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
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
thus_o much_o that_o we_o hope_v he_o partake_v of_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n though_o at_o present_a labour_n under_o these_o or_o those_o infirmity_n and_o though_o his_o reason_n for_o his_o departure_n do_v no_o way_n satisfy_v we_o yet_o see_v he_o can_v be_v otherwise_o persuade_v we_o have_v grant_v his_o dismission_n in_o order_n to_o his_o contentment_n and_o our_o peace_n but_o indeed_o small_a or_o no_o commendation_n do_v in_o these_o case_n for_o there_o be_v seldom_o any_o such_o departer_n but_o the_o pastor_n of_o some_o other_o church_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o receive_v he_o right_a or_o wrong_n with_o commendation_n or_o without_o yea_o with_o dismission_n or_o without_o for_o all_o be_v fish_n that_o come_v to_o net_n with_o some_o man_n phil._n yea_o they_o say_v there_o be_v some_o pastor_n will_v receive_v member_n that_o run_v away_o from_o other_o church_n although_o they_o be_v actual_o certify_v that_o they_o be_v under_o censure_n do_v you_o 〈◊〉_d to_o send_v letter_n of_o discommendation_n to_o church_n concern_v offend_a member_n christ_n yes_o there_o be_v as_o much_o or_o more_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o for_o a_o letter_n of_o commendation_n for_o as_o it_o concern_v a_o church_n to_o know_v who_o it_o admit_v to_o communion_n or_o reject_v so_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o due_a character_n be_v give_v by_o the_o church_n to_o which_o the_o member_n belong_v and_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a congregation_n will_v offer_v to_o receive_v a_o person_n into_o state_v communion_n at_o least_o without_o consult_v the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v unless_o it_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o savour_v too_o much_o of_o a_o algerine_n spirit_n in_o ecclesiastic_a affair_n phil._n have_v you_o see_v ever_o any_o letter_n discommendatory_a send_v from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o show_v i_o if_o you_o have_v christ_n yes_o i_o can_v show_v you_o one_o and_o such_o a_o letter_n need_v not_o be_v a_o church_n act_n no_o more_o than_o a_o bare_a letter_n of_o commendation_n it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o a_o elder_a only_o and_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o his_o office_n to_o certify_v unto_o other_o church_n what_o capacity_n a_o member_n be_v in_o whether_o under_o censure_n or_o no._n for_o when_o a_o offend_a member_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o a_o church_n other_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a be_v reject_v by_o the_o unanimous_a concurrence_n of_o all_o church_n a_o letter_n of_o discommendation_n may_v be_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o particular_a to_o that_o whereto_o s._n t._n be_v pastor_n whereas_o e._n f._n have_v be_v a_o member_n of_o this_o our_o congregation_n and_o have_v fall_v by_o a_o scandalous_a sin_n or_o a_o offence_n for_o which_o he_o have_v be_v due_o proceed_v with_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o remain_v impenitent_a be_v to_o our_o great_a grief_n and_o humiliation_n just_o bring_v under_o the_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n or_o whereas_o f._n b._n have_v for_o so_o long_a time_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o commumunion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o e._n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n to_o the_o long_a distraction_n and_o great_a grief_n thereof_o and_o do_v persist_v in_o his_o withdrawment_n notwithstanding_o all_o due_a mean_n which_o have_v be_v use_v with_o all_o tenderness_n patience_n and_o condescension_n for_o the_o reclaim_n of_o he_o from_o the_o say_v disorderly_o walk_v and_o that_o you_o may_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o such_o a_o one_o offer_v himself_o to_o partake_v with_o you_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o that_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n â—ay_v be_v prevent_v as_o well_o as_o the_o further_a hardenâ—â—_n of_o a_o offender_n in_o sin_n these_o be_v to_o signify_v to_o 〈…〉_o that_o the_o