stand_v in_o doctrine_n exhortation_n and_o reproof_n etc._n etc._n to_o bring_v home_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o exposition_n application_n catechism_n and_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o gainsayers_a phil._n you_o give_v the_o whole_a preach_a office_n unto_o the_o pastor_n christ_n it_o be_v in_o he_o and_o may_v ordinary_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o provide_v his_o strength_n and_o ability_n can_v reach_v to_o it_o and_o other_o part_n of_o his_o office_n lie_v not_o too_o hard_o upon_o he_o or_o can_v be_v perform_v to_o the_o church_n full_a edification_n phil._n but_o what_o if_o it_o can_v be_v perform_v to_o the_o church_n full_a edification_n christ_n then_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o coadjutor_n or_o assistant_n to_o he_o be_v choose_v in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o office_n to_o wit_v a_o teacher_n or_o teach_v elder_a who_o be_v to_o wait_v most_o on_o doctrinal_a expository_n and_o catechumenal_a teach_n phil._n but_o this_o seem_v not_o a_o distinct_a officer_n christ_n though_o he_o come_v into_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n or_o episcopal_a office_n yet_o he_o become_v a_o distinct_a officer_n for_o he_o come_v in_o as_o a_o govern_n feed_v officer_n attend_v more_o particular_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o office_n to_o which_o he_o be_v appoint_v and_o choose_v for_o he_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n so_o far_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o overseer_n by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o necessary_a supply_n neither_o do_v his_o office_n power_n curtalize_v at_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o pastor_n only_o act_v in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o office_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d opitulatio_fw-la a_o help_n or_o assistance_n take_v off_o part_n of_o the_o burden_n from_o he_o and_o such_o teacher_n be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v to_o wait_v on_o his_o teach_n rom._n 12.7_o where_o teach_v seem_v plain_o to_o be_v specify_v as_o a_o distinct_a officework_n in_o one_o call_v thereto_o as_o exhort_v in_o he_o that_o be_v more_o especial_o call_v to_o exhortation_n and_o teacher_n be_v plain_o enough_o name_v in_o distinction_n from_o pastor_n as_o officer_n set_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n eph._n 4.11_o 12._o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n i._n e._n officer_n for_o the_o fill_n up_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n therefore_o when_o this_o officer_n be_v necessary_a for_o full_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n than_o he_o be_v to_o be_v add_v phil._n be_v there_o no_o officer_n appoint_v to_o take_v up_o as_o a_o help_n to_o the_o pastor_n in_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n for_o where_o a_o church_n be_v large_a the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o way_n of_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v require_v much_o labour_n diligence_n and_o wisdom_n christ_n there_o be_v roll_a elder_n or_o presbyter_n call_v to_o attend_v and_o wait_v upon_o that_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o take_v up_o with_o he_o and_o be_v help_n in_o government_n i_o conceive_v they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 12.28_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v render_v miracle_n but_o rule_v officer_n or_o power_n as_o the_o same_o word_n be_v render_v rom._n 8.38_o person_n in_o power_n the_o abstract_n put_v for_o the_o concrete_a and_o the_o gift_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n first_o and_o last_o be_v specify_v under_o the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gift_n gracious_o bestow_v among_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gubernationes_fw-la govern_v or_o rule_v gift_n phil._n you_o make_v then_o a_o rule_v elder_a a_o distinct_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n be_v not_o rule_v elder_n but_o that_o when_o one_o or_o both_o be_v not_o able_a to_o manage_v the_o roll_a part_n for_o the_o sufficient_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v one_o or_o more_o to_o be_v call_v into_o that_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o attend_v thereto_o with_o diligence_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 12.7_o 8_o 9_o call_v the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n episcopal_n and_o diaconal_a by_o the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o ministry_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a office_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o the_o teacher_n that_o attend_v on_o teach_v the_o exhorte_a that_o attend_v on_o exhortation_n the_o deacon_n that_o distribute_v with_o simplicity_n the_o roll_a elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o preside_v in_o govern_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o industry_n or_o diligence_n phil._n but_o be_v there_o any_o presbyter_n or_o elder_a that_o be_v not_o teach_v you_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o lay-elders_a christ_n the_o distinction_n between_o clergy_n and_o laity_n come_v from_o rome_n we_o own_v it_o not_o in_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v by_o no_o mean_n for_o the_o people_n be_v the_o clergy_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n peter_n show_v the_o duty_n of_o presbyter_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o lording_n it_o as_o lordbishop_n over_o god_n heritage_n 2._o they_o be_v no_o