cor._n 8.1_o 2_o 3._o 4._o if_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n through_o extreme_a poverty_n can_v of_o themselves_o provide_v a_o pastor_n of_o their_o own_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o leave_v they_o without_o direction_n and_o relief_n in_o this_o case_n in_o which_o they_o ought_v both_o to_o search_v the_o word_n themselves_o and_o also_o to_o consult_v other_o church_n who_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o hold_v forth_o light_a to_o a_o sister-church_n in_o the_o dark_a but_o also_o to_o yield_v forth_o outward_a supply_n to_o a_o sister-church_n in_o distress_n which_o be_v a_o lovely_a exercise_n and_o fruit_n of_o mutual_a charity_n and_o communion_n between_o sifter-churche_n and_o that_o which_o have_v unquestionable_a warrant_n in_o the_o word_n whereas_o this_o of_o borrow_v and_o lend_v a_o officer_n to_o do_v a_o cast_n of_o his_o office_n in_o another_o church_n beside_o his_o own_o be_v a_o thing_n unheard_a of_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o never_o practise_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n under_o the_o apostle_n direction_n obj._n 3_o difficult_a time_n produce_v unusual_a case_n and_o extremity_n and_o that_o which_o in_o a_o ordinary_a case_n will_v not_o be_v lawful_a be_v allowable_a in_o such_o case_n and_o time_n answ_n 1._o difficult_a time_n do_v indeed_o produce_v unusual_a affliction_n on_o church_n and_o make_v their_o temptation_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o the_o rule_n so_o much_o the_o great_a yea_o too_o too_o often_o cause_v breach_n and_o miscarriage_n among_o they_o but_o no_o difficulty_n or_o severity_n of_o the_o time_n can_v alter_v the_o rule_n give_v by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n 2._o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v under_o as_o much_o difficulty_n as_o any_o church_n in_o this_o land_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o yet_o they_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v in_o they_o any_o such_o practice_n as_o this_o nor_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v countenance_v it_o in_o the_o sacred_a record_n concern_v they_o 3._o difficulty_n of_o the_o time_n call_v indeed_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o suitable_a grace_n and_o also_o of_o prudence_n but_o prudence_n have_v its_o scope_n only_o in_o such_o thing_n in_o church-worship_n as_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o worship_n but_o only_a circumstance_n thereof_o relate_v to_o worship_n not_o as_o it_o be_v worship_n but_o as_o a_o action_n perform_v by_o man_n all_o who_o act_n must_v have_v time_n and_o place_n for_o they_o and_o thence_o the_o thing_n wherein_o prudence_n may_v interpose_v to_o vary_v be_v such_o thing_n about_o which_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a divine_a institution_n when_o place_n and_o time_n come_v under_o a_o institution_n as_o for_o example_n the_o temple_n and_o their_o feast_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n in_o the_o new_a there_o prudence_n may_v not_o alter_v they_o nor_o may_v we_o on_o such_o a_o account_n swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n for_o they_o become_v part_n of_o worship_n 4._o the_o administrator_n of_o the_o supper_n be_v more_o than_o a_o common_a circumstance_n of_o the_o worship_n perform_v in_o that_o ordinance_n for_o he_o sanctify_v the_o element_n as_o the_o temple_n or_o altar_n do_v their_o sacrifice_n and_o gift_n be_v the_o substitute_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o that_o ordinance_n appoint_v thereunto_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o this_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n and_o sense_n in_o the_o practice_n plead_v against_o in_o this_o dispute_n for_o why_o else_o do_v the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n seek_v fot_o the_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o not_o take_v any_o of_o their_o own_o private_a member_n for_o this_o work_n 5._o it_o be_v most_o true_a affirmative_a command_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o to_o be_v always_o actual_o fulfil_v of_o they_o yet_o negative_a command_v restrain_v we_o at_o all_o time_n from_o transgress_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o though_o the_o church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v every_o day_n celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n yet_o they_o be_v bind_v whenever_o they_o do_v do_v celebrate_v it_o to_o do_v it_o in_o no_o other_o manner_n than_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n give_v they_o by_o christ_n the_o lord_n who_o rule_n be_v that_o