coetus_fw-la or_o congregatio_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d condixit_fw-la so_o that_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n gather_v together_o at_o god_n appoint_a time_n or_o for_o the_o assembly_n at_o the_o appoint_a place_n viz._n the_o tabernacle_n and_o therefore_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o congregation_n be_v the_o church_n of_o old_a act._n 7.38_o ecclesia_fw-la in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v take_v for_o any_o assembly_n though_o rude_a and_o riotous_a act._n 19.32_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o use_v v._o 37._o where_o our_o interpreter_n use_v our_o english_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ought_v to_o be_v render_v robber_n of_o temple_n heathenish_a and_o jewish_a but_o it_o be_v most_o use_v for_o and_o appropriate_v to_o a_o sacred_a assembly_n as_o mat_n 18.17_o act._n 2.47_o ch._n 8.1_o ch._n 11.26_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o etc._n etc._n phil._n what_o do_v you_o say_v then_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a sense_n christ_n a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o saint_n associate_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n eph._n 3.21_o in_o the_o church_n in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n why_o do_v you_o say_v associate_v christ_n because_o a_o church_n be_v not_o a_o transient_a and_o occasional_a congregation_n but_o fix_v and_o a_o join_a society_n by_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o 1_o john_n 1.3_o and_o because_o the_o saint_n be_v the_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o be_v the_o head_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v gather_v together_o always_o in_o christ_n jesus_n real_o or_o profess_o they_o be_v gather_v unto_o he_o by_o way_n of_o insertion_n mystical_o or_o political_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n or_o authority_n phil._n then_o a_o church_n come_v under_o various_a consideration_n christ_n yes_o sir_n it_o do_v but_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v proper_o but_o one_o as_o he_o be_v the_o one_o head_n and_o only_o so_o the_o body_n be_v but_o one_o 1_o cor._n 12.12_o for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n i._n e._n mystical_a phil._n i_o pray_v be_v as_o distinct_a as_o you_o can_v upon_o the_o several_a consideration_n of_o this_o one_o church_n of_o christ_n christ_n i_o will_v you_o know_v the_o most_o comprehensive_a consideration_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v under_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n and_o there_o be_v two_o article_n in_o the_o creed_n call_v the_o apostle_n that_o express_v our_o faith_n therein_o 1._o i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n 2._o i_o believe_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n which_o two_o word_n holy_a and_o saint_n denote_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o this_o church_n that_o it_o be_v saint_n in_o christ_n jesus_n it_o be_v a_o holy_a church_n make_v up_o of_o saint_n and_o than_o that_o it_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o saint_n and_o last_o that_o the_o formal_a nature_n of_o this_o church_n consist_v in_o a_o certain_a union_n and_o communion_n for_o the_o latter_a always_o imply_v the_o former_a phil._n but_o be_v there_o not_o particular_a church_n do_v you_o not_o call_v every_o single_a congregation_n a_o church_n christ._n yes_o we_o do_v so_o but_o that_o you_o may_v have_v the_o right_n and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o it_o we_o must_v due_o weigh_v the_o catholic_n church_n as_o to_o its_o relation_n to_o christ_n its_o head_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o to_o its_o mystical_a and_o political_a stand_n in_o christ_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o mystical_a stand_v these_o thing_n belong_v unto_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o general_a assembly_n or_o collection_n of_o real_a saint_n heb._n 12.23_o you_o be_v come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o catholic_n assembly_n and_o church_n or_o congregation_n of_o first_o bear_v who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o heavenly_a church_n to_o which_o he_o say_v believer_n in_o the_o gospel_n day_n be_v come_v to_o which_o church_n jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v the_o head_n of_o influence_n and_o to_o which_o all_o saint_n as_o such_o be_v spiritual_o knit_v and_o with_o who_o they_o have_v communion_n and_o in_o he_o one_o with_o another_o 2._o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v it_o which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v and_o be_v effectual_o partaker_n of_o all_o his_o benefit_n eph._n 5.25_o 26_o 27._o to_o it_o belong_v election_n redemption_n effectual_a vocation_n justification_n adoption_n sanctification_n and_o glorification_n john_n 17.9_o 10_o 11._o rom._n 8.29_o 30._o 3._o here_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o church_n be_v say_v to_o be_v catholic_n in_o relation_n to_o individual_a saint_n only_o it_o be_v not_o catholic_n as_o a_o genus_fw-la comprehend_v many_o species_n of_o church_n but_o as_o a_o totum_fw-la integrale_fw-la comprise_v many_o part_n and_o all_o have_v a_o coordinate_a stand_n in_o subordination_n only_o to_o christ_n their_o head_n yea_o they_o all_o conduce_v to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o christ_n mystical_a one_o body_n be_v member_n in_o particular_a 4._o this_o mystical_a body_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v according_a to_o its_o manner_n of_o exist_v secundum_fw-la modum_fw-la existendi_fw-la and_o that_o two_o way_n 1._o in_o its_o militant_a state_n or_o stand_v or_o in_o its_o triumphant_a in_o viâ_fw-la or_o in_fw-la patriâ_fw-la in_o its_o militant_a state_n it_o comprehend_v all_o the_o true_a believer_n in_o the_o world_n exist_v at_o the_o same_o time_n whether_o they_o be_v visible_a by_o profess_v or_o not_o the_o compliment_n whereof_o be_v all_o the_o saint_n actual_o glorify_v or_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o this_o distinction_n be_v only_o of_o the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o different_a state_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o way_n of_o communion_n in_o grace_n and_o glory_n the_o difference_n be_v only_o gradual_a and_o no_o more_o the_o union_n be_v the_o same_o 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o invisible_a and_o visible_a stand_n the_o church_n invisible_a stand_n be_v whole_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o inward_a spiritual_a relation_n which_o the_o saint_n have_v to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o it_o be_v visible_a stand_n be_v in_o profess_v saint_n that_o be_v real_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n give_v a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o church_n in_o its_o relation_n to_o christ_n as_o a_o political_a head_n christ_n thus_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o king_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n and_o people_n and_o he_o govern_v his_o church_n either_o immediate_o by_o his_o roll_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o member_n of_o his_o body_n whereby_o they_o be_v influence_v eph._n 4.4_o there_o be_v one_o spirit_n one_o body_n one_o lord_n etc._n etc._n or_o he_o govern_v mediate_o as_o a_o politic_a head_n and_o that_o be_v only_o so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n be_v visible_a and_o profess_v and_o as_o such_o he_o have_v give_v immunity_n law_n officer_n ordinance_n for_o establishment_n of_o visible_a polity_n society_n or_o spiritual_a