more_o layman_n than_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n yea_o i_o may_v affirm_v if_o they_o that_o be_v ordain_v officer_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n be_v make_v thereby_o the_o clergy_n than_o all_o the_o minister_n even_o deacon_n as_o well_o as_o pastor_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o kind_n of_o ordination_n to_o all_o the_o officer_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n 3._o we_o deny_v not_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o be_v rule_v elder_n neither_o do_v we_o deny_v that_o a_o rule_v elder_a may_v speak_v and_o teach_v as_o occasion_n require_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v his_o office_n in_o public_a or_o private_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v one_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o all_o presbyter_n or_o roll_a elder_n preach_v or_o not_o that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o teach_v 1_o tim._n 3.2_o and_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o the_o elder_n must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o a_o bishop_n i._n e._n a_o roll_a elder_a or_o presbyter_n must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v i._n e._n so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n as_o he_o be_v call_v thereto_o 4._o but_o the_o apostle_n do_v speak_v very_o clear_o in_o distribute_v the_o elder_n into_o they_o who_o ordinary_a and_o chief_a work_n be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o such_o who_o more_o peculiar_a work_n be_v to_o attend_v government_n though_o there_o never_o want_v those_o that_o will_v endeavour_v to_o darken_v and_o baffle_v the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v clear_a to_o common_a sense_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o presbyter_n that_o rule_v well_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v presider_v or_o precedent_n in_o rule_n and_o government_n as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n be_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v worthy_a or_o let_v they_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n i._n e._n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o well_o management_n thereof_o let_v such_o have_v great_a honour_n than_o any_o age_a person_n that_o be_v but_o a_o ordinary_a brother_n for_o he_o have_v speak_v before_o of_o our_o carriage_n to_o age_a brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o such_o as_o these_o we_o shall_v esteem_v they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n but_o especial_o they_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o preach_a presbyter_n let_v they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v honour_v or_o esteem_v phil._n how_o many_o roll_a elder_n ought_v there_o to_o be_v christ_n christ_n have_v not_o limit_v church_n here_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o edification_n the_o church_n may_v be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o edify_v by_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n as_o the_o sole_a presbyter_n and_o there_o may_v be_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o a_o distinct_a roll_a elder_a till_o the_o church_n increase_v to_o a_o great_a bigness_n and_o when_o it_o be_v increase_v the_o church_n may_v choose_v one_o or_o more_o according_a as_o be_v judge_v necessary_a to_o its_o edification_n phil._n what_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o a_o man_n or_o man_n due_o qualify_v for_o that_o office_n christ._n they_o may_v pitch_v upon_o a_o brother_n not_o in_o office_n of_o
of_o that_o since_o neither_o do_v the_o spirit_n seem_v to_o limit_v to_o a_o certain_a number_n the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v how_o many_o be_v requisite_a to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o that_o office_n according_a to_o their_o present_a stare_n and_o stand_v yea_o they_o may_v increase_v their_o number_n if_o they_o see_v need_n require_v phil._n be_v there_o any_o help_n in_o this_o ministration_n speciffy_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christ_n yes_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v pretty_a plain_n that_o there_o be_v widow_n or_o deaconess_n or_o matron_n who_o be_v to_o do_v that_o part_n of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v not_o so_o convenient_a for_o man_n such_o as_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o sister_n and_o inquire_v into_o their_o necessity_n and_o bring_v a_o account_n to_o the_o deacon_n if_o any_o be_v without_o necessary_a supply_n for_o food_n raiment_n physic_n attendance_n and_o the_o like_a see_v 1_o tim._n 5.5_o 9_o 10._o and_o phabe_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o deaconess_n to_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n rom._n 16.1_o phil._n you_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o the_o fix_a officer_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n &_o although_o there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v deny_v some_o of_o these_o to_o be_v distinct_a officer_n yet_o see_v here_o be_v in_o every_o church_n these_o office_n service_n to_o be_v perform_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v of_o they_o distinct_o under_o these_o two_o head_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n &_o that_o the_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o rule_v elder_a all_o concur_v to_o the_o fulfil_n the_o pastoral_n or_o episcopal_a office_n for_o the_o church_n edification_n and_o man_n and_o woman_n deacon_n make_v up_o the_o liturgical_a or_o diaconal_a office_n