be_v member_n and_o capable_a of_o be_v judge_v by_o it_o so_o it_o be_v here_o christian_n meet_v and_o agree_v together_o to_o walk_v in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o what_o do_v they_o promise_v solemn_o to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o another_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n now_o i_o find_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n when_o a_o people_n first_o join_v themselves_o to_o christ_n in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o so_o the_o first_o gather_v the_o church_n at_o antioch_n be_v express_v for_o act._n 11.19_o some_o scatter_v upon_o the_o persecution_n by_o saul_n man_n of_o cyprus_n and_o cyrene_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o prophet_n inspire_v at_o pentecost_n preach_v to_o the_o grecian_a jew_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n v._o 20._o and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o and_o a_o great_a number_n turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n v._o 21._o upon_o the_o tiding_n of_o this_o success_n barnabas_n be_v send_v from_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o much_o people_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n i.e._n they_o by_o mutual_a consent_n give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n they_o turn_v to_o the_o the_o lord_n by_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o these_o first_o comer_n but_o now_o the_o spirit_n tell_v we_o the_o success_n of_o barnabas_n his_o come_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o exhortation_n of_o they_o thereto_o v._o 23._o and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v and_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v prevail_v unto_o conversion_n he_o rejoice_v and_o exhort_v they_o all_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n i._n e._n with_o sincerity_n and_o resolution_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o join_v themselves_o for_o constancy_n unto_o the_o lord_n in_o church_n fellowship_n afterward_o when_o paul_n come_v v._o 26._o he_o find_v they_o a_o church_n and_o as_o such_o abide_v among_o they_o for_o a_o whole_a year_n for_o it_o be_v say_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n assemble_v themselves_o with_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v to_o a_o great_a multitude_n many_o of_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o this_o add_v or_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n obligation_n be_v manifest_a also_o from_o act._n 5._o where_o it_o appear_v upon_o the_o signal_n judgement_n that_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n fall_v under_o v._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n such_o hypocrite_n as_o they_o none_o dare_v join_v themselves_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o cement_n and_o unite_v into_o a_o body_n it_o be_v use_v for_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 9.26_o and_o 1_o cor._n 6.17_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v say_v here_o v._o 14._o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n which_o must_v be_v by_o some_o visible_a overt_a act_n whereby_o they_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n after_o believe_v for_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o their_o mystical_a join_n to_o christ_n by_o believe_v for_o then_o the_o antithesis_fw-la will_v not_o hold_v between_o they_o that_o dare_v not_o and_o they_o that_o do_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v the_o add_v a_o member_n to_o a_o church_n which_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n act._n 2.41_o 47._o there_o they_o be_v first_o visible_a believer_n then_o add_v to_o a_o society_n by_o some_o overt_a solemn_a act_n and_o therefore_o say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o in_o this_o way_n of_o conference_n between_o you_o and_o i_o to_o evince_v this_o truth_n particular_o from_o the_o method_n that_o god_n use_v in_o the_o constitute_n and_o maintain_v a_o visible_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n to_o look_v back_o but_o as_o far_o as_o abraham_n how_o he_o and_o his_o family_n and_o his_o seed_n become_v a_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v by_o explicit_a obligation_n and_o overt_a act_n in_o bind_v they_o by_o sacrifice_n i_o may_v mention_v the_o several_a express_a obligation_n that_o church_n come_v under_o from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o moses_n time_n at_o horeb_n joshua_n the_o judge_n samuel_n especial_o david_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o reform_a king_n remarkable_o by_o josiah_n and_o after_o the_o captivity_n in_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n day_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o dispensation_n peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n state_n and_o stand_v of_o the_o church_n be_v manifest_a from_o isa_n 56.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o for_o there_o god_n speak_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n salvation_n which_o be_v near_o mean_v the_o gentile_a by_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n and_o by_o the_o eunuch_n any_o other_o exclude_v from_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o incapacitate_v by_o levitical_a uncleanness_n these_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v believer_n and_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n the_o word_n use_v in_o the_o act_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o his_o covenant_n shall_v have_v a_o place_n and_o a_o name_n in_o my_o house_n i._n e._n to_o be_v church_n member_n and_o have_v right_a to_o all_o church_n privilege_n and_o this_o be_v that_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n foretell_v that_o the_o great_a and_o gospel_n restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v bring_v they_o under_o ezek._n 20.37_o of_o which_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n chap._n 50.4_o 5_o 6._o and_o zech._n 2.10_o 11._o i_o refer_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o that_o clear_a discourse_n that_o the_o learned_a mr._n j._n cotton_n have_v upon_o this_o subject_n in_o his_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o n.e._n pag._n 59_o 60_o 61_o etc._n etc._n where_o you_o may_v receive_v full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n if_o what_o i_o have_v brief_o speak_v be_v not_o enough_o you_o may_v read_v also_o mr._n j._n davenport_n power_n of_o congregational_a church_n his_o answer_n to_o mr._n j._n paget_n where_o he_o show_v pag._n 27._o that_o this_o covenant_n obligation_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n and_o show_v the_o nature_n and_o evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o a_o church_n be_v as_o likewise_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v chap._n 4._o page_n 45._o phil._n sir_n i_o thank_v you_o for_o discover_v these_o author_n to_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v reverend_a pious_a &_o learned_a man_n who_o suffer_v much_o for_o the_o testimony_n they_o bear_v against_o our_o corruption_n prejudice_n for_o a_o long_a time_n have_v keep_v i_o off_o from_o read_v the_o work_n of_o such_o man_n but_o i_o pray_v sir_n give_v the_o head_n of_o the_o argument_n they_o insist_v on_o for_o it_o chr._n 1._o believer_n be_v under_o church_n power_n this_o way_n or_o quatenus_fw-la believer_n if_o quatenus_fw-la profess_v believer_n then_o where_o ever_o they_o come_v the_o church_n and_o officer_n there_o may_v challenge_v power_n over_o they_o as_o member_n this_o will_v be_v deny_v by_o most_o till_o they_o voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v come_v for_o church_n privilege_n but_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o church_n power_n for_o their_o reformation_n to_o be_v administer_v towards_o they_o 2._o they_o argue_v from_o all_o civil_a society_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o marriage_n itself_o can_v have_v a_o formal_a be_v without_o mutual_a compact_n and_o agreement_n so_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a relation_n that_o all_o church_n member_n stand_v in_o one_o to_o another_o and_o all_o of_o they_o to_o their_o officer_n and_o their_o officer_n to_o they_o and_o reciprocal_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v these_o can_v be_v perform_v or_o will_v not_o without_o mutual_a consent_n and_o obligation_n 3._o they_o argue_v from_o all_o the_o metaphor_n whereby_o a_o church_n be_v describe_v a_o house_n and_o temple_n be_v bind_v and_o pine_v together_o a_o natural_a body_n have_v all_o the_o member_n knit_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n it_o be_v represent_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v rev._n 11.2_o eph._n 2.19_o and_o what_o city_n can_v become_v enfranchise_v but_o this_o way_n and_o manner_n 4._o it_o be_v no_o reason_n any_o shall_v challenge_v privilege_n of_o a_o society_n without_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o walk_v 5._o if_o this_o be_v not_o but_o member_n may_v come_v in_o and_o out_o as_o they_o please_v without_o obligation_n church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a by_o admission_n or_o excommunication_n for_o as_o a_o member_n can_v come_v at_o pleasure_n so_o he_o may_v depart_v 6._o last_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a
