his_o spirit_n prepare_v and_o fit_a man_n for_o this_o state_n build_v they_o up_o and_o stamp_v his_o own_o and_o his_o father_n name_n upon_o they_o but_o also_o he_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o make_v they_o his_o walk_n palace_n and_o place_n of_o his_o delight_n here_o say_v he_o will_v i_o dwell_v for_o i_o have_v desire_v it_o psal_n 135.14_o yea_o these_o church_n be_v his_o choose_a and_o most_o pleasant_a habitation_n psal_n 132.13_o where_o he_o rest_v and_o repose_v himself_o five_o 14._o and_o that_o for_o ever_o not_o to_o look_v on_o or_o visit_v they_o now_o and_o then_o but_o to_o rest_v himself_o and_o dwell_v there_o for_o ever_o not_o for_o a_o few_o day_n but_o for_o ever_o and_o in_o rev._n 2.1_o the_o lord_n jesus_n tell_v the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n that_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o seven_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o be_v the_o seven_o distinct_a particular_a and_o congregational_a church_n rev._n 1.20_o and_o in_o the_o 2_o cor._n 9.16_o say_v he_o i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o that_o be_v in_o the_o particular_a church_n at_o corinth_n now_o particular_a congregational_a church_n be_v of_o god_n or_o man_n but_o they_o can_v be_v of_o man_n devise_v and_o set_v up_o because_o god_n own_v they_o and_o confirm_v they_o with_o his_o presence_n desire_n and_o choose_v they_o for_o his_o rest_n and_o dwell_v in_o they_o continual_o with_o delight_n and_o complacency_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v of_o god_n for_o the_o great_a and_o holy_a god_n will_v not_o own_o the_o device_n of_o man_n in_o and_o about_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n but_o abhor_v and_o loathe_v they_o condemn_v and_o reject_v they_o as_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a thing_n leu._n 10.2_o sam._n 6._o and_o much_o less_o will_v he_o delight_v and_o rest_n in_o they_o three_o that_o particular_a congregational-churche_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v further_a evince_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a practice_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o no_o soon_o be_v any_o jew_n or_o gentile_n convert_v to_o christ_n but_o assoon_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n they_o join_v to_o or_o congregat_v into_o church_n so_o act_v 2.41_o 42._o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n vers_fw-la 47._o and_o act_n 5.14_o this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n preach_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v that_o assoon_o as_o a_o number_n be_v convert_v they_o congregat_v as_o be_v the_o first_o work_n they_o be_v to_o do_v after_o they_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n col._n 2.6_o and_o ever_o after_o they_o be_v call_v church_n of_o christ_n and_o temple_n of_o god_n a_o multitude_n of_o they_o you_o read_v of_o in_o the_o act_n epistle_n of_o paul_n and_o in_o the_o revelation_n and_o what_o they_o do_v therein_o be_v by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o according_a to_o what_o they_o teach_v they_o from_z and_z in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 2_o pet._n 1._o ult_n now_o what_o they_o do_v and_o practise_v by_o apostolical_a direction_n and_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o bind_a force_n and_o power_n of_o a_o divine_a precept_n 1_o cor._n 11.1_o heb._n 6.12_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a saint_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n insomuch_o that_o we_o can_v hardly_o find_v any_o one_o of_o they_o continue_v out_o of_o a_o church-state_n any_o time_n after_o their_o conversion_n we_o seldom_o read_v in_o divine_a history_n of_o any_o believer_n but_o what_o have_v relation_n to_o one_o church_n or_o other_o plant_v and_o water_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n 1_o cor._n 3.6_o by_o which_o say_v universal_a practice_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o particular_a church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n own_o institution_n for_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n dare_v not_o do_v then_o as_o many_o dare_v do_v now_o namely_o to_o live_v in_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o duty_n and_o privilege_n the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n easy_o persuade_v they_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o christ_n in_o universal_a obedience_n unto_o his_o whole_a reveal_v will_n and_o they_o can_v not_o congregate_v and_o join_v into_o church_n nor_o abide_v and_o worship_n god_n in_o they_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n unless_o they_o have_v know_v that_o what_o they_o do_v therein_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o duty_n four_o this_o truth_n be_v further_o confirm_v by_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o order_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n as_o church_n and_o not_o as_o to_o individual_a and_o single_a believer_n almost_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n be_v write_v for_o and_o direct_v to_o believer_n as_o inchurch_v and_o incorporate_v into_o body_n and_o distinct_a congregation_n and_o he_o direct_v his_o epistle_n to_o they_o under_o the_o stile_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o thessalonian_o 1_o thes_n 1.1_o in_o which_o epistle_n be_v all_o the_o law_n rule_n and_o order_n for_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n walk_v and_o practice_n contain_v which_o shall_v be_v afterward_o open_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o paul_n to_o timothy_n be_v write_v and_o send_v to_o he_o to_o direct_v he_o how_o to_o behave_v himself_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o to_o show_v he_o what_o his_o work_n and_o duty_n be_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 3_o 14_o 15._o so_o other_o epistle_n be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o that_o state_n and_o relation_n there_o be_v rule_n and_o law_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o order_n for_o their_o walking_n and_o practice_n there_o they_o be_v instruct_v and_o teach_v how_o to_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o god_n the_o father_n and_o jesus_n christ_n their_o head_n and_o ruler_n towards_o their_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o towards_o one_o another_o as_o fellow-member_n there_o they_o have_v lay_v down_o their_o particular_a work_n and_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o show_v how_o they_o shall_v perform_v they_o as_o also_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o move_v and_o quicken_v they_o to_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o although_o all_o sort_n of_o duty_n be_v there_o lay_v down_o and_o command_v namely_o such_o as_o respect_v other_o relation_n and_o capacity_n as_o of_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o chief_a and_o great_a end_n matter_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o they_o as_o believer_n in_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n as_o will_v further_o appear_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o special_a and_o particular_a duty_n of_o church_n member_n as_o such_o now_o then_o if_o god_n have_v give_v his_o law_n rule_n and_o order_n unto_o church_n or_o to_o believer_n as_o in_o a_o church_n state_n and_o condition_n for_o their_o holy_a and_o regular_a walk_v towards_o god_n and_o one_o another_o as_o in_o that_o relation_n then_o undoubted_o particular_a congregat_v church_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o divine_a institution_n for_o sure_o the_o holy_a and_o jealous_a god_n will_v never_o so_o far_o own_o and_o privilege_v the_o device_n and_o institution_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n that_o so_o near_o concern_v his_o worship_n and_o glory_n as_o to_o dignify_v they_o with_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o ordinance_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o his_o own_o church_n that_o be_v of_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o appointment_n five_o this_o truth_n be_v further_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o officer_n he_o have_v give_v to_o they_o for_o their_o well-being_n order_v and_o manage_n of_o church-affair_n and_o concernment_n in_o his_o name_n for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o profit_n these_o officer_n be_v specify_v and_o enumerate_v in_o eph._n 4.11_o 1_o cor._n 12.28_o phil._n 1.1_o 1_o tim._n 3.1_o tim._n 5.17_o and_o elsewhere_o as_o in_o act_n 20.17_o etc._n etc._n and_o they_o be_v not_o give_v by_o man_n but_o god_n authorize_v &_o empower_v by_o he_o to_o act_n and_o officiate_v as_o such_o in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o god_n have_v set_v they_o in_o his_o church_n and_o act_v 20.28_o say_v paul_n to_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o the_o
be_v mistake_v for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n in_o the_o world_n so_o full_a of_o care_n and_o trouble_v as_o a_o conscientious_a minister_n be_v nor_o any_o that_o require_v more_o diligence_n circumspection_n watchfulness_n and_o faithfulness_n than_o he_o they_o work_v and_o labour_n in_o divine_a mystery_n and_o they_o work_v for_o christ_n and_o soul_n their_o matter_n lie_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o carnal_a and_o mere_a rational_a understanding_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a art_n and_o science_n and_o they_o be_v always_o consult_v and_o conversant_a about_o new_a matter_n and_o thing_n oh_o what_o need_n have_v they_o of_o the_o church_n prayer_n 3._o because_o the_o church_n profit_n and_o soul_n benefit_n be_v much_o concern_v in_o their_o teacher_n administration_n for_o god_n ordinary_o speak_v to_o the_o church_n heart_n through_o or_o by_o their_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o by_o their_o mouth_n the_o more_o they_o have_v of_o christ_n grace_n truth_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n the_o more_o powerful_a spiritual_a and_o profitable_a they_o will_v be_v in_o prayer_n preach_v and_o in_o all_o other_o ministration_n unto_o they_o act._n 14.1_o four_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o know_v obey_v and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o their_o teach_v elder_n or_o pastors_n authority_n teach_v government_n and_o to_o all_o their_o regular_a and_o orderly_a ministration_n in_o the_o lord_n the_o church_n owe_v they_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n and_o that_o as_o they_o be_v set_v over_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o by_o he_o make_v their_o teacher_n and_o ruler_n and_o send_v by_o he_o to_o take_v the_o charge_n and_o oversight_n of_o they_o and_o to_o administer_v his_o holy_a ordinance_n to_o they_o in_o his_o name_n for_o their_o good_a heb._n 13.7_o 17._o remember_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o or_o be_v guide_n unto_o you_o as_o the_o word_n also_o signify_v obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_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 for_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o without_o government_n and_o governor_n power_n and_o authority_n law_n and_o order_n and_o without_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n in_o and_o of_o the_o member_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o corporation_n and_o society_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n whether_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a they_o will_v be_v but_o confuse_a rout_n and_o babel_n there_o will_v be_v can_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n as_o james_n speak_v chap._n 3.16_o if_o they_o be_v ruler_n and_o have_v authority_n from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o appoint_v order_n and_o command_v as_o it_o be_v clear_a they_o have_v or_o they_o be_v but_o shadow_n or_o cypher_n 2_o thes_n 3.4_o 6._o 1_o tim._n 4.11_o tit._n 2._o ult_n than_o they_o may_v yea_o they_o ought_v to_o appoint_v order_n and_o command_v as_o they_o see_v occasion_n for_o the_o profit_n and_o well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o work_n and_o trust_v and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o church_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o yield_v all_o free_a hearty_a willing_a and_o cheerful_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o without_o grudge_v quarrel_a or_o irregular_a gainsaying_n that_o be_v they_o be_v to_o eye_n the_o will_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o and_o express_v by_o they_o and_o so_o to_o conform_v to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v christ_n not_o they_o they_o must_v obey_v they_o not_o as_o gift_a man_n but_o as_o the_o ambassador_n minister_n and_o officer_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o authority_n in_o they_o that_o must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o be_v when_o through_o carelessness_n or_o wilfulness_n no_o less_o than_o disobedience_n too_o yea_o rebellion_n against_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o luk._n 10.16_o 17._o col._n 3.23_o 24._o great_a be_v the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o head_n and_o king_n of_o his_o church_n in_o provide_v law_n rule_n and_o order_n as_o also_o in_o authorise_v and_o send_v some_o to_o execute_v they_o for_o their_o spiritual_a good_a and_o his_o glory_n and_o therefore_o when_o church-member_n do_v slight_a neglect_n disobey_v and_o practical_o despise_v they_o they_o do_v thereby_o slight_a contemn_v and_o despise_v the_o love_n care_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o christ_n account_v it_o so_o although_o those_o teach_a ruler_n be_v not_o apostle_n but_o ordinary_a officer_n as_o luk._n 10.16_o 17._o show_n when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v to_o heaven_n he_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n viz._n minister_n and_o ministerial_a ability_n to_o they_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n etc._n etc._n eph._n 4.10_o 11_o 12._o then_o he_o delegated_a his_o ministerial_a power_n to_o man_n promise_v to_o provide_v such_o for_o his_o saint_n and_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o his_o own_o gift_n yea_o to_o be_v with_o they_o himself_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n math._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o wherefore_o then_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v receive_v submit_v to_o and_o obey_v they_o in_o a_o sense_n even_o as_o christ_n himself_o as_o they_o be_v authorize_v gift_v grant_v and_o send_v by_o he_o in_o and_o about_o his_o message_n work_n and_o service_n in_o all_o their_o lawful_a command_n and_o appointment_n and_o regular_a ministration_n in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n he_o that_o receive_v you_o receive_v i_o say_v christ_n of_o the_o 70._o disciple_n he_o send_v to_o preach_v luk._n 10.16_o math._n 10.40_o and_o paul_n commend_v the_o galatian_n for_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n even_o as_o christ_n himself_o gal._n 4.14_o 15._o and_o the_o same_o apostle_n charge_v titus_n to_o speak_v and_o act_v in_o the_o church_n with_o all_o authority_n charge_v all_o the_o member_n also_o not_o to_o despise_v or_o slight_v he_o for_z or_o in_o his_o so_o do_v tit._n 2.15_o if_o not_o to_o despise_v or_o slight_v he_o then_o to_o honour_n submit_v to_o and_o obey_v he_o as_o christ_n and_o their_o minister_n well_o then_o do_v the_o elder_n or_o pastor_n of_o church_n careful_o mind_n and_o diligent_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o than_o all_o the_o member_n of_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o and_o wait_v on_o their_o ministry_n and_o not_o despise_v they_o and_o it_o by_o desert_v and_o withdraw_v from_o it_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n but_o more_o of_o this_o anon_o 2._o do_v they_o appoint_v meeting_n or_o call_v their_o church_n to_o assemble_v together_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o to_o consult_v about_o the_o matter_n and_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o profit_n and_o christ_n glory_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o do_v so_o except_v in_o extraordinary_a case_n that_o hinder_v they_o as_o they_o will_v answer_v the_o contrary_a contempt_n to_o christ_n at_o their_o peril_n they_o must_v not_o look_v on_o their_o practical_a conformity_n to_o it_o as_o a_o indifferent_a matter_n and_o stay_v at_o home_n or_o come_v at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o actual_o obey_v such_o a_o call_n or_o summons_n as_o christ_n not_o dispute_v it_o but_o obey_v it_o not_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o their_o heart_n disdain_v it_o but_o ready_o and_o cheerful_o subject_a to_o it_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n heb._n 13.17_o and_o be_v sure_a when_o they_o appoint_v such_o meeting_n it_o be_v for_o the_o church_n advantage_n 3._o do_v they_o appoint_v or_o require_v speech_n or_o silence_n in_o the_o church_n or_o any_o good_a order_n and_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o obey_v they_o without_o load_v they_o and_o obstruct_v their_o proceed_n with_o jangle_a dispute_n and_o opposition_n and_o as_o in_o these_o so_o in_o all_o other_o matter_n wherein_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o profit_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o member_n thereof_o consist_v ruler_n must_v see_v that_o they_o command_v and_o appoint_v order_n and_o rule_v wise_o and_o faithful_o and_o keep_v close_o to_o their_o commission_n design_n and_o carry_v on_o christ_n holy_a end_n in_o all_o and_o as_o they_o must_v rule_v well_o so_o all_o the_o member_n rule_v by_o they_o must_v obey_v well_o too_o and_o when_o both_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o their_o place_n the_o lord_n christ_n be_v
well_o as_o they_o let_v your_o love_n to_o they_o and_o esteem_v of_o they_o be_v see_v in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o expression_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v as_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o forbear_v whatever_o may_v discourage_v they_o and_o do_v all_o you_o can_v to_o encourage_v and_o forward_o they_o in_o their_o work_n but_o be_v sure_a that_o your_o visit_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a but_o to_o spiritual_a profit_n and_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o fruit_n of_o your_o cordial_a love_n to_o and_o esteem_v of_o they_o or_o else_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o paint_a image_n and_o white_v sepulcher_n and_o you_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o ezekiel_n hearer_n be_v to_o he_o who_o with_o their_o mouth_n do_v show_v much_o love_n but_o their_o heart_n be_v of_o another_o mould_n ezek._n 33.30_o ult_n 4._o stand_v by_o they_o and_o help_v to_o bear_v their_o burden_n when_o you_o know_v they_o and_o they_o require_v your_o assistance_n bear_v you_o one_o another_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6.2_o if_o you_o know_v they_o fall_v into_o or_o under_o any_o sin_n or_o temptation_n set_v your_o hand_n to_o lift_v they_o up_o again_o if_o they_o fall_v under_o affliction_n help_v to_o bear_v they_o for_o they_o be_v like_o the_o good_a samaritan_n in_o this_o matter_n luk._n 10._o and_o not_o like_o the_o cruel_a priest_n and_o levite_n who_o see_v the_o wound_a man_n lie_v welter_v in_o his_o blood_n and_o cry_v out_o of_o his_o wound_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o shift_v for_o himself_o 31.32_o verse_n no_o but_o show_v yourselves_o good_a samaritan_n who_o simpathize_v with_o and_o actual_o help_v he_o in_o his_o distress_n according_a to_o his_o need_n if_o your_o minister_n must_v sympathize_v with_o you_o and_o help_v you_o in_o your_o need_n than_o you_o must_v do_v the_o same_o to_o they_o show_v bowel_n of_o love_n and_o pity_n to_o they_o and_o set_v your_o hand_n and_o shoulder_n too_o to_o help_v they_o under_o their_o sin_n temptation_n and_o other_o trial_n and_o affliction_n and_o if_o possible_a to_o lift_v they_o out_o of_o they_o be_v they_o reproach_v help_v to_o bear_v their_o burden_n be_v they_o persecute_v by_o man_n help_v to_o bear_v their_o burden_n and_o do_v the_o like_a in_o all_o other_o weighty_a case_n for_o they_o oh_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o pretend_v high_o for_o heaven_n but_o care_v not_o what_o become_v of_o their_o painful_a minister_n who_o can_v hear_v of_o their_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n and_o galio_n like_a care_v for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n nor_o serious_o mind_n whether_o they_o sink_v or_o swim_v but_o like_o paul_n pretend_a friend_n who_o when_o they_o see_v he_o in_o deadly_a danger_n forsake_v he_o 2_o tim._n 4.16_o and_o leave_v he_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o himself_o 5._o blame_v not_o their_o ministry_n to_o one_o another_o especial_o behind_o their_o back_n neither_o slight_a and_o undervalue_v their_o gift_n grace_n or_o any_o of_o their_o endeavour_n and_o labour_n in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n although_o they_o may_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n suit_n or_o please_v your_o humour_n thought_n or_o opinion_n for_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o their_o administration_n to_o please_v christ_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o light_n and_o judgement_n their_o persuasion_n and_o conscience_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n edification_n and_o not_o to_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o their_o church-member_n either_o in_o their_o doctrine_n or_o discipline_n and_o those_o church_n that_o will_v impose_v their_o own_o apprehension_n and_o opinion_n on_o their_o pastor_n or_o elder_n and_o load_v they_o with_o burden_n of_o work_n and_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n never_o command_v they_o be_v in_o their_o so_o do_v no_o less_o than_o tyrannical-usurper_n over_o they_o for_o if_o elder_n may_v not_o impose_v any_o thing_n or_o matter_n on_o the_o church_n but_o the_o yoke_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n much_o less_o may_v the_o church_n impose_v their_o own_o opinion_n on_o their_o elder_n we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v too_o hard_a a_o matter_n for_o any_o man_n to_o please_v all_o man_n and_o experience_n show_v that_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a a_o matter_n for_o any_o elder_n of_o church_n to_o please_v all_o their_o member_n but_o that_o one_o or_o other_o will_v be_v offend_v at_o this_o another_z at_z that_o and_o then_o divulge_v their_o dislike_n of_o this_o or_o that_o in_o they_o unto_o other_o and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v they_o into_o dislike_n of_o it_o also_o and_o then_o to_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o tattle_v and_o talk_v of_o it_o one_o to_o another_o until_o they_o have_v run_v themselves_o into_o further_a mischief_n therefore_o minister_n may_v no_o further_o seek_v to_o please_v their_o church_n then_o in_o and_o by_o their_o so_o do_v they_o may_v please_v christ_n their_o lord_n and_o what_o that_o be_v i_o shall_v think_v that_o their_o elder_n shall_v understand_v as_o well_o if_o not_o better_a than_o they_o paul_n seek_v not_o to_o please_v man_n but_o god_n in_o his_o ministry_n gal._n 1.10_o some_o professor_n do_v delight_v themselves_o in_o this_o evil_a work_n namely_o in_o seek_v matter_n and_o make_v fault_n against_o their_o elder_n and_o then_o possess_v other_o with_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o gratify_v and_o please_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o please_v they_o in_o nothing_o all_o their_o work_n be_v blame-worthy_a in_o their_o account_n but_o as_o this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v act_v by_o a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o prejudice_n against_o their_o elder_n so_o they_o do_v thereby_o declare_v their_o own_o folly_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o own_o nakedness_n with_o a_o witness_n yea_o they_o dishonour_v christ_n hinder_v the_o profit_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n by_o their_o so_o contemn_v his_o and_o their_o ministry_n and_o great_o grieve_v and_o stumble_v their_o teacher_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o walk_v up_o and_o down_o with_o sad_a heart_n therefore_o do_v you_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o this_o evil_a for_o the_o devil_n will_v tempt_v you_o to_o it_o that_o he_o may_v hurt_v your_o soul_n afflict_v your_o teacher_n and_o hinder_v the_o gospel_n you_o shall_v commend_v and_o esteem_v whatever_o be_v their_o virtue_n whatever_o you_o may_v see_v lovely_a in_o they_o and_o if_o you_o see_v any_o defect_n or_o unavoidable_a weakness_n in_o they_o to_o cast_v a_o mantle_n of_o love_n over_o they_o and_o by_o all_o mean_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o in_o each_o other_o heart_n a_o due_a esteem_n of_o and_o respect_n unto_o they_o and_o their_o ministry_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o hinder_v but_o furthr_v and_o encourage_v by_o your_o mean_n 6._o join_v with_o your_o teacher_n and_o that_o by_o afford_v they_o your_o concurrence_n and_o utmost_a assistance_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o promote_v good_a thing_n in_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v not_o hinder_v or_o load_v such_o overture_n design_n and_o endeavour_n of_o your_o minister_n by_o your_o absence_n groundless_a dispute_n or_o by_o your_o sullen_a silence_n there_o when_o they_o propound_v any_o matter_n to_o you_o for_o your_o profit_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o your_o soul_n the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o then_o weigh_v and_o ponder_v well_o the_o reason_n which_o they_o give_v for_o what_o they_o do_v or_o desire_n shall_v be_v do_v or_o omit_v by_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n or_o altogether_o and_o if_o you_o can_v null_a and_o answer_v they_o or_o bring_v better_o for_o the_o contrary_a than_o you_o shall_v quiet_o thankful_o and_o peaceable_o accept_v of_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o design_n and_o not_o put_v difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n by_o some_o singular_a notion_n of_o your_o own_o do_v as_o nathan_n do_v when_o david_n propound_v a_o case_n to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v meet_v god_n shall_v have_v a_o house_n build_v for_o his_o name_n and_o worship_n and_o give_v he_o some_o reason_n for_o his_o proposition_n nathan_n reply_n go_v do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n 2_o sam._n 7._o he_o see_v it_o a_o most_o reasonable_a and_o useful_a a_o undertake_n and_o free_o comply_v with_o david_n and_o encourage_v he_o to_o go_v on_o and_o proceed_v why_o shall_v not_o you_o comply_v with_o your_o teacher_n when_o they_o design_n and_o propound_v some_o good_a work_n to_o be_v carry_v on_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n or_o other_o man_n and_o
