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
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
church_n seem_v very_o clear_a as_o have_v be_v touch_v but_o suppose_v it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o clear_o express_v i_o know_v not_o out_o if_o god_n institute_n a_o society_n or_o other_o thing_n what_o ever_o be_v necessary_o require_v to_o the_o very_a nature_n &_o essence_n of_o the_o thing_n without_o which_o it_o will_v inevitable_o be_v destroy_v aught_o to_o be_v do_v the_o general_a rule_n in_o such-case_n ought_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o duty_n in_o all_o those_o particular_n that_o must_v necessary_o attend_v obedience_n thereunto_o phil._n but_o if_o this_o bond_n of_o visible_a obligation_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n than_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o such_o where_o it_o be_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v hard_o christ_n how_o far_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n will_v own_v a_o people_n profess_v themselves_o a_o church_n and_o how_o far_o he_o will_v dispense_v with_o their_o failure_n and_o defect_n in_o matter_n of_o order_n especial_o while_o it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o antichristian_a wilderness_n he_o himself_o only_o know_v much_o have_v be_v do_v by_o christ_n undoubted_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o that_o great_a apostasy_n in_o the_o day_n of_o reformation_n and_o that_o he_o have_v have_v his_o true_a church_n all_o along_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v in_o a_o mystical_a not_o a_o visible_a organical_a stand_n and_o in_o many_o congregation_n where_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n have_v in_o some_o measure_n of_o purity_n be_v administer_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o congregation_n visible_a saint_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o administration_n free_v from_o romish_a pollution_n and_o (null)_o invention_n we_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o true_a though_o not_o right_o regulate_v church_n of_o christ_n without_o this_o express_a and_o solemn_a obligation_n it_o be_v implicit_a and_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v as_o intend_v by_o their_o practice_n in_o attend_v and_o constant_a wait_v upon_o god_n in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o appointment_n in_o one_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n especial_o in_o that_o great_a ordinance_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n wherein_o they_o seal_v their_o union_n in_o one_o body_n 1_o cor._n 10_o 17._o and_o undoubted_o a_o people_n that_o be_v congregat_v have_v explicit_o choose_v their_o pastor_n or_o implicit_o subject_v to_o he_o and_o receive_v this_o sacred_a ordinance_n from_o his_o hand_n be_v bind_v to_o abide_v as_o a_o society_n mutual_o relate_v one_o to_o another_o in_o constant_a and_o frequent_a communion_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o but_o the_o come_n of_o a_o church_n thus_o together_o 1._o be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2._o the_o generality_n of_o communicant_n of_o this_o sort_n do_v not_o apprehend_v themselves_o hereby_o bind_v to_o 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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
much_o impression_n upon_o i_o and_o fix_v i_o with_o more_o resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o church_n for_o i_o know_v they_o be_v old_a professor_n and_o as_o cunning_a shifter_n as_o i_o be_v or_o i_o can_v be_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o think_v myself_o now_o but_o a_o fool_n to_o they_o see_v they_o have_v study_v and_o practise_v this_o point_n so_o thorough_o and_o condemn_v a_o narrow_a throat_a conscience_n for_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o wise_a man_n it_o be_v fit_a only_o for_o religious_a fool_n but_o i_o tell_v they_o if_o i_o do_v keep_v my_o church_n i_o will_v hear_v some_o or_o other_o that_o preach_v salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o i_o find_v such_o a_o one_o i_o will_v go_v near_o to_o move_v my_o family_n and_o come_v up_o to_o london_n so_o i_o take_v my_o leave_n and_o go_v away_o pay_v my_o dish_n christ_n and_o do_v you_o go_v to_o hear_v the_o man_n or_o man_n they_o direct_v you_o to_o phil._n yea_o i_o will_v warrant_v you_o and_o with_o a_o greedy_a appetite_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a crowd_n of_o whig_n many_o of_o which_o i_o know_v when_o they_o will_v not_o have_v go_v to_o church_n for_o a_o great_a deal_n sed_fw-la tempora_fw-la mutantur_fw-la &_o nos_fw-la etc._n etc._n christ_n and_o what_o be_v the_o subject_a he_o be_v upon_o phil._n eph._n 2.1_o and_o you_o have_v he_o quicken_v who_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n etc._n etc._n he_o insist_v on_o the_o dead_a state_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n show_v how_o all_o the_o imagination_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v evil_a he_o can_v not_o of_o himself_o do_v any_o good_a rom._n 3.12_o and_o back_v his_o doctrine_n with_o so_o many_o full_a and_o plain_a place_n of_o scripture_n that_o my_o mouth_n be_v full_o stop_v and_o my_o heart_n become_v guilty_a before_o god_n i_o say_v with_o myself_o bless_a be_v god_n i_o hope_v some_o man_n in_o the_o church_n have_v get_v the_o cue_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o hope_v all_o have_v not_o abdicate_v the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n from_o their_o pulpit_n i_o go_v in_o the_o afternoon_n to_o hear_v a_o man_n much_o commend_v too_o and_o he_o be_v on_o that_o text_n mat._n 16.26_o what_o will_v it_o profit_v a_o man_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o describe_v the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n so_o well_o show_v nothing_o can_v be_v a_o valuable_a ransom_n for_o it_o but_o christ_n and_o decry_v the_o world_n at_o such_o a_o rate_n especial_o when_o it_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o my_o two_o great_a bulwark_n be_v batter_v down_o in_o a_o manner_n in_o one_o day_n and_o christ_n even_o ready_a to_o take_v possession_n i_o see_v now_o i_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a undo_v wretched_a wicked_a condemn_a creature_n and_o that_o i_o have_v hitherto_o sell_v my_o soul_n to_o preserve_v my_o estate_n whereupon_o i_o retire_v myself_o to_o my_o lodging_n and_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o prayer_n and_o tear_n and_o resolve_v now_o if_o god_n will_v give_v i_o strength_n i_o will_v slip_v into_o a_o conventicle_n which_o according_o i_o do_v next_o sunday_n where_o i_o hear_v a_o very_a awaken_n discourse_n upon_o gal._n 3.10_o as_o many_o as_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v under_o the_o curse_n whereby_o i_o understand_v the_o desperate_a condition_n i_o be_v in_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o law_n which_o he_o open_v exceed_v well_o whereby_o the_o law_n come_v sin_n revive_v and_o i_o die_v rom._n 7._o after_o this_o i_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o get_v into_o a_o place_n where_o i_o hear_v a_o worthy_a man_n preach_v very_o lively_a and_o clear_o on_o act._n 16_o 31._o whence_o he_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o show_v how_o it_o save_v viz._n instrumental_o by_o close_v with_o and_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n for_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o how_o christ_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o and_o bear_v the_o curse_n after_o this_o i_o begin_v to_o savour_v the_o preach_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o find_v my_o soul_n more_o refresh_v with_o one_o of_o these_o sermon_n than_o with_o a_o hundred_o other_o i_o hear_v also_o from_o act_n 4.12_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v whereby_o we_o can_v be_v save_v and_o from_o heb._n 7.25_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v to_o the_o uttermost_a all_o they_o that_o come_v etc._n etc._n from_o joh._n 14.6_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n etc._n etc._n it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o precious_a discourse_n that_o i_o have_v since_o hear_v in_o london_n when_o i_o come_v up_o especial_o from_o the_o time_n of_o liberty_n and_o what_o warmth_n of_o love_n be_v wrought_v in_o i_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o some_o measure_n i_o trust_v of_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n that_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o freegrace_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v a_o christophilus_n now_o all_o my_o day_n but_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o one_o thing_n that_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o conventicler_n too_o as_o well_o as_o a_o son_n of_o the_o church_n for_o i_o see_v many_o very_a loose_a person_n there_o for_o hearer_n and_o not_o a_o little_a false_a doctrine_n deliver_v in_o many_o of_o they_o christ_n these_o thing_n always_o have_v and_o will_v be_v as_o for_o profane_a hearer_n i_o dislike_v not_o that_o for_o there_o be_v then_o the_o more_o matter_n for_o a_o convert_v ministry_n to_o work_v upon_o and_o as_o for_o false_a teacher_n they_o be_v many_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o paul_n and_o peter_n tell_v we_o in_o their_o epistle_n this_o shall_v not_o discourage_v you_o but_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o death_n and_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2.10_o phil._n i_o hope_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v but_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o there_o be_v one_o difficulty_n i_o can_v get_v over_o yet_o and_o that_o be_v this_o i_o have_v hear_v you_o say_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o