advantage_n in_o order_n to_o success_n these_o here_o who_o faith_n be_v mention_v be_v also_o exemplary_a in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n they_o live_v up_o to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v and_o therein_o other_o be_v exhort_v to_o follow_v they_o they_o represent_v in_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o so_o glorify_v he_o in_o who_o name_n they_o dispense_v it_o by_o humility_n and_o meekness_n moderation_n and_o self-denial_n zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n mortification_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n readiness_n for_o the_o cross_n condescension_n and_o patience_n towards_o all_o heavenly-mindedness_a etc._n etc._n in_o all_o thing_n minister_n shall_v show_v themselves_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n and_o be_v example_n unto_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n tit._n ii_o 2_o 7._o 1_o tim._n iu._n 12._o this_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a method_n to_o have_v success_n for_o though_o it_o may_v now_o and_o then_o possible_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o seed_n of_o divine_a truth_n 8vo_fw-la *_o dr._n spurstow_n medit._n on_o a_o debauch_a minister_n medit._n xx._n 8vo_fw-la like_o corn_n sow_o by_o a_o leprous_a hand_n may_v grow_v up_o into_o some_o fruit_n yet_o how_o small_a be_v the_o good_a that_o be_v wrought_v by_o his_o doctrine_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o great_a hurt_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o dissolute_a life_n of_o such_o a_o minister_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o he_o that_o in_o the_o pulpit_n plead_v for_o honour_n unto_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n for_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o faith_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o his_o promise_n and_o when_o he_o be_v out_o of_o it_o contradict_v all_o that_o he_o have_v say_v by_o a_o sensual_a practice_n be_v it_o likely_a he_o shall_v ever_o win_v many_o disciple_n to_o christ_n will_v man_n ever_o hearken_v to_o such_o who_o decry_v drunkenness_n and_o wantonness_n and_o covetousness_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o way_n to_o destruction_n and_o yet_o turn_v not_o their_o own_o foot_n from_o walk_v therein_o will_v they_o not_o say_v physician_n heal_v thyself_o or_o thou_o hypocrite_n first_o cast_v the_o beam_n out_o of_o thy_o own_o eye_n and_o then_o shall_v thou_o see_v clear_o to_o cast_v out_o the_o mote_n that_o be_v in_o thy_o brother_n eye_n how_o can_v he_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o believer_n in_o those_o grace_n he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o how_o can_v he_o kindle_v heavenly_a affection_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o when_o he_o feel_v nothing_o himself_n how_o can_v he_o speak_v of_o divine_a truth_n according_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o necessity_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o live_v and_o obey_v it_o himself_o we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v that_o a_o heretic_n may_v teach_v you_o the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o the_o orthodox_n and_o a_o schismatic_a teach_v you_o unity_n and_o peace_n as_o well_o as_o a_o catholic_n peaceable_n pastor_n or_o a_o man_n ignorant_a of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v teach_v you_o that_o which_o he_o know_v not_o himself_o or_o a_o enemy_n to_o piety_n and_o charity_n teach_v you_o to_o be_v pious_a and_o charitable_a as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o the_o voice_n of_o jacob_n will_v do_v little_a good_a if_o the_o hand_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o esau_n they_o that_o be_v unholy_a and_o unexperienced_a as_o to_o real_a godliness_n they_o have_v a_o secret_a enmity_n in_o their_o heart_n against_o that_o holiness_n which_o they_o shall_v daily_o preach_v which_o be_v a_o clog_n at_o their_o foot_n and_o a_o gag_n in_o their_o mouth_n as_o to_o some_o truth_n and_o duty_n they_o will_v some_o way_n or_o other_o harden_v and_o embolden_v other_o in_o their_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o make_v themselves_o and_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o lord_n contemptible_a by_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v how_o can_v you_o think_v they_o shall_v lead_v you_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n who_o never_o walk_v iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d themselves_o or_o guide_v you_o to_o 〈◊〉_d and_o conduct_v you_o in_o the_o chriâ—â—â—â—â—warfare_n who_o be_v servant_n of_o the_o world_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o flesh_n against_o who_o they_o must_v exhort_v you_o to_o fight_v how_o dreadful_a will_v be_v the_o account_n and_o portion_n of_o such_o evil_a steward_n and_o unfaithful_a guide_n who_o preach_v to_o other_o and_o yet_o perish_v as_o the_o man_n that_o be_v employ_v to_o build_v the_o ark_n of_o noah_n yet_o be_v not_o save_v in_o it_o he_o that_o win_v soul_n be_v wise_a but_o it_o be_v he_o only_o that_o shall_v do_v as_o well_o as_o teach_v the_o commandment_n who_o shall_v be_v call_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n or_o ever_o come_v there_o the_o judge_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o many_o in_o his_o name_n may_v have_v prophesy_v and_o preach_v and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o yet_o shall_v be_v disclaim_v as_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o