their_o own_o and_o not_o another_o church_n officer_n administer_v it_o among_o they_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o on_o this_o question_n only_o that_o i_o know_v not_o that_o i_o be_o singular_a in_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v write_v sure_o i_o be_o that_o in_o the_o sum_n and_o main_n of_o the_o case_n i_o have_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o minister_n and_o church_n of_o the_o congregational_a persuasion_n concur_v with_o i_o as_o a_o evidence_n thereof_o let_v i_o direct_v to_o one_o testimony_n and_o transcribe_v another_o not_o doubt_v but_o have_v i_o my_o book_n and_o paper_n about_o i_o i_o can_v easy_o add_v many_o more_o the_o first_o testimony_n be_v dr._n owen_n in_o his_o brief_a instruction_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n by_o way_n of_o question_n and_o answer_n quest_n 26._o page_n 118_o 119_o 120_o 121_o 122_o 123._o where_o he_o be_v most_o express_a against_o it_o and_o give_v sundry_a argument_n to_o confirm_v his_o judgement_n the_o other_o testimony_n be_v of_o all_o the_o officer_n and_o messenger_n of_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n agree_v on_o and_o publish_v anno_fw-la 1658._o the_o 16_o proposition_n concern_v the_o institution_n of_o church_n etc._n etc._n run_v thus_o a_o church_n furnish_v with_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n have_v full_a power_n to_o administer_v all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o where_o there_o be_v want_n of_o any_o one_o or_o more_o officer_n require_v that_o officer_n or_o those_o which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n may_v administer_v all_o the_o ordinance_n proper_a to_o their_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o teach_v officer_n none_o may_v administer_v the_o seal_n nor_o can_v the_o church_n authorize_v any_o so_o to_o do_v question_n ii_o may_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n partake_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n administer_v there_o by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n especial_o himself_o not_o be_v clear_a whether_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o corinth_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v warrantable_a ans_fw-fr no_o whether_o lie_n be_v satisfy_v or_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o warrantableness_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o cornith_n he_o may_v not_o participate_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n administer_v by_o he_o in_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n 1._o there_o be_v such_o a_o near_a alliance_n and_o necessary_a connexion_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n between_o the_o person_n administer_a and_o the_o orderly_a administration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n that_o i_o can_v partake_v of_o it_o but_o i_o contract_v upon_o myself_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o unlawful_a administration_n if_o a_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n in_o middlesex_n send_v out_o his_o warrant_n to_o fetch_v i_o before_o he_o in_o essex_n and_o it_o be_v there_o serve_v upon_o i_o i_o submit_v to_o it_o and_o suffer_v myself_o to_o be_v carry_v before_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o i_o become_v hereby_o guilty_a of_o compliance_n with_o his_o arrogate_a authority_n which_o the_o king_n have_v not_o give_v he_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n and_o the_o reason_n thereof_o be_v that_o necessary_a connexion_n which_o there_o be_v in_o both_o case_n between_o the_o act_n that_o be_v do_v and_o the_o person_n be_v rightful_a authority_n that_o do_v it_o 2._o my_o communicate_v evident_o hold_v forth_o a_o approbation_n of_o his_o power_n or_o right_a to_o administer_v and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o that_o charity_n which_o i_o owe_v to_o he_o for_o i_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v he_o in_o that_o his_o error_n it_o be_v also_o a_o sin_n against_o the_o charity_n that_o i_o owe_v to_o the_o church_n by_o a_o near_a and_o special_a bond_n be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o they_o and_o one_o of_o they_o for_o this_o my_o communicate_v do_v also_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o his_o act_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v lawful_o do_v by_o he_o and_o desire_v by_o they_o on_o some_o other_o ground_n then_o though_o the_o true_a and_o justify_v ground_n of_o it_o be_v mistake_v both_o by_o they_o and_o he_o than_o i_o say_v my_o bare_a presence_n and_o communicate_v with_o they_o can_v not_o be_v just_o interpret_v as_o