to_o repair_v to_o he_o for_o the_o more_o cherish_v all_o good_a desire_n and_o affection_n in_o he_o till_o he_o arrive_v at_o a_o competency_n of_o knowledge_n but_o all_o this_o while_n do_v not_o make_v he_o know_v to_o the_o church_n so_o that_o his_o infirmity_n be_v not_o blazon_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o least_o by_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v phil._n my_o friend_n i_o pray_v inform_v i_o what_o you_o intend_v by_o a_o separate_a society_n and_o can_v you_o justify_v separation_n you_o know_v how_o it_o be_v cry_v out_o against_o by_o most_o learned_a divine_n ch._n therefore_o i_o put_v in_o that_o word_n because_o i_o be_o sure_a separation_n be_v a_o necessary_a adjunct_n that_o do_v belong_v to_o every_o true_a constitute_v church_n of_o christ_n nay_o be_v there_o any_o that_o do_v pretend_v to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o do_v not_o separate_v more_o or_o less_o do_v not_o the_o pretend_a church_n of_o rome_n separate_v from_o turk_n and_o mere_a pagan_n do_v not_o our_o church_n of_o england_n separate_v from_o rome_n and_o why_o either_o because_o some_o say_v it_o be_v no_o true_a church_n other_o because_o it_o be_v corrupt_v in_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n though_o a_o true_a church_n and_o thereby_o justify_v their_o separation_n from_o it_o and_o may_v not_o other_o church_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n either_o because_o as_o some_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o true_a constitute_v gospel_n church_n but_o antichristian_a or_o because_o as_o other_o will_v say_v they_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o pollute_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n manner_n both_o as_o to_o the_o ministry_n and_o people_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o pure_a church_n state_n and_o communion_n again_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o catechism_n teach_v separation_n and_o solemn_o vow_v it_o infant_n in_o baptism_n promise_v by_o the_o surety_n or_o vanger_n to_o forsake_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n what_o be_v this_o but_o separation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v practise_v as_o it_o be_v promise_v the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v be_v a_o separate_a people_n last_o there_o be_v nothing_o clear_a than_o that_o a_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v separate_a 1_o pet._n 2.9_o what_o be_v a_o choice_n peculiar_a people_n a_o holy_a nation_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o his_o marvellous_a light_n but_o a_o separate_a people_n a_o holy_a nation_n in_o a_o world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n a_o people_n call_v out_o of_o a_o dark_a world_n into_o marvellous_a light_n as_o the_o church_n of_o old_a in_o goshen_n have_v marvellous_a light_a while_n egypt_n be_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o christ_n thus_o separate_v themselves_o they_o show_v forth_o in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o can_v be_v oppose_v with_o any_o evidence_n against_o that_o plain_a and_o full_a place_n to_o this_o purpose_n 2_o cor._n 6.14_o be_v not_o unequally-yoaked_n together_o with_o unbeliever_n ver_fw-la 15._o what_o part_n have_v he_o that_o believe_v with_o a_o unbeliever_n i._o e._n a_o visible_a unbeliever_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v render_v a_o infidel_n as_o if_o one_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n only_o be_v mean_v for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o word_n every_o where_o else_o and_o v._o 14._o render_v unbeliever_n but_o our_o english_a divine_n render_v the_o word_n infidel_n insinuate_v that_o none_o but_o turk_n and_o pagan_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o this_o text_n that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o separate_v from_o but_o the_o text_n be_v most_o express_a that_o it_o be_v from_o all_o visible_a unbeliever_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v the_o gospel_n church_n the_o fellowship_n be_v church_n fellowship_n therefore_o he_o bid_v we_o come_v out_o from_o among_o unbeliever_n and_o from_o all_o false_a worship_n and_o be_v separate_v v._o 17._o and_o then_o god_n promise_v to_o be_v their_o god_n to_o dwell_v with_o they_o etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o at_o present_a on_o this_o point_n though_o much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v phil._n you_o have_v full_o confirm_v i_o in_o this_o