remark_n by_o the_o decisive_a power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o declare_v that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v sinful_o or_o disorderly_o withdraw_v and_o divide_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o he_o must_v immediate_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o ecclesiastical_o felo_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la and_o one_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v separate_v from_o that_o congregation_n to_o which_o he_o do_v belong_v for_o he_o that_o challenge_v communion_n with_o other_o church_n can_v do_v it_o but_o as_o a_o member_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n from_o which_o be_v divide_v by_o his_o act_n have_v disclaim_v it_o and_o seclude_v thereupon_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v double_o excommunicate_a and_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o claim_v right_a of_o communion_n any_o where_o but_o be_v as_o a_o dead_a branch_n cut_v off_o a_o tree_n twice_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o visible_a church-standing_a and_o pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n phil._n i_o be_o glad_a to_o understand_v that_o in_o the_o way_n of_o church_n discipline_n you_o do_v profess_v to_o there_o be_v a_o regular_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o curb_v such_o kind_n of_o disturber_n of_o church_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o correct_v those_o who_o be_v chargeable_a with_o scandal_n for_o such_o make_v party_n divide_v church_n and_o depart_v from_o their_o communion_n bid_v defiance_n to_o all_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o that_o out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n now_o the_o way_n you_o speak_v of_o will_v tend_v much_o to_o the_o humble_v such_o proud_a and_o prejudice_v professor_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o serve_v christ_n serve_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n which_o to_o gratify_v they_o regard_v not_o the_o defame_n and_o break_v the_o best_a church_n on_o earth_n but_o other_o church_n and_o elder_n will_v countenance_v abett_n and_o receive_v they_o as_o i_o have_v know_v some_o do_v christ_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o our_o great_a sorrow_n and_o shame_n that_o be_v of_o some_o elder_n and_o church_n that_o will_v be_v still_o take_v part_n with_o the_o offender_n and_o censure_v member_n of_o other_o church_n and_o have_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o there_o be_v not_o many_o of_o they_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o as_o among_o a_o great_a many_o church_n some_o will_v be_v disorderly_a and_o unruly_a so_o among_o many_o church_n some_o will_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o become_v common-shore_n for_o mammon_n sake_n to_o all_o lawless_a ungovernable_a member_n of_o other_o congregation_n but_o a_o little_a more_o of_o this_o when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n phil._n what_o be_v that_o which_o you_o call_v direct_a excommunication_n christ_n it_o be_v when_o the_o church_n by_o its_o decisive_a power_n adjudge_v a_o person_n a_o impenitent_a obstinate_a offender_n or_o gross_o scandalous_a lay_v he_o under_o a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n phil._n what_o rule_n be_v there_o to_o proceed_v by_o in_o that_o case_n christ_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o offence_n to_o be_v proceed_v upon_o and_o according_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o proceed_v 1._o case_n of_o less_o heinous_a nature_n and_o private_o commit_v as_o one_o brother_n sin_v against_o another_o in_o lie_v defraud_v purloin_v etc._n etc._n and_o so_o sin_v not_o public_o know_v not_o be_v so_o criminal_a and_o heinous_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o offence_n christ_n have_v lay_v we_o down_o the_o degree_n of_o proceed_v and_o if_o at_o last_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o his_o sin_n when_o the_o church_n adjudge_v there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n of_o conviction_n lay_v before_o he_o it_o be_v to_o proceed_v to_o censure_v and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n that_o have_v no_o right_a to_o church-priviledge_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o sin_n heinous_a more_o criminal_a public_o commit_v and_o know_v to_o the_o world_n such_o as_o blasphemy_n drunkenness_n whoredom_n perjury_n etc._n etc._n these_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dally_v with_o in_o a_o gradual_a way_n of_o proceed_v for_o they_o go_v before_o the_o sinner_n to_o judgement_n and_o such_o be_v immediate_o to_o be_v proceed_v against_o to_o excommunication_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v so_o practise_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o it_o be_v requisite_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n before_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o whatever_o pretence_n there_o be_v of_o present_a remorse_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v such_o a_o person_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o abide_v a_o actual_a church_n member_n under_o the_o reproach_n of_o such_o a_o sin_n without_o suffer_v the_o utmost_a censure_n so_o long_a time_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o satisfy_v the_o church_n of_o the_o dueness_n of_o his_o remorse_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o repentance_n the_o deal_n with_o the_o incestuous_a person_n after_o excommunication_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o church_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o like_a case_n phil._n the_o receive_n in_o of_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n upon_o due_a repentance_n be_v also_o by_o the_o decisive_a power_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o key_n that_o open_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n and_o therefore_o must_v open_v it_o again_o to_o let_v in_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n upon_o his_o repentance_n phil._n for_o what_o sin_n be_v a_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v some_o of_o your_o persuasion_n say_v not_o for_o any_o but_o heinous_a crime_n such_o as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n condemn_v as_o murder_n adultery_n theft_n blasphemy_n and_o the_o act_n of_o those_o sin_n must_v be_v clear_o prove_v too_o any_o scandalous_a action_n lead_v to_o these_o sin_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n as_o for_o example_n word_n of_o threaten_a and_o revenge_n and_o action_n manifest_o such_o lascivious_a carriage_n keep_v ill_a and_o wicked_a company_n purloin_v overreach_v cheat_v equivocate_a lie_a these_o be_v not_o sin_n with_o they_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o nor_o any_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o for_o example_n never_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o family_n or_o read_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n nor_o for_o great_a error_n christ_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v much_o wonder_v upon_o what_o ground_n some_o man_n speak_v and_o write_v in_o this_o case_n but_o i_o find_v it_o most_o be_v those_o that_o prudential_o make_v this_o plea_n a_o evasion_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o the_o exercise_v of_o any_o censure_n upon_o any_o church-member_n especial_o from_o question_v and_o deal_n with_o any_o rich_a and_o honourable_a for_o any_o sin_n for_o pastor_n be_v hereby_o pretty_a well_o secure_v upon_o this_o account_n from_o this_o trouble_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o such_o as_o be_v burn_v in_o the_o hand_n at_o the_o old_a bailie_n or_o whip_v at_o the_o cart_n tail_n or_o condemn_v to_o be_v hang_v at_o tyburn_n but_o we_o have_v not_o this_o limitation_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o from_o corrupt_a man_n for_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n specify_v mat._n 18._o yea_o any_o manifest_a sin_n be_v suppose_v by_o that_o text_n to_o be_v cause_n enough_o of_o excommunication_n if_o a_o manifest_a impenitency_n be_v find_v in_o the_o offender_n and_o he_o be_v not_o by_o any_o due_a mean_n to_o be_v reduce_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o be_v charge_v with_o and_o there_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o for_o sin_n of_o ordinary_a infirmity_n they_o be_v watch_v against_o to_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o brotherly_a admonition_n of_o other_o and_o frequent_o bewail_v by_o ourselves_o but_o not_o make_v the_o cause_n of_o church_n censure_n phil._n in_o case_n one_o come_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n in_o what_o form_n and_o manner_n be_v it_o usual_o denounce_v in_o your_o church_n christ_n in_o the_o very_a word_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n command_v the_o corinthian_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a person_n 1_o cor._n 5._o phil._n be_v not_o that_o a_o dreadful_a curse_n to_o deliver_v one_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n i_o pray_v what_o do_v these_o word_n import_v christ_n the_o sentence_n be_v very_o terrible_a and_o awful_a but_o it_o be_v for_o a_o good_a and_o desirable_a end_n viz._n the_o recovery_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o sin_n and_o save_v his_o soul_n the_o word_n which_o you_o mention_v be_v of_o marvellous_a spiritual_a signification_n to_o deliver_v
