of_o the_o knowledge_n gift_n experience_n prudence_n and_o gravity_n wherewith_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v endue_v the_o officer_n in_o the_o 1._o house_n of_o god_n who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v of_o several_a soit_n preach_v elder_n or_o minister_n teach_v elder_n or_o doctor_n and_o rule_v or_o govern_v elder_n all_o these_o three_o be_v often_o time_n in_o the_o n._n t._n comprise_v under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o elder_a act._n 15_o 6_o 22._o &_o 20._o 3._o 17._o 1._o pet._n 5_o it_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_a who_o we_o have_v now_o to_o do_v with_o who_o be_v so_o call_v not_o because_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n belong_v to_o he_o alone_o for_o it_o also_o belong_v to_o the_o preach_a â—nd_n teach_v elder_n or_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o doctor_n but_o because_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v be_v the_o principal_a and_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o employment_n it_o be_v the_o high_a act_n of_o his_o office_n it_o be_v not_o competent_a for_o he_o to_o preach_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o pastor_n or_o minister_n nor_o to_o teach_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o doctor_n but_o his_o office_n be_v comprise_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v the_o govern_n or_o rule_v elder_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o rome_n 8_o ch_z 1â—_n 8._o call_v he_o him_z that_o rule_v and_o 1_o cor._n 28._o 12._o 28_o he_o call_v they_o government_n put_v the_o abstract_n for_o the_o concrete_a government_n for_o governor_n thus_o than_o we_o have_v the_o proper_a or_o right_a name_n of_o these_o church_n officer_n which_o serve_v to_o correct_v a_o twofold_a mistake_n the_o 1._o be_v of_o these_o who_o either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o disdain_n do_v call_v they_o lay-elder_n as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o people_n only_o and_o not_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n who_o the_o popish_a church_n in_o their_o pride_n and_o other_o follow_v they_o call_v the_o clergy_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n inheritance_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o laity_n or_o people_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o base_a and_o much_o inferior_a to_o the_o other_o in_o worth_n and_o excellency_n whereas_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v his_o portion_n and_o the_o lot_n of_o he_o in_o heritance_n deut._n 32._o 9_o 1._o pet._n 5._o 3._o the_o second_o mistake_n be_v of_o these_o who_o do_v call_v these_o only_a ruling-elders_a who_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n allow_v to_o other_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n but_o not_o of_o ruling-elders_a but_o every_o elder_a in_o the_o lord_n house_n be_v a_o ruling-eld_a because_o the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o rule_n and_o government_n belong_v to_o every_o elder_a though_o some_o of_o they_o upon_o special_a occasion_n be_v call_v to_o a_o more_o eminent_a exercise_n of_o it_o than_o other_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o ruling-elders_a the_o institution_n of_o 2._o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_a be_v divine_a it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinance_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n the_o lord_n jesus_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v and_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n have_v in_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v such_o a_o officer_n in_o his_o house_n for_o the_o right_n and_o orderly_o govern_v thereof_o it_o be_v true_a that_o by_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o teacher_n while_o they_o alone_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o and_o by_o the_o policy_n of_o satan_n and_o inadvertance_n of_o the_o church_n these_o officer_n be_v for_o many_o age_n together_o out_o of_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o both_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o after_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v seniores_fw-la or_o elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v such_o appear_v from_o 2_o chro._n 19_o 8._o jer._n 29._o 1._o mat._n 16_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 26_o 57_o 59_o act._n 4._o 5._o and_o that_o the_o christian_a 56._o church_n also_o have_v they_o in_o the_o primitive_a &_o pure_a time_n thereof_o appear_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a writer_n as_o may_v be_v find_v by_o these_o who_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v into_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n for_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o elder_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o any_o testimony_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o first_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v rom._n 12._o 6_o 7_o 8._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v we_o whether_o pprophecy_n let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n he_o that_o give_v let_v he_o do_v it_o wih_o simplicity_n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n with_o cheerfulness_n in_o which_o text_n the_o apostle_n do_v first_o comprehend_v all_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o ordinary_a stand_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o two_o general_a head_n to_o wit_n prophecy_n whereby_o be_v mean_v the_o ordinary_a faculty_n of_o right_a