a_o sinful_a encourage_v of_o they_o but_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n that_o render_v his_o act_n lawful_a the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o obj._n but_o sundry_a holy_a saint_n have_v experience_v the_o gracious_a presence_n of_o christ_n speak_v peace_n and_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n so_o administer_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v his_o ordinance_n and_o right_o administer_v and_o i_o may_v communicate_v in_o it_o answ_n 1._o though_o the_o error_n of_o the_o administration_n argue_v against_o in_o these_o paper_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o deep_a as_o to_o make_v it_o no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v such_o and_o doubtless_o be_v as_o to_o make_v my_o communicate_v therein_o unlawful_a the_o cross_n join_v to_o baptism_n do_v not_o make_v it_o null_a yet_o it_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o i_o to_o receive_v it_o so_o administer_v kneel_v at_o the_o supper_n destroy_v it_o not_o from_o be_v christ_n ordinance_n yet_o make_v it_o unlawful_a for_o i_o to_o receive_v the_o supper_n at_o all_o if_o i_o can_v receive_v it_o otherwise_o than_o kneel_v in_o the_o case_n under_o debate_n neither_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o corinth_n administer_a in_o cenchrea_n nor_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o member_n of_o cenchrea_n communicate_v in_o the_o supper_n so_o administer_v can_v be_v make_v good_a though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v to_o remain_v christ_n ordinance_n notwithstanding_o the_o error_n that_o be_v in_o the_o administration_n 2._o christ_n may_v be_v experience_v gracious_o present_a to_o a_o believer_n soul_n in_o a_o administration_n which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o believer_n to_o partake_v of_o yea_o which_o indeed_o be_v no_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n doubtless_o many_o good_a soul_n who_o in_o former_a time_n have_v through_o infirmity_n and_o want_v of_o light_n conscientious_o use_v common-prayer_n or_o observe_v the_o holiday_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o special_a and_o sweet_a communion_n with_o christ_n both_o in_o the_o one_o and_o in_o the_o other_o yet_o neither_o be_v christ_n ordinance_n nor_o will_v thit_v experience_n warrant_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o use_n and_o observation_n on_o thereof_o for_o the_o lord_n therein_o have_v not_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o as_o any_o ordinance_n of_o he_o but_o of_o his_o great_a goodness_n overlooked_a the_o infirmity_n and_o accept_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o servant_n have_v respect_n to_o the_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o be_v stir_v up_o and_o awaken_v to_o exercise_v by_o the_o apprehension_n thoa_o mistaken_a one_o of_o a_o ordinance_n of_o he_o he_o be_v so_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n that_o he_o oftentimes_o do_v that_o for_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o grace_n which_o we_o can_v not_o challenge_v from_o he_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o express_a promise_n of_o he_o he_o then_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o error_n magnify_v his_o own_o grace_n the_o more_o 3._o the_o design_n of_o these_o paper_n be_v not_o to_o bereave_v any_o of_o their_o precious_a experience_n nor_o call_v they_o in_o question_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o build_v more_o on_o they_o than_o they_o will_v bear_v but_o to_o lave_v we_o from_o a_o error_n in_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o very_a sad_a aspect_n and_o evil_a consequence_n if_o it_o shall_v once_o sin_v general_a entertainment_n in_o the_o church_n but_o i_o have_v rather_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o reader_n be_v own_o thought_n than_o put_v myself_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o declare_v they_o finis_fw-la book_n new_o print_v for_o nath._n hiller_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o leaden-hall_n street_n over_o against_o st._n mary_n ar._n the_o divine_a institution_n of_o congregational_a church_n ministry_n and_o ordinance_n assert_v and_o prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o discourse_n concern_v unction_n and_o wash_v of_o foot_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o institute_v sacrament_n or_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n both_o by_o haac_n chauncy_n m.a._n pietas_n in_o patriam_fw-la the_o life_n of_o his_o excellency_n sir_n william_n phips_n knt._n late_a captain_n general_n and_o governor_n of_o new-england_n contain_v the_o memorable_a change_n undergo_v and_o action_n perform_v by_o he_o
