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A42358


A treatise of ruling elders and deacons In which, these things which belong to the understanding of their office and duty, are clearly and shortly set down. By a Minister of the Church of Scotland.


Guthrie, James, 1612?-1661.


1690
(1690)


Wing G2265A; ESTC R215845


24,270


96


of_o the_o knowledge_n gift_n experience_n prudence_n and_o gravity_n wherewith_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v endue_v the_o officer_n in_o the_o 1._o house_n of_o god_n who_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n be_v of_o several_a soit_n preach_v elder_n or_o minister_n teach_v elder_n or_o doctor_n and_o rule_v or_o govern_v elder_n all_o these_o three_o be_v often_o time_n in_o the_o n._n t._n comprise_v under_o the_o general_a name_n of_o elder_a act._n 15_o 6_o 22._o &_o 20._o 3._o 17._o 1._o pet._n 5_o it_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_a who_o we_o have_v now_o to_o do_v with_o who_o be_v so_o call_v not_o because_o the_o power_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n belong_v to_o he_o alone_o for_o it_o also_o belong_v to_o the_o preach_a ând_n teach_v elder_n or_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o doctor_n but_o because_o to_o rule_v and_o govern_v be_v the_o principal_a and_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o employment_n it_o be_v the_o high_a act_n of_o his_o office_n it_o be_v not_o competent_a for_o he_o to_o preach_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o pastor_n or_o minister_n nor_o to_o teach_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o doctor_n but_o his_o office_n be_v comprise_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v the_o govern_n or_o rule_v elder_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o rome_n 8_o ch_z 1â_n 8._o call_v he_o him_z that_o rule_v and_o 1_o cor._n 28._o 12._o 28_o he_o call_v they_o government_n put_v the_o abstract_n for_o the_o concrete_a government_n for_o governor_n thus_o than_o we_o have_v the_o proper_a or_o right_a name_n of_o these_o church_n officer_n which_o serve_v to_o correct_v a_o twofold_a mistake_n the_o 1._o be_v of_o these_o who_o either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o disdain_n do_v call_v they_o lay-elder_n as_o if_o they_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o people_n only_o and_o not_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n who_o the_o popish_a church_n in_o their_o pride_n and_o other_o follow_v they_o call_v the_o clergy_n that_o be_v the_o lord_n inheritance_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o laity_n or_o people_n who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o base_a and_o much_o inferior_a to_o the_o other_o in_o worth_n and_o excellency_n whereas_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n be_v his_o portion_n and_o the_o lot_n of_o he_o in_o heritance_n deut._n 32._o 9_o 1._o pet._n 5._o 3._o the_o second_o mistake_n be_v of_o these_o who_o do_v call_v these_o only_a ruling-elders_a who_o sit_v in_o presbytery_n synod_n and_o general_a assembly_n allow_v to_o other_o the_o name_n of_o elder_n but_o not_o of_o ruling-elders_a but_o every_o elder_a in_o the_o lord_n house_n be_v a_o ruling-eld_a because_o the_o power_n and_o exercise_v of_o rule_n and_o government_n belong_v to_o every_o elder_a though_o some_o of_o they_o upon_o special_a occasion_n be_v call_v to_o a_o more_o eminent_a exercise_n of_o it_o than_o other_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o institution_n of_o ruling-elders_a the_o institution_n of_o 2._o the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_a be_v divine_a it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinance_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n the_o lord_n jesus_n upon_o who_o shoulder_n the_o government_n be_v and_o who_o be_v faithful_a in_o all_o his_o house_n have_v in_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o appoint_v such_o a_o officer_n in_o his_o house_n for_o the_o right_n and_o orderly_o govern_v thereof_o it_o be_v true_a that_o by_o the_o sloth_n or_o rather_o by_o the_o pride_n of_o teacher_n while_o they_o alone_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o and_o by_o the_o policy_n of_o satan_n and_o inadvertance_n of_o the_o church_n these_o officer_n be_v for_o many_o age_n together_o out_o of_o use_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o both_o the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o after_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v seniores_fw-la or_o elder_n without_o who_o counsel_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v such_o appear_v from_o 2_o chro._n 19_o 8._o jer._n 29._o 1._o mat._n 16_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 26_o 57_o 59_o act._n 4._o 5._o and_o that_o the_o christian_a 56._o church_n also_o have_v they_o in_o the_o primitive_a &_o pure_a time_n thereof_o appear_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a writer_n as_o may_v be_v find_v by_o these_o who_o will_v take_v pain_n to_o search_v into_o these_o thing_n but_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n for_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o elder_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n than_o any_o testimony_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o first_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v rom._n 12._o 6_o 7_o 8._o have_v then_o gift_n differ_v according_a to_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v give_v we_o whether_o pprophecy_n let_v we_o prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n or_o ministry_n let_v we_o wait_v on_o our_o minister_a or_o he_o that_o teach_v on_o teach_v or_o he_o that_o exhort_v on_o exhortation_n