say_a person_n abovenamed_a be_v fall_v 〈…〉_o censure_n of_o this_o congregation_n afore_o 〈…〉_o afore_o according_a to_o the_o know_a and_o avow_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o can_v be_v no_o long_o allow_v a_o just_a claim_n to_o communion_n with_o other_o church_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o relation_n to_o or_o right_a by_o and_o under_o the_o say_a church_n or_o of_o any_o other_o pretence_n whatsoever_o whilst_o he_o stand_v thus_o divide_v from_o it_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v but_o that_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n will_v incline_v his_o heart_n to_o return_v to_o his_o duty_n be_v the_o unfeigned_a desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o of_o he_o especial_o who_o be_v your_o unworthy_a brother_n and_o servant_n in_o christ_n jesus_n a._n b._n pastor_n phil._n i_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o readiness_n to_o satisfy_v i_o in_o these_o point_n wherein_o i_o be_o now_o make_v sensible_a through_o grace_n the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o christian_n fix_a comfort_n be_v most_o exceed_o concern_v i_o shall_v exercise_v your_o patience_n at_o this_o time_n no_o long_o but_o wait_v another_o opportunity_n when_o we_o may_v further_o discourse_v some_o point_n of_o this_o nature_n christ_n sir_n you_o shall_v always_o find_v i_o god_n assist_v most_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a in_o any_o service_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o though_o these_o thing_n seem_v most_o strange_a to_o most_o man_n and_o of_o a_o abstruse_a nature_n yet_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o all_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v bâ—_n clear_v up_o before_o the_o world_n for_o when_o 〈◊〉_d lord_n shall_v build_v up_o zion_n he_o will_v appear_v 〈…〉_o glory_n expect_v we_o must_v yet_o that_o the_o 〈…〉_o retick_n and_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o these_o 〈…〉_o gospel_n order_n will_v be_v ridicule_v by_o many_o and_o the_o practice_n thereof_o browbeaten_a and_o scorn_a not_o only_o by_o the_o world_n but_o by_o carnal_a and_o ignorant_a church_n member_n that_o be_v bias_v and_o lead_v away_o by_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o seduction_n of_o other_o but_o through_o grace_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v move_v i_o vale._n there_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o will._n marshal_n the_o interest_n of_o church_n by_o j._n c._n the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n by_o j._n o._n d._n d._n a_o treatise_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o grace_n by_o j._n o._n d._n d._n and_o any_o other_o work_v of_o the_o say_a author_n finis_fw-la
ecclesiasticum_fw-la or_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a christian_a conference_n concern_v gospel_n church_n and_o order_n for_o the_o information_n and_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v seek_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o ask_v the_o way_n to_o zion_n with_o their_o face_n thitherward_o say_v come_v and_o let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o perpetual_a covenant_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v forget_v my_o people_n have_v be_v lose_v cheep_n their_o shepherd_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o go_v astray_o they_o have_v turn_v they_o away_o in_o the_o mountain_n they_o have_v go_v from_o mountain_n to_o hill_n they_o have_v forget_v their_o rest_a place_n jer._n 50.5_o 6._o show_v i_o thy_o way_n o_o lord_n teach_v i_o thy_o path_n psal_n 25.3_o 4._o &_o 27.11_o &_o 119.12_o 33._o how_o goodly_a be_v thy_o tent_n o_o jacob_n and_o thy_o tabernacle_n o_o israel_n numb_a 24.6_o 7._o tell_v i_o o_o thou_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v where_o thou_o feed_v where_o thou_o make_v thy_o flock_n to_o lie_v down_o at_o noon_n for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v as_o one_o that_o turn_v aside_o to_o the_o flock_n of_o thy_o companion_n cant._n 1.7_o london_n print_v by_o t._n s._n for_o the_o publisher_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o w._n martial_n at_o the_o bible_n in_o newgate-street_n 