more_o easy_a to_o make_v ten_o good_a sermon_n than_o to_o practise_v one_o and_o to_o expose_v and_o declaim_v against_o all_o sin_n than_o to_o relinquish_v any_o how_o terrible_a be_v that_o know_a passage_n of_o chrysostom_n with_o relation_n to_o this_o say_v that_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o very_o few_o of_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o gospel_n and_o care_n of_o soul_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v save_v and_o that_o he_o apprehend_v the_o far_o great_a part_n will_v be_v damn_v for_o this_o work_n say_v he_o require_v a_o soul_n more_o than_o ordinary_a he_o have_v need_n have_v a_o thousand_o eye_n in_o his_o head_n and_o have_v they_o all_o awake_a etc._n etc._n how_o severe_a be_v the_o psalmist_n word_n and_o how_o upbraid_v of_o ungodly_a minister_n psal_n 50.16_o 17._o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v to_o declare_v my_o statute_n or_o that_o thou_o shall_v take_v my_o covenant_n into_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o word_n behind_o thou_o how_o must_v such_o a_o man_n be_v confound_v in_o preach_v against_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o pronounce_v damnation_n against_o himself_o and_o with_o how_o little_a success_n can_v he_o pray_v for_o the_o people_n of_o his_o charge_n when_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o reconcile_v to_o god_n sâ—â—_n for_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n when_o sick_a say_v the_o apostle_n and_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith_n shall_v save_v the_o sick_a but_o it_o be_v the_o servant_n prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n james_n v._n 14_o 15._o 4._o he_o mention_n their_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n till_o the_o happy_a end_n and_o exit_fw-la of_o their_o conversation_n and_o this_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o consider_v to_o review_v to_o reflect_v upon_o and_o that_o not_o transient_o but_o with_o deep_a attention_n not_o once_o only_o but_o again_o and_o again_o to_o consider_v what_o their_o carriage_n and_o deportment_n have_v be_v in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a what_o be_v their_o behaviour_n in_o every_o relation_n and_o condition_n as_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o this_o not_o for_o a_o start_n for_o a_o little_a while_n for_o a_o few_o year_n only_o and_o then_o draw_v back_o or_o turn_v afide_fw-la but_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o their_o conversation_n how_o they_o finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n their_o beginning_n and_o progress_n be_v commendable_a and_o their_o latter_a end_n be_v answerable_o good_a and_o safe_a desirable_a and_o happy_a either_o by_o a_o natural_a death_n in_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n or_o with_o the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n by_o a_o violent_a one_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o inquire_v how_o far_o the_o apostle_n may_v here_o refer_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o first_o martyr_n stephen_n and_o of_o james_n the_o son_n of_o zebbedee_n who_o both_o exercise_v their_o ministty_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o suffer_v martyrdom_n there_o as_o it_o be_v think_v do_v the_o other_o james_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n several_a year_n before_o the_o date_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ii_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o people_n duty_n to_o such_o their_o decease_a minister_n and_o pastor_n it_o be_v threefold_a 1._o to_o remember_v they_o 2._o to_o imitate_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n 3._o in_o order_n to_o this_o to_o consider_v serious_o and_o often_o their_o conversation_n and_o the_o happy_a end_n of_o it_o 1._o remember_v your_o spiritual_a guide_n who_o have_v have_v the_o instruction_n and_o conduct_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o faithful_o discharge_v their_o office_n remember_v they_o so_o as_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o their_o gift_n and_o
the_o lord_n and_o several_a of_o they_o in_o one_o church_n make_v use_n sometime_o of_o the_o one_o name_n sometime_o of_o the_o other_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v call_v the_o head_n the_o husband_n the_o shepherd_n the_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n which_o import_v authority_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n his_o spouse_n his_o flock_n his_o family_n and_o household_n and_o his_o minister_n be_v call_v ruler_n of_o his_o household_n mat._n 24.45_o when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n he_o declare_v that_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v commit_v to_o he_o and_o commission_v his_o apostle_n to_o make_v disciple_n by_o baptise_v and_o teach_v promise_v his_o presence_n with_o they_o therein_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o he_o ascend_v up_o on_o high_a he_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n as_o part_v of_o his_o dowry_n not_o only_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n who_o be_v empower_v by_o miracle_n as_o a_o divine_a attestation_n to_o prove_v their_o authority_n to_o reveal_v and_o publish_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n but_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o open_v and_o apply_v the_o rule_n they_o seal_v and_o deliver_v he_o have_v determine_v in_o his_o word_n that_o every_o