he_o that_o give_v let_v he_o do_v it_o wih_o simplicity_n he_o that_o rule_v with_o diligence_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n with_o cheerfulness_n in_o which_o text_n the_o apostle_n do_v first_o comprehend_v all_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o ordinary_a stand_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n under_o two_o general_a head_n to_o wit_n prophecy_n whereby_o be_v mean_v the_o ordinary_a faculty_n of_o right_a understanding_n and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n and_o ministry_n under_o which_o be_v comprehend_v all_o other_o church-officer_n and_o employment_n to_o each_o of_o these_o the_o apostle_n add_v their_o general_a duty_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o who_o propehsy_v shall_v do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n h._n e._n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n and_o he_o that_o minister_n let_v he_o wait_v on_o his_o minister_a h._n e._n let_v he_o not_o do_v it_o negligent_o or_o slothful_o but_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o then_o he_o subdivides_a these_o two_o general_n into_o the_o special_a office_n contain_v under_o they_o he_o divide_v he_o that_o propehsy_v into_o he_o that_o teach_v and_o he_o that_o exhort_v or_o into_o the_o doctor_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o teach_v or_o instruction_n belong_v and_o the_o pastor_n to_o who_o the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n be_v competent_a under_o he_o that_o minister_v he_o comprehend_v first_o he_o that_o give_v by_o who_o be_v mean_v the_o deacon_n who_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o poor_a second_o he_o that_o rule_v by_o who_o can_v be_v mean_v no_o other_o than_o the_o rule_v elder_a see_v a_o ordinary_a roll_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v different_a from_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v here_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o second_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o prove_v the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 28._o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n afterward_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n kind_n of_o tongue_n some_o of_o the_o bibles_n of_o the_o late_a english_a translation_n read_v help_n in_o government_n but_o cross_a to_o the_o text_n in_o the_o first_o language_n that_o bear_v help_n government_n as_o two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o therefore_o in_o other_o edition_n of_o that_o translation_n this_o be_v help_v in_o this_o text_n the_o apostle_n reckon_v several_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n some_o extraordinary_a which_o be_v to_o continue_v but_o for_o a_o season_n such_o as_o apostle_n prophet_n power_n or_o miracle_n gift_n of_o heal_a kind_n of_o tongue_n some_o ordinary_a which_o be_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o be_v teacher_n or_o the_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n who_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o word_n help_n h._n e._n the_o deacon_n who_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o help_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o government_n h._n e._n the_o govern_n and_o rule_v elder_n for_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o word_n that_o the_o apostle_n by_o government_n do_v mean_v a_o church-officer_n who_o god_n have_v set_v in_o his_o church_n for_o rule_v and_o govern_v thereof_o now_o this_o can_v be_v any_o other_o of_o the_o church-officer_n for_o these_o he_o have_v name_v beside_o and_o therefore_o it_o remain_v that_o it_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_a the_o three_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v 1tim_fw-la 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n special_o they_o that_o
labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n which_o text_n do_v hold_v forth_o and_o distinguish_v two_o sort_n of_o elder_n in_o the_o church_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v commit_v the_o power_n of_o rule_v one_o sort_n who_o do_v also_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n to_o wit_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n another_o sort_n who_o do_v only_o rule_v and_o do_v it_o well_o be_v account_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n and_o these_o be_v the_o rule_v elder_n of_o who_o we_o speak_v from_o this_o that_o the_o office_n of_o the_o 17._o rule_v elder_n be_v of_o divine_a institution_n we_o gather_v these_o conclusion_n first_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n arbitrary_a and_o indifferent_a for_o such_o to_o wait_v upon_o their_o charge_n yea_o or_o not_o as_o they_o please_v or_o as_o their_o attendance_n may_v contribute_v for_o their_o own_o or_o their_o friend_n particular_a which_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o too_o too_o many_o elder_n but_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n diligent_o to_o attend_v and_o follow_v the_o duty_n thereof_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o the_o several_a member_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o the_o keep_n of_o session_n or_o presbytery_n and_o other_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v call_v and_o desire_v thereto_o second_o that_o elder_n ought_v to_o do_v their_o office_n not_o formal_o and_o hypocritical_o for_o the_o fashion_n only_o but_o sincere_o and_o honest_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n by_o who_o they_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o holy_a call_v and_o to_o who_o they_o must_v render_v a_o account_n of_o their_o discharge_n of_o this_o great_a trust_n three_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o