corporation_n and_o here_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v diligent_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o under_o this_o consideration_n the_o catholic_n church_n be_v most_o large_a and_o extensive_a for_o it_o comprehend_v all_o credible_a professor_n though_o not_o real_a and_o all_o actual_a church-member_n though_o secret_a hypocrite_n ephes_n 3.15_o of_o he_o the_o whole_a family_n be_v name_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n i.e._n real_a and_o profess_v 2._o that_o the_o church_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o visible_a communion_n and_o fellowship_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o christ_n mediate_a political_a rule_n and_o government_n and_o that_o be_v only_o in_o particular_a congregation_n to_o they_o he_o have_v give_v his_o word_n ordinance_n and_o officer_n and_o to_o no_o other_o for_o he_o suit_v they_o to_o particular_a society_n neither_o have_v he_o substitute_v any_o officer_n or_o ordinance_n to_o the_o mere_a mystical_a stand_v of_o the_o church_n 3._o all_o the_o institute_v external_n worship_n though_o it_o be_v give_v to_o the_o church_n in_o its_o visible_a stand_n which_o it_o have_v in_o particular_a church_n yet_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n for_o the_o edify_a and_o build_v it_o up_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n eph._n 4.12_o 13_o and_o for_o the_o multiply_a it_o by_o call_v in_o the_o elect._n 4._o in_o this_o sense_n and_o acceptation_n as_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o political_a body_n of_o all_o
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
doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n i_o be_v much_o startle_v at_o that_o text_n once_o by_o a_o able_a preacher_n drip_v in_o a_o strange_a place_n into_o a_o conventicle_n where_o no_o body_n know_v i_o who_o do_v open_a and_o apply_v that_o place_n notable_o i_o wish_v in_o my_o mind_n some_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n have_v hear_v he_o but_o that_o be_v not_o a_o day_n for_o such_o as_o i_o and_o they_o to_o be_v see_v at_o a_o conventicle_n christ_n sir_n i_o shall_v now_o most_o glad_o comply_v with_o you_o in_o the_o command_n you_o lay_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o pray_v sir_n how_o come_v you_o so_o in_o love_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n you_o may_v remember_v how_o in_o your_o familiar_a discourse_n with_o i_o at_o your_o table_n you_o will_v take_v occasion_n a_o little_a merry_o to_o descant_v upon_o my_o name_n and_o say_v it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a puritanick_n name_n sure_a thy_o father_n be_v a_o great_a puritan_n brownist_n or_o anabaptist_n phil._n sir_n i_o remember_v it_o very_o well_o and_o i_o be_o convince_v i_o do_v very_o ill_o in_o it_o to_o jest_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n for_o i_o find_v now_o i_o have_v as_o good_a have_v joke_v on_o the_o name_n christian_n for_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o that_o name_n who_o be_v not_o a_o friend_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v and_o hope_v through_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o and_o oh_o that_o through_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n i_o may_v be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o then_o my_o name_n will_v not_o only_o be_v philomathes_n but_o polumathes_n christ_n amen_n it_o be_v my_o hearty_a desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v save_v and_o always_o have_v be_v since_o i_o know_v you_o but_o i_o pray_v how_o come_v you_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o friend_n unto_o christ_n as_o i_o hear_v you_o now_o profess_v to_o my_o unspeakable_a rejoice_v phil._n on_o a_o sudden_a no_o no_o man_n it_o be_v not_o on_o a_o sudden_a god_n have_v be_v long_o deal_n with_o my_o heart_n than_o you_o or_o any_o one_o have_v know_v of_o though_o you_o hear_v of_o it_o but_o now_o it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o i_o the_o many_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n that_o i_o have_v wrestle_v with_o and_o at_o last_o through_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n palliate_v with_o some_o religion_n or_o stifle_v with_o merry_a companion_n or_o by_o resolute_o cast_v off_o conviction_n from_o read_v the_o word_n from_o hear_v it_o from_o the_o good_a education_n my_o good_a parent_n give_v i_o for_o indeed_o to_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n they_o be_v puritan_n and_o i_o the_o lord_n forgive_v i_o a_o apostate_n wretch_n from_o the_o principle_n i_o be_v instruct_v in_o however_o all_o be_v palliate_v under_o the_o name_n and_o carriage_n of_o a_o prudential_a man_n conviction_n from_o the_o conversation_n of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o sin_n of_o profane_a one_o that_o i_o be_v often_o a_o eye_n and_o earwitness_n of_o conviction_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o our_o parson_n that_o preach_v against_o some_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v too_o too_o much_o guilty_a of_o i_o be_v convince_v it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o do_v as_o he_o say_v not_o as_o he_o do_v but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n whatever_o i_o or_o other_o think_v of_o i_o for_o i_o know_v not_o christ_n and_o taste_v no_o true_a savour_n of_o he_o i_o have_v something_o of_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o no_o power_n my_o religion_n such_o as_o it_o be_v be_v a_o mere_a slavery_n to_o i_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n keep_v i_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o devil_n christ_n when_o do_v you_o think_v those_o bond_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v break_v and_o how_o phil._n true_o it_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o when_o i_o consider_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o rom._n 10.17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v etc._n etc._n &_o jam._n 1.18_o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n it_o wrought_v upon_o i_o to_o look_v out_o a_o little_a in_o my_o prudential_a way_n after_o good_a preach_v that_o i_o may_v find_v the_o gate_n of_o wisdom_n and_o i_o will_v hear_v some_o of_o the_o able_a man_n of_o our_o church_n especial_o when_o i_o go_v to_o london_n and_o true_o i_o hear_v many_o notable_a discourse_n for_o eloquence_n and_o learning_n and_o they_o seem_v for_o to_o make_v a_o great_a jingle_n in_o my_o imagination_n for_o the_o present_a but_o no_o impression_n on_o my_o heart_n that_o remain_v very_o lean_a still_o and_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o their_o discourse_n be_v usual_o to_o cry_v up_o our_o church_n for_o the_o pure_a in_o the_o world_n and_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n free_a will_n to_o the_o embrace_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o nonresistance_n and_o passive_a obedience_n and_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o doctrine_n i_o be_v so_o far_o from_o profit_v that_o my_o heart_n tell_v i_o still_o while_o i_o hear_v that_o i_o sufficient_o know_v by_o my_o own_o experience_n that_o they_o preach_v lie_n and_o that_o they_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o err_v such_o as_o be_v speak_v of_o jer._n 14.14_o &_o 23.25_o 26_o 32._o ezek._n 13.8_o 9_o &_o 16.29_o &_o 22.28_o i_o pity_v the_o poor_a soul_n that_o sit_v constant_o under_o such_o teach_n and_o resolve_v to_o give_v they_o off_o and_o betake_v myself_o to_o conventicle_n but_o my_o covetous_a heart_n in_o love_n still_o with_o the_o world_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o i_o for_o there_o