1690._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n how_o small_a soever_o the_o stone_n cut_v out_o without_o hand_n now_o seem_v to_o be_v and_o have_v be_v for_o many_o age_n viz._n a_o poor_a afflict_a people_n trust_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n zion_n who_o no_o man_n regard_v a_o remnant_n a_o cottage_n a_o persecute_a woman_n in_o the_o wilderness_n yet_o it_o be_v great_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o every_o one_o that_o fear_v his_o name_n even_o exalt_v above_o all_o mountain_n and_o hill_n in_o regard_n of_o its_o spiritual_a beauty_n and_o preciousness_n and_o shall_v ever_o long_o in_o respect_n of_o visible_a splendour_n and_o prevalency_n be_v set_v on_o the_o top_n of_o every_o mountain_n to_o fulfil_v those_o prophecy_n isa_n 2.2_o 3._o mic._n 4.1_o 2._o zech._n 8.20_o 21_o 22._o when_o many_o people_n shall_v say_v come_v let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n which_o intend_v the_o mighty_a and_o cheerful_a gather_n and_o assemble_v that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o last_o day_n unto_o a_o visible_a church_n state_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n then_o will_v the_o lord_n assemble_v she_o that_o halt_v and_o gather_v she_o that_o be_v drive_v out_o and_o she_o that_o he_o have_v afflict_v and_o then_o he_o say_v he_o will_v make_v she_o that_o halt_v those_o who_o be_v not_o right_o instruct_v in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o remnant_n i._n e._n of_o live_v stone_n to_o be_v build_v up_o on_o the_o corner_n stone_n in_o the_o build_n of_o zion_n and_o she_o that_o be_v cast_v far_o off_o by_o antichristian_a corruption_n a_o strong_a nation_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v reign_v over_o they_o in_o mount_n zion_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o in_o this_o glory_n shall_v the_o lord_n appear_v when_o he_o build_v up_o zion_n psal_n 102.16_o and_o by_o god_n present_a providence_n seem_o unfolding_a ancient_a prophecy_n he_o be_v now_o arise_v to_o have_v mercy_n on_o zion_n the_o time_n of_o the_o end_n of_o one_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o day_n of_o her_o desolation_n and_o therefore_o to_o favour_n she_o be_v come_v yea_o the_o set_a time_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o no_o less_o seem_v to_o be_v come_v out_o of_o his_o place_n to_o punish_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n isa_n 26.21_o for_o all_o their_o cruel_a persecution_n and_o hellish_a idolatry_n to_o destroy_v babylon_n that_o have_v waste_v she_o and_o the_o child_n of_o edom_n protestant_n persecutor_n of_o the_o egyptian_a race_n that_o have_v so_o long_o be_v cry_v aloud_o to_o babylon_n and_o the_o antichristian_a fower_n against_o the_o inward_a court_n worshipper_n race_v it_o race_n it_o even_o to_o the_o foundation_n psal_n 137._o the_o building_n of_o this_o zion_n will_v be_v gradual_a for_o a_o nation_n can_v be_v bear_v in_o one_o day_n this_o royal_a nation_n by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o great_a prophecy_n by_o wonderful_a and_o great_a providence_n and_o those_o of_o two_o sort_n in_o break_v scatter_a and_o overthrow_v the_o antichristian_a power_n the_o foot_n and_o toe_n of_o iron_n and_o clay_n and_o in_o set_v up_o a_o kingdom_n of_o saint_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o another_o people_n the_o inchoation_n of_o which_o have_v be_v already_o by_o preach_v the_o everlasting_a gospel_n the_o auspicious_a augmentation_n and_o growth_n will_v be_v in_o gather_v the_o saint_n into_o a_o visible_a church-state_n church_n shall_v be_v multiply_v and_o mighty_o increase_v as_o of_o old_a act._n 2._o &_o 9.21_o to_o hasten_v this_o great_a and_o expect_a glory_n what_o can_v we_o do_v less_o than_o contribute_v by_o our_o prayer_n and_o faithful_a endeavour_n to_o the_o appearance_n thereof_o and_o who_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o glorious_a appearance_n can_v do_v less_o than_o to_o come_v to_o our_o great_a cornerstone_n as_o live_v stone_n that_o they_o may_v be_v build_v up_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o thereto_o be_v edify_v in_o all_o holiness_n serve_v he_o therein_o day_n and_o night_n and_o that_o