domineer_v over_o their_o fellow_n brethren_n and_o elder_n but_o carry_v themselves_o humble_o and_o serviceable_o as_o these_o who_o be_v appoint_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o minister_a unto_o and_o edify_v of_o his_o body_n the_o church_n four_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o carry_v themselves_o with_o that_o authority_n holiness_n gravity_n and_o prudence_n that_o become_v these_o who_o be_v call_v of_o god_n to_o bear_v rule_n in_o his_o house_n five_o that_o elder_n once_o lawful_o call_v to_o the_o office_n and_o have_v gift_n from_o god_n meet_v to_o exexcise_n the_o same_o unless_o they_o be_v remove_v therefrom_o because_o of_o miscarriage_n be_v still_o elder_n though_o happy_o in_o congregation_n where_o many_o qualify_a man_n may_v be_v find_v 3._o some_o may_v be_v permit_v for_o a_o time_n to_o surcease_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o charge_n and_o other_o be_v put_v in_o their_o room_n as_o be_v among_o the_o levite_n under_o the_o law_n in_o serve_v in_o the_o temple_n by_o course_n six_o that_o people_n ought_v to_o obey_v such_o as_o these_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o because_o they_o wait_v for_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o that_o must_v give_v account_n that_o they_o may_v do_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n heb._n 13._o 17._o yea_o they_o will_v know_v they_o as_o these_o who_o be_v over_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v admonish_v they_o and_o esteem_v they_o very_o high_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 12_o 13._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o vocation_n or_o call_v of_o rule_v elder_n as_o no_o man_n be_v to_o intrude_v in_o any_o employment_n 3._o without_o a_o lawful_a call_v so_o much_o less_o ought_v any_o man_n to_o intrude_v himself_o without_o a_o call_v into_o any_o sacred_a function_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n heb._n 5._o 3._o 4._o therefore_o before_o any_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o rule_v elder_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v lawful_o call_v thereunto_o this_o call_v be_v inward_a or_o outward_a the_o inward_a call_v be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n concern_v some_o measure_n of_o ability_n and_o gift_n for_o the_o charge_n and_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a 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case_n of_o their_o not_o be_v satisfy_v as_o have_v exception_n or_o know_v other_o better_a qualify_v to_o represent_v the_o same_o to_o the_o minister_n and_o eldership_n if_o there_o be_v no_o eldership_n in_o the_o congregation_n a_o nomination_n may_v be_v make_v either_o by_o the_o presbytery_n or_o by_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o godly_a member_n of_o the_o congregation_n particular_o master_n of_o family_n together_o with_o the_o minister_n or_o one_o or_o more_o minister_n of_o the_o presbytery_n in_o case_n of_o the_o congregation_n want_v of_o a_o minister_n the_o trial_n be_v to_o be_v by_o the_o minister_n and_o eldership_n head_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o in_o case_n of_o the_o want_n of_o these_o by_o the_o presbytery_n and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v both_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o conversation_n that_o it_o be_v blameless_a and_o holy_a and_o also_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o house_n and_o of_o their_o ability_n and_o prudence_n for_o government_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o trial_n of_o elder_n in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o gift_n require_v for_o their_o charge_n have_v not_o be_v much_o in_o use_n in_o this_o church_n it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v that_o conscience_n will_v be_v make_v of_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o as_o have_v knowledge_n and_o be_v able_a and_o fit_a or_o that_o if_o any_o ignorant_a or_o not_o able_a and_o sitted_a be_v nominat_fw-la that_o some_o of_o the_o congregation_n upon_o the_o intimation_n of_o their_o name_n will_v except_v against_o they_o but_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o many_o ignorant_a and_o unqualified_a man_n have_v be_v admit_v elder_n in_o many_o congregation_n to_o the_o great_a detriment_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o small_a reproach_n of_o our_o church_n the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 10._o speak_v of_o deacon_n which_o be_v the_o low_a rank_n of_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n require_v that_o these_o also_o first_o be_v prove_v then_o let_v they_o use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n be_v find_v blameless_a and_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o ground_n that_o plead_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o minister_n plead_v also_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o elder_n in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o qualification_n require_v in_o they_o their_o admission_n be_v to_o be_v by_o the_o minister_n book_n of_o the_o congregation_n or_o one_o appoint_v by_o the_o presbytery_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n with_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n concern_v their_o duty_n and_o with_o prayer_n and_o humiliation_n concern_v the_o spirit_n of_o their_o call_v to_o be_v pour_v out_o upon_o they_o and_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v solemn_o to_o engage_v themselves_o before_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a and_o watchful_a over_o the_o flock_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n and_o in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o honourable_a employment_n and_o the_o people_n be_v also_o to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o obey_v they_o and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o honour_v they_o and_o high_o to_o esteem_v they_o in_o love_n for_o their_o work_n sake_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o rule_v elder_a the_o duty_n of_o a_o rule_v elder_a be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o that_o be_v personal_a and_o relate_v to_o his_o conversation_n as_o a_o christian_a other_o that_o be_v official_a and_o relate_v to_o his_o rule_v as_o a_o office-bearer_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n his_o personal_a qualification_n 6._o or_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o conversation_n be_v the_o same_o with_o these_o which_o the_o