be_v danger_n yet_o in_o it_o whereupon_o i_o talk_v with_o some_o whig_n that_o be_v not_o so_o straitlaced_a but_o that_o they_o will_v hear_v good_a preach_v in_o the_o church_n and_o common-prayer_n too_o if_o need_n be_v but_o will_v shake_v their_o head_n and_o make_v great_a complaint_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n in_o brief_a i_o find_v they_o be_v sick_a of_o my_o disease_n though_o i_o like_v they_o the_o better_a for_o it_o then_o they_o tell_v i_o of_o a_o man_n or_o two_o which_o the_o whig_n that_o have_v be_v affright_v from_o conventicle_n have_v smell_v out_o and_o go_v to_o hear_v but_o they_o be_v say_v some_o reckon_v but_o fanatic_n in_o a_o mask_n the_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n hate_v they_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n quoth_v i_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n for_o that_o i_o will_v hear_v they_o what_o they_o say_v if_o it_o please_v god_n indeed_o i_o be_v so_o dissatisfy_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o some_o of_o their_o london_n don_n that_o i_o have_v rather_o hear_v our_o country_n doctor_n which_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o more_o orthodox_n and_o be_v just_a resolve_v to_o leave_v the_o church_n and_o venture_v it_o at_o the_o conventicle_n no_o say_v my_o honest_a latitudinarian_a whig_n as_o true_a blue_n for_o the_o people_n civil_a right_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n but_o since_o i_o find_v they_o mere_a boggler_n at_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v some_o n._n c._n divine_n that_o give_v large_a measure_n to_o their_o conscience_n too_o but_o no_o more_o of_o that_o do_v it_o do_v any_o thing_n rash_o consider_v you_o have_v a_o plentiful_a estate_n god_n be_v thank_v and_o you_o have_v a_o wife_n and_o many_o child_n it_o become_v you_o to_o mind_v the_o main_a chance_n these_o be_v but_o punctilio_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n the_o great_a danger_n be_v of_o popery_n let_v we_o all_o combine_v against_o that_o and_o not_o let_v protestant_n break_v one_o another_o by_o these_o small_a indifference_n we_o confess_v we_o be_v trouble_v at_o this_o devil_n of_o persecution_n that_o be_v break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n but_o we_o think_v too_o they_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o imprudent_a rash_a people_n that_o will_v be_v cast_v into_o prison_n and_o ruin_v their_o estate_n and_o family_n for_o noncompliance_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o which_o cause_n we_o believe_v they_o can_v not_o justify_v themselves_o to_o die_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n indeed_o shall_v be_v rectify_v in_o our_o church_n but_o you_o know_v our_o article_n be_v very_a sound_n and_o as_o for_o the_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n they_o be_v as_o our_o first_o reformer_n and_o martyr_n leave_v they_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v at_o a_o note_a coffee-house_n for_o whig_n take_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
of_o itself_o christ_n it_o be_v as_o the_o church_n shall_v judge_v of_o it_o for_o they_o may_v be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o the_o visible_a holiness_n of_o some_o that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v the_o least_o doubt_n that_o the_o person_n offer_v himself_o be_v fit_a matter_n for_o the_o spiritual_a building_n but_o the_o church_n will_v it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o desire_v to_o hear_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o such_o a_o one_o rather_o than_o for_o satisfaction_n concern_v his_o spiritual_a state_n which_o they_o doubt_v not_o of_o phil._n but_o i_o pray_v sir_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o verbal_a profession_n which_o you_o expect_v christ_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v requisite_a in_o a_o adult_n church_n member_n 1._o that_o he_o have_v a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n prov._n 19.2_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n can_v believe_v rom._n 10.14_o ch_n 3.11_o pro._n 9.10_o hos_fw-la 4.6_o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 1_o tim._n 2.4_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o such_o as_o be_v admit_v church_n member_n do_v show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o his_o essence_n and_o subsistence_n the_o person_n nature_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o state_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o fall_n the_o nature_n of_o christ_n mediatory_a office_n in_o his_o humiliation_n and_o exaltation_n and_o the_o great_a effect_n thereof_o in_o justification_n sanctification_n and_o glorification_n phil._n i_o think_v indeed_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o church_n member_n shall_v have_v knowledge_n of_o divine_a mystery_n so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o else_o they_o will_v but_o profane_v holy_a thing_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o mere_a superstition_n or_o idolatry_n as_o the_o papist_n have_v do_v who_o hug_v ignorance_n as_o the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n but_o many_o a_o man_n that_o have_v have_v good_a christian_a education_n may_v give_v a_o great_a account_n in_o these_o matter_n and_o not_o have_v a_o grain_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o heart_n christ_n so_o he_o may_v nay_o many_o â—n_a one_o that_o can_v discourse_v with_o much_o knowledge_n in_o all_o point_n of_o divinity_n may_v be_v a_o very_a loose_a and_o wicked_a man_n in_o his_o life_n rom._n 2.17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o etc._n etc._n nay_o he_o may_v do_v all_o external_o in_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o power_n of_o godliness_n wherefore_o 2._o we_o go_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v to_o be_v satisfy_v and_o therefore_o inquire_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o hope_n which_o when_o he_o have_v satisfy_v we_o in_o we_o can_v go_v no_o further_o but_o own_o he_o fit_a to_o become_v a_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o these_o qualification_n be_v express_o lay_v before_o we_o rom._n 10.10_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v to_o be_v give_v when_o require_v 1_o pet._n 3.15_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o the_o great_a weight_n to_o give_v this_o reason_n to_o a_o church_n for_o their_o satisfaction_n when_o ask_v by_o it_o and_o we_o find_v that_o they_o that_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n act._n 2._o give_v good_a evidence_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o peter_n sermon_n phil._n but_o they_o be_v present_o add_v to_o the_o church_n they_o allot_v no_o time_n to_o make_v further_a inspection_n into_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n christ_n there_o may_v be_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o for_z 1._o it_o be_v most_o probable_a these_o be_v all_o know_v to_o be_v very_o devout_a in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n such_o it_o may_v be_v for_o conversation_n as_o zechary_n and_o elizabeth_n and_z as_o cornelius_z a_o proselyte_n for_o they_o be_v jew_n that_o live_v at_o a_o distance_n in_o remote_a region_n that_o come_v up_o constant_o to_o worship_n at_o the_o feast_n and_o now_o come_v to_o the_o feast_n of_o 〈…〉_o 2._o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o twelve_o all_o preside_v in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o have_v a_o more_o infallible_a judgement_n or_o more_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o church_n administration_n