ecclesiasticum_fw-la or_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a christian_a conference_n concern_v gospel_n church_n and_o order_n for_o the_o information_n and_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v seek_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o say_v come_v and_o let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v my_o people_n have_v be_v lose_v cheep_n their_o shepherd_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o go_v astray_o they_o have_v turn_v they_o away_o in_o the_o mountain_n they_o have_v go_v from_o mountain_n to_o hill_n they_o have_v forget_v their_o rest_a place_n jer._n 50.5_o 6._o show_v i_o thy_o way_n o_o lord_n teach_v i_o thy_o path_n psal_n 25.3_o 4._o &_o 27.11_o &_o 119.12_o 33._o how_o goodly_a be_v thy_o tent_n o_o jacob_n and_o thy_o tabernacle_n o_o israel_n numb_a 24.6_o 7._o tell_v i_o o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o thou_o feed_v where_o thou_o make_v thy_o flock_n to_o lie_v down_o at_o noon_n for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v as_o one_o that_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o flock_n of_o thy_o companion_n cant._n 1.7_o london_n print_v by_o t._n s._n for_o the_o publisher_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o w._n martial_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o newgate-street_n 1690._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n how_o small_a soever_o the_o stone_n cut_v out_o without_o hand_n now_o seem_v to_o be_v and_o have_v be_v for_o many_o age_n viz._n a_o poor_a afflict_a people_n trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n zion_n who_o no_o man_n regard_v a_o remnant_n a_o cottage_n a_o persecute_a woman_n in_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o every_o one_o that_o fear_v his_o name_n even_o exalt_v above_o all_o mountain_n and_o hill_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o spiritual_a beauty_n and_o preciousness_n and_o shall_v ever_o long_o in_o respect_n of_o visible_a splendour_n and_o prevalency_n be_v set_v on_o the_o top_n of_o every_o mountain_n to_o fulfil_v those_o prophecy_n isa_n 2.2_o 3._o mic._n 4.1_o 2._o zech._n 8.20_o 21_o 22._o when_o many_o people_n shall_v say_v come_v let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n which_o intend_v the_o mighty_a and_o cheerful_a gather_n and_o assemble_v that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o last_o day_n unto_o a_o visible_a church_n state_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o will_v the_o lord_n assemble_v she_o that_o halt_v and_o gather_v she_o that_o be_v drive_v out_o and_o she_o that_o he_o have_v afflict_v and_o then_o he_o say_v he_o will_v make_v she_o that_o halt_v those_o who_o be_v not_o right_o instruct_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o remnant_n i._n e._n of_o live_v stone_n to_o be_v build_v up_o on_o the_o corner_n stone_n in_o the_o build_n of_o zion_n and_o she_o that_o be_v cast_v far_o off_o by_o antichristian_a corruption_n a_o strong_a nation_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v reign_v over_o they_o in_o mount_n zion_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o in_o this_o glory_n shall_v the_o lord_n appear_v when_o he_o build_v up_o zion_n psal_n 102.16_o and_o by_o god_n present_a providence_n seem_o unfolding_a ancient_a prophecy_n he_o be_v now_o arise_v to_o have_v mercy_n on_o zion_n the_o time_n of_o the_o end_n of_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n of_o her_o desolation_n and_o therefore_o to_o favour_n she_o be_v come_v yea_o the_o set_a time_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o no_o less_o seem_v to_o be_v come_v out_o of_o his_o place_n to_o punish_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n isa_n 26.21_o for_o all_o their_o cruel_a persecution_n and_o hellish_a idolatry_n to_o destroy_v babylon_n that_o have_v waste_v she_o and_o the_o child_n of_o edom_n protestant_n persecutor_n of_o the_o egyptian_a race_n that_o have_v so_o long_o be_v cry_v aloud_o to_o babylon_n and_o the_o antichristian_a fower_n against_o the_o inward_a court_n worshipper_n race_v it_o race_n it_o even_o to_o the_o foundation_n psal_n 137._o the_o building_n of_o this_o zion_n will_v be_v gradual_a for_o a_o nation_n can_v be_v bear_v in_o one_o day_n this_o royal_a nation_n by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o great_a prophecy_n by_o wonderful_a and_o great_a providence_n and_o those_o of_o two_o sort_n in_o break_v scatter_a and_o overthrow_v the_o antichristian_a power_n the_o foot_n and_o toe_n of_o iron_n and_o clay_n and_o in_o set_v up_o a_o kingdom_n of_o saint_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o another_o people_n the_o inchoation_n of_o which_o have_v be_v already_o by_o preach_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n the_o auspicious_a augmentation_n and_o growth_n will_v be_v in_o gather_v the_o saint_n into_o a_o visible_a church-state_n church_n shall_v be_v multiply_v and_o mighty_o increase_v as_o of_o old_a act._n 2._o &_o 9.21_o to_o hasten_v this_o great_a and_o expect_a glory_n what_o can_v we_o do_v less_o than_o contribute_v by_o our_o prayer_n and_o faithful_a endeavour_n to_o the_o appearance_n thereof_o and_o who_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o glorious_a appearance_n can_v do_v less_o than_o to_o come_v to_o our_o great_a cornerstone_n as_o live_v stone_n that_o they_o may_v be_v build_v up_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o thereto_o be_v edify_v in_o all_o holiness_n serve_v he_o therein_o day_n and_o night_n and_o that_o this_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o profess_v faith_n viz._n to_o join_v himself_o in_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n visible_a be_v all_o that_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v at_o this_o time_n as_o a_o brief_a preface_n to_o this_o short_a treatise_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n act._n 2.41_o they_o that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n ver_fw-la 38.39_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o the_o number_n of_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o their_o believe_v of_o itself_o make_v they_o not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o text_n be_v express_v in_o it_o that_o they_o first_o believe_v and_o then_o by_o another_o act_n of_o their_o own_o and_o the_o church_n receive_v they_o they_o be_v add_v to_o they_o that_o be_v before_o in_o fellowship_n the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o and_o become_v church_n member_n as_o it_o follow_v ver_fw-la 47._o and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v i_o e._n such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n by_o believe_v the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o add_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n that_o wrought_v effectual_o upon_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v and_o believe_v incline_v they_o also_o to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o church_n fellowship_n on_o the_o judicial_a proceed_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o peter_n against_o two_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v join_v themselves_o and_o be_v discover_v act._n 5.13_o that_o of_o the_o rest_n i._n e._n of_o the_o same_o sort_n dare_v none_o to_o join_v himself_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n have_v be_v make_v so_o eminent_a example_n but_o the_o people_n magnify_v they_o i._n e._n the_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 14._o and_o believer_n i._n e._n sincere-hearted_n be_v the_o more_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n so_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o their_o next_o duty_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o a_o gospel_n church_n likewise_o see_v the_o same_o practice_n by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v convert_v act._n 9.26_o 27_o 28._o there_o be_v also_o another_o eminent_a instance_n at_o antioch_n where_o the_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n they_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o scatter_a disciple_n at_o saul_n persecution_n be_v exhort_v by_o barnabas_n act._n 11.23_o to_o join_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n for_o it_o be_v say_v when_o he_o come_v being_n send_v for_o that_o end_n by_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o these_o convert_a one_o he_o be_v glad_a and_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o purpose_n or_o readiness_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v join_v unto_o the_o lord_n i._o e._n in_o church_n fellowship_n for_o these_o phrase_n of_o join_v and_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n do_v express_v add_v or_o join_v to_o the_o church_n because_o the_o church_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o join_v unto_o he_o by_o a_o visible_a covenant_n and_o every_o one_o
entrust_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o member_n be_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o heb._n 13.17_o phil._n you_o seem_v to_o give_v away_o all_o the_o power_n from_o the_o officer_n to_o the_o people_n and_o make_v the_o officer_n insignificant_a christ_n i_o say_v the_o power_n be_v whole_o in_o the_o people_n before_o there_o be_v officer_n and_o when_o there_o be_v officer_n they_o have_v not_o give_v away_o their_o power_n but_o retain_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o their_o officer_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o decisive_a power_n or_o key_n for_o let_v in_o and_o out_o it_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o brethren_n though_o the_o authoritative_a management_n of_o church_n rule_n as_o to_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n the_o prudential_a order_v matter_n and_o preside_v in_o all_o case_n belong_v to_o officer_n the_o management_n of_o our_o civil_a right_n in_o england_n be_v a_o great_a illustration_n in_o this_o case_n we_o choose_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o our_o peer_n in_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o estate_n &_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o jury_n adjudge_n the_o decisive_a power_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o the_o judge_n do_v but_o preside_v in_o the_o court_n and_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v legal_o and_o orderly_o manage_v declare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o law_n unto_o the_o jury_n and_o then_o deliver_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o jury_n find_v the_o fact_n so_o it_o be_v in_o church_n the_o officer_n for_o rule_n have_v as_o much_o power_n in_o a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o constitution_n as_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o mayor_n have_v that_o sit_v on_o the_o bench_n to_o hear_v and_o determine_v civil_a concern_v phil._n you_o have_v great_o satisfy_v i_o now_o that_o as_o our_o constitution_n be_v the_o best_a in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o abuse_v for_o judge_v civil_a concern_v so_o i_o believe_v such_o a_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o free_a from_o exception_n for_o 1._o a_o people_n can_v be_v offend_v at_o such_o a_o judgement_n as_o be_v pass_v by_o themselves_o for_o who_o will_v a_o member_n of_o any_o society_n be_v free_a to_o be_v try_v by_o than_o his_o peer_n and_o the_o apostle_n blame_v the_o corinthian_n for_o seek_v a_o