a_o treatise_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n in_o which_o these_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o their_o office_n and_o duty_n be_v clear_o and_o short_o set_v down_o by_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o let_v the_o elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n tim._n 3._o â3_n they_o that_o have_v use_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n well_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o a_o good_a degree_n and_o great_a boldness_n in_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n edinburgh_n reprint_v by_o the_o heir_n of_o andrew_n anderson_n printer_n to_o their_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n anno_fw-la dom._n 1690._o the_o preface_n the_o lord_n who_o fire_n be_v in_o zion_n and_o 9_o whosefurnace_n be_v in_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o depth_n of_o his_o wisdom_n 5._o speak_v by_o terrible_a thing_n in_o righteousness_n against_o this_o nation_n he_o have_v bring_v we_o 9_o down_o wonderful_o and_o have_v make_v our_o breach_n wide_a as_o the_o 13._o sea_n who_o can_v heal_v we_o our_o bruise_n be_v incurable_a and_o our_o 1â_n wound_n be_v grievous_a for_o the_o lord_n have_v wounded_n we_o with_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o enemy_n with_o the_o chastisement_n of_o a_o cruel_a one_o because_o our_o sin_n 14_o be_v increase_v he_o have_v mingle_v a_o perverse_a spirit_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o which_o cause_v we_o to_o err_v in_o every_o work_n as_o 20._o a_o drunken_a man_n stagger_v in_o his_o vomit_n and_o we_o eat_v every_o man_n the_o flesh_n of_o his_o own_o arm_n for_o all_o this_o his_o anger_n be_v not_o turn_v away_o but_o his_o hand_n be_v stretch_v out_o still_o the_o yoke_n 14._o of_o our_o transgression_n be_v bind_v by_o his_o hand_n they_o be_v wreathe_v and_o come_v up_o upon_o our_o neck_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o 1._o calamity_n he_o have_v cover_v we_o with_o a_o cloud_n in_o his_o anger_n 10._o that_o like_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o dark_a we_o grope_v for_o the_o wall_n and_o can_v find_v either_o our_o sin_n or_o our_o duty_n some_o cry_n that_o there_o be_v many_o of_o our_o prophet_n 14._o who_o have_v not_o discover_v our_o iniquity_n to_o turn_v away_o our_o captivity_n other_o complain_v that_o not_o a_o few_o of_o they_o have_v see_v for_o we_o false_a burden_n and_o cause_n of_o banishment_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v whilst_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o we_o sure_o it_o be_v 2._o meet_v to_o be_v say_v unto_o god_n show_v i_o why_o thou_o contend_v 32._o with_o i_o i_o have_v bear_v chastisement_n i_o will_v not_o offend_v any_o more_o that_o which_o i_o see_v not_o teach_v thou_o i_o if_o i_o have_v do_v iniquity_n i_o will_v do_v no_o more_o until_o the_o 12._o lord_n shall_v reveal_v it_o unto_o we_o and_o make_v we_o wise_a in_o heart_n to_o understand_v this_o and_o speak_v to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v declare_v it_o for_o what_o the_o land_n mourn_v it_o be_v fit_a that_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n controversy_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n whereto_o we_o have_v already_o attain_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n i_o do_v suppose_v that_o all_o of_o we_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n in_o this_o that_o our_o corrupt_a mixture_n in_o church_n member_n and_o church-officer_n be_v one_o main_a cause_n why_o so_o much_o wrath_n be_v go_v forth_o from_o the_o lord_n against_o we_o and_o do_v abide_v upon_o we_o the_o lord_n design_n upon_o scotland_n for_o a_o long_a time_n past_a seem_v to_o have_v be_v to_o purge_v 9_o his_o house_n and_o as_o to_o have_v his_o ordinance_n pure_a so_o to_o have_v his_o people_n and_o his_o officer_n also_o pure_a i_o mean_v not_o of_o a_o high_a pitch_n than_o the_o doctrine_n and_o policy_n of_o our_o church_n do_v reach_v because_o i_o fear_v not_o to_o say_v it_o the_o measure_v line_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n have_v be_v stretch_v over_o these_o âo_o give_v unto_o they_o due_a scripture_n dimension_n concern_v the_o qualification_n of_o church_n member_n and_o church_n officer_n if_o in_o these_o thing_n our_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o rule_n we_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a but_o may_v speak_v with_o our_o enemy_n in_o the_o gate_n and_o answer_v he_o that_o reproach_v we_o our_o sin_n be_v that_o be_v weigh_v in_o our_o own_o balance_n we_o be_v find_v too_o light_a how_o many_o church-member_n be_v there_o in_o scotland_n who_o our_o church_n discipline_n if_o conscientious_o wield_v will_v cut_v off_o as_o rot_v how_o many_o church-officer_n who_o that_o discipline_n will_v cast_v out_o as_o unsavoury_a salt_n we_o