understanding_n and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n and_o ministry_n under_o which_o be_v comprehend_v all_o other_o church-officer_n and_o employment_n to_o each_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n add_v their_o general_a duty_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o who_o propehsy_v shall_v do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n h._n e._n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o minister_n let_v he_o wait_v on_o his_o minister_a h._n e._n let_v he_o not_o do_v it_o negligent_o or_o slothful_o but_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o then_o he_o subdivides_a these_o two_o general_n into_o the_o special_a office_n contain_v under_o they_o he_o divide_v he_o that_o propehsy_v into_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v or_o into_o the_o doctor_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o teach_v or_o instruction_n belong_v and_o the_o pastor_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n be_v competent_a under_o he_o that_o minister_v he_o comprehend_v first_o he_o that_o give_v by_o who_o be_v mean_v the_o deacon_n who_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o poor_a second_o he_o that_o rule_v by_o who_o can_v be_v mean_v no_o other_o than_o the_o rule_v elder_a see_v a_o ordinary_a roll_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v different_a from_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o second_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o prove_v the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n afterward_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n kind_n of_o tongue_n some_o of_o the_o bibles_n of_o the_o late_a english_a translation_n read_v help_n in_o government_n but_o cross_a to_o the_o text_n in_o the_o first_o language_n that_o bear_v help_n government_n as_o two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o other_o edition_n of_o that_o translation_n this_o be_v help_v in_o this_o text_n the_o apostle_n reckon_v several_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n some_o extraordinary_a which_o be_v to_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o season_n such_o as_o apostle_n prophet_n power_n or_o miracle_n gift_n of_o heal_a kind_n of_o tongue_n some_o ordinary_a which_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o be_v teacher_n or_o the_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n who_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o word_n help_n h._n e._n the_o deacon_n who_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o help_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o government_n h._n e._n the_o govern_n and_o rule_v elder_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n that_o the_o apostle_n by_o government_n do_v mean_v a_o church-officer_n who_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n for_o rule_v and_o govern_v thereof_o now_o this_o can_v be_v any_o other_o of_o the_o church-officer_n for_o these_o he_o have_v name_v beside_o and_o therefore_o it_o remain_v that_o it_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_a the_o three_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v 1tim_fw-la 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n special_o they_o that_o
labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n which_o text_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o distinguish_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o rule_v one_o sort_n who_o do_v also_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o wit_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n another_o sort_n who_o do_v only_o rule_v and_o do_v it_o well_o be_v account_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o these_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v from_o this_o that_o the_o office_n of_o the_o 17._o rule_v elder_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n we_o gather_v these_o conclusion_n first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n arbitrary_a and_o indifferent_a for_o such_o to_o wait_v upon_o their_o charge_n yea_o or_o not_o as_o they_o please_v or_o as_o their_o attendance_n may_v contribute_v for_o their_o own_o or_o their_o friend_n particular_a which_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o too_o too_o many_o elder_n but_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n diligent_o to_o attend_v and_o follow_v the_o duty_n thereof_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o the_o keep_n of_o session_n or_o presbytery_n and_o other_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v call_v and_o desire_v thereto_o second_o that_o elder_n ought_v to_o do_v their_o office_n not_o formal_o and_o hypocritical_o for_o the_o fashion_n only_o but_o sincere_o and_o honest_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o who_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o holy_a call_v and_o to_o who_o they_o must_v render_v a_o account_n of_o their_o discharge_n of_o this_o great_a trust_n three_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o domineer_v over_o their_o fellow_n brethren_n and_o elder_n but_o carry_v themselves_o humble_o and_o serviceable_o as_o these_o who_o be_v appoint_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o minister_a unto_o and_o edify_v of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n four_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o carry_v themselves_o with_o that_o authority_n holiness_n gravity_n and_o prudence_n that_o become_v these_o who_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o bear_v rule_n in_o his_o house_n five_o that_o elder_n once_o lawful_o call_v to_o