church_n shall_v have_v a_o pastor_n one_o or_o more_o he_o have_v state_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n to_o proclaim_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o turn_v man_n from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o god_n to_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o gather_v feed_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o rule_v as_o well_o as_o teach_v the_o flock_n to_o judge_v who_o shall_v be_v public_o take_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n or_o cast_v out_o to_o rebuke_v those_o that_o be_v disorderly_a and_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o bind_v over_o the_o impenitent_a who_o be_v contumacious_a to_o the_o bar_n of_o christ_n and_o reject_v they_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o absolve_v the_o penitent_a and_o comfort_v they_o and_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o to_o look_v after_o the_o poor_a and_o visit_v the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n he_o have_v describe_v the_o person_n that_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v such_o officer_n by_o their_o requisite_a qualification_n he_o do_v not_o appoint_v a_o necessary_a work_n to_o be_v do_v and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o wide_a world_n who_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o that_o will_v help_v to_o determine_v who_o be_v the_o individual_a person_n that_o be_v fit_a according_a to_o christ_n description_n i_o dispute_v not_o whether_o there_o have_v not_o be_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v a_o distinction_n of_o power_n and_o person_n in_o ecclesiastical_a government_n or_o whether_o a_o absolute_a equality_n must_v not_o necessary_o be_v attend_v with_o very_o ill_a consequence_n or_o whether_o minister_n do_v not_o need_v order_n and_o rule_n and_o government_n among_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o every_o other_o company_n and_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o i_o argue_v from_o this_o text_n be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o guide_n oversee_v and_o rule_v their_o own_o flock_n according_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o work_n and_o your_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n they_o pretend_v not_o to_o dominion_n over_o your_o faith_n or_o to_o be_v lord_n or_o owner_n of_o the_o flock_n but_o to_o be_v helper_n of_o your_o joy_n by_o their_o care_n the_o sheep_n be_v to_o be_v say_v guide_v preserve_v heal_v and_o bring_v home_o they_o be_v ruler_n over_o christ_n household_n but_o not_o by_o secular_a force_n and_o rigour_n not_o to_o compel_v man_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n otherwise_o than_o by_o truth_n and_o love_n by_o instruction_n and_o persuasion_n and_o declare_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o word_n you_o be_v not_o to_o obey_v minister_n as_o civil_a magistrate_n that_o rule_n by_o the_o sword_n but_o thankful_o receive_v the_o truth_n they_o teach_v and_o the_o mercy_n they_o offer_v our_o weapon_n in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o spiritual_a to_o edification_n not_o destruction_n not_o coercive_a but_o ministerial_a we_o be_v to_o instruct_v and_o warn_v to_o reprove_v and_o exhort_v with_o faithfulness_n and_o seriousness_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o his_o authority_n which_o as_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n from_o the_o power_n of_o a_o etc._n *_o see_v dr._n hammond_n paraphrase_n and_o annotation_n on_o 1_o pet._n 5.1_o 2_o 3._o act_n 11.30_o act_n 20.28_o heb._n 12.7_o 17._o 1_o tim._n 1.17_o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o tit._n 3.10_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o etc._n etc._n magistrate_n so_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o order_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o private_a counsel_n and_o admonition_n of_o one_o friend_n to_o another_o the_o same_o work_n be_v not_o do_v with_o the_o same_o authority_n efficacy_n certainty_n or_o order_n by_o a_o private_a hand_n as_o by_o public_a officer_n for_o in_o this_o case_n you_o be_v oblige_v to_o submit_v yourselves_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o whatever_o be_v make_v know_v to_o you_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n it_o be_v true_a if_o we_o exceed_v our_o commission_n you_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v we_o but_o if_o we_o keep_v to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o despise_v our_o message_n despise_v not_o man_n but_o god_n you_o know_v how_o earnest_o the_o apostle_n admonish_v to_o this_o purpose_n 1_o thes_n 5.12_o 13._o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n to_o mind_v they_o who_o labour_n among_o you_o and_o preside_v over_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o lord_n i._n e._n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o according_a to_o his_o order_n and_o that_o admonish_v you_o and_o to_o esteem_v they_o more_o than_o exceed_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n or_o office_n sake_n and_o let_v the_o elder_n who_o rule_v well_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n or_o recompense_n as_o the_o original_a word_n often_o signify_v 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 18._o i_o may_v be_v blame_v by_o some_o for_o say_v thus_o much_o but_o there_o be_v certain_a season_n when_o it_o be_v expedient_a at_o least_o not_o unfit_a for_o a_o man_n to_o praise_v the_o country_n or_o the_o