none_o by_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o none_o from_o christ_n he_o have_v none_o by_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o they_o can_v give_v he_o no_o power_n for_o any_o action_n in_o another_o church_n he_o have_v none_o by_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n for_o they_o do_v not_o call_v he_o to_o office_n among_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v none_o at_o all_o for_o these_o be_v the_o two_o only_a church_n from_o who_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v pretend_v in_o this_o case_n arg._n vii_o if_o he_o may_v administer_v the_o supper_n to_o and_o in_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n he_o must_v also_o fulfil_v his_o ministry_n towards_o that_o church_n in_o all_o the_o other_o act_n of_o his_o ministry_n wherein_o the_o church_n need_v his_o help_n for_o right_a to_o administer_v the_o supper_n suppose_v office_n but_o office-relation_n infer_v office-bond_n office_n be_v not_o a_o power_n or_o licence_n only_o but_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o charge_n command_n and_o duty_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o fulfil_v his_o ministry_n towards_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o watch_n there_o rule_v there_o guide_v there_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n there_o the_o other_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v bind_v to_o fulfil_v their_o office_n in_o do_v the_o respective_a work_n thereof_o to_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n as_o much_o as_o the_o pastor_n and_o both_o they_o and_o he_o be_v as_o well_o bind_v to_o the_o other_o church_n in_o achaia_n as_o to_o that_o at_o cenchrea_fw-mi arg._n viii_o if_o this_o administer_a the_o supper_n in_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v lawful_a and_o warrantable_a i_o demand_v what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v it_o so_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o do_v a_o special_a act_n which_o none_o but_o person_n impower_v and_o privilege_v thereto_o may_v do_v such_o special_a act_n must_v have_v something_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o indeed_o all_o act_n must_v else_o they_o be_v unlawful_a but_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v empower_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o thus_o act_v in_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n it_o must_v be_v either_o his_o gift_n or_o his_o grace_n or_o his_o election_n or_o his_o ordination_n but_o none_o of_o these_o can_v give_v he_o power_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o cenchrea_n not_o his_o gift_n nor_o grace_n for_o then_o a_o non-officer_n may_v do_v it_o grace_n give_v ability_n only_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n acceptable_o to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o inward_a frame_n of_o the_o heart_n with_o which_o it_o be_v do_v not_o any_o right_a to_o do_v lawful_o any_o external_a act_n which_o otherwife_n may_v not_o be_v do_v gift_n only_o furnish_v with_o ability_n for_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n whereto_o the_o gift_n be_v suit_v unto_o other_o edification_n but_o confer_v not_o a_o right_n or_o authority_n whereby_o it_o may_v lawful_o be_v do_v for_o then_o every_o one_o that_o have_v equal_a gift_n must_v have_v equal_a authority_n neither_o gift_n nor_o grace_n make_v a_o man_n christ_n substitute_n to_o bless_v and_o sanctify_v element_n in_o his_o name_n and_o make_v they_o sacramental_a sign_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o benefit_n private_a member_n yea_o woman_n have_v both_o gift_n and_o grace_n yet_o be_v not_o christ_n substitute_n for_o such_o a_o administration_n not_o his_o election_n the_o church_n that_o choose_v he_o choose_v he_o only_o for_o themselves_o not_o for_o other_o church_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n stead_n among_o they_o not_o among_o other_o for_o christ_n have_v not_o give_v they_o power_n to_o confer_v such_o power_n on_o any_o man_n with_o respect_n to_o any_o other_o than_o themselves_o but_o each_o church_n be_v betrust_v with_o it_o by_o the_o lord_n christ_n for_o itself_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n can_v subject_v the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n to_o their_o pastor_n and_o therefore_o can_v give_v he_o either_o office_n power_n or_o power_n for_o any_o office_n act_n in_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n they_o may_v as_o well_o make_v he_o a_o universal_a pastor_n