decision_n in_o doubtful_a case_n of_o civil_a matter_n out_o of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 2._o and_o as_o for_o church_n officer_n i_o think_v the_o most_o judicious_a will_v not_o desire_v a_o absolute_a power_n in_o themselves_o to_o lie_v liable_a to_o the_o many_o censure_n of_o man_n and_o the_o odium_fw-la that_o will_v be_v cast_v by_o reproachful_a tongue_n upon_o their_o most_o righteous_a and_o upright_a proceed_n christ_n if_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v in_o civil_a affair_n as_o to_o life_n and_o estate_n be_v try_v by_o twelve_o honest_a neighbour_n of_o ordinary_a morality_n scarce_o so_o much_o many_o time_n and_o all_o man_n usual_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a debate_n shall_v come_v to_o decision_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o so_o choice_a a_o community_n as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v phil._n but_o ordinary_a christian_n be_v to_o seek_v in_o many_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o faith_n &_o order_n and_o can_v determine_v where_o the_o truth_n lie_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o divine_n to_o judge_v christ_n i_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o matter_n of_o law_n the_o church_n decision_n be_v of_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n place_n to_o inform_v they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v therewith_o it_o may_v be_v carry_v as_o a_o case_n to_o advise_v upon_o with_o other_o church_n or_o elder_n phil._n i_o have_v little_o far_o to_o object_n against_o the_o principle_n of_o order_n which_o you_o have_v lay_v down_o only_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v i_o confess_v of_o no_o great_a weight_n to_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o church-member_n say_v they_o join_v to_o this_o or_o that_o church_n only_o because_o of_o the_o present_a pastor_n yea_o that_o they_o join_v to_o the_o pastor_n only_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o pastor_n die_v they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o go_v whither_o they_o please_v christ_n this_o proceed_v from_o the_o ignorance_n &_o corruption_n of_o many_o member_n who_o be_v not_o or_o will_v not_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o profess_v this_o be_v so_o absurd_a a_o thing_n that_o the_o asserter_n thereof_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o in_o civil_a society_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n do_v any_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o the_o master_n or_o warden_n of_o the_o company_n only_o or_o to_o the_o company_n itself_o when_o he_o be_v make_v a_o member_n officer_n be_v changeable_a either_o by_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o society_n or_o by_o death_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o all_o church_n be_v dissolve_v upon_o the_o death_n of_o their_o pastor_n beside_o the_o term_n of_o admission_n into_o congregational_a society_n speak_v plain_o otherwise_o that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n and_o the_o congregation_n put_v themselves_o under_o the_o office_n watch_n and_o the_o watch_n of_o each_o member_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v but_o some_o of_o the_o wiles_n and_o subterfuges_n of_o satan_n which_o loose-spirited_n and_o principled_a member_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o shake_n off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n phil._n but_o when_o a_o case_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o decisive_a power_n of_o the_o church_n after_o due_a debate_n as_o suppose_v the_o choose_n of_o a_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o key_n of_o rule_n in_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o a_o member_n and_o the_o fraternity_n or_o the_o elder_n and_o fraternity_n divide_v into_o a_o major_a and_o minor_a part_n what_o shall_v the_o minor_a do_v christ_n it_o be_v by_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o society_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o major_a part_n as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o church_n act_n or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o maintain_v any_o society_n of_o that_o nature_n yea_o they_o must_v fall_v butif_n a_o particular_a member_n or_o more_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o church_n act_n as_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o continue_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n so_o he_o may_v peaceable_o depart_v at_o the_o same_o door_n he_o come_v in_o at_o to_o another_o church_n by_o a_o express_a dismission_n phil._n what_o if_o he_o will_v not_o ask_v such_o a_o dismission_n but_o withdraw_v from_o communion_n and_o reject_v it_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o defiance_n and_o continue_v incorrigible_a therein_o christ_n such_o a_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o in_o form_n and_o manner_n as_o in_o some_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o another_o nature_n for_o such_o a_o one_o be_v herein_o scandalous_a beside_o he_o be_v incorrigible_a whereupon_o the_o church_n be_v to_o proceed_v against_o he_o as_o such_o a_o one_o he_o appear_v to_o other_o but_o a_o man_n of_o belial_n which_o be_v a_o ungovernable_a person_n for_o so_o the_o spirit_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 6.15_o what_o fellowship_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n viz._n a_o lawless_a person_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o any_o society_n especial_o of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n government_n chap._n iu._n of_o officer_n extraordinary_a phil._n i_o desire_v you_o will_v now_o acquaint_v i_o what_o be_v the_o office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o church_n christ_n the_o officer_n institute_v by_o christ_n be_v pastoral_n and_o diaconal_a viz._n bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n 1.1_o phil._n be_v not_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n distinct_a order_n our_o church_n make_v they_o so_o christ_n nay_o the_o scripture_n make_v presbyter_n and_o bishop_n the_o same_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o for_o a_o bishop_n be_v but_o a_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n so_o be_v every_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n see_v act_n 20.28_o and_o there_o he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o elder_n to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n phil._n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o our_o bishop_n be_v exalt_v so_o far_o above_o presbyter_n in_o office_n and_o benefice_n christ_n from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o pretend_a church_n and_o ministry_n viz._n through_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o human_a
admit_v such_o to_o communion_n which_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o another_o church_n or_o disorderly_o withdraw_v from_o it_o signification_n be_v make_v thereof_o 3._o there_o be_v communion_n of_o church_n in_o mutual_a advice_n and_o counsel_n which_o shall_v be_v maintain_v by_o elder_n frequent_a assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n 4._o by_o sympathize_v with_o each_o other_o poverty_n and_o affliction_n by_o relieve_v and_o support_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a such_o as_o labour_v in_o this_o kind_n and_o this_o be_v a_o communion_n in_o give_v and_o receive_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o phil._n be_v there_o not_o a_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o office_n power_n of_o the_o elder_n v._o gr_n for_o one_o pastor_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o another_o and_o for_o the_o elder_n of_o one_o or_o more_o congregation_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o another_o christ_n officer_n have_v a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o the_o society_n that_o have_v call_v they_o and_o there_o only_o they_o be_v such_o and_o that_o society_n only_o can_v constitute_v and_o ordain_v they_o and_o there_o only_o they_o can_v exercise_v their_o particular_a office_n charge_n as_o a_o pastor_n can_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n only_o in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v overseer_n neither_o the_o roll_a elder_a can_v govern_v nor_o the_o deacon_n have_v power_n to_o distribute_v any_o where_o but_o where_o he_o be_v a_o deacon_n or_o have_v that_o office_n charge_v commit_v to_o he_o for_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n be_v thereby_o make_v a_o indefinite_a officer_n to_o all_o it_o will_v soon_o bring_v confusion_n to_o all_o and_o the_o elder_n of_o one_o church_n may_v excommunicate_v in_o another_o phil._n i_o thank_v you_o sir_n for_o this_o brief_a account_n you_o have_v give_v i_o of_o your_o church_n order_n as_o for_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n institution_n i_o think_v all_o reform_a church_n own_o they_o more_o or_o less_o and_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o in_o their_o way_n though_o with_o innumerable_a superstition_n and_o idolatrous_a addition_n and_o for_o the_o church_n officer_n you_o insist_v on_o methinks_v i_o see_v there_o be_v something_o analogous_a to_o they_o remain_v in_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n through_o antichristian_a darkness_n as_o in_o some_o of_o our_o parish_n we_o have_v the_o parson_n as_o pastor_n the_o assistant_n in_o preach_v as_o the_o teacher_n the_o church_n warden_n as_o roll_a elder_n the_o overseer_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o deacon_n and_o though_o these_o labour_n under_o many_o abuse_n now_o and_o irregularity_n by_o popish_a corruption_n yet_o it_o show_v that_o these_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o do_v full_o answer_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v large_a none_o of_o they_o can_v well_o be_v spare_v chap._n viii_o of_o letter_n of_o commendation_n and_o discommendation_n phil._n before_o we_o break_v up_o this_o conference_n i_o pray_v inform_v