than_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n since_o have_v as_o appear_v by_o many_o instance_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o simon_n magus_n ananias_n and_o sapphira_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o be_v acquaint_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n how_o true_a step_n they_o make_v in_o receive_v of_o member_n that_o they_o be_v still_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v we_o read_v not_o of_o any_o false-hearted_a of_o all_o that_o 3000_o unless_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v of_o that_o number_n phil._n but_o be_v it_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o every_o adult_n person_n be_v admit_v into_o church_n communion_n and_o give_v credible_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n christ_n yes_o for_o 1._o visible_a membership_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n give_v right_o of_o claim_n to_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n a_o supposal_n of_o a_o person_n mystical_a union_n to_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o claim_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n in_o institute_v ordinance_n 2._o we_o have_v no_o other_o sort_n of_o member_n but_o visible_a saint_n speak_v of_o as_o admit_v in_o the_o primitive_a apostolic_a state_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 1.7_o 1_o cor._n 1.2_o phil._n 1.1_o eph._n 1.1_o coâ—_n 1.2_o saint_n and_o faithful_a brethren_n in_o 〈…〉_o these_o 1.1_o eph._n 2.1_o 2._o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o thessalonica_n be_v in_o god_n the_o father_n and_o in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o solomon_n temple_n all_o the_o stone_n be_v to_o be_v square_v and_o fit_v before_o lay_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n mystical_a and_o politic_a in_o visible_a church-state_n the_o apostle_n peter_n allude_v to_o it_o 1_o pet._n 2.2.3_o 5._o he_o show_v the_o first_o effect_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n grace_n on_o convert_v and_o then_o they_o come_v to_o christ_n the_o cornerstone_n as_o live_v stone_n to_o be_v build_v a_o spiritual_a house_n in_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o saint_n 2._o that_o a_o church-member_n who_o ought_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o when_o in_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o but_o if_o any_o surreptitious_o crope_v in_o &_o be_v make_v manifest_a not_o to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o his_o eye_n he_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v out_o therefore_o he_o that_o do_v not_o appear_v to_o have_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v a_o church-member_n see_v 1_o cor._n 5.11_o 12._o phil._n your_o strictness_n in_o this_o kind_n keep_v off_o many_o that_o will_v otherwise_o join_v themselves_o christ_n and_o do_v not_o the_o holiness_n of_o gospel-truths_n as_o much_o or_o more_o keep_v off_o carnal_a and_o wicked_a man_n from_o embrace_v they_o as_o they_o will_v say_v but_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v their_o rebellious_a heart_n bigoted_a to_o their_o belove_a sin_n beside_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o bar_n to_o keep_v off_o unworthy_a person_n from_o sacred_a thing_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o give_v holy_a thing_n i._n e._n such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n child_n unto_o dog_n and_o such_o be_v church-priviledge_n 3._o we_o will_v not_o willing_o debar_v one_o even_o the_o least_o babe_n in_o christ_n from_o the_o appoint_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o therefore_o do_v willing_o condescend_v to_o the_o modesty_n and_o weakness_n of_o any_o age_n or_o sex_n manifest_v a_o spiritual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n if_o there_o be_v a_o ground_n to_o judge_v there_o be_v truth_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v accept_v and_o this_o be_v ordinary_o perceive_v by_o they_o that_o be_v spiritual_a phil._n but_o you_o will_v ask_v hard_a question_n in_o the_o point_n of_o knowledge_n christ_n no_o hard_o than_o be_v ask_v in_o our_o ordinary_a catechism_n which_o we_o teach_v our_o child_n try_v only_o whether_o a_o grow_a person_n understand_v in_o any_o competent_a measure_n what_o he_o say_v according_a as_o philip_n deal_v with_o the_o eunuch_n phil._n but_o this_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v that_o which_o most_o be_v against_o and_o be_v loath_a to_o comply_v with_o christ_n they_o that_o have_v it_o not_o can_v do_v it_o unless_o some_o gloze_a hypocrite_n that_o by_o his_o education_n and_o part_n have_v get_v much_o brain-knowledge_n and_o can_v counterfeit_v any_o external_a part_n of_o
religion_n but_o where_o this_o hope_n be_v you_o usual_o see_v how_o ready_a man_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n why_o not_o to_o a_o church_n or_o its_o officer_n that_o may_v bring_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n you_o see_v how_o natural_o in_o our_o discourse_n but_o now_o you_o fall_v into_o this_o when_o i_o take_v but_o occasion_n to_o ask_v how_o you_o come_v so_o sudden_o in_o love_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n you_o give_v i_o a_o very_a full_a account_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o your_o soul_n phil._n why_o be_v it_o no_o more_o than_o such_o a_o poor_a account_n as_o i_o give_v you_o but_o now_o alas_o i_o can_v have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o concern_v god_n wonderful_a gracious_a deal_n with_o i_o but_o that_o i_o haste_v to_o this_o discourse_n with_o you_o about_o gospel_n church_n and_o order_n which_o i_o have_v long_o wish_v for_o i_o have_v think_v your_o member_n must_v have_v prepare_v some_o set_a speech_n in_o such_o exact_a form_n and_o manner_n as_o some_o man_n can_v do_v but_o alas_o how_o many_o good_a honest_a christian_n can_v express_v themselves_o but_o they_o can_v tell_v you_o in_o their_o plain_a way_n of_o speak_v what_o they_o be_v drunkard_n liar_n scoffer_n debauch_a adulterer_n blasphemer_n etc._n etc._n and_o one_o will_v say_v god_n cast_v i_o down_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n by_o awaken_n my_o conscience_n by_o such_o a_o word_n or_o such_o a_o providence_n and_o i_o begin_v to_o think_v how_o i_o be_v in_o hasten_v to_o eternal_a destruction_n he_o will_v tell_v of_o the_o great_a struggle_n he_o have_v with_o satan_n the_o world_n and_o his_o company_n to_o hold_v he_o fast_o in_o his_o sinful_a way_n he_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o good_a tiding_n to_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n be_v and_o how_o thereby_o his_o heart_n be_v draw_v forth_o to_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n he_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o sermon_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n some_o at_o least_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a which_o be_v make_v most_o effectual_a for_o his_o soul_n benefit_n and_o advantage_n if_o this_o be_v all_o you_o stand_v upon_o i_o think_v none_o that_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a will_v make_v any_o scruple_n of_o it_o as_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o make_v it_o my_o frequent_a discourse_n to_o any_o faithful_a friend_n in_o christ_n to_o declare_v to_o he_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n and_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o best_a entertainment_n he_o can_v give_v i_o to_o hear_v the_o like_a from_o he_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o any_o one_o shall_v question_v the_o do_v it_o to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o