have_v rejoice_v 11â_n in_o our_o pride_n and_o be_v haughty_a because_o of_o the_o lord_n be_v holy_a mountain_n but_o have_v not_o so_o zealous_o care_v that_o holiness_n to_o the_o 21._o lord_n may_v be_v engrave_v in_o all_o the_o pot_n of_o his_o house_n we_o have_v boast_v of_o a_o reformation_n of_o the_o ordinance_n without_o seek_v as_o real_o to_o reform_v church-officer_n and_o church-member_n according_a to_o the_o pattern_n thereof_o pure_a ordinance_n be_v indeed_o thing_n precious_a and_o excellent_a and_o what_o soul_n among_o we_o that_o have_v any_o measure_n of_o the_o true_a zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n can_v behold_v the_o deface_a of_o these_o and_o not_o make_v it_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o lamentation_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o mean_v subordinate_a to_o a_o more_o high_a and_o superexcellent_a end_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v bring_v with_o open_a face_n to_o behold_v 18._o as_o in_o a_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v change_v unto_o the_o same_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n even_o as_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v all_o come_v unto_o 13._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n visible_a will_v not_o be_v live_v and_o lively_a 16._o stone_n in_o the_o lord_n temple_n neither_o do_v the_o rule_n of_o church-constitution_n hold_v out_o or_o cast_v out_o all_o who_o be_v not_o real_o such_o but_o this_o be_v the_o great_a scope_n that_o all_o of_o we_o ought_v to_o level_v at_o that_o all_o the_o lord_n people_n may_v be_v holy_a that_o all_o who_o profess_v 5._o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n may_v walk_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n 27._o of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v attain_v unless_o these_o who_o bear_v the_o vessel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o who_o the_o charge_n of_o holy_a thing_n be_v commit_v be_v holy_a the_o son_n 4._o of_o levi_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o purge_v as_o gold_n and_o as_o silver_n before_o they_o offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o offering_n in_o righteousness_n when_o that_o be_v do_v then_o be_v the_o offering_n of_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n pleasant_a unto_o the_o lord_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v once_o upon_o a_o fair_a way_n for_o purge_v the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n they_o who_o interrupt_v we_o shall_v bear_v their_o burden_n but_o what_o be_v do_v in_o this_o thing_n be_v not_o more_o refresh_n to_o gracious_a heart_n than_o it_o be_v sore_o repine_v at_o and_o oppose_v by_o other_o a_o sin_n that_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o so_o rich_a a_o mercy_n therefore_o do_v many_o now_o make_v haste_n again_o to_o intrude_v themselves_o upon_o the_o cangregation_n whence_o they_o be_v once_o just_o cast_v out_o and_o not_o a_o few_o among_o the_o people_n love_v to_o have_v it_o so_o as_o though_o there_o be_v a_o conspiracy_n to_o return_v to_o egypt_n and_o to_o build_v again_o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n and_o repair_v the_o ruin_n of_o edom._n i_o do_v also_o acknowledge_v it_o with_o thank_v fullness_n unto_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o gracious_a man_n among_o the_o officer_n of_o his_o church_n who_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o keep_v his_o charge_n but_o there_o be_v also_o many_o that_o neither_o do_v so_o nor_o know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o minister_n it_o be_v more_o than_o manifest_a that_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o ignorant_a slothful_a earthly_a mind_a man_n who_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o elder_n and_o deacon_n in_o many_o congregation_n and_o where_o such_o bear_v rule_n what_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o the_o people_n shall_v perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n be_v despise_v and_o lie_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o congregation_n still_o abide_v
in_o to_o swart_a a_o temper_n if_o we_o may_v find_v grace_n in_o the_o lord_n sight_n to_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o this_o great_a church-evil_a whence_o many_o church_n evil_n flow_v and_o be_v bring_v with_o some_o measure_n of_o sincerity_n to_o endeavour_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o what_o a_o branch_n of_o hope_n may_v it_o be_v that_o our_o reproach_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o and_o we_o become_v a_o people_n instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o walk_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o commendation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v now_o evil_o speak_v of_o because_o of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o loose_a conversation_n of_o many_o among_o we_o therefore_o be_o i_o bold_a as_o press_v in_o spirit_n albeit_o one_o of_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o unworthy_a to_o offer_v this_o little_a treatise_n with_o a_o eye_n upon_o this_o end_n and_o let_v i_o without_o offence_n beseech_v all_o the_o minister_n elder_n deacon_n congregation_n presbytery_n and_o assembly_n of_o this_o church_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n yea_o let_v i_o obâest_v they_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n by_o their_o zeal_n of_o the_o lord_n honour_n by_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o love_n to_o 13_o soul_n and_o by_o the_o sury_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v cause_v to_o rest_v upon_o we_o because_o he_o purge_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o