i_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o translate_n of_o a_o church_n member_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o say_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n and_o of_o dismission_n christ_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o a_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v but_o a_o certificate_n under_o a_o elder_n hand_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o church_n member_n and_o orderly_a walker_n in_o order_n to_o his_o free_a admission_n to_o occasional_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n it_o need_v not_o be_v a_o church_n act._n 2._o it_o be_v not_o in_o order_n to_o the_o part_n with_o a_o member_n 3._o it_o need_v not_o be_v direct_v to_o any_o particular_a congregation_n 4._o when_o member_n of_o each_o congregation_n be_v well_o know_v to_o one_o another_o they_o be_v needless_a as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 2._o we_o need_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d letter_n of_o commendation_n to_o you_o phil._n i_o pray_v in_o what_o form_n do_v a_o letter_n of_o commendation_n run_v christ_n it_o may_v be_v in_o these_o or_o such_o like_a word_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o respective_a elder_n to_o who_o these_o present_n shall_v come_v grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n see_v god_n by_o his_o providence_n have_v call_v this_o our_o brother_n a._n b._n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o place_n remote_a from_o we_o for_o a_o time_n and_o that_o he_o may_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o any_o place_n whither_o he_o be_v lawful_o call_v and_o where_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v plant_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n these_o be_v to_o certify_v that_o this_o our_o brother_n a._n b._n be_v under_o no_o censure_n but_o in_o actual_a communion_n with_o we_o have_v walk_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o holy_a conversation_n as_o become_v the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o great_a honour_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o rejoice_v wherefore_o you_o need_v not_o doubt_v to_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o occasional_a communion_n whensoever_o he_o shall_v desire_v the_o same_o we_o greet_v you_o well_o in_o the_o lord_n c._n d._n pastor_n phil._n be_v not_o this_o sufficient_a for_o to_o translate_v a_o member_n to_o another_o church_n and_o make_v he_o a_o actual_a member_n there_o christ_n no_o this_o make_v he_o not_o a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o church_n more_o than_o another_o 2._o here_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v give_v up_o no_o right_a in_o he_o neither_o do_v any_o church_n act_n pass_v to_o that_o purpose_n or_o be_v desire_v by_o he_o the_o end_n of_o this_o be_v but_o to_o be_v a_o testimonial_a to_o other_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o church_n member_n and_o one_o under_o no_o censure_n but_o approve_v and_o therefore_o that_o no_o other_o church_n may_v scruple_n to_o admit_v he_o to_o their_o communion_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v phil._n i_o pray_v then_o how_o do_v you_o write_v a_o dismission_n some_o dismiss_v member_n but_o to_o no_o church_n christ_n it_o may_v be_v write_v with_o these_o or_o such_o like_a expression_n as_o the_o matter_n require_v for_o in_o some_o case_n variation_n be_v require_v phil._n what_o be_v those_o case_n christ_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o some_o dismission_n can_v be_v write_v with_o so_o great_a commendation_n as_o other_o may_v some_o depart_a member_n give_v considerable_a cause_n of_o offence_n in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n before_o and_o in_o their_o ask_a dismission_n phil._n how_o do_v you_o write_v a_o dismission_n witâ—_n commendation_n christ_n a_o dismission_n with_o commendation_n may_v be_v after_o this_o manner_n and_o it_o must_v be_v direct_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o place_n to_o which_o the_o reverend_n mr._n l._n p._n be_v pastor_n grace_n mercy_n etc._n etc._n dear_o belove_v in_o the_o lord_n whereas_o f._n d._n a_o brother_n in_o fellowship_n with_o we_o have_v walk_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n and_o holy_a conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o his_o profession_n continue_v steadfast_o in_o attendance_n on_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o congregation_n and_o now_o have_v consult_v we_o and_o give_v we_o reason_n why_o he_o apprehend_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o ask_v his_o dismission_n which_o reason_n be_v due_o consider_v by_o we_o and_o approve_v as_o satisfactory_a we_o think_v it_o no_o less_o our_o duty_n to_o grant_v his_o say_a request_n and_o do_v hereby_o dismiss_v he_o unto_o you_o discharge_v he_o from_o his_o near_a relation_n and_o obligation_n unto_o we_o and_o commit_v he_o to_o your_o particular_a watch_n and_o care_n desire_v you_o to_o receive_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o you_o will_v be_v every_o way_n helpful_a to_o he_o to_o promote_v his_o edification_n and_o comfort_n for_o which_o spiritual_a end_n we_o commend_v you_o and_o he_o with_o you_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n who_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v subscribe_v by_o the_o consent_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o k._n by_o a._n n._n pastor_n phil._n but_o what_o kind_n of_o dismission_n can_v you_o give_v without_o commendation_n christ_n there_o must_v be_v some_o in_o every_o one_o and_o charity_n allow_v we_o to_o give_v some_o commendation_n to_o a_o member_n that_o stand_v under_o very_o dissatisfactory_a circumstance_n which_o we_o hope_v proceed_v from_o his_o infirmity_n only_o and_o therefore_o can_v say_v
saint_n mystical_o and_o immediate_o under_o christ_n their_o head_n so_o this_o political_a body_n show_v itself_o and_o become_v visible_a in_o some_o particular_a part_n there-on_o which_o be_v call_v visible_a church_n and_o be_v under_o a_o mediate_a rule_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o catholic_n church_n comprehend_v particular_a church_n as_o some_o distinct_a part_n and_o parcel_n thereof_o phil._n then_o i_o suppose_v your_o apprehension_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o all_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n christ_n mistake_v i_o not_o i_o have_v not_o say_v so_o as_o yet_o i_o say_v the_o catholic_n church_n become_v in_o part_n visible_a in_o particular_a congregationâ—s_n and_o they_o be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o visible_a ordinance_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v institute_v and_o place_v therein_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n phil._n but_o be_v not_o the_o universality_n of_o saint_n militant_a the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n christ_n the_o universality_n of_o saint_n on_o earth_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o church_n in_o a_o visible_a stand_n for_o many_o be_v believer_n that_o as_o yet_o make_v not_o themselves_o visible_a by_o profession_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v bind_v together_o in_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n that_o which_o make_v a_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o catholic_n bond_n of_o union_n and_o catholic_n communion_n which_o be_v only_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a but_o there_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a bond_n for_o as_o they_o can_v appear_v in_o one_o visible_a congregation_n so_o they_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o fellowship_n nor_o can_v have_v visible_a communion_n as_o one_o church_n in_o the_o same_o individual_a administration_n if_o they_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n preach_v the_o same_o word_n pray_v alike_o etc._n etc._n yet_o this_o make_v not_o one_o particular_a church_n 3._o if_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n than_o it_o must_v have_v catholic_n visible_a officer_n every_o officer_n must_v relate_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n every_o ordinary_a officer_n must_v be_v officer_n to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o there_o have_v need_n be_v a_o visible_a pastor_n pastorum_fw-la over_o they_o all_o 4._o all_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o therefore_o member_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n with_o ordinance_n for_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v make_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n with_o ordinance_n 5._o a_o visible_a church_n be_v organise_v with_o officer_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o to_o a_o part_n of_o it_o a_o pastor_n elder_n deacon_n be_v officer_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o who_o will_v say_v a_o deacon_n have_v as_o much_o power_n in_o all_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n as_o in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v constitute_v he_o may_v as_o well_o say_v so_o as_o say_v a_o pastor_n have_v 6._o if_o christ_n institute_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o under_o the_o new_a but_o he_o do_v neither_o for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o particular_a congregation_n under_o the_o old_a and_o christ_n leave_v but_o one_o when_o he_o ascend_v chap._n ii_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n come_v now_o to_o the_o main_a thing_n i_o aim_v at_o viz._n to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o gospel_n particular_a church_n christ_n you_o mean_v such_o a_o congregation_n as_o be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n institution_n where_o every_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o gospel_n faith_n and_o order_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o own_o edification_n phil._n such_o a_o church_n i_o mean_v may_v not_o a_o national_a church_n be_v it_o christ_n by_o no_o mean_n it_o be_v no_o church_n but_o such_o who_o member_n