so_o many_o faithful_a one_o labour_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o a_o man_n self_n christ_n i_o find_v bashfulness_n be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o many_o in_o some_o especial_o woman_n it_o be_v from_o their_o sex_n and_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o many_o of_o both_o sex_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o they_o but_o to_o pray_v against_o it_o and_o for_o church_n officer_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o all_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n suppose_v still_o that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o sense_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o express_v by_o what_o show_v itself_o again_o other_o be_v ashamed_a some_o upon_o this_o account_n viz._n to_o tell_v the_o world_n how_o wicked_a and_o vile_a they_o have_v be_v other_o afraid_a they_o shall_v be_v reject_v and_o that_o will_v be_v a_o great_a disgrace_n to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o first_o sort_n i_o say_v church_n do_v not_o stand_v upon_o this_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v particularize_v the_o individual_a sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o a_o heinous_a and_o enormous_a nature_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o he_o specify_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o live_v in_o in_o general_n unless_o he_o find_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o to_o declare_v what_o a_o wicked_a wretch_n in_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n he_o have_v be_v which_o the_o world_n and_o his_o acquaintance_n know_v as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o paul_n do_v so_o that_o great_a apostle_n i_o be_v a_o persecutor_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o often_o do_v he_o aggravate_v his_o sin_n and_o magnify_v the_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o call_v and_o save_v he_o that_o great_a notorious_a sin_n of_o his_o know_v to_o all_o he_o declare_v often_o to_o the_o church_n and_o other_o then_o as_o to_o the_o declare_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o his_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n any_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v ashamed_a the_o world_n shall_v know_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v save_v and_o not_o eternal_o perish_v rom._n 10.10_o 11._o the_o apostle_n anticipate_v this_o objection_n when_o he_o say_v with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v and_o with_o the_o tongue_n confession_n i._n e._n of_o that_o faith_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n it_o immediate_o follow_v for_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a i._n e._n to_o confess_v with_o his_o mouth_n what_o he_o believe_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o for_o confession_n of_o particular_a secret_a sin_n it_o be_v not_o expect_v by_o the_o church_n they_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n to_o require_v it_o but_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o wicked_a practice_n of_o the_o romish_a priest_n in_o auricular_a confession_n phil._n you_o have_v give_v very_o good_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n for_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o that_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o way_n of_o your_o church_n object_n this_o very_o strenuous_o as_o if_o your_o minister_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o wicked_a varlet_n who_o make_v confession_n a_o stratagem_n to_o creep_v into_o acquaintance_n with_o man_n secret_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n but_o i_o will_v have_v you_o answer_v the_o other_o objection_n that_o many_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v be_v reject_v and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o too_o many_o be_v loath_a to_o bewray_v their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n christ_n as_o for_o such_o who_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v reject_v they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v lift_v up_o in_o themselves_o and_o put_v on_o religion_n more_o for_o the_o applause_n of_o it_o than_o for_o the_o love_n of_o it_o these_o have_v not_o learned_a christ_n for_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a 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in_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o acquaintance_n with_o which_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v unto_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n beside_o what_o danger_n be_v there_o of_o public_a disgrace_n if_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n be_v know_v no_o unprejudiced_a christian_n can_v think_v there_o be_v any_o for_o if_o a_o man_n offer_v himself_o to_o join_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n he_o go_v to_o the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o his_o desire_n who_o will_v if_o he_o think_v there_o be_v reason_n first_o inquire_v of_o his_o knowledge_n in_o some_o great_a fundamental_a point_n wherein_o find_v he_o gross_o defective_a he_o give_v he_o information_n and_o desire_v he_o frequent_o
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
head_n so_o it_o be_v in_o body_n politic_a phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n where_o do_v you_o place_v church_n power_n christ_n the_o power_n that_o be_v in_o a_o church_n be_v christ_n but_o it_o be_v act_v in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la &_o mediante_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la the_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o it_o as_o a_o associate_v or_o embody_v company_n of_o believer_n for_o the_o key_n of_o government_n be_v give_v to_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n primary_o as_o believe_v disciple_n and_o associate_v follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n secondary_o as_o minister_n and_o last_o as_o apostle_n extraordinary_a minister_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v or_o lose_v be_v primary_o in_o the_o society_n as_o such_o without_o the_o consideration_n of_o officer_n appear_v 1._o because_o the_o church_n have_v the_o essence_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n without_o officer_n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o it_o admit_v the_o 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and_o make_v itself_o a_o integrum_fw-la organizatum_fw-la a_o body_n furnish_v with_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o member_n and_o therefore_o can_v confer_v office_n power_n where_o there_o be_v none_o before_o now_o there_o be_v power_n in_o that_o body_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o do_v confer_v office_n power_n 5._o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o body_n politic_a it_o will_v be_v whole_o devest_v of_o it_o whenever_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o its_o officer_n by_o death_n as_o it_o often_o be_v but_o it_o be_v not_o because_o it_o can_v proceed_v to_o another_o choice_n phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n what_o kind_n of_o power_n be_v this_o be_v it_o legislative_a or_o executive_a and_o where_o do_v it_o lie_v that_o i_o may_v know_v what_o you_o understand_v by_o the_o key_n christ_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a legislator_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n his_o reveal_v will_n be_v the_o key_n of_o david_n who_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o do_v not_o communicate_v his_o power_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o