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
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
to_o repair_v to_o he_o for_o the_o more_o cherish_v all_o good_a desire_n and_o affection_n in_o he_o till_o he_o arrive_v at_o a_o competency_n of_o knowledge_n but_o all_o this_o while_n do_v not_o make_v he_o know_v to_o the_o church_n so_o that_o his_o infirmity_n be_v not_o blazon_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o least_o by_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v phil._n my_o friend_n i_o pray_v inform_v i_o what_o you_o intend_v by_o a_o separate_a society_n and_o can_v you_o justify_v separation_n you_o know_v how_o it_o be_v cry_v out_o against_o by_o most_o learned_a divine_n ch._n therefore_o i_o put_v in_o that_o word_n because_o i_o be_o sure_a separation_n be_v a_o necessary_a adjunct_n that_o do_v belong_v to_o every_o true_a constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n nay_o be_v there_o any_o that_o do_v pretend_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o do_v not_o separate_v more_o or_o less_o do_v not_o the_o pretend_a church_n of_o rome_n separate_v from_o turk_n and_o mere_a pagan_n do_v not_o our_o church_n of_o england_n separate_v from_o rome_n and_o why_o either_o because_o some_o say_v it_o be_v no_o true_a church_n other_o because_o it_o be_v corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n though_o a_o true_a church_n and_o thereby_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o may_v not_o other_o church_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n either_o because_o as_o some_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o true_a constitute_v gospel_n church_n but_o antichristian_a or_o because_o as_o other_o will_v say_v they_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o pollute_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n manner_n both_o as_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o people_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n state_n and_o communion_n again_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o catechism_n teach_v separation_n and_o solemn_o vow_v it_o infant_n in_o baptism_n promise_v by_o the_o surety_n or_o vanger_n to_o forsake_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n what_o be_v this_o but_o separation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v practise_v as_o it_o be_v promise_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v be_v a_o separate_a people_n last_o there_o be_v nothing_o clear_a than_o that_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v separate_a 1_o pet._n 2.9_o what_o be_v a_o choice_n peculiar_a people_n a_o holy_a nation_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n but_o a_o separate_a people_n a_o holy_a nation_n in_o a_o world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n a_o people_n call_v out_o of_o a_o dark_a world_n into_o marvellous_a light_n as_o the_o church_n of_o old_a in_o goshen_n have_v marvellous_a light_a while_n egypt_n be_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o christ_n thus_o separate_v themselves_o they_o show_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o can_v be_v oppose_v with_o any_o evidence_n against_o that_o plain_a and_o full_a place_n to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o be_v not_o unequally-yoaked_n together_o with_o unbeliever_n ver_fw-la 15._o what_o part_n have_v he_o that_o believe_v with_o a_o unbeliever_n i._o e._n a_o visible_a unbeliever_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v render_v a_o infidel_n as_o if_o one_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n only_o be_v mean_v for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n every_o where_o else_o and_o v._o 14._o render_v unbeliever_n but_o our_o english_a divine_n render_v the_o word_n infidel_n insinuate_v that_o none_o but_o turk_n and_o pagan_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o this_o text_n that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o separate_v from_o but_o the_o text_n be_v most_o express_a that_o it_o be_v from_o all_o visible_a unbeliever_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v the_o gospel_n church_n the_o fellowship_n be_v church_n fellowship_n therefore_o he_o bid_v we_o come_v out_o from_o among_o unbeliever_n and_o from_o all_o false_a worship_n and_o be_v separate_v v._o 17._o and_o then_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v their_o god_n to_o dwell_v with_o they_o etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o at_o present_a on_o this_o point_n though_o much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v phil._n you_o have_v full_o confirm_v i_o in_o this_o point_n i_o pray_v tell_v i_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v not_o actual_a believer_n that_o be_v church-member_n christ_n all_o church_n member_n come_v in_o upon_o the_o right_n of_o a_o visible_a profession_n but_o it_o follow_v not_o thence_o that_o all_o church-member_n be_v actual_a believer_n for_o many_o hypocrite_n come_v in_o upon_o the_o right_n of_o profession_n but_o be_v not_o actual_a believer_n again_o infant_n and_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n come_v into_o church_n and_o be_v just_o make_v and_o call_v member_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o profession_n but_o it_o be_v of_o their_o parent_n not_o of_o their_o own_o personal_a profession_n neither_o be_v they_o actual_a believer_n their_o profession_n be_v in_o the_o parent_n their_o covenant_n obligation_n be_v in_o the_o parent_n the_o privilege_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v belong_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o promise_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v with_o their_o parent_n and_o primary_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o parent_n faith_n and_o secondary_o in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n but_o a_o little_a more_o of_o this_o when_o i_o come_v to_o baptism_n phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n proceed_v then_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o visible_a bond_n whereby_o this_o church_n society_n be_v bind_v together_o christ_n i_o hint_v before_o that_o church_n be_v denominate_v from_o their_o bond_n of_o union_n as_o from_o their_o communion_n from_o mystical_a union_n and_o communion_n the_o