may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o so_o the_o first_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v the_o great_a for_o aught_o i_o know_v that_o ever_o be_v since_o and_o all_o other_o that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n since_o if_o any_o comprise_v all_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o nation_n province_n or_o territory_n they_o all_o assemble_v for_o frequent_a communion_n in_o one_o place_n under_o the_o same_o officer_n we_o read_v of_o no_o particular_a church_n in_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v congregational_a for_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o of_o that_o kind_n which_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n of_o god_n institution_n be_v congregational_a for_o all_o the_o male_n come_v to_o the_o temple_n and_o before_o to_o the_o tabernacle_n three_o time_n a_o year_n to_o appear_v before_o god_n to_o worship_n in_o act_n of_o communion_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n phil._n i_o be_o pretty_a well_o satisfy_v now_o from_o the_o weighty_a argument_n i_o former_o hear_v from_o you_o though_o my_o thought_n through_o prejudice_n pass_v light_o over_o they_o then_o that_o all_o national_a diocesan_n and_o parochial_a constitution_n of_o church_n be_v mere_o from_o man_n if_o not_o from_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n which_o latter_a i_o see_v cause_n enough_o to_o suspect_v but_o i_o pray_v give_v i_o a_o plain_a description_n of_o a_o particular_a gospel_n church_n christ_n with_o all_o my_o heart_n sir_n a_o particular_a gospel_n church_n be_v a_o separate_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n with_o their_o seed_n or_o saint_n associate_v together_o in_o special_a bond_n of_o union_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n appointment_n for_o their_o edification_n phil._n you_o say_v the_o allow_a matter_n of_o this_o church_n be_v visible_a believer_n what_o understand_v you_o by_o a_o visible_a believer_n christ_n i_o mean_v one_o that_o make_v a_o credible_a profession_n such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o be_o bind_v by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n to_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o i_o do_v not_o say_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o therefore_o he_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n for_o so_o he_o may_v be_v and_o i_o not_o know_v it_o 2._o neither_o do_v i_o say_v that_o his_o mere_a profess_v make_v he_o a_o church_n member_n for_o they_o in_o act._n 2._o believe_v before_o they_o be_v church_n member_n and_o profess_a their_o faith_n which_o give_v they_o right_o of_o claim_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o have_v right_a of_o claim_n and_o do_v profess_v but_o do_v not_o seek_v to_o join_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o it_o can_v be_v without_o a_o voluntary_a offer_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n what_o be_v require_v to_o a_o credible_a profession_n for_o the_o due_a satisfaction_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n christ_n the_o tree_n can_v be_v know_v to_o i_o but_o by_o the_o fruit_n see_v mat._n 7.17_o 18_o 19_o chap._n 12.33_o luk._n 6.44_o the_o credible_a fruit_n be_v therefore_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o profession_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v require_v there_o be_v visible_a holiness_n of_o life_n phil._n 1.27_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o order_n of_o it_o and_o this_o lie_v in_o negative_a and_o positive_a holiness_n appear_v in_o the_o conversation_n 1._o negative_a that_o it_o be_v without_o blame_n eph._n 1.4_o phil._n 2.15_o 1_o th._n 5.23_o 2._o a_o mere_a negative_a religion_n in_o respect_n of_o grosser_n and_o more_o observable_a sin_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o many_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v attain_v unto_o there_o must_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o positive_a duty_n require_v and_o not_o mere_o moral_a in_o justice_n and_o mercy_n but_o such_o by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v more_o peculiar_o distinguish_v from_o moral_a heathen_n such_o as_o family_n duty_n of_o read_v the_o word_n and_o daily_a prayer_n those_o of_o a_o more_o public_a nature_n as_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o word_n preach_v sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n free_a distribution_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o a_o manifest_a readiness_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o follow_v christ_n as_o his_o disciple_n in_o all_o thing_n tit._n 3.8_o ch_n 2.11_o 12._o yea_o in_o suffering_n phil._n but_o what_o more_o profession_n be_v needful_a beside_o this_o visible_a practical_a walk_v be_v not_o this_o enough_o
invention_n whereby_o also_o all_o antichristian_a abomination_n overspread_v the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n phil._n but_o do_v not_o christ_n give_v other_o ministerial_a officer_n to_o his_o church_n christ_n the_o officer_n which_o christ_n place_v in_o his_o church_n for_o edification_n be_v extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a but_o both_o pastoral_n for_o they_o that_o be_v call_v elder_n and_o set_v for_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n in_o seal_n and_o government_n i_o call_v just_o pastoral_a for_o feed_v the_o flock_n comprehend_v both_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n phil._n who_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a officer_n christ_n they_o be_v apostolic_a and_o such_o who_o be_v not_o succeed_v after_o the_o first_o church_n be_v plant_v but_o by_o ordinary_a pastoral_n officer_n and_o these_o be_v apostle_n and_o apostolic_a help_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o office-charge_n 4.11_o eph._n 4.11_o and_o be_v prophet_n and_o evangelist_n and_o be_v extraordinary_o furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o power_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o plantation_n of_o church_n but_o at_o the_o disposition_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o all_o other_o church-officer_n as_o well_o as_o church_n be_v during_o their_o life_n phil._n and_o our_o bishop_n say_v they_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n be_v subordinate_a and_o subject_a to_o they_o christ_n they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v the_o pope_n succeed_v peter_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v extraordinary_o send_v and_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v succeed_v but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v extraordinary_o assist_v as_o they_o be_v which_o have_v be_v none_o or_o ordinary_o and_o such_o be_v presbyter_n and_o no_o other_o the_o charasteristick_a note_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v such_o who_o be_v ear_n and_o eye-witness_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o take_n up_o act_v 1.22_o viz._n of_o his_o ministry_n miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n 2._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n since_o which_o none_o ever_o be_v 3._o to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o work_a miracle_n 4._o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o plantation_n direction_n and_o government_n of_o they_o every_o apostle_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o all_o church_n &_o in_o every_o church_n whatever_o power_n be_v afterward_o ordinary_o in_o each_o church_n and_o though_o a_o bishop_n now_o in_o a_o apish_a imitation_n by_o a_o pretend_a plea_n of_o succession_n will_v lay_v claim_n to_o power_n over_o many_o particular_a congregation_n yet_o each_o bishop_n be_v not_o allow_v power_n in_o another_o man_n diocese_n and_o as_o to_o the_o former_a character_n where_o the_o bishop_n can_v with_o a_o show_n of_o any_o just_a pretence_n lie_v claim_v unto_o they_o phil._n what_o be_v the_o prophet_n that_o accompany_v and_o assist_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n christ_n of_o this_o sort_n it_o be_v say_v act_v 13.1_o there_o be_v certain_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n i_o suppose_v not_o much_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a mission_n and_o qualification_n be_v church-member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n on_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v in_o the_o appearance_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n whereby_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o preach_v gift_n and_o those_o of_o tongue_n in_o order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o whatsoever_o people_n they_o come_v jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o go_v forth_o for_o this_o end_n in_o subordination_n to_o and_o by_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o time_n we_o read_v of_o the_o travel_n be_v act_n 11.19_o occasion_v by_o saul_n persecution_n some_o of_o they_o man_n of_o cyprus_n and_o cyrene_n who_o when_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o other_o place_n preach_v come_v at_o last_o unto_o antioch_n and_o speak_v unto_o the_o grecian_a jew_n preach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o be_v the_o believe_v and_o turn_v of_o many_o unto_o the_o lord_n these_o by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v hand_n on_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n but_o we_o read_v not_o that_o they_o baptize_v or_o do_v perform_v any_o other_o ministerial_a act_n if_o that_o be_v one_o probably_n they_o may_v convey_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o other_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n too_o phil._n what_o be_v the_o evangelist_n christ_n they_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v to_o assist_v the_o apostle_n also_o in_o preach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n baptism_n and_o plant_v church_n with_o ordination_n of_o officer_n in_o they_o philip_n preach_v and_o baptise_a and_o wrought_v miracle_n act_n 8.5_o 12_o 39_o but_o do_v not_o convey_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v