point_n i_o pray_v tell_v i_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v not_o actual_a believer_n that_o be_v church-member_n christ_n all_o church_n member_n come_v in_o upon_o the_o right_n of_o a_o visible_a profession_n but_o it_o follow_v not_o thence_o that_o all_o church-member_n be_v actual_a believer_n for_o many_o hypocrite_n come_v in_o upon_o the_o right_n of_o profession_n but_o be_v not_o actual_a believer_n again_o infant_n and_o child_n of_o believe_a parent_n come_v into_o church_n and_o be_v just_o make_v and_o call_v member_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o profession_n but_o it_o be_v of_o their_o parent_n not_o of_o their_o own_o personal_a profession_n neither_o be_v they_o actual_a believer_n their_o profession_n be_v in_o the_o parent_n their_o covenant_n obligation_n be_v in_o the_o parent_n the_o privilege_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v belong_v to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o promise_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v with_o their_o parent_n and_o primary_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o parent_n faith_n and_o secondary_o in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o child_n but_o a_o little_a more_o of_o this_o when_o i_o come_v to_o baptism_n phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n proceed_v then_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o visible_a bond_n whereby_o this_o church_n society_n be_v bind_v together_o christ_n i_o hint_v before_o that_o church_n be_v denominate_v from_o their_o bond_n of_o union_n as_o from_o their_o communion_n from_o mystical_a union_n and_o communion_n the_o church_n be_v call_v invisible_a from_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n it_o be_v that_o church_n be_v call_v visible_a it_o be_v thus_o in_o any_o civil_a corporation_n and_o society_n every_o man_n do_v not_o come_v and_o partake_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o leave_v it_o when_o he_o please_v no_o not_o every_o one_o of_o such_o a_o profession_n qualify_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v qualify_v come_v and_o lay_v claim_v to_o his_o admission_n on_o his_o qualification_n wherein_o to_o be_v approve_v he_o put_v himself_o upon_o the_o test_n be_v approve_v he_o immediate_o enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a bond_n or_o obligation_n he_o promise_v by_o oath_n or_o otherwise_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n they_o admit_v he_o a_o member_n to_o partake_v of_o all_o the_o privilege_n so_o it_o be_v in_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a society_n that_o have_v give_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n and_o bind_v themselves_o to_o walk_v together_o in_o a_o visible_a submissionto_fw-it &_o constant_a wait_a upon_o jesus_n christ_n in_o all_o his_o gospel_n institution_n and_o appointment_n and_o it_o be_v requisite_a this_o obligation_n be_v explicit_a because_o first_o the_o church_n society_n be_v visible_a and_o explicit_a such_o therefore_o must_v the_o bond_n be_v 2._o the_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v explicit_a such_o therefore_o shall_v his_o obligation_n be_v to_o future_a walk_n 3._o as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o society_n constitute_v by_o voluntary_a consent_n without_o he_o voluntary_o offer_v himself_o so_o none_o be_v governable_a there_o by_o the_o law_n of_o it_o without_o such_o a_o obligation_n and_o otherwise_o the_o government_n of_o it_o will_v be_v whole_o precarious_a for_o a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o subject_n due_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v a_o slave_n and_o under_o compulsion_n to_o any_o society_n but_o by_o natural_a as_o a_o child_n to_o a_o family_n or_o voluntary_a submission_n and_o obligation_n as_o here_o 1._o all_o society_n of_o this_o nature_n do_v just_o expect_v and_o demand_v that_o a_o man_n be_v true_a to_o they_o and_o submit_v to_o their_o law_n if_o he_o will_v have_v protection_n and_o partake_v of_o their_o privilege_n phil._n but_o they_o say_v you_o have_v no_o scripture_n ground_n for_o this_o bond_n or_o church_n covenant_n as_o some_o call_v it_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o a_o society_n must_v be_v increase_v the_o same_o way_n as_o it_o be_v make_v at_o first_o and_o that_o after_o member_n must_v be_v join_v upon_o the_o same_o term_n on_o which_o the_o first_o embody_v and_o associate_v together_o but_o there_o be_v no_o incorporate_a society_n but_o join_v together_o at_o first_o by_o mutual_a agreement_n under_o some_o charter_n for_o enjoyment_n of_o some_o privilege_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o prescribe_a law_n thereof_o and_o on_o these_o term_n
doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n i_o be_v much_o startle_v at_o that_o text_n once_o by_o a_o able_a preacher_n drip_v in_o a_o strange_a place_n into_o a_o conventicle_n where_o no_o body_n know_v i_o who_o do_v open_a and_o apply_v that_o place_n notable_o i_o wish_v in_o my_o mind_n some_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n have_v hear_v he_o but_o that_o be_v not_o a_o day_n for_o such_o as_o i_o and_o they_o to_o be_v see_v at_o a_o conventicle_n christ_n sir_n i_o shall_v now_o most_o glad_o comply_v with_o you_o in_o the_o command_n you_o lay_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o pray_v sir_n how_o come_v you_o so_o in_o love_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n you_o may_v remember_v how_o in_o your_o familiar_a discourse_n with_o i_o at_o your_o table_n you_o will_v take_v occasion_n a_o little_a merry_o to_o descant_v upon_o my_o name_n and_o say_v it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a puritanick_n name_n sure_a thy_o father_n be_v a_o great_a puritan_n brownist_n or_o anabaptist_n phil._n sir_n i_o remember_v it_o very_o well_o and_o i_o be_o convince_v i_o do_v very_o ill_o in_o it_o to_o jest_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n for_o i_o find_v now_o i_o have_v as_o good_a have_v joke_v on_o the_o name_n christian_n for_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o that_o name_n who_o be_v not_o a_o friend_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v and_o hope_v through_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o and_o oh_o that_o through_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n i_o may_v be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o then_o my_o name_n will_v not_o only_o be_v philomathes_n but_o polumathes_n christ_n amen_n it_o be_v my_o hearty_a desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v save_v and_o always_o have_v be_v since_o i_o know_v you_o but_o i_o pray_v how_o come_v you_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o friend_n unto_o christ_n as_o i_o hear_v you_o now_o profess_v to_o my_o unspeakable_a rejoice_v phil._n on_o a_o sudden_a no_o no_o man_n it_o be_v not_o on_o a_o sudden_a god_n have_v be_v long_o deal_n with_o my_o heart_n than_o you_o or_o any_o one_o have_v know_v of_o though_o you_o hear_v of_o it_o but_o now_o it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o i_o the_o many_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n that_o i_o have_v wrestle_v with_o and_o at_o last_o through_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n palliate_v with_o some_o religion_n or_o stifle_v with_o merry_a companion_n or_o by_o resolute_o cast_v off_o conviction_n from_o read_v the_o word_n from_o hear_v it_o from_o the_o good_a education_n my_o good_a parent_n give_v i_o for_o indeed_o to_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n they_o be_v puritan_n and_o i_o the_o lord_n forgive_v i_o a_o apostate_n wretch_n from_o the_o principle_n i_o be_v instruct_v in_o however_o all_o be_v palliate_v under_o the_o name_n and_o carriage_n of_o a_o prudential_a man_n conviction_n from_o the_o conversation_n of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o sin_n of_o profane_a one_o that_o i_o be_v often_o a_o eye_n and_o earwitness_n of_o conviction_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o our_o parson_n that_o preach_v against_o some_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v too_o too_o much_o guilty_a of_o i_o be_v convince_v it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o do_v as_o he_o say_v not_o as_o he_o do_v but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n whatever_o i_o or_o other_o think_v of_o i_o for_o i_o know_v not_o christ_n and_o taste_v no_o true_a savour_n of_o he_o i_o have_v something_o of_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o no_o power_n my_o religion_n such_o as_o it_o be_v be_v a_o mere_a slavery_n to_o i_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n keep_v i_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o devil_n christ_n when_o do_v you_o think_v those_o bond_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v break_v and_o how_o phil._n true_o it_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o when_o i_o consider_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o rom._n 10.17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v