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
invention_n whereby_o also_o all_o antichristian_a abomination_n overspread_v the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n phil._n but_o do_v not_o christ_n give_v other_o ministerial_a officer_n to_o his_o church_n christ_n the_o officer_n which_o christ_n place_v in_o his_o church_n for_o edification_n be_v extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a but_o both_o pastoral_n for_o they_o that_o be_v call_v elder_n and_o set_v for_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n in_o seal_n and_o government_n i_o call_v just_o pastoral_a for_o feed_v the_o flock_n comprehend_v both_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n phil._n who_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a officer_n christ_n they_o be_v apostolic_a and_o such_o who_o be_v not_o succeed_v after_o the_o first_o church_n be_v plant_v but_o by_o ordinary_a pastoral_n officer_n and_o these_o be_v apostle_n and_o apostolic_a help_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o office-charge_n 4.11_o eph._n 4.11_o and_o be_v prophet_n and_o evangelist_n and_o be_v extraordinary_o furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o power_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o plantation_n of_o church_n but_o at_o the_o disposition_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o all_o other_o church-officer_n as_o well_o as_o church_n be_v during_o their_o life_n phil._n and_o our_o bishop_n say_v they_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n be_v subordinate_a and_o subject_a to_o they_o christ_n they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v the_o pope_n succeed_v peter_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v extraordinary_o send_v and_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v succeed_v but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v extraordinary_o assist_v as_o they_o be_v which_o have_v be_v none_o or_o ordinary_o and_o such_o be_v presbyter_n and_o no_o other_o the_o charasteristick_a note_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v such_o who_o be_v ear_n and_o eye-witness_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o take_n up_o act_v 1.22_o viz._n of_o his_o ministry_n miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n 2._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n since_o which_o none_o ever_o be_v 3._o to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o work_a miracle_n 4._o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o plantation_n direction_n and_o government_n of_o they_o every_o apostle_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o all_o church_n &_o in_o every_o church_n whatever_o power_n be_v afterward_o ordinary_o in_o each_o church_n and_o though_o a_o bishop_n now_o in_o a_o apish_a imitation_n by_o a_o pretend_a plea_n of_o succession_n will_v lay_v claim_n to_o power_n over_o many_o particular_a congregation_n yet_o each_o bishop_n be_v not_o allow_v power_n in_o another_o man_n diocese_n and_o as_o to_o the_o former_a character_n where_o the_o bishop_n can_v with_o a_o show_n of_o any_o just_a pretence_n lie_v claim_v unto_o they_o phil._n what_o be_v the_o prophet_n that_o accompany_v and_o assist_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n christ_n of_o this_o sort_n it_o be_v say_v act_v 13.1_o there_o be_v certain_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n i_o suppose_v not_o much_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a mission_n and_o qualification_n be_v church-member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n on_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v in_o the_o appearance_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n whereby_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o preach_v gift_n and_o those_o of_o tongue_n in_o order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o whatsoever_o people_n they_o come_v jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o go_v forth_o for_o this_o end_n in_o subordination_n to_o and_o by_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o time_n we_o read_v of_o the_o travel_n be_v act_n 11.19_o occasion_v by_o saul_n persecution_n some_o of_o they_o man_n of_o cyprus_n and_o cyrene_n who_o when_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o other_o place_n preach_v come_v at_o last_o unto_o antioch_n and_o speak_v unto_o the_o grecian_a jew_n preach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o be_v the_o believe_v and_o turn_v of_o many_o unto_o the_o lord_n these_o by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v hand_n on_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n but_o we_o read_v not_o that_o they_o baptize_v or_o do_v perform_v any_o other_o ministerial_a act_n if_o that_o be_v one_o probably_n they_o may_v convey_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o other_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n too_o phil._n what_o be_v the_o evangelist_n christ_n they_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v to_o assist_v the_o apostle_n also_o in_o preach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n baptism_n and_o plant_v church_n with_o ordination_n of_o officer_n in_o they_o philip_n preach_v and_o baptise_a and_o wrought_v miracle_n act_n 8.5_o 12_o 39_o but_o do_v not_o convey_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v bestow_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n as_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n verse_n 15_o 16._o and_o philip_n be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n act_v 21.8_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n 1_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o assistant_n to_o paul_n in_o his_o apostolic_a function_n and_o he_o do_v lay_v on_o hand_n now_o as_o to_o this_o that_o philip_n do_v not_o and_o timothy_n do_v i_o judge_v these_o secondary_a apostolic_a man_n act_v not_o as_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o general_a commission_n but_o by_o the_o immediate_a particular_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o by_o the_o mediate_a command_n from_o time_n to_o time_n give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o they_o be_v assistant_n and_o subordinate_a in_o their_o act_n there_o be_v some_o which_o we_o call_v evangelist_n from_o their_o writing_n the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n two_o of_o which_o be_v primary_o apostle_n viz._n matthew_n and_o john_n mark_n and_o luke_n may_v be_v evangelist_n in_o the_o other_o sense_n phil._n who_o be_v leave_v the_o pastoral_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o christ_n ascension_n christ_n the_o whole_a ministerial_a office_n in_o that_o church_n be_v leave_v and_o place_v at_o first_o in_o the_o apostle_n both_o pastoral_n and_o diaconal_a and_o either_o of_o the_o apostle_n may_v have_v preside_v but_o that_o by_o consent_n it_o may_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 16.19_o peter_n take_v the_o chair_n viz._n the_o orderly_a management_n of_o the_o key_n that_o the_o diaconal_a office_n be_v in_o the_o say_a apostle_n at_o first_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o account_n we_o have_v act._n 2.4_o 5._o of_o the_o member_n bring_v their_o possession_n and_o lay_v they_o at_o their_o foot_n to_o dispose_v of_o as_o a_o church_n stock_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o twelve_o to_o the_o multitude_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n they_o find_v the_o serve_a table_n to_o be_v to_o great_a a_o burden_n to_o they_o upon_o such_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n afterward_o also_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n require_v there_o be_v elder_n or_o presbyter_n choose_v distinct_a from_o the_o apostle_n which_o appear_v from_o act._n 15.23_o and_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a the_o increase_n and_o multiply_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v according_a as_o the_o necessary_a reason_n thereof_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o increase_n or_o otherwise_o which_o necessity_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n breathe_v through_o the_o apostle_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o supply_v chap._n v._o of_o ordinary_a officer_n phil._n what_o officer_n do_v complete_o organize_v a_o particular_a congregation_n christ_n pastoral_n and_o diaconal_a so_o that_o pastor_n and_o deacon_n do_v make_v a_o church_n complete_o organise_v but_o through_o multiplication_n of_o a_o church_n or_o for_o other_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v good_a ground_n to_o choose_v coadjutor_n in_o each_o office_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o increase_a the_o officer_n of_o one_o kind_n or_o another_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v edify_v phil._n what_o be_v the_o pastor_n office_n christ_n the_o pastor_n office_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o church_n as_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o a_o overseer_n or_o bishop_n which_o pastoral_n feed_v consist_v in_o gospel_n preach_v administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o government_n in_o the_o last_o respect_n more_o especial_o he_o be_v call_v a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n act._n 20._o phil._n what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o gospel_n preach_v christ_n i_o mean_v a_o right_n divide_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o it_o
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
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
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