church_n be_v call_v invisible_a from_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n it_o be_v that_o church_n be_v call_v visible_a it_o be_v thus_o in_o any_o civil_a corporation_n and_o society_n every_o man_n do_v not_o come_v and_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o leave_v it_o when_o he_o please_v no_o not_o every_o one_o of_o such_o a_o profession_n qualify_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v qualify_v come_v and_o lay_v claim_v to_o his_o admission_n on_o his_o qualification_n wherein_o to_o be_v approve_v he_o put_v himself_o upon_o the_o test_n be_v approve_v he_o immediate_o enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a bond_n or_o obligation_n he_o promise_v by_o oath_n or_o otherwise_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n they_o admit_v he_o a_o member_n to_o partake_v of_o all_o the_o privilege_n so_o it_o be_v in_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a society_n that_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n and_o bind_v themselves_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o a_o visible_a submissionto_fw-it &_o constant_a wait_a upon_o jesus_n christ_n in_o all_o his_o gospel_n institution_n and_o appointment_n and_o it_o be_v requisite_a this_o obligation_n be_v explicit_a because_o first_o the_o church_n society_n be_v visible_a and_o explicit_a such_o therefore_o must_v the_o bond_n be_v 2._o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v explicit_a such_o therefore_o shall_v his_o obligation_n be_v to_o future_a walk_n 3._o as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o society_n constitute_v by_o voluntary_a consent_n without_o he_o voluntary_o offer_v himself_o so_o none_o be_v governable_a there_o by_o the_o law_n of_o it_o without_o such_o a_o obligation_n and_o otherwise_o the_o government_n of_o it_o will_v be_v whole_o precarious_a for_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o subject_n due_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v a_o slave_n and_o under_o compulsion_n to_o any_o society_n but_o by_o natural_a as_o a_o child_n to_o a_o family_n or_o voluntary_a submission_n and_o obligation_n as_o here_o 1._o all_o society_n of_o this_o nature_n do_v just_o expect_v and_o demand_v that_o a_o man_n be_v true_a to_o they_o and_o submit_v to_o their_o law_n if_o he_o will_v have_v protection_n and_o partake_v of_o their_o privilege_n phil._n but_o they_o say_v you_o have_v no_o scripture_n ground_n for_o this_o bond_n or_o church_n covenant_n as_o some_o call_v it_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o a_o society_n must_v be_v increase_v the_o same_o way_n as_o it_o be_v make_v at_o first_o and_o that_o after_o member_n must_v be_v join_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n on_o which_o the_o first_o embody_v and_o associate_v together_o but_o there_o be_v no_o incorporate_a society_n but_o join_v together_o at_o first_o by_o mutual_a agreement_n under_o some_o charter_n for_o enjoyment_n of_o some_o privilege_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o prescribe_a law_n thereof_o and_o on_o these_o term_n
apostle_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o with_o they_o to_o all_o faithful_a minister_n there_o be_v another_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o key_n of_o power_n which_o be_v either_o of_o supreme_a church-power_n and_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v sovereign_a absolute_a legislative_a and_o therefore_o call_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o he_o alone_o have_v rev._n 3.7_o and_o there_o be_v the_o key_n of_o subordinate_a power_n which_o be_v delegated_a by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n as_o his_o associate_v church_n on_o earth_n to_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v pastor_n and_o to_o which_o he_o administer_v as_o such_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o twelve_o apostle_n have_v this_o key_n give_v they_o as_o such_o in_o that_o for_o their_o time_n they_o have_v all_o church_n power_n commit_v unto_o to_o they_o do_v exercise_v it_o as_o occasion_v require_v as_o to_o constitution_n of_o officer_n receive_v dismiss_v or_o excommunicate_v member_n but_o there_o be_v none_o in_o succession_n unto_o they_o this_o key_n of_o power_n can_v be_v find_v no_o where_o lodge_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n build_v on_o the_o faith_n which_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n profess_v mat._n 16.19_o phil._n but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v where_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n lie_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n whether_o in_o the_o fraternity_n or_o in_o the_o eldership_n christ_n i_o call_v the_o decisive_a church_n power_n the_o key_n and_o say_v it_o lie_v in_o the_o majority_n as_o in_o all_o society_n that_o arise_v by_o mutual_a consent_n or_o agreement_n but_o i_o distinguish_v between_o the_o key_n and_o the_o management_n of_o they_o for_o a_o key_n be_v dead_a and_o open_v no_o door_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o hand_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o so_o that_o in_o a_o organise_v church_n the_o orderly_a manage_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o church_n power_n lie_v in_o the_o elder_n but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o organise_v they_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o common_a rule_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o procure_v their_o well_o be_v they_o act_n by_o common_a consent_n as_o they_o come_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v due_o organise_v with_o officer_n and_o therefore_o they_o admit_v member_n or_o excommunicate_a if_o necessity_n require_v as_o they_o may_v before_o they_o have_v officer_n but_o have_v choose_v officer_n the_o orderly_a way_n of_o proceed_v be_v by_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o the_o officer_n in_o management_n of_o this_o key_n which_o be_v the_o decisive_a power_n hence_o i_o distinguish_v between_o a_o church_n act_v pro_fw-la necessitate_v and_o pro_fw-la regula_fw-la ordinis_fw-la phil._n what_o part_n have_v the_o roll_a elder_n viz._n the_o pastor_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o or_o if_o there_o be_v the_o roll_a presbyter_n that_o take_v part_n with_o