evil_n of_o it_o &_o whence_o it_o be_v and_o they_o shall_v assist_v and_o help_v they_o with_o their_o company_n advice_n and_o counsel_n when_o desire_v and_o need_n require_v it_o moreover_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o make_v the_o ministry_n of_o their_o teacher_n acceptable_a unto_o the_o church_n and_o to_o see_v that_o all_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o that_o they_o defraud_v not_o their_o teacher_n of_o convenient_a and_o due_a maintenance_n nor_o carry_v themselves_o rude_o and_o disrespectful_o unto_o they_o or_o towards_o their_o ministry_n and_o that_o they_o warn_v and_o exhort_v they_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n to_o they_o as_o christ_n have_v command_v that_o they_o constant_o seasonable_o and_o reverent_o attend_v to_o and_o wait_v on_o their_o ministry_n and_o to_o make_v holy_a earning_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o 9_o they_o ought_v to_o project_n and_o prepare_v good_a order_n and_o matter_n for_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o church_n to_o help_v forward_o and_o promote_v any_o good_a thing_n present_v to_o they_o by_o their_o teacher_n and_o help_v to_o carry_v they_o on_o unto_o perfection_n but_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n they_o shall_v concur_v with_o they_o in_o promote_a holiness_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o by_o counsel_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n for_o that_o be_v the_o church_n ornament_n beauty_n and_o glory_n psal_n 93._o ult_n they_o shall_v labour_v to_o promote_v gospel-light_n life_n zeal_n humility_n meekness_n and_o good_a work_n they_o shall_v labour_v to_o promote_v godliness_n in_o the_o church_n family_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o conversation_n among_o it_o man_n and_o in_o their_o meeting_n and_o assembly_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n and_o not_o leave_v all_o to_o their_o pastor_n to_o do_v they_o be_v indeed_o indispensible_o bind_v to_o promote_v it_o all_o they_o can_v by_o their_o preach_a and_o walk_v and_o that_o public_o and_o private_o and_o ruling-elders_a be_v to_o do_v it_o private_o and_o particular_o and_o because_o the_o frequent_a meeting_n of_o christian_n for_o prayer_n and_o discourse_n be_v a_o duty_n exceed_v profitable_a and_o beneficial_a unto_o their_o soul_n when_o right_o improve_v wise_o and_o spiritual_o manage_v the_o elder_n shall_v encourage_v it_o set_v it_o forward_o and_o endeavour_v to_o maintain_v and_o uphold_v such_o good_a work_v and_o duty_n among_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o such_o meeting_n will_v great_o promote_v godliness_n and_o keep_v a_o savour_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o heart_n now_o who_o shall_v promote_v and_o further_o this_o good_a work_n so_o much_o as_o the_o elder_n who_o may_v and_o ought_v authoritative_o to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v another_o of_o their_o work_n and_o business_n in_o the_o church_n therefore_o see_v you_o do_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n who_o be_v elder_n 10._o last_o ruling-elders_a as_o well_o as_o teach_v have_v another_o great_a work_n to_o do_v in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n and_o that_o be_v to_o be_v singular_o exemplary_a in_o their_o word_n deed_n and_o carriage_n be_v thou_o a_o example_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o timothy_n 1_o epistle_n 4.12_o to_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 for_o without_o these_o thing_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v worth_a nothing_o at_o all_o elder_n and_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n as_o well_o as_o the_o deacon_n shall_v be_v example_n and_o encourage_a pattern_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n to_o other_o in_o their_o garb_n or_o clothing_n elder_n shall_v be_v singular_a in_o wisdom_n zeal_n seriousness_n and_o gravity_n in_o love_n sweetness_n diligence_n faithfulness_n spirituallity_n heavenly_a mindedness_n and_o in_o all_o good_a work_n show_v thyself_o say_v paul_n a_o pattern_n of_o good_a work_n in_o all_o thing_n tit._n 2.7_o they_o must_v so_o walk_v as_o that_o other_o may_v safe_o follow_v their_o step_n and_o be_v excite_v and_o encourage_v so_o to_o do_v by_o their_o example_n they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o be_v good_a example_n out_o of_o and_o in_o the_o congregation_n or_o church_n when_o assemble_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n then_o shall_v the_o elder_n show_v good_a example_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n by_o their_o timely_a come_n there_o and_o by_o their_o holy_a serious_a and_o reverend_a carriage_n and_o deportment_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o when_o they_o neglect_v their_o place_n and_o duty_n there_o or_o come_v unreasonable_o carry_v themselves_o careless_o and_o unreverent_o they_o tempt_v other_o to_o do_v so_o too_o for_o as_o they_o be_v elder_n over_o the_o church_n and_o have_v a_o name_n among_o they_o so_o they_o eye_v they_o much_o and_o expect_v great_a thing_n of_o and_o from_o they_o therefore_o elder_n must_v take_v heed_n to_o their_o way_n and_o see_v that_o they_o walk_v circumspect_o or_o exact_o eph._n 5.15_o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o they_o will_v do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a in_o the_o church_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o rule_v elder_n have_v work_n enough_o to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o there_o be_v need_n and_o use_n enough_o of_o they_o and_o sure_o they_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o the_o church_n and_o prove_v a_o great_a blessing_n indeed_o to_o she_o will_v they_o but_o know_v mind_n attend_v to_o and_o do_v their_o own_o proper_a work_n and_o business_n and_o real_o concern_v themselves_o with_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n concernment_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o soul_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o oh_o that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o that_o office_n and_o dignity_n will_v serious_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n their_o way_n and_o do_n wherefore_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o invest_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o intend_v and_o in_o good_a earnest_n set_v to_o their_o work_n and_o unfeigned_o design_n and_o prosecute_v those_o end_n quest_n how_o shall_v ruling-elders_a perform_v their_o work_n in_o the_o church_n answ_n first_o with_o wisdom_n or_o wise_o they_o shall_v wise_o observe_v the_o matter_n they_o have_v to_o concern_v themselves_o about_o and_o to_o manage_v in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o time_n and_o scason_n for_o the_o do_v of_o they_o to_o who_o and_o when_o 3._o the_o manner_n how_o they_o shall_v or_o ought_v to_o do_v they_o much_o light_n knowledge_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n be_v require_v in_o church_n government_n and_o governor_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v great_a need_n to_o pray_v read_v and_o study_n much_o for_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n in_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v discern_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n and_o lawgiver_n and_o not_o mistake_v their_o way_n and_o work_v nor_o the_o time_n season_n and_o occasion_n thereof_o nor_o stumble_v at_o any_o stumbling-stone_n or_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a in_o so_o great_a and_o importunate_a matter_n 2._o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o new_a testament_n be_v to_o be_v their_o great_a and_o only_a rule_n and_o guide_n in_o church-matter_n no_o other_o voice_n must_v be_v hear_v there_o but_o he_o nor_o any_o other_o authority_n law_n or_o rule_v to_o be_v observe_v follow_v and_o obey_v but_o he_o it_o be_v give_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o head_n over_o all_o thing_n to_o his_o church_n eph._n 1.22_o 23._o and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o nothing_o else_o math._n 28.20_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o authority_n in_o or_o for_o the_o church_n this_o they_o must_v careful_o and_o continual_o mind_n and_o have_v in_o their_o eye_n that_o they_o do_v not_o their_o own_o will_n and_o walk_v by_o their_o own_o rule_n but_o christ_n for_o in_o so_o do_v he_o will_v bless_v and_o prosper_v they_o help_n and_o assist_v they_o and_o in_o the_o end_n he_o will_v reward_v all_o their_o conformity_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n but_o otherwise_o he_o will_v say_v who_o require_v these_o thing_n of_o you_o therefore_o when_o any_o case_n or_o work_n be_v offer_v to_o you_o you_o must_v consider_v they_o and_o the_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o you_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o what_o you_o be_v call_v to_o do_v and_o then_o proceed_v and_o manage_v your_o work_n according_o be_v you_o sure_a to_o steer_v your_o course_n aright_o by_o divine_a light_n and_o law_n look_v up_o to_o and_o own_o christ_n and_o his_o authority_n in_o all_o your_o proceedure_n for_o you_o act_n not_o as_o civil_a magistrate_n in_o a_o state_n but_o as_o the_o spiritual_a magistrate_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o be_v his_o will_n
and_o authority_n only_o that_o you_o must_v observe_v and_o walk_v by_o 3._o diligent_o you_o must_v exercise_v your_o power_n with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n rom._n 12.8_o he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n that_o be_v he_o must_v frequent_o attend_v to_o his_o ruling-work_n and_o what_o he_o do_v therein_o he_o must_v do_v with_o all_o his_o ability_n he_o must_v be_v earnest_a and_o fervent_a in_o it_o and_o set_v himself_o to_o it_o as_o to_o his_o work_n and_o business_n he_o must_v not_o be_v slothful_a negligent_a or_o careless_a in_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o indifferent_a thing_n no_o but_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v diligent_a and_o fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n in_o what_o he_o do_v rom._n 12.11_o the_o negligent_a servant_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n luk._n 12_o 47._o they_o shall_v be_v diligent_a to_o know_v the_o state_n of_o their_o flock_n prov._n 27.23_o for_o although_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o rule_v elder_n flock_v as_o they_o be_v the_o teach_v rule_v elder_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n their_o flock_n and_o charge_n to_o watch_v over_o they_o and_o inspect_v their_o manner_n and_o walking_n 4._o ready_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o teaching-elders_a in_o this_o also_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n not_o by_o constraint_n but_o willing_o not_o as_o lord_n over_o god_n heritage_n but_o example_n to_o the_o flock_n it_o be_v sad_a indeed_o when_o they_o look_v not_o after_o they_o nor_o mind_n their_o work_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n but_o when_o they_o be_v constrain_v and_o as_o it_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o their_o teacher_n and_o can_v for_o shame_v but_o do_v something_o then_o but_o somewhat_o unwilling_o cold_o and_o indifferent_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n or_o a_o matter_n by_o the_o by_o and_o which_o they_o will_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o can_v they_o handsome_o evade_v and_o pass_v it_o by_o they_o grudge_v at_o it_o and_o account_v it_o their_o burden_n not_o their_o delight_n but_o sure_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o delight_n to_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n and_o they_o shall_v most_o ready_o willing_o and_o cheerful_o do_v it_o 5._o conscientious_o and_o dutiful_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o duty_n their_o work_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v good_a shall_v lie_v deep_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o powerful_a on_o their_o conscience_n and_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o church_n in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o office-power_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o church_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v it_o upon_o choice_n conscientious_o and_o dutiful_o and_o that_o because_o it_o be_v their_o place_n work_n and_o duty_n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n authority_n who_o have_v for_o these_o end_n set_v they_o in_o the_o church_n appoint_v and_o enjoin_v they_o such_o work_n and_o service_n there_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o their_o good_a they_o must_v not_o only_o bear_v rule_n but_o they_o must_v rule_v well_o too_o for_o those_o end_n or_o else_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n and_o service_n there_o now_o how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o rule_v well_o as_o command_v unless_o they_o use_v and_o exercise_v their_o office-power_n so_o namely_o wise_o diligent_o ready_o and_o willing_o cheerful_o conscientious_o and_o dutiful_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o christ_n their_o lord_n 6._o they_o ought_v to_o exercise_v their_o authority_n and_o use_v their_o power_n in_o the_o church_n with_o much_o love_n tenderness_n meekness_n impartiality_n and_o sometime_o as_o need_n require_v with_o severity_n too_o they_o must_v not_o exalt_v themselves_o and_o carry_v it_o in_o a_o lordly_a manner_n towards_o their_o brethren_n because_o they_o have_v authority_n over_o and_o may_v command_v they_o but_o they_o must_v see_v that_o they_o temper_v their_o power_n and_o the_o exercise_n and_o use_v of_o it_o with_o love_n tenderness_n humility_n and_o meekness_n they_o shall_v so_o carry_v themselves_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v not_o slight_v and_o despise_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n envy_v for_o their_o haughtiness_n they_o shall_v so_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o that_o they_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o all_o to_o think_v that_o they_o love_v they_o and_o respect_v their_o good_a in_o all_o they_o do_v so_o likewise_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v just_a and_o impartial_a in_o their_o proceedure_n towards_o all_o and_o not_o respect_v person_n in_o judgement_n but_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n when_o they_o have_v to_o do_v with_o stubborn_a and_o obstinate_a person_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v severe_a in_o deal_v with_o they_o when_o they_o can_v otherwise_o prevail_v on_o they_o to_o convince_v humble_a and_o reform_v they_o judas_n 22.23_o 7._o and_o in_o all_o their_o endeavour_n way_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v intend_v design_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o union_n peace_n holiness_n comfort_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o honour_n of_o religion_n encouragement_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n all_o which_o bless_a end_n they_o shall_v wise_o zealous_o sincere_o serious_o industrous_o and_o faithful_o prosecute_v and_o with_o all_o their_o might_n strive_v and_o labour_v to_o obtain_v and_o by_o all_o mean_n and_o that_o with_o much_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o hope_v and_o pray_v seek_v and_o wait_v to_o accomplish_v in_o the_o lord_n time_n they_o must_v not_o make_v one_o or_o two_o attempt_n to_o reconcile_v difference_n rectify_v disorder_n dissuade_v from_o sin_n persuade_v to_o duty_n to_o heal_v wound_n and_o encourage_v to_o repentance_n and_o so_o leave_v it_o without_o look_v after_o the_o issue_n and_o the_o success_n of_o their_o labour_n but_o they_o must_v follow_v on_o their_o work_n until_o the_o end_n be_v obtain_v they_o as_o well_o as_o their_o teach_a elder_n must_v look_v well_o to_o their_o herd_n prov._n 27.23_o they_o must_v see_v that_o they_o rule_v well_o and_o with_o diligence_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o rom._n 12.8_o and_o that_o they_o approve_v themselves_o faithful_a steward_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o all_o their_o proceed_n and_o make_v full_a proof_n thereof_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o rule_v elder_n or_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v qualify_v for_o so_o high_a and_o honourable_a work_n and_o office_n in_o the_o church_n ans_fw-fr i_o shall_v brief_o name_v some_o of_o their_o necessary_a qualification_n and_o but_o some_o of_o they_o and_o such_o as_o be_v indeed_o necessary_a for_o they_o without_o which_o they_o can_v will_v not_o rule_v well_o nor_o be_v profitable_a to_o the_o church_n first_o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o special_a grace_n with_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o spiritual_a understanding_n they_o shall_v be_v not_o only_o real_a saint_n but_o eminent_a saint_n too_o they_o must_v not_o only_o have_v peculiar_a grace_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o grace_n also_o sure_o they_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v go_v in_o and_o out_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o church_n as_o shine_a light_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o discern_v case_n and_o person_n and_o make_v a_o sound_n and_o true_a judgement_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o matter_n they_o may_v be_v call_v to_o judge_v and_o determine_v they_o must_v not_o be_v novice_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n his_o law_n &_o gospel_n the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o must_v walk_v but_o they_o must_v have_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n to_o dwell_v in_o they_o rich_o in_o all_o wisdom_n col._n 3.16_o to_o help_v they_o in_o their_o work_n they_o can_v rule_v well_o unless_o they_o do_v understand_v and_o can_v speak_v well_o nor_o unless_o they_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o office_n work_n and_o the_o rule_n thereof_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v sober_a grave_a and_o serious_a person_n and_o not_o of_o vain_a light_a and_o frothy_a behaviour_n in_o their_o spirit_n &_o carriage_n they_o shall_v be_v of_o prompt_a ready_a mind_n and_o spirit_n for_o their_o work_n and_o not_o of_o dull_a lumpish_a and_o heavy_a temper_n for_o if_o they_o be_v such_o they_o will_v not_o act_v upon_o choice_n free_o but_o by_o constraint_n and_o that_o will_v render_v they_o unprofitable_a and_o undesirable_a to_o the_o church_n they_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o blameless_a life_n and_o spotless_a conversation_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v man_n of_o warm_a and_o lively_a affection_n abound_v in_o love_n zeal_n and_o fervour_n of_o
another_o wealth_n 1_o cor._n 10.24_o now_o we_o exhort_v you_o brethren_n warn_v the_o unruly_a 1_o thes_n 5.14_o and_o admonish_v the_o disorderly_a 2_o thes_n 3.15_o for_o this_o good_a work_n and_o their_o wise_a &_o conscientious_a do_v of_o it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n commend_v the_o church_n at_o rome_n chap._n 15.14_o and_o say_v god_n in_o levit._n 19.17_o thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_v he_o and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o and_o the_o apostle_n in_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o admonish_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n but_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a in_o math._n 18.15_o 16_o 17._o the_o lord_n press_v this_o duty_n and_o work_n on_o you_o and_o show_v you_o how_o you_o shall_v perform_v it_o therefore_o you_o must_v mind_n and_o careful_o do_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n and_o according_a to_o your_o direction_n there_o and_o not_o otherwise_o you_o must_v watch_v and_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v a_o sinner_n or_o sin_v member_n by_o your_o first_o private_a admonition_n in_o case_n the_o evil_n be_v private_a and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o with_o thou_o and_o see_v what_o that_o will_v do_v but_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v the_o work_n nor_o obtain_v the_o end_n on_o thy_o brother_n soul_n than_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o by_o their_o teacher_n or_o elder_n they_o may_v be_v inform_v of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o their_o deal_n with_o and_o proceed_n against_o he_o as_o command_v this_o be_v another_o of_o your_o great_a and_o indispensible_a work_v and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o be_v especial_o the_o elder_n work_n and_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v not_o they_o only_o but_o you_o also_o who_o be_v private_a member_n oh_o therefore_o be_v you_o persuade_v to_o mind_n careful_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o to_o practice_v this_o work_n and_o duty_n for_o unless_o you_o do_v so_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v the_o church_n in_o peace_n honour_n and_o purity_n you_o will_v do_v christ_n and_o they_o singular_a service_n seven_o you_o must_v forbear_v and_o forgive_v one_o another_o for_o this_o be_v another_o of_o your_o command_a duty_n eph._n 4.2_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n vers_n 32._o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o and_o in_o col._n 3.13_o forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o any_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o do_v thy_o brother_n sin_n against_o thou_o or_o do_v thou_o any_o injury_n thou_o shall_v tell_v he_o of_o it_o examine_v the_o matter_n and_o search_v out_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o see_v if_o he_o do_v it_o unadvised_o through_o weakness_n or_o ignorance_n and_o without_o any_o design_n to_o wrong_v thou_o or_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o witting_o and_o know_o and_o until_o thou_o be_v sure_o that_o he_o do_v it_o know_o and_o witting_o or_o wilful_o thou_o must_v forbear_v censure_v he_o as_o have_v so_o do_v it_o for_o else_o thou_o will_v prove_v a_o usurper_n and_o a_o false_a judge_n which_o christ_n forbid_v math._n 7.1_o 2._o rom._n 14._o but_o if_o upon_o a_o impartial_a search_n thou_o find_v he_o to_o have_v wrong_v thou_o through_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n thou_o must_v judge_v charitable_o of_o he_o and_o carry_v thyself_o towards_o he_o as_o god_n do_v towards_o thou_o under_o thy_o weakness_n and_o ignorances_n thou_o must_v not_o be_v rash_a and_o severe_a towards_o he_o either_o in_o thy_o carriage_n or_o censure_n but_o if_o it_o clear_o appear_v upon_o impartial_a enquiry_n that_o he_o do_v know_o and_o wilful_o do_v thou_o wrong_n then_o thou_o must_v carry_v thyself_o towards_o and_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o wilful_a transgressor_n thou_o must_v lay_v his_o sin_n before_o he_o and_o show_v he_o what_o law_n he_o have_v transgress_v what_o evil_a he_o have_v do_v thou_o what_o wrong_v to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o what_o offence_n he_o have_v do_v to_o christ_n by_o break_v his_o holy_a law_n admonish_v he_o again_o and_o again_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o censure_v he_o not_o too_o severe_o until_o you_o find_v he_o obstinate_a and_o stubborn_a for_o until_o then_o you_o must_v forbear_v he_o while_o you_o be_v wait_v on_o he_o and_o on_o god_n for_o he_o to_o convince_v he_o of_o his_o sin_n and_o give_v he_o repentance_n unto_o life_n but_o if_o your_o endeavour_n be_v bless_v to_o those_o end_n you_o must_v ready_o forgive_v he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v once_o true_o and_o save_o convince_v of_o and_o humble_v for_o his_o sin_n be_v sure_a that_o he_o will_v most_o free_o own_v and_o confess_v it_o to_o thou_o as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v thou_o amends_o and_o give_v thou_o all_o possible_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o wrong_n he_o have_v do_v thou_o and_o this_o he_o will_v do_v not_o by_o constraint_n but_o free_o willing_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n without_o thy_o seek_n to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o a_o person_n be_v not_o powerful_o and_o save_o convince_v of_o and_o humble_v for_o his_o sin_n while_o he_o hang_v off_o and_o must_v be_v seek_v after_o to_o make_v satisfafaction_n to_o such_o as_o he_o have_v wrong_v for_o be_v his_o heart_n real_o melt_v into_o the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o dare_v not_o yea_o can_v not_o be_v quiet_a until_o he_o have_v give_v all_o possible_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o wrong_a luk._n 19.8_o but_o now_o in_o case_n he_o remain_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o reproof_n what_o be_v you_o to_o do_v then_o why_o then_o he_o shall_v take_v one_o or_o two_o more_o and_o deal_v with_o he_o and_o if_o that_o will_v not_o do_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o church_n that_o they_o by_o their_o elder_n may_v see_v what_o they_o can_v do_v with_o he_o but_o if_o they_o can_v prevail_v on_o he_o to_o repent_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n then_o i_o think_v the_o offend_a may_v prosecute_v the_o law_n against_o he_o for_o the_o law_n be_v make_v for_o the_o lawless_a and_o disobedient_a 1_o tim._n 1.9_o 10._o but_o yet_o he_o shall_v be_v still_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v he_o whenever_o he_o shall_v repent_v pray_v and_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v repent_v and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o although_o it_o be_v long_o first_o actual_o and_o cordial_o forgive_v he_o and_o renew_v his_o kindness_n and_o brotherly_a love_n to_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o sin_v eight_o it_o be_v your_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o hearken_v too_o and_o receive_v instruction_n admonition_n and_o reproof_n one_o from_o another_o also_o for_o if_o some_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v at_o some_o time_n to_o give_v they_o sure_o other_o who_o need_v they_o be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o receive_v they_o prov._n 8.33_o hear_v instruction_n and_o be_v wise_a for_o he_o that_o despise_v reproof_n sin_v but_o he_o that_o keep_v instruction_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n prov._n 10.17_o and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o in_o prov._n 12.1_o whoso_o love_v instruction_n love_v knowledge_n but_o he_o that_o hate_v reproof_n be_v brutish_a such_o as_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o reproof_n be_v mark_v out_o for_o scorner_n in_o prov._n 9.8_o and_o he_o that_o be_v often_o reprove_v and_o yet_o harden_v his_o neck_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n prov._n 29.1_o such_o as_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o reproof_n and_o admonition_n or_o slight_a and_o refuse_v they_o do_v thereby_o rebel_v against_o trample_v upon_o and_o contemn_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o a_o mean_n of_o his_o appoint_v for_o their_o happiness_n and_o so_o they_o murder_v their_o own_o soul_n with_o the_o mean_n that_o be_v give_v to_o save_v they_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o hearken_v to_o and_o receive_v your_o brethren_n reproof_n counsel_n and_o admonition_n withal_o humility_n patience_n and_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n with_o all_o love_n meekness_n and_o thanfulnesse_n to_o god_n and_o the_o giver_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v great_a mercy_n to_o you_o and_o they_o be_v your_o real_a and_o profitable_a friend_n such_o as_o seek_v your_o good_a and_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v your_o destruction_n and_o therefore_o i_o wonder_v not_o at_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o such_o as_o refuse_v instruction_n and_o reproof_n shall_v sudden_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o without_o remedy_n for_o 〈◊〉_d do_v despise_v the_o mean_n as_o in_o their_o present_a
and_o receive_v more_o of_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n for_o they_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o and_o show_v they_o more_o clear_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n the_o deceit_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o power_n of_o indwelling_a lust_n the_o wiles_n and_o method_n of_o satan_n the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o blood_n and_o of_o his_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n to_o show_v and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o excellency_n beauty_n and_o loveliness_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o they_o in_o he_o to_o preach_v and_o hear_v their_o heart_n and_o soul_n into_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o three_o person_n and_o one_o eternal_a live_a god_n and_o into_o more_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o so_o likewise_o into_o more_o cordial_a and_o unfeigned_a more_o strong_a and_o fervent_a pure_a and_o constant_a love_n to_o he_o to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o nature_n usefulness_n and_o proper_a life_n of_o faith_n persuade_v and_o work_v their_o heart_n to_o it_o practical_o and_o dutiful_o to_o love_v it_o in_o all_o thing_n work_n duty_n and_o condition_n to_o arm_n and_o sense_n they_o against_o satan_n fiery_a dart_n and_o temptation_n and_o the_o world_n snare_n and_o allurement_n to_o discover_v and_o detect_v self_n lust_n and_o whatever_o war_n against_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o mortify_v and_o destroy_v they_o and_o in_o order_n thereunto_o to_o know_v and_o be_v able_a expert_a and_o accurate_a in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o spiritual_a weapon_n and_o armour_n of_o proof_n which_o christ_n have_v sanctify_v and_o give_v unto_o we_o in_o eph._n 6._o and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o gospel_n to_o sanctify_v they_o throughout_o in_o soul_n body_n and_o spirit_n keep_v they_o from_o deadness_n coldness_n lukewarmness_n and_o indifferency_n of_o spirit_n and_o to_o prevent_v sleepiness_n and_o backslide_n from_o god_n neglect_v of_o duty_n and_o careless_a performance_n of_o they_o this_o ordinance_n be_v intend_v for_o the_o further_o inform_v they_o of_o the_o holy_a will_n and_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o sweeten_v and_o dispose_v the_o heart_n to_o love_v and_o practise_v they_o and_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o persist_v in_o so_o do_v without_o weariness_n and_o faint_a grudge_a or_o dispute_v and_o with_o joy_n and_o delight_n to_o call_v back_o person_n from_o their_o wander_n and_o to_o give_v they_o repentance_n unto_o life_n these_o be_v some_o of_o god_n holy_a and_o bless_a end_n in_o set_v up_o this_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n which_o all_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o aim_v at_o intend_v and_o endeavour_v in_o all_o their_o use_n of_o it_o see_v eph._n 4.10_o 11_o 12_o 17._o esa_n 30.20_o 21._o eph._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o eph._n 3.18_o 19_o micah_n 2.7_o 1_o thes_n 4.10_o heb._n 10.38_o rom._n 1.16_o 17._o 2_o pet._n 3.18_o 1_o thes_n 5.23_o phil._n 3.13_o 18._o joh._n 17.17_o 19_o three_o prayer_n prayer_n to_o god_n be_v a_o church-ordinance_n it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n both_o public_o and_o private_o the_o neglect_n whereof_o be_v severe_o threaten_v jer._n 10._o ult_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o natural_a or_o moral_a worship_n which_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o practice_v continual_o for_o as_o god_n be_v their_o creator_n and_o they_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n he_o their_o sovereign_n and_o they_o his_o subject_n and_o as_o such_o creature_n be_v to_o live_v and_o always_o to_o have_v their_o dependency_n on_o he_o for_o their_o subsistence_n in_o this_o world_n so_o they_o be_v to_o express_v and_o manifest_v their_o so_o do_v by_o their_o ask_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o want_v of_o he_o for_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o homage_n they_o owe_v he_o as_o him_z in_o who_o they_o live_v move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v act_v 17.28_o and_o profess_v he_o to_o be_v their_o god_n protector_n and_o maintainer_n and_o expect_v all_o thing_n from_o he_o they_o ought_v in_o all_o their_o way_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o prov._n 3.6_o although_o they_o know_v he_o not_o in_o the_o face_n of_o christ_n by_o any_o gospel-revelation_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o be_v a_o church-ordinance_n also_o that_o be_v they_o be_v appoint_v to_o pray_v public_o in_o their_o meeting_n as_o a_o church_n and_o that_o not_o as_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o man_n natural_a