religion_n but_o where_o this_o hope_n be_v you_o usual_o see_v how_o ready_a man_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n why_o not_o to_o a_o church_n or_o its_o officer_n that_o may_v bring_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n you_o see_v how_o natural_o in_o our_o discourse_n but_o now_o you_o fall_v into_o this_o when_o i_o take_v but_o occasion_n to_o ask_v how_o you_o come_v so_o sudden_o in_o love_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n you_o give_v i_o a_o very_a full_a account_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o your_o soul_n phil._n why_o be_v it_o no_o more_o than_o such_o a_o poor_a account_n as_o i_o give_v you_o but_o now_o alas_o i_o can_v have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o concern_v god_n wonderful_a gracious_a deal_n with_o i_o but_o that_o i_o haste_v to_o this_o discourse_n with_o you_o about_o gospel_n church_n and_o order_n which_o i_o have_v long_o wish_v for_o i_o have_v think_v your_o member_n must_v have_v prepare_v some_o set_a speech_n in_o such_o exact_a form_n and_o manner_n as_o some_o man_n can_v do_v but_o alas_o how_o many_o good_a honest_a christian_n can_v express_v themselves_o but_o they_o can_v tell_v you_o in_o their_o plain_a way_n of_o speak_v what_o they_o be_v drunkard_n liar_n scoffer_n debauch_a adulterer_n blasphemer_n etc._n etc._n and_o one_o will_v say_v god_n cast_v i_o down_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n by_o awaken_n my_o conscience_n by_o such_o a_o word_n or_o such_o a_o providence_n and_o i_o begin_v to_o think_v how_o i_o be_v in_o hasten_v to_o eternal_a destruction_n he_o will_v tell_v of_o the_o great_a struggle_n he_o have_v with_o satan_n the_o world_n and_o his_o company_n to_o hold_v he_o fast_o in_o his_o sinful_a way_n he_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o good_a tiding_n to_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n be_v and_o how_o thereby_o his_o heart_n be_v draw_v forth_o to_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n he_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o sermon_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n some_o at_o least_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a which_o be_v make_v most_o effectual_a for_o his_o soul_n benefit_n and_o advantage_n if_o this_o be_v all_o you_o stand_v upon_o i_o think_v none_o that_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a will_v make_v any_o scruple_n of_o it_o as_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o make_v it_o my_o frequent_a discourse_n to_o any_o faithful_a friend_n in_o christ_n to_o declare_v to_o he_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n and_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o best_a entertainment_n he_o can_v give_v i_o to_o hear_v the_o like_a from_o he_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o any_o one_o shall_v question_v the_o do_v it_o to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o so_o many_o faithful_a one_o labour_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o a_o man_n self_n christ_n i_o find_v bashfulness_n be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o many_o in_o some_o especial_o woman_n it_o be_v from_o their_o sex_n and_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o many_o of_o both_o sex_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o they_o but_o to_o pray_v against_o it_o and_o for_o church_n officer_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o all_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n suppose_v still_o that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o sense_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o express_v by_o what_o show_v itself_o again_o other_o be_v ashamed_a some_o upon_o this_o account_n viz._n to_o tell_v the_o world_n how_o wicked_a and_o vile_a they_o have_v be_v other_o afraid_a they_o shall_v be_v reject_v and_o that_o will_v be_v a_o great_a disgrace_n to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o first_o sort_n i_o say_v church_n do_v not_o stand_v upon_o this_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v particularize_v the_o individual_a sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o a_o heinous_a and_o enormous_a nature_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o he_o specify_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o live_v in_o in_o general_n unless_o he_o find_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o to_o declare_v what_o a_o wicked_a wretch_n in_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n he_o have_v be_v which_o the_o world_n and_o his_o acquaintance_n know_v as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o paul_n do_v so_o that_o great_a apostle_n i_o be_v a_o persecutor_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o often_o do_v he_o aggravate_v his_o sin_n and_o magnify_v the_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o call_v and_o save_v he_o that_o great_a notorious_a sin_n of_o his_o know_v to_o all_o he_o declare_v often_o to_o the_o church_n and_o other_o then_o as_o to_o the_o declare_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o his_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n any_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v ashamed_a the_o world_n shall_v know_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v save_v and_o not_o eternal_o perish_v rom._n 10.10_o 11._o the_o apostle_n anticipate_v this_o objection_n when_o he_o say_v with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v and_o with_o the_o tongue_n confession_n i._n e._n of_o that_o faith_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n it_o immediate_o follow_v for_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a i._n e._n to_o confess_v with_o his_o mouth_n what_o he_o believe_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o for_o confession_n of_o particular_a secret_a sin_n it_o be_v not_o expect_v by_o the_o church_n they_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n to_o require_v it_o but_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o wicked_a practice_n of_o the_o romish_a priest_n in_o auricular_a confession_n phil._n you_o have_v give_v very_o good_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n for_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o that_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o way_n of_o your_o church_n object_n this_o very_o strenuous_o as_o if_o your_o minister_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o wicked_a varlet_n who_o make_v confession_n a_o stratagem_n to_o creep_v into_o acquaintance_n with_o man_n secret_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n but_o i_o will_v have_v you_o answer_v the_o other_o objection_n that_o many_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v be_v reject_v and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o too_o many_o be_v loath_a to_o bewray_v their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n christ_n as_o for_o such_o who_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v reject_v they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v lift_v up_o in_o themselves_o and_o put_v on_o religion_n more_o for_o the_o applause_n of_o it_o than_o for_o the_o love_n of_o it_o these_o have_v not_o learned_a christ_n for_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a they_o stay_v off_o than_o offer_v themselves_o till_o their_o heart_n be_v incline_v to_o love_n christ_n and_o his_o command_n more_o than_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n and_o these_o have_v usual_o one_o of_o these_o reason_n for_o their_o fear_n first_o either_o that_o they_o have_v live_v in_o some_o know_a scandalous_a sin_n that_o they_o can_v give_v any_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o other_o to_o believe_v they_o have_v thorough_o repent_v of_o by_o a_o manifest_a reformation_n and_o such_o have_v better_o forbear_v offer_v themselves_o till_o their_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n observe_v some_o evident_a change_n in_o they_o or_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n they_o fear_v as_o you_o say_v they_o shall_v bewray_v their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n if_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o they_o to_o discover_v their_o ignorance_n than_o to_o remain_v in_o it_o be_v the_o inquiry_n upon_o this_o account_n into_o man_n knowledge_n it_o be_v only_o in_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o acquaintance_n with_o which_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v unto_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n beside_o what_o danger_n be_v there_o of_o public_a disgrace_n if_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n be_v know_v no_o unprejudiced_a christian_n can_v think_v there_o be_v any_o for_o if_o a_o man_n offer_v himself_o to_o join_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n he_o go_v to_o the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o his_o desire_n who_o will_v if_o he_o think_v there_o be_v reason_n first_o inquire_v of_o his_o knowledge_n in_o some_o great_a fundamental_a point_n wherein_o find_v he_o gross_o defective_a he_o give_v he_o information_n and_o desire_v he_o frequent_o