execution_n he_o do_v deligate_v his_o power_n to_o church_n and_o officer_n to_o act_v in_o his_o name_n and_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o decisive_a power_n exert_v in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o decisive_a power_n pass_v always_o upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n commit_v by_o a_o particular_a member_n or_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n in_o admission_n or_o rejection_n of_o member_n or_o in_o choose_v of_o officer_n this_o decisive_a power_n consist_v in_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o this_o spiritual_a house_n and_o i_o call_v it_o the_o key_n of_o government_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o key_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v a_o door_n now_o this_o key_n of_o decisive_a power_n be_v the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o the_o brotherhood_n or_o where_o that_o can_v be_v have_v it_o must_v be_v the_o majority_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o some_o difference_n in_o such_o society_n phil._n then_o the_o key_n be_v this_o decisive_a power_n and_o lie_v in_o the_o fraternity_n there_o need_v no_o officer_n at_o all_o christ_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o key_n and_o another_o to_o have_v the_o management_n of_o a_o key_n christ_n give_v peter_n the_o key_n but_o do_v not_o make_v he_o the_o key_n as_o a_o church_n officer_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o apostle_n and_o as_o other_o apostle_n be_v who_o have_v all_o decisive_a church-power_n in_o themselves_o to_o exert_v as_o occasion_v require_v but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o act_v by_o the_o management_n of_o the_o church_n key_n as_o peter_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n act._n 1._o and_o of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o and_o paul_n in_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n phil._n a_o key_n be_v a_o dead_a thing_n and_o can_v open_v or_o shut_v without_o a_o hand_n to_o 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the_o lord_n phil._n that_o be_v they_o now_o give_v up_o their_o power_n to_o the_o pastor_n they_o choose_v and_o the_o decisive_a power_n remain_v no_o long_o in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v divest_v of_o it_o christ_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n what_o a_o people_n do_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la and_o another_o what_o they_o may_v do_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la it_o be_v too_o true_a that_o through_o ignorance_n or_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o man_n of_o name_n many_o church_n do_v give_v away_o their_o power_n or_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v wrest_v from_o they_o by_o usurp_a officer_n such_o as_o diotrephes_n who_o will_v be_v the_o key_n as_o well_o as_o have_v the_o management_n of_o they_o but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la for_o 1._o the_o decisive_a power_n be_v the_o key_n and_o this_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o majority_n they_o break_v the_o key_n or_o change_v it_o by_o put_v the_o decisive_a power_n into_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o minority_n which_o be_v a_o single_a person_n or_o a_o few_o at_o most_o 2._o they_o can_v divest_v themselves_o without_o destroy_v the_o very_a formal_a nature_n of_o the_o society_n for_o as_o their_o first_o be_v arise_v by_o common_a consent_n so_o their_o continue_a act_n must_v be_v 3._o if_o they_o give_v up_o this_o power_n they_o part_v with_o their_o freedom_n and_o be_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o one_o man_n and_o they_o set_v up_o a_o arbitrary_a government_n 4._o they_o can_v exercise_v that_o power_n which_o they_o have_v give_v up_o and_o then_o in_o case_n of_o maladministration_n who_o shall_v say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o etc._n etc._n for_o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o church_n may_v see_v reason_n to_o deal_v with_o a_o officer_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v he_o from_o his_o office_n relation_n and_o membership_n too_o 5._o what_o a_o condition_n be_v such_o a_o church_n in_o that_o do_v so_o for_o if_o a_o pastor_n or_o rule_v elder_a 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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
the_o new_a testament_n and_o why_o call_v so_o christ_n they_o be_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o they_o be_v call_v sacrament_n because_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a ratification_n of_o god_n promise_v to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o he_o they_o be_v sign_n be_v significant_a of_o invisible_a grace_n and_o blessing_n they_o be_v call_v seal_n as_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passover_n be_v be_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n relation_n between_o god_n and_o us._n phil._n i_o pray_v speak_v of_o baptism_n it_o have_v be_v much_o controvert_v upon_o many_o account_n christ_n i_o shall_v not_o detain_v you_o upon_o the_o most_o controvert_v point_n of_o it_o but_o tell_v you_o now_o brief_o what_o we_o believe_v and_o practice_v about_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o institute_v ordinance_n by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o remain_v in_o the_o gospel_n church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v by_o mat._n 28.19_o 2._o that_o the_o element_n or_o significant_a sign_n be_v water_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v bless_v by_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n 4._o that_o the_o thing_n signify_v be_v the_o wash_n in_o regeneration_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o precious_a blood_n be_v apply_v for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o the_o person_n baptise_a dedicate_v unto_o the_o lord_n remission_n of_o sin_n be_v eminent_o signify_v thereby_o act._n 2.38_o chap._n 10.43_o phil._n then_o you_o think_v a_o person_n to_o be_v regenerate_v in_o baptism_n christ_n it_o be_v but_o a_o sign_n of_o that_o which_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o adult_a person_n it_o be_v requisite_a there_o be_v credible_a sign_n or_o ground_n to_o think_v they_o be_v regenerate_v but_o many_o such_o who_o be_v baptise_a be_v not_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a none_o be_v regenerate_v mere_o by_o partake_v of_o that_o ordinance_n unless_o we_o allow_v fall_v away_o from_o effectual_a grace_n and_o when_o it_o be_v administer_v to_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o a_o believer_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v and_o be_v both_o desire_a and_o pray_v for_o phil._n i_o see_v you_o be_v for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n christ._n we_o be_v for_o it_o and_o do_v practice_v it_o we_o doubt_v not_o of_o it_o and_o upon_o good_a ground_n for_o we_o look_v upon_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o right_n of_o every_o child_n of_o a_o church_n member_n 1._o as_o the_o infant_n be_v a_o church_n member_n in_o the_o parent_n right_a the_o parent_n have_v give_v himself_o and_o child_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n in_o church_n relation_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n the_o parent_n challenge_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n say_v act._n 2._o belong_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n be_v transfer_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v say_v gal._n 4.28_o chap._n 3.29_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o isaac_n be_v and_o therefore_o have_v