his_o disciple_n or_o ever_o hope_v to_o obtain_v the_o reward_n mat._n 10.38_o 39_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o and_o it_o be_v he_o who_o endure_v unto_o the_o end_n that_o shall_v be_v save_v matth._n 24.13_o and_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v faithful_a unto_o the_o death_n and_o they_o alone_o do_v he_o give_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2.10_o give_v we_o caution_n not_o to_o lose_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v wrought_v that_o we_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a reward_n 2_o john_n 8._o and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o performance_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v regard_v in_o this_o duty_n of_o perseverance_n and_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n therein_o first_o the_o inward_a principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n our_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o be_v to_o be_v preserve_v from_o decay_n rev_n 2._o 4_o 5._o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n chap._n 3.3_o remember_v how_o thou_o have_v receive_v and_o hear_v and_o hold_v fast_o and_o repent_v second_o the_o outward_a manner_n of_o
towards_o each_o other_o be_v equal_a whence_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o that_o private_a pastoral_a admonition_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o teach_a office_n and_o power_n not_o direct_o belong_v unto_o the_o rule_n or_o government_n inquire_v after_o but_o this_o admonition_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o love_n and_o where_o it_o proceed_v not_o from_o thence_o it_o be_v irregular_a matth._n 18.16_o 17_o 18._o rom._n 15.14_o three_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o incumbent_a on_o every_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o in_o case_n of_o the_o neglect_n thereof_o he_o both_o sin_v against_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o make_v himself_o partaker_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o party_n offend_v and_o be_v also_o guilty_a of_o his_o danger_n and_o ruin_v thereby_o with_o all_o that_o disadvantage_n which_o will_v accrue_v to_o the_o church_n by_o any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o it_o continue_v in_o sin_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v not_o only_a liberty_n thus_o to_o admonish_v one_o another_o but_o it_o be_v their_o express_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n so_o to_o do_v the_o neglect_n whereof_o be_v interpret_v by_o god_n to_o be_v hatred_n of_o our_o brother_n such_o as_o wherewith_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v inconsistent_a levit_fw-la 19.17_o 1_o john_n 4.20_o chap._n 3.15_o four_o although_o this_o duty_n be_v personal_o incumbent_a on_o every_o individual_a member_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o offender_n be_v know_v to_o more_o than_o one_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o they_o joint_o take_v offence_n thereat_o they_o may_v together_o in_o the_o first_o instance_n admonish_v he_o which_o yet_o still_o be_v but_o the_o first_o and_o private_a admonition_n which_o be_v otherwise_o when_o other_o be_v call_v into_o assistance_n who_o be_v not_o themselves_o acquaint_v with_o the_o offence_n but_o only_o by_o information_n and_o join_v in_o it_o not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o be_v offend_v but_o of_o be_v desire_v according_a unto_o rule_n to_o give_v assistance_n to_o they_o that_o be_v so_o five_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v that_o it_o be_v do_v with_o prudence_n tenderness_n and_o due_a regard_n unto_o all_o circumstance_n whence_o the_o apostle_n suppose_v a_o spiritual_a ability_n to_o be_v necessary_a for_o this_o work_n rom._n 15.14_o you_o also_o be_v full_a of_o goodness_n fill_v with_o all_o knowledge_n also_o able_a to_o admonish_v one_o another_o especial_o four_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v diligent_o heed_v first_o that_o the_o whole_a duty_n be_v so_o manage_v that_o the_o person_n offend_v may_v be_v convince_v that_o it_o be_v do_v out_o of_o love_n to_o he_o and_o affectionate_a conscientious_a care_n over_o he_o that_o he_o may_v take_v no_o occasion_n thereby_o for_o the_o exasperation_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n second_o that_o the_o person_n admonish_v other_o of_o their_o offence_n do_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v in_o obedience_n unto_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o therein_o to_o preserve_v their_o own_o soul_n from_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o to_o benefit_v the_o offender_n three_o that_o the_o admonition_n be_v ground_v on_o a_o rule_n which_o alone_o give_v it_o authority_n and_o efficacy_n