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lord_n call_v day_n week_n 21,908 5 10.6544 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A32768 Ecclesiasticum, or, A plain and familiar Christian conference concerning gospel churches, and order for the information and benefit of those who shall seek the Lord their God and ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward ... Chauncy, Isaac, 1632-1712. 1690 (1690) Wing C3751; ESTC R23991 70,072 162

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the_o new_a testament_n and_o why_o call_v so_o christ_n they_o be_v baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o they_o be_v call_v sacrament_n because_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a ratification_n of_o god_n promise_v to_o we_o and_o we_o to_o he_o they_o be_v sign_n be_v significant_a of_o invisible_a grace_n and_o blessing_n they_o be_v call_v seal_n as_o circumcision_n and_o the_o passover_n be_v be_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o covenant_n relation_n between_o god_n and_o us._n phil._n i_o pray_v speak_v of_o baptism_n it_o have_v be_v much_o controvert_v upon_o many_o account_n christ_n i_o shall_v not_o detain_v you_o upon_o the_o most_o controvert_v point_n of_o it_o but_o tell_v you_o now_o brief_o what_o we_o believe_v and_o practice_v about_o it_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o institute_v ordinance_n by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o remain_v in_o the_o gospel_n church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o appear_v by_o mat._n 28.19_o 2._o that_o the_o element_n or_o significant_a sign_n be_v water_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v bless_v by_o prayer_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n 4._o that_o the_o thing_n signify_v be_v the_o wash_n in_o regeneration_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherein_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n his_o precious_a blood_n be_v apply_v for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o the_o person_n baptise_a dedicate_v unto_o the_o lord_n remission_n of_o sin_n be_v eminent_o signify_v thereby_o act._n 2.38_o chap._n 10.43_o phil._n then_o you_o think_v a_o person_n to_o be_v regenerate_v in_o baptism_n christ_n it_o be_v but_o a_o sign_n of_o that_o which_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v in_o adult_a person_n it_o be_v requisite_a there_o be_v credible_a sign_n or_o ground_n to_o think_v they_o be_v regenerate_v but_o many_o such_o who_o be_v baptise_a be_v not_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a none_o be_v regenerate_v mere_o by_o partake_v of_o that_o ordinance_n unless_o we_o allow_v fall_v away_o from_o effectual_a grace_n and_o when_o it_o be_v administer_v to_o the_o infant_n seed_n of_o a_o believer_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o what_o be_v or_o may_v be_v and_o be_v both_o desire_a and_o pray_v for_o phil._n i_o see_v you_o be_v for_o the_o baptism_n of_o infant_n christ._n we_o be_v for_o it_o and_o do_v practice_v it_o we_o doubt_v not_o of_o it_o and_o upon_o good_a ground_n for_o we_o look_v upon_o baptism_n to_o be_v the_o right_n of_o every_o child_n of_o a_o church_n member_n 1._o as_o the_o infant_n be_v a_o church_n member_n in_o the_o parent_n right_a the_o parent_n have_v give_v himself_o and_o child_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n in_o church_n relation_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n the_o parent_n challenge_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n say_v act._n 2._o belong_v to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o child_n the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n be_v transfer_v to_o all_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v say_v gal._n 4.28_o chap._n 3.29_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n as_o isaac_n be_v and_o therefore_o have_v the_o covenant_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n belong_v to_o they_o for_o themselves_o and_o child_n as_o isaac_n have_v and_o in_o the_o administration_n it_o be_v of_o use_n to_o the_o parent_n 1._o for_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o that_o extensive_a promise_n 2._o for_o a_o solemn_a dedication_n of_o the_o child_n unto_o the_o lord_n 3._o for_o a_o obligation_n to_o bring_v it_o up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n phil._n may_v not_o a_o profess_a believer_n child_n be_v baptise_a that_o be_v not_o actual_o a_o member_n of_o any_o church_n christ._n he_o that_o be_v a_o believer_n ought_v to_o claim_v his_o right_n to_o all_o church_n privilege_n and_o therefore_o to_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a congregation_n where_o he_o may_v enjoy_v all_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o whilst_o he_o do_v not_o he_o evident_o live_v in_o a_o sin_n of_o great_a omission_n if_o providence_n have_v give_v he_o opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v and_o i_o know_v not_o but_o a_o credible_a believer_n may_v as_o well_o desire_v the_o lord_n supper_n without_o add_v himself_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o to_o desire_v the_o baptism_n of_o his_o child_n without_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o render_v his_o profession_n very_o hardly_o credible_a whilst_o he_o live_v in_o this_o great_a sin_n of_o omission_n phil._n be_v there_o any_o just_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o a_o infant_n baptise_a and_o die_v in_o his_o infancy_n be_v certain_o save_v christ._n by_o no_o mean_n if_o you_o understand_v all_o infant_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v usual_o now_o promiscuous_o baptise_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o infant_n be_v a_o divine_a secret_n phil._n but_o what_o comfort_n have_v a_o believe_a parent_n in_o this_o case_n any_o more_o than_o a_o profess_a unbeliever_n or_o infidel_n be_v there_o no_o promise_n that_o he_o can_v take_v comfort_n from_o upon_o this_o account_n if_o not_o then_o it_o be_v possible_a such_o a_o affliction_n may_v befall_v a_o child_n of_o god_n for_o which_o he_o have_v no_o promise_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o support_v he_o in_o for_o without_o a_o promise_n faith_n can_v take_v no_o hold_n of_o god_n for_o comfort_n christ._n in_o case_n a_o believer_n child_n die_v in_o infancy_n and_o his_o trouble_n be_v about_o the_o eternal_a state_n of_o his_o child_n i_o know_v no_o promise_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v reach_v forth_o comfort_n to_o he_o but_o this_o i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n see_v his_o child_n live_v not_o to_o make_v a_o personal_a and_o profess_a rejection_n of_o his_o covenant_n relation_n in_o adult_n year_n as_o ishmael_n and_o esau_n do_v and_o thus_o a_o believer_n by_o faith_n in_o that_o promise_n can_v take_v such_o comfort_n to_o himself_o in_o that_o condition_n which_o no_o unbeliever_n can_v for_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n in_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o unbeliever_n child_n die_v in_o nonage_n what_o god_n have_v reserve_v in_o his_o secret_a counsel_n be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o determine_v phil._n be_v not_o baptism_n a_o convert_v ordinance_n christ_n if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o your_o church_n say_v that_o he_o that_o be_v baptise_a be_v certain_o save_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o most_o time_n but_o although_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o refer_v to_o regeneration_n and_o initiation_n thereby_o in_o the_o covenant_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o confirm_a sacrament_n as_o the_o other_o be_v it_o be_v always_o for_o confirmation_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n both_o in_o parent_n and_o child_n neither_o be_v it_o improve_v by_o the_o baptize_v till_o he_o believe_v phil._n now_o i_o pray_v speak_v something_o of_o that_o other_o great_a seal_n the_o lord_n supper_n christ_n it_o be_v call_v break_v of_o bread_n by_o a_o synech_n act._n 2.42_o ch_z 20.7_o 11._o it_o be_v the_o supper_n john_n 13.2_o ch_n 21.20_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11.20_o because_o of_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o lord_n death_n as_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n have_v to_o his_o resurrection_n therefore_o call_v the_o lord_n day_n christ_n institute_v this_o ordinance_n for_o a_o solemn_a remembrance_n of_o his_o death_n in_o the_o church_n till_o he_o come_v the_o second_o time_n and_o he_o do_v it_o the_o night_n he_o be_v betray_v after_o he_o have_v eat_v the_o passover_n with_o his_o disciple_n mat._n 26.26_o the_o element_n bread_n and_o wine_n the_o sacramental_a action_n be_v bless_v the_o element_n distinct_o 2._o break_v the_o bread_n and_o pour_v out_o the_o wine_n 3._o the_o delivery_n of_o each_o to_o the_o people_n with_o the_o word_n of_o command_n appropriate_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n 4._o the_o order_n 1._o the_o bread_n bless_v then_o break_v then_o distribute_v 2._o the_o wine_n pour_v out_o bless_a deliver_v forth_o after_o this_o a_o psalm_n or_o hymn_n be_v sing_v as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v and_o that_o ordinance_n be_v end_v though_o most_o church_n conclude_v with_o a_o short_a prayer_n wherein_o god_n name_n be_v further_o bless_v &_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o assembly_n spread_v before_o the_o lord_n before_o which_o prayer_n be_v usual_a a_o liberal_a collection_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o support_v of_o ordinance_n phil._n what_o be_v the_o great_a use_n and_o improvement_n a_o communicant_a may_v and_o shall_v make_v of_o his_o participation_n of_o this_o ordinance_n christ_n 1._o that_o as_o the_o bread_n break_v and_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