be_v member_n and_o capable_a of_o be_v judge_v by_o it_o so_o it_o be_v here_o christian_n meet_v and_o agree_v together_o to_o walk_v in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o what_o do_v they_o promise_v solemn_o to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o another_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n now_o i_o find_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n when_o a_o people_n first_o join_v themselves_o to_o christ_n in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o so_o the_o first_o gather_v the_o church_n at_o antioch_n be_v express_v for_o act._n 11.19_o some_o scatter_v upon_o the_o persecution_n by_o saul_n man_n of_o cyprus_n and_o cyrene_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o prophet_n inspire_v at_o pentecost_n preach_v to_o the_o grecian_a jew_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n v._o 20._o and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o and_o a_o great_a number_n turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n v._o 21._o upon_o the_o tiding_n of_o this_o success_n barnabas_n be_v send_v from_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o much_o people_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n i.e._n they_o by_o mutual_a consent_n give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n they_o turn_v to_o the_o the_o lord_n by_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o these_o first_o comer_n but_o now_o the_o spirit_n tell_v we_o the_o success_n of_o barnabas_n his_o come_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o exhortation_n of_o they_o thereto_o v._o 23._o and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v and_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v prevail_v unto_o conversion_n he_o rejoice_v and_o exhort_v they_o all_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n i._n e._n with_o sincerity_n and_o resolution_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o join_v themselves_o for_o constancy_n unto_o the_o lord_n in_o church_n fellowship_n afterward_o when_o paul_n come_v v._o 26._o he_o find_v they_o a_o church_n and_o as_o such_o abide_v among_o they_o for_o a_o whole_a year_n for_o it_o be_v say_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n assemble_v themselves_o with_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v to_o a_o great_a multitude_n many_o of_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o this_o add_v or_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n obligation_n be_v manifest_a also_o from_o act._n 5._o where_o it_o appear_v upon_o the_o signal_n judgement_n that_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n fall_v under_o v._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n such_o hypocrite_n as_o they_o none_o dare_v join_v themselves_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o cement_n and_o unite_v into_o a_o body_n it_o be_v use_v for_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 9.26_o and_o 1_o cor._n 6.17_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v say_v here_o v._o 14._o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n which_o must_v be_v by_o some_o visible_a overt_a act_n whereby_o they_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n after_o believe_v for_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o their_o mystical_a join_n to_o christ_n by_o believe_v for_o then_o the_o antithesis_fw-la will_v not_o hold_v between_o they_o that_o dare_v not_o and_o they_o that_o do_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v the_o add_v a_o member_n to_o a_o church_n which_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n act._n 2.41_o 47._o there_o they_o be_v first_o visible_a believer_n then_o add_v to_o a_o society_n by_o some_o overt_a solemn_a act_n and_o therefore_o say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o in_o this_o way_n of_o conference_n between_o you_o and_o i_o to_o evince_v this_o truth_n particular_o from_o the_o method_n that_o god_n use_v in_o the_o constitute_n and_o maintain_v a_o visible_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n to_o look_v back_o but_o as_o far_o as_o abraham_n how_o he_o and_o his_o family_n and_o his_o seed_n become_v a_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v by_o explicit_a obligation_n and_o overt_a act_n in_o bind_v they_o by_o sacrifice_n i_o may_v mention_v the_o several_a express_a obligation_n that_o church_n come_v under_o from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o moses_n time_n at_o horeb_n joshua_n the_o judge_n samuel_n especial_o david_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o reform_a king_n remarkable_o by_o josiah_n and_o after_o the_o captivity_n in_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n day_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o dispensation_n peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n state_n and_o stand_v of_o the_o church_n be_v manifest_a from_o isa_n 56.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o for_o there_o god_n speak_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n salvation_n which_o be_v near_o mean_v the_o gentile_a by_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n and_o by_o the_o eunuch_n any_o other_o exclude_v from_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o incapacitate_v by_o levitical_a uncleanness_n these_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v believer_n and_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n the_o word_n use_v in_o the_o act_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o his_o covenant_n shall_v have_v a_o place_n and_o a_o name_n in_o my_o house_n i._n e._n to_o be_v church_n member_n and_o have_v right_a to_o all_o church_n privilege_n and_o this_o be_v that_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n foretell_v that_o the_o great_a and_o gospel_n restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v bring_v they_o under_o ezek._n 20.37_o of_o which_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n chap._n 50.4_o 5_o 6._o and_o zech._n 2.10_o 11._o i_o refer_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o that_o clear_a discourse_n that_o the_o learned_a mr._n j._n cotton_n have_v upon_o this_o subject_n in_o his_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o n.e._n pag._n 59_o 60_o 61_o etc._n etc._n where_o you_o may_v receive_v full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n if_o what_o i_o have_v brief_o speak_v be_v not_o enough_o you_o may_v read_v also_o mr._n j._n davenport_n power_n of_o congregational_a church_n his_o answer_n to_o mr._n j._n paget_n where_o he_o show_v pag._n 27._o that_o this_o covenant_n obligation_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n and_o show_v the_o nature_n and_o evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o a_o church_n be_v as_o likewise_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v chap._n 4._o page_n 45._o phil._n sir_n i_o thank_v you_o for_o discover_v these_o author_n to_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v reverend_a pious_a &_o learned_a man_n who_o suffer_v much_o for_o the_o testimony_n they_o bear_v against_o our_o corruption_n prejudice_n for_o a_o long_a time_n have_v keep_v i_o off_o from_o read_v the_o work_n of_o such_o man_n but_o i_o pray_v sir_n give_v the_o head_n of_o the_o argument_n they_o insist_v on_o for_o it_o chr._n 1._o believer_n be_v under_o church_n power_n this_o way_n or_o quatenus_fw-la believer_n if_o quatenus_fw-la profess_v believer_n then_o where_o ever_o they_o come_v the_o church_n and_o officer_n there_o may_v challenge_v power_n over_o they_o as_o member_n this_o will_v be_v deny_v by_o most_o till_o they_o voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v come_v for_o church_n privilege_n but_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o church_n power_n for_o their_o reformation_n to_o be_v administer_v towards_o they_o 2._o they_o argue_v from_o all_o civil_a society_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o marriage_n itself_o can_v have_v a_o formal_a be_v without_o mutual_a compact_n and_o agreement_n so_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a relation_n that_o all_o church_n member_n stand_v in_o one_o to_o another_o and_o all_o of_o they_o to_o their_o officer_n and_o their_o officer_n to_o they_o and_o reciprocal_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v these_o can_v be_v perform_v or_o will_v not_o without_o mutual_a consent_n and_o obligation_n 3._o they_o argue_v from_o all_o the_o metaphor_n whereby_o a_o church_n be_v describe_v a_o house_n and_o temple_n be_v bind_v and_o pine_v together_o a_o natural_a body_n have_v all_o the_o member_n knit_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n it_o be_v represent_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v rev._n 11.2_o eph._n 2.19_o and_o what_o city_n can_v become_v enfranchise_v but_o this_o way_n and_o manner_n 4._o it_o be_v no_o reason_n any_o shall_v challenge_v privilege_n of_o a_o society_n without_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o walk_v 5._o if_o this_o be_v not_o but_o member_n may_v come_v in_o and_o out_o as_o they_o please_v without_o obligation_n church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a by_o admission_n or_o excommunication_n for_o as_o a_o member_n can_v come_v at_o pleasure_n so_o he_o may_v depart_v 6._o last_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a