believer_n to_o follow_v christ_n full_o to_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o to_o add_v or_o join_v himself_o to_o some_o church_n which_o i_o have_v not_o do_v any_o otherwise_o than_o to_o partake_v sometime_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o sometime_o at_o a_o meeting_n which_o i_o be_o much_o dissatisfy_v in_o for_o many_o weighty_a reason_n not_o to_o be_v now_o insist_v on_o that_o which_o keep_v i_o at_o this_o day_n be_v my_o great_a ignorance_n of_o and_o estrangedness_n to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v whether_o christ_n have_v institute_v any_o state_v gospel_n church_n and_o if_o he_o have_v where_o among_o all_o your_o different_a persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v i_o wish_v you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o give_v i_o the_o clear_a account_n you_o be_v able_a in_o brief_a of_o your_o persuasion_n and_o practice_n in_o these_o matter_n christ_n sir_n i_o shall_v cheerful_o endeavour_v it_o but_o that_o thing_n may_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o plain_a to_o your_o understanding_n i_o pray_v make_v your_o inquiry_n of_o the_o point_v you_o will_v be_v resolve_v in_o and_o your_o objection_n as_o they_o occur_v chap._n i._o of_o the_o church_n catholic_n case_n ii_o phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n what_o do_v the_o word_n church_n import_n christ_n church_n or_o kirk_n be_v but_o a_o abreviation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o proper_a idiom_n of_o language_n english_a and_o scotch_a it_o signify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o our_o place_n of_o public_a assemble_v be_v call_v church_n in_o conformity_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a who_o call_v the_o temple_n the_o house_n of_o god_n according_a to_o which_o christ_n speak_v mat._n 21.13_o there_o be_v a_o levitical_a holiness_n ascribe_v to_o it_o which_o holiness_n of_o place_n have_v cease_v with_o it_o and_o the_o gospel_n church_n be_v make_v only_o of_o live_a stone_n heb._n 3.8_o 1_o pet._n 2.4_o though_o when_o we_o in_o england_n speak_v of_o a_o place_n for_o public_a assembly_n we_o call_v it_o a_o church_n not_o that_o any_o wise_a protestant_n do_v take_v it_o so_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n but_o metonymical_o only_a as_o for_o other_o they_o think_v and_o speak_v after_o the_o papist_n phil._n what_o do_v the_o greek_a and_o hebrew_n word_n import_v christ_n they_o always_o signify_v a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n there_o be_v two_o word_n use_v for_o it_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o signify_v
saint_n mystical_o and_o immediate_o under_o christ_n their_o head_n so_o this_o political_a body_n show_v itself_o and_o become_v visible_a in_o some_o particular_a part_n there-on_o which_o be_v call_v visible_a church_n and_o be_v under_o a_o mediate_a rule_n and_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o catholic_n church_n comprehend_v particular_a church_n as_o some_o distinct_a part_n and_o parcel_n thereof_o phil._n then_o i_o suppose_v your_o apprehension_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a subject_n of_o all_o officer_n and_o ordinance_n christ_n mistake_v i_o not_o i_o have_v not_o say_v so_o as_o yet_o i_o say_v the_o catholic_n church_n become_v in_o part_n visible_a in_o particular_a congregationâ—s_n and_o they_o be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o visible_a ordinance_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v institute_v and_o place_v therein_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n phil._n but_o be_v not_o the_o universality_n of_o saint_n militant_a the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n of_o christ_n on_o earth_n christ_n the_o universality_n of_o saint_n on_o earth_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o church_n in_o a_o visible_a stand_n for_o many_o be_v believer_n that_o as_o yet_o make_v not_o themselves_o visible_a by_o profession_n 2._o they_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v bind_v together_o in_o visible_a union_n and_o communion_n that_o which_o make_v a_o catholic_n church_n be_v a_o catholic_n bond_n of_o union_n and_o catholic_n communion_n which_o be_v only_o mystical_a and_o invisible_a but_o there_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a bond_n for_o as_o they_o can_v appear_v in_o one_o visible_a congregation_n so_o they_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o walk_v together_o in_o fellowship_n nor_o can_v have_v visible_a communion_n as_o one_o church_n in_o the_o same_o individual_a administration_n if_o they_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n preach_v the_o same_o word_n pray_v alike_o etc._n etc._n yet_o this_o make_v not_o one_o particular_a church_n 3._o if_o there_o be_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n than_o it_o must_v have_v catholic_n visible_a officer_n every_o officer_n must_v relate_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n every_o ordinary_a officer_n must_v be_v officer_n to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n and_o there_o have_v need_n be_v a_o visible_a pastor_n pastorum_fw-la over_o they_o all_o 4._o all_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o therefore_o member_n of_o any_o visible_a church_n with_o ordinance_n for_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n before_o they_o can_v be_v make_v member_n of_o a_o visible_a church_n with_o ordinance_n 5._o a_o visible_a church_n be_v organise_v with_o officer_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o not_o to_o a_o part_n of_o it_o a_o pastor_n elder_n deacon_n be_v officer_n to_o the_o whole_a and_o who_o will_v say_v a_o deacon_n have_v as_o much_o power_n in_o all_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n as_o in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v constitute_v he_o may_v as_o well_o say_v so_o as_o say_v a_o pastor_n have_v 6._o if_o christ_n institute_v a_o catholic_n visible_a church_n it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o under_o the_o new_a but_o he_o do_v neither_o for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o particular_a congregation_n under_o the_o old_a and_o christ_n leave_v but_o one_o when_o he_o ascend_v chap._n ii_o of_o a_o particular_a church_n phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n come_v now_o to_o the_o main_a thing_n i_o aim_v at_o viz._n to_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o gospel_n particular_a church_n christ_n you_o mean_v such_o a_o congregation_n as_o be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o all_o the_o ordinance_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n institution_n where_o every_o believer_n be_v bind_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o gospel_n faith_n and_o order_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o own_o edification_n phil._n such_o a_o church_n i_o mean_v may_v not_o a_o national_a church_n be_v it_o christ_n by_o no_o mean_n it_o be_v no_o church_n but_o such_o who_o member_n may_v all_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o communion_n in_o all_o ordinance_n for_o so_o the_o first_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v the_o great_a for_o aught_o i_o know_v that_o ever_o be_v since_o and_o all_o other_o that_o we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n since_o if_o any_o comprise_v all_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o nation_n province_n or_o territory_n they_o all_o assemble_v for_o frequent_a communion_n in_o one_o place_n under_o the_o same_o officer_n we_o read_v of_o no_o particular_a church_n in_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v congregational_a for_o the_o national_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o of_o that_o kind_n which_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n of_o god_n institution_n be_v congregational_a for_o all_o the_o male_n come_v to_o the_o temple_n and_o before_o to_o the_o tabernacle_n three_o time_n a_o year_n to_o appear_v before_o god_n to_o worship_n in_o act_n of_o communion_n therefore_o it_o be_v call_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o congregation_n phil._n i_o be_o pretty_a well_o satisfy_v now_o from_o the_o weighty_a argument_n i_o former_o hear_v from_o you_o though_o my_o thought_n through_o prejudice_n pass_v light_o over_o they_o then_o that_o all_o national_a diocesan_n and_o parochial_a constitution_n of_o church_n be_v mere_o from_o man_n if_o not_o from_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n which_o latter_a i_o see_v cause_n enough_o to_o suspect_v but_o i_o pray_v give_v i_o a_o plain_a description_n of_o a_o particular_a gospel_n church_n christ_n with_o all_o my_o heart_n sir_n a_o particular_a gospel_n church_n be_v a_o separate_a company_n of_o visible_a believer_n with_o their_o seed_n or_o saint_n associate_v together_o in_o special_a bond_n of_o union_n for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o in_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n appointment_n for_o their_o edification_n phil._n you_o say_v the_o allow_a matter_n of_o this_o church_n be_v visible_a believer_n what_o understand_v you_o by_o a_o visible_a believer_n christ_n i_o mean_v one_o that_o make_v a_o credible_a profession_n such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o be_o bind_v by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o charity_n to_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o true_a believer_n on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o i_o do_v not_o say_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o therefore_o he_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n for_o so_o he_o may_v be_v and_o i_o not_o know_v it_o 2._o neither_o do_v i_o say_v that_o his_o mere_a profess_v make_v he_o a_o church_n member_n for_o they_o in_o act._n 2._o