the_o office_n and_o have_v gift_n from_o god_n meet_v to_o exexcise_n the_o same_o unless_o they_o be_v remove_v therefrom_o because_o of_o miscarriage_n be_v still_o elder_n though_o happy_o in_o congregation_n where_o many_o qualify_a man_n may_v be_v find_v 3._o some_o may_v be_v permit_v for_o a_o time_n to_o surcease_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o charge_n and_o other_o be_v put_v in_o their_o room_n as_o be_v among_o the_o levite_n under_o the_o law_n in_o serve_v in_o the_o temple_n by_o course_n six_o that_o people_n ought_v to_o obey_v such_o as_o these_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o because_o they_o wait_v for_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n heb._n 13._o 17._o yea_o they_o will_v know_v they_o as_o these_o who_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v admonish_v they_o and_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 12_o 13._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o vocation_n or_o call_v of_o rule_v elder_n as_o no_o man_n be_v to_o intrude_v in_o any_o employment_n 3._o without_o a_o lawful_a call_v so_o much_o less_o ought_v any_o man_n to_o intrude_v himself_o without_o a_o call_v into_o any_o sacred_a function_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 5._o 3._o 4._o therefore_o before_o any_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereunto_o this_o call_v be_v inward_a or_o outward_a the_o inward_a call_v be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n concern_v some_o measure_n of_o ability_n and_o gift_n for_o the_o charge_n and_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a inclination_n and_o purpose_n to_o employ_v these_o gift_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n the_o outward_a call_v be_v to_o be_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o that_o of_o other_o church-officer_n and_o it_o stand_v in_o their_o election_n and_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o carriage_n gift_n and_o admission_n to_o the_o charge_n the_o election_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o congregation_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o bear_v charge_n act_v 6._o 3._o 5_o and_o 14._o 23._o that_o it_o may_v be_v go_v about_o in_o the_o more_o deacon_n orderly_a way_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o a_o nomination_n be_v make_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o eldership_n of_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o person_n fit_a and_o best_a qualify_v for_o the_o employment_n and_o that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n nominate_v by_o they_o be_v public_o intimate_v to_o the_o congregation_n and_o they_o desire_v in_o case_n of_o their_o not_o be_v satisfy_v as_o have_v exception_n or_o know_v other_o better_a qualify_v to_o represent_v the_o same_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o eldership_n if_o there_o be_v no_o eldership_n in_o the_o congregation_n a_o nomination_n may_v be_v make_v either_o by_o the_o presbytery_n or_o by_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o godly_a member_n of_o the_o congregation_n particular_o master_n of_o family_n together_o with_o the_o minister_n or_o one_o or_o more_o minister_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o case_n of_o the_o congregation_n want_v of_o a_o minister_n the_o trial_n be_v to_o be_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o eldership_n head_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o in_o case_n of_o the_o want_n of_o these_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o conversation_n that_o it_o be_v blameless_a and_o holy_a and_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o house_n and_o of_o their_o ability_n and_o prudence_n for_o government_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o trial_n of_o elder_n in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o gift_n require_v for_o their_o charge_n have_v not_o be_v much_o in_o use_n in_o this_o church_n it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o conscience_n will_v be_v make_v of_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o as_o have_v knowledge_n and_o be_v able_a and_o fit_a or_o that_o if_o any_o ignorant_a or_o not_o able_a and_o sitted_a be_v nominat_fw-la that_o some_o of_o the_o congregation_n upon_o the_o intimation_n of_o their_o name_n will_v except_v against_o they_o but_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o ignorant_a and_o unqualified_a man_n have_v be_v admit_v elder_n in_o many_o congregation_n to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o small_a reproach_n of_o our_o church_n the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 10._o speak_v of_o deacon_n which_o be_v the_o low_a rank_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n require_v that_o these_o also_o first_o be_v prove_v then_o let_v they_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v find_v blameless_a and_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o ground_n that_o plead_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o minister_n plead_v also_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o they_o their_o admission_n be_v to_o be_v by_o the_o minister_n book_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o one_o appoint_v by_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n with_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n concern_v their_o duty_n and_o with_o prayer_n and_o humiliation_n concern_v the_o spirit_n of_o their_o call_v to_o be_v pour_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v solemn_o to_o engage_v themselves_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a and_o watchful_a over_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o honourable_a employment_n and_o the_o people_n be_v also_o to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o honour_v they_o and_o high_o to_o esteem_v they_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o rule_v elder_a the_o duty_n of_o a_o rule_v elder_a be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o that_o be_v personal_a and_o relate_v to_o his_o conversation_n as_o a_o christian_a other_o that_o be_v official_a and_o relate_v to_o his_o rule_v as_o a_o office-bearer_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n his_o personal_a qualification_n 6._o or_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o conversation_n be_v the_o same_o with_o these_o which_o the_o