i_o have_v receive_v much_o satisfaction_n upon_o this_o account_n but_o methinks_v i_o be_o much_o to_o seek_v about_o one_o great_a concern_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n viz._n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o unconvert_v for_o which_o work_n and_o service_n i_o can_v see_v how_o christ_n have_v provide_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o all_o the_o officer_n you_o have_v mention_v be_v officer_n only_o in_o and_o to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o far_o as_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n they_o have_v a_o convert_v ministry_n but_o they_o that_o be_v remote_a must_v be_v without_o a_o ministry_n because_o there_o be_v no_o church_n christ_n christ_n have_v constitute_v not_o state_v officer_n but_o in_o and_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n he_o have_v not_o call_v and_o send_v any_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o conversion_n in_o the_o pure_a state_n and_o stand_v of_o the_o first_o church_n but_o from_o the_o church_n the_o first_o apostle_n themselves_o go_v out_o from_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n from_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n so_o that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n the_o law_n shall_v go_v out_o from_o zion_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o christ_n have_v provide_v a_o way_n to_o send_v the_o gospel_n to_o infidel_n and_o unconverted_a one_o for_o rom._n 10.14_o 15._o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v and_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n have_v have_v his_o way_n in_o a_o providential_a manner_n of_o send_v the_o gospel_n into_o the_o blind_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o visible_a church_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v find_v through_o antichristian_a darkness_n that_o overspread_v the_o earth_n yet_o christ_n have_v a_o institute_v way_n of_o send_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o unconverted_a world_n for_o man_n may_v have_v a_o call_v and_o dedication_n to_o some_o peculiar_a work_n and_o service_n to_o be_v do_v for_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o church_n viz._n to_o be_v a_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n to_o beseech_v man_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v providential_o be_v send_v to_o many_o place_n as_o the_o scattering_z the_o church_n by_o persecution_n be_v the_o occasion_n act._n 11.19_o of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n at_o phoenicia_n cyprus_n and_o antioch_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o tiding_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v come_v to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o send_v forth_o barnabas_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v as_o far_o as_o antioch_n and_o afterward_o he_o be_v send_v forth_o again_o from_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v now_o on_o this_o point_n i_o may_v meet_v with_o it_o again_o elsewhere_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a way_n of_o go_v forth_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v by_o the_o mission_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o prayer_n thereof_o and_o he_o may_v be_v call_v a_o teacher_n such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o so_o i_o distinguish_v of_o teacher_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v state_v teacher_n to_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v 2._o such_o that_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o open_v blind_a eye_n etc._n etc._n to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n man_n lie_v in_o their_o infidelity_n phil._n you_o have_v give_v i_o a_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o several_a officer_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n i_o desire_v to_o understand_v how_o they_o be_v make_v and_o constitute_v in_o a_o orderly_a regular_a manner_n christ_n it_o can_v be_v but_o by_o ordination_n phil._n what_o all_o of_o they_o by_o ordination_n elder_n and_o deacon_n the_o lay-officer_n christ_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o we_o own_v no_o such_o officer_n but_o they_o that_o be_v ecclesiastical_o so_o and_o therefore_o not_o lay-officer_n the_o way_n of_o ordination_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n phil_n what_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a profanation_n of_o that_o sacred_a ordinance_n to_o apply_v it_o to_o man_n that_o be_v illiterate_a and_o have_v not_o be_v at_o the_o university_n christ_n christ_n do_v not_o limit_v any_o ordinance_n to_o literate_a man_n and_o to_o university_n man_n his_o practice_n be_v quite_o contrary_a but_o i_o pray_v sir_n tell_v i_o 1._o where_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v call_v ordination_n 2._o whether_o the_o deacon_n have_v not_o imposition_n of_o hand_n act._n 6.3_o where_o any_o other_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n have_v imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v some_o more_o reason_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o ordinary_a for_o apply_v it_o to_o deacon_n whether_o they_o shall_v have_v have_v it_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o administration_n and_o therefore_o all_o church_n officer_n to_o have_v it_o than_o they_o have_v eminent_a right_n to_o it_o still_o and_o then_o what_o profanation_n be_v it_o to_o apply_v a_o ordinance_n according_a to_o its_o first_o institution_n phil._n you_o suggest_v strange_a notion_n about_o ordination_n i_o