believe_v before_o they_o be_v church_n member_n and_o profess_a their_o faith_n which_o give_v they_o right_o of_o claim_n yea_o there_o be_v many_o have_v right_a of_o claim_n and_o do_v profess_v but_o do_v not_o seek_v to_o join_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o it_o can_v be_v without_o a_o voluntary_a offer_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n phil._n what_o be_v require_v to_o a_o credible_a profession_n for_o the_o due_a satisfaction_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o christ_n christ_n the_o tree_n can_v be_v know_v to_o i_o but_o by_o the_o fruit_n see_v mat._n 7.17_o 18_o 19_o chap._n 12.33_o luk._n 6.44_o the_o credible_a fruit_n be_v therefore_o holiness_n of_o life_n and_o profession_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v require_v there_o be_v visible_a holiness_n of_o life_n phil._n 1.27_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o order_n of_o it_o and_o this_o lie_v in_o negative_a and_o positive_a holiness_n appear_v in_o the_o conversation_n 1._o negative_a that_o it_o be_v without_o blame_n eph._n 1.4_o phil._n 2.15_o 1_o th._n 5.23_o 2._o a_o mere_a negative_a religion_n in_o respect_n of_o grosser_n and_o more_o observable_a sin_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o many_o a_o carnal_a man_n may_v attain_v unto_o there_o must_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o positive_a duty_n require_v and_o not_o mere_o moral_a in_o justice_n and_o mercy_n but_o such_o by_o which_o a_o christian_a be_v more_o peculiar_o distinguish_v from_o moral_a heathen_n such_o as_o family_n duty_n of_o read_v the_o word_n and_o daily_a prayer_n those_o of_o a_o more_o public_a nature_n as_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o word_n preach_v sanctify_v the_o lord_n day_n free_a distribution_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o a_o manifest_a readiness_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o follow_v christ_n as_o his_o disciple_n in_o all_o thing_n tit._n 3.8_o ch_n 2.11_o 12._o yea_o in_o suffering_n phil._n but_o what_o more_o profession_n be_v needful_a beside_o this_o visible_a practical_a walk_v be_v not_o this_o enough_o
be_v impose_v upon_o in_o this_o kind_n 3._o this_o power_n natural_o grow_v up_o with_o and_o be_v inseparable_a from_o all_o free_a society_n gather_v by_o mutual_a consent_n unless_o they_o be_v limit_v by_o their_o charter_n in_o this_o kind_n or_o be_v so_o false_a to_o themselves_o and_o successor_n to_o give_v away_o their_o privilege_n as_o many_o have_v do_v to_o antichristian_a and_o usurp_a power_n 4._o thus_o you_o see_v officer_n be_v choose_v by_o common_a suffrage_n act._n 1.23_o ch_n 6._o act._n 14.23_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v that_o when_o they_o have_v constitute_v elder_n by_o common_a suffrage_n or_o lift_v up_o of_o hand_n in_o every_o church_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a way_n the_o apostle_n or_o their_o substitute_n one_o or_o more_o may_v be_v present_a to_o encourage_v or_o direct_v but_o the_o people_n ordain_v by_o choice_n phil._n do_v their_o power_n reach_v to_o call_v who_o they_o will_v into_o office_n christ_n 1._o so_o as_o he_o be_v qualify_v for_o they_o and_o the_o office_n they_o call_v he_o to_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n require_v they_o be_v to_o be_v very_o observant_a of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o be_v their_o charter_n by_o which_o they_o associate_v and_o by_o which_o they_o do_v act_n 2._o they_o be_v hereby_o limit_v to_o choose_v man_n out_o from_o among_o themselves_o act._n 6._o phil._n but_o what_o if_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v none_o due_o qualify_v among_o themselves_o christ_n they_o may_v then_o invite_v qualify_v man_n that_o can_v be_v spare_v from_o other_o church_n with_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o church_n or_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o invite_v or_o call_v they_o phil._n do_v such_o a_o invitation_n or_o call_v of_o one_o that_o be_v a_o member_n of_o another_o church_n or_o non-member_n to_o any_o church_n make_v a_o officer_n christ_n no_o it_o be_v but_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v such_o a_o one_o a_o officer_n for_o he_o must_v be_v incorporate_v as_o a_o member_n before_o he_o can_v be_v choose_v and_o constitute_v a_o officer_n it_o be_v so_o in_o all_o civil_a society_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n a_o office_n be_v power_n and_o privilege_n which_o none_o can_v enjoy_v in_o any_o society_n but_o the_o member_n thereof_o unless_o he_o come_v to_o it_o by_o force_n or_o usurpation_n phil._n how_o many_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n to_o begin_v a_o church_n society_n some_o say_v two_o or_o three_o agree_v in_o this_o kind_n be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n from_o mat._n 18.19_o 20._o christ_n they_o misunderstand_v the_o place_n who_o say_v so_o for_o the_o two_o or_o three_o there_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o woman_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o perform_v the_o duty_n which_o our_o saviour_n there_o intend_v but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n allow_v they_o no_o office_n unless_o of_o deaconess_n no_o roll_a office_n or_o power_n of_o suffrage_n in_o election_n and_o therefore_o if_o all_o of_o they_o be_v such_o or_o but_o two_o or_o one_o they_o can_v constitute_v a_o church_n for_o the_o end_v christ_n have_v appoint_v it_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o be_v only_o to_o encourage_v a_o church_n duty_n and_o the_o regular_a gradual_a proceed_n therein_o in_o case_n of_o private_a offence_n arise_v between_o brother_n and_o brother_n and_o promise_v his_o presence_n with_o and_o blessing_n upon_o the_o small_a number_n that_o be_v find_v to_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o agreement_n to_o perform_v any_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o in_o their_o capacity_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o restoration_n of_o a_o fall_v brother_n see_v cotton_n way_n as_o for_o the_o exact_a number_n that_o may_v begin_v a_o particular_a church_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v leave_v it_o indefinite_a only_o it_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o spiritual_a reason_n and_o christian_a discretion_n must_v be_v our_o guide_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o number_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o great_a the_o better_a and_o that_o we_o begin_v not_o a_o church_n with_o so_o small_a a_o number_n as_o may_v render_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n absurd_a and_o his_o obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n therein_o impracticable_a phil._n i_o perceive_v than_o you_o allow_v not_o woman_n any_o power_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v member_n and_o incorporate_v in_o the_o same_o body_n by_o mutual_a obligation_n to_o communion_n with_o the_o brethren_n why_o have_v they_o not_o equal_a power_n with_o they_o christ_n woman_n be_v member_n and_o very_o useful_a and_o profitable_a many_o way_n in_o their_o grace_n and_o gift_n and_o capable_a of_o perform_v any_o admonition_n between_o one_o another_o according_a to_o mat._n 18._o for_o it_o belong_v to_o mutual_a watch_n require_v of_o all_o member_n indefinite_o but_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v exclude_v they_o from_o all_o act_n that_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o their_o sex_n in_o respect_n of_o modesty_n and_o the_o state_n of_o subjection_n that_o they_o place_v in_o to_o the_o man_n 1._o they_o be_v not_o ministerial_o to_o teach_v nor_o speak_v authoritative_o 1_o cor._n 14.34_o let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n for_o it_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o they_o to_o speak_v but_o to_o be_v under_o obedience_n not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n for_o a_o woman_n to_o speak_v in_o way_n of_o obedience_n as_o to_o speak_v in_o answer_n to_o question_n ask_v she_o as_o at_o admission_n to_o answer_v in_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o her_o faith_n when_o ask_v in_o case_n of_o offence_n to_o answer_v for_o herself_o if_o accuse_v or_o to_o witness_v for_o or_o against_o another_o but_o to_o do_v any_o ministerial_a act_n in_o teach_v or_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o management_n of_o any_o act_n of_o power_n or_o judicial_a proceed_n it_o belong_v to_o the_o man_n and_o not_o the_o woman_n 2._o they_o may_v not_o exert_v any_o power_n of_o the_o key_n so_o much_o as_o by_o public_a give_v their_o suffrage_n or_o vote_n for_o this_o reason_n 1_o tim._n 2.12_o i_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v or_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n but_o to_o be_v in_o silence_n viz._n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o text_n and_o context_n that_o the_o apostle_n treat_v of_o the_o woman_n carriage_n in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o submission_n and_o subjection_n not_o with_o rule_n and_o power_n for_o such_o a_o carriage_n be_v usurpation_n of_o that_o which_o belong_v not_o to_o she_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v not_o where_o else_o use_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o seldom_o in_o other_o author_n a_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v authentic_a when_o it_o be_v legal_a true_a and_o right_a it_o be_v use_v of_o writing_n when_o approve_v and_o so_o of_o witness_n and_o authority_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o contradict_v the_o one_o or_o question_v the_o legality_n and_o just_a right_n of_o the_o other_o therefore_o this_o kind_n of_o power_n be_v deny_v to_o the_o woman_n the_o translator_n render_v it_o well_o by_o usurp_a authority_n where_o