apostle_n require_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o a_o minister_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o 6._o 11._o tit._n 1._o 6_o 7_o 8._o in_o which_o scripture_n under_o the_o 3._o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o overseer_n he_o comprehend_v all_o these_o officer_n who_o have_v the_o oversight_n and_o charge_n of_o soul_n and_o set_v down_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o their_o conversation_n and_o carriage_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o these_o thing_n with_o application_n to_o the_o rule_v elder_a that_o the_o rule_v elder_a ought_v to_o be_v of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n be_v above_o question_n but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o distinct_o know_v what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n require_v of_o such_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o conversation_n i_o shall_v from_o these_o scripture_n show_v first_o what_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v they_o not_o to_o be_v second_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v these_o 1._o a_o ruling_n elder_n must_v not_o be_v give_v to_o wine_n they_o must_v not_o be_v lover_n nor_o follower_n of_o strong_a drink_n nor_o debord_v in_o riot_n and_o excess_n nor_o tipple_v away_o time_n in_o alehouse_n and_o tavern_n 2._o he_o must_v not_o be_v a_o striker_n nor_o a_o brawler_n nor_o give_v to_o quarrel_v and_o contention_n 3._o he_o must_v not_o be_v covetous_a nor_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n 4._o he_o must_v not_o be_v a_o novice_n or_o one_o new_o come_v to_o the_o faith_n lest_o he_o bepuff_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o spirit_n of_o novice_n be_v not_o yet_o well_o ballast_v nor_o bring_v low_o enough_o by_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o so_o come_v to_o be_v more_o easy_o puff_v up_o therefore_o there_o be_v need_n that_o he_o be_v a_o exercise_v soldier_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o one_o who_o by_o experience_n be_v teach_v to_o know_v the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o be_v able_a to_o endure_v hardness_n 5._o he_o must_v not_o be_v self-willed_a adhere_v pertinacious_o and_o without_o reason_n to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o brethren_n though_o sound_n and_o wholesome_a 6._o he_o must_v not_o be_v soon_o angry_a whether_o upon_o real_a or_o conceive_a cause_n of_o provocation_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o second_o sort_n be_v these_o 1_o he_o must_v be_v blameless_a h._n e._n one_o who_o walk_v without_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n 2._o if_o marry_v he_o must_v be_v the_o husband_n of_o one_o wife_n such_o a_o one_o who_o shun_v all_o unlawful_a lust_n satisfy_v himself_o with_o and_o keep_v himself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o remedy_n provide_v of_o god_n 3._o he_o must_v be_v vigilant_a watchful_a over_o his_o own_o soul_n that_o no_o temptation_n prevail_v upon_o he_o watchful_a unto_o every_o good_a duty_n and_o to_o take_v hold_n of_o every_o opportunity_n of_o welldoing_a 4._o he_o must_v be_v sober_a &_o temperate_a of_o a_o sound_n and_o humble_a mind_n moderate_v his_o own_o appetite_n and_o affection_n and_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o a_o moderate_a use_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n 5._o he_o must_v be_v of_o a_o good_a behaviour_n or_o modest_a of_o a_o grave_n and_o stay_v yet_o of_o a_o effable_a and_o courteous_a carriage_n neither_o light_n and_o vain_a to_o the_o lose_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o render_v himself_o contemptible_a nor_o sullen_a and_o self-pleasing_a to_o the_o discourage_a and_o scare_v away_o of_o the_o flock_n by_o his_o needless_a distance_n &_o austerity_n 6._o give_v to_o hospitality_n ready_a to_o receive_v stranger_n to_o his_o house_n especial_o the_o poor_a and_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n 7_o apt_a to_o teach_v h._n e._n a_o man_n of_o knowledge_n and_o able_a to_o instruct_v other_o one_o who_o have_v a_o ready_a and_o willing_a mind_n to_o teach_v other_o which_o be_v not_o so_o mean_v as_o if_o it_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o rule_v elder_a to_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o exhortation_n and_o instruction_n competent_a to_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n or_o that_o he_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o employ_v himself_o therein_o but_o of_o that_o fitness_n and_o ability_n to_o teach_v that_o be_v competent_a to_o his_o call_v which_o he_o must_v be_v ready_a and_o willing_a to_o exercise_v so_o far_o as_o belong_v thereto_o 8._o moderate_a in_o the_o first_o language_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—endered_v patient_n 