he_o as_o assistant_n in_o admit_v of_o a_o member_n christ_n the_o elder_a or_o elder_n work_n be_v 1._o to_o speak_v with_o the_o party_n that_o desire_v admission_n propound_v he_o to_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n cause_v the_o decisive_a vote_n of_o the_o church_n to_o pass_v upon_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v receive_v or_o reject_v if_o receive_v the_o elder_a declare_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v solemn_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a obligation_n with_o the_o say_a member_n say_v you_o be_v here_o now_o to_o give_v up_o yourself_o and_o child_n if_o he_o have_v any_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o congregation_n promise_v as_o christ_n shall_v help_v you_o to_o walk_v and_o abide_v in_o and_o with_o this_o church_n in_o all_o gospel_n conversation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n submit_v yourself_o to_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o same_o and_o promise_v to_o bring_v your_o child_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n educate_v they_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n likewise_o add_v i_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o congregation_n give_v you_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o receive_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n towards_o you_o that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o your_o edification_n as_o christ_n shall_v enable_v we_o phil._n have_v a_o elder_a no_o more_o part_n in_o the_o decisive_a power_n by_o vote_n than_o a_o ordinary_a brother_n christ_n though_o the_o elder_n judgement_n be_v usual_o hearken_v to_o and_o sway_v many_o time_n much_o with_o the_o congregation_n give_v light_n unto_o they_o from_o the_o word_n yet_o when_o a_o matter_n come_v by_o vote_n to_o be_v determine_v his_o vote_n be_v but_o single_a as_o another_o brother_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v this_o key_n of_o decisive_a power_n be_v in_o the_o fraternity_n though_o the_o orderly_a management_n thereof_o and_o authoritative_a declaration_n thereof_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n belong_v to_o the_o elder_n phil._n in_o what_o other_o case_n be_v this_o key_n make_v use_v of_o christ_n in_o let_v shut_v out_o and_o turn_v out_o of_o member_n 1._o in_o let_v out_o or_o translate_n member_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o when_o upon_o good_a reason_n a_o church_n member_n desire_v to_o change_v his_o or_o her_o communion_n and_o ask_v a_o dismission_n it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n approve_v his_o reason_n for_o it_o phil._n be_v there_o any_o scripture_n ground_n for_o a_o dismission_n may_v not_o a_o church_n member_n not_o chargeable_a with_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n go_v away_o to_o another_o church_n without_o a_o dismission_n christ_n no_o for_o it_o will_v cause_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o confusion_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n beside_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o society_n and_o the_o obligation_n by_o which_o the_o member_n stand_v mutual_o bind_v together_o in_o one_o body_n and_o christ_n have_v provide_v as_o well_o the_o orderly_a departure_n as_o stay_v of_o church_n member_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v rom._n 16.1_o shall_v be_v render_v statuo_fw-la constituo_fw-la in_o coetu_fw-la vobiscum_fw-la i_o dismiss_v to_o you_o for_o though_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o i_o recommend_v yet_o it_o shall_v more_o right_o be_v render_v i_o dismiss_v or_o place_n in_o church_n fellowship_n with_o you_o and_o so_o all_o the_o apostle_n speak_v afterward_o be_v term_n of_o a_o dismission_n these_o paul_n need_v not_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o have_v have_v a_o seal_n of_o his_o apostleship_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v commendatory_a letter_n with_o dismission_n 2_o cor._n 3.2_o phil._n what_o then_o be_v your_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n christ_n a_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v but_o a_o certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o officer_n that_o this_o or_o that_o brother_n or_o sister_n be_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o congregation_n walk_v blameless_o and_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n that_o when_o any_o brother_n or_o sister_n come_v to_o other_o church_n in_o their_o travel_n they_o may_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o occasional_a or_o transient_a communion_n but_o transfer_v not_o any_o as_o member_n to_o another_o congregation_n phil._n how_o be_v the_o key_n use_v for_o exclusion_n of_o a_o member_n christ_n a_o church_n member_n be_v exclude_v or_o put_v out_o of_o communion_n by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o church_n and_o either_o amount_n to_o excommunication_n for_o excommunication_n be_v the_o put_v one_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v do_v when_o a_o member_n do_v disorderly_o withdraw_v and_o divide_v himself_o from_o the_o church_n communion_n obstinate_o refuse_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o his_o place_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o say_a church_n this_o be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o the_o key_n of_o power_n and_o separate_v of_o himself_o and_o i_o call_v it_o indirect_a excommunication_n because_o he_o divide_v himself_o violent_o and_o schismatical_o upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o reassume_v the_o key_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o communion_n upon_o he_o either_o by_o a_o direct_a excommunication_n which_o be_v the_o regular_a way_n and_o may_v be_v justify_v from_o express_a place_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o rom._n 16.17_o 18._o or_o else_o if_o this_o way_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o be_v bear_v judicial_o to_o