principle_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o gospel-ordinance_n of_o christ_n appoint_v for_o they_o and_o they_o command_v by_o he_o to_o observe_v it_o among_o themselves_o this_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v commend_v for_o act._n 2.42_o and_o they_o continue_v in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o fellowship_n and_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n and_o in_o act_n 12.5_o it_o be_v say_v that_o prayer_n be_v make_v without_o cease_v of_o the_o church_n unto_o god_n now_o this_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v observe_v and_o practise_v as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o his_o appoint_v who_o be_v lord_n and_o head_n of_o they_o and_o because_o it_o be_v his_o sovereign_n will_v they_o shall_v so_o do_v without_o which_o they_o can_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o approve_v themselves_o unto_o he_o as_o his_o obedient_a child_n and_o subject_n in_o his_o house_n for_o whatever_o work_n they_o do_v and_o whatever_o ordinance_n they_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o respect_v his_o will_n and_o have_v their_o eye_n on_o his_o authority_n therein_o as_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o they_o do_v and_o because_o he_o have_v so_o command_v and_o appoint_v therefore_o they_o do_v it_o moreover_o to_o the_o well_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o right_a observance_n of_o this_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n there_o be_v require_v a_o peculiar_a ministerial_a gift_n in_o the_o teacher_n or_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n for_o they_o can_v right_o perform_v this_o part_n of_o their_o work_n in_o and_o for_o the_o church_n by_o their_o natural_a and_o common_a acquire_v gift_n and_o part_n but_o in_o and_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o his_o ministerial_a gift_n and_o grace_n confer_v on_o they_o for_o their_o profitable_a and_o right_a performance_n of_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n rom._n 8.26_o 27._o 1_o cor._n 12.6_o 7_o 12._o four_o baptism_n waterbaptism_n be_v another_o church-ordinance_n to_o be_v holy_o reverendly_a dutiful_o and_o spiritual_o observe_v the_o power_n of_o administer_a this_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v give_v to_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n and_o only_o to_o such_o as_o be_v authorize_v and_o call_v to_o administer_v other_o ordinance_n and_o perform_v other_o part_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n authoritative_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o commission_n from_o christ_n receive_v any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n may_v not_o administer_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v set_v 〈◊〉_d part_n for_o and_o appoint_v to_o the_o work_n for_o they_o must_v do_v it_o and_o it_o must_v always_o be_v do_v by_o man_n in_o office-power_n matth._n 28.18_o 19_o 20._o and_o paul_n tell_v we_o eph._n 4.11_o 12._o that_o christ_n give_v some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o never_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o any_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n that_o do_v baptise_v any_o this_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v in_o matth._n 28.18_o 19_o and_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o teacher_n afterward_o act._n 9.18_o act._n 10.47_o 48._o 1_o cor._n 15._o baptism_n be_v a_o sign_n token_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n as_o circumcision_n be_v rom._n 4.11_o for_o the_o assure_v and_o confirm_v believer_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o gracious_a purpose_n of_o god_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o convey_v unto_o they_o all_o the_o grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o it_o in_o his_o time_n to_o raise_v and_o strengthen_v their_o hope_n in_o christ_n and_o god_n the_o father_n by_o he_o that_o god_n be_v and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o also_o the_o god_n of_o their_o seed_n according_a to_o that_o glorious_a grant_n and_o engagement_n of_o god_n in_o gen._n 17.7_o i_o will_v establish_v my_o covenant_n between_o i_o and_o thou_o and_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o in_o their_o generation_n for_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n to_o be_v a_o god_n to_o thou_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o to_o which_o covenant_n god_n set_v his_o seal_n vers_fw-la 10._o this_o general_a sum_n or_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n give_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n in_o their_o generation_n we_o have_v produce_v and_o bring_v in_o
king_n and_o lawgiver_n the_o lord_n christ_n and_o they_o do_v by_o such_o neglect_v slight_a and_o despise_v his_o love_n and_o grace_n his_o care_n and_o kindness_n he_o have_v provide_v holy_a temple_n and_o spiritual_a house_n for_o they_o to_o dwell_v in_o and_o heavenly_a provision_n be_v make_v ready_a in_o they_o for_o their_o entertainment_n the_o door_n be_v set_v open_a to_o let_v in_o such_o guest_n and_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o great_a king_n be_v go_v forth_o to_o bid_v they_o come_v away_o and_o invite_v they_o to_o enter_v in_o there_o stand_v also_o the_o master_n of_o the_o feast_n even_o at_o the_o door_n wait_v for_o they_o the_o king_n of_o glory_n attend_v there_o to_o welcome_v they_o when_o they_o come_v luk._n 14.16_o 17._o rev._n 3.20_o he_o get_v there_o before_o they_o and_o abide_v there_o in_o expectation_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o company_n of_o all_o his_o saint_n psal_n 11.4_o isa_n 30.18_o he_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v his_o good_a pleasure_n they_o shall_v come_v there_o and_o eat_v of_o his_o dainty_n that_o he_o have_v buy_v and_o prepare_v for_o they_o cant._n 5.1_o prov._n 9.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o now_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o and_o become_v holy_a live_v and_o spiritual_a member_n of_o some_o particular_a congregational_a church_n of_o christ_n if_o possible_o they_o can_v will_v further_o appear_v by_o these_o follow_a reason_n and_o consideration_n first_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v erect_v institute_v and_o appoint_v church_n for_o this_o end_n among_o other_o namely_o that_o his_o call_v and_o sanctify_a people_n may_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o that_o they_o may_v join_v and_o walk_v together_o in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o material_n of_o they_o this_o state_n and_o condition_n be_v not_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v for_o other_o person_n but_o only_o for_o the_o holy_a seed_n for_o god_n will_v not_o keep_v house_n with_o unregenerate_a and_o unholy_a person_n but_o with_o his_o choose_a generation_n and_o royal_a priesthood_n he_o will_n that_o particular_a congregational_a church_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n people_n shall_v join_v to_o and_o walk_v with_o they_o or_o else_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v they_o appoint_v institute_v and_o ordain_v by_o jesus_n christ_n if_o none_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n yea_o if_o all_o god_n people_n that_o can_v be_v not_o bind_v in_o duty_n and_o compliance_n with_o the_o lord_n end_n to_o become_v church_n join_v to_o and_o walk_v in_o and_o with_o they_o then_o this_o order_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o vain_a he_o have_v appoint_v and_o institute_v that_o which_o none_o be_v or_o will_v be_v advantage_v by_o which_o sure_o be_v far_o from_o the_o gracious_a thought_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1.24_o for_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o and_o ordain_v they_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o people_n he_o have_v make_v nothing_o in_o vain_a it_o be_v far_o below_o he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o below_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o imagine_v it_o and_o 2._o it_o will_v follow_v that_o whoever_o join_v themselves_o to_o such_o church_n they_o do_v it_o not_o as_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n but_o as_o a_o act_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o or_o regard_n have_v of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o spiritual_a good_a so_o be_v guilty_a of_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n which_o god_n loathe_v and_o abhor_v the_o very_a institution_n prove_v it_o sufficient_o to_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o join_v with_o and_o become_v member_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n second_o the_o unanimous_a and_o universal_a vote_n of_o all_o the_o primitive_a saint_n do_v prove_v this_o truth_n those_o good_a man_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v with_o and_o among_o who_o they_o live_v and_o converse_v and_o such_o as_o they_o plant_v feed_v and_o water_v 1_o cor._n 3._o and_o these_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n they_o do_v all_o of_o they_o by_o their_o constant_a practice_n witness_n to_o and_o confirm_v what_o i_o say_v look_v where_o you_o will_v in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o act_n where_o you_o read_v of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o man_n convert_v there_o or_o in_o paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o revelation_n you_o shall_v find_v the_o young_a convert_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o we_o find_v they_o by_o and_o by_o inchurch_v and_o walk_v in_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n so_o in_o act_n 2.41_o 42._o ult_n act_n 5.14_o and_o be_v not_o all_o paul_n epistle_n that_o to_o philemon_n only_o except_v which_o be_v write_v upon_o a_o particular_a occasion_n write_v and_o send_v to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o and_o for_o believer_n as_o inchurch_v and_o embody_a together_o that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n or_o house_n of_o god_n towards_o god_n their_o elder_n and_o one_o another_o they_o be_v express_o call_v church_n the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n as_o be_v show_v before_o now_o all_o believer_n be_v charge_v and_o exhort_v to_o follow_v their_o example_n and_o practice_n heb._n 6.12_o that_o you_o be_v not_o slothful_a but_o follower_n of_o they_o who_o through_o faith_n and_o patience_n inherit_v the_o promise_n that_o be_v see_v and_o mark_v they_o in_o their_o walking_n observe_v how_o they_o live_v and_o practise_v and_o do_v you_o so_o likewise_o paul_n indeed_o can_v not_o abide_v with_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o which_o he_o be_v join_v as_o a_o member_n act_v 9.26_o 27_o 28._o because_o he_o be_v send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n but_o as_o oft_o as_o he_o can_v he_o join_v and_o walk_v with_o the_o church_n as_o you_o may_v often_o find_v in_o read_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n now_o say_v he_o to_o the_o church_n at_o philippi_n chap._n 3.17_o brethren_n be_v follower_n together_o of_o i_o and_o mark_v they_o who_o walk_v so_o as_o you_o have_v we_o for_o a_o ensample_n this_o commandment_n be_v for_o you_o who_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o you_o walk_v as_o paul_n and_o other_o primitive_a saint_n walk_v if_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o practice_n as_o you_o see_v it_o be_v for_o they_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v they_o congregat_v and_o inchurch_v themselves_o not_o by_o or_o according_a to_o their_o own_o will_n but_o by_o and_o according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n than_o i_o say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o other_o saint_n and_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v their_o practice_n likewise_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v write_v aforetime_o namely_o of_o the_o saint_n duty_n and_o approve_a practice_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n that_o we_o who_o succeed_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n and_o privilege_n in_o their_o hope_n and_o profession_n may_v follow_v they_o in_o practice_n also_o if_o we_o look_v for_o and_o expect_v the_o same_o covenant-mercy_n and_o blessing_n that_o they_o have_v we_o must_v practice_v the_o same_o duty_n and_o walk_v as_o they_o do_v the_o primitive_a saint_n be_v commend_v and_o renown_v for_o their_o orderly_a walk_n in_o a_o church-state_n rev._n 2_o &_o 3_o chapter_n and_o often_o elsewhere_o luk._n 1.6_o 1_o cor._n 11.1_o 2._o three_o all_o believer_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o marriage-covenant_n when_o by_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o spirit_n operation_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v persuade_v to_o make_v christ_n their_o choice_n and_o take_v receive_v and_o embrace_v he_o on_o his_o own_o term_n they_o solemn_o engage_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o choose_v his_o law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o they_o and_o bind_v themselves_o to_o he_o to_o walk_v with_o he_o and_o be_v obedient_a unto_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o keep_v and_o observe_v to_o love_v and_o practice_v all_o his_o law_n and_o to_o conform_v in_o heart_n and_o practice_n unto_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n as_o david_n zachary_n elizabeth_n and_o other_o saint_n of_o god_n have_v do_v before_o they_o thus_o in_o effect_n do_v all_o truly-convinced_n and_o sincere-hearted_n believer_n do_v when_o contract_v or_o marry_v unto_o christ_n by_o faith_n psal_n 119.106_o hos_fw-la 3.3_o jer._n 30.21_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o col._n 2.6_o now_o then_o be_v thus_o bind_v or_o have_v thus_o bind_v and_o oblige_v themselves_o
it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a gospel-ordinance_n for_o and_o respect_v spiritual_a thing_n 3._o the_o institutor_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n he_o to_o who_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o power_n and_o authority_n and_o into_o who_o hand_n he_o have_v give_v all_o thing_n joh._n 3.35_o matth_n 11.27_o matth._n 28.18_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n institute_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o matth._n 26.26_o 27._o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o for_o i_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o which_o also_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v take_v bread_n and_o when_o he_o have_v give_v thanks_o he_o break_v it_o and_o say_v take_v eat_v this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o this_o do_v you_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o mark_v it_o it_o be_v a_o institute_v and_o a_o positive_a ordinance_n and_o duty_n not_o a_o natural_a or_o moral_a one_o it_o be_v not_o found_v on_o or_o put_v in_o and_o among_o the_o moral_a precept_n or_o natural_a law_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v mere_o a_o institution_n of_o christ_n appoint_v for_o and_o give_v to_o his_o inchurch_v member_n and_o none_o else_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinance_n for_o and_o the_o use_n of_o it_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o unbeliever_n and_o person_n dead_a in_o sin_n while_o they_o remain_v in_o that_o condition_n but_o it_o be_v only_o appoint_v and_o intend_v for_o believer_n in_o their_o orderly_a walking_n with_o god_n all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n be_v bind_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n and_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n preach_v because_o they_o be_v though_o not_o mere_o and_o only_o so_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n of_o moral_a worship_n and_o not_o mere_o of_o divine_a institution_n as_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v but_o all_o man_n be_v not_o so_o bind_v to_o participate_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o water_n baptism_n 4._o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o ordinance_n be_v appoint_v for_o and_o give_v to_o inchurch_v saint_n that_o be_v that_o person_n in_o christ_n may_v and_o they_o only_o can_v partake_v of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o although_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n give_v they_o a_o fundamental_a right_n unto_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v their_o orderly_a walk_v together_o in_o church-fellowship_n under_o the_o discipline_n of_o christ_n the_o care_n inspection_n and_o government_n of_o his_o church-minister_n that_o give_v they_o a_o immediate_a and_o orderly_a right_n unto_o it_o for_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o minister_n in_o their_o day_n that_o do_v or_o be_v allow_v to_o receive_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v inchurch_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n direction_n administer_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n we_o often_o find_v but_o never_o that_o it_o be_v so_o elsewhere_o or_o by_o believer_n out_o of_o a_o church-state_n act_v 2.42_o ult_n act_n 20.6_o 7._o 1_o cor._n 11.23_o 24._o compare_v with_o 1_o cor._n 1_o 2._o and_o paul_n tell_v the_o church_n at_o corinth_n that_o the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n which_o we_o bless_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n the_o bread_n that_o we_o break_v be_v it_o not_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v many_o be_v one_o bread_n and_o one_o body_n for_o we_o be_v all_o partaker_n of_o that_o one_o bread_n 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o 5._o the_o matter_n of_o this_o ordinance_n be_v bread_n and_o wine_n luk._n 22.19_o matth._n 26.26_o 1_o cor._n 11.23.24_o mark_n 14.25_o matth._n 26.29_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v but_o carnal_a matter_n and_o that_o which_o be_v common_a food_n among_o man_n but_o it_o be_v more_o than_o bread_n and_o wine_n by_o christ_n authority_n and_o appointment_n when_o they_o be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o word_n of_o prayer_n and_o by_o faith_n dedicate_v and_o sanctify_v to_o this_o use_n and_o service_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n quest_n why_o be_v this_o ordinance_n call_v the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o ans_fw-fr 1._o it_o be_v call_v a_o supper_n because_o it_o be_v institute_v and_o celebrate_v at_o or_o about_o suppertime_n the_o lord_n jesus_n choose_v that_o time_n rather_o than_o another_o as_o of_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n will_n and_o pleasure_n who_o may_v make_v appoint_v and_o change_v time_n and_o season_n as_o he_o will_v so_o likewise_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o paschal_n lamb_n or_o the_o passover_n and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o israelite_n eat_v thereof_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o night_n exod._n 12.8_o and_o also_o that_o he_o may_v abolish_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o ordinance_n at_o that_o time_n of_o its_o observation_n by_o set_v this_o up_o in_o the_o place_n and_o room_n thereof_o 2._o it_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n supper_n 1._o because_o he_o do_v personal_o and_o immediate_o institute_v it_o administer_v and_o eat_v it_o himself_o matth._n 26.26.27.29_o 2._o because_o it_o be_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v by_o he_o to_o be_v a_o constant_a memorial_n &_o pledge_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n luk._n 22.20_o but_o more_o of_o this_o anon_o 3._o because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v and_o celebrate_v in_o his_o name_n and_o to_o his_o glory_n 1_o cor._n 11_o 2d_o we_o read_v of_o several_a thing_n call_v by_o his_o name_n as_o his_o day_n or_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n rev._n 1.10_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o call_v joh._n 15.10_o so_o likewise_o we_o read_v of_o the_o table_n and_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 10.21_o so_o be_v the_o church_n and_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o call_v by_o his_o name_n for_o the_o reason_n before_o mention_v quest_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n or_o wherefore_o be_v it_o institute_v and_o give_v to_o inchurch_v saint_n as_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v ans_fw-fr i_o shall_v answer_v this_o question_n in_o many_o particular_n only_o in_o the_o general_n i_o may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v institute_v ordain_v and_o give_v to_o the_o church_n for_o christ_n glory_n and_o their_o spiritual_a profit_n 1._o but_o more_o particular_o 1._o to_o be_v to_o they_o a_o constant_a sign_n and_o memorial_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o suffering_n for_o they_o we_o be_v exceed_o prone_a and_o very_a apt_a to_o forget_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o which_o shall_v be_v matter_n of_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n to_o we_o but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o his_o great_a love_n and_o care_n to_o and_o of_o his_o church_n have_v provide_v proper_a remedy_n for_o these_o malady_n and_o have_v appoint_v his_o gospel_n and_o the_o preach_v thereof_o and_o also_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n to_o keep_v alive_a in_o their_o mind_n and_o heart_n his_o death_n and_o suffering_n and_o to_o be_v continual_a sign_n token_n and_o memorial_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o soul_n rom._n 4.11_o luk._n 22.19_o 1_o cor._n 11.24_o 25_o 26._o and_o as_o god_n tell_v noah_n gen._n 9.11_o 17._o this_o be_v the_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o have_v make_v between_o i_o and_o you_o i_o do_v set_v my_o bow_n in_o the_o cloud_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o a_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o say_v jesus_n christ_n i_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o your_o behalf_n and_o in_o your_o name_n to_o die_v and_o suffer_v the_o shameful_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n for_o you_o to_o redeem_v you_o from_o all_o iniquity_n tit._n 2.14_o to_o wash_v and_o cleanse_v you_o from_o the_o guilt_n and_o filth_n of_o sin_n to_o reconcile_v you_o unto_o god_n and_o make_v you_o acceptable_a to_o he_o eph._n 5.25_o 26._o 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o eph._n 1._o this_o i_o have_v do_v for_o you_o i_o take_v your_o sin_n and_o guilt_n your_o death_n and_o punishment_n on_o myself_o by_o assume_v your_o nature_n and_o substitute_v myself_o in_o your_o stead_n and_o i_o have_v pay_v your_o debt_n make_v you_o righteousness_n 2_o cor._n 5._o ult_n &_o have_v bring_v you_o nigh_o to_o god_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o my_o life_n and_o you_o may_v not_o forget_v it_o but_o have_v it_o still_o in_o your_o eye_n and_o heart_n behold_v i_o have_v give_v you_o this_o sign_n token_n and_o memorial_n thereof_o here_o you_o shall_v see_v by_o faith_n your_o great_a high_a priest_n sacrifice_v and_o offer_v up_o himself_o to_o atone_v divine_a justice_n to_o appease_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o here_o you_o may_v see_v how_o i_o be_v
pursuance_n of_o these_o and_o other_o holy_a end_n i_o have_v write_v some_o of_o the_o matter_n that_o i_o preach_v to_o you_o and_o have_v make_v they_o ready_a for_o your_o eye_n to_o read_v and_o behold_v they_o your_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n to_o judge_v of_o they_o and_o for_o your_o heart_n to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v they_o and_o that_o upon_o your_o desire_n i_o have_v do_v it_o as_o you_o know_v they_o be_v your_o matter_n and_o therefore_o to_o you_o i_o do_v dedicate_v and_o commend_v they_o because_o i_o love_v you_o and_o if_o you_o give_v i_o encouragement_n i_o can_v willing_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v for_o you_o 2_o cor._n 12.15_o brethren_n i_o grudge_v not_o at_o any_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n care_n and_o labour_n i_o have_v take_v and_o expend_v on_o you_o or_o you_o for_o i_o think_v that_o all_o that_o i_o can_v do_v for_o you_o be_v too_o little_a i_o do_v hearty_o wish_v i_o can_v be_v more_o serviceable_a and_o profitable_a to_o you_o and_o the_o more_o you_o shall_v encourage_v and_o strengthen_v my_o hand_n to_o serve_v you_o the_o better_a i_o shall_v do_v it_o i_o have_v take_v pain_n to_o write_v this_o book_n or_o to_o compose_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v have_v i_o be_v able_a i_o shall_v have_v do_v it_o better_o but_o however_o it_o be_v do_v be_v you_o sure_o that_o the_o matter_n discourse_v of_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n to_o you_o you_o will_v find_v but_o little_a in_o it_o of_o man_n human_a frailty_n except_v but_o therefore_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v find_v the_o more_o of_o god_n and_o gospel-truth_n there_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n shine_v forth_o more_o glorious_o when_o they_o appear_v in_o their_o naked_a native_a beauty_n and_o simplicity_n than_o when_o they_o come_v to_o we_o clothe_v with_o humane_a eloquence_n and_o with_o the_o rhetorical_a flourish_n of_o man_n wit_n they_o be_v such_o glorious_a thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o that_o they_o be_v never_o more_o powerful_a on_o and_o acceptable_a to_o holy_a gracious_a heart_n than_o when_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o they_o pure_a clear_a and_o entire_a in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o language_n strip_v of_o humane_a ornament_n and_o garnish_n my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o commend_v myself_o but_o the_o real_a the_o holy_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n not_o to_o show_v you_o what_o any_o man_n think_v or_o judge_v of_o these_o matter_n but_o to_o show_v you_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n think_v and_o speak_v of_o they_o i_o expect_v severe_a censure_n from_o other_o because_o far_o better_a man_n work_n do_v usual_o meet_v with_o they_o but_o i_o hope_v to_o meet_v with_o none_o from_o you_o for_o love_n will_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o weakness_n in_o those_o who_o aim_n end_n and_o design_n be_v good_a in_o any_o good_a work_n and_o you_o can_v but_o judge_v that_o i_o be_v good_a in_o this_o good_a undertake_n you_o put_v i_o on_o the_o work_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v find_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o plainness_n in_o it_o and_o cover_v my_o infirmity_n with_o a_o mantle_n of_o charity_n judge_v that_o i_o have_v perform_v it_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v for_o christ_n my_o own_o and_o your_o sake_n and_o conclude_v that_o i_o have_v not_o wilful_o know_o or_o careless_o fail_v in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o now_o it_o be_v prepare_v for_o you_o and_o bring_v to_o you_o by_o a_o hand_n of_o love_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v and_o mind_n it_o to_o understand_v and_o practice_v the_o duty_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o although_o the_o form_n of_o it_o as_o make_v by_o i_o may_v not_o have_v your_o esteem_n and_o consideration_n yet_o do_v not_o fail_v to_o give_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o be_v due_a respect_n and_o acknowledgement_n let_v your_o head_n and_o king_n his_o truth_n and_o way_n have_v their_o due_n from_o you_o as_o also_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o you_o will_v great_o gratify_v the_o author_n who_o be_v your_o real_a friend_n in_o this_o book_n i_o have_v show_v you_o in_o several_a chapter_n 1_o what_o a_o institute_v gospel-church_n be_v 2_o that_o particular_a congregational_a church_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n 3_o of_o what_o material_n they_o shall_v be_v constitute_v and_o form_v 4_o what_o be_v the_o form_n of_o such_o church_n or_o how_o fit_a material_n shall_v be_v join_v together_o and_o make_v a_o formal_a house_n 5_o the_o several_a officer_n of_o a_o church_n with_o their_o call_n qualification_n work_n and_o duty_n 6_o the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n to_o their_o officer_n 7_o their_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o 8_o their_o church-priviledge_n and_o advantage_n 9_o i_o have_v show_v that_o all_o believer_n be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o gospel-church_n if_o they_o can_v 10_o what_o the_o ordinance_n be_v that_o god_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n 11_o how_o all_o church_n member_n ought_v to_o walk_v towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o what_o evil_n and_o temptation_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o or_o in_o danger_n of_o 12_o i_o have_v speak_v something_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o of_o many_o other_o thing_n and_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n as_o you_o will_v find_v in_o your_o read_n of_o the_o book_n throughout_o as_o that_o church-member_n ought_v not_o to_o break_v off_o from_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v join_v but_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n i_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v but_o shall_v present_v a_o few_o request_n to_o you_o for_o myself_o my_o god_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n and_o which_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o deny_v i_o but_o free_o grant_v i_o because_o you_o will_v find_v they_o very_o reasonable_a request_n and_o such_o as_o do_v near_o concern_v you_o and_o your_o god_n as_o well_o as_o myself_o 1._o i_o do_v earnest_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v you_o for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o sake_n and_o for_o the_o love_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o do_v all_o you_o can_v and_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o do_v to_o encourage_v i_o in_o my_o work_n strengthen_v my_o hand_n under_o my_o weight_n and_o burden_n and_o help_v i_o to_o run_v my_o race_n and_o finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n 1_o cor._n 9_o act._n 20.24_o and_o avoid_v whatever_o may_v just_o discourage_v tempt_v and_o provoke_v i_o or_o that_o may_v weaken_v my_o hand_n grieve_v and_o sadden_fw-mi my_o heart_n unfit_a &_o indispose_v i_o for_o &_o in_o my_o work_n &_o duty_n with_o you_o for_o if_o you_o do_v not_o avoid_v it_o you_o will_v tempt_v and_o provoke_v i_o to_o sin_n and_o hinder_v i_o in_o my_o work_n and_o duty_n and_o my_o sin_n will_v be_v your_o sin_n my_o loss_n your_o loss_n and_o my_o sorrow_n will_v be_v your_o sorrow_n at_o long_o run_v i_o can_v appeal_v to_o god_n that_o i_o seek_v desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v you_o good_a in_o whatever_o i_o do_v or_o propound_v to_o have_v do_v for_o or_o among_o you_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o neglect_v to_o come_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v your_o place_n and_o when_o you_o neglect_v to_o set_v forward_o any_o good_a work_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o whole_a you_o do_v discourage_v i_o and_o tempt_v i_o to_o sin_n and_o the_o like_v you_o may_v do_v many_o other_o way_n which_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o shall_v not_o mention_v only_o this_o one_o namely_o by_o your_o nonproficiency_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n which_o will_v be_v my_o great_a affliction_n because_o i_o dear_o love_v you_o your_o serious_a conscientious_a and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n with_o i_o your_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o profit_v by_o they_o your_o readiness_n to_o help_v and_o assist_v i_o in_o promote_a and_o carry_v on_o of_o good_a work_n in_o the_o church_n and_o stand_v by_o i_o in_o the_o lord_n work_n will_v exceed_o comfort_v &_o encourage_v i_o in_o my_o ministerial_a work_n and_o pray_v consider_v if_o it_o be_v not_o your_o duty_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o shall_v so_o do_v heb._n 13.17_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n why_o why_o say_v he_o that_o be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o oh_o give_v i_o your_o help_a hand_n and_o do_v not_o load_v and_o burden_v my_o work_n but_o endeavour_v to_o make_v my_o work_n easy_a and_o my_o life_n comfortable_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o your_o