religion_n but_o where_o this_o hope_n be_v you_o usual_o see_v how_o ready_a man_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o friend_n and_o neighbour_n why_o not_o to_o a_o church_n or_o its_o officer_n that_o may_v bring_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n you_o see_v how_o natural_o in_o our_o discourse_n but_o now_o you_o fall_v into_o this_o when_o i_o take_v but_o occasion_n to_o ask_v how_o you_o come_v so_o sudden_o in_o love_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n you_o give_v i_o a_o very_a full_a account_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n towards_o your_o soul_n phil._n why_o be_v it_o no_o more_o than_o such_o a_o poor_a account_n as_o i_o give_v you_o but_o now_o alas_o i_o can_v have_v say_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o concern_v god_n wonderful_a gracious_a deal_n with_o i_o but_o that_o i_o haste_v to_o this_o discourse_n with_o you_o about_o gospel_n church_n and_o order_n which_o i_o have_v long_o wish_v for_o i_o have_v think_v your_o member_n must_v have_v prepare_v some_o set_a speech_n in_o such_o exact_a form_n and_o manner_n as_o some_o man_n can_v do_v but_o alas_o how_o many_o good_a honest_a christian_n can_v express_v themselves_o but_o they_o can_v tell_v you_o in_o their_o plain_a way_n of_o speak_v what_o they_o be_v drunkard_n liar_n scoffer_n debauch_a adulterer_n blasphemer_n etc._n etc._n and_o one_o will_v say_v god_n cast_v i_o down_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n by_o awaken_n my_o conscience_n by_o such_o a_o word_n or_o such_o a_o providence_n and_o i_o begin_v to_o think_v how_o i_o be_v in_o hasten_v to_o eternal_a destruction_n he_o will_v tell_v of_o the_o great_a struggle_n he_o have_v with_o satan_n the_o world_n and_o his_o company_n to_o hold_v he_o fast_o in_o his_o sinful_a way_n he_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o good_a tiding_n to_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n be_v and_o how_o thereby_o his_o heart_n be_v draw_v forth_o to_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n he_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o sermon_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n some_o at_o least_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a which_o be_v make_v most_o effectual_a for_o his_o soul_n benefit_n and_o advantage_n if_o this_o be_v all_o you_o stand_v upon_o i_o think_v none_o that_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a will_v make_v any_o scruple_n of_o it_o as_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v be_v willing_a to_o make_v it_o my_o frequent_a discourse_n to_o any_o faithful_a friend_n in_o christ_n to_o declare_v to_o he_o what_o god_n have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n and_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o best_a entertainment_n he_o can_v give_v i_o to_o hear_v the_o like_a from_o he_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o any_o one_o shall_v question_v the_o do_v it_o to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n where_o so_o many_o faithful_a one_o labour_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o weakness_n as_o well_o as_o a_o man_n self_n christ_n i_o find_v bashfulness_n be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o many_o in_o some_o especial_o woman_n it_o be_v from_o their_o sex_n and_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o many_o of_o both_o sex_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o they_o but_o to_o pray_v against_o it_o and_o for_o church_n officer_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o all_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n suppose_v still_o that_o there_o be_v much_o of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o sense_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o which_o be_v not_o express_v by_o what_o show_v itself_o again_o other_o be_v ashamed_a some_o upon_o this_o account_n viz._n to_o tell_v the_o world_n how_o wicked_a and_o vile_a they_o have_v be_v other_o afraid_a they_o shall_v be_v reject_v and_o that_o will_v be_v a_o great_a disgrace_n to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o first_o sort_n i_o say_v church_n do_v not_o stand_v upon_o this_o that_o every_o one_o shall_v particularize_v the_o individual_a sin_n that_o he_o have_v commit_v it_o may_v be_v some_o of_o a_o heinous_a and_o enormous_a nature_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o he_o specify_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o live_v in_o in_o general_n unless_o he_o find_v it_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o to_o declare_v what_o a_o wicked_a wretch_n in_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n he_o have_v be_v which_o the_o world_n and_o his_o acquaintance_n know_v as_o well_o as_o he_o and_o in_o that_o respect_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o paul_n do_v so_o that_o great_a apostle_n i_o be_v a_o persecutor_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o often_o do_v he_o aggravate_v his_o sin_n and_o magnify_v the_o rich_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o call_v and_o save_v he_o that_o great_a notorious_a sin_n of_o his_o know_v to_o all_o he_o declare_v often_o to_o the_o church_n and_o other_o then_o as_o to_o the_o declare_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o his_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n any_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v ashamed_a the_o world_n shall_v know_v he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v save_v and_o not_o eternal_o perish_v rom._n 10.10_o 11._o the_o apostle_n anticipate_v this_o objection_n when_o he_o say_v with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v and_o with_o the_o tongue_n confession_n i._n e._n of_o that_o faith_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n it_o immediate_o follow_v for_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a i._n e._n to_o confess_v with_o his_o mouth_n what_o he_o believe_v in_o his_o heart_n as_o for_o confession_n of_o particular_a secret_a sin_n it_o be_v not_o expect_v by_o the_o church_n they_o have_v no_o such_o custom_n to_o require_v it_o but_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o wicked_a practice_n of_o the_o romish_a priest_n in_o auricular_a confession_n phil._n you_o have_v give_v very_o good_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n for_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o that_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o way_n of_o your_o church_n object_n this_o very_o strenuous_o as_o if_o your_o minister_n take_v upon_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o wicked_a varlet_n who_o make_v confession_n a_o stratagem_n to_o creep_v into_o acquaintance_n with_o man_n secret_n for_o their_o own_o advantage_n but_o i_o will_v have_v you_o answer_v the_o other_o objection_n that_o many_o be_v afraid_a they_o shall_v be_v reject_v and_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o too_o many_o be_v loath_a to_o bewray_v their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n christ_n as_o for_o such_o who_o fear_v they_o shall_v be_v reject_v they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v lift_v up_o in_o themselves_o and_o put_v on_o religion_n more_o for_o the_o applause_n of_o it_o than_o for_o the_o love_n of_o it_o these_o have_v not_o learned_a christ_n