remark_n by_o the_o decisive_a power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o declare_v that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v sinful_o or_o disorderly_o withdraw_v and_o divide_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o he_o must_v immediate_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o ecclesiastical_o felo_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la and_o one_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v separate_v from_o that_o congregation_n to_o which_o he_o do_v belong_v for_o he_o that_o challenge_v communion_n with_o other_o church_n can_v do_v it_o but_o as_o a_o member_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n from_o which_o be_v divide_v by_o his_o act_n have_v disclaim_v it_o and_o seclude_v thereupon_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v double_o excommunicate_a and_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o claim_v right_a of_o communion_n any_o where_o but_o be_v as_o a_o dead_a branch_n cut_v off_o a_o tree_n twice_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o visible_a church-standing_a and_o pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n phil._n i_o be_o glad_a to_o understand_v that_o in_o the_o way_n of_o church_n discipline_n you_o do_v profess_v to_o there_o be_v a_o regular_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o curb_v such_o kind_n of_o disturber_n of_o church_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o correct_v those_o who_o be_v chargeable_a with_o scandal_n for_o such_o make_v party_n divide_v church_n and_o depart_v from_o their_o communion_n bid_v defiance_n to_o all_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o that_o out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n now_o the_o way_n you_o speak_v of_o will_v tend_v much_o to_o the_o humble_v such_o proud_a and_o prejudice_v professor_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o serve_v christ_n serve_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n which_o to_o gratify_v they_o regard_v not_o the_o defame_n and_o break_v the_o best_a church_n on_o earth_n but_o other_o church_n and_o elder_n will_v countenance_v abett_n and_o receive_v they_o as_o i_o have_v know_v some_o do_v christ_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o our_o great_a sorrow_n and_o shame_n that_o be_v of_o some_o elder_n and_o church_n that_o will_v be_v still_o take_v part_n with_o the_o offender_n and_o censure_v member_n of_o other_o church_n and_o have_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o there_o be_v not_o many_o of_o they_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o as_o among_o a_o great_a many_o church_n some_o will_v be_v disorderly_a and_o unruly_a so_o among_o many_o church_n some_o will_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o become_v common-shore_n for_o mammon_n sake_n to_o all_o lawless_a ungovernable_a member_n of_o other_o congregation_n but_o a_o little_a more_o of_o this_o when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n phil._n what_o be_v that_o which_o you_o call_v direct_a excommunication_n christ_n it_o be_v when_o the_o church_n by_o its_o decisive_a power_n adjudge_v a_o person_n a_o impenitent_a obstinate_a offender_n or_o gross_o scandalous_a lay_v he_o under_o a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n phil._n what_o rule_n be_v there_o to_o proceed_v by_o in_o that_o case_n christ_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o offence_n to_o be_v proceed_v upon_o and_o according_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o proceed_v 1._o case_n of_o less_o heinous_a nature_n and_o private_o commit_v as_o one_o brother_n sin_v against_o another_o in_o lie_v defraud_v purloin_v etc._n etc._n and_o so_o sin_v not_o public_o know_v not_o be_v so_o criminal_a and_o heinous_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o offence_n christ_n have_v lay_v we_o down_o the_o degree_n of_o proceed_v and_o if_o at_o last_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o his_o sin_n when_o the_o church_n adjudge_v there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n of_o conviction_n lay_v before_o he_o it_o be_v to_o proceed_v to_o censure_v and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n that_o have_v no_o right_a to_o church-priviledge_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o sin_n heinous_a more_o criminal_a public_o commit_v and_o know_v to_o the_o world_n such_o as_o blasphemy_n drunkenness_n whoredom_n perjury_n etc._n etc._n these_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dally_v with_o in_o a_o gradual_a way_n of_o proceed_v for_o they_o go_v before_o the_o sinner_n to_o judgement_n and_o such_o be_v immediate_o to_o be_v proceed_v against_o to_o excommunication_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v so_o practise_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o it_o be_v requisite_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n before_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o whatever_o pretence_n there_o be_v of_o present_a remorse_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v such_o a_o person_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o abide_v a_o actual_a church_n member_n under_o the_o reproach_n of_o such_o a_o sin_n without_o suffer_v the_o utmost_a censure_n so_o long_a time_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o satisfy_v the_o church_n of_o the_o dueness_n of_o his_o remorse_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o repentance_n the_o deal_n with_o the_o incestuous_a person_n after_o excommunication_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o church_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o like_a case_n phil._n the_o receive_n in_o of_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n upon_o due_a repentance_n be_v also_o by_o the_o decisive_a power_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o key_n that_o open_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n and_o therefore_o must_v open_v it_o again_o to_o let_v in_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n upon_o his_o repentance_n phil._n for_o what_o sin_n be_v a_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v some_o of_o your_o persuasion_n say_v not_o for_o any_o but_o heinous_a crime_n such_o as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n condemn_v as_o murder_n adultery_n theft_n blasphemy_n and_o the_o act_n of_o those_o sin_n must_v be_v clear_o prove_v too_o any_o scandalous_a action_n lead_v to_o these_o sin_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n as_o for_o example_n word_n of_o threaten_a and_o revenge_n and_o