etc._n etc._n &_o jam._n 1.18_o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n it_o wrought_v upon_o i_o to_o look_v out_o a_o little_a in_o my_o prudential_a way_n after_o good_a preach_v that_o i_o may_v find_v the_o gate_n of_o wisdom_n and_o i_o will_v hear_v some_o of_o the_o able_a man_n of_o our_o church_n especial_o when_o i_o go_v to_o london_n and_o true_o i_o hear_v many_o notable_a discourse_n for_o eloquence_n and_o learning_n and_o they_o seem_v for_o to_o make_v a_o great_a jingle_n in_o my_o imagination_n for_o the_o present_a but_o no_o impression_n on_o my_o heart_n that_o remain_v very_o lean_a still_o and_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o their_o discourse_n be_v usual_o to_o cry_v up_o our_o church_n for_o the_o pure_a in_o the_o world_n and_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n free_a will_n to_o the_o embrace_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o nonresistance_n and_o passive_a obedience_n and_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o doctrine_n i_o be_v so_o far_o from_o profit_v that_o my_o heart_n tell_v i_o still_o while_o i_o hear_v that_o i_o sufficient_o know_v by_o my_o own_o experience_n that_o they_o preach_v lie_n and_o that_o they_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o err_v such_o as_o be_v speak_v of_o jer._n 14.14_o &_o 23.25_o 26_o 32._o ezek._n 13.8_o 9_o &_o 16.29_o &_o 22.28_o i_o pity_v the_o poor_a soul_n that_o sit_v constant_o under_o such_o teach_n and_o resolve_v to_o give_v they_o off_o and_o betake_v myself_o to_o conventicle_n but_o my_o covetous_a heart_n in_o love_n still_o with_o the_o world_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o i_o for_o there_o be_v danger_n yet_o in_o it_o whereupon_o i_o talk_v with_o some_o whig_n that_o be_v not_o so_o straitlaced_a but_o that_o they_o will_v hear_v good_a preach_v in_o the_o church_n and_o common-prayer_n too_o if_o need_n be_v but_o will_v shake_v their_o head_n and_o make_v great_a complaint_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n in_o brief_a i_o find_v they_o be_v sick_a of_o my_o disease_n though_o i_o like_v they_o the_o better_a for_o it_o then_o they_o tell_v i_o of_o a_o man_n or_o two_o which_o the_o whig_n that_o have_v be_v affright_v from_o conventicle_n have_v smell_v out_o and_o go_v to_o hear_v but_o they_o be_v say_v some_o reckon_v but_o fanatic_n in_o a_o mask_n the_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n hate_v they_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n quoth_v i_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n for_o that_o i_o will_v hear_v they_o what_o they_o say_v if_o it_o please_v god_n indeed_o i_o be_v so_o dissatisfy_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o some_o of_o their_o london_n don_n that_o i_o have_v rather_o hear_v our_o country_n doctor_n which_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o more_o orthodox_n and_o be_v just_a resolve_v to_o leave_v the_o church_n and_o venture_v it_o at_o the_o conventicle_n no_o say_v my_o honest_a latitudinarian_a whig_n as_o true_a blue_n for_o the_o people_n civil_a right_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n but_o since_o i_o find_v they_o mere_a boggler_n at_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v some_o n._n c._n divine_n that_o give_v large_a measure_n to_o their_o conscience_n too_o but_o no_o more_o of_o that_o do_v it_o do_v any_o thing_n rash_o consider_v you_o have_v a_o plentiful_a estate_n god_n be_v thank_v and_o you_o have_v a_o wife_n and_o many_o child_n it_o become_v you_o to_o mind_v the_o main_a chance_n these_o be_v but_o punctilio_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n the_o great_a danger_n be_v of_o popery_n let_v we_o all_o combine_v against_o that_o and_o not_o let_v protestant_n break_v one_o another_o by_o these_o small_a indifference_n we_o confess_v we_o be_v trouble_v at_o this_o devil_n of_o persecution_n that_o be_v break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n but_o we_o think_v too_o they_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o imprudent_a rash_a people_n that_o will_v be_v cast_v into_o prison_n and_o ruin_v their_o estate_n and_o family_n for_o noncompliance_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o which_o cause_n we_o believe_v they_o can_v not_o justify_v themselves_o to_o die_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n indeed_o shall_v be_v rectify_v in_o our_o church_n but_o you_o know_v our_o article_n be_v very_a sound_n and_o as_o for_o the_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n they_o be_v as_o our_o first_o reformer_n and_o martyr_n leave_v they_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v at_o a_o note_a coffee-house_n for_o whig_n take_v