this_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o profess_v faith_n viz._n to_o join_v himself_o in_o fellowship_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n visible_a be_v all_o that_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v at_o this_o time_n as_o a_o brief_a preface_n to_o this_o short_a treatise_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n act._n 2.41_o they_o that_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o glad_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o promise_n ver_fw-la 38.39_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o the_o number_n of_o three_o thousand_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o their_o believe_v of_o itself_o make_v they_o not_o member_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o text_n be_v express_v in_o it_o that_o they_o first_o believe_v and_o then_o by_o another_o act_n of_o their_o own_o and_o the_o church_n receive_v they_o they_o be_v add_v to_o they_o that_o be_v before_o in_o fellowship_n the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o and_o become_v church_n member_n as_o it_o follow_v ver_fw-la 47._o and_o the_o lord_n add_v to_o the_o church_n daily_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v i_o e._n such_o as_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n by_o believe_v the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o add_v they_o by_o his_o grace_n that_o wrought_v effectual_o upon_o their_o heart_n to_o believe_v and_o believe_v incline_v they_o also_o to_o join_v themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o church_n fellowship_n on_o the_o judicial_a proceed_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o peter_n against_o two_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v join_v themselves_o and_o be_v discover_v act._n 5.13_o that_o of_o the_o rest_n i._n e._n of_o the_o same_o sort_n dare_v none_o to_o join_v himself_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n have_v be_v make_v so_o eminent_a example_n but_o the_o people_n magnify_v they_o i._n e._n the_o church_n and_o the_o apostle_n ver_fw-la 14._o and_o believer_n i._n e._n sincere-hearted_n be_v the_o more_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n multitude_n both_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n so_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o believe_v they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o their_o next_o duty_n to_o join_v themselves_o to_o a_o gospel_n church_n likewise_o see_v the_o same_o practice_n by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v convert_v act._n 9.26_o 27_o 28._o there_o be_v also_o another_o eminent_a instance_n at_o antioch_n where_o the_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n they_o that_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o scatter_a disciple_n at_o saul_n persecution_n be_v exhort_v by_o barnabas_n act._n 11.23_o to_o join_v together_o in_o church_n fellowship_n for_o it_o be_v say_v when_o he_o come_v being_n send_v for_o that_o end_n by_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o these_o convert_a one_o he_o be_v glad_a and_o exhort_v they_o all_o that_o with_o purpose_n or_o readiness_n of_o heart_n they_o will_v join_v unto_o the_o lord_n i._o e._n in_o church_n fellowship_n for_o these_o phrase_n of_o join_v and_o add_v unto_o the_o lord_n do_v express_v add_v or_o join_v to_o the_o church_n because_o the_o church_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o join_v unto_o he_o by_o a_o visible_a covenant_n and_o every_o one_o
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
be_v manifest_a from_o eph._n 4.14_o 15._o compare_v with_o the_o primitive_a practice_n act._n 2.42_o ch_n 9.5_o see_v also_o eph._n 2.19_o 6._o all_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v walk_v as_o profess_a subject_n thereof_o and_o this_o they_o can_v do_v but_o in_o communion_n with_o a_o visible_a church_n for_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o visible_a part_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n here_o christ_n rule_v as_o king_n lawgiver_n and_o appear_v as_o high_a priest_n and_o prophet_n give_v forth_o himself_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n with_o all_o his_o fullness_n of_o grace_n