1_o tim._n 3._o not_o rigorous_a nor_o exact_v the_o height_n of_o the_o law_n in_o his_o deal_n but_o in_o his_o own_o particular_a of_o a_o condescend_v nature_n and_o remit_v something_o of_o strict_a justice_n 9_o patient_n one_o who_o without_o weary_v wait_v on_o his_o duty_n notwithstanding_o of_o difficulty_n and_o do_v bear_v the_o delay_n untractableness_n and_o injury_n of_o other_o 10._o one_o who_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o child_n in_o subjection_n with_o all_o gravity_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n add_v this_o reason_n if_o a_o man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o rule_v his_o own_o house_n how_o shall_v he_o take_v a_o care_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 5._o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v of_o large_a extent_n than_o one_o family_n and_o the_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o it_o be_v of_o great_a eminency_n and_o difficulty_n and_o require_v more_o skill_n wisdom_n and_o courage_n than_o these_o that_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o family_n the_o rule_v well_o of_o his_o own_o house_n do_v import_v not_o only_a ability_n for_o do_v of_o it_o but_o also_o that_o he_o make_v conscience_n of_o and_o actual_o perform_v these_o duty_n that_o be_v require_v for_o the_o right_n and_o well_o order_v of_o a_o christian_a family_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n of_o their_o profiâ—ing_n in_o godliness_n of_o their_o seek_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o order_n their_o conversation_n aright_o to_o read_v the_o scripture_n sing_v psalm_n pray_v in_o the_o family_n and_o to_o exhort_v admonish_v rebuke_n and_o comfort_v all_o that_o be_v of_o his_o household_n as_o their_o condition_n do_v require_v for_o if_o these_o duty_n lie_v upon_o all_o master_n of_o family_n who_o profess_v the_o gospel_n then_o in_o a_o special_a way_n upon_o elder_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o stir_v up_o and_o go_v before_o other_o in_o the_o performance_n thereof_o 11._o a_o lover_n of_o good_a man_n one_o who_o soul_n cleave_v to_o those_o who_o fear_n god_n have_v such_o in_o estimation_n above_o all_o other_o cherish_v they_o and_o converse_v ordinary_o and_o familiar_o with_o they_o 12._o he_o must_v be_v just_a one_o who_o be_v straight_o and_o upright_o in_o all_o his_o deal_n among_o man_n deceive_v no_o man_n defraud_v no_o man_n withhold_v nothing_o from_o any_o man_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o but_o give_v to_o every_o man_n his_o own_o 13._o holy_a careful_a to_o express_v the_o life_n of_o religion_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o aâ—_n his_o conversation_n 14._o he_o must_v bâ—_n one_o who_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a worâ—_n that_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v one_o whâ—_n be_v stable_n in_o the_o â—aith_n hold_v faâ—_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n without_o waver_v or_o turn_v aside_o to_o error_n last_o he_o must_v be_v one_o who_o have_v good_a report_n of_o these_o who_o be_v without_o lest_o he_o fall_v into_o reproach_n and_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n 〈◊〉_d he_o must_v be_v such_o a_o one_o who_o blameless_a conversation_n and_o sober_a and_o christian_n walk_v do_v extort_v a_o testimony_n even_o from_o these_o who_o know_v not_o god_n and_o who_o do_v by_o well-doing_n put_v to_o silence_v the_o ignorance_n of_o foolish_a man_n that_o if_o any_o speak_v evil_a of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o evil-doer_n they_o may_v be_v ashamed_a who_o speak_v false_o against_o his_o good_a conversation_n in_o christ._n the_o apostle_n comprehend_v all_o these_o summarily_a in_o two_o sentence_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 12._o be_v thou_o a_o example_n of_o the_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 1_o tim._n 6._o 11._o but_o thou_o o_o man_n of_o god_n flee_v these_o thing_n and_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n godliness_n faith_n
love_n patience_n meekness_n chap._n v._n of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v which_o be_v more_o private_a the_o duty_n of_o chap._n their_o call_v be_v these_o that_o belong_v to_o their_o watch_v over_o and_o rule_v of_o the_o flock_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o that_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v by_o themselves_o alone_o and_o so_o may_v 15._o be_v call_v more_o private_a duty_n other_o that_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v joint_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o over_o seer_n of_o the_o 107._o house_n of_o god_n and_o may_v be_v call_v more_o public_a the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v that_o be_v more_o private_a be_v all_o these_o that_o private_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v each_o of_o they_o unto_o another_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n and_o love_n and_o these_o be_v first_o to_o instruct_v one_o another_o joh._n 4._o 29._o act_n 18._o 26._o second_o to_o exhort_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o to_o provoke_v unto_o love_n and_o good_a work_n heb._n 10._o 24_o 25._o three_o to_o admonish_v and_o rebuke_v one_o another_o levit._n 19_o 17._o first_o privately_z and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v then_o before_o witness_n &_o if_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v then_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n then_o to_o tell_v the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v the_o church_n then_o let_v they_o be_v unto_o