any_o assume_v power_n or_o authority_n to_o themselves_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o there_o they_o usurp_v it_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o have_v no_o authentic_a power_n i._n e._n just_a and_o belong_v to_o they_o neither_o shall_v exercise_v any_o regular_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n phil._n i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o god_n never_o intend_v any_o roll_a power_n to_o woman_n in_o any_o society_n but_o in_o family_n over_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o there_o not_o over_o their_o husband_n therefore_o not_o a_o decisive_a supreme_a power_n unless_o providence_n remove_v their_o husband_n but_o if_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o equal_a suffrage_n with_o man_n in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastic_a society_n they_o must_v certain_o then_o have_v exercise_n of_o power_n over_o the_o man_n so_o far_o as_o they_o carry_v their_o share_n in_o the_o majority_n but_o i_o confess_v it_o seem_v odd_a that_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n each_o challenge_v a_o equal_a membership_n shall_v not_o have_v all_o the_o same_o power_n christ_n there_o be_v nothing_o absurd_a in_o it_o at_o all_o because_o christ_n have_v so_o appoint_v and_o if_o we_o look_v but_o into_o natural_a body_n to_o which_o the_o church_n be_v compare_v for_o there_o be_v some_o member_n that_o be_v rule_v as_o the_o head_n so_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o soul_n and_o other_o be_v rule_v as_o tongue_n hand_n foot_n and_o the_o whole_a body_n consent_v to_o it_o and_o each_o of_o they_o consent_v that_o the_o roll_a power_n be_v in_o the_o
entrust_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o member_n be_v to_o obey_v and_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o they_o heb._n 13.17_o phil._n you_o seem_v to_o give_v away_o all_o the_o power_n from_o the_o officer_n to_o the_o people_n and_o make_v the_o officer_n insignificant_a christ_n i_o say_v the_o power_n be_v whole_o in_o the_o people_n before_o there_o be_v officer_n and_o when_o there_o be_v officer_n they_o have_v not_o give_v away_o their_o power_n but_o retain_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o their_o officer_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o decisive_a power_n or_o key_n for_o let_v in_o and_o out_o it_o be_v the_o officer_n and_o brethren_n though_o the_o authoritative_a management_n of_o church_n rule_n as_o to_o declaration_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n the_o prudential_a order_v matter_n and_o preside_v in_o all_o case_n belong_v to_o officer_n the_o management_n of_o our_o civil_a right_n in_o england_n be_v a_o great_a illustration_n in_o this_o case_n we_o choose_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o our_o peer_n in_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o estate_n &_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o jury_n adjudge_n the_o decisive_a power_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o the_o judge_n do_v but_o preside_v in_o the_o court_n and_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v legal_o and_o orderly_o manage_v declare_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o law_n unto_o the_o jury_n and_o then_o deliver_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n as_o the_o jury_n find_v the_o fact_n so_o it_o be_v in_o church_n the_o officer_n for_o rule_n have_v as_o much_o power_n in_o a_o church_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o constitution_n as_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o mayor_n have_v that_o sit_v on_o the_o bench_n to_o hear_v and_o determine_v civil_a concern_v phil._n you_o have_v great_o satisfy_v i_o now_o that_o as_o our_o constitution_n be_v the_o best_a in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o abuse_v for_o judge_v civil_a concern_v so_o i_o believe_v such_o a_o constitution_n of_o a_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o free_a from_o exception_n for_o 1._o a_o people_n can_v be_v offend_v at_o such_o a_o judgement_n as_o be_v pass_v by_o themselves_o for_o who_o will_v a_o member_n of_o any_o society_n be_v free_a to_o be_v try_v by_o than_o his_o peer_n and_o the_o apostle_n blame_v the_o corinthian_n for_o seek_v a_o decision_n in_o doubtful_a case_n of_o civil_a matter_n out_o of_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 2._o and_o as_o for_o church_n officer_n i_o think_v the_o most_o judicious_a will_v not_o desire_v a_o absolute_a power_n in_o themselves_o to_o lie_v liable_a to_o the_o many_o censure_n of_o man_n and_o the_o odium_fw-la that_o will_v be_v cast_v by_o reproachful_a tongue_n upon_o their_o most_o righteous_a and_o upright_a proceed_n christ_n if_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v in_o civil_a affair_n as_o to_o life_n and_o estate_n be_v try_v by_o twelve_o honest_a neighbour_n of_o ordinary_a morality_n scarce_o so_o much_o many_o time_n and_o all_o man_n usual_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o how_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o all_o ecclesiastical_a debate_n shall_v come_v to_o decision_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o judgement_n of_o so_o choice_a a_o community_n as_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v phil._n but_o ordinary_a christian_n be_v to_o seek_v in_o many_o great_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o faith_n &_o order_n and_o can_v determine_v where_o the_o truth_n lie_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o divine_n to_o judge_v christ_n i_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o matter_n of_o law_n the_o church_n decision_n be_v of_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n place_n to_o inform_v they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v therewith_o it_o may_v be_v carry_v as_o a_o case_n to_o advise_v upon_o with_o other_o church_n or_o elder_n phil._n i_o have_v little_o far_o to_o object_n against_o the_o principle_n of_o order_n which_o you_o have_v lay_v down_o only_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v i_o confess_v of_o no_o great_a weight_n to_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o church-member_n say_v they_o join_v to_o this_o or_o that_o church_n only_o because_o of_o the_o present_a pastor_n yea_o that_o they_o join_v to_o the_o pastor_n only_o not_o to_o the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o pastor_n die_v they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o go_v whither_o they_o please_v christ_n this_o proceed_v from_o the_o ignorance_n &_o corruption_n of_o many_o member_n who_o be_v not_o or_o will_v not_o be_v right_o inform_v in_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o profess_v this_o be_v so_o absurd_a a_o thing_n that_o the_o asserter_n thereof_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o in_o civil_a society_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n do_v any_o man_n join_v himself_o to_o the_o master_n or_o warden_n of_o the_o company_n only_o or_o to_o the_o company_n itself_o when_o he_o be_v make_v a_o member_n officer_n be_v changeable_a either_o by_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o the_o society_n or_o by_o death_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o all_o church_n be_v dissolve_v upon_o the_o death_n of_o their_o pastor_n beside_o the_o term_n of_o admission_n into_o congregational_a society_n speak_v plain_o otherwise_o that_o they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o christ_n and_o the_o congregation_n put_v themselves_o under_o the_o office_n watch_n and_o the_o watch_n of_o each_o member_n be_v admit_v by_o the_o common_a suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v but_o some_o of_o the_o wiles_n and_o subterfuges_n of_o satan_n which_o loose-spirited_n and_o principled_a member_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o shake_n off_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n phil._n but_o when_o a_o case_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o decisive_a power_n of_o the_o church_n after_o due_a debate_n as_o suppose_v the_o choose_n of_o a_o officer_n or_o in_o the_o key_n of_o rule_n in_o admission_n or_o exclusion_n of_o a_o member_n and_o the_o fraternity_n or_o the_o elder_n and_o fraternity_n divide_v into_o a_o major_a and_o minor_a part_n what_o shall_v the_o minor_a do_v christ_n it_o be_v by_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o society_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o major_a part_n as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o church_n act_n or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o maintain_v any_o society_n of_o that_o nature_n yea_o they_o must_v fall_v butif_n a_o particular_a member_n or_o more_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o church_n act_n as_o he_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o continue_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n so_o he_o may_v peaceable_o depart_v at_o the_o same_o door_n he_o come_v in_o at_o to_o another_o church_n by_o a_o express_a dismission_n phil._n what_o if_o he_o will_v not_o ask_v such_o a_o dismission_n but_o withdraw_v from_o communion_n and_o reject_v it_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o defiance_n and_o continue_v incorrigible_a therein_o christ_n such_o a_o one_o ought_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o in_o form_n and_o manner_n as_o in_o some_o scandalous_a sin_n of_o another_o nature_n for_o such_o a_o one_o be_v herein_o scandalous_a beside_o he_o be_v incorrigible_a whereupon_o the_o church_n be_v to_o proceed_v against_o he_o as_o such_o a_o one_o he_o appear_v to_o other_o but_o a_o man_n of_o belial_n which_o be_v a_o ungovernable_a person_n for_o so_o the_o spirit_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 6.15_o what_o fellowship_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n viz._n a_o lawless_a person_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o any_o society_n especial_o of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n government_n chap._n iu._n of_o officer_n extraordinary_a phil._n i_o desire_v you_o will_v now_o acquaint_v i_o what_o be_v the_o office_n and_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n have_v institute_v in_o his_o church_n christ_n the_o officer_n institute_v by_o christ_n be_v pastoral_n and_o diaconal_a viz._n bishop_n and_o deacon_n phil._n 1.1_o phil._n be_v not_o presbyter_n and_o bishop_n distinct_a order_n our_o church_n make_v they_o so_o christ_n nay_o the_o scripture_n make_v presbyter_n and_o bishop_n the_o same_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o for_o a_o bishop_n be_v but_o a_o overseer_n of_o the_o church_n so_o be_v every_o presbyter_n or_o elder_n see_v act_n 20.28_o and_o there_o he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o elder_n to_o a_o particular_a congregation_n phil._n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o our_o bishop_n be_v exalt_v so_o far_o above_o presbyter_n in_o office_n and_o benefice_n christ_n from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o pretend_a church_n and_o ministry_n viz._n through_o ambition_n covetousness_n and_o human_a