four_o that_o there_o be_v a_o readiness_n manifest_v by_o they_o to_o receive_v satisfaction_n either_o 1_o in_o case_n that_o upon_o trial_n it_o appear_v the_o information_n they_o have_v have_v of_o the_o miscarriage_n whence_o the_o offence_n arise_v be_v undue_a or_o not_o well_o ground_v or_o 2_o of_o acknowledgement_n and_o repentance_n six_o the_o end_n of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v 1._o to_o keep_v up_o love_n without_o dissimulation_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o if_o offence_n shall_v abide_v unremoved_a love_v which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n will_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o sincerity_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o whole_a society_n 2._o to_o gain_v the_o offender_n by_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v not_o lie_v under_o it_o and_o procure_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o himself_o levit._n 19.17_o 3._o to_o preserve_v his_o person_n from_o dishonour_n and_o disreputation_n and_o thereby_o to_o keep_v up_o his_o usefulness_n in_o the_o church_n to_o this_o end_n have_v our_o lord_n appoint_v the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o private_a that_o the_o fail_n of_o man_n may_v not_o be_v unnecessary_o divulge_v and_o themselves_o thereby_o expose_v unto_o temptation_n 4._o to_o preserve_v the_o church_n from_o that_o scandal_n that_o may_v befall_v it_o by_o the_o hasty_a open_n of_o all_o the_o real_a or_o suppose_a fayling_n of_o its_o member_n and_o 5._o to_o prevent_v its_o trouble_n in_o the_o public_a hear_n of_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v otherwise_o heal_v and_o remove_v seven_o in_o case_n these_o end_n be_v obtain_v either_o by_o the_o suppose_a offend_v person_n clear_v of_o themselves_o and_o manifest_v themselves_o innocent_a of_o the_o crime_n charge_v on_o they_o as_o joshua_n 22.22_o 23_o 24_o 25._o 2_o cor._n 7.11_o or_o by_o their_o acknowledgement_n repentance_n and_o amendment_n than_o this_o part_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n have_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n obtain_v its_o appoint_a effect_n eight_o in_o case_n the_o person_n offend_v be_v not_o humble_v nor_o reform_v nor_o do_v give_v satisfaction_n unto_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v admonish_v then_o have_v our_o lord_n ordain_v a_o second_o degree_n of_o this_o private_a exercise_n of_o discipline_n that_o the_o person_n who_o be_v offend_v have_v discharge_v the_o forego_n duty_n themselves_o according_a unto_o rule_n shall_v take_v unto_o they_o other_o two_o or_o three_o as_o the_o occasion_n may_v seem_v to_o require_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o work_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o the_o same_o end_n with_o that_o before_o describe_v matth._n 18_o 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o these_o person_n so_o call_v in_o for_o assistance_n first_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o crime_n fault_n or_o offence_n report_v to_o they_o and_o not_o to_o proceed_v unless_o they_o find_v it_o to_o consist_v in_o something_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o attest_v in_o such_o manner_n and_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o their_o mutual_a love_n do_v require_v in_o they_o with_o respect_n unto_o their_o brethren_n and_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o offence_n communicate_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o seem_v either_o light_o to_o take_v up_o a_o report_n against_o their_o brother_n or_o to_o discredit_v the_o testimony_n of_o other_o second_o in_o case_n they_o find_v the_o offence_n pretend_v not_o to_o be_v a_o real_a offence_n indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o aright_o ground_v as_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o but_o take_v up_o upon_o prejudice_n or_o a_o over-easie_a credulity_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o love_n which_o be_v require_v among_o church-member_n describe_v 1_o cor._n 13._o and_o command_v as_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o preservation_n of_o its_o union_n then_o to_o convince_v the_o brother_n offend_v of_o his_o mistake_n and_o with_o he_o to_o satisfy_v the_o person_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o offender_n that_o no_o breach_n or_o schism_n may_v happen_v among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n three_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o crime_n and_o testimony_n they_o be_v to_o associate_v themselves_o with_o the_o offend_a brother_n in_o the_o same_o work_n and_o duty_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v before_o discharge_v towards_o the_o offender_n nine_o because_o there_o be_v no_o determination_n