we_o as_o heathen_n and_o publican_n math._n 18._o 15_o 16_o 17._o four_o to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o to_o support_v the_o weak_a 1_o thess._n 5._o 11._o five_o to_o restore_v those_o who_o be_v fall_v gal._n 6._o 1._o sixthly_a to_o reconcile_v these_o who_o be_v at_o variance_n math._n 5._o 9_o seven_o to_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o judas_n 20._o eight_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a and_o those_o who_o be_v in_o bond_n and_o distress_n math_n 25._o 36._o all_o these_o duty_n elder_n be_v to_o perform_v to_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o congregation_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o call_v the_o scripture_n do_v express_o mention_v some_o of_o they_o as_o incumbent_n unto_o they_o to_o wit_n admonish_v these_o over_o who_o god_n have_v set_v they_o 1_o thess._n 5._o 12._o visit_a and_o pray_v over_o the_o sick_a jam._n 5._o 14._o feed_v the_o flock_n by_o instruction_n exhortation_n rebuke_v and_o comfort_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o be_v competent_a to_o their_o station_n act_n 20._o 28._o the_o rest_n we_o may_v warrantable_o gather_v by_o analogy_n and_o proportion_n from_o these_o if_o private_a christian_n be_v oblige_v thereto_o much_o more_o be_v christian_a elder_n who_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o soul_n in_o a_o special_a way_n oblige_v thereto_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o express_v in_o the_o six_o chap._n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o discipline_n ch_z as_o the_o pastor_n and_o doctor_n say_v they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a in_o teach_v and_o sow_v the_o â—eed_n of_o the_o word_n so_o the_o elder_n shall_v be_v careful_a in_o seek_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o same_o of_o the_o people_n it_o appertain_v to_o they_o to_o assist_v the_o pastor_n in_o examination_n of_o they_o that_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n item_n in_o visit_v the_o sick_a they_o shall_v cause_v the_o act_n of_o the_o assembly_n aswell_o particular_a as_o general_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n careful_o they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a to_o admonish_v all_o man_n of_o their_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o evangel_n thing_n that_o they_o can_v correct_v by_o private_a admonition_n they_o shall_v bring_v to_o the_o eldership_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v these_o duty_n of_o rule_v elder_n these_o three_o thing_n follow_v first_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v man_n of_o such_o ability_n as_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n able_a to_o instruct_v exhort_v admonish_v rebuke_n comfort_n pray_v and_o do_v these_o duty_n now_o mention_v second_o that_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o not_o only_o to_o have_v some_o measure_n of_o ability_n for_o these_o thing_n but_o also_o to_o have_v some_o measure_n of_o dexterity_n wisdom_n experience_n tenderness_n in_o follow_v the_o same_o three_o that_o they_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o member_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o be_v careful_a to_o observe_v their_o carriage_n and_o frequent_o to_o visit_v and_o take_v inspection_n of_o family_n that_o they_o may_v instruct_v the_o ignorant_a exhort_v the_o negligent_a admonish_v the_o slothful_a and_o rebuke_v those_o who_o walk_v disorderly_a comfort_v the_o afflict_a establish_v those_o who_o waver_v visit_v the_o sick_a encourage_v these_o who_o do_v well_o and_o see_v piety_n and_o godliness_n promote_v in_o family_n and_o every_o one_o edify_v another_o in_o love_n walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n chap._n vi_o of_o these_o duty_n which_o be_v more_o public_a and_o which_o they_o be_v â—o_o perform_v joint_o with_o other_o the_o duty_n of_o elder_n which_o ps._n be_v more_o public_a and_o which_o they_o be_v to_o perform_v joint_o with_o other_o be_v these_o which_o lie_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o assembly_n or_o court_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o preach_v elder_n teach_v elder_n and_o rule_v elder_n these_o assembly_n be_v in_o our_o church_n of_o four_o sort_n either_o they_o be_v of_o the_o elder_n of_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v the_o church_n session_n or_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o more_o congregation_n than_o one_o lie_v near_o together_o which_o be_v the_o presbytery_n or_o of_o the_o elder_n of_o more_o presbytery_n than_o one_o which_o be_v the_o provincial_a synod_n or_o of_o the_o elder_n commissioner_n from_o all_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o land_n which_o be_v the_o general_n or_o national_a assembly_n to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v a_o five_o sort_n to_o wit_n that_o which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o elder_n from_o all_o or_o diverse_a nation_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ._n whilst_o we_o speak_v of_o elder_n of_o which_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n be_v make_v up_o we_o mean_v all_o sort_n of_o elder_n minister_n doctor_n and_o rule_v elder_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o our_o church_n because_o of_o the_o want_n of_o maintenance_n there_o be_v few_o or_o no_o doctor_n or_o teach_v elder_n distinct_a from_o pastor_n or_o minister_n who_o perform_v the_o duty_n both_o of_o the_o preach_a elder_n and_o of_o the_o teach_v elder_a only_o in_o the_o school_n of_o divinity_n be_v such_o in_o