the_o covenant_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n belong_v to_o they_o for_o themselves_o and_o child_n as_o isaac_n have_v and_o in_o the_o administration_n it_o be_v of_o use_n to_o the_o parent_n 1._o for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o that_o extensive_a promise_n 2._o for_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o the_o child_n unto_o the_o lord_n 3._o for_o a_o obligation_n to_o bring_v it_o up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n phil._n may_v not_o a_o profess_a believer_n child_n be_v baptise_a that_o be_v not_o actual_o a_o member_n of_o any_o church_n christ._n he_o that_o be_v a_o believer_n ought_v to_o claim_v his_o right_n to_o all_o church_n privilege_n and_o therefore_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n where_o he_o may_v enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o whilst_o he_o do_v not_o he_o evident_o live_v in_o a_o sin_n of_o great_a omission_n if_o providence_n have_v give_v he_o opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v and_o i_o know_v not_o but_o a_o credible_a believer_n may_v as_o well_o desire_v the_o lord_n supper_n without_o add_v himself_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o to_o desire_v the_o baptism_n of_o his_o child_n without_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o render_v his_o profession_n very_o hardly_o credible_a whilst_o he_o live_v in_o this_o great_a sin_n of_o omission_n phil._n be_v there_o any_o just_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o a_o infant_n baptise_a and_o die_v in_o his_o infancy_n be_v certain_o save_v christ._n by_o no_o mean_n if_o you_o understand_v all_o infant_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v usual_o now_o promiscuous_o baptise_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n be_v a_o divine_a secret_n phil._n but_o what_o comfort_n have_v a_o believe_a parent_n in_o this_o case_n any_o more_o than_o a_o profess_a unbeliever_n or_o infidel_n be_v there_o no_o promise_n that_o he_o can_v take_v comfort_n from_o upon_o this_o account_n if_o not_o then_o it_o be_v possible_a such_o a_o affliction_n may_v befall_v a_o child_n of_o god_n for_o which_o he_o have_v no_o promise_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o support_v he_o in_o for_o without_o a_o promise_n faith_n can_v take_v no_o hold_n of_o god_n for_o comfort_n christ._n in_o case_n a_o believer_n child_n die_v in_o infancy_n and_o his_o trouble_n be_v about_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o his_o child_n i_o know_v no_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v reach_v forth_o comfort_n to_o he_o but_o this_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n see_v his_o child_n live_v not_o to_o make_v a_o personal_a and_o profess_a rejection_n of_o his_o covenant_n relation_n in_o adult_n year_n as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n do_v and_o thus_o a_o believer_n by_o faith_n in_o that_o promise_n can_v take_v such_o comfort_n to_o himself_o in_o that_o condition_n which_o no_o unbeliever_n can_v for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o unbeliever_n child_n die_v in_o nonage_n what_o god_n have_v reserve_v in_o his_o secret_a counsel_n be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o determine_v phil._n be_v not_o baptism_n a_o convert_v ordinance_n christ_n if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o your_o church_n say_v that_o he_o that_o be_v baptise_a be_v certain_o save_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o most_o time_n but_o although_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o refer_v to_o regeneration_n and_o initiation_n thereby_o in_o the_o covenant_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o confirm_a sacrament_n as_o the_o other_o be_v it_o be_v always_o for_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n both_o in_o parent_n and_o child_n neither_o be_v it_o improve_v by_o the_o baptize_v till_o he_o believe_v phil._n now_o i_o pray_v speak_v something_o of_o that_o other_o great_a seal_n the_o lord_n supper_n christ_n it_o be_v call_v break_v of_o bread_n by_o a_o synech_n act._n 2.42_o ch_z 20.7_o 11._o it_o be_v the_o supper_n john_n 13.2_o ch_n 21.20_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o because_o of_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o lord_n death_n as_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n have_v to_o his_o resurrection_n therefore_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n christ_n institute_v this_o ordinance_n for_o a_o solemn_a remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n in_o the_o church_n till_o he_o come_v the_o second_o time_n and_o he_o do_v it_o the_o night_n he_o be_v betray_v after_o he_o have_v eat_v the_o passover_n with_o his_o disciple_n mat._n 26.26_o the_o element_n bread_n and_o wine_n the_o sacramental_a action_n be_v bless_v the_o element_n distinct_o 2._o break_v the_o bread_n and_o pour_v out_o the_o wine_n 3._o the_o delivery_n of_o each_o to_o the_o people_n with_o the_o word_n of_o command_n appropriate_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n 4._o the_o order_n 1._o the_o bread_n bless_v then_o break_v then_o distribute_v 2._o the_o wine_n pour_v out_o bless_a deliver_v forth_o after_o this_o a_o psalm_n or_o hymn_n be_v sing_v as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v and_o that_o ordinance_n be_v end_v though_o most_o church_n conclude_v with_o a_o short_a prayer_n wherein_o god_n name_n be_v further_o bless_v &_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o assembly_n spread_v before_o the_o lord_n before_o which_o prayer_n be_v usual_a a_o liberal_a collection_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o support_v of_o ordinance_n phil._n what_o be_v the_o great_a use_n and_o improvement_n a_o communicant_a may_v and_o shall_v make_v of_o his_o participation_n of_o this_o ordinance_n christ_n 1._o that_o as_o the_o bread_n break_v and_o
over_o to_o satan_n be_v as_o much_o as_o our_o saviour_n by_o who_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n express_v mat._n 18._o that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v account_v as_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v by_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o as_o one_o out_o of_o that_o church_n communion_n viz._n a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n for_o such_o the_o jew_n will_v not_o eat_v with_o and_o condemn_v our_o saviour_n for_o so_o do_v there_o be_v but_o two_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n christ_n and_o satan_n who_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n i._n e._n the_o son_n of_o belial_n man_n that_o will_v not_o come_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o with_o such_o christ_n can_v have_v no_o concord_n in_o his_o church_n 2_o cor._n 6.15_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o a_o child_n of_o disobedience_n a_o incorrigible_a person_n harden_v in_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v return_v into_o the_o world_n as_o one_o that_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o child_n bread_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o humble_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n so_o that_o his_o flesh_n a_o gospel_n expression_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v corrupt_a affection_n and_o lust_n may_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o consequent_a behaviour_n require_v towards_o such_o a_o one_o abundant_o show_v it_o that_o intimacy_n of_o familiarity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o he_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o and_o that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v