be_v purge_v and_o as_o they_o desire_v the_o lord_n shall_v bring_v we_o again_o and_o cause_v we_o stand_v before_o he_o and_o 8_o leave_v we_o a_o remnant_n and_o give_v we_o a_o nail_n in_o his_o holy_a place_n that_o they_o will_v each_o of_o they_o in_o their_o station_n endeavour_v to_o take_v forth_o the_o precious_a 19_o from_o the_o vile_a and_o purge_v the_o lord_n house_n in_o this_o land_n from_o corrupt_a officer_n and_o corrupt_a member_n 27._o oh_o will_v we_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o will_v it_o once_o be_v to_o the_o christian_a reader_n the_o inducement_n that_o persuade_v i_o first_o to_o write_v and_o then_o to_o publish_v this_o little_a treatise_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n be_v chief_o these_o 1._o the_o sensible_a impression_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v upon_o my_o spirit_n as_o also_o i_o know_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o godly_a of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o great_a prejudice_n that_o come_v to_o this_o poor_a church_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o man_n in_o these_o office_n who_o neither_o know_v their_o duty_n nor_o make_v conscience_n to_o perform_v it_o 2._o the_o vindicate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n concern_v these_o church-offiâers_a that_o the_o mouth_n of_o such_o who_o speak_v evil_a may_v be_v stop_v and_o other_o who_o stumble_v may_v be_v satisfy_v 3._o the_o press_a desire_n of_o brethren_n minister_n and_o elder_n in_o the_o presbytery_n and_o congregation_n where_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v i_o all_o which_o do_v receive_v some_o spirit_n and_o life_n when_o i_o find_v my_o name_n among_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gen._n assembly_n of_o this_o church_n do_v commit_v and_o recommend_v this_o work_n long_o ago_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o handle_v it_o with_o as_o much_o plainness_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o as_o short_o without_o wrong_v of_o the_o matter_n as_o i_o can_v it_o be_v not_o unlike_a that_o some_o may_v think_v that_o i_o have_v do_v no_o great_a business_n because_o i_o have_v bring_v no_o new_a thing_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v so_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v for_o the_o matter_n i_o trust_v and_o in_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o word_n too_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o protestant_a divine_n and_o of_o our_o church_n in_o the_o act_n s_o and_o policy_n thereof_o i_o have_v but_o put_v together_o in_o one_o and_o digest_v into_o some_o method_n what_o be_v lie_v scatter_v of_o before_o that_o these_o who_o either_o can_v not_o or_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v for_o such_o thing_n may_v now_o have_v they_o at_o their_o hand_n other_o may_v look_v upon_o this_o treatise_n as_o not_o plain_a enough_o or_o as_o not_o so_o exact_a full_a and_o perfect_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o these_o i_o shall_v not_o contend_v i_o have_v do_v what_o i_o can_v at_o lest_o what_o i_o conceive_v best_a in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n i_o propound_v to_o myself_o if_o other_o shall_v find_v favour_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v better_o i_o shall_v bless_v his_o name_n on_o their_o behalf_n and_o receive_v and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o pain_n with_o thankfulness_n and_o some_o may_v happy_o think_v that_o there_o be_v here_o too_o much_o lay_v upon_o ruling-elders_a more_o nor_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a or_o willing_a to_o undertake_v yea_o more_o than_o the_o lord_n do_v require_v of_o they_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v mention_v by_o we_o be_v incumbent_a to_o minister_n rather_o than_o to_o elder_n it_o be_v true_a what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o elder_n duty_n be_v also_o the_o duty_n of_o minister_n for_o what_o soever_o the_o elder_a aught_o to_o do_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o call_v that_o also_o ought_v the_o minister_n to_o do_v and_o somewhat_o more_o but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v nothing_o be_v speak_v here_o of_o the_o elder_a that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o if_o through_o ignorance_n or_o want_n of_o ability_n or_o neglect_v or_o custom_n elder_n have_v not_o do_v these_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v help_v it_o be_v now_o high_a time_n for_o they_o to_o awake_v and_o to_o know_v and_o own_o and_o follow_v their_o duty_n and_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o scotland_n to_o know_v how_o much_o she_o have_v smart_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o ignorant_a and_o slothful_a yea_o and_o scandalous_a man_n we_o will_v not_o always_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o disguise_v and_o histrionical_a 3._o man_n puff_v up_o with_o title_n or_o with_o idol_n dead_a in_o sin_n to_o be_v elder_n but_o will_v seek_v after_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o obedience_n god_n authorise_v they_o and_o the_o church_n his_o spouse_n choose_v they_o and_o call_v they_o undertake_v the_o government_n thereof_o that_o they_o may_v labour_v to_o the_o conservation_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o same_o in_o christ_n neither_o need_v the_o qualification_n or_o multitude_n or_o difficulty_n of_o the_o particular_n here_o speak_v of_o discourage_v or_o scar_n any_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o measure_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v look_v at_o we_o have_v set_v down_o what_o a_o