action_n manifest_o such_o lascivious_a carriage_n keep_v ill_a and_o wicked_a company_n purloin_v overreach_v cheat_v equivocate_a lie_a these_o be_v not_o sin_n with_o they_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o nor_o any_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o for_o example_n never_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o family_n or_o read_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n nor_o for_o great_a error_n christ_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v much_o wonder_v upon_o what_o ground_n some_o man_n speak_v and_o write_v in_o this_o case_n but_o i_o find_v it_o most_o be_v those_o that_o prudential_o make_v this_o plea_n a_o evasion_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o the_o exercise_v of_o any_o censure_n upon_o any_o church-member_n especial_o from_o question_v and_o deal_n with_o any_o rich_a and_o honourable_a for_o any_o sin_n for_o pastor_n be_v hereby_o pretty_a well_o secure_v upon_o this_o account_n from_o this_o trouble_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o such_o as_o be_v burn_v in_o the_o hand_n at_o the_o old_a bailie_n or_o whip_v at_o the_o cart_n tail_n or_o condemn_v to_o be_v hang_v at_o tyburn_n but_o we_o have_v not_o this_o limitation_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o from_o corrupt_a man_n for_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n specify_v mat._n 18._o yea_o any_o manifest_a sin_n be_v suppose_v by_o that_o text_n to_o be_v cause_n enough_o of_o excommunication_n if_o a_o manifest_a impenitency_n be_v find_v in_o the_o offender_n and_o he_o be_v not_o by_o any_o due_a mean_n to_o be_v reduce_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o be_v charge_v with_o and_o there_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o for_o sin_n of_o ordinary_a infirmity_n they_o be_v watch_v against_o to_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o brotherly_a admonition_n of_o other_o and_o frequent_o bewail_v by_o ourselves_o but_o not_o make_v the_o cause_n of_o church_n censure_n phil._n in_o case_n one_o come_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n in_o what_o form_n and_o manner_n be_v it_o usual_o denounce_v in_o your_o church_n christ_n in_o the_o very_a word_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n command_v the_o corinthian_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a person_n 1_o cor._n 5._o phil._n be_v not_o that_o a_o dreadful_a curse_n to_o deliver_v one_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n i_o pray_v what_o do_v these_o word_n import_v christ_n the_o sentence_n be_v very_o terrible_a and_o awful_a but_o it_o be_v for_o a_o good_a and_o desirable_a end_n viz._n the_o recovery_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o sin_n and_o save_v his_o soul_n the_o word_n which_o you_o mention_v be_v of_o marvellous_a spiritual_a signification_n to_o deliver_v
that_o join_v to_o the_o church_n do_v primary_o and_o profess_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o church_n communion_n and_o the_o immediate_a declare_v event_n of_o this_o exhortation_n of_o barnabas_n be_v that_o they_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o become_v a_o church_n ver_fw-la 26._o see_v also_o act._n 16.5_o 2._o it_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o believer_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o conversion_n it_o be_v the_o turn_v the_o whole_a man_n unto_o god_n in_o all_o the_o way_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o church_n fellowship_n be_v a_o divine_a institution_n where_o god_n be_v to_o be_v find_v join_v with_o and_o submit_v unto_o as_o be_v abundant_o manifest_a from_o the_o currant_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o do_v beseech_v the_o roman_n ch_z 12.1_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o present_v their_o body_n i._n e._n their_o person_n to_o give_v up_o their_o person_n by_o present_v they_o to_o or_o before_o the_o lord_n viz._n in_o church_n communion_n a_o living_n sacrifice_n of_o thanksgiving_n holy_n and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v your_o reasonable_a worship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o shall_v be_v render_v your_o word_n service_n or_o worship_n the_o word_n be_v use_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 2._o or_o a_o service_n of_o word_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sincere_a word_n the_o milk_n or_o milk_n of_o word_n so_o that_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v to_o believer_n to_o devote_v and_o dedicate_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o church_n fellowship_n by_o a_o covenant_n or_o obligation_n of_o word_n be_v call_v their_o service_n of_o word_n viz._n their_o explicate_v word_n the_o presentment_n or_o devotement_n of_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o hos_fw-la 14.2_o this_o dedication_n or_o devotement_n be_v lively_o signify_v in_o baptism_n wherein_o every_o believer_n do_v federal_o oblige_v himself_o to_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o thereby_o do_v both_o bind_v himself_o to_o join_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o profess_a subjection_n to_o all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o do_v show_v it_o sign_n and_o seal_v it_o before_o the_o lord_n and_o every_o adult_a one_o that_o profess_v himself_o baptize_v and_o do_v not_o actual_o join_v himself_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o church_n fellowship_n do_v practical_o deny_v his_o baptismal_a dedication_n wherein_o he_o be_v devote_v to_o be_v a_o live_n i._n e._n visible_a lively_a sacrifice_n of_o thanksgiving_n in_o his_o person_n and_o all_o his_o performance_n unto_o the_o lord_n 3._o that_o believer_n that_o join_v not_o himself_o in_o church_n society_n fall_v short_a of_o many_o great_a end_n of_o his_o profess_a high_a and_o holy_a vocation_n for_o we_o be_v call_v according_a to_o god_n purpose_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v a_o choice_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o people_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n for_o a_o peculiarity_n i._n e._n unto_o god_n for_o his_o special_a visible_a service_n to_o offer_v up_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n of_o a_o true_a gospel_n nature_n