when_o we_o meet_v let_v our_o come_n together_o be_v for_o the_o better_a and_o not_o for_o the_o worse_o sure_o i_o think_v it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o give_v i_o love_a visit_n as_o well_o as_o i_o you_o and_o that_o when_o you_o come_v you_o show_v a_o readiness_n to_o spend_v our_o time_n and_o improve_v our_o visit_n to_o the_o profit_n of_o our_o soul_n unless_o the_o meeting_n be_v design_v for_o other_o business_n the_o strangeness_n of_o some_o be_v no_o small_a burden_n to_o my_o spirit_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o their_o conscience_n do_v dispense_v with_o such_o omission_n how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o such_o do_v real_o love_v one_o another_o who_o regard_v not_o each_o other_o company_n nor_o though_o they_o live_v near_o together_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o give_v they_o a_o visit_n in_o a_o whole_a year_n together_o for_o true_a love_n incline_v to_o communion_n free_a and_o openhearted_n society_n together_o and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v burdensome_a to_o true_a lover_n so_o to_o do_v as_o that_o it_o be_v their_o delight_n church-member_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o give_v their_o teacher_n friendly_a visit_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o work_n and_o to_o get_v some_o good_a from_o they_o to_o their_o own_o soul_n they_o shall_v come_v and_o propound_v case_n to_o they_o that_o concern_v their_o faith_n practice_n peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o declare_v to_o they_o their_o soul_n trouble_v and_o temptation_n and_o likewise_o their_o profit_n and_o get_n by_o their_o ministry_n they_o shall_v open_v unto_o they_o their_o soul-wants_a and_o spiritual_a disease_n that_o so_o they_o may_v know_v the_o better_a how_o to_o suit_v their_o ministry_n to_o they_o and_o apply_v word_n in_o season_n to_o their_o conviction_n instruction_n and_o comfort_n for_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n mal._n 2.7_o mark_v it_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v always_o or_o most_o go_v to_o their_o people_n but_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v seek_v to_o they_o thus_o the_o disciple_n come_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o their_o case_n and_o true_o friend_n you_o will_v great_o rejoice_v my_o heart_n if_o i_o may_v see_v the_o same_o practise_v by_o you_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o serious_a manner_n i_o do_v assure_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v be_v very_o welcome_a to_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v most_o free_o afford_v you_o my_o help_n and_o give_v you_o what_o assistance_n i_o can_v and_o i_o do_v further_o request_v and_o entreat_v you_o that_o when_o i_o come_v to_o visit_v you_o that_o then_o i_o may_v find_v you_o ready_a to_o entertain_v i_o with_o some_o profitable_a discourse_n that_o may_v better_v we_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n for_o that_o be_v the_o best_a entertainment_n i_o desire_v or_o expect_v from_o you_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v turn_v to_o the_o best_a account_n now_o and_o at_o the_o last_o day_n these_o be_v some_o of_o my_o reasonable_a request_n to_o you_o for_o myself_o which_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v not_o deny_v i_o 2._o i_o have_v a_o few_o request_n to_o you_o for_o god_n and_o your_o head_n and_o king_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1._o that_o you_o will_v still_o remember_v how_o you_o have_v receive_v he_o as_o your_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o col._n 2.6_o examine_v the_o foundation_n you_o stand_v upon_o and_o take_v not_o up_o with_o reformation_n without_o regeneration_n and_o real_a union_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o too_o too_o many_o church-member_n sit_v down_o short_a of_o christ_n a_o new_a state_n and_o a_o thorough_a change_n of_o heart_n that_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o their_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n and_o with_o their_o church-priviledge_n we_o read_v of_o five_o foolish_a virgin_n in_o fellowship_n with_o five_o wise_a virgin_n and_o we_o read_v of_o bad_a fish_n in_o the_o net_n with_o the_o good_a of_o tare_n grow_v among_o the_o good_a wheat_n and_o of_o hypocrite_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n the_o church_n which_o christ_n shall_v gather_v out_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n matth._n 25.2_o matth._n 13.47_o 48_o 49_o 50._o isa_n 33.14_o take_v good_a heed_n that_o none_o of_o you_o be_v such_o you_o have_v pass_v the_o test_n of_o man_n judgement_n and_o they_o take_v you_o for_o true_a saint_n in_o their_o char_n table_n judgement_n but_o you_o may_v be_v notorious_a hypocrite_n for_o all_o that_o and_o you_o must_v pass_v under_o the_o infallible_a trial_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n too_o who_o can_v and_o will_v make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o you_o therefore_o do_v you_o endeavour_v to_o know_v your_o own_o state_n by_o serious_a and_o diligent_a search_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o 2_o pet._n 1.10_o you_o may_v be_v member_n of_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v true_a member_n of_o christ_n you_o may_v be_v unite_v to_o his_o people_n in_o church-fellowship_n whilst_o you_o be_v stranger_n to_o christ_n and_o know_v that_o if_o you_o be_v hypocrite_n in_o the_o church_n you_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o you_o defile_v his_o holy_a temple_n and_o his_o soul_n abhor_v you_o but_o i_o say_v if_o upon_o your_o serious_a trial_n of_o yourselves_o you_o find_v indeed_o that_o you_o be_v new_a creature_n and_o have_v real_o receive_v christ_n the_o lord_n on_o his_o own_o term_n then_o do_v you_o walk_v in_o he_o and_o worthy_a of_o he_o col._n 1.10_o own_o he_o trust_v he_o love_v he_o obey_v he_o subject_a and_o live_v to_o he_o as_o to_o your_o head_n lord_n and_o king_n receive_v and_o walk_v by_o his_o law_n and_o rule_n only_o and_o give_v he_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o headship_n and_o authority_n over_o you_o in_o and_o by_o your_o so_o do_v luk._n 6.46_o remember_v that_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o christ_n buy_v with_o a_o price_n even_o the_o price_n of_o christ_n blood_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v his_o servant_n and_o subject_n therefore_o be_v you_o not_o the_o servant_n of_o man_n in_o his_o matter_n and_o concernment_n 1_o cor._n 7.23_o 2._o do_v you_o stand_v up_o and_o be_v zealous_a for_o and_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o your_o lord_n and_o king_n rev._n 3.19_o you_o be_v redeem_v to_o it_o tit._n 2.14_o and_o your_o head_n expect_v it_o from_o you_o keep_v your_o heart_n with_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o suffer_v no_o stranger_n no_o lust_n self_n or_o any_o creature_n to_o usurp_v and_o possess_v his_o throne_n in_o you_o show_v your_o zeal_n against_o all_o intruder_n and_o fight_v they_o off_o when_o ever_o they_o assault_v you_o or_o attempt_v to_o get_v possession_n of_o your_o heart_n be_v you_o zealous_a for_o and_o in_o his_o pure_a gospel-worship_n and_o ordinance_n for_o and_o in_o uphold_v sanctify_a and_o celebrate_v of_o they_o in_o the_o church_n 3._o encourage_v and_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n in_o each_o other_o heart_n and_o to_o enrich_v one_o another_o with_o the_o truth_n and_o grace_n of_o christ_n as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v for_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o you_o will_v thereby_o please_v and_o glorify_v he_o 1_o thes_n 5.11_o judas_n 20._o you_o shall_v labour_v to_o augment_v increase_n and_o nourish_v the_o grace_n comfort_n and_o experience_n provoke_v strengthen_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o to_o love_n trust_v fear_v honour_n and_o serve_v christ_n more_o and_o better_a for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v you_o 1_o thes_n 5.18_o 4._o honour_n christ_n by_o reprove_v your_o sinning-brethren_n and_o endeavour_v all_o you_o can_v to_o hide_v it_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o and_o to_o restore_v they_o with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n not_o suffer_v sin_n to_o rest_n upon_o they_o gal._n 6.1_o leu._n 19.17_o lift_v they_o out_o of_o the_o ditch_n of_o sin_n whereinto_o temptation_n have_v cast_v they_o and_o that_o with_o all_o possible_a secrecy_n and_o privacy_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o your_o brethren_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o soul_n who_o have_v sin_v sin_n especial_o in_o church-member_n carry_v reproach_n in_o its_o mouth_n on_o christ_n his_o way_n and_o temple_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n and_o reason_n and_o for_o the_o selfsame_a cause_n that_o we_o be_v to_o honour_n christ_n and_o prevent_v all_o reproach_n to_o his_o name_n gospel_n and_o people_n we_o shall_v hide_v each_o other_o sin_n as_o long_o as_o possible_a and_o there_o be_v hope_n and_o endeavour_v private_o to_o heal_v offence_n and_o
water_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v two_o evil_n jer._n 2.13_o you_o will_v thereby_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n cause_v he_o to_o withdraw_v from_o you_o and_o withhold_v the_o blessing_n and_o good_a of_o his_o ordinance_n from_o your_o soul_n oh_o my_o brethren_n little_o do_v many_o of_o you_o think_v how_o deep_o you_o be_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o sin_n and_o what_o a_o controversy_n god_n have_v with_o your_o soul_n for_o it_o and_o little_o do_v you_o think_v what_o loser_n and_o sufferer_n you_o be_v thereby_o little_o do_v many_o think_v how_o often_o they_o be_v catch_v in_o this_o snare_n and_o how_o exceed_o offensive_a it_o be_v to_o god_n and_o detrimental_a to_o their_o own_o soul_n wonder_v not_o that_o ordinance_n profit_v you_o not_o and_o that_o god_n be_v not_o with_o you_o in_o they_o if_o you_o stick_v in_o and_o take_v up_o with_o they_o in_o love_n i_o give_v you_o warning_n of_o it_o that_o you_o may_v consider_v it_o watch_n and_o pray_v against_o it_o that_o you_o may_v careful_o mind_n and_o do_v what_o god_n require_v in_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n namely_o that_o you_o go_v to_o and_o seek_v he_o in_o they_o indeed_o and_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n that_o you_o must_v and_o your_o privilege_n that_o you_o may_v go_v to_o and_o find_v he_o and_o his_o grace_n in_o they_o 4._o live_v by_o faith_n in_o all_o your_o way_n and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o god_n ordinance_n in_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o it_o be_v faith_n in_o christ_n and_o on_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n that_o will_v keep_v you_o steady_a and_o unmovable_a that_o will_v hold_v your_o soul_n in_o life_n and_o with_o joy_n draw_v water_n out_o of_o the_o well_n of_o salvation_n esa_n 12.3_o rom._n 15.13_o it_o be_v faith_n and_o hope_n that_o will_v unite_v your_o heart_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o encourage_v you_o in_o your_o do_v and_o suffering-work_n rom._n 5.5_o 1_o joh._n 3.3_o unbelief_n hold_v off_o and_o keep_v back_o mercy_n from_o you_o but_o faith_n and_o hope_n draw_v they_o to_o you_o you_o can_v see_v god_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n but_o by_o faith_n neither_o can_v you_o see_v the_o beauty_n and_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o the_o promise_n gospel-ordinance_n and_o gospel-precept_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o but_o by_o faith_n you_o can_v get_v no_o good_a no_o encouragement_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o way_n of_o god_n but_o by_o faith_n and_o hope_n therefore_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o in_o a_o wellgrounded_n hope_n 5_o be_v sure_a to_o prepare_v to_o meet_v god_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o do_v all_o you_o can_v to_o get_v your_o heart_n ready_a do_v not_o rush_v unadvised_o into_o his_o presence_n but_o be_v sure_a to_o do_v it_o with_o much_o consideration_n and_o deliberation_n prepare_v to_o meet_v thy_o god_n amos._n 4.12_o and_o prepare_v thy_o work_n without_o prov._n 24.27_o get_v you_o idol_n out_o and_o get_v your_o heart_n into_o a_o holy_a frame_n and_o disposition_n for_o your_o god_n and_o his_o service_n get_v a_o holy_a awe_n of_o he_o on_o your_o mind_n a_o deep_a sense_n of_o your_o want_n weakness_n and_o vileness_n and_o of_o his_o greatness_n purity_n and_o holiness_n on_o your_o heart_n that_o you_o may_v draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a heb._n 12.28_o psal_n 2.11_o for_o if_o you_o draw_v nigh_o to_o god_n without_o such_o preparation_n be_v sure_a you_o do_v not_o can_v honour_v and_o worship_v he_o as_o god_n neither_o will_v he_o meet_v you_o and_o bless_v you_o 6._o to_o conclude_v let_v i_o request_v you_o to_o cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n act._n 11.23_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n joshua_n 24.14_o be_v you_o always_o able_a to_o say_v with_o paul_n and_o other_o saint_n that_o your_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o your_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n you_o have_v your_o conversation_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o be_v you_o much_o in_o your_o closet-work_n i_o mean_v in_o secret_a prayer_n meditation_n and_o examination_n and_o make_v what_o earning_n you_o can_v of_o these_o duty_n and_o privilege_n let_v your_o heart_n be_v set_v on_o thing_n above_o and_o not_o on_o worldly_a thing_n col._n 3.2_o cling_v to_o christ_n in_o love_n and_o keep_v your_o affection_n warm_a and_o lively_a for_o he_o converse_v much_o with_o christ_n his_o love_n grace_n death_n and_o with_o his_o resurrection_n and_o intercession_n with_o his_o law_n promise_n and_o dispensation_n and_o with_o the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n he_o have_v receive_v for_o you_o acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o your_o future_a glory_n and_o consider_v much_o what_o you_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o i_o jumble_v many_o thing_n together_o for_o brevity_n sake_n by_o these_o and_o other_o mean_n and_o duty_n you_o will_v glorify_v god_n and_o profit_n your_o own_o soul_n you_o will_v rejoice_v my_o heart_n and_o engage_v i_o to_o bless_v god_n for_o you_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o all_o will_v appear_v in_o your_o walking_n in_o the_o church_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n final_o my_o brethren_n will_v you_o grant_v i_o these_o few_o reasonable_a request_n true_o i_o desire_v they_o of_o you_o for_o your_o own_o good_a and_o christ_n honour_n because_o you_o be_v exceed_o dear_a to_o i_o and_o i_o do_v entire_o love_v you_o and_o sincere_o seek_v your_o present_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n i_o shall_v present_v you_o with_o a_o few_o consideration_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1_o consider_v that_o you_o be_v a_o holy_a people_n in_o name_n and_o profession_n and_o a_o happy_a people_n in_o privilege_n and_o dignity_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v walk_v and_o carry_v yourselves_o answerable_a to_o they_o 2_o consider_v the_o time_n when_o you_o be_v build_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n be_v it_o not_o in_o the_o sickness-year_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n even_o then_o when_o god_n be_v about_o to_o cut_v down_o score_n of_o thousand_o round_n about_o you_o and_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o make_v great_a devastation_n in_o this_o city_n by_o the_o plague_n be_v you_o not_o as_o brand_v pluck_v out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o continue_v in_o your_o church-state_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o devour_a judgement_n that_o you_o may_v be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o god_n 3_o consider_v how_o wonderful_o the_o lord_n have_v preserve_v and_o continue_v your_o privilege_n and_o mercy_n to_o you_o and_o that_o in_o very_o evil_a time_n and_o place_n when_o many_o of_o your_o brethren_n have_v lose_v they_o and_o wherefore_o he_o have_v deal_v so_o gracious_o with_o you_o and_o whether_o you_o have_v answer_v his_o end_n in_o reality_n and_o truth_n 4_o consider_v your_o solemn_a engagement_n when_o you_o en_fw-fr red_a into_o and_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v you_o not_o engage_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n therein_o wait_v on_o and_o constant_o celebrate_v the_o service_n ordinance_n and_o worship_n of_o his_o house_n and_o perform_v your_o respective_a duty_n to_o one_o another_o and_o have_v you_o do_v so_o the_o vow_n of_o god_n be_v on_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o have_v need_n look_v to_o yourselves_o and_o consider_v your_o way_n 5_o consider_v what_o enjoyment_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n you_o have_v have_v since_o your_o embody_v together_o and_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o temple_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o what_o earning_n and_o improvement_n you_o have_v make_v of_o they_o what_o growth_n in_o grace_n and_o increase_n with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n what_o have_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o profit_n of_o your_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n 6_o consider_v what_o esteem_v your_o lord_n and_o king_n have_v of_o you_o and_o what_o honour_n he_o have_v confer_v upon_o you_o he_o have_v make_v you_o a_o house_n or_o temple_n of_o king_n and_o priest_n and_o he_o have_v set_v you_o near_o himself_o rev._n 5.10_o eph._n 2._o you_o be_v the_o holy_a temple_n and_o household_n of_o god_n the_o palace_n and_o gallery_n of_o the_o great_a king_n and_o you_o be_v his_o habitation_n and_o garden_n wherein_o he_o walk_v and_o dwell_v with_o great_a delight_n he_o honour_v you_o with_o his_o special_a presence_n if_o you_o walk_v with_o and_o please_v he_o and_o he_o call_v you_o by_o his_o own_o name_n you_o be_v his_o glory_n joy_n and_o crown_n and_o he_o glory_n in_o you_o you_o be_v exceed_o dear_a to_o he_o and_o precious_a in_o his_o account_n and_o you_o be_v entrust_v with_o his_o rich_a treasure_n and_o therefore_o consider_v 7_o what_o he_o may_v and_o do_v require_v of_o and_o expect_v from_o you_o you_o know_v that_o where_o
no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a cornerstone_n in_o who_o all_o the_o build_n fit_o frame_v together_o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o who_o you_o also_o be_v build_v together_o for_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n our_o apostle_n have_v show_v the_o believe_a ephesian_n what_o they_o be_v before_o their_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n to_o christ_n in_o the_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 5_o 11_o 12._o verse_n he_o proceed_v to_o show_v they_o their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n with_o the_o efficient_a meritorious_a and_o instrumental_a cause_n thereof_o and_o first_o he_o show_v they_o what_o they_o be_v not_o vers_n 19_o now_o therefore_o you_o be_v no_o more_o as_o once_o you_o be_v strangers_z and_o foreigner_n 2_o what_o they_o now_o be_v in_o what_o state_n and_o condition_n 1._o you_o be_v say_v he_o fellow-citizen_n and_o that_o with_o the_o saint_n 2._o and_o of_o the_o household_n or_o family_n of_o god_n 3._o you_o be_v in_o a_o happy_a and_o secure_a state_n for_o you_o be_v not_o build_v say_v he_o upon_o your_o own_o sandy_a foundation_n but_o upon_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n namely_o 1._o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n 2._o on_o jesus_n christ_n the_o chief_a cornerstone_n vers_fw-la 20._o the_o only_a foundation_n lay_v by_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o son_n which_o by_o they_o be_v lay_v before_o the_o world_n be_v 1._o cor._n 3.11_o math._n 16.18_o 2_o tim._n 1.9_o tit._n 1.2_o and_o which_o be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o uphold_v support_v and_o secure_v all_o that_o build_v and_o bear_v themselves_o upon_o it_o in_o the_o text_n you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o a_o temple_n habitation_n or_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o god_n together_o with_o the_o maker_n and_o builder_n thereof_o first_o the_o matter_n or_o material_n wherewith_o god_n build_v he_o a_o house_n to_o dwell_v in_o 1._o they_o be_v quicken_v and_o enliven_a person_n vers_fw-la 5._o 2._o they_o be_v god_n workmanship_n recreated_a or_o regenerate_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n vers_fw-la 10._o 3._o they_o be_v bring_v nigh_o to_o god_n by_o christ_n his_o blood_n vers_n 13._o 4._o they_o be_v build_v upon_o christ_n jesus_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n vers_fw-la 20._o 5._o they_o be_v fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n that_o be_v of_o the_o invisible_a catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n vers_fw-la 19_o second_o the_o form_n 1._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v fit_o frame_v or_o form_v together_o vers_n 21._o that_o be_v these_o material_n be_v join_v or_o glue_v together_o into_o a_o house_n or_o body_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o quo_fw-la totum_fw-la aedisicium_fw-la congruenter_v coagmentatum_fw-la beza_n you_o be_v congruous_o and_o right_o lay_v into_o the_o building_n and_o so_o become_v a_o excellent_a and_o comely_a fabric_n or_o house_n of_o god_n 2._o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v build_v for_o a_o habitation_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o former_a and_o builder_n or_o the_o agent_n employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o build_v a_o holy_a temple_n or_o church_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n vers_n 21._o now_o this_o he_o do_v 1._o by_o fit_v and_o prepare_v material_n it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n to_o make_v man_n fit_a matter_n for_o a_o church_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a spirit_n it_o be_v his_o work_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o hand_n only_o to_o quicken_v the_o dead_a to_o enlighten_v the_o blind_a to_o translate_v man_n out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o christ_n 2._o he_o do_v it_o by_o show_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o by_o make_v their_o heart_n willing_a and_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n wherein_o they_o shall_v go_v 3._o by_o give_v they_o law_n and_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o 4._o by_o stir_v up_o his_o minister_n heart_n and_o tongue_n to_o move_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o 4thly_a we_o have_v here_o one_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o spirit_n his_o building_n of_o church_n and_o that_o be_v for_o a_o habitation_n for_o god_n to_o dwell_v in_o as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o psal_n 132.14_o rev._n 2.1_o and_o as_o these_o thing_n be_v here_o express_v so_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n employ_v and_o include_v which_o be_v not_o express_v as_o the_o law_n order_n and_o ordinance_n of_o a_o house_n of_o god_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o believer_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o some_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n and_o their_o duty_n there_o as_o likewise_o the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n that_o will_v accrue_v to_o they_o in_o that_o state_n and_o the_o privilege_n and_o honour_n of_o it_o and_o the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o several_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v discourse_v on_o in_o my_o proceedure_n god_n do_v not_o set_v up_o church_n to_o stand_v empty_a and_o idle_a only_o to_o have_v a_o name_n and_o to_o be_v gaze_v on_o but_o he_o have_v institute_v appoint_v and_o erect_v they_o for_o his_o name_n honour_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o soul-profit_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o shall_v walk_v with_o he_o and_z he_o with_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v obey_v and_o honour_v he_o and_o he_o supply_v and_o enrich_v they_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o for_o other_o glorious_a end_n and_o purpose_n which_o shall_v be_v discourse_v of_o the_o lord_z assisting_z chap._n i._n of_o a_o institute_v gospel-church_n and_o the_o extent_n thereof_o my_o purpose_n and_o design_n be_v to_o discourse_v only_o of_o a_o particular_a institute_v gospel-church_n and_o in_o my_o proceedure_n i_o shall_v not_o concern_v myself_o with_o any_o man_n conception_n of_o a_o church_n in_o any_o other_o sense_n but_o keep_v clôss_n to_o the_o subject_n or_o church_n under_o consideration_n without_o meddle_v with_o the_o controversy_n that_o be_v among_o learned_a man_n in_o their_o different_a apprehension_n of_o church_n and_o their_o concernment_n for_o as_o i_o desire_v and_o hope_v i_o may_v without_o offend_v any_o to_o have_v liberty_n to_o declare_v and_o practice_v my_o own_o light_n faith_n and_o persuasion_n in_o these_o thing_n so_o i_o think_v it_o most_o reasonable_a to_o leave_v other_o to_o their_o own_o persuasion_n expression_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o matter_n without_o any_o reflection_n it_o be_v the_o profit_n of_o such_o as_o i_o be_o concern_v withal_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o and_o i_o judge_v myself_o oblige_v in_o duty_n to_o make_v know_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n to_o those_o i_o have_v the_o oversight_n of_o according_a to_o my_o light_n ability_n and_o opportunity_n and_o that_o by_o all_o the_o regular_a way_n and_o mean_v i_o can_v find_v out_o and_o obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o and_o it_o be_v for_o they_o that_o i_o chief_o intend_v these_o line_n although_o they_o may_v probable_o fall_v into_o other_o man_n hand_n therefore_o wave_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o acquaint_v you_o who_o shall_v read_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v &_o believe_v and_o as_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o you_o which_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o way_n of_o question_n and_o answer_n 1._o quest_n what_o be_v a_o true_a institute_v gospel-church_n answ_n a_o true_a institute_v gospel-church_n be_v a_o society_n or_o congregation_n of_o person_n call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o their_o state_n of_o death_n blindness_n and_o unbelief_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o will_n and_o unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o company_n of_o believer_n unite_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a band_n by_o special_a and_o voluntary_a agreement_n who_o by_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n under_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o duty_n do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v together_o as_o saint_n in_o love_n peace_n and_o in_o the_o constant_a celebration_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o