invention_n whereby_o also_o all_o antichristian_a abomination_n overspread_v the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n phil._n but_o do_v not_o christ_n give_v other_o ministerial_a officer_n to_o his_o church_n christ_n the_o officer_n which_o christ_n place_v in_o his_o church_n for_o edification_n be_v extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a but_o both_o pastoral_n for_o they_o that_o be_v call_v elder_n and_o set_v for_o doctrine_n and_o administration_n in_o seal_n and_o government_n i_o call_v just_o pastoral_a for_o feed_v the_o flock_n comprehend_v both_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n phil._n who_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a officer_n christ_n they_o be_v apostolic_a and_o such_o who_o be_v not_o succeed_v after_o the_o first_o church_n be_v plant_v but_o by_o ordinary_a pastoral_n officer_n and_o these_o be_v apostle_n and_o apostolic_a help_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o office-charge_n 4.11_o eph._n 4.11_o and_o be_v prophet_n and_o evangelist_n and_o be_v extraordinary_o furnish_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o power_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o plantation_n of_o church_n but_o at_o the_o disposition_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o all_o other_o church-officer_n as_o well_o as_o church_n be_v during_o their_o life_n phil._n and_o our_o bishop_n say_v they_o succeed_v the_o apostle_n and_o all_o other_o minister_n be_v subordinate_a and_o subject_a to_o they_o christ_n they_o may_v as_o well_o say_v the_o pope_n succeed_v peter_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v extraordinary_o send_v and_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v succeed_v but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v extraordinary_o assist_v as_o they_o be_v which_o have_v be_v none_o or_o ordinary_o and_o such_o be_v presbyter_n and_o no_o other_o the_o charasteristick_a note_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v such_o who_o be_v ear_n and_o eye-witness_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o take_n up_o act_v 1.22_o viz._n of_o his_o ministry_n miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n 2._o that_o they_o shall_v be_v extraordinary_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n since_o which_o none_o ever_o be_v 3._o to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o work_a miracle_n 4._o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o plantation_n direction_n and_o government_n of_o they_o every_o apostle_n have_v the_o charge_n of_o all_o church_n &_o in_o every_o church_n whatever_o power_n be_v afterward_o ordinary_o in_o each_o church_n and_o though_o a_o bishop_n now_o in_o a_o apish_a imitation_n by_o a_o pretend_a plea_n of_o succession_n will_v lay_v claim_n to_o power_n over_o many_o particular_a congregation_n yet_o each_o bishop_n be_v not_o allow_v power_n in_o another_o man_n diocese_n and_o as_o to_o the_o former_a character_n where_o the_o bishop_n can_v with_o a_o show_n of_o any_o just_a pretence_n lie_v claim_v unto_o they_o phil._n what_o be_v the_o prophet_n that_o accompany_v and_o assist_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o ministry_n christ_n of_o this_o sort_n it_o be_v say_v act_v 13.1_o there_o be_v certain_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n i_o suppose_v not_o much_o differ_v one_o from_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a mission_n and_o qualification_n be_v church-member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n on_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v in_o the_o appearance_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n whereby_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o preach_v gift_n and_o those_o of_o tongue_n in_o order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o nation_n and_o to_o whatsoever_o people_n they_o come_v jew_n or_o gentile_n and_o go_v forth_o for_o this_o end_n in_o subordination_n to_o and_o by_o direction_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o time_n we_o read_v of_o the_o travel_n be_v act_n 11.19_o occasion_v by_o saul_n persecution_n some_o of_o they_o man_n of_o cyprus_n and_o cyrene_n who_o when_o they_o have_v pass_v through_o other_o place_n preach_v come_v at_o last_o unto_o antioch_n and_o speak_v unto_o the_o grecian_a jew_n preach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o be_v the_o believe_v and_o turn_v of_o many_o unto_o the_o lord_n these_o by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n lay_v hand_n on_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n but_o we_o read_v not_o that_o they_o baptize_v or_o do_v perform_v any_o other_o ministerial_a act_n if_o that_o be_v one_o probably_n they_o may_v convey_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o other_o by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n too_o phil._n what_o be_v the_o evangelist_n christ_n they_o be_v extraordinary_o call_v to_o assist_v the_o apostle_n also_o in_o preach_v the_o lord_n jesus_n baptism_n and_o plant_v church_n with_o ordination_n of_o officer_n in_o they_o philip_n preach_v and_o baptise_a and_o wrought_v miracle_n act_n 8.5_o 12_o 39_o but_o do_v not_o convey_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o be_v bestow_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n as_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n verse_n 15_o 16._o and_o philip_n be_v call_v a_o evangelist_n act_v 21.8_o timothy_n be_v a_o evangelist_n 1_o tim._n 4.5_o and_o assistant_n to_o paul_n in_o his_o apostolic_a function_n and_o he_o do_v lay_v on_o hand_n now_o as_o to_o this_o that_o philip_n do_v not_o and_o timothy_n do_v i_o judge_v these_o secondary_a apostolic_a man_n act_v not_o as_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o general_a commission_n but_o by_o the_o immediate_a particular_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o by_o the_o mediate_a command_n from_o time_n to_o time_n give_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o who_o they_o be_v assistant_n and_o subordinate_a in_o their_o act_n there_o be_v some_o which_o we_o call_v evangelist_n from_o their_o writing_n the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n two_o of_o which_o be_v primary_o apostle_n viz._n matthew_n and_o john_n mark_n and_o luke_n may_v be_v evangelist_n in_o the_o other_o sense_n phil._n who_o be_v leave_v the_o pastoral_a officer_n in_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o christ_n ascension_n christ_n the_o whole_a ministerial_a office_n in_o that_o church_n be_v leave_v and_o place_v at_o first_o in_o the_o apostle_n both_o pastoral_n and_o diaconal_a and_o either_o of_o the_o apostle_n may_v have_v preside_v but_o that_o by_o consent_n it_o may_v be_v ground_v on_o the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 16.19_o peter_n take_v the_o chair_n viz._n the_o orderly_a management_n of_o the_o key_n that_o the_o diaconal_a office_n be_v in_o the_o say_a apostle_n at_o first_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o account_n we_o have_v act._n 2.4_o 5._o of_o the_o member_n bring_v their_o possession_n and_o lay_v they_o at_o their_o foot_n to_o dispose_v of_o as_o a_o church_n stock_n and_o from_o the_o reason_n give_v by_o the_o twelve_o to_o the_o multitude_n for_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n they_o find_v the_o serve_a table_n to_o be_v to_o great_a a_o burden_n to_o they_o upon_o such_o increase_n of_o the_o church_n afterward_o also_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o state_n of_o the_o church_n require_v there_o be_v elder_n or_o presbyter_n choose_v distinct_a from_o the_o apostle_n which_o appear_v from_o act._n 15.23_o and_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a the_o increase_n and_o multiply_v officer_n in_o the_o church_n be_v according_a as_o the_o necessary_a reason_n thereof_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o increase_n or_o otherwise_o which_o necessity_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n breathe_v through_o the_o apostle_n be_v provide_v for_o and_o supply_v chap._n v._o of_o ordinary_a officer_n phil._n what_o officer_n do_v complete_o organize_v a_o particular_a congregation_n christ_n pastoral_n and_o diaconal_a so_o that_o pastor_n and_o deacon_n do_v make_v a_o church_n complete_o organise_v but_o through_o multiplication_n of_o a_o church_n or_o for_o other_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v good_a ground_n to_o choose_v coadjutor_n in_o each_o office_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o increase_a the_o officer_n of_o one_o kind_n or_o another_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v edify_v phil._n what_o be_v the_o pastor_n office_n christ_n the_o pastor_n office_n be_v to_o feed_v the_o church_n as_o the_o flock_n of_o christ_n over_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o a_o overseer_n or_o bishop_n which_o pastoral_n feed_v consist_v in_o gospel_n preach_v administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o government_n in_o the_o last_o respect_n more_o especial_o he_o be_v call_v a_o bishop_n or_o overseer_n act._n 20._o phil._n what_o do_v you_o mean_v by_o gospel_n preach_v christ_n i_o mean_v a_o right_n divide_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o it_o