for_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v better_a they_o stay_v off_o than_o offer_v themselves_o till_o their_o heart_n be_v incline_v to_o love_n christ_n and_o his_o command_n more_o than_o the_o applause_n of_o man_n and_o these_o have_v usual_o one_o of_o these_o reason_n for_o their_o fear_n first_o either_o that_o they_o have_v live_v in_o some_o know_a scandalous_a sin_n that_o they_o can_v give_v any_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o other_o to_o believe_v they_o have_v thorough_o repent_v of_o by_o a_o manifest_a reformation_n and_o such_o have_v better_o forbear_v offer_v themselves_o till_o their_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n observe_v some_o evident_a change_n in_o they_o or_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n they_o fear_v as_o you_o say_v they_o shall_v bewray_v their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n if_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o they_o to_o discover_v their_o ignorance_n than_o to_o remain_v in_o it_o be_v the_o inquiry_n upon_o this_o account_n into_o man_n knowledge_n it_o be_v only_o in_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a point_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o acquaintance_n with_o which_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v unto_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n beside_o what_o danger_n be_v there_o of_o public_a disgrace_n if_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n be_v know_v no_o unprejudiced_a christian_n can_v think_v there_o be_v any_o for_o if_o a_o man_n offer_v himself_o to_o join_v to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n he_o go_v to_o the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n and_o acquaint_v he_o with_o his_o desire_n who_o will_v if_o he_o think_v there_o be_v reason_n first_o inquire_v of_o his_o knowledge_n in_o some_o great_a fundamental_a point_n wherein_o find_v he_o gross_o defective_a he_o give_v he_o information_n and_o desire_v he_o frequent_o
be_v member_n and_o capable_a of_o be_v judge_v by_o it_o so_o it_o be_v here_o christian_n meet_v and_o agree_v together_o to_o walk_v in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o what_o do_v they_o promise_v solemn_o to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o another_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n now_o i_o find_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n when_o a_o people_n first_o join_v themselves_o to_o christ_n in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o so_o the_o first_o gather_v the_o church_n at_o antioch_n be_v express_v for_o act._n 11.19_o some_o scatter_v upon_o the_o persecution_n by_o saul_n man_n of_o cyprus_n and_o cyrene_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o prophet_n inspire_v at_o pentecost_n preach_v to_o the_o grecian_a jew_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n v._o 20._o and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o and_o a_o great_a number_n turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n v._o 21._o upon_o the_o tiding_n of_o this_o success_n barnabas_n be_v send_v from_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o much_o people_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n i.e._n they_o by_o mutual_a consent_n give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n they_o turn_v to_o the_o the_o lord_n by_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o these_o first_o comer_n but_o now_o the_o spirit_n tell_v we_o the_o success_n of_o barnabas_n his_o come_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o exhortation_n of_o they_o thereto_o v._o 23._o and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v and_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v prevail_v unto_o conversion_n he_o rejoice_v and_o exhort_v they_o all_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n i._n e._n with_o sincerity_n and_o resolution_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o join_v themselves_o for_o constancy_n unto_o the_o lord_n in_o church_n fellowship_n afterward_o when_o paul_n come_v v._o 26._o he_o find_v they_o a_o church_n and_o as_o such_o abide_v among_o they_o for_o a_o whole_a year_n for_o it_o be_v say_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n assemble_v themselves_o with_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v to_o a_o great_a multitude_n many_o of_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o this_o add_v or_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n obligation_n be_v manifest_a also_o from_o act._n 5._o where_o it_o appear_v upon_o the_o signal_n judgement_n that_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n fall_v under_o v._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n such_o hypocrite_n as_o they_o none_o dare_v join_v themselves_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o cement_n and_o unite_v into_o a_o body_n it_o be_v use_v for_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 9.26_o and_o 1_o cor._n 6.17_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v say_v here_o v._o 14._o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n which_o must_v be_v by_o some_o visible_a overt_a act_n whereby_o they_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n after_o believe_v for_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o their_o mystical_a join_n to_o christ_n by_o believe_v for_o then_o the_o antithesis_fw-la will_v not_o hold_v between_o they_o that_o dare_v not_o and_o they_o that_o do_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v the_o add_v a_o member_n to_o a_o church_n which_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n act._n 2.41_o 47._o there_o they_o be_v first_o visible_a believer_n then_o add_v to_o a_o society_n by_o some_o overt_a solemn_a act_n and_o therefore_o say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o in_o this_o way_n of_o conference_n between_o you_o and_o i_o to_o evince_v this_o truth_n particular_o from_o the_o method_n that_o god_n use_v in_o the_o constitute_n and_o maintain_v a_o visible_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n to_o look_v back_o but_o as_o far_o as_o abraham_n how_o he_o and_o his_o family_n and_o his_o seed_n become_v a_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v by_o explicit_a obligation_n and_o overt_a act_n in_o bind_v they_o by_o sacrifice_n i_o may_v mention_v the_o several_a express_a obligation_n that_o church_n come_v under_o from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o moses_n time_n at_o horeb_n joshua_n the_o judge_n samuel_n especial_o david_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o reform_a king_n remarkable_o by_o josiah_n and_o after_o the_o captivity_n in_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n day_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o dispensation_n peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n state_n and_o stand_v of_o the_o church_n be_v manifest_a from_o isa_n 56.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o for_o there_o god_n speak_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n salvation_n which_o be_v near_o mean_v the_o gentile_a by_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n and_o by_o the_o eunuch_n any_o other_o exclude_v from_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o incapacitate_v by_o levitical_a uncleanness_n these_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v believer_n and_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n the_o word_n use_v in_o the_o act_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o his_o covenant_n shall_v have_v a_o place_n and_o a_o name_n in_o my_o house_n i._n e._n to_o be_v church_n member_n and_o have_v right_a to_o all_o church_n privilege_n and_o this_o be_v that_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n foretell_v that_o the_o great_a and_o gospel_n restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v bring_v they_o under_o ezek._n 20.37_o of_o which_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n chap._n 50.4_o 5_o 6._o and_o zech._n 2.10_o 11._o i_o refer_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o that_o clear_a discourse_n that_o the_o learned_a mr._n j._n cotton_n have_v upon_o this_o subject_n in_o his_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o n.e._n pag._n 59_o 60_o 61_o etc._n etc._n where_o you_o may_v receive_v full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n if_o what_o i_o have_v brief_o speak_v be_v not_o enough_o you_o may_v read_v also_o mr._n j._n davenport_n power_n of_o congregational_a church_n his_o answer_n to_o mr._n j._n paget_n where_o he_o show_v