over_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n not_o his_o ordination_n for_o this_o presuppose_v be_v ground_v upon_o and_o relate_v whole_o to_o his_o election_n and_o thence_o give_v not_o power_n of_o a_o large_a extent_n than_o he_o be_v call_v to_o in_o his_o election_n he_o be_v ordain_v to_o no_o other_o than_o he_o be_v choose_v to_o and_o therefore_o if_o in_o his_o election_n he_o be_v not_o choose_v to_o act_v as_o a_o officer_n in_o other_o church_n his_o ordination_n empower_n he_o not_o at_o all_o thereunto_o he_o be_v not_o choose_v to_o one_o thing_n and_o ordain_v to_o another_o ordination_n be_v it_o a_o solemn_a investiture_n of_o he_o with_o office-power_n or_o be_v it_o a_o solemn_a separation_n of_o he_o with_o suppose_a due_a rite_n and_o in_o due_a manner_n to_o his_o work_n yet_o it_o so_o necessary_o and_o whole_o relate_v to_o his_o election_n that_o he_o can_v receive_v no_o power_n thereby_o of_o large_a extent_n than_o in_o his_o election_n he_o be_v call_v unto_o in_o sum_n therefore_o if_o neither_o his_o gift_n nor_o grace_n nor_o election_n nor_o ordination_n be_v a_o just_a and_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n his_o administer_a the_o lord_n supper_n in_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n at_o all_o for_o it_o but_o in_o none_o of_o these_o be_v there_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o it_o therefore_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o as_o to_o what_o may_v be_v plead_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n it_o shall_v be_v consider_v in_o the_o next_o point_n this_o shall_v serve_v for_o argument_n conclude_v the_o question_n there_o be_v some_o objection_n that_o may_v receive_v their_o answer_n from_o the_o premise_n and_o these_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v obj._n 1_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n every_o where_o and_o abide_v still_o vest_v with_o that_o relation_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o even_o when_o he_o be_v in_o cenchrea_n and_o not_o only_a when_o he_o be_v act_v as_o a_o pastor_n in_o corinth_n it_o be_v not_o with_o a_o church-officer_n as_o with_o the_o element_n in_o the_o sacrament_n which_o remain_v sacred_a and_o sacramental_a only_o while_o they_o be_v use_v in_o that_o ordinance_n but_o afterward_o and_o out_o of_o that_o use_n what_o be_v leave_v of_o the_o bread_n or_o wine_n be_v common_a ans_fw-fr true_o he_o do_v abide_v clothe_v with_o the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n even_o while_o he_o be_v at_o cenchrea_n even_o as_o the_o lord_n mayor_n of_o london_n abide_v lord_n mayor_n though_o he_o go_v into_o westminster_n yet_o he_o can_v put_v forth_o none_o of_o his_o power_n as_o mayor_n whilst_o he_o be_v there_o so_o be_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n limit_v in_o the_o act_n of_o his_o office_n as_o to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o corinth_n elsewhere_o and_o unto_o other_o he_o be_v but_o as_o a_o private_a person_n as_o to_o any_o office-authority_n or_o power_n as_o a_o father_n abide_v a_o father_n when_o he_o be_v in_o another_o man_n house_n yet_o have_v no_o paternal_a authority_n over_o any_o child_n but_o his_o own_o yea_o i_o will_v grant_v further_o that_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v with_o singular_a esteem_n by_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n not_o only_o for_o his_o eminent_a excel_v in_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o grace_n but_o also_o because_o the_o lord_n jesus_n have_v put_v honour_n upon_o he_o in_o call_v he_o to_o such_o a_o place_n and_o vest_v he_o with_o such_o a_o office_n in_o one_o of_o his_o church_n nay_o i_o will_v moreover_o yield_v the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o good_a to_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n so_o indeed_o he_o be_v in_o his_o feed_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n with_o a_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o city_n be_v a_o vessel_n that_o carry_v precious_a treasure_n and_o hold_v forth_o unto_o all_o that_o hear_v his_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o so_o be_v the_o church_n itself_o of_o corinth_n it_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o ordinance_n provide_v and_o set_v up_o on_o purpose_n by_o the_o great_a god_n in_o the_o dark_a world_n for_o this_o very_a end_n to_o display_v his_o manifold_a wisdom_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o direct_v the_o lose_a son_n of_o man_n