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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and_o make_v itself_o a_o integrum_fw-la organizatum_fw-la a_o body_n furnish_v with_o officer_n as_o well_o as_o member_n and_o therefore_o can_v confer_v office_n power_n where_o there_o be_v none_o before_o now_o there_o be_v power_n in_o that_o body_n whatever_o it_o be_v that_o do_v confer_v office_n power_n 5._o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o power_n in_o the_o church_n as_o a_o body_n politic_a it_o will_v be_v whole_o devest_v of_o it_o whenever_o it_o be_v deprive_v of_o its_o officer_n by_o death_n as_o it_o often_o be_v but_o it_o be_v not_o because_o it_o can_v proceed_v to_o another_o choice_n phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n what_o kind_n of_o power_n be_v this_o be_v it_o legislative_a or_o executive_a and_o where_o do_v it_o lie_v that_o i_o may_v know_v what_o you_o understand_v by_o the_o key_n christ_n christ_n be_v the_o only_a legislator_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n his_o reveal_v will_n be_v the_o key_n of_o david_n who_o open_v and_o no_o man_n shut_v and_o shut_v and_o no_o man_n open_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o do_v not_o communicate_v his_o power_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o execution_n he_o do_v deligate_v his_o power_n to_o church_n and_o officer_n to_o act_v in_o his_o name_n and_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o decisive_a power_n exert_v in_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v this_o decisive_a power_n pass_v always_o upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n commit_v by_o a_o particular_a member_n or_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o church_n in_o admission_n or_o rejection_n of_o member_n or_o in_o choose_v of_o officer_n this_o decisive_a power_n consist_v in_o open_v and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o this_o spiritual_a house_n and_o i_o call_v it_o the_o key_n of_o government_n for_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o key_n to_o open_v and_o shut_v a_o door_n now_o this_o key_n of_o decisive_a power_n be_v the_o unanimous_a suffrage_n of_o the_o brotherhood_n or_o where_o that_o can_v be_v have_v it_o must_v be_v the_o majority_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o some_o difference_n in_o such_o society_n phil._n then_o the_o key_n be_v this_o decisive_a power_n and_o lie_v in_o the_o fraternity_n there_o need_v no_o officer_n at_o all_o christ_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o key_n and_o another_o to_o have_v the_o management_n of_o a_o key_n christ_n give_v peter_n the_o key_n but_o do_v not_o make_v he_o the_o key_n as_o a_o church_n officer_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o apostle_n and_o as_o other_o apostle_n be_v who_o have_v all_o decisive_a church-power_n in_o themselves_o to_o exert_v as_o occasion_v require_v but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o act_v by_o the_o management_n of_o the_o church_n key_n as_o peter_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o mathias_n act._n 1._o and_o of_o deacon_n act._n 6._o and_o paul_n in_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n phil._n a_o key_n be_v a_o dead_a thing_n and_o can_v open_v or_o shut_v without_o a_o hand_n to_o 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 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entrust_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o member_n be_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o heb._n 13.17_o phil._n you_o seem_v to_o give_v away_o all_o the_o power_n from_o the_o officer_n to_o the_o people_n and_o make_v the_o officer_n insignificant_a christ_n i_o say_v the_o power_n be_v whole_o in_o the_o people_n before_o there_o be_v officer_n and_o when_o there_o be_v officer_n they_o have_v not_o give_v away_o their_o power_n but_o retain_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o their_o officer_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o decisive_a power_n or_o key_n for_o let_v in_o and_o out_o it_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o brethren_n though_o the_o authoritative_a management_n of_o church_n rule_n as_o to_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n the_o prudential_a order_v matter_n and_o preside_v in_o all_o case_n belong_v to_o officer_n the_o management_n of_o our_o civil_a right_n in_o england_n be_v a_o great_a illustration_n in_o this_o case_n we_o choose_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o our_o peer_n in_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o estate_n &_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o jury_n adjudge_n the_o decisive_a power_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o the_o judge_n do_v but_o preside_v in_o the_o court_n and_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v legal_o and_o orderly_o manage_v declare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o law_n unto_o the_o jury_n and_o then_o deliver_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o jury_n find_v the_o fact_n so_o it_o be_v in_o church_n the_o officer_n for_o rule_n have_v as_o much_o power_n in_o a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o constitution_n as_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o mayor_n have_v that_o sit_v on_o the_o bench_n to_o hear_v and_o determine_v civil_a concern_v phil._n you_o have_v great_o satisfy_v i_o now_o that_o as_o our_o constitution_n be_v the_o best_a in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o abuse_v for_o judge_v civil_a concern_v so_o i_o believe_v such_o a_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o free_a from_o exception_n for_o 1._o a_o people_n can_v be_v offend_v at_o such_o a_o judgement_n as_o be_v pass_v by_o themselves_o for_o who_o will_v a_o member_n of_o any_o society_n be_v free_a to_o be_v try_v by_o than_o his_o peer_n and_o the_o apostle_n blame_v the_o corinthian_n for_o seek_v a_o decision_n in_o doubtful_a case_n of_o civil_a matter_n out_o of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 2._o and_o as_o for_o church_n officer_n i_o think_v the_o most_o judicious_a will_v not_o desire_v a_o absolute_a power_n in_o themselves_o to_o lie_v liable_a to_o the_o many_o censure_n of_o man_n and_o the_o odium_fw-la that_o will_v be_v cast_v by_o reproachful_a tongue_n upon_o their_o most_o righteous_a and_o upright_a proceed_n christ_n if_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v in_o civil_a affair_n as_o to_o life_n and_o estate_n be_v try_v by_o twelve_o honest_a neighbour_n of_o ordinary_a morality_n scarce_o so_o much_o many_o time_n and_o all_o man_n usual_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a debate_n shall_v come_v to_o decision_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o so_o choice_a a_o community_n as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v phil._n but_o ordinary_a christian_n be_v to_o seek_v in_o many_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o faith_n &_o order_n and_o can_v determine_v where_o the_o truth_n lie_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o divine_n to_o judge_v christ_n i_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o matter_n of_o law_n the_o church_n decision_n be_v of_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n place_n to_o inform_v they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v therewith_o it_o may_v be_v carry_v as_o a_o case_n to_o advise_v upon_o with_o other_o church_n or_o elder_n phil._n i_o have_v little_o far_o to_o object_n against_o the_o principle_n of_o order_n which_o you_o have_v lay_v down_o only_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v i_o confess_v of_o no_o great_a weight_n to_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o church-member_n say_v they_o join_v to_o this_o or_o that_o church_n only_o because_o of_o the_o present_a pastor_n yea_o that_o they_o join_v to_o the_o pastor_n only_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o pastor_n die_v they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o go_v whither_o they_o please_v christ_n this_o proceed_v from_o the_o ignorance_n &_o corruption_n of_o many_o member_n who_o be_v not_o or_o will_v not_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o profess_v this_o be_v so_o absurd_a a_o thing_n that_o the_o asserter_n thereof_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o in_o civil_a society_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n do_v any_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o the_o master_n or_o warden_n of_o the_o company_n only_o or_o to_o the_o company_n itself_o when_o he_o be_v make_v a_o member_n officer_n be_v changeable_a either_o by_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o society_n or_o by_o death_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o all_o church_n be_v dissolve_v upon_o the_o death_n of_o their_o pastor_n beside_o the_o term_n of_o admission_n into_o congregational_a society_n speak_v plain_o otherwise_o that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n and_o the_o congregation_n put_v themselves_o under_o the_o office_n watch_n and_o the_o watch_n of_o each_o member_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v but_o some_o of_o the_o wiles_n and_o subterfuges_n of_o satan_n which_o loose-spirited_n and_o principled_a member_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o shake_n off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n phil._n but_o when_o a_o case_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o decisive_a power_n of_o the_o church_n after_o due_a debate_n as_o suppose_v the_o choose_n of_o a_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o key_n of_o rule_n in_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o a_o member_n and_o the_o fraternity_n or_o the_o elder_n and_o fraternity_n divide_v into_o a_o major_a and_o minor_a part_n what_o shall_v the_o minor_a do_v christ_n it_o be_v by_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o society_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o major_a part_n as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o church_n act_n or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o maintain_v any_o society_n of_o that_o nature_n yea_o they_o must_v fall_v butif_n a_o particular_a member_n or_o more_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o church_n act_n as_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o continue_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n so_o he_o may_v peaceable_o depart_v at_o the_o same_o door_n he_o come_v in_o at_o to_o another_o church_n by_o a_o express_a dismission_n phil._n what_o if_o he_o will_v not_o ask_v such_o a_o dismission_n but_o withdraw_v from_o communion_n and_o reject_v it_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o defiance_n and_o continue_v incorrigible_a therein_o christ_n such_o a_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o in_o form_n and_o manner_n as_o in_o