all_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n rule_v 7._o elder_n be_v thereto_o right_o call_v have_v power_n to_o sit_v write_v debate_n vote_n and_o conclude_v in_o all_o matter_n that_o be_v handle_v therein_o act_v 15._o 2._o and_o 6._o 22_o 23._o the_o thing_n which_o be_v handle_v in_o the_o assembly_n 7._o of_o the_o church_n be_v either_o matter_n of_o faith_n matter_n of_o order_n matter_n of_o discipline_n or_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o send_n of_o church-officer_n according_a to_o which_o they_o have_v a_o fourfold_a power_n 1._o that_o which_o be_v call_v dogmatic_a whereby_o they_o judge_v of_o truth_n and_o error_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o 2._o that_o which_o be_v callee_o diatactick_a by_o which_o they_o discern_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o time_n place_n person_n and_o all_o such_o particular_n in_o ecclesiastic_a affair_n as_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o word_n according_a to_o the_o general_a rule_n thereof_o concern_v order_n and_o decency_n avoid_v of_o scandal_n do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o that_o which_o be_v critic_n or_o corrective_a by_o which_o censure_n be_v exercise_v upon_o the_o scandalous_a and_o obstinate_a and_o such_o as_o be_v penitent_a again_o admit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n fellowship_n &_o society_n of_o the_o church_n 4._o that_o which_o be_v call_v exousiastick_a by_o virtue_n of_o which_o they_o send_v authorize_v and_o give_v power_n to_o church_n officer_n to_o serve_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n all_o these_o assembly_n be_v not_o to_o exer_n cise_n all_o these_o power_n but_o to_o keep_v themselves_o within_o their_o due_a bound_n the_o inferior_a leave_v these_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o more_o common_a concernment_n to_o the_o superior_a but_o in_o all_o these_o power_n rule_v elder_n have_v a_o share_n and_o do_v put_v forth_o the_o same_o in_o exercise_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o assembly_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n act_n 15._o 6._o 22_o 23._o howbeit_o the_o
public_a and_o open_a then_o be_v the_o offender_n without_o such_o previous_a admonition_n to_o be_v dilate_v to_o the_o session_n that_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_n 1_o tim._n 5_o 20._o they_o that_o sin_n mean_v open_o may_v be_v rebuke_v before_o all_o that_o other_o may_v fear_v 6._o in_o these_o dilation_n they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o upon_o every_o rumour_n or_o jealousy_n or_o suspicion_n bring_v man_n to_o be_v question_v public_o as_o scandalous_a walker_n but_o first_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o make_v diligent_a and_o prudent_a enquiry_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o to_o see_v if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o witness_n or_o that_o the_o scandal_n thereof_o be_v common_a and_o flagrant_a or_o attend_v with_o pregnant_a likelihood_n and_o presumption_n of_o truth_n before_o they_o bring_v it_o in_o public_a that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o congregation_n and_o to_o the_o party_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o question_v and_o challenge_v without_o cause_n 7._o in_o the_o matter_n of_o dilation_n and_o censure_n they_o be_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o of_o their_o heart_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o fear_n or_o favour_n or_o solistation_n or_o threaten_n or_o gift_n or_o bribe_n make_v they_o not_o pass_v by_o or_o wink_v at_o the_o fault_n of_o any_o and_o that_o passion_n or_o malice_n or_o private_a quarrel_n and_o particular_n make_v they_o not_o to_o dilate_v or_o rip_v up_o or_o censure_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o any_o and_o that_o they_o carry_v with_o all_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n and_o moderation_n towards_o the_o offender_n that_o they_o may_v approve_v themselves_o to_o his_o conscience_n that_o nothing_o put_v they_o one_o to_o dilate_v he_o and_o proceed_v against_o he_o but_o the_o conscience_n of_o duty_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o gain_v his_o soul_n and_o to_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o scandal_n gal._n 6._o 1_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2._o it_o be_v a_o high_a provocation_n before_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o church-officer_n to_o abuse_v the_o power_n give_v he_o of_o god_n for_o edify_v his_o body_n the_o church_n unto_o the_o satisfy_n his_o own_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n 8._o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o bodily_a punishment_n or_o penance_n to_o satisfy_v for_o sin_n but_o a_o spiritual_a medicine_n for_o humble_v and_o gain_v of_o the_o soul_n all_o church_n censure_n even_o excommunication_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o most_o terrible_a and_o destroying-like_a censure_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o this_o end_n 1_o cor._n 5._o the_o apostle_n command_v to_o deliver_v the_o incestuous_a person_n to_o satan_n not_o that_o he_o may_v satisfy_v for_o his_o sin_n but_o that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o word_n satisfaction_n may_v admit_v of_o a_o tolerable_a construction_n in_o church-censure_n in_o order_n to_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o scandal_n before_o man_n but_o this_o be_v so_o much_o abuse_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o prone_a to_o true_a gospel_n repentance_n to_o a_o mere_a legal_a penance_n and_o to_o conceive_v that_o