family_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v or_o the_o society_n to_o which_o he_o be_v relate_v and_o therefore_o i_o here_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o magnify_v my_o office_n though_o i_o shall_v become_v a_o fool_n in_o glory_v 2_o cor._n 12.11_o as_o to_o the_o institution_n commission_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o ministry_n it_o be_v not_o of_o man_n or_o by_o man_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n who_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a gal._n 1.1_o they_o receive_v their_o ministry_n from_o the_o lord_n col._n 4.17_o he_o make_v they_o overser_n act_n 20.28_o timothy_n be_v call_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o tim._n 2.24_o minister_n by_o their_o office_n be_v as_o it_o be_v his_o menial_a servant_n that_o approach_v near_o to_o his_o person_n than_o other_o and_o be_v employ_v in_o his_o particular_a business_n they_o be_v steward_n over_o the_o house_n and_o family_n of_o god_n tit._n 1.7_o luke_n 12.42_o which_o be_v no_o mean_a station_n they_o be_v call_v precedent_n guide_n ruler_n shepherd_n planter_n husbandman_n pastor_n ambassador_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n angel_n of_o the_o church_n builder_n of_o his_o church_n etc._n etc._n by_o baptism_n to_o initiate_v disciple_n unto_o christ_n and_o by_o the_o other_o sacrament_n to_o confirm_v they_o to_o feed_v they_o with_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n to_o intercede_v for_o they_o in_o prayer_n to_o bless_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o convey_v his_o message_n instruction_n counsel_n and_o comfort_n to_o they_o which_o without_o his_o institution_n and_o appointment_n they_o can_v no_o more_o do_v than_o a_o messenger_n can_v carry_v a_o pardon_n to_o a_o condemn_a person_n which_o his_o prince_n never_o send_v no_o man_n take_v the_o honour_n to_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o be_v call_v of_o god_n 2._o they_o be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v speak_v unto_o you_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o feed_v the_o flock_n by_o sound_a doctrine_n serious_n study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o diligent_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v no_o little_a part_n of_o the_o
great_a deal_n of_o industry_n in_o hope_n of_o divine_a assistance_n he_o know_v the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o work_n to_o evidence_n truth_n to_o the_o conscience_n to_o awaken_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o then_o to_o manifest_v christ_n the_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n to_o reprove_v some_o with_o meekness_n and_o other_o with_o sharpness_n to_o pour_v balm_n into_o wound_a spirit_n and_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o the_o weary_a soul_n to_o difference_n the_o sheep_n from_o the_o goat_n the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a etc._n etc._n and_o to_o manage_v all_o this_o with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o inestimable_a price_n wherewith_o they_o be_v purchase_v and_o the_o awful_a account_n that_o he_o must_v hereafter_o give_v to_o the_o great_a shepherd_n the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n make_v he_o diligent_a and_o resolve_v and_o unwearied_a in_o what_o he_o undertake_v so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v 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the_o eternal_a world_n with_o controversy_n which_o they_o need_v not_o understand_v and_o concern_v which_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n may_v have_v different_a sentiment_n and_o yet_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o he_o careful_o avoid_v extremes_n in_o open_v and_o apply_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o exhort_v man_n to_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o all_o diligence_n and_o to_o strive_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o to_o trust_v and_o rely_v only_o on_o the_o mediation_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n he_o preach_v and_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o impute_v righteousness_n and_o yet_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o inherent_a one._n that_o the_o priestly_a office_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n may_v be_v honour_v and_o yet_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o his_o sanctify_a influence_n may_v be_v honour_v too_o he_o do_v not_o make_v morality_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n nor_o yet_o deceive_v the_o people_n by_o say_v that_o christ_n repent_v for_o they_o and_o believe_v for_o they_o he_o magnify_v the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o yet_o preach_v repentance_n towards_o god_n as_o necessary_a to_o forgiveness_n with_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n without_o curious_o determine_v which_o be_v first_o when_o both_o be_v needful_a and_o never_o part_v he_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o our_o salvation_n on_o jesus_n christ_n he_o ascribe_v the_o beginning_n progress_n and_o finish_v of_o all_o spiritual_a good_a entire_o to_o the_o freegrace_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o impenitence_n unbelief_n and_o damnation_n of_o sinner_n he_o just_o charge_v on_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n in_o harken_v to_o the_o devil_n and_o if_o this_o be_v legal_a preach_v what_o be_v it_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n according_o we_o