pag._n 27._o that_o this_o covenant_n obligation_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n and_o show_v the_o nature_n and_o evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o a_o church_n be_v as_o likewise_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v chap._n 4._o page_n 45._o phil._n sir_n i_o thank_v you_o for_o discover_v these_o author_n to_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v reverend_a pious_a &_o learned_a man_n who_o suffer_v much_o for_o the_o testimony_n they_o bear_v against_o our_o corruption_n prejudice_n for_o a_o long_a time_n have_v keep_v i_o off_o from_o read_v the_o work_n of_o such_o man_n but_o i_o pray_v sir_n give_v the_o head_n of_o the_o argument_n they_o insist_v on_o for_o it_o chr._n 1._o believer_n be_v under_o church_n power_n this_o way_n or_o quatenus_fw-la believer_n if_o quatenus_fw-la profess_v believer_n then_o where_o ever_o they_o come_v the_o church_n and_o officer_n there_o may_v challenge_v power_n over_o they_o as_o member_n this_o will_v be_v deny_v by_o most_o till_o they_o voluntary_o submit_v themselves_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v come_v for_o church_n privilege_n but_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o church_n power_n for_o their_o reformation_n to_o be_v administer_v towards_o they_o 2._o they_o argue_v from_o all_o civil_a society_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o marriage_n itself_o can_v have_v a_o formal_a be_v without_o mutual_a compact_n and_o agreement_n so_o there_o be_v a_o mutual_a relation_n that_o all_o church_n member_n stand_v in_o one_o to_o another_o and_o all_o of_o they_o to_o their_o officer_n and_o their_o officer_n to_o they_o and_o reciprocal_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v these_o can_v be_v perform_v or_o will_v not_o without_o mutual_a consent_n and_o obligation_n 3._o they_o argue_v from_o all_o the_o metaphor_n whereby_o a_o church_n be_v describe_v a_o house_n and_o 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church_n seem_v very_o clear_a as_o have_v be_v touch_v but_o suppose_v it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o clear_o express_v i_o know_v not_o out_o if_o god_n institute_n a_o society_n or_o other_o thing_n what_o ever_o be_v necessary_o require_v to_o the_o very_a nature_n &_o essence_n of_o the_o thing_n without_o which_o it_o will_v inevitable_o be_v destroy_v aught_o to_o be_v do_v the_o general_a rule_n in_o such-case_n ought_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o duty_n in_o all_o those_o particular_n that_o must_v necessary_o attend_v obedience_n thereunto_o phil._n but_o if_o this_o bond_n of_o visible_a obligation_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n than_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o such_o where_o it_o be_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v hard_o christ_n how_o far_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v own_v a_o people_n profess_v themselves_o a_o church_n and_o how_o far_o he_o will_v dispense_v with_o their_o failure_n and_o defect_n in_o matter_n of_o order_n especial_o while_o it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o antichristian_a wilderness_n he_o himself_o only_o know_v much_o have_v be_v do_v by_o christ_n undoubted_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n in_o the_o day_n of_o reformation_n and_o that_o he_o have_v have_v his_o true_a church_n all_o along_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v in_o a_o mystical_a not_o a_o visible_a organical_a stand_n and_o in_o many_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n have_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o purity_n be_v administer_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o congregation_n visible_a saint_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n free_v from_o romish_a pollution_n and_o (null)_o invention_n we_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o true_a though_o not_o right_o regulate_v church_n of_o christ_n without_o this_o express_a and_o solemn_a obligation_n it_o be_v implicit_a and_o such_o 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weighty_a matter_n they_o appoint_v a_o day_n for_o it_o and_o acquaint_v church_n with_o it_o that_o their_o pastor_n or_o messenger_n or_o as_o many_o of_o other_o church_n as_o please_v may_v be_v present_a at_o the_o time_n after_o spend_v some_o part_n of_o the_o day_n in_o such_o solemn_a duty_n as_o concern_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n they_o do_v declare_v the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o their_o soul_n one_o after_o another_o then_o or_o before_o one_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o to_o preside_v for_o order_n sake_n this_o day_n it_o may_v be_v some_o brother_n upon_o who_o they_o have_v their_o eye_n for_o a_o pastor_n he_o than_o declare_v in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o there_o now_o intend_v to_o associate_v name_v each_o of_o they_o at_o which_o they_o be_v stand_v the_o speaker_n address_v himself_o to_o the_o pastor_n and_o messenger_n of_o other_o church_n present_a after_o this_o or_o the_o like_a manner_n brethren_n you_o be_v witness_n of_o that_o 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word_n whether_o more_a or_o less_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n may_v be_v use_v only_o to_o declare_v their_o profess_a subjection_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n in_o faith_n and_o order_n according_o one_o of_o the_o pastor_n or_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n there_o present_a and_o declare_v their_o joyfulness_n and_o gladness_n of_o heart_n to_o see_v their_o faith_n and_o order_n and_o according_o do_v reach_v out_o unto_o they_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n with_o holy_a wish_n and_o desire_n that_o as_o their_o foundation_n be_v lay_v in_o christ_n jesus_n so_o they_o may_v be_v edify_v in_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v multiply_v see_v cotton_n way_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n phil._n sure_o this_o practice_n look_v very_o much_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o what_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v christ_n now_o the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o organize_v this_o body_n with_o officer_n in_o order_n to_o due_a administration_n of_o ordinance_n chap._n iii_o of_o church_n officer_n phil._n have_v they_o power_n within_o themselves_o to_o choose_v their_o officer_n christ_n they_o must_v undoubted_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o society_n be_v such_o that_o they_o must_v have_v it_o for_o they_o associate_v not_o themselves_o by_o the_o command_n or_o power_n of_o man_n but_o of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n if_o none_o have_v power_n over_o they_o but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n alone_o none_o but_o himself_o by_o their_o own_o free_a act_n can_v constitute_v a_o pastor_n over_o they_o 2._o the_o power_n of_o choose_v their_o officer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o subordinate_a end_n for_o which_o they_o do_v associate_v because_o they_o will_v not_o
invention_n whereby_o also_o all_o antichristian_a abomination_n overspread_v the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n phil._n but_o do_v not_o christ_n give_v other_o ministerial_a officer_n to_o his_o church_n christ_n the_o officer_n which_o christ_n place_v in_o his_o church_n for_o edification_n be_v extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a but_o both_o pastoral_n for_o they_o that_o be_v call_v elder_n and_o set_v for_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n in_o seal_n and_o government_n i_o call_v just_o pastoral_a for_o feed_v the_o flock_n comprehend_v both_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n phil._n who_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a officer_n christ_n they_o be_v apostolic_a and_o such_o who_o be_v not_o succeed_v after_o the_o first_o church_n be_v plant_v but_o by_o ordinary_a pastoral_n officer_n and_o these_o be_v apostle_n and_o apostolic_a help_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o office-charge_n 4.11_o eph._n 4.11_o and_o be_v prophet_n and_o 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and_o as_o to_o the_o former_a character_n where_o the_o bishop_n can_v with_o a_o show_n of_o any_o just_a pretence_n lie_v claim_v unto_o they_o phil._n what_o be_v the_o prophet_n that_o accompany_v and_o assist_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n christ_n of_o this_o sort_n it_o be_v say_v act_v 13.1_o