bestow_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n as_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n verse_n 15_o 16._o and_o philip_n be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n act_v 21.8_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n 1_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o assistant_n to_o paul_n in_o his_o apostolic_a function_n and_o he_o do_v lay_v on_o hand_n now_o as_o to_o this_o that_o philip_n do_v not_o and_o timothy_n do_v i_o judge_v these_o secondary_a apostolic_a man_n act_v not_o as_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o general_a commission_n but_o by_o the_o immediate_a particular_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o by_o the_o mediate_a command_n from_o time_n to_o time_n give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o they_o be_v assistant_n and_o subordinate_a in_o their_o act_n there_o be_v some_o which_o we_o call_v evangelist_n from_o their_o writing_n the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n two_o of_o which_o be_v primary_o apostle_n viz._n matthew_n and_o john_n mark_n and_o luke_n may_v be_v evangelist_n in_o the_o other_o sense_n phil._n who_o be_v leave_v the_o pastoral_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o christ_n ascension_n christ_n the_o whole_a ministerial_a office_n in_o that_o church_n be_v leave_v and_o place_v at_o first_o in_o the_o apostle_n both_o pastoral_n and_o diaconal_a and_o either_o of_o the_o apostle_n may_v have_v preside_v but_o that_o by_o consent_n it_o may_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 16.19_o peter_n take_v the_o chair_n viz._n the_o orderly_a management_n of_o the_o key_n that_o the_o diaconal_a office_n be_v in_o the_o say_a apostle_n at_o first_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o account_n we_o have_v act._n 2.4_o 5._o of_o the_o member_n bring_v their_o possession_n and_o lay_v they_o at_o their_o foot_n to_o dispose_v of_o as_o a_o church_n stock_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o twelve_o to_o the_o multitude_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n they_o find_v the_o serve_a table_n to_o be_v to_o great_a a_o burden_n to_o they_o upon_o such_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n afterward_o also_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n require_v there_o be_v elder_n or_o presbyter_n choose_v distinct_a from_o the_o apostle_n which_o appear_v from_o act._n 15.23_o and_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a the_o increase_n and_o multiply_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v according_a as_o the_o necessary_a reason_n thereof_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o increase_n or_o otherwise_o which_o necessity_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n breathe_v through_o the_o apostle_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o supply_v chap._n v._o of_o ordinary_a officer_n phil._n what_o officer_n do_v complete_o organize_v a_o particular_a congregation_n christ_n pastoral_n and_o diaconal_a so_o that_o pastor_n and_o deacon_n do_v make_v a_o church_n complete_o organise_v but_o through_o multiplication_n of_o a_o church_n or_o for_o other_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v good_a ground_n to_o choose_v coadjutor_n in_o each_o office_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o increase_a the_o officer_n of_o one_o kind_n or_o another_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v edify_v phil._n what_o be_v the_o pastor_n office_n christ_n the_o pastor_n office_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o church_n as_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o a_o overseer_n or_o bishop_n which_o pastoral_n feed_v consist_v in_o gospel_n preach_v administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o government_n in_o the_o last_o respect_n more_o especial_o he_o be_v call_v a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n act._n 20._o phil._n what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o gospel_n preach_v christ_n i_o mean_v a_o right_n divide_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o it_o
apostle_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o with_o they_o to_o all_o faithful_a minister_n there_o be_v another_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o key_n of_o power_n which_o be_v either_o of_o supreme_a church-power_n and_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v sovereign_a absolute_a legislative_a and_o therefore_o call_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o he_o alone_o have_v rev._n 3.7_o and_o there_o be_v the_o key_n of_o subordinate_a power_n which_o be_v delegated_a by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n as_o his_o associate_v church_n on_o earth_n to_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v pastor_n and_o to_o which_o he_o administer_v as_o such_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o twelve_o apostle_n have_v this_o key_n give_v they_o as_o such_o in_o that_o for_o their_o time_n they_o have_v all_o church_n power_n commit_v unto_o to_o they_o do_v exercise_v it_o as_o occasion_v require_v as_o to_o constitution_n of_o officer_n receive_v dismiss_v or_o excommunicate_v member_n but_o there_o be_v none_o in_o succession_n unto_o they_o this_o key_n of_o power_n can_v be_v find_v no_o where_o lodge_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n build_v on_o the_o faith_n which_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n profess_v mat._n 16.19_o phil._n but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v where_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n lie_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n whether_o in_o the_o fraternity_n or_o in_o the_o eldership_n christ_n i_o call_v the_o decisive_a church_n power_n the_o key_n and_o say_v it_o lie_v in_o the_o majority_n as_o in_o all_o society_n that_o arise_v by_o mutual_a consent_n or_o agreement_n but_o i_o distinguish_v between_o the_o key_n and_o the_o management_n of_o they_o for_o a_o key_n be_v dead_a and_o open_v no_o door_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o hand_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o so_o that_o in_o a_o organise_v church_n the_o orderly_a manage_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o church_n power_n lie_v in_o the_o elder_n but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o organise_v they_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o common_a rule_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o procure_v their_o well_o be_v they_o act_n by_o common_a consent_n as_o they_o come_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v due_o organise_v with_o officer_n and_o therefore_o they_o admit_v member_n or_o excommunicate_a if_o necessity_n require_v as_o they_o may_v before_o they_o have_v officer_n but_o have_v choose_v officer_n the_o orderly_a way_n of_o proceed_v be_v by_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o the_o officer_n in_o management_n of_o this_o key_n which_o be_v the_o decisive_a power_n hence_o i_o distinguish_v between_o a_o church_n act_v pro_fw-la necessitate_v and_o pro_fw-la regula_fw-la ordinis_fw-la phil._n what_o part_n have_v the_o roll_a elder_n viz._n the_o pastor_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o or_o if_o there_o be_v the_o roll_a presbyter_n that_o take_v part_n with_o he_o as_o assistant_n in_o admit_v of_o a_o member_n christ_n the_o elder_a or_o elder_n work_n be_v 1._o to_o speak_v with_o the_o party_n that_o desire_v admission_n propound_v he_o to_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n cause_v the_o decisive_a vote_n of_o the_o church_n to_o pass_v upon_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v receive_v or_o reject_v if_o receive_v the_o elder_a declare_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v solemn_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a obligation_n with_o the_o say_a member_n say_v you_o be_v here_o now_o to_o give_v up_o yourself_o and_o child_n if_o he_o have_v any_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o congregation_n promise_v as_o christ_n shall_v help_v you_o to_o walk_v and_o abide_v in_o and_o with_o this_o church_n in_o all_o gospel_n conversation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n submit_v yourself_o to_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o same_o and_o promise_v to_o bring_v your_o child_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n educate_v they_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n likewise_o add_v i_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o congregation_n give_v you_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o receive_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n towards_o you_o that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o your_o edification_n as_o christ_n shall_v enable_v we_o phil._n have_v a_o elder_a no_o more_o part_n in_o the_o decisive_a power_n by_o vote_n than_o a_o ordinary_a brother_n christ_n though_o the_o elder_n judgement_n be_v usual_o hearken_v to_o and_o sway_v many_o time_n much_o with_o the_o congregation_n give_v light_n unto_o they_o from_o the_o word_n yet_o when_o a_o matter_n come_v by_o vote_n to_o be_v determine_v his_o vote_n be_v but_o single_a as_o another_o brother_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v this_o key_n of_o decisive_a power_n be_v in_o the_o fraternity_n though_o the_o orderly_a management_n thereof_o and_o authoritative_a declaration_n thereof_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n belong_v to_o the_o elder_n phil._n in_o what_o other_o case_n be_v this_o key_n make_v use_v of_o christ_n in_o let_v shut_v out_o and_o turn_v out_o of_o member_n 1._o in_o let_v out_o or_o translate_n member_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o when_o upon_o good_a reason_n a_o church_n member_n desire_v to_o change_v his_o or_o her_o communion_n and_o ask_v a_o dismission_n it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n approve_v his_o reason_n for_o it_o phil._n be_v there_o any_o scripture_n ground_n for_o a_o dismission_n may_v not_o a_o church_n member_n