must_v get_v you_o to_o clear_v they_o up_o to_o i_o christ_n sir_n you_o shall_v excuse_v i_o for_o the_o present_a i_o shall_v do_v it_o another_o time_n i_o only_o tell_v you_o now_o that_o all_o church_n officer_n be_v make_v by_o ordination_n and_o ordain_v alike_o and_o that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v not_o ordination_n and_o if_o the_o most_o be_v make_v of_o it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o ceremony_n annex_v which_o now_o be_v obsolete_a and_o that_o all_o ordination_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o who_o the_o person_n ordain_v be_v a_o member_n yea_o if_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v a_o necessary_a ceremony_n therein_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n or_o delegated_a brethren_n of_o the_o say_v same_o church_n these_o thing_n shall_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o you_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v phil._n these_o thing_n look_v not_o only_a heterodox_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o ordinary_a professor_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n but_o contrary_a to_o what_o many_o yea_o most_o of_o our_o learned_a divine_n have_v write_v and_o practise_v but_o i_o shall_v wait_v till_o you_o give_v i_o further_a light_n into_o they_o and_o demonstration_n for_o the_o assertion_n you_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n institute_v by_o christ_n for_o a_o church_n edification_n chap._n vi_o of_o church_n ordinance_n of_o christ_n institution_n christ_n the_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v 1._o preach_v the_o word_n 2._o prayer_n and_o praise_n 3._o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 4._o the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o
to_o assemble_v and_o meet_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n assemble_v in_o upper_a room_n of_o ordinary_a house_n act._n 1.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o go_v up_o into_o a_o upper_a room_n and_o paul_n preach_v in_o his_o own_o hire_a house_n act._n 28.30_o 31._o the_o church_n be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o hire_v place_n to_o meet_v in_o and_o so_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n they_o be_v build_v or_o hire_v there_o be_v element_n for_o the_o lord_n table_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o charge_n there_o be_v the_o poor_a to_o be_v support_v and_o relieve_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v frequent_a collection_n for_o these_o end_n and_o purpose_n be_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n 2_o cor._n 9.1_o 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2._o the_o time_n and_o manner_n for_o make_v these_o collection_n seem_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudent_a consideration_n of_o each_o church_n as_o may_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o its_o circumstance_n though_o paul_n seem_v to_o intimate_v to_o the_o corinthian_n that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o church_n assemble_v be_v a_o suitable_a and_o meet_a time_n for_o it_o as_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o proportion_n that_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v to_o all_o such_o occasion_n of_o contribution_n be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o and_o the_o manner_n specify_v he_o that_o give_v with_o simplicity_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n with_o cheerfulness_n rom._n 12.8_o phil._n you_o seem_v to_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o practise_v in_o church_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o edification_n the_o frequent_a assemble_v of_o the_o church_n for_o prayer_n and_o conference_n christ_n whatever_o may_v have_v a_o manifest_a tendency_n to_o edification_n be_v undoubted_o require_v and_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o assemble_v of_o the_o church_n all_o together_o or_o in_o part_n or_o neighbourhood_n do_v undoubted_o do_v so_o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v plead_v for_o it_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o encourage_v it_o mal._n 3.16_o 17._o but_o the_o apostle_n seem_v heb._n 10.24_o 25._o to_o lay_v frequent_a assembling_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o a_o great_a charge_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o practice_n of_o this_o nature_n frequent_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o brethren_n speak_v by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n in_o conference_n one_o with_o another_o and_o it_o be_v call_v prophesy_v 1_o cor._n 14.3_o 4_o 5._o and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v but_o speak_v and_o pray_v in_o this_o manner_n of_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o this_o practice_n do_v the_o apostle_n discourse_n 1_o cor._n 11.2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n seem_v plain_o to_o look_v phil._n how_o be_v those_o meeting_n for_o conference_n or_o mutual_a edification_n manage_v christ_n it_o be_v by_o brethren_n speak_v one_o after_o another_o not_o several_a talk_n of_o spiritual_a matter_n in_o the_o same_o roomin_v divers_a company_n as_o it_o be_v before_o that_o the_o apostle_n correct_v that_o disorder_n 1_o cor._n 14.29_o but_o the_o regular_a way_n of_o carry_v it_o on_o be_v that_o one_o speak_v at_o once_o and_o the_o rest_n judge_n viz._n that_o a_o practical_a question_n be_v propound_v and_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o speak_v brief_o in_o answer_n thereto_o one_o after_o another_o &_o if_o that_o a_o officer_n