there_o be_v certain_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n i_o suppose_v not_o much_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a mission_n and_o qualification_n be_v church-member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n on_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v in_o the_o appearance_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n whereby_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o preach_v gift_n and_o those_o of_o tongue_n in_o order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o whatsoever_o people_n they_o come_v jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o go_v forth_o for_o this_o end_n in_o subordination_n to_o and_o by_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o time_n we_o read_v of_o the_o travel_n be_v act_n 11.19_o occasion_v by_o saul_n persecution_n some_o of_o they_o man_n of_o cyprus_n and_o cyrene_n who_o when_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o other_o place_n preach_v come_v at_o last_o unto_o antioch_n and_o speak_v unto_o the_o grecian_a jew_n preach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o be_v the_o believe_v and_o turn_v of_o many_o unto_o the_o lord_n these_o by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v hand_n on_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n but_o we_o read_v not_o that_o they_o baptize_v or_o do_v perform_v any_o other_o ministerial_a act_n if_o that_o be_v one_o probably_n they_o may_v convey_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o other_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n too_o phil._n what_o be_v the_o evangelist_n christ_n they_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v to_o assist_v the_o apostle_n also_o in_o preach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n baptism_n and_o plant_v church_n with_o ordination_n of_o officer_n in_o they_o philip_n preach_v and_o baptise_a and_o wrought_v miracle_n act_n 8.5_o 12_o 39_o but_o do_v not_o convey_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v bestow_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n as_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n verse_n 15_o 16._o and_o philip_n be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n act_v 21.8_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n 1_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o assistant_n to_o paul_n in_o his_o apostolic_a function_n and_o he_o do_v lay_v on_o hand_n now_o as_o to_o this_o that_o philip_n do_v not_o and_o timothy_n do_v i_o judge_v these_o secondary_a apostolic_a man_n act_v not_o as_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o general_a commission_n but_o by_o the_o immediate_a particular_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o by_o the_o mediate_a command_n from_o time_n to_o time_n give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o they_o be_v assistant_n and_o subordinate_a in_o their_o act_n there_o be_v some_o which_o we_o call_v evangelist_n from_o their_o writing_n the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n two_o of_o which_o be_v primary_o apostle_n viz._n matthew_n and_o john_n mark_n and_o luke_n may_v be_v evangelist_n in_o the_o other_o sense_n phil._n who_o be_v leave_v the_o pastoral_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o christ_n ascension_n christ_n the_o whole_a ministerial_a office_n in_o that_o church_n be_v leave_v and_o place_v at_o first_o in_o the_o apostle_n both_o pastoral_n and_o diaconal_a and_o either_o of_o the_o apostle_n may_v have_v preside_v but_o that_o by_o consent_n it_o may_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 16.19_o peter_n take_v the_o chair_n viz._n the_o orderly_a management_n of_o the_o key_n that_o the_o diaconal_a office_n be_v in_o the_o say_a apostle_n at_o first_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o account_n we_o have_v act._n 2.4_o 5._o of_o the_o member_n bring_v their_o possession_n and_o lay_v they_o at_o their_o foot_n to_o dispose_v of_o as_o a_o church_n stock_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o twelve_o to_o the_o multitude_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n they_o find_v the_o serve_a table_n to_o be_v to_o great_a a_o burden_n to_o they_o upon_o such_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n afterward_o also_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n require_v there_o be_v elder_n or_o presbyter_n choose_v distinct_a from_o the_o apostle_n which_o appear_v from_o act._n 15.23_o and_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a the_o increase_n and_o multiply_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v according_a as_o the_o necessary_a reason_n thereof_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o increase_n or_o otherwise_o which_o necessity_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n breathe_v through_o the_o apostle_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o supply_v chap._n v._o of_o ordinary_a officer_n phil._n what_o officer_n do_v complete_o organize_v a_o particular_a congregation_n christ_n pastoral_n and_o diaconal_a so_o that_o pastor_n and_o deacon_n do_v make_v a_o church_n complete_o organise_v but_o through_o multiplication_n of_o a_o church_n or_o for_o other_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v good_a ground_n to_o choose_v coadjutor_n in_o each_o office_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o increase_a the_o officer_n of_o one_o kind_n or_o another_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v edify_v phil._n what_o be_v the_o pastor_n office_n christ_n the_o pastor_n office_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o church_n as_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o a_o overseer_n or_o bishop_n which_o pastoral_n feed_v consist_v in_o gospel_n preach_v administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o government_n in_o the_o last_o respect_n more_o especial_o he_o be_v call_v a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n act._n 20._o phil._n what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o gospel_n preach_v christ_n i_o mean_v a_o right_n divide_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o it_o
another_o congregation_n and_o call_v he_o to_o it_o and_o why_o not_o as_o well_o as_o to_o call_v one_o to_o be_v a_o preach_v elder_a that_o be_v a_o brother_n of_o another_o congregation_n for_o all_o church_n officer_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o church_n and_o first_o make_v member_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v christ_n in_o office_n before_o they_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o thereto_o phil._n what_o reason_n may_v a_o church_n be_v move_v by_o to_o choose_v a_o roll_a elder_a or_o more_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v a_o brother_n apt_o qualify_v and_o can_v attend_v it_o there_o need_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o it_o though_o the_o church_n be_v but_o small_a it_o may_v be_v much_o comfort_n and_o help_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o tend_v to_o much_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o church_n may_v see_v reason_n to_o choose_v rule_v elder_n from_o the_o great_a increase_n and_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o management_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n lie_v not_o too_o heavy_o upon_o their_o pastor_n 3._o the_o church_n may_v see_v reason_n for_o it_o because_o their_o pastor_n qualify_v it_o may_v be_v with_o much_o of_o grace_n preach_v gift_n and_o learning_n may_v not_o be_v qualify_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o government_n and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o man_n of_o retire_a studious_a life_n have_v so_o great_a a_o insight_n into_o the_o right_a order_n of_o politic_a affair_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o great_a mathematician_n but_o yet_o a_o ill_a seaman_n not_o know_v how_o to_o work_v or_o steer_v a_o ship_n so_o well_o as_o a_o master_n mate_n or_o a_o boatswain_n there_o be_v in_o spiritual_n as_o well_o as_o temporal_n a_o skill_n in_o practice_n to_o have_v the_o sense_n exercise_v by_o reason_n of_o use_n as_o well_o as_o a_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o rule_n phil._n what_o be_v the_o officework_n of_o a_o roll_a elder_n christ_n to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o admission_n to_o make_v good_a enquiry_n after_o the_o faith_n and_o holy_a conversation_n of_o such_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o church_n communion_n to_o propound_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o make_v inspection_n