authority_n than_o they_o be_v difficulty_n and_o suffering_n can_v no_o more_o relax_v our_o obligation_n strict_o to_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n give_v we_o by_o christ_n than_o they_o can_v relax_v their_o obligation_n to_o observe_v moses_n his_o ordinance_n yea_o we_o have_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n rather_o the_o advantage_n of_o they_o our_o obligation_n in_o matter_n of_o institution_n must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o that_o regard_n the_o strict_a and_o more_o indispensible_a of_o the_o two_o v._o there_o be_v nothing_o true_o of_o institution_n but_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o part_n of_o the_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n no_o less_o proper_o and_o real_o than_o the_o most_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o faith_n or_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o doctrine_n but_o we_o must_v not_o in_o any_o kind_n be_v ashamed_a of_o any_o of_o his_o word_n nor_o in_o any_o degree_n or_o sort_n deny_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o name_n no_o though_o our_o lot_n be_v to_o live_v in_o a_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n and_o in_o those_o place_n and_o time_n where_o the_o not_o deny_v of_o they_o may_v cost_v we_o our_o life_n mark_v 8._o 38_o rev._n 2.13_o vi_o the_o least_o and_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o institution_n be_v enjoin_v we_o alike_o indispensable_o we_o may_v therefore_o as_o lawful_o lay_v aside_o all_o as_o lay_v aside_o any_o institution_n to_o avoid_v suffering_n vii_o one_o end_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v give_v so_o exact_a a_o rule_n in_o matter_n of_o institution_n be_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n and_o his_o bring_v difficulty_n and_o suffering_n upon_o we_o for_o observe_v what_o he_o have_v command_v we_o be_v also_o that_o he_o may_v take_v the_o more_o thorough_a and_o solemn_a trial_n of_o our_o loyalty_n love_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o he_o it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a that_o difficulty_n and_o suffering_n shall_v alter_v that_o rule_n in_o matter_n of_o institution_n or_o give_v we_o any_o dispensation_n as_o to_o our_o close_a observance_n thereof_o let_v i_o answer_v some_o objection_n hence_o and_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o next_o question_n obj._n 1_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n desire_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o supper_n earnest_o and_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n thereof_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o difficult_a time_n and_o warm_v their_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o be_v also_o in_o the_o more_o danger_n of_o scatter_v in_o that_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o a_o pastor_n of_o their_o own_o sure_o christ_n have_v leave_v some_o way_n for_o his_o church_n to_o enjoy_v that_o ordinance_n in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o their_o need_n of_o it_o be_v singular_o great_a they_o must_v needs_o therefore_o as_o the_o case_n be_v with_o they_o either_o go_v without_o it_o to_o their_o great_a grief_n and_o wound_a or_o have_v it_o administer_v by_o one_o that_o be_v no_o teaching-officer_n borrow_v of_o corinth_n their_o pastor_n ans_fw-fr 1._o cenchrea_n be_v deprive_v of_o a_o pastor_n they_o must_v furnish_v themselves_o with_o one_o every_o church_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o provide_v itself_o with_o all_o the_o stand_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o will_v answer_v case_a off_o christ_n authority_n that_o have_v appoint_v they_o and_o not_o be_v guilty_a of_o despise_v his_o love_n who_o give_v they_o as_o signal_n pledge_n thereof_o and_o of_o sin_v against_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o neglect_v a_o special_a ordinance_n for_o the_o edisication_n and_o salvation_n of_o they_o 2._o it_o be_v sad_a when_o a_o church_n be_v deprive_v of_o any_o ordinance_n especial_o that_o of_o teach_v elder_n and_o if_o god_n do_v indeed_o withhold_v they_o from_o enjoy_v one_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o sore_a rebuke_n from_o christ_n carry_v in_o it_o no_o less_o than_o a_o threaten_v to_o remove_v his_o candlestick_n from_o they_o and_o as_o a_o kind_n of_o partial_a excommunicate_v of_o they_o inflict_v by_o christ_n himself_o from_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o sore_a and_o solemn_a testify_v against_o such_o a_o church_n by_o the_o lord_n 3._o this_o judgement_n be_v much_o the_o heavy_a when_o it_o befall_v a_o church_n in_o such_o a_o day_n as_o the_o objection_n point_v at_o yet_o affliction_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v before_o sin_n and_o the_o