shall_v be_v there_o or_o one_o appoint_v in_o chief_a to_o judge_n &_o to_o review_v the_o consonancy_n to_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v then_o let_v other_o submit_v thereto_o according_a to_o the_o light_n bring_v 1_o cor._n 14.30_o chap._n vii_o of_o communion_n of_o church_n phil._n be_v the_o supreme_a jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n be_v there_o none_o superior_a to_o appeal_v to_o episcopal_a or_o classical_a christ_n none_o but_o christ_n himself_o for_o all_o church_n be_v coordinate_a in_o power_n one_o with_o another_o next_o and_o immediate_o under_o christ_n neither_o have_v christ_n constitute_v any_o officer_n with_o apostolic_a power_n over_o many_o church_n phil._n but_o what_o if_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n arise_v ought_v not_o elder_n of_o neighbour_a church_n to_o assemble_v and_o decide_v it_o christ_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o thing_n wherein_o matter_n of_o controversy_n do_v usual_o lie_v 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o case_n in_o thesi_fw-la which_o to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n clear_o in_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o officer_n can_v sufficient_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o brethren_n then_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o consult_v other_o church_n and_o elder_n who_o when_o they_o give_v their_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v no_o further_o bind_v than_o it_o carry_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n with_o it_o for_o no_o elder_n can_v impose_v any_o rule_n of_o practice_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o their_o judgement_n have_v no_o more_o force_n than_o ministerial_a so_o far_o as_o carry_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o declare_a mind_n and_o will._n here_o then_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a and_o requisite_a that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v other_o church_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v and_o consult_v other_o thing_n be_v referrible_a all_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o election_n admission_n translation_n and_o exclusion_n and_o here_o the_o church_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n and_o none_o to_o be_v appeal_v to_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o able_a to_o judge_v in_o any_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o a_o jury_n in_o civil_a affair_n to_o who_o judgement_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n our_o life_n and_o estate_n be_v leave_v daily_o therefore_o if_o we_o hold_v the_o distinction_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la &_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la this_o matter_n of_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o church_n will_v be_v clear_a in_o case_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la a_o church_n can_v be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o best_a light_n they_o can_v have_v and_o the_o more_o the_o better_o and_o know_v this_o they_o have_v a_o foundation_n to_o proceed_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n whereupon_o the_o bind_n and_o lose_v lie_n in_o themselves_o phil._n what_o if_o a_o member_n or_o minor_a part_n of_o a_o church_n think_v themselves_o wrong_v upon_o the_o suppose_a irregular_a proceed_n of_o the_o majority_n christ_n he_o or_o they_o may_v complain_v to_o another_o church_n that_o church_n be_v to_o hear_v what_o the_o sister_n church_n say_v in_o vindication_n if_o it_o satisfy_v not_o nor_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o error_n than_o another_o church_n i._n e._n the_o elder_n with_o messenger_n thereof_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o offend_a church_n and_o if_o it_o hear_v not_o than_o the_o case_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o vicinity_n of_o church_n all_o which_o find_v this_o church_n just_o chargeable_a with_o sin_n and_o incorrigible_a therein_o agree_v to_o declare_v non-communion_n with_o it_o which_o be_v virtual_o a_o excommunication_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o church_n deal_v with_o each_o other_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o that_o mat._n 18._o where_o a_o rule_n be_v lay_v down_o by_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o one_o church_n member_n with_o another_o phil._n what_o if_o a_o elder_a fall_n under_o offence_n in_o a_o church_n be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o that_o church_n to_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o ordinary_a brother_n christ_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o the_o jurisdiction_n be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o officer_n who_o be_v brethren_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v the_o same_o but_o a_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_n be_v not_o present_o to_o be_v receive_v it_o must_v be_v clear_o evidence_v by_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n again_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v good_a for_o the_o church_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o advice_n and_o approbation_n if_o possible_a of_o other_o neighbour_a church_n and_o elder_n phil._n wherein_o consist_v the_o practical_a part_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n christ_n 1._o a_o concurrence_n in_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o order_n 2._o in_o give_v each_o other_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n as_o 1._o in_o