some_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o another_o nature_n for_o such_o a_o one_o be_v herein_o scandalous_a beside_o he_o be_v incorrigible_a whereupon_o the_o church_n be_v to_o proceed_v against_o he_o as_o such_o a_o one_o he_o appear_v to_o other_o but_o a_o man_n of_o belial_n which_o be_v a_o ungovernable_a person_n for_o so_o the_o spirit_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 6.15_o what_o fellowship_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n viz._n a_o lawless_a person_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o any_o society_n especial_o of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n government_n chap._n iu._n of_o officer_n extraordinary_a phil._n i_o desire_v you_o will_v now_o acquaint_v i_o what_o be_v the_o office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o church_n christ_n the_o officer_n institute_v by_o christ_n be_v pastoral_n and_o diaconal_a viz._n bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n 1.1_o phil._n be_v not_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n distinct_a order_n our_o church_n make_v they_o so_o christ_n nay_o the_o scripture_n make_v presbyter_n and_o bishop_n the_o same_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o for_o a_o bishop_n be_v but_o a_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n so_o be_v every_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n see_v act_n 20.28_o and_o there_o he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o elder_n to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n phil._n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o our_o bishop_n be_v exalt_v so_o far_o above_o presbyter_n in_o office_n and_o benefice_n christ_n from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o pretend_a church_n and_o ministry_n viz._n through_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o human_a
another_o congregation_n and_o call_v he_o to_o it_o and_o why_o not_o as_o well_o as_o to_o call_v one_o to_o be_v a_o preach_v elder_a that_o be_v a_o brother_n of_o another_o congregation_n for_o all_o church_n officer_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o church_n and_o first_o make_v member_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v christ_n in_o office_n before_o they_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o thereto_o phil._n what_o reason_n may_v a_o church_n be_v move_v by_o to_o choose_v a_o roll_a elder_a or_o more_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v a_o brother_n apt_o qualify_v and_o can_v attend_v it_o there_o need_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o it_o though_o the_o church_n be_v but_o small_a it_o may_v be_v much_o comfort_n and_o help_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o tend_v to_o much_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o church_n may_v see_v reason_n to_o choose_v rule_v elder_n from_o the_o great_a increase_n and_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o management_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n lie_v not_o too_o heavy_o upon_o their_o pastor_n 3._o the_o church_n may_v see_v reason_n for_o it_o because_o their_o pastor_n qualify_v it_o may_v be_v with_o much_o of_o grace_n preach_v gift_n and_o learning_n may_v not_o be_v qualify_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o government_n and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o man_n of_o retire_a studious_a life_n have_v so_o great_a a_o insight_n into_o the_o right_a order_n of_o politic_a affair_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o great_a mathematician_n but_o yet_o a_o ill_a seaman_n not_o know_v how_o to_o work_v or_o steer_v a_o ship_n so_o well_o as_o a_o master_n mate_n or_o a_o boatswain_n there_o be_v in_o spiritual_n as_o well_o as_o temporal_n a_o skill_n in_o practice_n to_o have_v the_o sense_n exercise_v by_o reason_n of_o use_n as_o well_o as_o a_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o rule_n phil._n what_o be_v the_o officework_n of_o a_o roll_a elder_n christ_n to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o admission_n to_o make_v good_a enquiry_n after_o the_o faith_n and_o holy_a conversation_n of_o such_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o church_n communion_n to_o propound_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o make_v inspection_n into_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o actual_a member_n frequent_o to_o visit_v they_o to_o rebuke_v any_o seem_o late-walking_a as_o not_o become_v the_o gospel_n to_o inquire_v after_o the_o reason_n of_o member_n absentment_n from_o communion_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o frequent_v assemble_v together_o for_o mutual_a edification_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a to_o support_v the_o weak_a to_o visit_v the_o sick_a to_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a etc._n etc._n 3._o in_o all_o matter_n of_o admonition_n and_o censure_n to_o hear_v and_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o church_n before_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o confusion_n and_o in_o disquietment_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o church_n but_o with_o all_o meekness_n unanimity_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n phil._n you_o have_v show_v that_o the_o ministerial_a office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pastoral_n or_o diaconal_a and_o have_v show_v that_o the_o pastoral_n or_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o pastoral_n care_n be_v exhortation_n teach_v administration_n of_o the_o seal_n rule_n and_o government_n according_a to_o all_o which_o part_n of_o a_o pastor_n office_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v provide_v affi_v officer_n and_o help_n such_o as_o teacher_n and_o roll_a elder_n to_o the_o full_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n i_o pray_v speak_v now_o something_o of_o the_o deacon_n office_n christ_n the_o english_a word_n deacon_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o minister_n or_o one_o that_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o office_n it_o be_v use_v for_o any_o minister_n at_o large_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o deaconship_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o apostleship_n itself_o act._n 1.17_o 25._o or_o to_o a_o part_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o act._n 6.4_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o particular_a service_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 11.29_o ch_n 12.25_o and_o paul_n appli_v it_o to_o his_o whole_a ministry_n as_o a_o apostle_n act._n 20.24_o rom._n 11.13_o ch_n 15.31_o 2._o cor._n 6.3_o but_o it_o have_v its_o peculiar_a application_n to_o that_o ministry_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n necessity_n by_o way_n of_o distribution_n of_o collection_n make_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n to_o whosesoever_o care_v it_o be_v commit_v and_o such_o a_o service_n paul_n say_v he_o undertake_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.4_o which_o be_v call_v the_o deaconship_n of_o this_o liturgy_n 2_o cor._n 9.12_o render_v the_o administration_n of_o this_o service_n now_o we_o find_v as_o office_n title_n of_o large_a significancy_n be_v bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o denote_v a_o single_a particular_a office_n in_o the_o church_n as_o apostle_n pastor_n bishop_n presbyter_n etc._n etc._n so_o here_o the_o word_n deacon_n be_v often_o use_v for_o all_o sacred_a ministry_n liturgy_n or_o service_n be_v a_o title_n put_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o the_o liturgy_n or_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o way_n of_o administration_n by_o distribution_n phil._n when_o be_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o deacon_n christ_n it_o be_v act._n 6._o a_o apostolic_a i._n e._n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v a_o divine_a institution_n and_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o observe_v the_o reason_n &_o ground_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o ease_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o great_a burden_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o when_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v sell_v their_o possession_n and_o bring_v the_o money_n and_o lay_v it_o down_o at_o their_o foot_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o again_o for_o a_o equal_a and_o necessary_a support_n to_o every_o one_o as_o need_v require_v this_o be_v too_o great_a a_o charge_n and_o burden_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o likely_a afterward_o to_o be_v unto_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o hence_o they_o institute_v this_o office_n of_o deaconship_n and_o therefore_o be_v also_o a_o more_o remote_a office_n of_o assistance_n unto_o the_o roll_a episcopacy_n but_o be_v very_o distinct_a in_o nature_n and_o kind_n from_o that_o sort_n of_o ministry_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v after_o that_o manner_n act._n 6.1_o 4._o that_o the_o church_n shall_v choose_v they_o fit_a man_n for_o this_o daily_a care_n and_o trust_v and_o they_o will_v betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n phil._n what_o ground_n have_v you_o for_o this_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n christ._n the_o very_a nature_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o church_n require_v it_o and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a ground_n for_o a_o office_n when_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o well_o be_v of_o a_o society_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_a necessity_n do_v require_v it_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v most_o express_a upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o