into_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o actual_a member_n frequent_o to_o visit_v they_o to_o rebuke_v any_o seem_o late-walking_a as_o not_o become_v the_o gospel_n to_o inquire_v after_o the_o reason_n of_o member_n absentment_n from_o communion_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o frequent_v assemble_v together_o for_o mutual_a edification_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a to_o support_v the_o weak_a to_o visit_v the_o sick_a to_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a etc._n etc._n 3._o in_o all_o matter_n of_o admonition_n and_o censure_n to_o hear_v and_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o church_n before_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o confusion_n and_o in_o disquietment_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o church_n but_o with_o all_o meekness_n unanimity_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n phil._n you_o have_v show_v that_o the_o ministerial_a office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pastoral_n or_o diaconal_a and_o have_v show_v that_o the_o pastoral_n or_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o pastoral_n care_n be_v exhortation_n teach_v administration_n of_o the_o seal_n rule_n and_o government_n according_a to_o all_o which_o part_n of_o a_o pastor_n office_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v provide_v affi_v officer_n and_o help_n such_o as_o teacher_n and_o roll_a elder_n to_o the_o full_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n i_o pray_v speak_v now_o something_o of_o the_o deacon_n office_n christ_n the_o english_a word_n deacon_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o minister_n or_o one_o that_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o office_n it_o be_v use_v for_o any_o minister_n at_o large_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o deaconship_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o apostleship_n itself_o act._n 1.17_o 25._o or_o to_o a_o part_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o act._n 6.4_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o particular_a service_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 11.29_o ch_n 12.25_o and_o paul_n appli_v it_o to_o his_o whole_a ministry_n as_o a_o apostle_n act._n 20.24_o rom._n 11.13_o ch_n 15.31_o 2._o cor._n 6.3_o but_o it_o have_v its_o peculiar_a application_n to_o that_o ministry_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n necessity_n by_o way_n of_o distribution_n of_o collection_n make_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n to_o whosesoever_o care_v it_o be_v commit_v and_o such_o a_o service_n paul_n say_v he_o undertake_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.4_o which_o be_v call_v the_o deaconship_n of_o this_o liturgy_n 2_o cor._n 9.12_o render_v the_o administration_n of_o this_o service_n now_o we_o find_v as_o office_n title_n of_o large_a significancy_n be_v bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o denote_v a_o single_a particular_a office_n in_o the_o church_n as_o apostle_n pastor_n bishop_n presbyter_n etc._n etc._n so_o here_o the_o word_n deacon_n be_v often_o use_v for_o all_o sacred_a ministry_n liturgy_n or_o service_n be_v a_o title_n put_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o the_o liturgy_n or_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o way_n of_o administration_n by_o distribution_n phil._n when_o be_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o deacon_n christ_n it_o be_v act._n 6._o a_o apostolic_a i._n e._n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v a_o divine_a institution_n and_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o observe_v the_o reason_n &_o ground_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o ease_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o great_a burden_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o when_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v sell_v their_o possession_n and_o bring_v the_o money_n and_o lay_v it_o down_o at_o their_o foot_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o again_o for_o a_o equal_a and_o necessary_a support_n to_o every_o one_o as_o need_v require_v this_o be_v too_o great_a a_o charge_n and_o burden_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o likely_a afterward_o to_o be_v unto_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o hence_o they_o institute_v this_o office_n of_o deaconship_n and_o therefore_o be_v also_o a_o more_o remote_a office_n of_o assistance_n unto_o the_o roll_a episcopacy_n but_o be_v very_o distinct_a in_o nature_n and_o kind_n from_o that_o sort_n of_o ministry_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v after_o that_o manner_n act._n 6.1_o 4._o that_o the_o church_n shall_v choose_v they_o fit_a man_n for_o this_o daily_a care_n and_o trust_v and_o they_o will_v betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n phil._n what_o ground_n have_v you_o for_o this_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n christ._n the_o very_a nature_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o church_n require_v it_o and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a ground_n for_o a_o office_n when_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o well_o be_v of_o a_o society_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_a necessity_n do_v require_v it_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v most_o express_a upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o apostle_n choose_v such_o officer_n for_o the_o necessary_a service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o state_v officer_n in_o other_o church_n appear_v from_o phil._n 1.1_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v express_o call_v their_o ministry_n a_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o 13._o as_o the_o word_n be_v render_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v by_o our_o interpreter_n their_o qualification_n and_o encouragement_n be_v also_o very_o particular_a v._o 8.9_o 10_o 13._o see_v rom._n 12.8_o he_o it_o to_o be_v grave_n sober_a exemplary_a in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n etc._n etc._n phil._n what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n christ._n the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v it_o serve_v of_o table_n the_o lord_n table_n and_o the_o table_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o a_o faithful_a collection_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v give_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o ordinance_n ministry_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v with_o simplicity_n prudence_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o of_o which_o they_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n let_v that_o word_n cheerfulness_n be_v observe_v because_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o murmur_v at_o this_o office_n as_o a_o burden_n to_o they_o phil._n how_o many_o deacon_n be_v there_o to_o be_v christ_n there_o be_v seven_o in_o the_o first_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o have_v seldom_o church_n arrive_v to_o the_o bigness_n
of_o that_o since_o neither_o do_v the_o spirit_n seem_v to_o limit_v to_o a_o certain_a number_n the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v how_o many_o be_v requisite_a to_o perform_v the_o duty_n require_v in_o that_o office_n according_a to_o their_o present_a stare_n and_o stand_v yea_o they_o may_v increase_v their_o number_n if_o they_o see_v need_n require_v phil._n be_v there_o any_o help_n in_o this_o ministration_n speciffy_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christ_n yes_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v pretty_a plain_n that_o there_o be_v widow_n or_o deaconess_n or_o matron_n who_o be_v to_o do_v that_o part_n of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v not_o so_o convenient_a for_o man_n such_o as_o to_o visit_v the_o sick_a especial_o sister_n and_o inquire_v into_o their_o necessity_n and_o bring_v a_o account_n to_o the_o deacon_n if_o any_o be_v without_o necessary_a supply_n for_o food_n raiment_n physic_n attendance_n and_o the_o like_a see_v 1_o tim._n 5.5_o 9_o 10._o and_o phabe_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o deaconess_n to_o the_o church_n of_o cenchrea_n rom._n 16.1_o phil._n you_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o the_o fix_a officer_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n &_o although_o there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v deny_v some_o of_o these_o to_o be_v distinct_a officer_n yet_o