rule_v elder_a ought_v to_o be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o his_o charge_n sundry_a particular_n whereof_o the_o most_o part_n of_o rule_v elder_n be_v seldom_o call_v to_o exercise_v and_o if_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n fit_v for_o these_o part_n of_o the_o charge_n which_o god_n call_v they_o to_o exercise_v and_o follow_v the_o same_o with_o singleness_n of_o heart_n they_o may_v believe_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v assist_v and_o accept_v of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n the_o employment_n be_v not_o they_o but_o the_o lord_n from_o who_o they_o may_v expect_v both_o their_o furniture_n and_o also_o their_o reward_n let_v they_o arise_v and_o be_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v with_o they_o a_o short_a treatise_n of_o rule_v elder_n chap._n i._n of_o their_o name_n what_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v concern_v ruling_n elder_n may_v be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o four_o 1._o their_o name_n 2._o their_o institution_n 3._o their_o call_v 4._o their_o qualification_n and_o duty_n the_o word_n elder_a in_o the_o scripture_n do_v signify_v divers_a 1._o thing_n 1._o it_o signify_v old_a man_n or_o man_n come_v to_o age_n 1_o tim._n 5._o 1._o rebuke_v not_o an-eld_a but_o entreat_v he_o as_o a_o father_n and_o the_o young_a man_n as_o brethren_n 2._o it_o signify_v those_o who_o have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o old_a mat._n 15._o 2._o why_o do_v thy_o 2._o disciple_n transgress_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o elder_n 3._o it_o be_v take_v for_o honourable_a and_o worthy_a man_n isa._n 3._o 2._o the_o lord_n of_o host_n do_v take_v away_o from_o jerusalem_n and_o judah_n the_o prudent_a and_o the_o ancient_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o spiritual_a officer_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n act_n 14._o 23._o and_o when_o 23._o they_o have_v ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o city_n in_o this_o last_o signification_n it_o be_v take_v in_o this_o place_n for_o these_o who_o bear_v rule_n in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n who_o be_v call_v elder_n because_o
public_a and_o open_a then_o be_v the_o offender_n without_o such_o previous_a admonition_n to_o be_v dilate_v to_o the_o session_n that_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n rule_n 1_o tim._n 5_o 20._o they_o that_o sin_n mean_v open_o may_v be_v rebuke_v before_o all_o that_o other_o may_v fear_v 6._o in_o these_o dilation_n they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o upon_o every_o rumour_n or_o jealousy_n or_o suspicion_n bring_v man_n to_o be_v question_v public_o as_o scandalous_a walker_n but_o first_o to_o be_v careful_a to_o make_v diligent_a and_o prudent_a enquiry_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o to_o see_v if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o witness_n or_o that_o the_o scandal_n thereof_o be_v common_a and_o flagrant_a or_o attend_v with_o pregnant_a likelihood_n and_o presumption_n of_o truth_n before_o they_o bring_v it_o in_o public_a that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o the_o congregation_n and_o to_o the_o party_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v not_o question_v and_o challenge_v without_o cause_n 7._o in_o the_o matter_n of_o dilation_n and_o censure_n they_o be_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o of_o their_o heart_n to_o take_v heed_n that_o fear_n or_o favour_n or_o solistation_n or_o threaten_n or_o gift_n or_o bribe_n make_v they_o not_o pass_v by_o or_o wink_v at_o the_o fault_n of_o any_o and_o that_o passion_n or_o malice_n or_o private_a quarrel_n and_o particular_n make_v they_o not_o to_o dilate_v or_o rip_v up_o or_o censure_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o any_o and_o that_o they_o carry_v with_o all_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n and_o moderation_n towards_o the_o offender_n that_o they_o may_v approve_v themselves_o to_o his_o conscience_n that_o nothing_o put_v they_o one_o to_o dilate_v he_o and_o proceed_v against_o he_o but_o the_o conscience_n of_o duty_n and_o a_o desire_n to_o gain_v his_o soul_n and_o to_o purge_v the_o church_n of_o scandal_n gal._n 6._o 1_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2._o it_o be_v a_o high_a provocation_n before_o the_o lord_n for_o a_o church-officer_n to_o abuse_v the_o power_n give_v he_o of_o god_n for_o edify_v his_o body_n the_o church_n unto_o the_o satisfy_n his_o own_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n 8._o they_o be_v to_o take_v heed_n that_o they_o do_v not_o use_v the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o bodily_a punishment_n or_o penance_n to_o satisfy_v for_o sin_n but_o a_o spiritual_a medicine_n for_o humble_v and_o gain_v of_o the_o soul_n all_o church_n censure_n even_o excommunication_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o most_o terrible_a and_o destroying-like_a censure_n be_v ordain_v of_o god_n for_o this_o end_n 1_o cor._n 5._o the_o apostle_n command_v to_o deliver_v the_o incestuous_a person_n to_o satan_n not_o that_o he_o may_v satisfy_v for_o his_o sin_n but_o that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n the_o word_n satisfaction_n may_v admit_v of_o a_o tolerable_a construction_n in_o church-censure_n in_o order_n to_o the_o remove_n of_o the_o scandal_n before_o man_n but_o this_o be_v so_o much_o abuse_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v so_o prone_a to_o true_a gospel_n repentance_n to_o a_o mere_a legal_a penance_n and_o to_o conceive_v that_o by_o mere_a outward_a submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v do_v away_o