much_o impression_n upon_o i_o and_o fix_v i_o with_o more_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o church_n for_o i_o know_v they_o be_v old_a professor_n and_o as_o cunning_a shifter_n as_o i_o be_v or_o i_o can_v be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o think_v myself_o now_o but_o a_o fool_n to_o they_o see_v they_o have_v study_v and_o practise_v this_o point_n so_o thorough_o and_o condemn_v a_o narrow_a throat_a conscience_n for_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o wise_a man_n it_o be_v fit_a only_o for_o religious_a fool_n but_o i_o tell_v they_o if_o i_o do_v keep_v my_o church_n i_o will_v hear_v some_o or_o other_o that_o preach_v salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o i_o find_v such_o a_o one_o i_o will_v go_v near_o to_o move_v my_o family_n and_o come_v up_o to_o london_n so_o i_o take_v my_o leave_n and_o go_v away_o pay_v my_o dish_n christ_n and_o do_v you_o go_v to_o hear_v the_o man_n or_o man_n they_o direct_v you_o to_o phil._n yea_o i_o will_v warrant_v you_o and_o with_o a_o greedy_a appetite_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a crowd_n of_o whig_n many_o of_o which_o i_o know_v when_o they_o will_v not_o have_v go_v to_o church_n for_o a_o great_a deal_n sed_fw-la tempora_fw-la mutantur_fw-la &_o nos_fw-la etc._n etc._n christ_n and_o what_o be_v the_o subject_a he_o be_v upon_o phil._n eph._n 2.1_o and_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n etc._n etc._n he_o insist_v on_o the_o dead_a state_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n show_v how_o all_o the_o imagination_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v evil_a he_o can_v not_o of_o himself_o do_v any_o good_a rom._n 3.12_o and_o back_v his_o doctrine_n with_o so_o many_o full_a and_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o my_o mouth_n be_v full_o stop_v and_o my_o heart_n become_v guilty_a before_o god_n i_o say_v with_o myself_o bless_a be_v god_n i_o hope_v some_o man_n in_o the_o church_n have_v get_v the_o cue_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o hope_v all_o have_v not_o abdicate_v the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n from_o their_o pulpit_n i_o go_v in_o the_o afternoon_n to_o hear_v a_o man_n much_o commend_v too_o and_o he_o be_v on_o that_o text_n mat._n 16.26_o what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o describe_v the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n so_o well_o show_v nothing_o can_v be_v a_o valuable_a ransom_n for_o it_o but_o christ_n and_o decry_v the_o world_n at_o such_o a_o rate_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o my_o two_o great_a bulwark_n be_v batter_v down_o in_o a_o manner_n in_o one_o day_n and_o christ_n even_o ready_a to_o take_v possession_n i_o see_v now_o i_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a undo_v wretched_a wicked_a condemn_a creature_n and_o that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o sell_v my_o soul_n to_o preserve_v my_o estate_n whereupon_o i_o retire_v myself_o to_o my_o lodging_n and_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o resolve_v now_o if_o god_n will_v give_v i_o strength_n i_o will_v slip_v into_o a_o conventicle_n which_o according_o i_o do_v next_o sunday_n where_o i_o hear_v a_o very_a awaken_n discourse_n upon_o gal._n 3.10_o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n whereby_o i_o understand_v the_o desperate_a condition_n i_o be_v in_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o law_n which_o he_o open_v exceed_v well_o whereby_o the_o law_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o i_o die_v rom._n 7._o after_o this_o i_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o get_v into_o a_o place_n where_o i_o hear_v a_o worthy_a man_n preach_v very_o lively_a and_o clear_o on_o act._n 16_o 31._o whence_o he_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o show_v how_o it_o save_v viz._n instrumental_o by_o close_v with_o and_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o how_o christ_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o and_o bear_v the_o curse_n after_o this_o i_o begin_v to_o savour_v the_o preach_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o find_v my_o soul_n more_o refresh_v with_o one_o of_o these_o sermon_n than_o with_o a_o hundred_o other_o i_o hear_v also_o from_o act_n 