save_v they_o and_o that_o of_o his_o mere_a grace_n and_o love_n joh._n 6.37_o 40._o joh._n 10._o joh._n 17._o eph._n 2.4_o that_o god_n the_o father_n give_v and_o set_v his_o son_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n to_o mediate_v peace_n between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o god_n by_o his_o active_a and_o passive_a obedience_n that_o jesus_n christ_n give_v himself_o and_o become_v a_o propitiation_n for_o their_o sin_n that_o he_o assume_v our_o nature_n and_o take_v it_o up_o into_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o himself_o whereby_o there_o be_v two_o nature_n in_o one_o person_n by_o which_o he_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o his_o mediatorship_n that_o he_o be_v god-man_n in_o one_o person_n take_v upon_o himself_o our_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n obey_v the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n that_o man_n have_v break_v and_o do_v always_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o please_v god_n that_o when_o he_o have_v finish_v his_o active_a obedience_n he_o become_v obedient_a unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o curse_v of_o the_o law_n gal._n 3.12_o phil._n 2._o that_o he_o real_o dye_v and_o be_v bury_v lie_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n and_o after_o forty_o day_n he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o sit_v down_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v come_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a that_o he_o be_v king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n a_o king_n to_o give_v law_n unto_o man_n and_o command_v their_o obedience_n to_o they_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v his_o subject_n and_o to_o reward_v the_o obedient_a and_o punish_v the_o disobedient_a that_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v commit_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v coequal_o and_o coeternal_o god_n with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n as_o a_o high_a priest_n he_o dye_v and_o make_v atonement_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n and_o sit_v in_o heaven_n to_o make_v intercession_n and_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o they_o heb._n 7.25.9.24_o that_o there_o be_v three_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n but_o one_o god_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v eternal_a god_n be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n &_o come_v from_o the_o father_n &_o son_n for_o the_o elect_a sake_n that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o regenerate_v person_n work_v effectual_o in_o their_o heart_n apply_v jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o his_o benefit_n to_o man_n and_o save_o convince_v his_o elect_n of_o sin_n right_o ousness_n and_o judgement_n joh_n 3.5_o joh._n 16.1_o 8.13_o 14_o 15._o that_o all_o that_o right_o believe_v in_o christ_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o those_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o that_o all_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n must_v be_v careful_a to_o do_v good_a work_n that_o believer_n be_v make_v righteous_a with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o they_o have_v none_o of_o their_o own_o to_o commend_v they_o unto_o god_n that_o god_n have_v make_v jesus_n christ_n unto_o his_o choose_a righteousness_n wisdom_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 1_o cor._n 1.30_o and_o that_o they_o be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 5._o ult_n that_o god_n impute_v their_o sin_n to_o christ_n and_o impute_v the_o blood_n and_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v justify_v thereby_o and_o not_o by_o inherent_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o god_n love_v pardon_n justifyes_n and_o save_v man_n free_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o good_a work_n as_o any_o cause_n thereof_o but_o all_o the_o move_a cause_n without_o himself_o be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o mediation_n that_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o do_v good_a work_n be_v the_o reveal_v will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n command_v they_o and_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o express_v their_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o please_v and_o honour_v he_o to_o meet_v with_o god_n and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o to_o receive_v of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o good_a of_o many_o promise_n to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v useful_a unto_o man_n to_o declare_v who_o and_o what_o they_o be_v and_o to_o lie_v up_o for_o a_o reward_n in_o another_o world_n to_o keep_v their_o lust_n under_o and_o their_o grace_n in_o use_n and_o exercise_n and_o to_o manifest_v their_o respect_n and_o subjection_n to_o jesus_n christ_n his_o authority_n and_o law_n that_o the_o law_n for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o qualify_v by_o christ_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o law_n of_o all_o obedience_n &_o that_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o yield_v obedience_n &_o subjection_n to_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a that_o regeneration_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o without_o it_o none_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n joh._n 2.3_o 5_o 7._o that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n contain_v and_o hold_v forth_o unto_o man_n the_o whole_a reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o 17._o and_o that_o whatsoever_o you_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v be_v contain_v therein_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v many_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o his_o people_n profit_n and_o that_o all_o be_v bind_v to_o observe_v and_o wait_v on_o god_n in_o they_o that_o all_o person_n be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o mind_n and_o careful_o to_o observe_v the_o principal_a manner_n and_o end_n of_o all_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o see_v that_o they_o be_v right_a holy_a and_o spiritual_a indeed_o and_o not_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o matter_n of_o duty_n without_o they_o that_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v god_n or_o do_v any_o acceptable_a work_n unto_o he_o until_o they_o be_v regenerate_v and_o put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o shall_v right_o in_o measure_n understand_v and_o believe_v that_o be_v admit_v into_o full_a membership_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o these_o and_o other_o truth_n must_v not_o be_v notional_o light_o and_o in_o the_o general_a know_v and_o believe_v but_o hearty_o powerful_o and_o particular_o not_o for_o other_o but_o themselves_o or_o else_o their_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n will_v no_o way_n profit_v their_o soul_n to_o salvation_n 3._o they_o must_v be_v qualify_v also_o with_o blameless_a conversation_n their_o conversation_n must_v become_v the_o gospel_n phil._n 1.27_o or_o else_o they_o be_v not_o meet_v for_o membership_n with_o gospel-churche_n carnal_a walking_n will_v not_o suit_v spiritual_a temple_n for_o they_o will_v great_o pollute_v and_o defile_v they_o stain_n and_o darken_v their_o beauty_n and_o glory_n therefore_o they_o must_v not_o be_v brawler_n or_o contentious_a person_n they_o must_v not_o be_v covetous_a and_o worldly_a mind_v vain_a and_o frothy_a person_n they_o must_v not_o be_v froward_a and_o peevish_a person_n neither_o must_v or_o may_v they_o be_v defrauder_n or_o such_o as_o detain_v other_o due_n carelessy_a from_o they_o nor_o such_o as_o slight_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o family_n or_o be_v careless_a of_o govern_v and_o educate_v they_o in_o good_a manner_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n they_o may_v not_o be_v such_o as_o be_v know_v to_o neglect_v duty_n and_o ordinance_n in_o their_o time_n and_o season_n or_o to_o have_v vicious_a family_n through_o their_o neglect_n nor_o any_o other_o such_o kind_n of_o person_n who_o stink_a spirit_n and_o conversation_n be_v odious_a to_o god_n and_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o their_o profession_n be_v they_o may_v not_o be_v accept_v or_o receive_v into_o the_o holy_a temple_n of_o god_n until_o they_o have_v repent_v of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o hateful_a and_o scandalous_a evil_n in_o their_o carriage_n and_o walking_n 4._o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o have_v choose_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o their_o king_n and_o head_n give_v up_o and_o make_v over_o themselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n to_o live_v in_o he_o and_o to_o he_o have_v single_v he_o out_o and_o set_v he_o apart_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o trust_n love_n and_o delight_n of_o their_o service_n and_o obedience_n if_o they_o have_v choose_v and_o close_v up_o with_o he_o upon_o his_o own_o term_n as_o they_o hope_v renounce_v and_o reject_v all_o their_o own_o
join_v together_o into_o a_o church-state_n aught_o to_o know_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v and_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o fitness_n and_o meetness_n of_o each_o other_o as_o well_o as_o each_o person_n of_o himself_o for_o these_o and_o other_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v name_v second_o when_o a_o competent_a number_n of_o believer_n be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o and_o of_o each_o other_o sitnesse_n to_o build_v a_o holy_a temple_n for_o god_n they_o shall_v meet_v together_o and_o solemn_o present_v themselves_o before_o god_n humble_v themselves_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o weakness_n ignorance_n and_o unworthynesse_n for_o although_o they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o sense_n meet_v and_o worthy_a yet_o because_o of_o their_o indwelling_a lust_n and_o actual_a transgression_n they_o may_v see_v matter_n enough_o in_o and_o by_o themselves_o to_o cry_v out_o as_o isaiah_n do_v we_o be_v unclean_a and_o unworthy_a and_o to_o ask_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o god_n so_o also_o to_o tell_v god_n what_o they_o be_v about_o to_o do_v and_o entreat_v he_o to_o send_v forth_o his_o light_n and_o truth_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o lead_v assist_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o right_a way_n according_a to_o this_o promise_n psal_n 25.12_o psa_fw-la 61.8_o joh._n 16.13_o for_o although_o they_o may_v have_v as_o they_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o perfect_a rule_n before_o they_o to_o guide_v they_o in_o this_o weighty_a matter_n yet_o they_o may_v want_v light_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o walk_v by_o it_o clear_o and_o exact_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v which_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o have_v make_v they_o willing_a by_o his_o power_n psal_n 110.3_o will_v supply_v with_o his_o light_n upon_o importunate_a ask_n it_o thus_o ezra_n do_v when_o concern_v in_o temple-work_n chap_v 8.21_o and_o it_o be_v prophefy_v by_o david_n that_o when_o god_n shall_v build_v up_o his_o church_n he_o will_v do_v it_o upon_o his_o people_n prayer_n psal_n 102._o and_o as_o they_o shall_v pray_v for_o light_n and_o counsel_n in_o their_o heart_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v and_o will_v be_v own_v and_o account_v the_o chief_a agent_n in_o the_o work_n of_o build_v gospel-churche_n as_o in_o prepare_v material_n make_v they_o willing_a guide_a and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o work_n so_o that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n own_o and_o bless_v they_o in_o their_o church-state_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o labour_n of_o their_o hand_n and_o prosper_v they_o to_o his_o glory_n &_o their_o own_o edification_n &_o comfort_n 3._o when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o their_o heart_n be_v warm_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v with_o the_o spirit_n beam_n of_o light_n shine_v in_o upon_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n and_o their_o heart_n thereby_o fast_a knit_v to_o each_o other_o in_o love_n as_o to_o the_o live_a member_n of_o christ_n then_o they_o shall_v declare_v to_o each_o other_o their_o free_a full_a and_o cordial_a acceptance_n of_o and_o satisfaction_n in_o one_o another_o express_v to_o one_o another_o their_o real_a hearty_a and_o joint_a resolution_n purpose_n and_o intention_n by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v together_o as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n and_o engage_v covenant_n and_o promise_v to_o take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o practice_n and_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o duty_n one_o to_o another_o in_o that_o state_n and_o relation_n take_v hold_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n accept_v the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o their_o lord_n head_n and_o saviour_n resign_v up_o themselves_o unto_o he_o and_o profess_v their_o unfeigned_a subjection_n to_o he_o and_o all_o his_o rule_n law_n and_o order_n and_o that_o they_o will_v submit_v themselves_o one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n eph._n 5.21_o as_o he_o have_v command_v they_o and_o which_o may_v be_v confirm_v to_o one_o another_o by_o give_v each_o other_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n gal._n 2_o 9_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o formal_a constitute_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n or_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o i_o know_v no_o other_o but_o some_o there_o must_v be_v and_o i_o think_v to_o this_o agree_v several_a scripture-instance_n that_o if_o right_o understand_v amount_v to_o as_o much_o as_o aforesaid_a thus_o the_o israelite_n become_v a_o church_n god_n propound_v to_o they_o what_o he_o will_v have_v they_o observe_v and_o do_v and_z according_o the_o whole_a congregation_n receive_v what_o be_v say_v and_o engage_v to_o do_v and_o observe_v what_o god_n require_v of_o they_o exod._n 24.3_o and_o moses_n come_v and_o tell_v the_o people_n all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o people_n answer_v with_o one_o voice_n and_o say_v all_z the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v will_v we_o do_v so_o deut._n 5.27_o exod._n 20.19_o deut._n 29.9_o 14._o this_o be_v free_o and_o voluntary_o do_v by_o they_o and_o thereby_o they_o become_v a_o church_n and_o be_v solemn_o admit_v unto_o all_o the_o worship_n and_o privilege_n thereof_o and_o god_n accept_v and_o approve_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v deut._n 5.27_o 28._o go_v thou_o near_o and_o hear_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n shall_v say_v etc._n etc._n and_o we_o will_v hear_v it_o and_o do_v it_o and_o the_o lord_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o your_o word_n when_o you_o speak_v unto_o i_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o word_n of_o this_o people_n which_o they_o have_v speak_v unto_o thou_o they_o have_v well_o say_v all_o that_o they_o have_v speak_v and_o the_o like_v proceedure_v we_o find_v among_o they_o after_o they_o have_v corrupt_v themselves_o and_o their_o church-state_n break_v their_o solemn_a engagement_n and_o depart_v from_o god_n and_o upon_o conviction_n of_o their_o so_o do_v and_o of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o they_o return_v to_o god_n and_o renew_v their_o church-engagement_n joshua_n 24.16_o to_o 27._o vers_fw-la so_o in_o asa_n his_o day_n 2_o chron._n 15.10_o to_o 16._o v._o and_o ezra_n 10._o and_o neh._n 9_o and_o 10._o chap_v and_o somewhat_o like_a to_o this_o we_o find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n 2_o cor._n 8.5_o and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o as_o we_o hope_v but_o first_o give_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o apostle_n mind_v the_o church_n at_o corinth_n of_o their_o profess_a subjection_n unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 9.13_o which_o it_o seem_v be_v solemn_o do_v at_o their_o congregate_a and_o enchurch_v for_o than_o be_v the_o time_n of_o do_v it_o solemn_o and_o public_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o one_o another_o when_o they_o open_o and_o avowed_o take_v upon_o themselves_o by_o mutual_a consent_n and_o agreement_n as_o a_o incorporate_a body_n the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n together_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n also_o be_v that_o passage_n in_o col._n 2.6_o as_o you_o have_v therefore_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o they_o as_o a_o particular_a congregat_v church_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n which_o be_v solemn_o do_v in_o all_o probability_n at_o their_o embody_v and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o psal_n 50.5_o gather_v my_o saint_n together_o unto_o i_o those_o that_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o i_o by_o sacrifice_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o jer._n 50.4_o 5._o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v clear_a to_o i_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v it_o be_v there_o no_o scripture_n to_o countenance_v it_o for_o they_o be_v as_o have_v be_v say_v call_v and_o compare_v to_o house_n temple_n corporation_n city_n family_n and_o to_o voluntary_a not_o mere_a natural_a relation_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v knit_v and_o form_v into_o such_o a_o state_n and_o relation_n by_o their_o own_o free_a choice_n and_o engagement_n to_o live_v and_o walk_v together_o as_o such_o and_o this_o action_n of_o believer_n be_v of_o and_o by_o the_o lord_n in_o act._n 2.41_o it_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v add_v and_o in_o vers_n 47._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n add_v namely_o to_o the_o particular_a congregational_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o infer_v that_o believer_n ought_v so_o to_o join_v themselves_o together_o into_o church_n as_o have_v be_v show_v which_o i_o
they_o be_v send_v authorize_v grace_v gift_v and_o qualify_v by_o christ_n do_v his_o work_n represent_v he_o stand_v in_o his_o stead_n 2_o cor._n 5.20_o and_o as_o they_o be_v his_o minister_n for_o good_a to_o you_o well_o then_o mind_n your_o duty_n and_o the_o will_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o love_v they_o sincere_o and_o hearty_o strong_o and_o fervent_o fruitful_o and_o constant_o for_o they_o love_v you_o study_n pray_v and_o labour_n to_o do_v you_o good_a and_o know_v that_o if_o you_o do_v not_o love_v they_o you_o do_v not_o love_n christ_n who_o they_o be_v who_o they_o represent_v and_o serve_v and_o if_o you_o hate_v slight_a and_o despise_v they_o you_o do_v hate_n slight_a and_o despise_v christ_n himself_o in_o they_o second_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n your_o duty_n to_o honour_n and_o respect_n to_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v they_o in_o their_o faithful_a diligent_a discharge_n of_o their_o trust_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o work_n among_o you_o they_o be_v the_o ambassador_n and_o commissioner_n of_o your_o great_a lord_n and_o king_n and_o send_v by_o he_o from_o heaven_n to_o you_o as_o be_v show_v 2_o cor._n 5.20_o eph._n 4._o and_o that_o about_o most_o high_a and_o honourable_a work_n yea_o the_o high_a work_n and_o service_n that_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n they_o come_v from_o and_o be_v send_v to_o you_o by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v honour_v they_o be_v his_o ambassador_n and_o commissioner_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o they_o be_v send_v and_o come_v to_o you_o as_o with_o his_o image_n of_o authority_n so_o of_o grace_n gift_n and_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o they_o be_v send_v by_o christ_n to_o you_o on_z and_o for_o the_o service_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o and_o they_o represent_v christ_n and_o stand_v in_o his_o stead_n to_o you_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o they_o do_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o be_v your_o servant_n and_o thereby_o do_v honour_n you_o 2_o cor._n 4.5_o and_o they_o cheerful_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o your_o soul_n as_o your_o spiritual_a servant_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v honour_v they_o christ_n require_v you_o to_o esteem_v they_o and_o that_o be_v not_o all_o but_o to_o esteem_v they_o high_o yea_o very_o high_o too_o 1_o thes_n 5.13_o and_o therefore_o you_o must_v do_v it_o christ_n will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o slight_a or_o despise_v they_o no_o more_o than_o king_n will_v endure_v that_o any_o shall_v slight_v or_o despise_v their_o ambassador_n if_o you_o have_v low_a base_a thought_n of_o they_o in_o your_o heart_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o if_o you_o slight_a and_o despise_v their_o labour_n and_o administration_n you_o despise_v they_o if_o you_o vilify_v and_o speak_v slight_o of_o they_o behind_o their_o back_n and_o divulge_v their_o suppose_a or_o real_a weakness_n you_o despise_v they_o if_o you_o carry_v yourselves_o saucy_o and_o imperious_o before_o their_o face_n in_o word_n deed_n or_o deportment_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o and_o if_o you_o control_v they_o and_o disregard_n their_o judgement_n censure_n admonition_n or_o reproof_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o when_o you_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o their_o counsel_n instruction_n and_o exhortation_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o and_o when_o you_o disregard_n their_o power_n authority_n and_o their_o exercise_n thereof_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n you_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o way_n and_o instance_n church-member_n do_v not_o only_o neglect_v their_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o honour_v their_o teaching-elders_a but_o they_o do_v slight_a and_o despise_v they_o also_o and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o slight_a and_o despise_v they_o but_o as_o be_v say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o law_n image_n work_n and_o authority_n also_o for_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o say_v christ_n luk._n 10.16_o and_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a slight_n and_o contemptible_a word_n and_o carriage_n towards_o they_o they_o do_v great_o provoke_v and_o discourage_v they_o they_o weaken_v their_o hand_n and_o distract_v their_o mind_n and_o so_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o work_n they_o be_v honour_v by_o christ_n and_o honourable_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o he_o strict_o charge_n and_o command_v his_o church_n to_o esteem_v they_o most_o or_o very_o high_o and_o to_o give_v they_o double_a honour_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_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 especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n give_v say_v the_o apostle_n to_o every_o man_n his_o due_a fear_v to_o who_o fear_n honour_n to_o who_o honour_n rom._n 13.7_o it_o be_v their_o due_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o expect_v you_o shall_v give_v it_o to_o they_o not_o as_o they_o be_v such_o or_o such_o man_n but_o as_o his_o ambassador_n minister_n etc._n etc._n three_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n that_o church_n shall_v pray_v for_o their_o pastor_n or_o teach_v elder_n and_o that_o in_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a manner_n and_o measure_n i_o mean_v more_o than_o they_o do_v or_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v for_o other_o 1_o thes_n 5.25_o heb._n 13.18_o rom._n 15.30_o you_o must_v be_v earnest_a and_o importunate_a wrestler_n with_o god_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n for_o they_o that_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o abundance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n on_o they_o and_o by_o his_o teach_n quickning_n and_o anointing_n make_v they_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o of_o the_o letter_n only_o but_o of_o the_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 3.6_o that_o they_o may_v open_v their_o mouth_n bold_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n sincere_o clear_o impartial_o and_o constant_o make_v know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n eph._n 6.18_o 19_o col._n 4.3_o that_o they_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o snare_n and_o temptation_n or_o be_v enable_v to_o encounter_v they_o and_o with_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o overcome_v and_o conquer_v they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v eminent_a shine_a light_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o diligent_a in_o and_o faithful_a to_o their_o trust_n that_o they_o may_v be_v wise_a zealous_a and_o glorious_a pattern_n of_o piety_n &_o all_o godliness_n and_o be_v keep_v unspotted_a of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o may_v abound_v in_o all_o grace_n gifts_z work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o they_o may_v preach_v powerful_o and_o profitable_o and_o in_o all_o their_o way_n word_n and_o carriage_n adorn_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n tit._n 2.10_o that_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o faith_n without_o waver_v preach_v sound_a doctrine_n clear_o plain_o and_o close_o tit._n 2.1_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v themselves_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n for_o the_o order_n and_o well_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o orderly_a management_n of_o their_o concern_v and_o that_o they_o may_v in_o all_o thing_n walk_v by_o their_o lord_n rule_n and_o aim_v at_o design_n and_o upright_o intend_v his_o glory_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o his_o people_n and_o all_o other_o that_o hear_v they_o there_o be_v many_o reason_n enforce_v this_o duty_n on_o they_o to_o your_o pastor_n i_o will_v name_v a_o few_o 1._o because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v so_o as_o the_o aforesaid_a scripture_n show_v 2._o because_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o your_o earnest_a prayer_n if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o church_n prayer_n much_o more_o must_v ordinary_a teacher_n need_v they_o their_o work_n be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o 2_o cor._n 2.16_o their_o discouragement_n be_v many_o and_o great_a and_o their_o temptation_n many_o strong_a and_o powerful_a they_o have_v mystery_n to_o unfold_v continual_o and_o they_o have_v strong_a temptation_n to_o grapple_v with_o all_o than_o other_o have_v therefore_o they_o shall_v have_v your_o strong_a and_o most_o importunate_a prayer_n little_o do_v church_n know_v what_o they_o see_v feel_v and_o experience_n in_o their_o work_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o their_o teacher_n have_v a_o easy_a and_o sweet_a life_n of_o it_o and_o stand_v in_o little_a need_n of_o their_o assistance_n but_o sure_o they_o