see_v here_o be_v in_o every_o church_n these_o office_n service_n to_o be_v perform_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v of_o they_o distinct_o under_o these_o two_o head_n bishop_n and_o deacon_n &_o that_o the_o pastor_n teacher_n and_o rule_v elder_a all_o concur_v to_o the_o fulfil_n the_o pastoral_n or_o episcopal_a office_n for_o the_o church_n edification_n and_o man_n and_o woman_n deacon_n make_v up_o the_o liturgical_a or_o diaconal_a office_n i_o have_v receive_v much_o satisfaction_n upon_o this_o account_n but_o methinks_v i_o be_o much_o to_o seek_v about_o one_o great_a concern_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n viz._n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o unconvert_v for_o which_o work_n and_o service_n i_o can_v see_v how_o christ_n have_v provide_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n for_o all_o the_o officer_n you_o have_v mention_v be_v officer_n only_o in_o and_o to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o far_o as_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v in_o the_o church_n they_o have_v a_o convert_v ministry_n but_o they_o that_o be_v remote_a must_v be_v without_o a_o ministry_n because_o there_o be_v no_o church_n christ_n christ_n have_v constitute_v not_o state_v officer_n but_o in_o and_o to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n he_o have_v not_o call_v and_o send_v any_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o conversion_n in_o the_o pure_a state_n and_o stand_v of_o the_o first_o church_n but_o from_o the_o church_n the_o first_o apostle_n themselves_o go_v out_o from_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n paul_n and_o barnabas_n from_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n so_o that_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o pprophecy_n of_o the_o latter_a day_n the_o law_n shall_v go_v out_o from_o zion_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n from_o jerusalem_n and_o christ_n have_v provide_v a_o way_n to_o send_v the_o gospel_n to_o infidel_n and_o unconverted_a one_o for_o rom._n 10.14_o 15._o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v and_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n have_v have_v his_o way_n in_o a_o providential_a manner_n of_o send_v the_o gospel_n into_o the_o blind_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n when_o visible_a church_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v find_v through_o antichristian_a darkness_n that_o overspread_v the_o earth_n yet_o christ_n have_v a_o institute_v way_n of_o send_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o unconverted_a world_n for_o man_n may_v have_v a_o call_v and_o dedication_n to_o some_o peculiar_a work_n and_o service_n to_o be_v do_v for_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o church_n viz._n to_o be_v a_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n to_o beseech_v man_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v providential_o be_v send_v to_o many_o place_n as_o the_o scattering_z the_o church_n by_o persecution_n be_v the_o occasion_n act._n 11.19_o of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n at_o phoenicia_n cyprus_n and_o antioch_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o tiding_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v come_v to_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n they_o send_v forth_o barnabas_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v as_o far_o as_o antioch_n and_o afterward_o he_o be_v send_v forth_o again_o from_o the_o church_n at_o antioch_n i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v now_o on_o this_o point_n i_o may_v meet_v with_o it_o again_o elsewhere_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a way_n of_o go_v forth_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v by_o the_o mission_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n by_o the_o suffrage_n and_o prayer_n thereof_o and_o he_o may_v be_v call_v a_o teacher_n such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n and_o so_o i_o distinguish_v of_o teacher_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v state_v teacher_n to_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v 2._o such_o that_o be_v send_v forth_o to_o open_v blind_a eye_n etc._n etc._n to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n man_n lie_v in_o their_o infidelity_n phil._n you_o have_v give_v i_o a_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o several_a officer_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n i_o desire_v to_o understand_v how_o they_o be_v make_v and_o constitute_v in_o a_o orderly_a regular_a manner_n christ_n it_o can_v be_v but_o by_o ordination_n phil._n what_o all_o of_o they_o by_o ordination_n elder_n and_o deacon_n the_o lay-officer_n christ_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o we_o own_v no_o such_o officer_n but_o they_o that_o be_v ecclesiastical_o so_o and_o therefore_o not_o lay-officer_n the_o way_n of_o ordination_n of_o rule_v elder_n and_o deacon_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n phil_n what_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a profanation_n of_o that_o sacred_a ordinance_n to_o apply_v it_o to_o man_n that_o be_v illiterate_a and_o have_v not_o be_v at_o the_o university_n christ_n christ_n do_v not_o limit_v any_o ordinance_n to_o literate_a man_n and_o to_o university_n man_n his_o practice_n be_v quite_o contrary_a but_o i_o pray_v sir_n tell_v i_o 1._o where_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v call_v ordination_n 2._o whether_o the_o deacon_n have_v not_o imposition_n of_o hand_n act._n 6.3_o where_o any_o other_o ordinary_a church_n officer_n have_v imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v some_o more_o reason_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o ordinary_a for_o apply_v it_o to_o deacon_n whether_o they_o shall_v have_v have_v it_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n of_o administration_n and_o therefore_o all_o church_n officer_n to_o have_v it_o than_o they_o have_v eminent_a right_n to_o it_o still_o and_o then_o what_o profanation_n be_v it_o to_o apply_v a_o ordinance_n according_a to_o its_o first_o institution_n phil._n you_o suggest_v strange_a notion_n about_o ordination_n i_o must_v get_v you_o to_o clear_v they_o up_o to_o i_o christ_n sir_n you_o shall_v excuse_v i_o for_o the_o present_a i_o shall_v do_v it_o another_o time_n i_o only_o tell_v you_o now_o that_o all_o church_n officer_n be_v make_v by_o ordination_n and_o ordain_v alike_o and_o that_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v not_o ordination_n and_o if_o the_o most_o be_v make_v of_o it_o it_o be_v but_o a_o ceremony_n annex_v which_o now_o be_v obsolete_a and_o that_o all_o ordination_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n of_o who_o the_o person_n ordain_v be_v a_o member_n yea_o if_o imposition_n of_o hand_n be_v a_o necessary_a ceremony_n therein_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o elder_n of_o other_o church_n but_o by_o the_o presbytery_n or_o delegated_a brethren_n of_o the_o say_v same_o church_n these_o thing_n shall_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o you_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o light_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v phil._n these_o thing_n look_v not_o only_a heterodox_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o ordinary_a professor_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n but_o contrary_a to_o what_o many_o yea_o most_o of_o our_o learned_a divine_n have_v write_v and_o practise_v but_o i_o shall_v wait_v till_o you_o give_v i_o further_a light_n into_o they_o and_o demonstration_n for_o the_o assertion_n you_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n institute_v by_o christ_n for_o a_o church_n edification_n chap._n vi_o of_o church_n ordinance_n of_o christ_n institution_n christ_n the_o institute_v ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v 1._o preach_v the_o word_n 2._o prayer_n and_o praise_n 3._o the_o seal_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 4._o the_o key_n which_o be_v the_o