apostle_n choose_v such_o officer_n for_o the_o necessary_a service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o state_v officer_n in_o other_o church_n appear_v from_o phil._n 1.1_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v express_o call_v their_o ministry_n a_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o 13._o as_o the_o word_n be_v render_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v by_o our_o interpreter_n their_o qualification_n and_o encouragement_n be_v also_o very_o particular_a v._o 8.9_o 10_o 13._o see_v rom._n 12.8_o he_o it_o to_o be_v grave_n sober_a exemplary_a in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n etc._n etc._n phil._n what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n christ._n the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v it_o serve_v of_o table_n the_o lord_n table_n and_o the_o table_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o a_o faithful_a collection_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v give_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o ordinance_n ministry_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v with_o simplicity_n prudence_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o of_o which_o they_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n let_v that_o word_n cheerfulness_n be_v observe_v because_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o murmur_v at_o this_o office_n as_o a_o burden_n to_o they_o phil._n how_o many_o deacon_n be_v there_o to_o be_v christ_n there_o be_v seven_o in_o the_o first_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o have_v seldom_o church_n arrive_v to_o the_o bigness_n
church_n exercise_n of_o its_o power_n 1._o in_o election_n of_o officer_n 2._o admission_n of_o member_n 3._o translate_n member_n to_o other_o church_n admonition_n and_o censure_n 5._o contribution_n for_o the_o support_n of_o ordinance_n ministry_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n 6._o i_o may_v add_v unto_o this_o holy_a conference_n for_o mutual_a edification_n these_o be_v give_v either_o as_o peculiar_a privilege_n to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o the_o seal_n and_o key_n of_o discipline_n or_o primary_o though_o for_o the_o conversion_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o multiplication_n growth_n and_o confirmation_n in_o grace_n phil._n speak_v to_o these_o gospel_n ordinance_n particular_o as_o to_o the_o distinct_a nature_n end_v and_o use_v of_o they_o christ_n 1._o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n comprehend_v 1._o the_o read_n of_o it_o frequent_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o open_n and_o expound_v of_o it_o 3._o the_o apply_v it_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o saint_n and_o unbelieve_a sinner_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n thereof_o by_o instruction_n reprehension_n exhortation_n direction_n consolation_n in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o by_o the_o instil_a and_o promote_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o catechise_v child_n &_o youth_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o may_v conduce_v most_o to_o the_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n in_o and_o bring_v over_o their_o affection_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n phil._n sir_n i_o doubt_v in_o the_o last_o thing_n mention_v many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o your_o church_n have_v be_v too_o defective_a christ_n i_o grant_v it_o and_o fear_v the_o next_o generation_n will_v have_v great_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o we_o for_o the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n do_v manifest_o grow_v up_o in_o ignorance_n carnality_n and_o looseness_n little_a care_n be_v take_v of_o most_o religious_a parent_n and_o less_o by_o the_o church_n to_o educate_v they_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n all_z or_o the_o chief_a of_o parent_n care_v be_v how_o to_o provide_v well_o for_o they_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o every_o way_n of_o catechise_v will_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n to_o learn_v a_o catechism_n mere_o by_o rote_n and_o a_o preach_n upon_o it_o will_v make_v no_o more_o impression_n on_o their_o age_n than_o other_o preach_n there_o must_v be_v care_n to_o instill_v in_o to_o their_o understanding_n by_o little_a and_o little_a in_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n of_o discourse_n with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v if_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o water_n be_v flush_v on_o upon_o a_o narrow-mouthed_a bottle_n very_o little_a or_o none_o will_v go_v in_o but_o you_o may_v by_o a_o small_a stream_n and_o gradual_o fill_v it_o ignorance_n in_o religion_n be_v destruction_n of_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o false_a worship_n and_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v the_o cause_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o disorder_n in_o and_o among_o church_n phil._n to_o what_o officer_n do_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n in_o church_n belong_v christ_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n if_o there_o be_v any_o they_o be_v the_o preach_a elder_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o pastor_n work_n in_o preach_v seem_v to_o lie_v most_o in_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o hearer_n whether_o for_o conversion_n or_o edification_n the_o teacher_n insist_o most_o on_o the_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n by_o doctrinal_a truth_n catechise_v argumentation_n and_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n rom._n 12.7_o 8._o if_o one_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o present_a circumstance_n can_v perform_v his_o office_n to_o the_o full_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v well_o if_o not_o then_o both_o be_v requisite_a as_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v so_o preach_v as_o have_v be_v say_v 2_o tim._n 4.2_o 3._o eph._n 4.12_o act._n 2.42_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v and_o to_o be_v attend_v on_o by_o we_o phil._n i_o look_v upon_o prayer_n and_o praise_n ab_fw-la be_v great_a church_n ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n of_o a_o universal_a nature_n to_o all_o and_o individual_a person_n in_o private_a and_o secret_a christ_n it_o be_v a_o solemn_a church_n ordinance_n express_v either_o way_n in_o public_a prayer_n or_o in_o praise_n not_o only_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o single_a person_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n that_o prayer_n be_v a_o church_n ordinance_n and_o a_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v frequent_o in_o the_o church_n service_n see_v act._n 1.14_o these_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n so_o act._n 2.42_o no_o other_o ordinance_n can_v be_v due_o administer_v without_o it_o phil._n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o christian_n but_o hold_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o church_n ordinance_n but_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o except_o against_o sing_v of_o psalm_n in_o metre_n as_o we_o do_v christ_n that_o sing_v psalm_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n i_o think_v be_v plain_a 1._o that_o sing_v praise_n to_o god_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n be_v practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o the_o apostle_n act._n 16.25_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v sing_v in_o the_o church_n at_o the_o most_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v without_o dispute_n mat._n 26.30_o mark_v 14.26_o 3._o that_o sing_v with_o word_n of_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v melody_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v recommend_v to_o we_o eph._n 5.19_o so_o col._n 3.16_o teach_v and_o admonish_v yourselves_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v render_v and_o not_o one_o another_o for_o thus_o interpreter_n have_v render_v the_o same_o word_n yourselves_o eph._n 5.19_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a ode_n in_o grace_n sing_v in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n from_o both_o which_o place_n sing_v spiritual_a psalm_n and_o hymn_n for_o instruct_v and_o quicken_a a_o gracious_a heart_n sweet_o and_o affectionate_o carry_v forth_o in_o they_o be_v high_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o sing_v in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o appear_v by_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o they_o sing_v a_o hymn_n and_o by_o paul_n and_o silas_n in_o prison_n but_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v express_o he_o expect_v of_o we_o rom._n 15.6_o that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n i.e._n with_o sameness_n of_o word_n and_o heart_n glorify_v god_n phil._n some_o may_v say_v this_o be_v to_o use_v form_n christ_n a._n 1._o though_o it_o be_v to_o use_v a_o form_n in_o sing_v it_o be_v not_o a_o impose_v form_n but_o free_o take_v and_o choose_v no_o more_o than_o the_o minister_n text_n be_v impose_v 2._o a_o form_n allow_v or_o enjoin_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v as_o the_o word_n of_o institution_n in_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n or_o of_o the_o element_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o it_o be_v premeditate_v that_o the_o sing_v be_v melodious_a i._n e._n orderly_o not_o with_o confusion_n and_o not_o in_o absurd_a dissony_n phil._n but_o some_o be_v against_o sing_v in_o mix_a congregation_n chr._n they_o may_v as_o well_o be_v against_o public_a pray_v in_o mix_a congregation_n do_v not_o he_o that_o pray_v endeavour_v to_o use_v such_o expression_n as_o most_o may_v join_v with_o he_o in_o so_o he_o that_o propound_v a_o psalm_n or_o hymn_n endeavour_n to_o suit_n it_o to_o the_o congregation_n where_o and_o the_o time_n and_o occasion_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v sing_v it_o be_v due_a to_o god_n from_o all_o his_o creature_n to_o praise_v he_o it_o be_v his_o saint_n only_o bless_v he_o but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o judge_v the_o heart_n of_o he_o that_o join_v in_o a_o public_a duty_n and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v public_o as_o pray_v and_o preach_v we_o be_v not_o to_o hinder_v any_o that_o will_v join_v with_o we_o if_o they_o be_v not_o upright_o in_o one_o or_o profit_v by_o the_o other_o the_o sin_n lie_v on_o themselves_o to_o answer_v for_o it_o phil._n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o