find_v that_o god_n honour_v he_o with_o great_a success_n he_o have_v eminent_a seal_n of_o his_o ministry_n at_o his_o first_o beginning_n and_o many_o more_o afterward_o he_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o faith_n and_o much_o people_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v many_o of_o you_o who_o bless_v god_n that_o you_o ever_o see_v or_o hear_v he_o you_o be_v his_o witness_n that_o he_o do_v not_o run_v in_o vain_a nor_o labour_n in_o vain_a his_o preach_v be_v make_v effectual_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o his_o tongâ—â—_n be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n unto_o many_o you_o will_v be_v his_o crown_n of_o rejoice_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a shall_v â—â—ine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o dan._n xii_o 3._o we_o may_v believe_v he_o will_v have_v a_o proportionable_a reward_n his_o extraordinary_a application_n to_o his_o work_n and_o diligence_n in_o it_o which_o hasten_v his_o death_n may_v increase_v his_o glory_n though_o some_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o a_o minister_n who_o convert_v many_o soul_n here_o or_o another_o that_o be_v as_o faithful_a and_o diligent_a and_o yet_o have_v not_o such_o success_n which_o of_o these_o shall_v have_v the_o most_o glory_n in_o heaven_n some_o think_v the_o second_o because_o the_o one_o have_v much_o encouragement_n and_o comfort_n here_o which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o for_o want_v of_o success_n and_o yet_o may_v say_v though_o i_o have_v labour_v in_o vain_a and_o spend_v my_o strength_n for_o nought_o yet_o sure_o my_o judgement_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o my_o work_n with_o my_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o lose_v my_o labour_n isa_n xlix_o 4._o and_o as_o the_o apostle_n
business_n of_o a_o gospel-minister_n simon_n peter_n love_v thou_o i_o feed_v my_o sheep_n feed_v my_o lamb_n as_o steward_n of_o the_o household_n they_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o family_n as_o shepherd_n to_o feed_v by_o teach_v and_o it_o be_v in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v appoint_v some_o person_n on_o purpose_n to_o devote_v themselves_o to_o this_o work_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a and_o establish_v the_o waver_a and_o comsort_v the_o sad_a and_o recover_v the_o backslider_n to_o awaken_v warn_v convince_v and_o encourage_v other_o in_o the_o christian_a warfare_n and_o whatever_o some_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o need_n of_o preach_v now_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o all_o age_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o be_v wont_a to_o bless_v for_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o soul_n 1_o cor._n 1.21_o it_o please_v god_n now_o as_o well_o as_o former_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v and_o it_o be_v the_o commission_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o ministerial_a office_n that_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o this_o not_o only_o to_o plant_v a_o church_n but_o to_o carry_v on_o its_o growth_n it_o be_v for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n and_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v needful_a to_o convert_v and_o believer_n and_o real_a saint_n and_o be_v so_o there_o be_v something_o still_o lack_v to_o their_o faith_n and_o comfort_n and_o they_o have_v need_v to_o be_v put_v always_o in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o do_v know_v that_o they_o may_v be_v root_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o truth_n 1_o pet._n 2.12_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o observe_v how_o our_o saviour_n rather_o choose_v to_o convert_v man_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o miracle_n of_o his_o apostle_n than_o by_o his_o own_o how_o he_o will_v not_o full_o convert_v paul_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o annanias_n though_o he_o speak_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n himself_o and_o reason_v with_o he_o against_o his_o persecution_n how_o he_o will_v not_o full_o convert_v cornelius_n and_o his_o household_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o peter_n though_o he_o send_v a_o angel_n to_o direct_v he_o to_o a_o teacher_n nor_o will_v he_o convert_v the_o ethiopian_a eunuch_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o philip_n nor_o the_o gaoler_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o paul_n and_o silas_n though_o he_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n to_o prepare_v for_o his_o conversion_n our_o lord_n know_v the_o necessity_n that_o the_o infant_n of_o his_o family_n have_v of_o such_o nurse_n and_o he_o will_v keep_v up_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o own_o officer_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o such_o a_o end_n and_o use_v how_o much_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o the_o minister_n and_o teacher_n of_o the_o word_n and_o how_o little_a the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o religion_n can_v ever_o be_v keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n if_o minister_n do_v not_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n will_v very_o easy_o appear_v to_o such_o as_o consider_v how_o religion_n have_v decline_v and_o be_v lose_v by_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unfaithfulness_n and_o negligence_n of_o those_o that_o aught_o to_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o