honour_v and_o please_v and_o all_o the_o church_n be_v or_o may_v be_v profit_v and_o edify_v and_o peace_n and_o truth_n promote_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o confusion_n disorder_n and_o disturbance_n will_v necessary_o follow_v as_o sad_a experience_n have_v abundant_o prove_v in_o this_o land_n it_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a truth_n obvious_a to_o all_o man_n that_o if_o some_o must_v rule_v other_o must_v obey_v and_o if_o some_o be_v appoint_v and_o command_v by_o the_o great_a and_o absolute_a sovereign_n to_o rule_n and_o govern_v well_o than_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v the_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o other_o to_o submit_v and_o obey_v well_o all_o according_a and_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o sovereign_a will_n of_o their_o great_a law_n giver_n the_o lord_n jesus_n obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o and_o submit_v yourselves_o be_v as_o indispensible_a a_o duty_n as_o any_o you_o have_v to_o do_v which_o i_o can_v abundant_o confirm_v by_o many_o scripture_n reason_n have_v i_o room_n in_o this_o discourse_n to_o enlarge_v on_o it_o five_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n indispensible_a duty_n to_o sympathize_v with_o their_o teacher_n to_o help_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n and_o comfort_v their_o heart_n and_o to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o forward_o they_o in_o their_o work_n that_o they_o may_v fulfil_v their_o ministry_n and_o do_v their_o whole_a duty_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n â—ol_n 4.17_o heb._n 13.17_o for_o whatever_o you_o do_v for_o or_o against_o they_o you_o do_v it_o for_o or_o against_o christ_n himself_o who_o ambassador_n and_o officer_n they_o be_v to_o you_o 2_o cor._n 5.20_o they_o have_v his_o image_n of_o authority_n stamp_v on_o they_o and_o be_v send_v to_o you_o by_o himself_o about_o and_o employ_v in_o his_o work_n among_o you_o they_o labour_v toil_n and_o sweat_n to_o serve_v and_o promote_v the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o they_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o do_v you_o all_o the_o good_a they_o can_v yea_o your_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n be_v much_o wrap_v up_o in_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o you_o burden_n and_o discourage_v they_o you_o hinder_v yourselves_o of_o profit_n and_o when_o you_o comfort_n help_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o ministerial_a work_n you_o further_o your_o own_o happiness_n thereby_o this_o be_v clear_o intimate_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o heb._n 13.17_o before_o mention_v obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o for_o they_o watch_v for_o your_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n now_o mark_v his_o reason_n why_o because_o that_o will_v be_v unprofitable_a for_o you_o the_o meaning_n be_v the_o better_a you_o carry_v it_o towards_o your_o teacher_n who_o watch_n for_o your_o soul_n and_o the_o more_o profitable_a you_o be_v to_o they_o the_o more_o profitable_a they_o will_v be_v to_o you_o the_o more_o useful_a and_o comfortable_a you_o be_v to_o they_o the_o more_o useful_a and_o comfortable_a they_o will_v be_v to_o you_o we_o say_v it_o be_v encouragement_n that_o make_v a_o good_a orator_n and_o much_o more_o do_v encouragement_n from_o christian_n make_v in_o a_o sense_n good_a minister_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o work_v under_o discouragement_n and_o encouragement_n discouragement_n from_o christian_n do_v as_o it_o be_v unhinge_v minister_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o travel_v in_o pain_n like_o porter_n with_o press_v heavy_a burden_n on_o their_o back_n their_o unkindness_n do_v great_o cumber_v and_o distract_v they_o trouble_n and_o perplex_v they_o discompose_v and_o deject_v they_o they_o exceed_o weaken_v their_o hand_n and_o sadden_fw-mi their_o heart_n and_o even_o make_v their_o life_n a_o burden_n to_o they_o and_o that_o because_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o christ_n do_v so_o entire_o and_o hearty_o love_v their_o people_n as_o that_o have_v they_o encouragement_n from_o they_o they_o can_v free_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v for_o they_o 2_o cor._n 12.15_o and_o they_o do_v expect_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o hearty_a love_n and_o kindness_n from_o they_o again_o as_o well_o they_o may_v for_o that_o christ_n require_v it_o of_o they_o towards_o their_o minister_n and_o they_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o their_o service_n and_o concernment_n yea_o and_o when_o they_o call_v they_o to_o take_v the_o oversight_n of_o they_o they_o engage_v so_o to_o do_v but_o now_o be_v disappoint_v of_o their_o so_o reasonable_a expectation_n they_o can_v but_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n and_o cry_v out_o of_o wrong_n as_o paul_n and_o jeremy_n do_v to_o prevent_v which_o the_o lord_n jesus_n charge_v and_o strict_o enjoin_v all_o his_o people_n to_o see_v they_o carry_v themselves_o well_o towards_o he_o and_o their_o minister_n 1._o by_o avoid_v whatever_o may_v grieve_v or_o trouble_v they_o 2._o by_o give_v they_o all_o possible_a encouragement_n 1._o will_v you_o encourage_v and_o strengthen_v your_o teacher_n in_o their_o work_n then_o attend_v on_o their_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n serious_o dutiful_o conscientious_o and_o constant_o the_o neglect_n of_o your_o so_o do_v do_v great_o discourage_v they_o sadden_fw-mi their_o heart_n and_o weaken_v their_o hand_n the_o liberty_n some_o take_v which_o christ_n never_o give_v they_o to_o withdraw_v as_o they_o please_v from_o their_o minister_n and_o ramble_v up_o and_o down_o here_o and_o there_o as_o they_o please_v either_o from_o their_o prejudice_n pride_n ignorance_n or_o giddiness_n of_o spirit_n or_o from_o a_o wanton_a lavish_a vain_a spirit_n from_o their_o itch_a car_n as_o paul_n speak_v 2_o tim._n 4.3_o or_o from_o the_o devil_n be_v exceed_o hurtful_a to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o such_o transgressor_n so_o likewise_o when_o they_o come_v to_o their_o administration_n unreasonable_o or_o untimely_a and_o do_v there_o carry_v and_o demean_v themselves_o careless_o indifferent_o and_o unreverent_o they_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o they_o and_o cause_v great_a offence_n to_o they_o therefore_o you_o must_v attend_v on_o their_o ministry_n as_o on_o christ_n and_o your_o own_o ministry_n serious_o timely_o conscientious_o diligent_o free_o dutiful_o and_o constant_o when_o they_o preach_v and_o administer_v for_o that_o be_v your_o duty_n and_o the_o contrary_n be_v your_o sin_n which_o in_o time_n will_v find_v you_o out_o for_o you_o by_o your_o so_o do_v walk_v disorderly_a scandalous_o irregular_o and_o contrary_a to_o the_o charge_n give_v you_o heb._n 10.24.25_o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o yourselves_o together_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v you_o walk_v out_o of_o your_o fold_n and_o prodigal_o run_v out_o of_o the_o place_n where_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v set_v you_o and_o command_v you_o to_o abide_v and_o worship_v he_o in_o until_o he_o do_v by_o some_o extraordinary_a dispensation_n call_v you_o off_o you_o expose_v yourselves_o to_o great_a danger_n and_o tempt_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o withdraw_v his_o divine_a influence_n from_o you_o and_o i_o dare_v peremptory_o affirm_v that_o while_o any_o do_v so_o they_o be_v backslide_n from_o god_n and_o god_n be_v go_v off_o from_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o thrive_v nor_o prosper_v in_o grace_n nor_o have_v any_o ordinance_n bless_v to_o they_o and_o though_o their_o wanton_a disorderly_a way_n seem_v right_a unto_o they_o yet_o they_o lead_v to_o death_n prov._n 14.12_o moreover_o such_o neglect_v in_o church-member_n tend_v direct_o to_o the_o break_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o good_a order_n peace_n and_o prosperity_n in_o they_o and_o to_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o all_o irregularity_n and_o confusion_n to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o gospel_n dishonour_n of_o christ_n offence_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o to_o the_o break_n of_o their_o minister_n heart_n which_o certain_o will_v have_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n although_o it_o may_v be_v please_v to_o the_o offender_n a_o while_n oh_o how_o grievous_a must_v such_o course_n of_o church-member_n needs_o be_v unto_o their_o pastor_n who_o have_v pray_v study_v and_o labour_v to_o make_v good_a provision_n for_o they_o to_o comfort_v and_o build_v up_o their_o soul_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o in_o hope_n of_o find_v they_o there_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o receive_v it_o when_o they_o come_v to_o hand_n it_o out_o to_o they_o and_o then_o shall_v either_o find_v they_o go_v or_o else_o there_o in_o a_o irreverent_a and_o careless_a manner_n this_o pierce_v their_o heart_n and_o deep_o wound_v their_o poor_a soul_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o they_o see_v their_o flock_n serious_o reverent_o seasonable_o and_o constant_o keep_v their_o
what_o they_o please_v 2._o be_v tender_a of_o your_o minister_n good_a name_n and_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v they_o in_o credit_n and_o reputation_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o your_o power_n as_o you_o have_v opportunity_n for_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o your_o duty_n if_o you_o be_v charge_v to_o honour_v they_o and_o high_o to_o esteem_v they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 1_o thes_n 5.12_o 13._o as_o aforesaid_a than_o you_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o same_o law_n to_o keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v their_o honour_n credit_n and_o reputation_n among_o your_o own_o self_n and_o with_o other_o and_o not_o hear_v they_o vilify_v slight_v and_o contemn_v by_o back_o biter_n behind_o their_o back_n while_o you_o be_v looker_n on_o and_o hearer_n of_o it_o and_o hold_v your_o tongue_n and_o speak_v not_o for_o their_o vindication_n as_o too_o many_o do_v but_o rather_o join_v with_o they_o and_o justify_v such_o wretch_n by_o their_o silence_n and_o connivance_n if_o not_o positive_o fall_v in_o with_o they_o then_o show_v their_o indignation_n against_o they_o respect_n to_o honour_n of_o and_o zeal_n for_o their_o minister_n and_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o when_o their_o good_a name_n suffer_v the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o hand_n suffer_v with_o they_o and_o prove_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o satan_n device_n and_o his_o industry_n and_o design_n to_o obstruct_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o soul_n by_o stir_v up_o evil_a tongue_n to_o blast_v their_o reputation_n who_o labour_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o more_o faithful_a diligent_a sincere_a and_o successful_a they_o be_v the_o more_o industrious_o will_v satan_n by_o his_o evil_a instrument_n pursue_v they_o with_o reproach_n that_o so_o their_o labour_n may_v be_v render_v useless_a witness_v jeremy_n paul_n yea_o christ_n himself_o who_o be_v exceed_v faithful_a diligent_a and_o useful_a in_o the_o world_n to_o man_n yet_o how_o be_v they_o bespatter_v with_o evil_a tongue_n and_o render_v unworthy_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v still_o work_v and_o like_a instrument_n ready_a to_o do_v the_o same_o work_n against_o your_o minister_n now_o therefore_o you_o must_v do_v as_o peter_n do_v act_v 2.12_o 13._o when_o he_o hear_v the_o mouth_n of_o man_n open_a against_o they_o namely_o stand_v up_o stout_o for_o their_o vindication_n and_o sharp_o reprove_v their_o backbiter_n and_o wicked_a slanderer_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n give_v they_o any_o encouragement_n by_o your_o harken_v to_o or_o silence_n at_o they_o christ_n vindicate_v joshua_n against_o the_o devil_n accusation_n and_o reproach_n zach._n 3.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o so_o do_v you_o your_o minister_n but_o especial_o do_v not_o you_o who_o be_v church-member_n receive_v or_o entertain_v a_o accusation_n against_o your_o teacher_n at_o all_o behind_o their_o back_n nor_o under_o two_o or_o three_o credible_a witness_n before_o their_o face_n nor_o be_v whisperer_n against_o or_o backbiter_n of_o they_o yourselves_o one_o to_o another_o for_o that_o be_v such_o horrible_a wickedness_n as_o god_n and_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n will_v most_o certain_o revenge_v and_o arise_v in_o due_a time_n to_o plead_v their_o cause_n against_o you_o although_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o wink_v at_o it_o for_o a_o time_n and_o know_v that_o if_o your_o minister_n know_v not_o your_o do_n yet_o god_n take_v special_a notice_n of_o they_o and_o will_v declare_v his_o abhorrence_n of_o they_o to_o your_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n at_o last_o bless_a ezekiel_n have_v his_o whisperer_n and_o backbiter_n by_o the_o wall_n unknown_a to_o he_o but_o god_n detect_v they_o ezek._n 33.30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o read_v the_o word_n at_o large_a they_o be_v a_o generation_n that_o carry_v it_o smooth_o and_o fair_o to_o his_o face_n but_o cruel_o snarl_a at_o he_o behind_o his_o back_n and_o set_v their_o venomous_a tooth_n in_o his_o flesh_n as_o too_o many_o professor_n do_v now_o deal_v with_o their_o teacher_n many_o church-member_n do_v great_o please_v themselves_o now_o with_o talk_v to_o one_o another_o against_o their_o teacher_n behind_o their_o back_n and_o blame_v they_o for_o this_o and_o that_o and_o so_o wipe_v their_o mouth_n and_o say_v they_o have_v do_v no_o evil_n they_o can_v with_o delight_n hear_v they_o vilify_v receive_v and_o entertain_v false_a accusation_n against_o they_o from_o their_o bitter_a enemy_n yea_o and_o report_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v to_o other_o also_o and_o bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o so_o do_v but_o let_v such_o know_v that_o they_o have_v do_v very_o abominable_o and_o unrighteous_o and_o their_o sin_n will_v assure_o find_v they_o out_o in_o god_n time_n the_o lord_n jesus_n charge_v you_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o a_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_a under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n 1_o tim._n 5.19_o and_o yet_o they_o dare_v do_v it_o upon_o the_o backbiting_a accusation_n of_o one_o malicious_a accuser_n god_n charge_v you_o to_o honour_v your_o minister_n and_o to_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o church_n and_o world_n for_o his_o name_n and_o gospel_n sake_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n but_o you_o dare_v stand_v by_o and_o by_o your_o silence_n countenance_v their_o backbiting_a reproacher_n while_o you_o hear_v they_o discredit_v and_o dishonour_v they_o and_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o worser_o you_o give_v your_o positive_a consent_n to_o their_o wickedness_n and_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o by_o receive_v credit_v and_o entertain_v of_o what_o they_o say_v god_n peremptory_o charge_v you_o not_o to_o whisper_n against_o backbiter_n nor_o speak_v evil_a of_o any_o man_n nor_o be_v a_o tale-bearer_n levit._n 19.16_o tit._n 3.2_o jam._n 4.11_o eph._n 4.31_o 2_o cor._n 12.20_o and_o particular_o of_o teaching-ruler_n exod._n 22.28_o act._n 23.5_o but_o you_o dare_v to_o do_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o spite_n of_o god_n and_o your_o own_o conscience_n of_o and_o against_o your_o elder_n oh_o let_v your_o minister_n good_a name_n be_v of_o great_a esteem_n with_o you_o and_o near_o and_o dear_a unto_o you_o be_v you_o very_o cheery_a and_o tender_a of_o they_o and_o do_v not_o in_o any_o way_n by_o any_o mean_n either_o by_o omission_n or_o commission_n dishonour_n or_o discredit_v they_o for_o by_o your_o so_o do_v you_o disobey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o dishonour_v he_o and_o declare_v that_o you_o hate_v your_o minister_n although_o you_o pretend_v to_o love_v &_o honour_v they_o that_o you_o contemn_v they_o although_o you_o pretend_v the_o contrary_n never_o so_o much_o yea_o you_o be_v guilty_a of_o real_a murder_n as_o i_o have_v abundant_o prove_v from_o scripture_n in_o a_o book_n entitle_v the_o evil_a tongue_n try_v and_o find_v guilty_a etc._n etc._n 3._o visit_v your_o minister_n often_o and_o be_v not_o strange_a or_o stranger_n to_o they_o for_o that_o will_v much_o discourage_v they_o in_o their_o work_n there_o be_v a_o near_a relation_n between_o pastor_n and_o their_o church_n which_o call_v for_o frequent_a visit_n and_o your_o frequent_a visit_n if_o free_a and_o voluntary_a and_o the_o fruit_n of_o your_o love_n to_o they_o and_o esteem_v of_o they_o especial_o if_o well_o improve_v will_v be_v very_o refresh_v comfort_v and_o encourage_v to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v free_o willing_a to_o give_v you_o love_v and_o profitable_a visit_n then_o so_o shall_v you_o to_o they_o your_o elder_n love_v your_o company_n and_o glad_a to_o see_v you_o free_a and_o open_a heart_a in_o your_o converse_v with_o they_o about_o your_o concernment_n when_o serious_o and_o meek_o manage_v and_o the_o contrary_n be_v very_o grievous_a and_o offensive_a to_o their_o soul_n for_o how_o can_v they_o think_v you_o love_n and_o esteem_v they_o when_o you_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v it_o may_v be_v to_o give_v they_o a_o visit_n in_o a_o whole_a year_n together_o or_o how_o can_v they_o believe_v you_o profit_n by_o and_o value_v their_o labour_n when_o you_o be_v so_o exceed_o shy_a of_o their_o company_n and_o strange_a in_o your_o carriage_n towards_o they_o your_o voluntary_a visit_n may_v be_v improve_v to_o great_a profit_n to_o both_o and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o be_v sinful_a and_o not_o a_o little_a detrimental_a or_o injurious_a to_o their_o soul_n as_o their_o work_n will_v not_o permit_v it_o so_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o your_o teacher_n shall_v always_o go_v to_o you_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v with_o you_o therefore_o you_o shall_v come_v to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o go_v to_o you_o well_o then_o encourage_v they_o by_o your_o so_o do_v and_o you_o will_v reap_v the_o profit_n of_o it_o as_o
ten_o thing_n 1._o in_o look_v after_o the_o conversation_n of_o such_o as_o propound_v themselves_o to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n that_o the_o church_n admit_v not_o any_o scandalous_a person_n among_o they_o that_o if_o they_o be_v such_o they_o may_v be_v debar_v and_o keep_v out_o if_o otherwise_o together_o with_o other_o qualification_n they_o may_v be_v receive_v in_o this_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v one_o part_n and_o end_n of_o church-power_n to_o keep_v the_o church_n clear_a from_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o authoritative_o and_o not_o as_o private_a member_n may_v do_v it_o only_o 2._o in_o the_o absence_n or_o upon_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o pastor_n they_o may_v admit_v or_o take_v member_n into_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o take_v they_o into_o church-membership_n by_o give_v they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o show_v they_o their_o duty_n and_o privilege_n in_o a_o church-state_n and_o herein_o they_o represent_v the_o church_n and_o act_v authoritative_o therein_o for_o they_o this_o be_v another_o part_n of_o their_o office_n work_n and_o power_n and_o it_o require_v good_a ability_n to_o do_v it_o well_o and_o to_o purpose_n 3._o they_o may_v when_o need_n require_v command_v speech_n and_o silence_n in_o church-meeting_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o disorder_n and_o disorderly_a member_n in_o their_o word_n and_o carriage_n and_o they_o may_v authoritative_o and_o public_o admonish_v and_o reprove_v such_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n which_o private_a brethren_n may_v not_o do_v 4._o they_o may_v in_o some_o case_n with_o the_o consent_n of_o their_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n if_o at_o home_n call_v and_o assemble_v the_o church_n together_o for_o the_o prevent_n of_o some_o apparent_a evil_n or_o promote_a of_o some_o good_a thing_n or_o work_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o case_n the_o pastor_n shall_v know_o neglect_a to_o do_v his_o duty_n in_o the_o case_n or_o case_n aforesaid_a doubtless_o the_o ruling-elders_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o obey_v their_o call_n for_o they_o do_v it_o by_o the_o authority_n they_o have_v from_o christ_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n but_o this_o may_v not_o be_v do_v by_o any_o member_n that_o be_v not_o a_o elder_a but_o in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o elder_a and_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v together_o they_o may_v authoritative_o propound_v the_o cause_n and_o end_n for_o which_o they_o call_v they_o there_o and_o require_v their_o assistance_n 5._o their_o work_n be_v to_o inspect_v and_o careful_o diligent_o wise_o and_o faithful_o to_o look_v after_o the_o walking_n and_o conversation_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o work_n they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o what_o be_v bring_v to_o they_o by_o other_o report_n but_o to_o inquire_v after_o they_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o place_n and_o office_n to_o see_v if_o the_o member_n keep_v close_o to_o church-meeting_n and_o reverent_o attend_v they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o to_o reprove_v admonish_v &_o exhort_v they_o to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o that_o they_o may_v know_v their_o duty_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o sinful_a neglect_n repent_v of_o and_o amend_v they_o and_o that_o by_o their_o good_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n they_o may_v be_v provoke_v and_o encourage_v to_o and_o in_o their_o work_n ruling-elders_a shall_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o also_o in_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o speak_v word_n in_o season_n to_o he_o that_o be_v weary_a be_v able_a and_o also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apt_a to_o teach_v 1_o tim._n 3.2_o as_o well_o as_o the_o pastor_n the_o one_o more_o private_o and_o particular_o and_o the_o other_o more_o public_o for_o as_o the_o deacon_n work_n be_v to_o look_v after_o the_o want_n and_o corporal_a concernment_n of_o the_o church_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o teacher_n to_o mind_n and_o look_v after_o the_o concernment_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o make_v provision_n for_o they_o according_a to_o their_o need_n so_o ruling-elders_a have_v their_o work_n namely_o to_o look_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o encourage_v and_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o tractable_a and_o obedient_a and_o to_o reprove_v convince_v and_o persuade_v the_o disobedient_a that_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o ought_v 6._o and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v often_o visit_v they_o and_o see_v how_o they_o do_v and_o how_o they_o walk_v what_o they_o want_v and_o wherein_o they_o need_v their_o assistance_n and_o help_a hand_n and_o when_o they_o know_v it_o to_o hold_v it_o out_o unto_o they_o free_o and_o ready_o certain_o elder_n shall_v be_v intimate_o acquaint_v with_o their_o congregation_n and_o with_o their_o walking_n also_o for_o if_o any_o miscarry_v through_o their_o default_n or_o neglect_v the_o guilt_n will_v lie_v at_o their_o door_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n will_v require_v it_o at_o their_o hand_n oh_o that_o elder_n will_v seriouf_o consider_v it_o and_o lay_v this_o matter_n near_o their_o heart_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o penetrate_v and_o pierce_v their_o conscience_n and_o that_o they_o will_v consider_v in_o good_a earnest_n wherefore_o they_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n and_o for_o what_o end_v they_o have_v rule_n and_o discipline_n put_v into_o their_o hand_n that_o under_o deep_a conviction_n they_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o discharge_v their_o work_n and_o perform_v their_o trust_n mind_v their_o duty_n and_o prosecute_v the_o end_n of_o their_o appointment_n that_o god_n may_v be_v well_o please_v with_o and_o bless_v they_o own_o and_o delight_n to_o use_v they_o for_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o receive_v benefit_n by_o their_o wisdom_n diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n may_v rejoice_v in_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o 7._o they_o must_v take_v up_o controversy_n and_o endeavour_v to_o end_v strife_n and_o debate_n in_o the_o church_n when_o such_o evil_n happen_v which_o be_v find_v too_o frequent_a through_o the_o pride_n and_o prejudice_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o great_a adversary_n to_o the_o peace_n beauty_n order_n and_o prosperity_n of_o church_n ruling-elders_a must_v not_o suffer_v any_o quarrel_n or_o contention_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a either_o between_o a_o few_o or_o many_o but_o present_o interpose_v their_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n to_o decide_v and_o reconcile_v the_o cause_n and_o person_n and_o set_v all_o in_o joint_n again_o for_o such_o evil_n if_o let_v alone_o will_v prove_v like_o cancer_n in_o the_o body_n and_o increase_v to_o more_o ungodliness_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v therefore_o the_o elder_n shall_v inquire_v into_o they_o and_o search_v out_o such_o as_o do_v the_o wrong_n begin_v the_o strife_n and_o such_o as_o they_o find_v be_v addict_v to_o take_v up_o prejudices_fw-la against_o and_o foment_n debate_v with_o their_o brethren_n and_o correct_v the_o offender_n and_o relieve_v the_o wrong_a and_o oppress_v as_o they_o see_v cause_n there_o must_v be_v no_o hammer_n no_o knock_v hear_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o we_o to_o they_o who_o give_v occasion_n for_o strife_n and_o debate_n and_o to_o such_o as_o do_v improve_v occasion_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n also_o so_o likewise_o to_o negligent_a and_o careless_a elder_n who_o do_v or_o may_v know_v these_o evil_n and_o yet_o let_v they_o alone_o or_o seek_v to_o heal_v they_o in_o a_o slight_a manner_n as_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o or_o be_v not_o indeed_o much_o concern_v in_o they_o but_o sure_o this_o be_v one_o of_o your_o great_a work_n as_o you_o have_v the_o power_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n in_o your_o hand_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o you_o may_v authoritative_o take_v up_o controversy_n and_o require_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o hearken_v to_o you_o and_o you_o may_v do_v christ_n and_o the_o church_n great_a service_n in_o this_o matter_n therefore_o mind_n it_o in_o good_a earnest_n 8._o their_o work_n be_v to_o assist_v and_o encourage_v the_o teaching-elders_a and_o to_o promote_v and_o set_v forward_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o hand_n they_o must_v stand_v by_o and_o stand_v up_o for_o their_o teacher_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v wrong_v obstruct_a or_o discourage_v by_o any_o so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v prevent_v it_o by_o their_o power_n and_o wisdom_n do_v any_o backbite_v they_o rprove_v they_o do_v any_o slight_a or_o contemn_v their_o ministry_n reprove_v they_o &_o show_v they_o the_o
he_o may_v speak_v to_o the_o church_n to_o augment_v their_o stock_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v enough_o to_o supply_v all_o occasion_n as_o need_n require_v 2._o they_o shall_v not_o only_o look_v after_o the_o poor_a to_o get_v money_n for_o they_o from_o the_o church_n but_o to_o ease_v the_o church_n they_o shall_v see_v that_o such_o as_o can_v work_v and_o so_o help_v to_o maintain_v themselves_o do_v so_o and_o such_o as_o can_v work_v but_o will_v not_o if_o any_o such_o be_v to_o reprove_v and_o admonish_v they_o and_o until_o they_o do_v set_v to_o work_v and_o endeavour_v to_o live_v and_o provide_v for_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v to_o detain_v all_o supply_n from_o they_o that_o their_o want_n may_v provoke_v they_o to_o labour_n but_o in_o case_n there_o be_v any_o poor_a in_o the_o church_n that_o will_v labour_v and_o not_o be_v chargeable_a to_o the_o church_n but_o can_v get_v employment_n the_o deacon_n ought_v to_o do_v their_o utmost_a from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o get_v they_o work_v and_o to_o give_v they_o all_o the_o encouragement_n they_o can_v therein_o and_o by_o their_o so_o do_v they_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o the_o poor_a who_o will_v live_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n if_o they_o can_v find_v employment_n and_o who_o be_v as_o loath_a to_o be_v burdensome_a unto_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o 3._o they_o shall_v often_o visit_v the_o poor_a and_o see_v how_o it_o be_v with_o they_o encourage_v and_o comfort_v they_o and_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o strengthen_v their_o hand_n and_o refresh_v their_o heart_n under_o their_o poverty_n and_o the_o temptation_n that_o attend_v it_o doubtless_o poverty_n have_v many_o great_a and_o strong_a temptation_n and_o therefore_o the_o poor_a have_v need_n of_o their_o support_n kindness_n and_o encouragement_n to_o bear_v up_o their_o heart_n from_o sink_a despondency_n sure_o deacon_n have_v more_o to_o do_v for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o poor_a thereof_o then_o to_o receive_v contribution_n and_o send_v it_o by_o other_o now_o and_o then_o to_o such_o as_o want_v when_o they_o be_v require_v so_o to_o do_v what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o such_o qualification_n as_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o they_o for_o their_o do_v of_o that_o if_o they_o have_v but_o eye_n and_o common_a reason_n they_o may_v do_v their_o work_n if_o that_o be_v all_o without_o any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a qualification_n but_o their_o requisite_a qualification_n do_v declare_v sufficient_o that_o they_o have_v other_o work_n to_o do_v in_o the_o church_n for_o which_o they_o must_v be_v so_o qualify_v but_o when_o man_n have_v once_o get_v the_o name_n of_o a_o office_n they_o take_v up_o with_o that_o but_o seldom_o or_o never_o mind_n endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o do_v the_o work_n of_o their_o office_n they_o must_v be_v even_o drive_v to_o mind_n it_o and_o angry_a if_o any_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o neglect_n sure_o such_o officer_n have_v a_o sad_a account_n to_o make_v and_o contract_v much_o blame_n shame_n and_o guilt_n on_o their_o name_n &_o soul_n and_o they_o must_v repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n and_o even_o shed_v tear_n of_o blood_n for_o their_o sin_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v save_v yea_o the_o strait_n want_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o deacon_n neglect_v will_v cry_v out_o against_o they_o and_o condemn_v they_o oh_o sir_n remember_v who_o officer_n and_o steward_n you_o be_v and_o for_o what_o end_v you_o be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n consider_v your_o way_n what_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o you_o do_v and_o what_o you_o leave_v undo_v 4._o they_o shall_v provide_v conveniency_n for_o the_o church_n to_o worship_n god_n withal_o and_o see_v that_o the_o church_n suffer_v no_o detriment_n by_o any_o of_o their_o neglect_n 5._o their_o work_n also_o be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n perform_v that_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o teacher_n or_o pastor_n namely_o to_o give_v he_o his_o due_n of_o subsistence_n according_a to_o that_o charge_n in_o gal._n 6.6_o 1_o cor._n 9_o rom._n 15.27_o and_o to_o collect_v it_o for_o he_o to_o provoke_v the_o negligent_a and_o exhort_v such_o as_o be_v backward_o to_o their_o duty_n their_o work_n be_v as_o be_v say_v to_o serve_v table_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o part_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o work_n of_o the_o church_n and_o deacon_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o uphold_v and_o encourage_a of_o the_o ministry_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o deacon_n work_v