stand_v in_o doctrine_n exhortation_n and_o reproof_n etc._n etc._n to_o bring_v home_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o exposition_n application_n catechism_n and_o defend_v the_o truth_n against_o gainsayers_a phil._n you_o give_v the_o whole_a preach_a office_n unto_o the_o pastor_n christ_n it_o be_v in_o he_o and_o may_v ordinary_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o provide_v his_o strength_n and_o ability_n can_v reach_v to_o it_o and_o other_o part_n of_o his_o office_n lie_v not_o too_o hard_o upon_o he_o or_o can_v be_v perform_v to_o the_o church_n full_a edification_n phil._n but_o what_o if_o it_o can_v be_v perform_v to_o the_o church_n full_a edification_n christ_n then_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o coadjutor_n or_o assistant_n to_o he_o be_v choose_v in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o office_n to_o wit_v a_o teacher_n or_o teach_v elder_a who_o be_v to_o wait_v most_o on_o doctrinal_a expository_n and_o catechumenal_a teach_n phil._n but_o this_o seem_v not_o a_o distinct_a officer_n christ_n though_o he_o come_v into_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n or_o episcopal_a office_n yet_o he_o become_v a_o distinct_a officer_n for_o he_o come_v in_o as_o a_o govern_n feed_v officer_n attend_v more_o particular_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o office_n to_o which_o he_o be_v appoint_v and_o choose_v for_o he_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n so_o far_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v he_o overseer_n by_o the_o call_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o necessary_a supply_n neither_o do_v his_o office_n power_n curtalize_v at_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o pastor_n only_o act_v in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o office_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d opitulatio_fw-la a_o help_n or_o assistance_n take_v off_o part_n of_o the_o burden_n from_o he_o and_o such_o teacher_n be_v set_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 12.28_o and_o such_o a_o one_o be_v to_o wait_v on_o his_o teach_n rom._n 12.7_o where_o teach_v seem_v plain_o to_o be_v specify_v as_o a_o distinct_a officework_n in_o one_o call_v thereto_o as_o exhort_v in_o he_o that_o be_v more_o especial_o call_v to_o exhortation_n and_o teacher_n be_v plain_o enough_o name_v in_o distinction_n from_o pastor_n as_o officer_n set_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n eph._n 4.11_o 12._o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n i._n e._n officer_n for_o the_o fill_n up_o the_o ministerial_a office_n and_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n therefore_o when_o this_o officer_n be_v necessary_a for_o full_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n than_o he_o be_v to_o be_v add_v phil._n be_v there_o no_o officer_n appoint_v to_o take_v up_o as_o a_o help_n to_o the_o pastor_n in_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o church_n for_o where_o a_o church_n be_v large_a the_o oversight_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o way_n of_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v require_v much_o labour_n diligence_n and_o wisdom_n christ_n there_o be_v roll_a elder_n or_o presbyter_n call_v to_o attend_v and_o wait_v upon_o that_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n to_o take_v up_o with_o he_o and_o be_v help_n in_o government_n i_o conceive_v they_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 12.28_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v render_v miracle_n but_o rule_v officer_n or_o power_n as_o the_o same_o word_n be_v render_v rom._n 8.38_o person_n in_o power_n the_o abstract_n put_v for_o the_o concrete_a and_o the_o gift_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n first_o and_o last_o be_v specify_v under_o the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gift_n gracious_o bestow_v among_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gubernationes_fw-la govern_v or_o rule_v gift_n phil._n you_o make_v then_o a_o rule_v elder_a a_o distinct_a officer_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n be_v not_o rule_v elder_n but_o that_o when_o one_o or_o both_o be_v not_o able_a to_o manage_v the_o roll_a part_n for_o the_o sufficient_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n there_o ought_v one_o or_o more_o to_o be_v call_v into_o that_o part_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o to_o attend_v thereto_o with_o diligence_n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 12.7_o 8_o 9_o call_v the_o whole_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n episcopal_n and_o diaconal_a by_o the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o ministry_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a office_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o the_o teacher_n that_o attend_v on_o teach_v the_o exhorte_a that_o attend_v on_o exhortation_n the_o deacon_n that_o distribute_v with_o simplicity_n the_o roll_a elder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o preside_v in_o govern_v let_v he_o do_v it_o with_o industry_n or_o diligence_n phil._n but_o be_v there_o any_o presbyter_n or_o elder_a that_o be_v not_o teach_v you_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o lay-elders_a christ_n the_o distinction_n between_o clergy_n and_o laity_n come_v from_o rome_n we_o own_v it_o not_o in_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v by_o no_o mean_n for_o the_o people_n be_v the_o clergy_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n peter_n show_v the_o duty_n of_o presbyter_n 1_o pet._n 5.3_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o lording_n it_o as_o lordbishop_n over_o god_n heritage_n 2._o they_o be_v no_o more_o layman_n than_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n yea_o i_o may_v affirm_v if_o they_o that_o be_v ordain_v officer_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o church_n be_v make_v thereby_o the_o clergy_n than_o all_o the_o minister_n even_o deacon_n as_o well_o as_o pastor_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o kind_n of_o ordination_n to_o all_o the_o officer_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n 3._o we_o deny_v not_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n to_o be_v rule_v elder_n neither_o do_v we_o deny_v that_o a_o rule_v elder_a may_v speak_v and_o teach_v as_o occasion_n require_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o in_o matter_n that_o concern_v his_o office_n in_o public_a or_o private_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v one_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o all_o presbyter_n or_o roll_a elder_n preach_v or_o not_o that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o teach_v 1_o tim._n 3.2_o and_o 2_o tim._n 2.24_o the_o elder_n must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o a_o bishop_n i._n e._n a_o roll_a elder_a or_o presbyter_n must_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v i._n e._n so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o word_n of_o exhortation_n as_o he_o be_v call_v thereto_o 4._o but_o the_o apostle_n do_v speak_v very_o clear_o in_o distribute_v the_o elder_n into_o they_o who_o ordinary_a and_o chief_a work_n be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o such_o who_o more_o peculiar_a work_n be_v to_o attend_v government_n though_o there_o never_o want_v those_o that_o will_v endeavour_v to_o darken_v and_o baffle_v the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v clear_a to_o common_a sense_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o presbyter_n that_o rule_v well_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v presider_v or_o precedent_n in_o rule_n and_o government_n as_o all_o the_o presbyter_n or_o bishop_n be_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v worthy_a or_o let_v they_o be_v count_v worthy_a of_o double_a honour_n i._n e._n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o office_n and_o well_o management_n thereof_o let_v such_o have_v great_a honour_n than_o any_o age_a person_n that_o be_v but_o a_o ordinary_a brother_n for_o he_o have_v speak_v before_o of_o our_o carriage_n to_o age_a brethren_n and_o sister_n but_o such_o as_o these_o we_o shall_v esteem_v they_o for_o their_o work_n sake_n but_o especial_o they_o that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o preach_a presbyter_n let_v they_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n be_v honour_v or_o esteem_v phil._n how_o many_o roll_a elder_n ought_v there_o to_o be_v christ_n christ_n have_v not_o limit_v church_n here_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o edification_n the_o church_n may_v be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o edify_v by_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n as_o the_o sole_a presbyter_n and_o there_o may_v be_v little_a or_o no_o use_n of_o a_o distinct_a roll_a elder_a till_o the_o church_n increase_v to_o a_o great_a bigness_n and_o when_o it_o be_v increase_v the_o church_n may_v choose_v one_o or_o more_o according_a as_o be_v judge_v necessary_a to_o its_o edification_n phil._n what_o if_o the_o church_n have_v not_o a_o man_n or_o man_n due_o qualify_v for_o that_o office_n christ._n they_o may_v pitch_v upon_o a_o brother_n not_o in_o office_n of_o