affliction_n of_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o sweet_a and_o precious_a ordinance_n of_o the_o supper_n in_o such_o a_o time_n of_o special_a need_n of_o it_o though_o very_o grievous_a to_o a_o gracious_a spirit_n yet_o have_v better_o be_v bear_v than_o the_o ordinance_n be_v scramble_v after_o in_o a_o unlawful_a way_n 4._o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n may_v as_o lawful_o have_v it_o administer_v by_o a_o non-officer_n as_o by_o the_o officer_n of_o another_o church_n for_o the_o pastor_n of_o corinth_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o non-officer_n to_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o one_o be_v irregular_a and_o unlawful_a as_o the_o objection_n seem_v to_o grant_v it_o be_v so_o be_v the_o other_o also_o no_o less_o 5._o this_o objection_n carry_v a_o face_n as_o if_o the_o church_n at_o cenchrea_n can_v well_o enough_o content_v themselves_o without_o a_o pastor_n can_v they_o but_o get_v the_o lord_n supper_n by_o any_o scamble_a shift_n or_o can_v they_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o go_v without_o it_o but_o sure_o this_o be_v a_o evil_a frame_n on_o many_o account_n and_o argue_v both_o little_a conscience_n of_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o command_n and_o ordinance_n nance_n of_o christ_n and_o also_o that_o such_o a_o church_n aim_v more_o at_o the_o keep_n up_o the_o form_n and_o name_n of_o a_o church_n than_o at_o fulfil_v their_o duty_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n obj._n 2._o the_o church_n be_v poor_a and_o our_o ruler_n be_v so_o fan_v from_o give_v encouragement_n to_o man_n of_o their_o way_n difturb_v this_o be_v write_v when_o the_o meeting_n of_o dissenter_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v difturb_v that_o they_o be_v rather_o severe_a against_o they_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v both_o that_o the_o church_n be_v under_o a_o impossibility_n of_o maintain_v and_o consequent_o of_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o a_o pastor_n of_o their_o own_o and_o also_o have_v little_a hope_n of_o any_o peaceable_a and_o continue_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o with_o they_o if_o they_o have_v one_o answer_v 1_o if_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n can_v meet_v with_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n as_o it_o seem_v they_o can_v they_o may_v as_o well_o meet_v with_o a_o pastor_n of_o their_o own_o and_o enjoy_v his_o labour_n among_o they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o if_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n be_v not_o defective_a in_o their_o duty_n but_o lay_v out_o themselves_o as_o the_o lord_n require_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o pastor_n of_o their_o own_o and_o yet_o can_v obtain_v one_o they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n in_o faith_n and_o hope_n that_o in_o due_a time_n he_o will_v provide_v they_o of_o a_o pastor_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o must_v keep_v his_o way_n psal_n 37.34_o bear_v their_o want_n of_o a_o pastor_n as_o their_o affliction_n from_o the_o lord_n which_o they_o must_v not_o seek_v to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o by_o sinful_a and_o irregular_a way_n 3._o it_o be_v one_o special_a thing_n wherein_o christ_n be_v take_v a_o trial_n of_o his_o church_n in_o these_o nation_n at_o this_o day_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o maintain_v all_o his_o ordinance_n and_o officer_n among_o they_o without_o help_n therein_o from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o whether_o they_o will_v not_o rather_o be_v without_o they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o special_a particular_a wherein_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o present_a providence_n lie_v so_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o church_n be_v in_o the_o more_o danger_n of_o fail_v because_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o nation_n have_v not_o put_v their_o neck_n under_o heretofore_o whereas_o all_o even_a the_o poor_a church_n that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n do_v from_o their_o first_o constitution_n furnish_v themselves_o with_o officer_n without_o any_o help_n therein_o from_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n who_o be_v in_o many_o regard_v more_o severe_a against_o they_o than_o through_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o we_o see_v 1_o thess_n 5.12_o with_o chap._n 1.6_o and_o 2.14_o and_o 2_o thess_n 1.4_o this_o church_n be_v one_o of_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n speak_v of_o 2_o