receive_v each_o other_o member_n unto_o transient_a communion_n as_o due_a occasion_n require_v 2._o in_o dismiss_v member_n to_o each_o other_o or_o receive_v member_n orderly_o dismiss_v 3._o in_o refusal_n to_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 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church_n seem_v very_o clear_a as_o have_v be_v touch_v but_o suppose_v it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o clear_o express_v i_o know_v not_o out_o if_o god_n institute_n a_o society_n or_o other_o thing_n what_o ever_o be_v necessary_o require_v to_o the_o very_a nature_n &_o essence_n of_o the_o thing_n without_o which_o it_o will_v inevitable_o be_v destroy_v aught_o to_o be_v do_v the_o general_a rule_n in_o such-case_n ought_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o duty_n in_o all_o those_o particular_n that_o must_v necessary_o attend_v obedience_n thereunto_o phil._n but_o if_o this_o bond_n of_o visible_a obligation_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n than_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o such_o where_o it_o be_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v hard_o christ_n how_o far_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v own_v a_o people_n profess_v themselves_o a_o church_n and_o how_o far_o he_o will_v dispense_v with_o their_o failure_n and_o defect_n in_o matter_n of_o 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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 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and_o all_o man_n usual_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a debate_n shall_v come_v to_o decision_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o so_o choice_a a_o community_n as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v phil._n but_o ordinary_a christian_n be_v to_o seek_v in_o many_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o faith_n &_o order_n and_o can_v determine_v where_o the_o truth_n lie_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o divine_n to_o judge_v christ_n i_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o matter_n of_o law_n the_o church_n decision_n be_v of_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n place_n to_o inform_v they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v therewith_o it_o may_v be_v carry_v as_o a_o case_n to_o advise_v upon_o with_o other_o church_n or_o elder_n phil._n i_o have_v little_o far_o to_o object_n against_o the_o principle_n of_o order_n which_o you_o have_v lay_v down_o only_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v i_o confess_v of_o no_o great_a weight_n to_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o church-member_n say_v they_o join_v to_o this_o or_o that_o church_n only_o because_o of_o the_o present_a pastor_n yea_o that_o they_o join_v to_o the_o pastor_n only_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o pastor_n die_v they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o go_v whither_o they_o please_v christ_n this_o proceed_v from_o the_o ignorance_n &_o corruption_n of_o many_o member_n who_o be_v not_o or_o will_v not_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o profess_v this_o be_v so_o absurd_a a_o thing_n that_o the_o asserter_n thereof_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o in_o civil_a society_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n do_v any_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o the_o master_n or_o warden_n of_o the_o company_n only_o or_o to_o the_o company_n itself_o when_o he_o be_v make_v a_o member_n officer_n be_v changeable_a either_o by_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o society_n or_o by_o death_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o all_o church_n be_v dissolve_v upon_o the_o death_n of_o their_o pastor_n beside_o the_o term_n of_o admission_n into_o congregational_a society_n speak_v plain_o otherwise_o that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n and_o the_o congregation_n put_v themselves_o under_o the_o office_n watch_n and_o the_o watch_n of_o each_o member_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v but_o some_o of_o the_o wiles_n and_o subterfuges_n of_o satan_n which_o loose-spirited_n and_o principled_a member_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o shake_n off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n phil._n but_o when_o a_o case_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o decisive_a power_n of_o the_o church_n after_o due_a debate_n as_o suppose_v the_o choose_n of_o a_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o key_n of_o rule_n in_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o a_o member_n and_o the_o fraternity_n or_o the_o elder_n and_o fraternity_n divide_v into_o a_o major_a and_o minor_a part_n what_o shall_v the_o minor_a do_v christ_n it_o be_v by_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o society_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o major_a part_n as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o church_n act_n or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o maintain_v any_o society_n of_o that_o nature_n yea_o they_o must_v fall_v butif_n a_o particular_a member_n or_o more_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o church_n act_n as_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o continue_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n so_o he_o may_v peaceable_o depart_v at_o the_o same_o door_n he_o come_v in_o at_o to_o another_o church_n by_o a_o express_a dismission_n phil._n what_o if_o he_o will_v not_o ask_v such_o a_o dismission_n but_o withdraw_v