apostle_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o with_o they_o to_o all_o faithful_a minister_n there_o be_v another_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o key_n of_o power_n which_o be_v either_o of_o supreme_a church-power_n and_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v sovereign_a absolute_a legislative_a and_o therefore_o call_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o he_o alone_o have_v rev._n 3.7_o and_o there_o be_v the_o key_n of_o subordinate_a power_n which_o be_v delegated_a by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n as_o his_o associate_v church_n on_o earth_n to_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v pastor_n and_o to_o which_o he_o administer_v as_o such_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o twelve_o apostle_n have_v this_o key_n give_v they_o as_o such_o in_o that_o for_o their_o time_n they_o have_v all_o church_n power_n commit_v unto_o to_o they_o do_v exercise_v it_o as_o occasion_v require_v as_o to_o constitution_n of_o officer_n receive_v dismiss_v or_o excommunicate_v member_n but_o there_o be_v none_o in_o succession_n unto_o they_o this_o key_n of_o power_n can_v be_v find_v no_o where_o lodge_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n build_v on_o the_o faith_n which_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n profess_v mat._n 16.19_o phil._n but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v where_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n lie_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n whether_o in_o the_o fraternity_n or_o in_o the_o eldership_n christ_n i_o call_v the_o decisive_a church_n power_n the_o key_n and_o say_v it_o lie_v in_o the_o majority_n as_o in_o all_o society_n that_o arise_v by_o mutual_a consent_n or_o agreement_n but_o i_o distinguish_v between_o the_o key_n and_o the_o management_n of_o they_o for_o a_o key_n be_v dead_a and_o open_v no_o door_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o hand_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o so_o that_o in_o a_o organise_v church_n the_o orderly_a manage_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o church_n power_n lie_v in_o the_o elder_n but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o organise_v they_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o common_a rule_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o procure_v their_o well_o be_v they_o act_n by_o common_a consent_n as_o they_o come_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v due_o organise_v with_o officer_n and_o therefore_o they_o admit_v member_n or_o excommunicate_a if_o necessity_n require_v as_o they_o may_v before_o they_o have_v officer_n but_o have_v choose_v officer_n the_o orderly_a way_n of_o proceed_v be_v by_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o the_o officer_n in_o management_n of_o this_o key_n which_o be_v the_o decisive_a power_n hence_o i_o distinguish_v between_o a_o church_n act_v pro_fw-la necessitate_v and_o pro_fw-la regula_fw-la ordinis_fw-la phil._n what_o part_n have_v the_o roll_a elder_n viz._n the_o pastor_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o or_o if_o there_o be_v the_o roll_a presbyter_n that_o take_v part_n with_o he_o as_o assistant_n in_o admit_v of_o a_o member_n christ_n the_o elder_a or_o elder_n work_n be_v 1._o to_o speak_v with_o the_o party_n that_o desire_v admission_n propound_v he_o to_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n cause_v the_o decisive_a vote_n of_o the_o church_n to_o pass_v upon_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v receive_v or_o reject_v if_o receive_v the_o elder_a declare_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v solemn_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a obligation_n with_o the_o say_a member_n say_v you_o be_v here_o now_o to_o give_v up_o yourself_o and_o child_n if_o he_o have_v any_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o congregation_n promise_v as_o christ_n shall_v help_v you_o to_o walk_v and_o abide_v in_o and_o with_o this_o church_n in_o all_o gospel_n conversation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n submit_v yourself_o to_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o same_o and_o promise_v to_o bring_v your_o child_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n educate_v they_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n likewise_o add_v i_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o congregation_n give_v you_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o receive_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n towards_o you_o that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o your_o edification_n as_o christ_n shall_v enable_v we_o phil._n have_v a_o elder_a no_o more_o part_n in_o the_o decisive_a power_n by_o vote_n than_o a_o ordinary_a brother_n christ_n though_o the_o elder_n judgement_n be_v usual_o hearken_v to_o and_o sway_v many_o time_n much_o with_o the_o congregation_n give_v light_n unto_o they_o from_o the_o word_n yet_o when_o a_o matter_n come_v by_o vote_n to_o be_v determine_v his_o vote_n be_v but_o single_a as_o another_o brother_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v this_o key_n of_o decisive_a power_n be_v in_o the_o fraternity_n though_o the_o orderly_a management_n thereof_o and_o authoritative_a declaration_n thereof_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n belong_v to_o the_o elder_n phil._n in_o what_o other_o case_n be_v this_o key_n make_v use_v of_o christ_n in_o let_v shut_v out_o and_o turn_v out_o of_o member_n 1._o in_o let_v out_o or_o translate_n member_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o when_o upon_o good_a reason_n a_o church_n member_n desire_v to_o change_v his_o or_o her_o communion_n and_o ask_v a_o dismission_n it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n approve_v his_o reason_n for_o it_o phil._n be_v there_o any_o scripture_n ground_n for_o a_o dismission_n may_v not_o a_o church_n member_n not_o chargeable_a with_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n go_v away_o to_o another_o church_n without_o a_o dismission_n christ_n no_o for_o it_o will_v cause_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o confusion_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n beside_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o society_n and_o the_o obligation_n by_o which_o the_o member_n stand_v mutual_o bind_v together_o in_o one_o body_n and_o christ_n have_v provide_v as_o well_o the_o orderly_a departure_n as_o stay_v of_o church_n member_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v rom._n 16.1_o shall_v be_v render_v statuo_fw-la constituo_fw-la in_o coetu_fw-la vobiscum_fw-la i_o dismiss_v to_o you_o for_o though_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o i_o recommend_v yet_o it_o shall_v more_o right_o be_v render_v i_o dismiss_v or_o place_n in_o church_n fellowship_n with_o you_o and_o so_o all_o the_o apostle_n speak_v afterward_o be_v term_n of_o a_o dismission_n these_o paul_n need_v not_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o have_v have_v a_o seal_n of_o his_o apostleship_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v commendatory_a letter_n with_o dismission_n 2_o cor._n 3.2_o phil._n what_o then_o be_v your_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n christ_n a_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v but_o a_o certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o officer_n that_o this_o or_o that_o brother_n or_o sister_n be_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o congregation_n walk_v blameless_o and_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n that_o when_o any_o brother_n or_o sister_n come_v to_o other_o church_n in_o their_o travel_n they_o may_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o occasional_a or_o transient_a communion_n but_o transfer_v not_o any_o as_o member_n to_o another_o congregation_n phil._n how_o be_v the_o key_n use_v for_o exclusion_n of_o a_o member_n christ_n a_o church_n member_n be_v exclude_v or_o put_v out_o of_o communion_n by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o church_n and_o either_o amount_n to_o excommunication_n for_o excommunication_n be_v the_o put_v one_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v do_v when_o a_o member_n do_v disorderly_o withdraw_v and_o divide_v himself_o from_o the_o church_n communion_n obstinate_o refuse_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o his_o place_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o say_a church_n this_o be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o the_o key_n of_o power_n and_o separate_v of_o himself_o and_o i_o call_v it_o indirect_a excommunication_n because_o he_o divide_v himself_o violent_o and_o schismatical_o upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o reassume_v the_o key_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o communion_n upon_o he_o either_o by_o a_o direct_a excommunication_n which_o be_v the_o regular_a way_n and_o may_v be_v justify_v from_o express_a place_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o rom._n 16.17_o 18._o or_o else_o if_o this_o way_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o be_v bear_v judicial_o to_o