how_o often_o these_o private_a admonition_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o case_n of_o offence_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reiterated_a first_o the_o one_o and_o then_o the_o other_o while_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n of_o hope_n that_o the_o end_n of_o they_o may_v be_v obtain_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n the_o brother_n gain_v and_o the_o offence_n take_v away_o neither_o of_o these_o then_o be_v to_o be_v desert_v or_o lay_v aside_o on_o the_o first_o or_o second_o attempt_n as_o though_o it_o be_v perform_v only_o to_o make_v way_n for_o somewhat_o far_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wait_v on_o with_o prayer_n and_o patience_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n appoint_v for_o attain_v the_o end_n aim_v at_o ten_o in_o
the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n for_o this_o censure_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o that_o be_v ordinary_o after_o the_o admonition_n before_o describe_v and_o that_o with_o due_a wait_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o a_o consideration_n of_o time_n person_n temptation_n and_o other_o circumstance_n for_o 1._o the_o church_n in_o proceed_v to_o this_o sentence_n be_v to_o express_v the_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v of_o christ_n towards_o offender_n and_o not_o to_o put_v it_o forth_o without_o conviction_n of_o a_o present_a resolve_v impenitency_n 2._o the_o event_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o precede_a ordinance_n of_o admonition_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v which_o though_o not_o at_o present_a evident_a yet_o like_o the_o word_n itself_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o may_v be_v bless_v to_o a_o good_a issue_n after_o many_o day_n six_o the_o person_n offend_v thus_o cut_v off_o or_o cast_v out_o from_o the_o present_a actual_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v still_o to_o be_v look_v on_o and_o account_v as_o a_o brother_n because_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o his_o amendment_n and_o recovery_n 2_o thes._n 3.15_o count_v he_o not_o as_o a_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n unless_o he_o manifest_v his_o final_a impenitency_n by_o blasphemy_n and_o persecution_n 1_o tim._n 1.20_o who_o i_o have_v deliver_v unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v not_o to_o blaspheme_v seven_o the_o church_n be_v therefore_o still_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o love_n and_o care_n towards_o such_o person_n 1._o in_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v convert_v from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n james_z 5.19_o 20._o 1_o john_n 5.16_o if_o any_o man_n see_v his_o brother_n sin_n a_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o unto_o death_n he_o shall_v ask_v and_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o life_n for_o they_o that_o sin_n not_o unto_o death_n 2._o in_o withdraw_v from_o they_o even_o as_o to_o ordinary_a converse_n for_o their_o conviction_n of_o their_o state_n and_o condition_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 2_o thes._n 3.14_o with_o such_o a_o one_o no_o not_o to_o eat_v 3._o in_o admonish_v of_o he_o 2_o cor._n 3.15_o admonish_v he_o as_o a_o brother_n which_o may_v be_v do_v 1_o occasional_o by_o any_o member_n of_o the_o church_n 2_o on_o set_a purpose_n by_o the_o consent_n and_o appointment_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o admonition_n be_v to_o contain_v 1._o a_o press_v of_o his_o sin_n from_o the_o rule_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o offender_n 2._o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o censure_n and_o punishment_n which_o he_o lie_v under_o 3._o a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o his_o impenitency_n in_o his_o being_n either_o harden_v by_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n or_o expose_v unto_o new_a temptation_n of_o satan_n eight_o in_o case_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v please_v to_o give_v a_o bless_a effect_n unto_o this_o ordinance_n in_o the_o repentance_n of_o the_o person_n cut_v of_o and_o cast_v out_o off_o the_o church_n he_o be_v first_o to_o be_v forgive_v both_o by_o those_o who_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v offend_v at_o he_o and_o by_o he_o and_o by_o the_o whole_a church_n matth._n 18.18_o 2_o cor._n 2.7_o second_o to_o be_v comfort_v under_o his_o sorrow_n 2_o cor._n 2.7_o and_o that_o by_o 1_o the_o application_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o his_o conscience_n 2_o a_o declaration_n of_o the_o readiness_n of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v he_o again_o into_o their_o love_n and_o communion_n four_o