not_o chargeable_a with_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n go_v away_o to_o another_o church_n without_o a_o dismission_n christ_n no_o for_o it_o will_v cause_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o confusion_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n beside_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o society_n and_o the_o obligation_n by_o which_o the_o member_n stand_v mutual_o bind_v together_o in_o one_o body_n and_o christ_n have_v provide_v as_o well_o the_o orderly_a departure_n as_o stay_v of_o church_n member_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v rom._n 16.1_o shall_v be_v render_v statuo_fw-la constituo_fw-la in_o coetu_fw-la vobiscum_fw-la i_o dismiss_v to_o you_o for_o though_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o i_o recommend_v yet_o it_o shall_v more_o right_o be_v render_v i_o dismiss_v or_o place_n in_o church_n fellowship_n with_o you_o and_o so_o all_o the_o apostle_n speak_v afterward_o be_v term_n of_o a_o dismission_n these_o paul_n need_v not_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o have_v have_v a_o seal_n of_o his_o apostleship_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v commendatory_a letter_n with_o dismission_n 2_o cor._n 3.2_o phil._n what_o then_o be_v your_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n christ_n a_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v but_o a_o certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o officer_n that_o this_o or_o that_o brother_n or_o sister_n be_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o congregation_n walk_v blameless_o and_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n that_o when_o any_o brother_n or_o sister_n come_v to_o other_o church_n in_o their_o travel_n they_o may_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o occasional_a or_o transient_a communion_n but_o transfer_v not_o any_o as_o member_n to_o another_o congregation_n phil._n how_o be_v the_o key_n use_v for_o exclusion_n of_o a_o member_n christ_n a_o church_n member_n be_v exclude_v or_o put_v out_o of_o communion_n by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o church_n and_o either_o amount_n to_o excommunication_n for_o excommunication_n be_v the_o put_v one_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v do_v when_o a_o member_n do_v disorderly_o withdraw_v and_o divide_v himself_o from_o the_o church_n communion_n obstinate_o refuse_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o his_o place_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o say_a church_n this_o be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o the_o key_n of_o power_n and_o separate_v of_o himself_o and_o i_o call_v it_o indirect_a excommunication_n because_o he_o divide_v himself_o violent_o and_o schismatical_o upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o reassume_v the_o key_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o communion_n upon_o he_o either_o by_o a_o direct_a excommunication_n which_o be_v the_o regular_a way_n and_o may_v be_v justify_v from_o express_a place_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o rom._n 16.17_o 18._o or_o else_o if_o this_o way_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o be_v bear_v judicial_o to_o
thus_o much_o that_o we_o hope_v he_o partake_v of_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n though_o at_o present_a labour_n under_o these_o or_o those_o infirmity_n and_o though_o his_o reason_n for_o his_o departure_n do_v no_o way_n satisfy_v we_o yet_o see_v he_o can_v be_v otherwise_o persuade_v we_o have_v grant_v his_o dismission_n in_o order_n to_o his_o contentment_n and_o our_o peace_n but_o indeed_o small_a or_o no_o commendation_n do_v in_o these_o case_n for_o there_o be_v seldom_o any_o such_o departer_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o some_o other_o church_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o receive_v he_o right_a or_o wrong_n with_o commendation_n or_o without_o yea_o with_o dismission_n or_o without_o for_o all_o be_v fish_n that_o come_v to_o net_n with_o some_o man_n phil._n yea_o they_o say_v there_o be_v some_o pastor_n will_v receive_v member_n that_o run_v away_o from_o other_o church_n although_o they_o be_v actual_o certify_v that_o they_o be_v under_o censure_n do_v you_o 〈◊〉_d to_o send_v letter_n of_o discommendation_n to_o church_n concern_v offend_a member_n christ_n yes_o there_o be_v as_o much_o or_o more_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o for_o a_o letter_n of_o commendation_n for_o as_o it_o concern_v a_o church_n to_o know_v who_o it_o admit_v to_o communion_n or_o reject_v so_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o due_a character_n be_v give_v by_o the_o church_n to_o which_o the_o member_n belong_v and_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n will_v offer_v to_o receive_v a_o person_n into_o state_v communion_n at_o least_o without_o consult_v the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v unless_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o savour_v too_o much_o of_o a_o algerine_n spirit_n in_o ecclesiastic_a affair_n phil._n have_v you_o see_v ever_o any_o letter_n discommendatory_a send_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o show_v i_o if_o you_o have_v christ_n yes_o i_o can_v show_v you_o one_o and_o such_o a_o letter_n need_v not_o be_v a_o church_n act_n no_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a letter_n of_o commendation_n it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o elder_a only_o and_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o office_n to_o certify_v unto_o other_o church_n what_o capacity_n a_o member_n be_v in_o whether_o under_o censure_n or_o no._n for_o when_o a_o offend_a member_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o church_n other_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a be_v reject_v by_o the_o unanimous_a concurrence_n of_o all_o church_n a_o letter_n of_o discommendation_n may_v be_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o particular_a to_o that_o whereto_o s._n t._n be_v pastor_n whereas_o e._n f._n have_v be_v a_o member_n of_o this_o our_o congregation_n and_o have_v fall_v by_o a_o scandalous_a sin_n or_o a_o offence_n for_o which_o he_o have_v be_v due_o proceed_v with_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o remain_v impenitent_a be_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n and_o humiliation_n just_o bring_v under_o the_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n or_o whereas_o f._n b._n have_v for_o so_o long_a time_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o commumunion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o e._n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n to_o the_o long_a distraction_n and_o great_a grief_n thereof_o and_o do_v persist_v in_o his_o withdrawment_n notwithstanding_o all_o due_a mean_n which_o have_v be_v use_v with_o all_o tenderness_n patience_n and_o condescension_n for_o the_o reclaim_n of_o he_o from_o the_o say_v disorderly_o walk_v and_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o such_o a_o one_o offer_v himself_o to_o partake_v with_o you_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o that_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n â—ay_v be_v prevent_v as_o well_o as_o the_o further_a hardenâ—â—_n of_o a_o offender_n in_o sin_n these_o be_v to_o signify_v to_o 〈…〉_o that_o the_o say_a person_n abovenamed_a be_v fall_v 〈…〉_o censure_n of_o this_o congregation_n afore_o 〈…〉_o afore_o according_a to_o the_o know_a and_o avow_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o can_v be_v no_o long_o allow_v a_o just_a claim_n to_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n to_o or_o right_a by_o and_o under_o the_o say_a church_n or_o of_o any_o other_o pretence_n whatsoever_o whilst_o he_o stand_v thus_o divide_v from_o it_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v but_o that_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n will_v incline_v his_o heart_n to_o return_v to_o his_o duty_n be_v the_o unfeigned_a desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o of_o he_o especial_o who_o be_v your_o unworthy_a brother_n and_o servant_n in_o christ_n jesus_n a._n b._n pastor_n phil._n i_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o readiness_n to_o satisfy_v i_o in_o these_o point_n wherein_o i_o be_o now_o make_v sensible_a through_o grace_n the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o christian_n fix_a comfort_n be_v most_o exceed_o concern_v i_o shall_v exercise_v your_o patience_n at_o this_o time_n no_o long_o but_o wait_v another_o opportunity_n when_o we_o may_v further_o discourse_v some_o point_n of_o this_o nature_n christ_n sir_n you_o shall_v always_o find_v i_o god_n assist_v most_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a in_o any_o service_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o though_o these_o thing_n seem_v most_o strange_a to_o most_o man_n and_o of_o a_o abstruse_a nature_n yet_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o all_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v bâ—_n clear_v up_o before_o the_o world_n for_o when_o 〈◊〉_d lord_n shall_v build_v up_o zion_n he_o will_v appear_v 〈…〉_o glory_n expect_v we_o must_v yet_o that_o the_o 〈…〉_o retick_n and_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o these_o 〈…〉_o gospel_n order_n will_v be_v ridicule_v by_o many_o and_o the_o practice_n thereof_o browbeaten_a and_o scorn_a not_o only_o by_o the_o world_n but_o by_o carnal_a and_o ignorant_a church_n member_n that_o be_v bias_v and_o lead_v away_o by_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o seduction_n of_o other_o but_o through_o grace_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v move_v i_o vale._n there_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o will._n marshal_n the_o interest_n of_o church_n by_o j._n c._n the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n by_o j._n o._n d._n d._n a_o treatise_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o grace_n by_o j._n o._n d._n d._n and_o any_o other_o work_v of_o the_o say_a author_n finis_fw-la