by_o mere_a outward_a submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v do_v away_o before_o god_n therefore_o elder_n will_v careful_o shun_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o foster_a this_o pernicious_a opinion_n and_o take_v pain_n to_o instruct_v offender_n in_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n 9_o a_o great_a part_n of_o elder_n work_v be_v to_o ps._n travel_v and_o take_v pain_n with_o scandalous_a person_n who_o be_v now_o convict_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n by_o seasonable_a and_o frequent_a conference_n instruct_v exhort_v and_o admonish_v they_o until_o they_o they_o perceive_v some_o measure_n of_o true_a and_o earnest_a humiliation_n wrought_v in_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o they_o fit_v to_o evidence_n and_o declare_v the_o same_o in_o public_a before_o the_o congregation_n that_o so_o the_o scandal_n may_v be_v remove_v 10._o they_o be_v not_o to_o desire_v or_o appoint_v any_o to_o profess_v repentance_n before_o the_o congregation_n until_o the_o sign_n of_o repentance_n appear_v in_o they_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a sorrow_v exceed_o before_o the_o apostle_n do_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o receive_n of_o he_o and_o the_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n appoint_v minister_n and_o elder_n sharp_o to_o examine_v these_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o repentance_n what_o fear_n and_o terror_n they_o have_v of_o god_n judgement_n what_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o the_o same_o and_o what_o sense_n and_o feeling_n they_o have_v of_o god_n mercy_n in_o which_o if_o they_o be_v ignorant_a they_o ought_v diligent_o to_o be_v instruct_v for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o but_o a_o mock_v to_o put_v such_o to_o public_a repentance_n who_o neither_o understand_v what_o sin_n be_v what_o repentance_n be_v what_o grace_n be_v nor_o by_o who_o god_n mercy_n and_o favour_n be_v purchase_v and_o that_o after_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o bring_v to_o have_v some_o taste_n of_o god_n judgement_n especial_o of_o his_o mercy_n in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o may_v be_v present_v before_o the_o public_a church_n these_o thing_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o public_a repentance_n appoint_v by_o the_o assembly_n 1567._o last_o when_o the_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n do_v appear_v in_o these_o who_o have_v offend_v elder_n will_v show_v themselves_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v they_o with_o all_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n and_o to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v they_o and_o confirm_v their_o love_n towards_o they_o 2._o cor._n 2._o 7_o 8._o the_o number_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o congregation_n 4._o can_v be_v well_o limit_v or_o determine_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o necessity_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n and_o as_o man_n qualify_v and_o fit_a for_o the_o charge_n can_v be_v find_v it_o have_v be_v a_o evil_a custom_n in_o some_o congregation_n that_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v want_v any_o of_o their_o wont_a number_n they_o will_v choose_v unqualify_v man_n and_o that_o in_o several_a congregation_n the_o office_n of_o elder_n have_v be_v give_v to_o those_o of_o the_o rich_a and_o high_a sort_n as_o due_a to_o such_o though_o haply_o of_o no_o experience_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n of_o a_o untender_a and_o blame-worthy_a conversation_n because_o of_o their_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n or_o conceive_v that_o their_o secular_a power_n and_o credit_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o man_n qualify_v with_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o soul_n and_o of_o a_o christian_a and_o godly_a carriage_n have_v be_v pass_v by_o because_o of_o a_o mean_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n better_a it_o be_v that_o the_o number_n be_v few_o before_o we_o choose_v the_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a and_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o low_a degree_n if_o godly_a than_o of_o a_o high_a degree_n if_o otherwise_o that_o elder_n may_v the_o more_o convenient_o 1646._o discharge_v their_o duty_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o the_o congregation_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o part_n and_o that_o some_o competent_a part_n be_v assign_v to_o the_o more_o peculiar_a care_n and_o inspection_n of_o every_o elder_a yet_o so_o as_o he_o neglect_v not_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o a_o overseer_n chap._n i._n of_o deacon_n of_o their_o name_n that_o we_o may_v also_o understand_v what_o do_v belong_v unto_o deacon_n we_o shall_v speak_v of_o they_o short_o after_o the_o same_o order_n 1._o of_o their_o name_n 2._o of_o their_o institution_n 3._o of_o their_o call_v 4._o of_o their_o duty_n and_o qualification_n the_o word_n deacon_n large_o take_v signify_v 8._o any_o servant_n or_o minister_n matth._n 23._o 11._o therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o do_v sometime_o comprehend_v all_o church-officer_n even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 5._o because_o every_o church-officer_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n for_o perfect_v of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 12._o and_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ._n when_o we_o speak_v of_o deacon_n in_o the_o kirk_n 8._o