over_o to_o satan_n be_v as_o much_o as_o our_o saviour_n by_o who_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n express_v mat._n 18._o that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v account_v as_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v by_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o as_o one_o out_o of_o that_o church_n communion_n viz._n a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n for_o such_o the_o jew_n will_v not_o eat_v with_o and_o condemn_v our_o saviour_n for_o so_o do_v there_o be_v but_o two_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n christ_n and_o satan_n who_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n i._n e._n the_o son_n of_o belial_n man_n that_o will_v not_o come_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o with_o such_o christ_n can_v have_v no_o concord_n in_o his_o church_n 2_o cor._n 6.15_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o a_o child_n of_o disobedience_n a_o incorrigible_a person_n harden_v in_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v return_v into_o the_o world_n as_o one_o that_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o child_n bread_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o humble_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n so_o that_o his_o flesh_n a_o gospel_n expression_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v corrupt_a affection_n and_o lust_n may_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o consequent_a behaviour_n require_v towards_o such_o a_o one_o abundant_o show_v it_o that_o intimacy_n of_o familiarity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o he_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o and_o that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v to_o be_v put_v away_o from_o communion_n in_o this_o manner_n as_o to_o all_o sacred_a thing_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o what_o do_v the_o apostle_n intend_v 2_o thes_n 3.14_o but_o the_o excommunication_n of_o one_o that_o be_v unruly_a that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a for_o it_o be_v set_v a_o mark_n upon_o he_o that_o other_o may_v withdraw_v from_o he_o to_o his_o great_a shame_n but_o yet_o ver_fw-la 15._o to_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o admonish_v he_o in_o order_n to_o his_o recovery_n phil._n what_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o this_o solemn_a sentence_n christ_n all_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n be_v private_a or_o public_a aught_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o due_a deliberation_n be_v use_v and_o tenderness_n towards_o the_o offend_a brother_n before_o the_o case_n be_v put_v to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v pass_v and_o the_o offender_n convict_v as_o guilty_a and_o ripe_a for_o censure_v the_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a with_o all_o the_o aggravation_n thereof_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o true_a end_n and_o intent_n thereof_o show_v solemn_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o way_n of_o humiliation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o supplication_n for_o the_o conviction_n repentance_n and_o humiliation_n of_o the_o sinner_n that_o the_o ordinance_n may_v obtain_v its_o true_a and_o best_a effect_n upon_o he_o last_o the_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v denounce_v solemn_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o roll_a elder_n if_o any_o if_o none_o by_o the_o pastor_n and_o then_o the_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v conclude_v with_o prayer_n of_o god_n blessing_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o sinner_n for_o his_o return_n and_o for_o the_o church_n that_o god_n will_v preserve_v it_o from_o impurity_n apostasy_n and_o decay_n in_o grace_n and_o that_o the_o fall_n of_o this_o brother_n may_v be_v a_o warn_a example_n that_o he_o that_o stand_v do_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v phil._n be_v there_o not_o a_o lesser_a excommunication_n which_o a_o offend_a brother_n may_v be_v try_v with_o before_o you_o proceed_v to_o this_o great_a and_o tremendous_a one_o christ_n there_o be_v with_o some_o that_o which_o they_o call_v suspension_n but_o i_o know_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o from_o the_o word_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o adult_n member_n have_v right_a to_o all_o ordinance_n or_o not_o and_o right_o he_o have_v still_o till_o he_o be_v due_o convict_v and_o sentence_n pass_v upon_o he_o and_o i_o know_v no_o power_n that_o any_o church_n or_o officer_n have_v to_o debar_v he_o from_o any_o ordinance_n of_o church_n communion_n till_o he_o be_v exclude_v judicial_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n phil._n you_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v a_o excommunicate_a person_n again_o upon_o credible_a manifestation_n of_o his_o repentance_n christ_n there_o aught_o to_o be_v great_a readiness_n to_o receive_v a_o repent_v and_o return_v sinner_n with_o all_o tenderness_n compassion_n and_o commiseration_n but_o with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n his_o church_n and_o ordinance_n to_o endeavour_v to_o get_v as_o much_o satisfaction_n as_o may_v be_v concern_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o profess_a repentance_n not_o only_o by_o manifest_a remorse_n but_o in_o some_o case_n by_o experience_a reformation_n phil._n you_o be_v say_v that_o one_o that_o be_v a_o unjust_a divider_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o a_o direct_a excommunication_n christ_n i_o do_v very_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o our_o church_n that_o be_v now_o but_o in_o a_o decline_a state_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o order_n will_v not_o receive_v it_o yet_o church_n have_v practise_v it_o and_o whenever_o the_o church_n flourish_v they_o will_v practice_v it_o my_o reason_n be_v brief_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v schism_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n be_v the_o actual_a divide_v of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o schism_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v but_o faction_n tend_v to_o this_o division_n else_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v give_v command_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o causer_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o the_o incestuous_a person_n for_o the_o contention_n and_o faction_n that_o have_v a_o tendency_n thereto_o they_o be_v high_o rebuke_v 1_o cor._n 1.11_o 12._o ch_z 3.3_o 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 2._o what_o way_n be_v for_o mark_v and_o withdraw_v from_o a_o person_n but_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n rom._n 16.17_o 1_o thes_n 5.14_o 2_o thes_n 3.14_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o most_o scandalous_a sin_n to_o jew_n gentile_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n nothing_o stain_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n more_o in_o the_o congregation_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n that_o infect_v many_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o censure_n if_o it_o can_v be_v cure_v heb._n 12.15_o 5._o to_o excommunicate_v such_o a_o person_n be_v no_o wrong_n because_o he_o have_v excommunicate_v himself_o he_o have_v but_o what_o he_o seek_v after_o and_o have_v do_v 6._o it_o be_v fit_a such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v judicial_o because_o he_o have_v by_o usurpation_n excommunicate_v himself_o and_o the_o church_n 7._o it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o such_o a_o one_o wherein_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v make_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n 8._o it_o be_v a_o gross_a breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n at_o entrance_n into_o church_n communion_n phil._n speak_v something_o now_o of_o the_o five_o head_n of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v contribution_n to_o the_o support_n of_o ordinance_n ministry_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n christ_n contribution_n on_o these_o account_n be_v manifest_o the_o office_n charge_n of_o the_o deacon_n to_o call_v the_o church_n to_o its_o duty_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o faithful_a distribution_n of_o all_o collection_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o give_v account_n thereof_o to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v herein_o the_o church_n steward_n it_o be_v full_o manifest_a from_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o that_o office_n act_v 6._o and_o by_o their_o necessary_a qualification_n speak_v of_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o office_n and_o ordinance_n be_v not_o only_o the_o gospel_n institution_n which_o from_o the_o place_n foremention_v be_v without_o dispute_n but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n society_n itself_o no_o society_n if_o but_o civil_a can_v be_v support_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n without_o charge_n and_o there_o be_v many_o charge_n necessary_o require_v to_o support_v a_o church_n society_n for_o a_o ministry_n must_v be_v maintain_v 1_o cor._n 9.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 18._o gal._n 6.6_o luke_n 10.4_o likewise_o there_o be_v charge_n as_o to_o place_n for_o the_o church_n
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