4.12_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v whereby_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o from_o heb._n 7.25_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o they_o that_o come_v etc._n etc._n from_o joh._n 14.6_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o precious_a discourse_n that_o i_o have_v since_o hear_v in_o london_n when_o i_o come_v up_o especial_o from_o the_o time_n of_o liberty_n and_o what_o warmth_n of_o love_n be_v wrought_v in_o i_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o some_o measure_n i_o trust_v of_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n that_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o freegrace_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v a_o christophilus_n now_o all_o my_o day_n but_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o one_o thing_n that_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o conventicler_n too_o as_o well_o as_o a_o son_n of_o the_o church_n for_o i_o see_v many_o very_a loose_a person_n there_o for_o hearer_n and_o not_o a_o little_a false_a doctrine_n deliver_v in_o many_o of_o they_o christ_n these_o thing_n always_o have_v and_o will_v be_v as_o for_o profane_a hearer_n i_o dislike_v not_o that_o for_o there_o be_v then_o the_o more_o matter_n for_o a_o convert_v ministry_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o as_o for_o false_a teacher_n they_o be_v many_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o paul_n and_o peter_n tell_v we_o in_o their_o epistle_n this_o shall_v not_o discourage_v you_o but_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2.10_o phil._n i_o hope_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o there_o be_v one_o difficulty_n i_o can_v get_v over_o yet_o and_o that_o be_v this_o i_o have_v hear_v you_o say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o believer_n to_o follow_v christ_n full_o to_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o to_o add_v or_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o church_n which_o i_o have_v not_o do_v any_o otherwise_o than_o to_o partake_v sometime_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o sometime_o at_o a_o meeting_n which_o i_o be_o much_o dissatisfy_v in_o for_o many_o weighty_a reason_n not_o to_o be_v now_o insist_v on_o that_o which_o keep_v i_o at_o this_o day_n be_v my_o great_a ignorance_n of_o and_o estrangedness_n to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v whether_o christ_n have_v institute_v any_o state_v gospel_n church_n and_o if_o he_o have_v where_o among_o all_o your_o different_a persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o wish_v you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v i_o the_o clear_a account_n you_o be_v able_a in_o brief_a of_o your_o persuasion_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o matter_n christ_n sir_n i_o shall_v cheerful_o endeavour_v it_o but_o that_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o plain_a to_o your_o understanding_n i_o pray_v make_v your_o inquiry_n of_o the_o point_v you_o will_v be_v resolve_v in_o and_o your_o objection_n as_o they_o occur_v chap._n i._o of_o the_o church_n catholic_n case_n ii_o phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n what_o do_v the_o word_n church_n import_n christ_n church_n or_o kirk_n be_v but_o a_o abreviation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o proper_a idiom_n of_o language_n english_a and_o scotch_a it_o signify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o our_o place_n of_o public_a assemble_v be_v call_v church_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a who_o call_v the_o temple_n the_o house_n of_o god_n according_a to_o which_o christ_n speak_v mat._n 21.13_o there_o be_v a_o levitical_a holiness_n ascribe_v to_o it_o which_o holiness_n of_o place_n have_v cease_v with_o it_o and_o the_o gospel_n church_n be_v make_v only_o of_o live_a stone_n heb._n 3.8_o 1_o pet._n 2.4_o though_o when_o we_o in_o england_n speak_v of_o a_o place_n for_o public_a assembly_n we_o call_v it_o a_o church_n not_o that_o any_o wise_a protestant_n do_v take_v it_o so_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n but_o metonymical_o only_a as_o for_o other_o they_o think_v and_o speak_v after_o the_o papist_n phil._n what_o do_v the_o greek_a and_o hebrew_n word_n import_v christ_n they_o always_o signify_v a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n there_o be_v two_o word_n use_v for_o it_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o signify_v
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