in_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o dispensation_n here_o than_o it_o be_v that_o a_o believer_n do_v exalt_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n most_o eminent_o as_o to_o visibility_n in_o his_o regal_a power_n and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o a_o believer_n join_v not_o himself_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n he_o stay_v in_o the_o verge_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n expose_v himself_o at_o no_o small_a rate_n to_o his_o temptation_n rage_n and_o tyranny_n and_o sall_n short_a of_o one_o great_a end_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o profess_a subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n deal_v disloyal_o with_o christ_n instead_o of_o promote_a prejudice_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o in_o the_o world_n he_o may_v be_v a_o nicodemus_n like_o friend_n of_o christ_n but_o why_o do_v he_o not_o profess_o and_o open_o practice_n obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o house_n and_o bear_v witness_n thereto_o be_v it_o not_o a_o tacit_a and_o implicit_a deny_v of_o christ_n and_o will_v not_o christ_n take_v it_o so_o and_o man_n talk_v of_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v but_o a_o vain_a show_n unless_o they_o do_v he_o this_o particular_a personal_a service_n as_o to_o join_v themselves_o actual_o and_o visible_o to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n therein_o espouse_v his_o interest_n in_o give_v up_o their_o name_n unto_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o his_o name_n as_o micah_n 4.5_o all_o people_n will_v walk_v every_o one_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o god_n and_o we_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o this_o practice_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a and_o shall_v bear_v little_a weight_n in_o a_o mind_n true_o enlighten_v some_o of_o which_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n other_o i_o shall_v here_o remove_v if_o there_o be_v room_n for_o it_o i_o think_v the_o name_v they_o be_v the_o shame_n of_o they_o to_o all_o man_n that_o have_v learned_a christ_n and_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a 1._o the_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n man_n shall_v fall_v under_o from_o the_o profane_a world_n i_o think_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v laugh_v out_o of_o his_o estate_n how_o much_o less_o out_o of_o his_o religion_n and_o soul_n salvation_n 2._o a_o suspicion_n lest_o they_o shall_v come_v under_o too_o strict_a tie_n and_o bond_n to_o holy_a and_o religious_a conversation_n read_v 1_o pet._n 1.14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 3._o other_o be_v keep_v off_o by_o prejudices_fw-la arisen_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o fail_n of_o church_n and_o church-member_n but_o will_v wise_a man_n refuse_v a_o good_a call_v or_o estate_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o abuse_v they_o and_o name_v a_o church_n or_o christian_n without_o fail_n and_o considerable_a one_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o choose_v the_o pure_a society_n and_o you_o be_v at_o your_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o where_o you_o may_v have_v most_o comfort_n and_o edification_n last_o many_o be_v hinder_v from_o their_o ignorance_n or_o mislead_v apprehension_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n for_o their_o information_n and_o rectification_n especial_o i_o have_v publish_v this_o christian_a conference_n that_o be_v in_o my_o hand_n and_o that_o it_o may_v obtain_v the_o desire_a end_n be_v the_o sincere_a wish_n and_o prayer_n of_o a_o unworthy_a servant_n of_o christ_n isa_n chauncy_n this_o conference_n be_v manage_v by_o mr._n cornelius_n philomathes_n a_o country_n gentleman_n and_o mr._n peter_n christophilus_n a_o minister_n neighbour_n to_o he_o the_o introduction_n christophilus_n mr._n philomathes_n i_o be_o hearty_o glad_a to_o see_v you_o methinks_v you_o be_v mighty_o enjoy_v yourself_o in_o your_o pleasant_a and_o retire_a walk_n will_v not_o my_o company_n disturb_v your_o meditation_n philomathes_n i_o take_v it_o kind_o sir_n you_o be_v please_v to_o give_v i_o a_o visit_n for_o indeed_o