restore_v 1_o by_o a_o confirmation_n or_o testification_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o he_o 2_o cor._n 2.8_o 2_o a_o readmission_n unto_o the_o exercise_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o former_a privilege_n in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n all_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n gal._n 6.1_o quest._n 47._o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n in_o purity_n order_n and_o holiness_n be_v provide_v for_o by_o what_o way_n be_v it_o to_o be_v continue_v and_o increase_v answ._n the_o way_n appoint_v thereunto_o be_v by_o add_v such_o as_o be_v effectual_o call_v unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n shall_v voluntary_o offer_v themselves_o unto_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n thereof_o act_v 2.41_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o explication_n the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n be_v either_o preparitory_n unto_o it_o or_o instrumental_o efficient_a of_o it_o the_o principal_a mean_n subservient_fw-fr or_o preparitory_n unto_o the_o continuance_n and_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n to_o the_o conviction_n illumination_n and_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v make_v meet_a to_o become_v live_v stone_n in_o this_o spiritual_a building_n and_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o be_v do_v either_o ordinary_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o such_o as_o come_v in_o unto_o they_o and_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n dispense_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 14.24_o 25._o if_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o he_o he_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_v god_n or_o occasional_o among_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n act_v 8.4_o second_o the_o instrumental_o efficient_a cause_n be_v that_o which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o answer_n namely_o the_o add_v in_o due_a order_n unto_o it_o such_o as_o be_v effectual_o call_v unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v voluntary_o out_o of_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o resolution_n to_o walk_v in_o subjection_n to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o society_n and_o fellowship_n thereof_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v lay_v in_o this_o spiritual_a build_n as_o the_o stone_n be_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o old_a which_o be_v hew_v and_o fit_v elsewhere_o qu._n 48_o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o church_n an._n 1_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o blame_n and_o offence_n in_o the_o world_n 2_o that_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o save_a truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3_o sound_v in_o the_o faith_n 4_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v call_v they_o unto_o faith_n repentance_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n by_o jesus_n christ_n they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o and_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o 5_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a through_o his_o grace_n to_o walk_v in_o subjection_n to_o all_o his_o command_n and_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o his_o law_n and_o institution_n notwithstanding_o any_o difficulty_n opposition_n or_o persecution_n which_o they_o meet_v withal_o 1_o 1_o phil._n 10._o chap._n 2.15_o 1_o cor._n 10.32_o 1_o thess._n 2.11_o 12._o tit._n 2.10_o 2_o john_n 6.15_o act_n 26.18_o 1_o pet._n 2.9_o 2_o cor._n 4.3_o 4_o 6._o 3_o 1_o tim._n 1.19_o 20._o 2_o tim._n 4.3_o 4._o tiâ—_n 1.13_o judas_n 3_o 4_o ephe._n 4.20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24._o 5_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o qu._n 49._o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n towards_o person_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n an._n 1_o to_o discern_v and_o judge_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n apply_v in_o love_n between_o sincere_a professor_n and_o hypocritical_a pretender_n 2_o to_o instruct_v direct_v comfort_n and_o encourage_v in_o the_o way_n such_o as_o they_o judge_v to_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n 3_o to_o propose_v and_o recommend_v they_o unto_o the_o whole_a church_n with_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o god_n for_o they_o 4_o to_o admit_v they_o be_v approve_v into_o the_o order_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o church_n act_n 8.20_o 23._o tit._n 1.10_o rev._n 2.2_o jer._n 15.19_o acts._n 18.26_o 1_o thess._n 2.7_o 8_o 11._o acts._n 9.29_o 27._o rom._n 14.1_o qu._n 50_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o reference_n unto_o such_o person_n an._n to_o consider_v they_o in_o love_n and_o meekness_n according_a as_o their_o condition_n be_v know_v report_v or_o testify_v unto_o they_o to_o approve_v of_o and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o they_o and_o to_o receive_v they_o in_o love_n without_o dissimulaton_n 1_o cor._n 13._o explication_n what_o in_o general_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o fit_n of_o any_o person_n