in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o shall_v attend_v with_o all_o possible_a wisdom_n diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o their_o work_n and_o business_n for_o god_n will_v require_v a_o account_n of_o they_o how_o they_o have_v carry_v themselves_o in_o the_o church_n and_o perform_v their_o work_n there_o quest_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n towards_o their_o deacon_n in_o the_o faithful_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o trust_n ans_fw-fr they_o shall_v love_v and_o honour_v they_o as_o christ_n and_o their_o officer_n and_o give_v they_o all_o encouragement_n in_o their_o work_n they_o must_v not_o load_v and_o burden_v their_o work_n by_o discountenance_v blame_v or_o penuriousness_n towards_o they_o or_o by_o distrust_v they_o and_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o they_o but_o they_o shall_v cheerful_o confide_v in_o they_o and_o pray_v importunate_o to_o god_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v their_o work_n and_o faithful_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o their_o place_n as_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v sure_o brethren_n christ_n can_v endure_v to_o see_v any_o of_o his_o church-officer_n who_o act_n and_o serve_v the_o church_n faithful_o from_o from_o and_o under_o he_o and_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o appointment_n to_o be_v slight_v undervalue_v and_o discourage_v but_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v love_v honour_a and_o respect_v for_o his_o own_o and_o their_o work_n and_o office_n sake_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v find_v all_o possible_a encouragement_n from_o you_o the_o neglect_n of_o which_o be_v sin_n and_o disobedience_n against_o christ_n law_n and_o authority_n and_o your_o shame_n and_o loss_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o great_a &_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o church-member_n among_o themselves_o or_o to_o one_o another_o in_o a_o church_n relation_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church-member_n to_o one_o another_o ans_fw-fr there_o be_v two_o great_a end_n christ_n jesus_n have_v in_o his_o eye_n in_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v such_o a_o near_a relation_n union_n and_o communion_n for_o and_o among_o his_o people_n as_o a_o church-state_n and_o relation_n be_v first_o to_o capacitate_v and_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v their_o respective_a duty_n and_o work_n 1._o to_o god_n 2._o to_o man_n or_o to_o one_o another_o second_o to_o encourage_v they_o so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o with_o great_a ease_n freedom_n order_n and_o satisfaction_n than_o otherwise_o they_o can_v do_v by_o virtue_n of_o their_o near_a relation_n to_o and_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o one_o another_o person_n faith_n principle_n and_o conversation_n they_o can_v worship_v or_o glorify_v god_n together_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o mouth_n as_o command_v rom._n 15.6_o and_o walk_v together_o with_o god_n in_o all_o his_o way_n in_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o judgement_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o which_o else_o they_o can_v not_o so_o well_o do_v so_o likewise_o to_o perform_v their_o respective_a duty_n to_o their_o officer_n and_o mutual_a duty_n to_o one_o another_o as_o brethren_n unite_v together_o in_o a_o holy_a band_n for_o those_o end_n and_o purpose_n their_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o as_o brethren_n and_o sister_n enchurch_v and_o knit_v together_o in_o one_o single_a and_o individual_a corporation_n under_o the_o law_n and_o lordship_n rule_n and_o government_n of_o their_o only_a head_n and_o lawgiver_n the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v all_o lay_v down_o in_o his_o gospel_n for_o they_o and_o make_v their_o duty_n only_o by_o his_o appoint_v and_o command_v they_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o practise_v by_o all_o church-member_n and_o in_o all_o their_o observation_n of_o they_o they_o must_v have_v a_o choice_n and_o singular_a respect_n to_o his_o holy_a will_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o they_o without_o which_o their_o do_v of_o they_o be_v not_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o the_o product_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n now_o then_o we_o will_v inquire_v into_o they_o endeavour_v brief_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o light_v and_o present_v some_o of_o they_o to_o you_o who_o desire_v
to_o know_v and_o obey_v they_o in_o truth_n first_o the_o first_o and_o great_a be_v love_n love_n and_o spiritual_a affection_n be_v the_o holy_a cord_n that_o tie_v the_o heart_n soul_n and_o judgement_n of_o believer_n one_o to_o another_o this_o be_v that_o which_o together_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n make_v they_o avoid_v all_o thing_n whatever_o may_v give_v just_a offence_n or_o administer_v grief_n to_o one_o another_o and_o that_o which_o provoke_v they_o to_o follow_v after_o the_o thing_n that_o make_v for_o peace_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o tend_v to_o edification_n love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n eph._n 4.2_o 3._o it_o be_v that_o which_o together_o with_o divine_a light_n and_o truth_n cause_v church-member_n to_o draw_v together_o as_o in_o one_o yoke_n and_o unanimous_o as_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o soul_n to_o design_n aim_v at_o and_o carry_v on_o mutual_a and_o common_a good_a in_o the_o church_n phil._n 2.1_o 2._o 1_o cor._n 13.5_o without_o this_o love_n one_o to_o another_o they_o can_v will_v not_o cement_v nor_o long_o abide_v and_o live_v together_o as_o a_o church_n in_o peace_n and_o unity_n nor_o promote_v any_o good_a work_n among_o themselves_o without_o heart_n knitting-love_n one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n they_o will_v receive_v and_o entertain_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n one_o of_o another_o and_o put_v the_o worst_a construction_n on_o whatever_o be_v say_v or_o do_v and_o they_o can_v walk_v together_o comfortable_o and_o profitable_o to_o and_o with_o one_o another_o where_o and_o when_o they_o be_v entertain_v therefore_o it_o be_v absolute_o needful_a and_o necessary_a for_o all_o church-member_n to_o be_v firm_o unite_v and_o constant_o join_v together_o in_o cordial_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n to_o and_o in_o all_o other_o duty_n col._n 3.14_o god_n high_o commend_v and_o strict_o command_v this_o love_n one_o to_o another_o and_o put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o peculiar_a people_n that_o they_o may_v do_v what_o he_o command_v 1._o god_n high_o commend_v it_o wherever_o he_o find_v it_o in_o act_n and_o exercise_n 1_o thes_n 4.10_o and_o indeed_o say_v he_o you_o do_v it_o towards_o all_o the_o brethren_n col._n 1.4_o 8._o 2_o cor._n 8.7_o 1_o thes_n 1.3_o to_o which_o duty_n and_o to_o manifest_v his_o high_a approbation_n of_o it_o god_n have_v promise_v a_o great_a reward_n heb._n 6.10_o 2._o god_n command_v it_o and_o vehement_o exhort_v to_o and_o urge_v it_o on_o they_o almost_o every_o where_n in_o the_o gospel_n oh_o how_o importunate_o do_v the_o lord_n jesus_n enjoin_v it_o and_o frequent_o press_v it_o on_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n joh._n 13.34_o a_o new_a commandment_n give_v i_o unto_o you_o what_o be_v that_o new_a commandment_n why_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o you_o also_o love_v one_o another_o and_o in_o joh._n 15.12_o 17._o this_o be_v my_o commandment_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o that_o be_v take_v the_o pattern_n of_o my_o love_n to_o you_o for_o your_o love_n to_o or_o in_o love_v one_o another_o i_o have_v and_o do_v love_v you_o 1_o with_o great_a love_n joh._n 15.13_o so_o do_v you_o likewise_o 2_o my_o love_n to_o you_o be_v free_a without_o any_o desert_n in_o you_o let_v you_o be_v free_a love_n without_o carnal_a respect_n one_o to_o another_o also_o 3_o my_o love_n to_o you_o be_v real_a hearty_a and_o unfeigned_a so_o let_v you_o be_v to_o one_o another_o also_o rom._n 12.9_o 1_o pet._n 1.22_o 4_o my_o love_n towards_o you_o be_v a_o exceed_o fruitful_a love_n i_o love_v you_o so_o as_o to_o labour_v toil_n sweat_n and_o die_v for_o you_o i_o love_v you_o so_o as_o to_o humble_a and_o debase_v myself_o for_o you_o and_o all_o to_o do_v you_o good_a so_o must_v you_o love_v one_o another_o with_o a_o fruitful_a profit_v love_n for_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o so_o you_o must_v love_v each_o other_o 5_o my_o love_n to_o you_o be_v a_o pity_v spare_a and_o forgive_a love_n a_o forbear_n and_o tender_a heart_a love_n so_o must_v you_o be_v to_o one_o another_o likewise_o col._n 3.12_o 13._o 6_o i_o love_v you_o with_o a_o warm_a and_o fervent_a love_n so_o do_v you_o love_v one_o another_o with_o pure_a heart_n fervent_o 1_o pet._n 1.22_o 7_o i_o love_v you_o with_o a_o holy_a spiritual_a love_n not_o as_o you_o be_v man_n and_o have_v reasonable_a soul_n but_o as_o new_a man_n who_o have_v my_o image_n stamp_v on_o and_o my_o holy_a nature_n in_o you_o and_o as_o you_o be_v make_v perfect_a by_o the_o comeliness_n and_o beauty_n that_o i_o have_v put_v upon_o you_o ezek._n 16.14_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o so_o do_v you_o love_v one_o another_o with_o a_o holy_a spiritual_a love_n namely_o because_o you_o be_v a_o lovely_a and_o a_o holy_a people_n unto_o i_o 8_o i_o love_v you_o with_o a_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n and_o that_o with_o a_o notwithstanding_o all_o your_o weakness_n yea_o unkindness_n to_o and_o unworthy_a walking_n before_o i_o who_o i_o once_o love_v with_o a_o special_a and_o peculiar_a love_n i_o continue_v to_o love_v for_o ever_o joh._n 13.1_o and_o i_o have_v engage_v that_o not_o any_o thing_n shall_v separate_v you_o from_o i_o and_o my_o love_n rom._n 8._o ult_n thus_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o love_v one_o another_o even_o as_o i_o have_v love_v and_o shall_v always_o love_v you_o and_o as_o the_o lord_n jesus_n command_v and_o enjoin_v this_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o own_o mouth_n so_o likewise_o by_o his_o apostle_n they_o do_v frequent_o and_o vehement_o urge_v and_o press_v this_o duty_n on_o church-member_n every_o where_o and_o back_o all_o their_o command_n from_o christ_n with_o most_o strong_a and_o cogent_a argument_n rom._n 12.9_o rom._n 13.8.9_o 10._o eph._n 4.2_o 15_o 16._o eph._n 5.2_o 1_o thes_n 5.8_o 1_o pet._n 1.22_o 1_o pet._n 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.23_o chap._n 4.7_o these_o be_v a_o few_o of_o the_o many_o place_n where_o you_o may_v find_v this_o great_a duty_n enjoin_v on_o believer_n and_o church-member_n which_o they_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o observe_v and_o obey_v and_o therefore_o god_n shed_v this_o love_n into_o their_o heart_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o improve_v and_o use_v it_o in_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o thes_n 4.9_o rom._n 5.5_o for_o he_o give_v his_o people_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o command_v and_o require_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o business_n of_o such_o steward_n be_v to_o use_v their_o trust_n well_o and_o all_o lie_v on_o their_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o steward_v of_o it_o as_o good_a steward_n of_o god_n grace_n oh_o that_o church-member_n and_o all_o other_o christian_n will_v serious_o sincere_o diligent_o and_o constant_o mind_n and_o practice_v this_o great_a and_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o one_o another_o in_o all_o their_o way_n and_o do_n and_o not_o lay_v it_o aside_o as_o a_o little_a useless_a or_o indifferent_a matter_n which_o they_o may_v neglect_v and_o dispense_v with_o the_o omission_n of_o at_o their_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n second_o as_o we_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o love_v one_o another_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v so_o we_o be_v as_o peremptory_o absolute_o and_o indispensible_o bind_v to_o walk_v lovely_a and_o encouraging_o towards_o one_o another_o that_o by_o our_o unlovely_a and_o unworthy_a walking_n we_o lay_v not_o stumbling-block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o love_n or_o discourage_v such_o from_o love_v we_o by_o our_o unlovely_a carriage_n as_o do_v conscientious_o aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_v so_o to_o love_v we_o as_o christ_n command_v they_o to_o do_v but_o that_o our_o behaviour_n be_v such_o in_o all_o thing_n as_o to_o invite_v all_o to_o love_v we_o as_o holy_a humble_a and_o blameless_a saint_n and_o brethren_n in_o christ_n very_o many_o professor_n expect_v much_o love_n from_o their_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a relation_n and_o be_v great_o displease_v at_o they_o if_o they_o fancy_v they_o be_v deny_v it_o and_o cast_v the_o blame_n on_o they_o while_o they_o mind_v not_o care_v not_o how_o unlovely_a and_o discouraging_o they_o walk_v and_o carry_v themselves_o towards_o they_o but_o believe_v it_o the_o lord_n jesus_n expect_v and_o he_o have_v make_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o walk_v lovely_a towards_o one_o another_o as_o well_o as_o to_o love_v one_o another_o church-member_n be_v bind_v to_o love_v one_o another_o as_o holy_a spiritual_a and_o lovely_a object_n which_o they_o can_v do_v unless_o they_o see_v or_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o indeed_o when_o they_o walk_v carnal_o how_o can_v they_o love_v
case_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o which_o be_v handle_v out_o to_o they_o to_o prevent_v their_o destruction_n and_o certain_o they_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n as_o james_n speak_v who_o do_v slight_a the_o mean_n give_v they_o for_o such_o great_a end_n and_o by_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o they_o do_v render_v they_o useless_a to_o their_o soul_n and_o thereby_o oppose_v and_o cross_v god_n end_n oh_o then_o do_v not_o you_o so_o wicked_o when_o a_o brother_n or_o sister_n see_v or_o hear_v you_o sin_n and_o they_o come_v to_o you_o with_o the_o lord_n heal_v plaster_n to_o cure_v you_o receive_v it_o thank_v they_o and_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o apply_v and_o improve_v it_o as_o david_n do_v abigal_n and_o nathan_n counsel_n and_o reproof_n 1_o sam._n 25._o 2_o sam._n 12._o and_o see_v that_o you_o repent_v and_o humble_v yourselves_o in_o dust_n and_o ash_n for_o if_o the_o contrary_a heart_n and_o carriage_n be_v find_v in_o you_o under_o just_a reproof_n instruction_n &_o admonition_n towards_o god_n or_o man_n know_v for_o a_o certainty_n that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o very_a evil_n and_o dangerous_a case_n yea_o you_o be_v in_o the_o high_a way_n to_o ruin_n and_o perdition_n oh_o friend_n let_v it_o never_o be_v say_v just_o of_o any_o of_o you_o that_o you_o be_v reprove_v and_o admonish_v of_o any_o know_a sin_n by_o any_o brother_n or_o sister_n and_o that_o you_o refuse_v and_o slight_v it_o justify_v yourselves_o in_o your_o sin_n and_o apparent_a transgression_n and_o be_v displease_v with_o or_o angry_a at_o such_o as_o admonish_v you_o and_o do_v their_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o you_o under_o your_o sin_n for_o your_o salvation_n nine_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o and_o that_o with_o a_o real_a love_n fervency_n and_o importunity_n as_o you_o do_v or_o shall_v do_v for_o yourselves_o jam._n 5.16_o confess_v your_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o and_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o that_o you_o may_v be_v heal_v oh_o with_o what_o serious_a mind_n and_o strong_a affection_n shall_v all_o church-member_n pray_v one_o for_o another_o they_o must_v be_v much_o in_o build_v up_o one_o another_o and_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n one_o for_o another_o judas_n 20._o they_o shall_v carry_v one_o another_o on_o their_o heart_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v under_o affliction_n the_o whole_a church_n in_o general_n and_o the_o teacher_n in_o particular_a heb._n 13.18_o and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n for_o they_o for_o as_o be_v show_v one_o church-member_n must_v make_v another_o case_n his_o own_o and_o be_v of_o a_o public_a spirit_n towards_o and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o and_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o of_o prayer_n for_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n give_v they_o audience_n and_o interest_n in_o heaven_n for_o other_o as_o well_o as_o for_o themselves_o this_o be_v another_o duty_n to_o one_o another_o ten_o you_o shall_v often_o meet_v together_o for_o holy_a discourse_n and_o prayer_n two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o brethren_n by_o themselves_o and_o sister_n by_o themselves_o in_o and_o for_o those_o god_n glorify_v and_o soul-profiting_a exercise_n this_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o our_o forefather_n and_o of_o some_o that_o be_v now_o alive_a when_o christ_n duty_n heaven_n and_o religion_n lie_v warm_a on_o their_o heart_n than_o now_o they_o do_v and_o they_o make_v happy_a earning_n of_o their_o holy_a endeavour_n now_o if_o it_o be_v a_o much_o commend_a practice_n in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v why_o then_o be_v not_o the_o same_o find_v in_o and_o among_o you_o in_o this_o day_n be_v it_o good_a in_o they_o and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v so_o in_o you_o too_o have_v not_o god_n promise_v his_o glorious_a teach_v warm_a strengthen_v sanctify_a and_o comfort_v presence_n with_o such_o as_o do_v so_o matth._n 18.20_o will_v not_o your_o meeting_n together_o and_o so_o exercise_v yourselves_o turn_v to_o a_o better_a account_n than_o your_o present_a practice_n do_v do_v you_o not_o find_v time_n enough_o to_o visit_v one_o another_o and_o meet_v together_o to_o discourse_v and_o talk_v of_o thing_n which_o you_o shall_v not_o do_v you_o not_o visit_v to_o tell_v some_o idle_a story_n to_o tattle_v of_o other_o man_n matter_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v you_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v worser_o namely_o to_o backbite_a some_o person_n and_o to_o prejudice_v heart_n against_o your_o teacher_n and_o their_o work_n if_o they_o do_v not_o please_v you_o and_o will_v not_o such_o meeting_n have_v bitterness_n in_o the_o end_n yea_o do_v you_o not_o thereby_o exceed_o deaden_a &_o carnalize_v each_o other_o soul_n by_o these_o thing_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o better_v one_o another_o soul_n and_o further_a they_o towards_o heaven_n in_o your_o meeting_n you_o hinder_v they_o and_o make_v they_o much_o worser_o oh_o consider_v and_o lay_v this_o matter_n to_o heart_n i_o do_v beseech_v you_o now_o while_o you_o have_v time_n to_o mend_v what_o be_v amiss_o consider_v my_o friend_n both_o how_o you_o do_v and_o how_o you_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o improve_v and_o exercise_v yourselves_o in_o your_o occasional_a and_o design_v visit_n and_o meeting_n and_o what_o account_v you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v it_o not_o your_o great_a iniquity_n to_o tempt_v one_o another_o to_o sin_n and_o wrong_v your_o soul_n misspend_v your_o precious_a time_n and_o season_n of_o service_n for_o god_n and_o one_o another_o spiritual_a profit_n when_o you_o may_v if_o you_o will_v have_v improve_v they_o to_o those_o end_n we_o read_v in_o act_n 16.13_o that_o woman_n meet_v together_o to_o pray_v but_o now_o it_o be_v account_v almost_o a_o false_a doctrine_n man_n and_o woman_n be_v wont_a to_o discourse_v and_o speak_v often_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o experience_n one_o to_o another_o mal._n 3.16_o but_o where_o be_v now_o any_o such_o almost_o to_o be_v find_v person_n can_v find_v time_n enough_o for_o every_o thing_n but_o their_o great_a work_v and_o duty_n but_o to_o speak_v plain_o it_o be_v not_o our_o want_n of_o time_n but_o of_o heart_n we_o be_v stranger_n to_o god_n in_o secret_a loose_a our_o heart_n in_o the_o world_n and_o cloy_v ourselves_o with_o carnal_a care_n and_o earthly_a matter_n and_o therefore_o can_v will_v not_o attend_v with_o any_o delight_n or_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n unto_o our_o duty_n this_o will_v be_v find_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o our_o neglect_n and_o excuse_n for_o they_o but_o remember_v that_o your_o soul_n need_v this_o practice_n and_o the_o use_n of_o these_o mean_n that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n and_o will_v be_v if_o well_o use_v very_o profitable_a to_o you_o eleven_o encourage_v one_o another_o by_o your_o example_n to_o keep_v close_o to_o and_o be_v constant_a in_o your_o public_a work_n when_o ever_o the_o church_n meet_v or_o be_v by_o their_o teacher_n summon_v to_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n they_o be_v bind_v so_o to_o do_v except_v in_o extraordinary_a case_n that_o may_v hinder_v any_o for_o else_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o do_v nor_o any_o good_a order_n keep_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n now_o then_o when_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o meet_v together_o you_o ought_v to_o be_v present_a and_o not_o by_o your_o wilful_a or_o careless_a absence_n give_v a_o evil_a example_n to_o other_o and_o tempt_v they_o to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o thereby_o you_o will_v cast_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o their_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o encourage_v strengthen_v and_o embolden_v they_o in_o their_o neglect_n also_o if_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o good_a work_n by_o our_o exhortation_n than_o also_o by_o our_o example_n and_o practice_n too_o example_n be_v powerful_a encouragement_n to_o sin_n or_o duty_n to_o good_a or_o evil_n to_o omission_n or_o commission_n 2_o cor._n 9.2_o heb._n 10.24_o 2_o chron._n 12.1_o 1_o chron._n 29.3_o 9_o if_o they_o be_v good_a example_n than_o they_o provoke_v other_o to_o good_a but_o if_o evil_a than_o they_o be_v powerful_a to_o provoke_v other_o to_o do_v the_o same_o when_o a_o member_n be_v in_o the_o congregation_n and_o see_v such_o a_o member_n want_v there_o than_o he_o be_v tempt_v to_o take_v the_o same_o sinful_a liberty_n too_o and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o case_n all_o church-member_n be_v indispensible_o bind_v ordinary_o to_o attend_v on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o that_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v join_v for_o as_o they_o be_v there_o call_v and_o
set_v so_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n lie_v there_o not_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o yourselves_o together_o heb._n 10.25_o and_o because_o some_o be_v not_o to_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v therefore_o say_v the_o apostle_n do_v you_o provoke_v each_o other_o to_o your_o duty_n twelve_o you_o must_v be_v charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a that_o be_v among_o you_o and_o free_o contribute_v to_o they_o according_a to_o your_o ability_n and_o their_o necessity_n you_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v to_o impart_v your_o help_n and_o assistance_n to_o they_o and_o give_v they_o a_o little_a of_o your_o estate_n as_o you_o be_v steward_n for_o yourselves_o so_o also_o for_o they_o it_o be_v a_o debt_n you_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o a_o duty_n to_o they_o you_o will_v comfort_v they_o thereby_o but_o you_o will_v much_o more_o profit_v yourselves_o than_o you_o can_v possible_o profit_v they_o it_o be_v a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v act_v 20.35_o it_o be_v your_o honour_n and_o happiness_n that_o god_n enable_v you_o to_o give_v to_o they_o but_o it_o be_v their_o affliction_n that_o they_o be_v necessitate_v to_o receive_v from_o you_o you_o stand_v on_o the_o advantage_n ground_n by_o they_o both_o as_o to_o work_v and_o wage_n and_o therefore_o thou_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o despise_v they_o or_o grudge_v at_o thy_o distribution_n to_o they_o thou_o be_v their_o steward_n and_o a_o part_n of_o what_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o be_v design_v and_o intend_v for_o they_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o and_o therefore_o say_v god_n deut._n 15.7_o 12._o i_o command_v thou_o to_o open_v thy_o hand_n wide_a unto_o thy_o brother_n that_o be_v waxen_a poor_a by_o thou_o read_v the_o word_n at_o large_a observe_v likewise_o these_o scripture_n and_o diligent_o mark_v and_o consider_v they_o 2_o cor._n 8._o and_o 9_o chapter_n gal._n 6.9_o 10._o heb._n 13.16_o prov._n 19.17_o psal_n 37.26_o psal_n 41.1_o 2_o 3._o you_o must_v not_o only_o give_v to_o keep_v they_o alive_a in_o misery_n but_o make_v comfortable_a provision_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v enough_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o temptation_n of_o poverty_n 〈◊〉_d press_v want_n and_o to_o enable_v and_o encourage_v they_o for_o and_o in_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n thirteen_o you_o must_v careful_o watchful_o diligent_o and_o conscientious_o beware_v of_o and_o avoid_v whatever_o may_v give_v any_o just_a offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o one_o another_o for_o we_o be_v charge_v to_o give_v none_o offence_n either_o to_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o and_o say_v the_o apostle_n take_v heed_n lest_o by_o any_o mean_v this_o liberty_n of_o you_o become_v a_o stumbling-block_n 1_o cor._n 8.9_o and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o woe_n to_o they_o by_o who_o the_o offence_n come_v math._n 18.7_o and_o charge_v his_o disciple_n to_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o give_v any_o offence_n to_o his_o little_a one_o vers_fw-la 6._o you_o must_v not_o only_a mind_n that_o which_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o that_o which_o you_o must_v also_o leave_v undo_v for_o although_o you_o shall_v strive_v to_o do_v never_o so_o much_o good_a yet_o if_o that_o while_o you_o be_v not_o careful_a of_o eschew_v evil_a you_o will_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o hurt_n and_o pull_v down_o with_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o which_o you_o seem_v to_o build_v up_o with_o the_o other_o and_o you_o must_v also_o see_v that_o you_o do_v one_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o another_o for_o although_o you_o may_v be_v frequent_a attender_n on_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o you_o come_v not_o timely_a to_o they_o or_o carry_v yourselves_o unreverent_o in_o they_o you_o will_v give_v just_a offence_n so_o if_o you_o shall_v be_v charitable_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o yet_o be_v negligent_a in_o public_a worship_n you_o will_v give_v offence_n but_o to_o be_v brief_a know_v that_o you_o must_v take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o such_o evil_n as_o these_o and_o avoid_v they_o for_o they_o do_v all_o of_o they_o carry_v a_o brand_n in_o their_o forehead_n and_o scandalous_a mischief_n in_o their_o hand_n both_o to_o your_o own_o and_o other_o soul_n and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v mind_v they_o endeavour_v to_o know_v and_o avoid_v they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o find_v in_o you_o 1._o as_o 1._o proud_a lofty_a swell_a disdainful_a and_o haughty_a word_n carriage_n walking_n and_o deportment_n for_o they_o be_v grievous_a and_o provoke_a evil_n and_o such_o as_o will_v just_o offend_v all_o the_o observer_n of_o they_o 2._o you_o must_v avoid_v all_o sullen_a sour_a and_o churlish_a language_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n or_o else_o you_o will_v offend_v they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a that_o be_v altogether_o unbecoming_a the_o lamb_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 3._o you_o must_v beware_v of_o a_o cross_n captious_a and_o contradict_a spirit_n and_o carriage_n there_o be_v too_o to_o many_o such_o member_n in_o church_n who_o peculiar_a excellency_n or_o rather_o vileness_n lie_v in_o this_o and_o who_o delight_n in_o a_o singular_a perverseness_n of_o mind_n and_o discourse_n against_o the_o work_n sense_n proposal_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o elder_n thereof_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v hear_v and_o may_v hear_v themselves_o talk_v and_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n of_o their_o spirit_n they_o may_v seem_v some_o body_n in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o other_o company_n but_o this_o be_v very_o scandalous_a to_o their_o brethren_n except_v such_o as_o they_o have_v make_v of_o their_o faction_n to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o very_o reproachful_a to_o themselves_o as_o they_o will_v find_v at_o long_o run_v but_o i_o must_v hasten_v 4._o you_o must_v beware_v of_o &_o avoid_v peevish_a froward_a and_o touchy_a carriage_n word_n and_o deportment_n in_o private_a and_o public_a for_o they_o be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o offensive_a 5._o you_o must_v not_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o your_o place_n work_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o church_n nor_o absent_a from_o the_o worship_n and_o ordinance_n of_o god_n there_o in_o their_o time_n and_o season_n for_o that_o be_v a_o most_o scandalous_a and_o pernicious_a evil_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o it_o have_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o evil_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o it_o and_o that_o do_v attend_v it_o which_o i_o have_v now_o no_o room_n to_o mention_v and_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a transgression_n of_o god_n law_n rule_n and_o order_n in_o his_o church_n beside_o the_o scandal_n and_o evil_a consequence_n of_o it_o 6._o take_v heed_n of_o that_o filthy_a sin_n of_o speak_v evil_a of_o one_o another_o behind_o their_o back_n you_o must_v not_o be_v whisperer_n or_o backbiter_n nor_o speak_v of_o the_o real_a or_o suppose_a evil_n of_o one_o another_o but_o to_o their_o face_n or_o before_o they_o until_o you_o have_v do_v your_o duty_n to_o they_o in_o secret_a for_o if_o you_o shall_v you_o will_v great_o provoke_v they_o and_o great_o stumble_v offend_v and_o scandalize_v such_o as_o you_o so_o speak_v evil_a of_o 7._o you_o must_v beware_v of_o speak_v slight_o and_o contemptible_o of_o one_o another_o either_o to_o their_o face_n or_o behind_o their_o back_n for_o man_n yea_o the_o best_a of_o man_n will_v not_o can_v patient_o bear_v contemptuous_a word_n and_o undeserved_a slight_a carriage_n from_o their_o brethren_n 8._o you_o must_v beware_v of_o and_o avoid_v vain_a foolish_a and_o frothy_a discourse_n for_o they_o be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o offensive_a to_o gracious_a heart_n 9_o take_v heed_n of_o earthly-mindedness_a and_o greedy_a pursuit_n after_o worldly_a thing_n for_o as_o they_o be_v offensive_a to_o god_n and_o pernicious_a to_o your_o own_o soul_n so_o they_o be_v scandalous_a and_o grievous_a to_o beholder_n 10._o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o strife_n and_o contention_n among_o yourselves_o for_o that_o will_v do_v a_o world_n of_o mischief_n and_o produce_v many_o evil_a and_o wicked_a fruit_n 11._o take_v heed_n of_o grudge_v at_o or_o envy_v one_o another_o prosperity_n for_o thereby_o you_o control_n god_n himself_o and_o give_v occasion_n of_o great_a offence_n to_o your_o brethren_n when_o they_o shall_v see_v that_o they_o can_v receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n without_o your_o envy_n and_o grudge_n 12._o be_v sure_a to_o deal_v just_o with_o all_o man_n and_o give_v to_o every_o one_o his_o due_a defraud_v be_v a_o very_a reproachful_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n contract_v not_o debt_n and_o delay_n or_o deny_v to_o pay_v they_o for_o if_o you_o do_v you_o will_v scandalize_v your_o brethren_n and_o cause_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o be_v