i_o live_v somewhat_o lonely_a i_o be_o glad_a of_o good_a company_n especial_o sometime_o for_o divertisement_n but_o there_o be_v no_o friend_n more_o welcome_a than_o yourself_o to_o i_o because_o your_o cheerfulness_n revive_v i_o and_o your_o discourse_n profit_v i_o christoph_n dear_a sir_n i_o deserve_v not_o so_o great_a a_o character_n and_o commendation_n it_o be_v your_o generous_a disposition_n that_o lead_v you_o to_o speak_v these_o thing_n for_o you_o know_v we_o use_v to_o differ_v pretty_a much_o in_o many_o thing_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o discourse_n seem_o hot_a opponent_n of_o each_o other_o but_o i_o think_v never_o the_o worse_a friend_n phil._n sir_n i_o have_v so_o near_o as_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n a_o most_o cordial_a love_n to_o every_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n though_o he_o be_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n of_o my_o mind_n but_o for_o you_o sir_n i_o have_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a respect_n and_o esteem_v as_o have_v be_v my_o old_a acquaintance_n and_o intimate_a friend_n and_o neighbour_n in_o all_o the_o late_a change_n in_o church_n and_o state_n for_o above_o these_o forty_o year_n we_o never_o have_v any_o last_a difference_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o very_a friendly_a correspondence_n christ_n and_o to_o your_o great_a honour_n with_o a_o grateful_a remembrance_n may_v i_o often_o rehearse_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o marvellous_a christian_a kindness_n and_o commiseration_n that_o you_o show_v to_o i_o and_o my_o wife_n and_o family_n in_o our_o late_a persecution_n that_o you_o often_o shelter_v i_o from_o the_o rage_n of_o my_o enemy_n and_o when_o they_o hale_v i_o to_o prison_n and_o plunder_v all_o my_o good_n that_o my_o wife_n and_o child_n have_v not_o bed_n to_o lie_v on_o victual_n to_o eat_v nor_o vessel_n to_o dress_v any_o thing_n in_o left_a you_o be_v please_v to_o take_v they_o into_o your_o house_n and_o provide_v plentiful_o for_o they_o and_o this_o you_o do_v when_o you_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o have_v do_v we_o more_o hurt_n than_o they_o who_o do_v it_o and_o run_v no_o small_a hazard_n from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o not_o do_v it_o phil._n no_o no_o i_o hope_v god_n will_v keep_v i_o from_o a_o persecute_v spirit_n i_o bless_v his_o name_n he_o have_v keep_v i_o from_o it_o hitherto_o and_o it_o be_v a_o change_n in_o our_o nation_n much_o to_o be_v admire_v that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o day_n of_o liberty_n as_o we_o have_v that_o all_o good_a man_n may_v live_v quiet_o and_o peaceable_o one_o by_o another_o and_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n christ_n ay_o sir_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o stupendous_a circumstance_n of_o providence_n these_o few_o last_o year_n past_a that_o have_v wrought_v about_o matter_n to_o effect_v that_o which_o we_o so_o long_o pray_v and_o wait_v for_o phil._n but_o my_o friend_n i_o must_v whisper_v a_o word_n in_o your_o ear_n thing_n be_v not_o right_a yet_o christ_n no_o no_o nor_o will_v not_o be_v yet_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o bless_v be_v god_n they_o be_v so_o well_o as_o they_o be_v and_o that_o god_n be_v go_v on_o so_o fast_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o finish_v his_o mystery_n phil._n i_o see_v you_o be_v on_o your_o prophetic_a hint_n still_o i_o must_v confess_v myself_o here_o asinus_fw-la ad_fw-la lyram_fw-la for_o the_o darkness_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o disagreement_n of_o interpreter_n and_o event_n refute_v so_o many_o that_o have_v be_v very_o confident_a have_v quite_o discourage_v i_o that_o as_o i_o look_v not_o into_o they_o myself_o so_o i_o give_v little_a heed_n to_o what_o other_o say_v for_o all_o man_n will_v abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v whether_o he_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n in_o those_o thing_n christ_n well_o sir_n then_o we_o will_v let_v those_o thing_n alone_o i_o will_v not_o introduce_v any_o ungrateful_a discourse_n but_o will_v rather_o enter_v upon_o something_o more_o suitable_a to_o