the_o denial_n or_o contempt_n of_o the_o ministry_n have_v always_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o growth_n of_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o profaneness_n how_o solemn_o do_v the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n act_v 20.28_o 30._o take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o flock_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v you_o overseer_n to_o feed_v the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o to_o warn_v every_o man_n lest_o they_o be_v pervert_v by_o false_a teacher_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o express_o to_o the_o like_a purpose_n be_v they_o require_v to_o labour_n with_o their_o utmost_a strength_n in_o this_o work_n 1_o tim._n 1.17_o 1_o cor._n 16.16_o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o they_o be_v to_o give_v themselves_o continual_o to_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n act_v 6.4_o and_o how_o needful_a be_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o who_o be_v to_o unfold_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o other_o to_o teach_v they_o what_o they_o must_v know_v believe_v and_o do_v avoid_z and_o hope_v for_o who_o have_v so_o many_o difficulty_n to_o explain_v and_o so_o often_o need_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o a_o good_a share_n of_o prudence_n to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o acquaint_v their_o hearer_n with_o their_o several_a malady_n and_o remedy_n danger_n and_o duty_n to_o hold_v forth_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o receive_v and_o obey_v admire_v and_o love_v and_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o such_o work_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n manage_v all_o as_o under_o a_o awe_n of_o god_n and_o with_o sincere_a compassion_n and_o love_n to_o soul_n suppose_v the_o word_n of_o god_n here_o to_o be_v the_o write_a word_n i_o need_v not_o inquire_v curious_o how_o much_o of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o the_o write_a word_n be_v then_o extant_a when_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o epistle_n which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v about_o the_o fifty_o seven_o or_o fifty_o eight_o year_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n while_o he_o be_v a_o prisoner_n at_o rome_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o first_o imprisonment_n there_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n seem_v to_o be_v then_o write_v save_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n and_o his_o revelation_n and_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v and_o apply_v by_o preach_v and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o a_o minister_n work_n they_o therefore_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o ministerial_a office_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o either_o despise_v or_o neglect_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n one_o will_v think_v either_o do_v not_o understand_v their_o office_n or_o be_v not_o faithful_a to_o it_o 3._o another_z thing_n concern_v these_o decease_a minister_n the_o apostle_n mention_n be_v their_o exemplary_a faith_n they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v propose_v as_o pattern_n with_o respect_n to_o faith_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v famous_a and_o exemplary_a as_o to_o the_o clearness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o soundness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n follow_v their_o faith_n doubtless_o he_o mean_v it_o of_o such_o who_o as_o to_o knowledge_n and_o firmness_n of_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o fruitfulness_n in_o suitable_a effect_n do_v in_o spirit_n and_o practice_n show_v themselves_o believer_n they_o will_v not_o otherwise_o have_v be_v name_v as_o fit_a example_n for_o the_o people_n to_o follow_v as_o to_o their_o faith_n you_o find_v minister_n be_v exhort_v to_o take_v heed_n to_o their_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n iu_o 16._o and_o to_o continue_v therein_o that_o they_o may_v save_v themselves_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v they_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o thing_n that_o become_v sound_a doctrine_n 1_o tim._n vi_o 3._o they_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a and_o to_o feed_v the_o people_n with_o the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n which_o shall_v promote_v faith_n and_o holiness_n shall_v be_v deprave_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o true_a christianity_n shall_v spread_v and_o flourish_v or_o be_v preserve_v and_o continue_v what_o need_n have_v we_o to_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v give_v and_o continue_v such_o pastor_n after_o his_o own_o heart_n as_o may_v feed_v his_o people_n with_o good_a knowledge_n and_o sound_a understanding_n they_o must_v hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n that_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v gainsayers_a tit._n 1.6_o 9_o chap._n 2.1_o such_o speech_n that_o can_v be_v condemn_v that_o he_o who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a party_n may_v be_v ashamed_a and_o how_o comfortable_o and_o useful_o may_v they_o preach_v to_o other_o who_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v who_o believe_v and_o live_v the_o truth_n they_o deliver_v this_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o minister_n in_o their_o work_n and_o a_o great_a