brethren_n dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n psal_n 133.1_o 2._o and_o unite_v in_o a_o holy_a band._n i_o have_v speak_v somewhat_o of_o this_o elsewhere_o under_o another_o head_n and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o believer_n may_v more_o honour_n christ_n by_o walk_v together_o in_o gospel_n or_o church-fellowship_n than_o otherwise_o that_o then_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o duty_n so_o to_o walk_v for_o if_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o exalt_v and_o honour_n christ_n all_o they_o can_v as_o certain_o it_o be_v than_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v it_o now_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o and_o set_v in_o his_o church_n many_o ordinance_n of_o worship_n and_o out_o of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o he_o expect_v a_o revenue_n of_o glory_n by_o his_o people_n therefore_o the_o more_o of_o his_o ordinance_n you_o have_v in_o your_o hand_n and_o spiritual_o observe_v the_o more_o be_v christ_n glorify_v by_o you_o beside_o this_o you_o be_v in_o a_o better_a capacity_n to_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n heb._n 10.24.25_o and_o to_o inflame_v one_o another_o love_n to_o christ_n to_o preserve_v each_o other_o from_o sin_v against_o he_o and_o reproach_v his_o holy_a name_n and_o way_n by_o sin_n in_o a_o church-state_n than_o out_o of_o it_o you_o will_v likewise_o be_v capacitate_v to_o honour_v the_o lord_n jesus_n more_o in_o a_o church-state_n than_o otherwise_o by_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o get_v more_o talent_n into_o your_o hand_n to_o trade_n withal_o and_o employ_v for_o he_o in_o the_o church_n and_o world_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o therefore_o do_v you_o no_o long_o stand_v off_o but_o join_v yourselves_o to_o some_o gospel-church_n for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n sake_n six_o you_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n aught_o to_o join_v yourselves_o to_o some_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n for_o your_o fellow-member_n and_o brethren_n sake_n too_o you_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v to_o one_o another_o gal._n 6.10_o to_o further_o each_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n we_o need_v each_o other_o help_a hand_n and_o be_v set_v in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v useful_a and_o helpful_a one_o to_o another_o now_o by_o join_v ourselves_o one_o to_o another_o and_o walk_v together_o in_o mutual_a love_n peace_n and_o concord_n and_o in_o the_o same_o judgement_n though_o not_o so_o in_o all_o thing_n way_n and_o order_n in_o the_o same_o communion_n ordinance_n and_o worship_n we_o do_v great_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n cheer_n and_o quicken_v the_o heart_n of_o one_o another_o in_o our_o duty_n under_o our_o burden_n and_o temptation_n and_o help_v to_o make_v our_o yoke_n â—asie_a we_o animate_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o and_o put_v as_o it_o be_v new_a courage_n life_n and_o spirit_n into_o each_o other_o but_o by_o our_o neglect_n to_o join_v in_o fellowship_n with_o our_o brethren_n by_o be_v strange_a to_o and_o keep_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o we_o do_v very_o much_o weaken_v their_o hand_n sadden_fw-mi grieve_v and_o discourage_v their_o heart_n and_o lay_v they_o under_o many_o temptation_n trouble_n and_o disquietment_n as_o experience_n show_v we_o ought_v to_o bear_v each_o other_o burden_n and_o so_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n gal._n 6_o 2._o but_o we_o may_v not_o burden_v one_o another_o either_o by_o omission_n or_o commission_n we_o be_v debtor_n to_o one_o another_o by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n command_n and_o our_o spiritual_a relation_n to_o each_o other_o we_o live_v not_o from_o or_o by_o ourselves_o &_o therefore_o must_v not_o live_v for_o and_o to_o ourselves_o i_o be_o my_o brother_n and_o he_o be_v i_o as_o to_o help_v comfort_n service_n and_o usefulness_n one_o to_o another_o such_o as_o careless_o or_o wilful_o abide_v out_o of_o church-fellowship_n do_v in_o a_o sense_n condemn_v those_o who_o walk_v in_o it_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o one_o another_o that_o we_o may_v be_v thereby_o the_o more_o serviceable_a to_o each_o other_o i_o be_o my_o brother_n keeper_n teacher_n comforter_n reprover_n and_o admonisher_n and_o he_o be_v i_o i_o can_v well_o live_v nor_o ordinary_o live_v well_o without_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n nor_o he_o without_o i_o we_o have_v our_o work_n and_o business_n to_o do_v for_o one_o another_o as_o well_o as_o for_o ourselves_o the_o near_a and_o fast_a brethren_n be_v link_v and_o knit_v together_o the_o warm_a and_o strong_a their_o love_n will_v be_v to_o and_o the_o more_o care_n and_o tenderness_n they_o will_v have_v for_o and_o towards_o one_o another_o now_o though_o church-fellowship_n be_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o brethren_n love_n and_o service_n one_o to_o another_o but_o their_o oneness_n with_o christ_n and_o fellow-membership_a in_o he_o their_o head_n as_o also_o his_o reveal_v will_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a in_o experience_n that_o their_o near_a and_o close_a communion_n together_o in_o church-fellowship_n do_v great_o provoke_v irritate_fw-la strengthen_v and_o draw_v forth_o their_o love_n one_o to_o another_o distance_n and_o strangeness_n weaken_v love_n but_o nearness_n and_o intimacy_n strengthen_v it_o church_n communion_n be_v a_o spiritual_a bond_n that_o tie_v spiritual_a man_n together_o and_o great_o knit_v they_o into_o one_o when_o otherwise_o in_o their_o walking_n they_o be_v divide_v and_o like_a bone_n out_o of_o joint_n therefore_o let_v all_o true-hearted_a brethren_n join_v in_o church-fellowship_n with_o their_o brethren_n and_o declare_v their_o oneness_n in_o christ_n in_o spirit_n faith_n and_o love_n by_o their_o so_o do_v let_v they_o strengthen_v each_o other_o hand_n and_o encourage_v one_o another_o heart_n in_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n in_o their_o privilege_n and_o mercy_n and_o know_v that_o you_o be_v indispensible_o bind_v so_o to_o do_v you_o have_v christ_n himself_o and_o his_o spirit_n call_v you_o you_o have_v your_o own_o and_o your_o brethren_n soul_n call_v you_o you_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a saint_n call_v you_o and_o in_o a_o sense_n you_o have_v the_o world_n call_v you_o into_o church-fellowship_n why_o then_o do_v it_o and_o make_v no_o long_o delay_n for_o while_o you_o neglect_v to_o do_v it_o you_o neglect_v your_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o your_o brethren_n and_o to_o your_o own_o soul_n yea_o you_o do_v practical_o slight_v your_o purchase_a privilege_n and_o dear-bought_a mercy_n do_v it_o speedy_o for_o christ_n sake_n and_o for_o your_o own_o peace_n comfort_n growth_n and_o security_n seven_o you_o that_o be_v true_a believer_n aught_o to_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n that_o you_o may_v be_v and_o live_v under_o church_n promise_n you_o hear_v before_o that_o there_o be_v many_o promise_n make_v and_o give_v to_o church_n or_o to_o believer_n in_o that_o capacity_n which_o they_o can_v claim_v to_o themselves_o while_o they_o walk_v alone_o as_o individual_n and_o stranger_n to_o one_o another_o god_n tell_v solomon_n that_o his_o eye_n and_o heart_n shall_v be_v perpetual_o in_o his_o temple_n 2_o chron._n 7.16_o but_o david_n gold_n silver_n brass_n and_o other_o material_n that_o he_o have_v provide_v to_o build_v it_o have_v not_o such_o a_o promise_n until_o they_o be_v form_v up_o into_o a_o house_n for_o god_n so_o it_o be_v now_o with_o live_v or_o lively_a material_n that_o be_v hew_v and_o polished_a for_o to_o build_v he_o gospel-temple_n they_o may_v not_o expect_v the_o good_a of_o all_o the_o promise_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n appointment_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n although_o their_o be_v in_o christ_n unite_v and_o marry_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n and_o all_o the_o good_a of_o they_o yet_o the_o great_a god_n give_v out_o and_o impart_v the_o juice_n and_o fatness_n of_o they_o unto_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o gospel_n precept_n and_o appointment_n that_o such_o as_o expect_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o they_o may_v seek_v all_o in_o those_o way_n i_o have_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n instance_a in_o several_a promise_n that_o belong_v unto_o church_n or_o unto_o believer_n walk_v with_o god_n in_o that_o state_n and_o capacity_n as_o that_o in_o rev._n 2.1_o 2_o cor._n 6.16_o psal_n 92.12_o 13._o psal_n 132.12_o 13_o 14._o eph._n 2._o the_o three_o last_o verse_n with_o several_a other_o of_o like_a import_n now_o then_o if_o you_o will_v partake_v of_o the_o good_a of_o church-promise_n you_o must_v become_v holy_a and_o orderly_a church-member_n sure_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o look_v after_o and_o earnest_o to_o seek_v for_o
to_o he_o for_o his_o love_n and_o grace_n to_o we_o to_o hold_v and_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o he_o to_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n to_o be_v warm_a lively_a and_o strong_a in_o our_o duty_n and_o performance_n and_o for_o such_o holy_a end_n as_o god_n require_v thus_o you_o see_v that_o all_o god_n people_n be_v bind_v in_o duty_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o and_o walk_v in_o spiritual_a fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o for_o what_o end_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n they_o shall_v do_v so_o chap._n xi_o show_v how_o church-member_n ought_v to_o walk_v and_o what_o sin_n and_o temptation_n they_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o in_o their_o church-state_n with_o rule_n and_o caution_n against_o they_o argument_n and_o motive_n to_o persuade_v to_o practise_v the_o one_o and_o avoid_v the_o other_o quest_n how_o ought_v believer_n to_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n answ_n i_o have_v show_v already_o what_o their_o duty_n be_v and_o how_o they_o shall_v carry_v themselves_o towards_o their_o officer_n and_o towards_o one_o another_o in_o a_o church-state_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o mention_v they_o here_o but_o shall_v answer_v the_o question_n in_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o church-member_n must_v walk_v exemplary_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o so_o many_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o the_o church_n they_o of_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o be_v burn_v and_o shine_a light_n their_o grace_n gift_n word_n deed_n and_o carriage_n shall_v shine_v so_o clear_a and_o bright_a so_o glorious_o and_o conspicuous_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o force_n and_o prevalency_n of_o law_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o beholder_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v safe_o &_o secure_o imitate_v &_o follow_v they_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n be_v as_o so_o many_o sea-mark_n pilot_n &_o guide_n to_o man_n they_o live_v more_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o church_n be_v call_v in_o rev._n 13.6_o &_o in_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o glorious_a son_n of_o righteousness_n than_o other_o do_v and_o therefore_o they_o shall_v give_v better_o and_o clear_a light_n than_o other_o can_v they_o be_v much_o more_o eye_a mind_a and_o observe_v than_o other_o be_v and_o man_n expect_v and_o look_v for_o more_o good_a in_o and_o choice_a fruit_n from_o they_o than_o they_o do_v from_o other_o man_n they_o do_v or_o may_v converse_v more_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n with_o they_o than_o other_o man_n do_v and_o they_o be_v partaker_n of_o great_a thing_n from_o he_o than_o other_o man_n be_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v a_o singular_a people_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n church-member_n be_v high_o dignify_v and_o great_o privilege_v their_o holy_a profession_n give_v out_o &_o bespeak_v they_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a treasure_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v declare_v before_o all_o man_n that_o they_o be_v such_o indeed_o and_o not_o in_o pretence_n only_o their_o frame_n of_o heart_n word_n deed_n and_o deportment_n must_v speak_v for_o they_o &_o manifest_v they_o to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o truth_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v church-member_n word_n work_n and_o carriage_n must_v praise_v they_o in_o the_o gate_n 1._o they_o shall_v be_v shine_a light_n in_o humility_n and_o meekness_n col._n 3.12_o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n 1_o pet._n 5.5_o and_o be_v clothe_v with_o humility_n phil._n 2.3_o but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o matth._n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n church-member_n must_v not_o be_v high_a proud_a and_o lofty_a they_o may_v not_o think_v high_o of_o themselves_o rom._n 12.3_o nor_o cloth_n and_o deck_v themselves_o as_o other_o do_v they_o may_v not_o carry_v themselves_o strange_o or_o disdainful_o towards_o man_n but_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a towards_o their_o brethren_n and_o all_o man_n in_o their_o apparel_n word_n deed_n and_o carriage_n for_o if_o this_o part_n of_o christ_n image_n do_v not_o appear_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n on_o they_o they_o can_v have_v any_o at_o all_o a_o meek_a spirit_n carriage_n and_o deportment_n be_v one_o of_o their_o ornament_n it_o be_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n of_o great_a price_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 2._o they_o must_v shine_v in_o zeal_n &_o fervency_n of_o spirit_n this_o holy_a fire_n shall_v burn_v among_o they_o they_o must_v not_o be_v of_o dull_a stupid_a heavy_a and_o lumpish_a spirit_n worship_n god_n appear_v before_o he_o and_o hold_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o indifferent_o cold_o dull_o regardless_o and_o heavy_o as_o if_o they_o be_v rather_o drive_v to_o their_o work_n and_o duty_n against_o their_o will_n than_o with_o their_o choice_n love_n and_o desire_n but_o they_o must_v be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rom._n 12.11_o for_o which_o some_o of_o the_o corinthian_n be_v commend_v 2_o cor._n 7.11_o and_o phinchas_n numb_a 25.11.13_o and_o david_n psal_n 69.9_o to_o this_o they_o be_v redeem_v and_o for_o it_o they_o be_v purchase_v tit._n 2.14_o not_o only_o to_o do_v good_a work_n but_o to_o be_v zealous_a in_o and_o for_o they_o the_o lord_n jesus_n charge_v his_o church_n to_o be_v zealous_a church_n rev._n 3.19_o in_o imitation_n of_o himself_o who_o zeal_n to_o god_n do_v eat_v he_o up_o joh._n 2.17_o much_o holy_a zeal_n govern_v and_o guide_v by_o much_o spiritual_a wisdom_n make_v a_o man_n a_o excellent_a shine_a useful_a acceptable_a and_o desirable_a man_n indeed_o this_o shall_v be_v another_o of_o the_o church_n beauty_n and_o comely_a ornament_n wherewith_o they_o shall_v still_o be_v clothe_v deck_v and_o adorn_v in_o this_o world_n if_o this_o diamond_n do_v not_o shine_v if_o they_o be_v not_o adorn_v with_o this_o rare_a jewel_n what_o be_v they_o worth_a and_o what_o be_v they_o good_a for_o they_o will_v be_v like_o fire_n without_o heat_n and_o light_n as_o to_o their_o duty_n work_n and_o usefulness_n they_o will_v be_v like_o drone_n or_o like_a bee_n without_o sting_n namely_o of_o no_o considerable_a use_n in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o they_o do_v for_o god_n man_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n will_v be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o esteem_n and_o account_n 3._o they_o must_v shine_v in_o love_n and_o charity_n too_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n col._n 3.14_o the_o ligament_n and_o sinew_n the_o cord_n and_o instrument_n that_o tie_v we_o fast_o to_o god_n and_o to_o one_o another_o see_v that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o with_o pure_a heart_n fervent_o 1_o pet._n 122._o and_o let_v love_n be_v without_o dissimulation_n rom._n 12.9_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n soul_n and_o strength_n matth._n 22.37_o the_o internal_a motive_n or_o move_a cause_n of_o all_o obedience_n and_o service_n to_o god_n must_v be_v love_n to_o he_o and_o our_o duty_n joh._n 14.15_o 1_o joh._n 5.3_o it_o be_v true_a that_o man_n can_v certain_o discern_v this_o love_n to_o god_n in_o one_o another_o but_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n may_v and_o must_v church_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v church_n of_o love_n they_o shall_v be_v act_v and_o animate_v draw_v and_o constrain_v to_o every_o good_a work_n by_o love_n 2_o cor._n 5.14_o all_o the_o way_n and_o working_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o we_o all_o that_o he_o do_v to_o or_o for_o we_o be_v love_n do_v he_o instruct_v we_o or_o do_v he_o correct_v we_o it_o be_v all_o in_o and_o from_o love_n love_n to_o we_o be_v the_o bottom_n spring_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o we_o his_o anger_n be_v provoke_v love_n love_n shall_v knit_v our_o heart_n fast_o to_o our_o god_n and_o head_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o service_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o church-fellowship_n but_o of_o this_o already_o elsewhere_o 4._o church_n must_v shine_v in_o that_o great_a work_n and_o duty_n of_o self-denial_n when_o need_n require_v he_o that_o will_v be_v my_o disciple_n say_v christ_n must_v deny_v himself_o mark_n 8.34_o matth._n 16.24_o luk._n 9.26_o they_o shall_v be_v eminent_a and_o singular_a in_o self-denial_n or_o in_o deny_v themselves_o of_o many_o thing_n for_o christ_n for_o their_o brethren_n and_o for_o their_o own_o soul_n sake_n their_o lord_n jesus_n be_v the_o great_a copy_n pattern_n and_o examplar_n of_o self-denial_n and_o that_o for_o they_o to_o serve_v they_o and_o promote_v their_o happiness_n phil._n 2.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o act_n 20.28_o and_o without_o this_o we_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n if_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v ourselves_o
he_o that_o stand_v in_o a_o calm_a day_n take_v heed_n that_o he_o fall_v not_o in_o a_o stormy_a night_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o evil_n and_o sin_n that_o you_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o in_o your_o church-state_n therefore_o consider_v they_o and_o make_v sufficient_a and_o seasonable_a provision_n against_o they_o lest_o they_o take_v you_o unaware_o and_o overthrow_v you_o obj._n but_o some_o may_v say_v if_o all_o these_o evil_n and_o danger_n uttend_v church-member_n than_o it_o be_v better_a for_o we_o to_o keep_v out_o of_o it_o and_o not_o be_v church-member_n that_o we_o may_v avoid_v they_o and_o not_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o sin_n and_o temptation_n therein_o answ_n that_o such_o temptation_n will_v attend_v church-member_n be_v certain_a but_o that_o therefore_o believer_n shall_v keep_v out_o of_o a_o church-state_n that_o i_o deny_v for_o 1._o it_o be_v your_o indispensible_a duty_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v to_o walk_v in_o church-fellowship_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v do_v so_o and_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n you_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v the_o safe_a and_o the_o most_o secure_a way_n for_o you_o to_o keep_v you_o from_o sin_n and_o prevalent_a temptation_n to_o it_o for_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v ever_o the_o sure_a and_o safe_a way_n as_o we_o all_o know_v 2._o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v cautionary_a not_o to_o affright_v any_o from_o their_o duty_n and_o privilege_n but_o to_o quicken_v and_o provoke_v church-member_n to_o the_o more_o wise_a watchful_a and_o exact_a walking_n to_o more_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o make_v provision_n against_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v ready_o arm_v and_o fence_v against_o they_o to_o resist_v and_o conquer_v they_o 3._o although_o you_o may_v be_v more_o tempt_v to_o sin_n in_o a_o church-state_n yet_o you_o may_v sin_v less_o therein_o than_o out_o of_o it_o for_o you_o have_v hear_v already_o that_o a_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n be_v invest_v with_o many_o privilege_n and_o advantage_n against_o sin_n and_o temptation_n to_o it_o which_o if_o well_o use_v and_o improve_v by_o you_o they_o will_v sufficient_o defend_v you_o and_o balance_v all_o the_o weight_n that_o may_v be_v put_v into_o the_o balance_n of_o temptation_n and_o abundant_o store_v you_o with_o provision_n against_o they_o be_v they_o a_o thousand_o time_n as_o many_o more_o for_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o in_o a_o church_n there_o be_v more_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n for_o believer_n than_o out_o of_o such_o a_o state_n and_o relation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o better_a and_o safe_o be_v there_o and_o walk_v with_o god_n therein_o than_o to_o be_v elsewhere_o wherefore_o let_v all_o church-member_n see_v that_o they_o walk_v circumspect_o or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exact_o cautious_o and_o accurate_o eph._n 5.15_o in_o their_o church-state_n and_o relation_n mind_n and_o practice_v what_o you_o see_v before_o you_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v and_o take_v heed_n that_o you_o so_o walk_v and_o demean_v yourselves_o towards_o god_n man_n and_o your_o own_o soul_n that_o you_o careful_o watch_v against_o and_o avoid_v all_o the_o aforesaid_a evil_n and_o the_o temptation_n that_o lead_v you_o to_o they_o and_o to_o move_v and_o quicken_v you_o so_o to_o do_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o few_o consideration_n 1._o that_o in_o a_o church-state_n you_o have_v many_o observer_n there_o be_v many_o eye_n on_o you_o and_o many_o that_o watch_n for_o your_o halt_n the_o world_n know_v that_o you_o have_v separate_v from_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o holiness_n and_o that_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v make_v better_a than_o they_o they_o know_v that_o you_o pretend_v to_o singular_a thing_n and_o that_o you_o profess_v to_o be_v call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o from_o sin_n to_o holiness_n and_o singular_a righteousness_n and_o that_o you_o leave_v communion_n with_o they_o on_o a_o religious_a account_n they_o understand_v that_o you_o pretend_v to_o more_o light_n and_o knowledge_n to_o more_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o to_o great_a attainment_n and_o enjoyment_n than_o they_o do_v and_o therefore_o expect_v to_o see_v better_a thing_n from_o you_o than_o from_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o they_o be_v they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o be_v require_v and_o that_o you_o be_v in_o your_o profession_n some_o of_o they_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o judge_v of_o you_o than_o by_o your_o fruit_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o your_o profession_n and_o pretence_n they_o will_v think_v you_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n and_o paint_a sepulcher_n be_v sure_a that_o you_o have_v many_o that_o mind_n and_o strict_o observe_v all_o your_o step_n 2._o your_o lord_n and_o king_n expect_v singular_a and_o peculiar_a frame_n of_o heart_n word_n &_o deed_n from_o you_o he_o narrow_o mark_v your_o step_n and_o observe_v your_o walking_n how_o you_o carry_v yourselves_o towards_o one_o another_o how_o you_o walk_v towards_o and_o before_o all_o man_n and_o what_o your_o frame_n and_o deportment_n be_v towards_o himself_o for_o his_o eye_n behold_v and_o his_o eyelid_n try_v the_o child_n of_o man_n psal_n 11.4_o you_o know_v and_o he_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o have_v do_v great_a and_o special_a thing_n for_o you_o that_o he_o have_v be_v at_o great_a expense_n of_o blood_n and_o treasure_n on_o you_o and_o all_o to_o make_v you_o a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o tit._n 2.14_o he_o have_v honour_v and_o exalt_v you_o and_o bring_v you_o nigh_o unto_o himself_o and_o entrust_v you_o with_o great_a talent_n he_o have_v set_v you_o on_o high_a and_o magnify_v you_o exceed_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o have_v make_v you_o his_o golden_a candlestick_n rev._n 2.1_o and_o his_o live_a witness_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v well_o expect_v and_o require_v special_a carriage_n and_o singular_a fruit_n from_o you_o oh_o then_o do_v not_o disappoint_v he_o of_o his_o so_o reasonable_a expectation_n but_o let_v the_o lord_n jesus_n see_v in_o you_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o toil_n of_o his_o cost_n and_o charge_n and_o of_o his_o blood_n and_o travel_n let_v he_o find_v you_o good_a steward_n of_o his_o house_n and_o houshold-affair_n and_o meet_v to_o be_v trust_v with_o more_o of_o his_o treasure_n 3._o consider_v that_o your_o brethren_n and_o fellow-member_n and_o especial_o your_o teacher_n and_o overseer_n do_v expect_v such_o walking_n fruit_n and_o carriage_n from_o you_o your_o teacher_n expect_v it_o earnest_o desire_v it_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o labour_n to_o make_v you_o such_o your_o fellow-member_n they_o also_o look_v for_o it_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o earnest_o desire_v it_o i_o mean_v such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v holy_a spiritual_a person_n they_o especial_o your_o teacher_n do_v long_o and_o be_v in_o travail_n for_o it_o and_o they_o great_o rejoice_v indeed_o to_o see_v you_o a_o holy_a humble_a wise_a zealous_a meek_a diligent_a faithful_a love_a and_o a_o fruit-bearing_a people_n they_o be_v exceed_o trouble_v to_o see_v their_o labour_n to_o be_v in_o vain_a with_o and_o to_o you_o your_o nonproficiency_n cold_a worldly_a and_o carnal_a walking_n your_o barrenness_n and_o unprofitableness_n your_o want_n of_o love_n to_o god_n your_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o one_o another_o be_v great_a very_o great_a and_o heart-breaking_a affliction_n to_o they_o they_o mourn_v for_o and_o be_v grieve_v at_o you_o and_o your_o way_n because_o you_o be_v not_o so_o serious_a holy_a exact_a spiritual_a zealous_a love_a sweet_a meek_a humble_a useful_a wise_a diligent_a and_o heavenly_a as_o you_o may_v be_v and_o your_o church-state_n privilege_n enjoyment_n and_o high_a profession_n call_v for_o and_o great_o oblige_v you_o to_o 4._o consider_v that_o your_o own_o soul_n be_v great_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n if_o you_o walk_v in_o these_o way_n practise_v the_o aforesaid_a duty_n to_o observe_v these_o say_a ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o careful_o watch_v against_o and_o avoid_v the_o say_a evil_n and_o temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o your_o soul_n and_o body_n will_v reap_v the_o benefit_n and_o profit_n of_o all_o you_o will_v have_v the_o peace_n joy_n satisfaction_n sweetness_n and_o consolation_n of_o your_o so_o do_v but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_a you_o be_v find_v negligent_a and_o careless_a of_o the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n and_o your_o duty_n and_o disobedient_a unto_o his_o holy_a law_n if_o you_o slight_a and_o undervalue_v your_o great_a and_o invaluable_a privilege_n and_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v not_o spiritual_a earning_n of_o they_o but_o remain_v dead_a cold_a barren_a and_o