acceptable_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n ver_fw-la 5._o wherein_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n be_v show_v forth_o or_o declare_v ver_fw-la 9_o not_o only_o perceive_v in_o ourselves_o but_o show_v forth_o in_o practice_n and_o profession_n and_o this_o be_v or_o can_v be_v no_o way_n so_o much_o as_o in_o gospel_n institute_v worship_n wherein_o a_o believer_n come_v unto_o and_o be_v build_v up_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o live_a stone_n the_o great_a reason_n of_o square_n a_o stone_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o build_n as_o the_o end_n of_o square_n the_o stone_n in_o mount_n lebanon_n be_v to_o lay_v they_o in_o solomon_n temple_n a_o type_n of_o a_o visible_a gospel_n church_n such_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n mean_v by_o the_o apostle_n peter_n say_v you_o as_o lively_a stone_n be_v build_v a_o spiritual_a house_n ver_fw-la 5._o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n paul_n eph._n 2.20_o 21._o again_o the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v declare_o design_v that_o believer_n shall_v be_v visible_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n to_o come_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o gospel_n communion_n from_o all_o unclean_a thing_n and_o person_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o from_o all_o heathenish_a antichristian_a or_o false_a unwarrant_v worship_n and_o from_o communion_n with_o profess_a unbeliever_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a explicit_a covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n without_o do_v of_o which_o they_o answer_v not_o the_o end_n of_o their_o call_n in_o christ_n last_o our_o call_v be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n single_o but_o conjunct_o with_o the_o saint_n and_o redeem_v one_o to_o a_o mystical_a relation_n to_o christ_n in_o a_o community_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o call_v one_o which_o be_v answer_v by_o we_o as_o in_o our_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a so_o by_o our_o external_a and_o visible_a join_v ourselves_o to_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o serve_v the_o lord_n in_o one_o body_n with_o they_o for_o we_o be_v call_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n that_o rule_v in_o our_o heart_n in_o one_o body_n col._n 3.15_o i_o e._n with_o other_o saint_n and_o believer_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o walk_v worthy_a as_o it_o become_v this_o vocation_n not_o only_o as_o to_o moral_a duty_n but_o institute_v worship_n eph._n 4.1_o etc._n etc._n phil._n 1.26_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o it_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o in_o our_o order_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n col._n 2.5_o 4._o there_o be_v duty_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o every_o believer_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o christ_n as_o such_o which_o can_v be_v do_v but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o church_n communion_n for_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v what_o ever_o christ_n have_v command_v mat._n 28.20_o and_o how_o great_a thing_n have_v christ_n require_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o a_o way_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o the_o exercise_n of_o brotherly_a love_n heb._n 13.1.1_o joh._n 3.11_o and_o he_o there_o refer_v to_o our_o saviour_n express_a command_n joh._n 13.34_o the_o obedience_n to_o which_o lie_v in_o the_o sensible_a expression_n thereof_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o what_o follow_v hereby_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o for_o another_o i._n e._n in_o outward_a visible_a act_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o love_n fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n sameness_n of_o mind_n etc._n etc._n phil._n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o love_n be_v a_o grace_n that_o give_v life_n to_o all_o act_n of_o communion_n it_o flourish_v and_o branch_n itself_o in_o the_o most_o lively_a manner_n in_o a_o society_n and_o society_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o destroy_v love_n and_o not_o only_o the_o end_n but_o the_o very_a bond_n and_o life_n of_o a_o society_n come_v to_o nothing_o there_o be_v great_a command_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o obey_v he_o in_o but_o in_o church_n communion_n as_o frequent_v assemble_v together_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o good_a work_n heb._n 10.24_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o lord_n death_n frequent_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o believer_n see_v 1_o cor._n 10.16_o 17._o i_o may_v instance_n also_o in_o all_o duty_n that_o concern_v brotherly_a watch_n pastoral_a watch_n each_o officer_n duty_n by_o their_o respective_a place_n and_o member_n to_o they_o all_o discipline_n active_o or_o passive_o consider_v christ_n church_n institution_n ordinance_n and_o statute_n be_v those_o which_o be_v principal_o intend_v by_o david_n psal_n 119._o and_o such_o be_v those_o that_o zechary_a and_o elizabeth_n walk_v in_o blameless_a luk._n 1.6_o 5._o every_o one_o that_o suppose_v himself_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n shall_v use_v all_o endeavour_n require_v by_o christ_n and_o mean_v institute_v by_o he_o for_o growth_n in_o grace_n now_o that_o church_n fellowship_n and_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v by_o christ_n for_o growth_n in_o grace_n i_o think_v no_o sound_a christian_n will_v go_v about_o to_o deny_v believer_n be_v exhort_v or_o command_v to_o grow_v in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3.18_o and_o that_o church_n and_o their_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n be_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n which_o we_o be_v to_o abide_v steadfast_a in_o the_o use_n of_o