admit_v such_o to_o communion_n which_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o another_o church_n or_o disorderly_o withdraw_v from_o it_o signification_n be_v make_v thereof_o 3._o there_o be_v communion_n of_o church_n in_o mutual_a advice_n and_o counsel_n which_o shall_v be_v maintain_v by_o elder_n frequent_a assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n 4._o by_o sympathize_v with_o each_o other_o poverty_n and_o affliction_n by_o relieve_v and_o support_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a such_o as_o labour_v in_o this_o kind_n and_o this_o be_v a_o communion_n in_o give_v and_o receive_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o phil._n be_v there_o not_o a_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o office_n power_n of_o the_o elder_n v._o gr_n for_o one_o pastor_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o another_o and_o for_o the_o elder_n of_o one_o or_o more_o congregation_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o another_o christ_n officer_n have_v a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o the_o society_n that_o have_v call_v they_o and_o there_o only_o they_o be_v such_o and_o that_o society_n only_o can_v constitute_v and_o ordain_v they_o and_o there_o only_o they_o can_v exercise_v their_o particular_a office_n charge_n as_o a_o pastor_n can_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n only_o in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v overseer_n neither_o the_o roll_a elder_a can_v govern_v nor_o the_o deacon_n have_v power_n to_o distribute_v any_o where_o but_o where_o he_o be_v a_o deacon_n or_o have_v that_o office_n charge_v commit_v to_o he_o for_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n be_v thereby_o make_v a_o indefinite_a officer_n to_o all_o it_o will_v soon_o bring_v confusion_n to_o all_o and_o the_o elder_n of_o one_o church_n may_v excommunicate_v in_o another_o phil._n i_o thank_v you_o sir_n for_o this_o brief_a account_n you_o have_v give_v i_o of_o your_o church_n order_n as_o for_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n institution_n i_o think_v all_o reform_a church_n own_o they_o more_o or_o less_o and_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o in_o their_o way_n though_o with_o innumerable_a superstition_n and_o idolatrous_a addition_n and_o for_o the_o church_n officer_n you_o insist_v on_o methinks_v i_o see_v there_o be_v something_o analogous_a to_o they_o remain_v in_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n through_o antichristian_a darkness_n as_o in_o some_o of_o our_o parish_n we_o have_v the_o parson_n as_o pastor_n the_o assistant_n in_o preach_v as_o the_o teacher_n the_o church_n warden_n as_o roll_a elder_n the_o overseer_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o deacon_n and_o though_o these_o labour_n under_o many_o abuse_n now_o and_o irregularity_n by_o popish_a corruption_n yet_o it_o show_v that_o these_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o do_v full_o answer_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v large_a none_o of_o they_o can_v well_o be_v spare_v chap._n viii_o of_o letter_n of_o commendation_n and_o discommendation_n phil._n before_o we_o break_v up_o this_o conference_n i_o pray_v inform_v i_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o translate_n of_o a_o church_n member_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o say_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n and_o of_o dismission_n christ_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o a_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v but_o a_o certificate_n under_o a_o elder_n hand_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o church_n member_n and_o orderly_a walker_n in_o order_n to_o his_o free_a admission_n to_o occasional_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n it_o need_v not_o be_v a_o church_n act._n 2._o it_o be_v not_o in_o order_n to_o the_o part_n with_o a_o member_n 3._o it_o need_v not_o be_v direct_v to_o any_o particular_a congregation_n 4._o when_o member_n of_o each_o congregation_n be_v well_o know_v to_o one_o another_o they_o be_v needless_a as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 2._o we_o need_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d letter_n of_o commendation_n to_o you_o phil._n i_o pray_v in_o what_o form_n do_v a_o letter_n of_o commendation_n run_v christ_n it_o may_v be_v in_o these_o or_o such_o like_a word_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o respective_a elder_n to_o who_o these_o present_n shall_v come_v grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n see_v god_n by_o his_o providence_n have_v call_v this_o our_o brother_n a._n b._n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o place_n remote_a from_o we_o for_o a_o time_n and_o that_o he_o may_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o any_o place_n whither_o he_o be_v lawful_o call_v and_o where_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v plant_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n these_o be_v to_o certify_v that_o this_o our_o brother_n a._n b._n be_v under_o no_o censure_n but_o in_o actual_a communion_n with_o we_o have_v walk_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o holy_a conversation_n as_o become_v the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o great_a honour_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o rejoice_v wherefore_o you_o need_v not_o doubt_v to_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o occasional_a communion_n whensoever_o he_o shall_v desire_v the_o same_o we_o greet_v you_o well_o in_o the_o lord_n c._n d._n pastor_n phil._n be_v not_o this_o sufficient_a for_o to_o translate_v a_o member_n to_o another_o church_n and_o make_v he_o a_o actual_a member_n there_o christ_n no_o this_o make_v he_o not_o a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o church_n more_o than_o another_o 2._o here_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v give_v up_o no_o right_a in_o he_o neither_o do_v any_o church_n act_n pass_v to_o that_o purpose_n or_o be_v desire_v by_o he_o the_o end_n of_o this_o be_v but_o to_o be_v a_o testimonial_a to_o other_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o church_n member_n and_o one_o under_o no_o censure_n but_o approve_v and_o therefore_o that_o no_o other_o church_n may_v scruple_n to_o admit_v he_o to_o their_o communion_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v phil._n i_o pray_v then_o how_o do_v you_o write_v a_o dismission_n some_o dismiss_v member_n but_o to_o no_o church_n christ_n it_o may_v be_v write_v with_o these_o or_o such_o like_a expression_n as_o the_o matter_n require_v for_o in_o some_o case_n variation_n be_v require_v phil._n what_o be_v those_o case_n christ_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o some_o dismission_n can_v be_v write_v with_o so_o great_a commendation_n as_o other_o may_v some_o depart_a member_n give_v considerable_a cause_n of_o offence_n in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n before_o and_o in_o their_o ask_a dismission_n phil._n how_o do_v you_o write_v a_o dismission_n wit●_n commendation_n christ_n a_o dismission_n with_o commendation_n may_v be_v after_o this_o manner_n and_o it_o must_v be_v direct_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o place_n to_o which_o the_o reverend_n mr._n l._n p._n be_v pastor_n grace_n mercy_n etc._n etc._n dear_o belove_v in_o the_o lord_n whereas_o f._n d._n a_o brother_n in_o fellowship_n with_o we_o have_v walk_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n and_o holy_a conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o his_o profession_n continue_v steadfast_o in_o attendance_n on_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o congregation_n and_o now_o have_v consult_v we_o and_o give_v we_o reason_n why_o he_o apprehend_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o ask_v his_o dismission_n which_o reason_n be_v due_o consider_v by_o we_o and_o approve_v as_o satisfactory_a we_o think_v it_o no_o less_o our_o duty_n to_o grant_v his_o say_a request_n and_o do_v hereby_o dismiss_v he_o unto_o you_o discharge_v he_o from_o his_o near_a relation_n and_o obligation_n unto_o we_o and_o commit_v he_o to_o your_o particular_a watch_n and_o care_n desire_v you_o to_o receive_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o you_o will_v be_v every_o way_n helpful_a to_o he_o to_o promote_v his_o edification_n and_o comfort_n for_o which_o spiritual_a end_n we_o commend_v you_o and_o he_o with_o you_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n who_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v subscribe_v by_o the_o consent_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o k._n by_o a._n n._n pastor_n phil._n but_o what_o kind_n of_o dismission_n can_v you_o give_v without_o commendation_n christ_n there_o must_v be_v some_o in_o every_o one_o and_o charity_n allow_v we_o to_o give_v some_o commendation_n to_o a_o member_n that_o stand_v under_o very_o dissatisfactory_a circumstance_n which_o we_o hope_v proceed_v from_o his_o infirmity_n only_o and_o therefore_o can_v say_v