from_o communion_n and_o reject_v it_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o defiance_n and_o continue_v incorrigible_a therein_o christ_n such_o a_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o in_o form_n and_o manner_n as_o in_o some_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o another_o nature_n for_o such_o a_o one_o be_v herein_o scandalous_a beside_o he_o be_v incorrigible_a whereupon_o the_o church_n be_v to_o proceed_v against_o he_o as_o such_o a_o one_o he_o appear_v to_o other_o but_o a_o man_n of_o belial_n which_o be_v a_o ungovernable_a person_n for_o so_o the_o spirit_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 6.15_o what_o fellowship_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n viz._n a_o lawless_a person_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o any_o society_n especial_o of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n government_n chap._n iu._n of_o officer_n extraordinary_a phil._n i_o desire_v you_o will_v now_o acquaint_v i_o what_o be_v the_o office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o church_n christ_n the_o officer_n institute_v by_o christ_n be_v pastoral_n and_o diaconal_a viz._n bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n 1.1_o phil._n be_v not_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n distinct_a order_n our_o church_n make_v they_o so_o christ_n nay_o the_o scripture_n make_v presbyter_n and_o bishop_n the_o same_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o for_o a_o bishop_n be_v but_o a_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n so_o be_v every_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n see_v act_n 20.28_o and_o there_o he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o elder_n to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n phil._n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o our_o bishop_n be_v exalt_v so_o far_o above_o presbyter_n in_o office_n and_o benefice_n christ_n from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o pretend_a church_n and_o ministry_n viz._n through_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o human_a
admit_v such_o to_o communion_n which_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o another_o church_n or_o disorderly_o withdraw_v from_o it_o signification_n be_v make_v thereof_o 3._o there_o be_v communion_n of_o church_n in_o mutual_a advice_n and_o counsel_n which_o shall_v be_v maintain_v by_o elder_n frequent_a assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n 4._o by_o sympathize_v with_o each_o other_o poverty_n and_o affliction_n by_o relieve_v and_o support_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a such_o as_o labour_v in_o this_o kind_n and_o this_o be_v a_o communion_n in_o give_v and_o receive_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o phil._n be_v there_o not_o a_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o office_n power_n of_o the_o elder_n v._o gr_n for_o one_o pastor_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o another_o and_o for_o the_o elder_n of_o one_o or_o more_o congregation_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o another_o christ_n officer_n have_v a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o the_o society_n that_o have_v call_v they_o and_o there_o only_o they_o be_v such_o and_o that_o society_n only_o can_v constitute_v and_o ordain_v they_o and_o there_o only_o they_o can_v exercise_v their_o particular_a office_n charge_n as_o a_o pastor_n can_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n only_o in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v overseer_n neither_o the_o roll_a elder_a can_v govern_v nor_o the_o deacon_n have_v power_n to_o distribute_v any_o where_o but_o where_o he_o be_v a_o deacon_n or_o have_v that_o office_n charge_v commit_v to_o he_o for_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n be_v thereby_o make_v a_o indefinite_a officer_n to_o all_o it_o will_v soon_o bring_v confusion_n to_o all_o and_o the_o elder_n of_o one_o church_n may_v excommunicate_v in_o another_o phil._n i_o thank_v you_o sir_n for_o this_o brief_a account_n you_o have_v give_v i_o of_o your_o church_n order_n as_o for_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n institution_n i_o think_v all_o reform_a church_n own_o they_o more_o or_o less_o and_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o in_o their_o way_n though_o with_o innumerable_a superstition_n and_o idolatrous_a addition_n and_o for_o the_o church_n officer_n you_o insist_v on_o methinks_v i_o see_v there_o be_v something_o analogous_a to_o they_o remain_v in_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n through_o antichristian_a darkness_n as_o in_o some_o of_o our_o parish_n we_o have_v the_o parson_n as_o pastor_n the_o assistant_n in_o preach_v as_o the_o teacher_n the_o church_n warden_n as_o roll_a elder_n the_o overseer_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o deacon_n and_o though_o these_o labour_n under_o many_o abuse_n now_o and_o irregularity_n by_o popish_a corruption_n yet_o it_o show_v that_o these_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o do_v full_o answer_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v large_a none_o of_o they_o can_v well_o be_v spare_v chap._n viii_o of_o letter_n of_o commendation_n and_o discommendation_n phil._n before_o we_o break_v up_o this_o conference_n i_o pray_v inform_v i_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o translate_n of_o a_o church_n member_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o say_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n and_o of_o dismission_n