much_o impression_n upon_o i_o and_o fix_v i_o with_o more_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o church_n for_o i_o know_v they_o be_v old_a professor_n and_o as_o cunning_a shifter_n as_o i_o be_v or_o i_o can_v be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o think_v myself_o now_o but_o a_o fool_n to_o they_o see_v they_o have_v study_v and_o practise_v this_o point_n so_o thorough_o and_o condemn_v a_o narrow_a throat_a conscience_n for_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o wise_a man_n it_o be_v fit_a only_o for_o religious_a fool_n but_o i_o tell_v they_o if_o i_o do_v keep_v my_o church_n i_o will_v hear_v some_o or_o other_o that_o preach_v salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o i_o find_v such_o a_o one_o i_o will_v go_v near_o to_o move_v my_o family_n and_o come_v up_o to_o london_n so_o i_o take_v my_o leave_n and_o go_v away_o pay_v my_o dish_n christ_n and_o do_v you_o go_v to_o hear_v the_o man_n or_o man_n they_o direct_v you_o to_o phil._n yea_o i_o will_v warrant_v you_o and_o with_o a_o greedy_a appetite_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a crowd_n of_o whig_n many_o of_o which_o i_o know_v when_o they_o will_v not_o have_v go_v to_o church_n for_o a_o great_a deal_n sed_fw-la tempora_fw-la mutantur_fw-la &_o nos_fw-la etc._n etc._n christ_n and_o what_o be_v the_o subject_a he_o be_v upon_o phil._n eph._n 2.1_o and_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n etc._n etc._n he_o insist_v on_o the_o dead_a state_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n show_v how_o all_o the_o imagination_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v evil_a he_o can_v not_o of_o himself_o do_v any_o good_a rom._n 3.12_o and_o back_v his_o doctrine_n with_o so_o many_o full_a and_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o my_o mouth_n be_v full_o stop_v and_o my_o heart_n become_v guilty_a before_o god_n i_o say_v with_o myself_o bless_a be_v god_n i_o hope_v some_o man_n in_o the_o church_n have_v get_v the_o cue_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o hope_v all_o have_v not_o abdicate_v the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n from_o their_o pulpit_n i_o go_v in_o the_o afternoon_n to_o hear_v a_o man_n much_o commend_v too_o and_o he_o be_v on_o that_o text_n mat._n 16.26_o what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o describe_v the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n so_o well_o show_v nothing_o can_v be_v a_o valuable_a ransom_n for_o it_o but_o christ_n and_o decry_v the_o world_n at_o such_o a_o rate_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o my_o two_o great_a bulwark_n be_v batter_v down_o in_o a_o manner_n in_o one_o day_n and_o christ_n even_o ready_a to_o take_v possession_n i_o see_v now_o i_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a undo_v wretched_a wicked_a condemn_a creature_n and_o that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o sell_v my_o soul_n to_o preserve_v my_o estate_n whereupon_o i_o retire_v myself_o to_o my_o lodging_n and_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o resolve_v now_o if_o god_n will_v give_v i_o strength_n i_o will_v slip_v into_o a_o conventicle_n which_o according_o i_o do_v next_o sunday_n where_o i_o hear_v a_o very_a awaken_n discourse_n upon_o gal._n 3.10_o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n whereby_o i_o understand_v the_o desperate_a condition_n i_o be_v in_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o law_n which_o he_o open_v exceed_v well_o whereby_o the_o law_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o i_o die_v rom._n 7._o after_o this_o i_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o get_v into_o a_o place_n where_o i_o hear_v a_o worthy_a man_n preach_v very_o lively_a and_o clear_o on_o act._n 16_o 31._o whence_o he_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o show_v how_o it_o save_v viz._n instrumental_o by_o close_v with_o and_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o how_o christ_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o and_o bear_v the_o curse_n after_o this_o i_o begin_v to_o savour_v the_o preach_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o find_v my_o soul_n more_o refresh_v with_o one_o of_o these_o sermon_n than_o with_o a_o hundred_o other_o i_o hear_v also_o from_o act_n 4.12_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v whereby_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o from_o heb._n 7.25_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o they_o that_o come_v etc._n etc._n from_o joh._n 14.6_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o precious_a discourse_n that_o i_o have_v since_o hear_v in_o london_n when_o i_o come_v up_o especial_o from_o the_o time_n of_o liberty_n and_o what_o warmth_n of_o love_n be_v wrought_v in_o i_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o some_o measure_n i_o trust_v of_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n that_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o freegrace_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v a_o christophilus_n now_o all_o my_o day_n but_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o one_o thing_n that_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o conventicler_n too_o as_o well_o as_o a_o son_n of_o the_o church_n for_o i_o see_v many_o very_a loose_a person_n there_o for_o hearer_n and_o not_o a_o little_a false_a doctrine_n deliver_v in_o many_o of_o they_o christ_n these_o thing_n always_o have_v and_o will_v be_v as_o for_o profane_a hearer_n i_o dislike_v not_o that_o for_o there_o be_v then_o the_o more_o matter_n for_o a_o convert_v ministry_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o as_o for_o false_a teacher_n they_o be_v many_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o paul_n and_o peter_n tell_v we_o in_o their_o epistle_n this_o shall_v not_o discourage_v you_o but_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2.10_o phil._n i_o hope_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o there_o be_v one_o difficulty_n i_o can_v get_v over_o yet_o and_o that_o be_v this_o i_o have_v hear_v you_o say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o believer_n to_o follow_v christ_n full_o to_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o to_o add_v or_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o church_n which_o i_o have_v not_o do_v any_o otherwise_o than_o to_o partake_v sometime_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o sometime_o at_o a_o meeting_n which_o i_o be_o much_o dissatisfy_v in_o for_o many_o weighty_a reason_n not_o to_o be_v now_o insist_v on_o that_o which_o keep_v i_o at_o this_o day_n be_v my_o great_a ignorance_n