another_o congregation_n and_o call_v he_o to_o it_o and_o why_o not_o as_o well_o as_o to_o call_v one_o to_o be_v a_o preach_v elder_a that_o be_v a_o brother_n of_o another_o congregation_n for_o all_o church_n officer_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o church_n and_o first_o make_v member_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v christ_n in_o office_n before_o they_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o thereto_o phil._n what_o reason_n may_v a_o church_n be_v move_v by_o to_o choose_v a_o roll_a elder_a or_o more_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v a_o brother_n apt_o qualify_v and_o can_v attend_v it_o there_o need_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o it_o though_o the_o church_n be_v but_o small_a it_o may_v be_v much_o comfort_n and_o help_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o tend_v to_o much_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o church_n may_v see_v reason_n to_o choose_v rule_v elder_n from_o the_o great_a increase_n and_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o management_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n lie_v not_o too_o heavy_o upon_o their_o pastor_n 3._o the_o church_n may_v see_v reason_n for_o it_o because_o their_o pastor_n qualify_v it_o may_v be_v with_o much_o of_o grace_n preach_v gift_n and_o learning_n may_v not_o be_v qualify_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o government_n and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o man_n of_o retire_a studious_a life_n have_v so_o great_a a_o insight_n into_o the_o right_a order_n of_o politic_a affair_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o great_a mathematician_n but_o yet_o a_o ill_a seaman_n not_o know_v how_o to_o work_v or_o steer_v a_o ship_n so_o well_o as_o a_o master_n mate_n or_o a_o boatswain_n there_o be_v in_o spiritual_n as_o well_o as_o temporal_n a_o skill_n in_o practice_n to_o have_v the_o sense_n exercise_v by_o reason_n of_o use_n as_o well_o as_o a_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o rule_n phil._n what_o be_v the_o officework_n of_o a_o roll_a elder_n christ_n to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o admission_n to_o make_v good_a enquiry_n after_o the_o faith_n and_o holy_a conversation_n of_o such_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o church_n communion_n to_o propound_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o make_v inspection_n into_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o actual_a member_n frequent_o to_o visit_v they_o to_o rebuke_v any_o seem_o late-walking_a as_o not_o become_v the_o gospel_n to_o inquire_v after_o the_o reason_n of_o member_n absentment_n from_o communion_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o frequent_v assemble_v together_o for_o mutual_a edification_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a to_o support_v the_o weak_a to_o visit_v the_o sick_a to_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a etc._n etc._n 3._o in_o all_o matter_n of_o admonition_n and_o censure_n to_o hear_v and_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o church_n before_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o confusion_n and_o in_o disquietment_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o church_n but_o with_o all_o meekness_n unanimity_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n phil._n you_o have_v show_v that_o the_o ministerial_a office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pastoral_n or_o diaconal_a and_o have_v show_v that_o the_o pastoral_n or_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o pastoral_n care_n be_v exhortation_n teach_v administration_n of_o the_o seal_n rule_n and_o government_n according_a to_o all_o which_o part_n of_o a_o pastor_n office_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v provide_v affi_v officer_n and_o help_n such_o as_o teacher_n and_o roll_a elder_n to_o the_o full_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n i_o pray_v speak_v now_o something_o of_o the_o deacon_n office_n christ_n the_o english_a word_n deacon_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o minister_n or_o one_o that_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o office_n it_o be_v use_v for_o any_o minister_n at_o large_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o deaconship_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o apostleship_n itself_o act._n 1.17_o 25._o or_o to_o a_o part_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o act._n 6.4_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o particular_a service_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 11.29_o ch_n 12.25_o and_o paul_n appli_v it_o to_o his_o whole_a ministry_n as_o a_o apostle_n act._n 20.24_o rom._n 11.13_o ch_n 15.31_o 2._o cor._n 6.3_o but_o it_o have_v its_o peculiar_a application_n to_o that_o ministry_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n necessity_n by_o way_n of_o distribution_n of_o collection_n make_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n to_o whosesoever_o care_v it_o be_v commit_v and_o such_o a_o service_n paul_n say_v he_o undertake_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.4_o which_o be_v call_v the_o deaconship_n of_o this_o liturgy_n 2_o cor._n 9.12_o render_v the_o administration_n of_o this_o service_n now_o we_o find_v as_o office_n title_n of_o large_a significancy_n be_v bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o denote_v a_o single_a particular_a office_n in_o the_o church_n as_o apostle_n pastor_n bishop_n presbyter_n etc._n etc._n so_o here_o the_o word_n deacon_n be_v often_o use_v for_o all_o sacred_a ministry_n liturgy_n or_o service_n be_v a_o title_n put_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o the_o liturgy_n or_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o way_n of_o administration_n by_o distribution_n phil._n when_o be_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o deacon_n christ_n it_o be_v act._n 6._o a_o apostolic_a i._n e._n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v a_o divine_a institution_n and_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o observe_v the_o reason_n &_o ground_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o ease_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o great_a burden_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o when_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v sell_v their_o possession_n and_o bring_v the_o money_n and_o lay_v it_o down_o at_o their_o foot_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o again_o for_o a_o equal_a and_o necessary_a support_n to_o every_o one_o as_o need_v require_v this_o be_v too_o great_a a_o charge_n and_o burden_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o likely_a afterward_o to_o be_v unto_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o hence_o they_o institute_v this_o office_n of_o deaconship_n and_o therefore_o be_v also_o a_o more_o remote_a office_n of_o assistance_n unto_o the_o roll_a episcopacy_n but_o be_v very_o distinct_a in_o nature_n and_o kind_n from_o that_o sort_n of_o ministry_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v after_o that_o manner_n act._n 6.1_o 4._o that_o the_o church_n shall_v choose_v they_o fit_a man_n for_o this_o daily_a care_n and_o trust_v and_o they_o will_v betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n phil._n what_o ground_n have_v you_o for_o this_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n christ._n the_o very_a nature_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o church_n require_v it_o and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a ground_n for_o a_o office_n when_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o well_o be_v of_o a_o society_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_a necessity_n do_v require_v it_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v most_o express_a upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o apostle_n choose_v such_o officer_n for_o the_o necessary_a service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o state_v officer_n in_o other_o church_n appear_v from_o phil._n 1.1_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v express_o call_v their_o ministry_n a_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o 13._o as_o the_o word_n be_v render_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v by_o our_o interpreter_n their_o qualification_n and_o encouragement_n be_v also_o very_o particular_a v._o 8.9_o 10_o 13._o see_v rom._n 12.8_o he_o it_o to_o be_v grave_n sober_a exemplary_a in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n etc._n etc._n phil._n what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n christ._n the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v it_o serve_v of_o table_n the_o lord_n table_n and_o the_o table_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o a_o faithful_a collection_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v give_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o ordinance_n ministry_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v with_o simplicity_n prudence_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o of_o which_o they_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n let_v that_o word_n cheerfulness_n be_v observe_v because_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o murmur_v at_o this_o office_n as_o a_o burden_n to_o they_o phil._n how_o many_o deacon_n be_v there_o to_o be_v christ_n there_o be_v seven_o in_o the_o first_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o have_v seldom_o church_n arrive_v to_o the_o bigness_n