before_o god_n therefore_o elder_n will_v careful_o shun_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o foster_a this_o pernicious_a opinion_n and_o take_v pain_n to_o instruct_v offender_n in_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o kirk_n 9_o a_o great_a part_n of_o elder_n work_v be_v to_o ps._n travel_v and_o take_v pain_n with_o scandalous_a person_n who_o be_v now_o convict_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n by_o seasonable_a and_o frequent_a conference_n instruct_v exhort_v and_o admonish_v they_o until_o they_o they_o perceive_v some_o measure_n of_o true_a and_o earnest_a humiliation_n wrought_v in_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o they_o fit_v to_o evidence_n and_o declare_v the_o same_o in_o public_a before_o the_o congregation_n that_o so_o the_o scandal_n may_v be_v remove_v 10._o they_o be_v not_o to_o desire_v or_o appoint_v any_o to_o profess_v repentance_n before_o the_o congregation_n until_o the_o sign_n of_o repentance_n appear_v in_o they_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a sorrow_v exceed_o before_o the_o apostle_n do_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o receive_n of_o he_o and_o the_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n appoint_v minister_n and_o elder_n sharp_o to_o examine_v these_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o repentance_n what_o fear_n and_o terror_n they_o have_v of_o god_n judgement_n what_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n for_o the_o same_o and_o what_o sense_n and_o feeling_n they_o have_v of_o god_n mercy_n in_o which_o if_o they_o be_v ignorant_a they_o ought_v diligent_o to_o be_v instruct_v for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o but_o a_o mock_v to_o put_v such_o to_o public_a repentance_n who_o neither_o understand_v what_o sin_n be_v what_o repentance_n be_v what_o grace_n be_v nor_o by_o who_o god_n mercy_n and_o favour_n be_v purchase_v and_o that_o after_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o bring_v to_o have_v some_o taste_n of_o god_n judgement_n especial_o of_o his_o mercy_n in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o may_v be_v present_v before_o the_o public_a church_n these_o thing_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o form_n and_o order_n of_o public_a repentance_n appoint_v by_o the_o assembly_n 1567._o last_o when_o the_o sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n do_v appear_v in_o these_o who_o have_v offend_v elder_n will_v show_v themselves_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o receive_v they_o with_o all_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n and_o to_o forgive_v and_o comfort_v they_o and_o confirm_v their_o love_n towards_o they_o 2._o cor._n 2._o 7_o 8._o the_o number_n of_o elder_n in_o every_o congregation_n 4._o can_v be_v well_o limit_v or_o determine_v but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o necessity_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n and_o as_o man_n qualify_v and_o fit_a for_o the_o charge_n can_v be_v find_v it_o have_v be_v a_o evil_a custom_n in_o some_o congregation_n that_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v want_v any_o of_o their_o wont_a number_n they_o will_v choose_v unqualify_v man_n and_o that_o in_o several_a congregation_n the_o office_n of_o elder_n have_v be_v give_v to_o those_o of_o the_o rich_a and_o high_a sort_n as_o due_a to_o such_o though_o haply_o of_o no_o experience_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n of_o a_o untender_a and_o blame-worthy_a conversation_n because_o of_o their_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n or_o conceive_v that_o their_o secular_a power_n and_o credit_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o promote_v the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o man_n qualify_v with_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n in_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o soul_n and_o of_o a_o christian_a and_o godly_a carriage_n have_v be_v pass_v by_o because_o of_o a_o mean_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n better_a it_o be_v that_o the_o number_n be_v few_o before_o we_o choose_v the_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a and_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o low_a degree_n if_o godly_a than_o of_o a_o high_a degree_n if_o otherwise_o that_o elder_n may_v the_o more_o convenient_o 1646._o discharge_v their_o duty_n it_o be_v convenient_a that_o the_o congregation_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o part_n and_o that_o some_o competent_a part_n be_v assign_v to_o the_o more_o peculiar_a care_n and_o inspection_n of_o every_o elder_a yet_o so_o as_o he_o neglect_v not_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o all_o the_o flock_n of_o god_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o a_o overseer_n chap._n i._n of_o deacon_n of_o their_o name_n that_o we_o may_v also_o understand_v what_o do_v belong_v unto_o deacon_n we_o shall_v speak_v of_o they_o short_o after_o the_o same_o order_n 1._o of_o their_o name_n 2._o of_o their_o institution_n 3._o of_o their_o call_v 4._o of_o their_o duty_n and_o qualification_n the_o word_n deacon_n large_o take_v signify_v 8._o any_o servant_n or_o minister_n matth._n 23._o 11._o therefore_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o do_v sometime_o comprehend_v all_o church-officer_n even_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 5._o because_o every_o church-officer_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n for_o perfect_v of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d 12._o and_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ._n when_o we_o speak_v of_o deacon_n in_o the_o kirk_n 8._o