of_o and_o estrangedness_n to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v whether_o christ_n have_v institute_v any_o state_v gospel_n church_n and_o if_o he_o have_v where_o among_o all_o your_o different_a persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o wish_v you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v i_o the_o clear_a account_n you_o be_v able_a in_o brief_a of_o your_o persuasion_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o matter_n christ_n sir_n i_o shall_v cheerful_o endeavour_v it_o but_o that_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o plain_a to_o your_o understanding_n i_o pray_v make_v your_o inquiry_n of_o the_o point_v you_o will_v be_v resolve_v in_o and_o your_o objection_n as_o they_o occur_v chap._n i._o of_o the_o church_n catholic_n case_n ii_o phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n what_o do_v the_o word_n church_n import_n christ_n church_n or_o kirk_n be_v but_o a_o abreviation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o proper_a idiom_n of_o language_n english_a and_o scotch_a it_o signify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o our_o place_n of_o public_a assemble_v be_v call_v church_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a who_o call_v the_o temple_n the_o house_n of_o god_n according_a to_o which_o christ_n speak_v mat._n 21.13_o there_o be_v a_o levitical_a holiness_n ascribe_v to_o it_o which_o holiness_n of_o place_n have_v cease_v with_o it_o and_o the_o gospel_n church_n be_v make_v only_o of_o live_a stone_n heb._n 3.8_o 1_o pet._n 2.4_o though_o when_o we_o in_o england_n speak_v of_o a_o place_n for_o public_a assembly_n we_o call_v it_o a_o church_n not_o that_o any_o wise_a protestant_n do_v take_v it_o so_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n but_o metonymical_o only_a as_o for_o other_o they_o think_v and_o speak_v after_o the_o papist_n phil._n what_o do_v the_o greek_a and_o hebrew_n word_n import_v christ_n they_o always_o signify_v a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n there_o be_v two_o word_n use_v for_o it_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o signify_v
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 order_n especial_o while_o it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o antichristian_a wilderness_n he_o himself_o only_o know_v much_o have_v be_v do_v by_o christ_n undoubted_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n in_o the_o day_n of_o reformation_n and_o that_o he_o have_v have_v his_o true_a church_n all_o along_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v in_o a_o mystical_a not_o a_o visible_a organical_a stand_n and_o in_o many_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n have_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o purity_n be_v administer_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o congregation_n visible_a saint_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n free_v from_o romish_a pollution_n and_o (null)_o invention_n we_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o true_a though_o not_o right_o regulate_v church_n of_o christ_n without_o this_o express_a and_o solemn_a obligation_n it_o be_v implicit_a and_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v as_o intend_v by_o their_o practice_n in_o attend_v and_o constant_a wait_v upon_o god_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o appointment_n in_o one_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n especial_o in_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherein_o they_o seal_v their_o union_n in_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 10_o 17._o and_o undoubted_o a_o people_n that_o be_v congregat_v have_v explicit_o choose_v their_o pastor_n or_o implicit_o subject_v to_o he_o and_o receive_v this_o sacred_a ordinance_n from_o his_o hand_n be_v bind_v to_o abide_v as_o a_o society_n mutual_o relate_v one_o to_o another_o in_o constant_a and_o frequent_a communion_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o but_o the_o come_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o together_o 1._o be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o the_o generality_n of_o communicant_n of_o this_o sort_n do_v not_o apprehend_v themselves_o hereby_o bind_v to_o 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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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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 manage_v it_o christ_n in_o a_o politic_a body_n where_o the_o member_n be_v intelligent_a agent_n it_o be_v not_o a_o dead_a thing_n the_o subject_n of_o it_o be_v rational_a creature_n voluntary_a free_a agent_n and_o live_a stone_n and_o the_o indispensible_a law_n of_o self_n preservation_n be_v a_o justifiable_a reason_n of_o act_v in_o this_o kind_n though_o they_o do_v not_o act_v in_o so_o orderly_a a_o manner_n as_o they_o desire_v be_v as_o yet_o uncapable_a for_o it_o but_o christ_n have_v institute_v officer_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o more_o orderly_a and_o comely_a management_n of_o the_o key_n they_o be_v upon_o the_o term_n of_o congregate_a bound_n also_o to_o choose_v they_o officer_n of_o his_o appointment_n to_o who_o prudent_a care_n and_o watch_v the_o management_n of_o the_o decisive_a power_n be_v commit_v by_o jesus_n christ_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n and_o to_o they_o parent_n officer_n the_o church_n do_v subject_n themselves_o in_o 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 will_v be_v corrupt_a how_o many_o ill_a member_n at_o least_o such_o as_o be_v offensive_a to_o the_o church_n may_v he_o take_v in_o and_o how_o many_o good_a may_v he_o cast_v out_o as_o diotrephes_n do_v 3_o john_n 9_o 6._o what_o christ_n have_v join_v together_o none_o shall_v separate_v but_o christ_n have_v conjoin_v office_n power_n and_o the_o church_n power_n the_o officer_n be_v for_o the_o due_a orderly_o honourable_a and_o solemn_a management_n of_o the_o church_n power_n not_o for_o the_o take_n of_o it_o away_o officer_n be_v no_o addition_n of_o power_n to_o a_o church_n but_o for_o the_o better_a administration_n to_o edification_n and_o advantage_n and_o in_o obedience_n unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o subordination_n unto_o he_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v