of_o they_o all_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o obedience_n all_o the_o same_o head_n the_o same_o end_n all_o carry_v it_o on_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n in_o kind_n now_o beside_o these_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o church_n in_o general_n and_o wherein_o they_o all_o equal_o participate_v they_o must_v also_o have_v each_o one_o its_o proper_a difference_n that_o which_o do_v distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o church_n and_o this_o give_v it_o its_o special_a form_n as_o such_o now_o this_o can_v consist_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v accidental_a occasional_a or_o extrinsical_a unto_o it_o such_o as_o be_v cohabitation_n which_o yet_o the_o church_n may_v have_v respect_n unto_o for_o conveniency_n and_o farther_v of_o its_o edification_n nor_o in_o any_o civil_a or_o political_a disposal_n of_o its_o member_n into_o civil_a society_n for_o civil_a end_n which_o be_v extrinsical_a to_o all_o its_o concernment_n as_o a_o church_n nor_o do_v it_o consist_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o its_o present_a officer_n which_o may_v be_v remove_v or_o take_v away_o without_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o form_n or_o be_v of_o the_o church_n but_o it_o consist_v as_o be_v say_v in_o the_o agreement_n or_o covenant_n before_o mention_v for_o first_o this_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v 〈◊〉_d a_o distinct_a body_n different_z from_o other_o for_o thereby_o and_o no_o otherwise_o do_v they_o coalesce_v into_o a_o society_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n second_o this_o give_v they_o their_o especial_a relation_n unto_o their_o own_o elder_n ruler_n or_o guide_n who_o watch_v over_o they_o as_o so_o associate_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n according_a unto_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n and_o three_o from_o hence_o they_o have_v their_o mutual_a especial_a relation_n unto_o one_o another_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o especial_a exercise_n of_o all_o church_n duty_n whatsoever_o quest._n 52._o wherein_o consist_v the_o duty_n of_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n towards_o other_o church_n answ._n 1_o in_o walk_v circumspect_o so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o no_o offence_n 2_o in_o prayer_n for_o their_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n 3_o in_o communicate_v supply_n to_o their_o want_n according_a to_o ability_n 4_o in_o receive_v with_o love_n and_o readiness_n the_o member_n of_o they_o into_o fellowship_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v 5_o in_o desire_v and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o counsel_n and_o advice_n in_o such_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n as_o may_v arise_v among_o they_o 6_o in_o join_v with_o they_o to_o express_v their_o communion_n in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n 1_o 1_o cor._n 10.32_o 2_o psalm_n 122.6_o ephes._n 6.18_o 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 3_o 2_o cor._n 8.4_o 6._o act_n 11.29_o 30._o rom._n 15.26_o 27._o 4_o rom._n 16.1_o 2.3_o ep._n joh._n 8_o 9_o 5_o act_n 15.2_o 6_o 1_o tim._n 3.15_o explication_n church_n be_v gather_v and_o settle_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n aught_o to_o preserve_v a_o mutual_a holy_a communion_n among_o themselves_o and_o to_o exercise_v it_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o those_o duty_n whereby_o their_o mutual_a good_a and_o edification_n may_v be_v promote_v for_o whereas_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a under_o one_o head_n the_o lord_n christ_n ephes._n 1.22_o 23._o in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o order_n ephes._n 4.5_o and_o do_v walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o stand_v in_o such_o a_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o as_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o communion_n speak_v of_o now_o the_o principal_a way_n whereby_o they_o exercise_v this_o communion_n be_v the_o act_n and_o duty_n enumerate_v in_o the_o answer_n unto_o this_o question_n as_o first_o careful_a walk_v so_o as_o to_o give_v no_o offence_n unto_o one_o another_o which_o although_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n in_o reference_n unto_o all_o