to_o be_v put_v away_o from_o communion_n in_o this_o manner_n as_o to_o all_o sacred_a thing_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o what_o do_v the_o apostle_n intend_v 2_o thes_n 3.14_o but_o the_o excommunication_n of_o one_o that_o be_v unruly_a that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a for_o it_o be_v set_v a_o mark_n upon_o he_o that_o other_o may_v withdraw_v from_o he_o to_o his_o great_a shame_n but_o yet_o ver_fw-la 15._o to_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o admonish_v he_o in_o order_n to_o his_o recovery_n phil._n what_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o this_o solemn_a sentence_n christ_n all_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n be_v private_a or_o public_a aught_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o due_a deliberation_n be_v use_v and_o tenderness_n towards_o the_o offend_a brother_n before_o the_o case_n be_v put_v to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v pass_v and_o the_o offender_n convict_v as_o guilty_a and_o ripe_a for_o censure_v the_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a with_o all_o the_o aggravation_n thereof_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o true_a end_n and_o intent_n thereof_o show_v solemn_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o way_n of_o humiliation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o supplication_n for_o the_o conviction_n repentance_n and_o humiliation_n of_o the_o sinner_n that_o the_o ordinance_n may_v obtain_v its_o true_a and_o best_a effect_n upon_o he_o last_o the_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v denounce_v solemn_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o roll_a elder_n if_o any_o if_o none_o by_o the_o pastor_n and_o then_o the_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v conclude_v with_o prayer_n of_o god_n blessing_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o sinner_n for_o his_o return_n and_o for_o the_o church_n that_o god_n will_v preserve_v it_o from_o impurity_n apostasy_n and_o decay_n in_o grace_n and_o that_o the_o fall_n of_o this_o brother_n may_v be_v a_o warn_a example_n that_o he_o that_o stand_v do_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v phil._n be_v there_o not_o a_o lesser_a excommunication_n which_o a_o offend_a brother_n may_v be_v try_v with_o before_o you_o proceed_v to_o this_o great_a and_o tremendous_a one_o christ_n there_o be_v with_o some_o that_o which_o they_o call_v suspension_n but_o i_o know_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o from_o the_o word_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o adult_n member_n have_v right_a to_o all_o ordinance_n or_o not_o and_o right_o he_o have_v still_o till_o he_o be_v due_o convict_v and_o sentence_n pass_v upon_o he_o and_o i_o know_v no_o power_n that_o any_o church_n or_o officer_n have_v to_o debar_v he_o from_o any_o ordinance_n of_o church_n communion_n till_o he_o be_v exclude_v judicial_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n phil._n you_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v a_o excommunicate_a person_n again_o upon_o credible_a manifestation_n of_o his_o repentance_n christ_n there_o aught_o to_o be_v great_a readiness_n to_o receive_v a_o repent_v and_o return_v sinner_n with_o all_o tenderness_n compassion_n and_o commiseration_n but_o with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n his_o church_n and_o ordinance_n to_o endeavour_v to_o get_v as_o much_o satisfaction_n as_o may_v be_v concern_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o profess_a repentance_n not_o only_o by_o manifest_a remorse_n but_o in_o some_o case_n by_o experience_a reformation_n phil._n you_o be_v say_v that_o one_o that_o be_v a_o unjust_a divider_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o a_o direct_a excommunication_n christ_n i_o do_v very_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o our_o church_n that_o be_v now_o but_o in_o a_o decline_a state_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o order_n will_v not_o receive_v it_o yet_o church_n have_v practise_v it_o and_o whenever_o the_o church_n flourish_v they_o will_v practice_v it_o my_o reason_n be_v brief_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v schism_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n be_v the_o actual_a divide_v of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o schism_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v but_o faction_n tend_v to_o this_o division_n else_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v give_v command_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o causer_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o the_o incestuous_a person_n for_o the_o contention_n and_o faction_n that_o have_v a_o tendency_n thereto_o they_o be_v high_o rebuke_v 1_o cor._n 1.11_o 12._o ch_z 3.3_o 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 2._o what_o way_n be_v for_o mark_v and_o withdraw_v from_o a_o person_n but_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n rom._n 16.17_o 1_o thes_n 5.14_o 2_o thes_n 3.14_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o most_o scandalous_a sin_n to_o jew_n gentile_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n nothing_o stain_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n more_o in_o the_o congregation_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n that_o infect_v many_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o censure_n if_o it_o can_v be_v cure_v heb._n 12.15_o 5._o to_o excommunicate_v such_o a_o person_n be_v no_o wrong_n because_o he_o have_v excommunicate_v himself_o he_o have_v but_o what_o he_o seek_v after_o and_o have_v do_v 6._o it_o be_v fit_a such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v judicial_o because_o he_o have_v by_o usurpation_n excommunicate_v himself_o and_o the_o church_n 7._o it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o such_o a_o one_o wherein_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v make_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n 8._o it_o be_v a_o gross_a breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n at_o entrance_n into_o church_n communion_n phil._n speak_v something_o now_o of_o the_o five_o head_n of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v contribution_n to_o the_o support_n of_o ordinance_n ministry_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n christ_n contribution_n on_o these_o account_n be_v manifest_o the_o office_n charge_n of_o the_o deacon_n to_o call_v the_o church_n to_o its_o duty_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o faithful_a distribution_n of_o all_o collection_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o give_v account_n thereof_o to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v herein_o the_o church_n steward_n it_o be_v full_o manifest_a from_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o that_o office_n act_v 6._o and_o by_o their_o necessary_a qualification_n speak_v of_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o office_n and_o ordinance_n be_v not_o only_o the_o gospel_n institution_n which_o from_o the_o place_n foremention_v be_v without_o dispute_n but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n society_n itself_o no_o society_n if_o but_o civil_a can_v be_v support_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n without_o charge_n and_o there_o be_v many_o charge_n necessary_o require_v to_o support_v a_o church_n society_n for_o a_o ministry_n must_v be_v maintain_v 1_o cor._n 9.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 18._o gal._n 6.6_o luke_n 10.4_o likewise_o there_o be_v charge_n as_o to_o place_n for_o the_o church_n