christ_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o a_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v but_o a_o certificate_n under_o a_o elder_n hand_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o church_n member_n and_o orderly_a walker_n in_o order_n to_o his_o free_a admission_n to_o occasional_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n it_o need_v not_o be_v a_o church_n act._n 2._o it_o be_v not_o in_o order_n to_o the_o part_n with_o a_o member_n 3._o it_o need_v not_o be_v direct_v to_o any_o particular_a congregation_n 4._o when_o member_n of_o each_o congregation_n be_v well_o know_v to_o one_o another_o they_o be_v needless_a as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 2._o we_o need_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d letter_n of_o commendation_n to_o you_o phil._n i_o pray_v in_o what_o form_n do_v a_o letter_n of_o commendation_n run_v christ_n it_o may_v be_v in_o these_o or_o such_o like_a word_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o respective_a elder_n to_o who_o these_o present_n shall_v come_v grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n see_v god_n by_o his_o providence_n have_v call_v this_o our_o brother_n a._n b._n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o place_n remote_a from_o we_o for_o a_o time_n and_o that_o he_o may_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o any_o place_n whither_o he_o be_v lawful_o call_v and_o where_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v plant_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n these_o be_v to_o certify_v that_o this_o our_o brother_n a._n b._n be_v under_o no_o censure_n but_o in_o actual_a communion_n with_o we_o have_v walk_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o holy_a conversation_n as_o become_v the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o great_a honour_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o rejoice_v wherefore_o you_o need_v not_o doubt_v to_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o occasional_a communion_n whensoever_o he_o shall_v desire_v the_o same_o we_o greet_v you_o well_o in_o the_o lord_n c._n d._n pastor_n phil._n be_v not_o this_o sufficient_a for_o to_o translate_v a_o member_n to_o another_o church_n and_o make_v he_o a_o actual_a member_n there_o christ_n no_o this_o make_v he_o not_o a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o church_n more_o than_o another_o 2._o here_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v give_v up_o no_o right_a in_o he_o neither_o do_v any_o church_n act_n pass_v to_o that_o purpose_n or_o be_v desire_v by_o he_o the_o end_n of_o this_o be_v but_o to_o be_v a_o testimonial_a to_o other_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o church_n member_n and_o one_o under_o no_o censure_n but_o approve_v and_o therefore_o that_o no_o other_o church_n may_v scruple_n to_o admit_v he_o to_o their_o communion_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v phil._n i_o pray_v then_o how_o do_v you_o write_v a_o dismission_n some_o dismiss_v member_n but_o to_o no_o church_n christ_n it_o may_v be_v write_v with_o these_o or_o such_o like_a expression_n as_o the_o matter_n require_v for_o in_o some_o case_n variation_n be_v require_v phil._n what_o be_v those_o case_n christ_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o some_o dismission_n can_v be_v write_v with_o so_o great_a commendation_n as_o other_o may_v some_o depart_a member_n give_v considerable_a cause_n of_o offence_n in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n before_o and_o in_o their_o ask_a dismission_n phil._n how_o do_v you_o write_v a_o dismission_n witâ—_n commendation_n christ_n a_o dismission_n with_o commendation_n may_v be_v after_o this_o manner_n and_o it_o must_v be_v direct_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o place_n to_o which_o the_o reverend_n mr._n l._n p._n be_v pastor_n grace_n mercy_n etc._n etc._n dear_o belove_v in_o the_o lord_n whereas_o f._n d._n a_o brother_n in_o fellowship_n with_o we_o have_v walk_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n and_o holy_a conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o his_o profession_n continue_v steadfast_o in_o attendance_n on_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o congregation_n and_o now_o have_v consult_v we_o and_o give_v we_o reason_n why_o he_o apprehend_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o ask_v his_o dismission_n which_o reason_n be_v due_o consider_v by_o we_o and_o approve_v as_o satisfactory_a we_o think_v it_o no_o less_o our_o duty_n to_o grant_v his_o say_a request_n and_o do_v hereby_o dismiss_v he_o unto_o you_o discharge_v he_o from_o his_o near_a relation_n and_o obligation_n unto_o we_o and_o commit_v he_o to_o your_o particular_a watch_n and_o care_n desire_v you_o to_o receive_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o you_o will_v be_v every_o way_n helpful_a to_o he_o to_o promote_v his_o edification_n and_o comfort_n for_o which_o spiritual_a end_n we_o commend_v you_o and_o he_o with_o you_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n who_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v subscribe_v by_o the_o consent_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o k._n by_o a._n n._n pastor_n phil._n but_o what_o kind_n of_o dismission_n can_v you_o give_v without_o commendation_n christ_n there_o must_v be_v some_o in_o every_o one_o and_o charity_n allow_v we_o to_o give_v some_o commendation_n to_o a_o member_n that_o stand_v under_o very_o dissatisfactory_a circumstance_n which_o we_o hope_v proceed_v from_o his_o infirmity_n only_o and_o therefore_o can_v say_v