yet_o therein_o especial_a regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v unto_o other_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n grieve_v or_o tempt_v 1_o cor._n 10.32_o give_v none_o offence_n neither_o to_o the_o jew_n nor_o to_o the_o gentile_n nor_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n second_o in_o constant_a prayer_n for_o the_o peace_n welfare_n edification_n and_o prosperity_n one_o of_o another_o rom._n 1.9_o colos._n 1.9_o ephes._n 6.18_o and_o this_o because_o of_o the_o special_a concernment_n of_o the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o their_o welfare_n three_o in_o communicate_v of_o supply_n for_o their_o relief_n according_a unto_o their_o ability_n in_o case_n of_o the_o outward_a want_n strait_n danger_n or_o necessity_n of_o any_o of_o they_o act_v 11.29_o 30._o rom._n 15.26_o 27._o 2_o cor._n 8.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 6_o 14._o four_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n to_o communion_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o church_n ordinance_n be_v another_o way_n whereby_o this_o communion_n of_o church_n be_v exercise_v rom._n 16.1_o 2.3_o ep._n joh._n 8.9_o for_o whereas_o the_o personal_a right_n of_o such_o person_n unto_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o orderly_a walk_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v know_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n they_o may_v without_o far_a enquiry_n or_o satisfaction_n give_v be_v look_v on_o pro_fw-la tempore_fw-la as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o desire_v fellowship_n and_o participation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ._n five_o in_o desire_v or_o make_v use_n of_o the_o counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o one_o another_o in_o such_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n whether_o doctrinal_a or_o practical_a as_o may_v arise_v in_o any_o of_o they_o act._n 15.2_o 6._o and_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n any_o church_n either_o by_o error_n in_o doctrine_n or_o precipitation_n or_o mistake_v in_o other_o administration_n do_v give_v offence_n unto_o other_o church_n those_o other_o church_n may_v require_v a_o account_n from_o they_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n and_o withhold_v communion_n from_o they_o in_o case_n they_o persist_v in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o because_o in_o their_o difficulty_n and_o before_o their_o miscarriage_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o have_v desire_v the_o advice_n counsel_n and_o assistance_n of_o those_o other_o church_n which_o be_v neglect_v by_o they_o the_o other_o be_v to_o recover_v the_o end_n of_o it_o unto_o their_o utmost_a ability_n gal._n 2.6.11_o and_o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o that_o be_v right_o and_o just_o censure_v in_o any_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o church_n whatever_o both_o because_o of_o their_o mutual_a communion_n and_o because_o it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v presume_v until_o the_o contrary_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v that_o in_o case_n there_o have_v be_v any_o difficulty_n or_o doubt_v in_o the_o proceedure_n of_o the_o church_n they_o will_v have_v take_v the_o advice_n of_o those_o church_n with_o who_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o consult_v last_o whereas_o the_o church_n have_v all_o of_o they_o one_o common_a faith_n and_o be_v all_o oblige_a to_o hold_v forth_o and_o declare_v it_o to_o all_o man_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n 1_o tim._n 3.15_o to_o testify_v this_o their_o mutual_a communion_n their_o interest_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o the_o more_o open_a declaration_n and_o proposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o for_o the_o vindication_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o themselves_o from_o false_a charge_n and_o imputation_n they_o may_v and_o if_o god_n give_v opportunity_n aught_o to_o join_v together_o in_o declare_v and_o testify_v their_o joint_a consent_n and_o fellowship_n in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n express_v in_o a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n quest._n 53._o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o dispensation_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n answ._n the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n the_o fartherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o edification_n and_o consolation_n of_o believer_n here_o with_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n hereafter_o rev._n 4.9_o 10_o 11._o chap._n 5.12_o 13._o 1_o cor._n 3_o 22.23_o ephes._n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o finis_fw-la