church_n exercise_n of_o its_o power_n 1._o in_o election_n of_o officer_n 2._o admission_n of_o member_n 3._o translate_n member_n to_o other_o church_n admonition_n and_o censure_n 5._o contribution_n for_o the_o support_n of_o ordinance_n ministry_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n 6._o i_o may_v add_v unto_o this_o holy_a conference_n for_o mutual_a edification_n these_o be_v give_v either_o as_o peculiar_a privilege_n to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o the_o seal_n and_o key_n of_o discipline_n or_o primary_o though_o for_o the_o conversion_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o multiplication_n growth_n and_o confirmation_n in_o grace_n phil._n speak_v to_o these_o gospel_n ordinance_n particular_o as_o to_o the_o distinct_a nature_n end_v and_o use_v of_o they_o christ_n 1._o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n comprehend_v 1._o the_o read_n of_o it_o frequent_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o open_n and_o expound_v of_o it_o 3._o the_o apply_v it_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o saint_n and_o unbelieve_a sinner_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n thereof_o by_o instruction_n reprehension_n exhortation_n direction_n consolation_n in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o by_o the_o instil_a and_o promote_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o catechise_v child_n &_o youth_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o may_v conduce_v most_o to_o the_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n in_o and_o bring_v over_o their_o affection_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n phil._n sir_n i_o doubt_v in_o the_o last_o thing_n mention_v many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o your_o church_n have_v be_v too_o defective_a christ_n i_o grant_v it_o and_o fear_v the_o next_o generation_n will_v have_v great_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o we_o for_o the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n do_v manifest_o grow_v up_o in_o ignorance_n carnality_n and_o looseness_n little_a care_n be_v take_v of_o most_o religious_a parent_n and_o less_o by_o the_o church_n to_o educate_v they_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n all_z or_o the_o chief_a of_o parent_n care_v be_v how_o to_o provide_v well_o for_o they_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o every_o way_n of_o catechise_v will_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n to_o learn_v a_o catechism_n mere_o by_o rote_n and_o a_o preach_n upon_o it_o will_v make_v no_o more_o impression_n on_o their_o age_n than_o other_o preach_n there_o must_v be_v care_n to_o instill_v in_o to_o their_o understanding_n by_o little_a and_o little_a in_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n of_o discourse_n with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v if_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o water_n be_v flush_v on_o upon_o a_o narrow-mouthed_a bottle_n very_o little_a or_o none_o will_v go_v in_o but_o you_o may_v by_o a_o small_a stream_n and_o gradual_o fill_v it_o ignorance_n in_o religion_n be_v destruction_n of_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o false_a worship_n and_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v the_o cause_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o disorder_n in_o and_o among_o church_n phil._n to_o what_o officer_n do_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n in_o church_n belong_v christ_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n if_o there_o be_v any_o they_o be_v the_o preach_a elder_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o pastor_n work_n in_o preach_v seem_v to_o lie_v most_o in_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o hearer_n whether_o for_o conversion_n or_o edification_n the_o teacher_n insist_o most_o on_o the_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n by_o doctrinal_a truth_n catechise_v argumentation_n and_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n rom._n 12.7_o 8._o if_o one_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o present_a circumstance_n can_v perform_v his_o office_n to_o the_o full_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v well_o if_o not_o then_o both_o be_v requisite_a as_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v so_o preach_v as_o have_v be_v say_v 2_o tim._n 4.2_o 3._o eph._n 4.12_o act._n 2.42_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v and_o to_o be_v attend_v on_o by_o we_o phil._n i_o look_v upon_o prayer_n and_o praise_n ab_fw-la be_v great_a church_n ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n of_o a_o universal_a nature_n to_o all_o and_o individual_a person_n in_o private_a and_o secret_a christ_n it_o be_v a_o solemn_a church_n ordinance_n express_v either_o way_n in_o public_a prayer_n or_o in_o praise_n not_o only_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o single_a person_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n that_o prayer_n be_v a_o church_n ordinance_n and_o a_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v frequent_o in_o the_o church_n service_n see_v act._n 1.14_o these_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n so_o act._n 2.42_o no_o other_o ordinance_n can_v be_v due_o administer_v without_o it_o phil._n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o christian_n but_o hold_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o church_n ordinance_n but_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o except_o against_o sing_v of_o psalm_n in_o metre_n as_o we_o do_v christ_n that_o sing_v psalm_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n i_o think_v be_v plain_a 1._o that_o sing_v praise_n to_o god_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n be_v practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o the_o apostle_n act._n 16.25_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v sing_v in_o the_o church_n at_o the_o most_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v without_o dispute_n mat._n 26.30_o mark_v 14.26_o 3._o that_o sing_v with_o word_n of_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v melody_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v recommend_v to_o we_o eph._n 5.19_o so_o col._n 3.16_o teach_v and_o admonish_v yourselves_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v render_v and_o not_o one_o another_o for_o thus_o interpreter_n have_v render_v the_o same_o word_n yourselves_o eph._n 5.19_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a ode_n in_o grace_n sing_v in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n from_o both_o which_o place_n sing_v spiritual_a psalm_n and_o hymn_n for_o instruct_v and_o quicken_a a_o gracious_a heart_n sweet_o and_o affectionate_o carry_v forth_o in_o they_o be_v high_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o sing_v in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o appear_v by_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o they_o sing_v a_o hymn_n and_o by_o paul_n and_o silas_n in_o prison_n but_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v express_o he_o expect_v of_o we_o rom._n 15.6_o that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n i.e._n with_o sameness_n of_o word_n and_o heart_n glorify_v god_n phil._n some_o may_v say_v this_o be_v to_o use_v form_n christ_n a._n 1._o though_o it_o be_v to_o use_v a_o form_n in_o sing_v it_o be_v not_o a_o impose_v form_n but_o free_o take_v and_o choose_v no_o more_o than_o the_o minister_n text_n be_v impose_v 2._o a_o form_n allow_v or_o enjoin_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v as_o the_o word_n of_o institution_n in_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n or_o of_o the_o element_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o it_o be_v premeditate_v that_o the_o sing_v be_v melodious_a i._n e._n orderly_o not_o with_o confusion_n and_o not_o in_o absurd_a dissony_n phil._n but_o some_o be_v against_o sing_v in_o mix_a congregation_n chr._n they_o may_v as_o well_o be_v against_o public_a pray_v in_o mix_a congregation_n do_v not_o he_o that_o pray_v endeavour_v to_o use_v such_o expression_n as_o most_o may_v join_v with_o he_o in_o so_o he_o that_o propound_v a_o psalm_n or_o hymn_n endeavour_n to_o suit_n it_o to_o the_o congregation_n where_o and_o the_o time_n and_o occasion_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v sing_v it_o be_v due_a to_o god_n from_o all_o his_o creature_n to_o praise_v he_o it_o be_v his_o saint_n only_o bless_v he_o but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o judge_v the_o heart_n of_o he_o that_o join_v in_o a_o public_a duty_n and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v public_o as_o pray_v and_o preach_v we_o be_v not_o to_o hinder_v any_o that_o will_v join_v with_o we_o if_o they_o be_v not_o upright_o in_o one_o or_o profit_v by_o the_o other_o the_o sin_n lie_v on_o themselves_o to_o answer_v for_o it_o phil._n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o
apostle_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o with_o they_o to_o all_o faithful_a minister_n there_o be_v another_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o key_n of_o power_n which_o be_v either_o of_o supreme_a church-power_n and_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v sovereign_a absolute_a legislative_a and_o therefore_o call_v the_o key_n of_o david_n which_o he_o alone_o have_v rev._n 3.7_o and_o there_o be_v the_o key_n of_o subordinate_a power_n which_o be_v delegated_a by_o christ_n unto_o his_o church_n and_o therefore_o give_v by_o christ_n unto_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n as_o his_o associate_v church_n on_o earth_n to_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v pastor_n and_o to_o which_o he_o administer_v as_o such_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o twelve_o apostle_n have_v this_o key_n give_v they_o as_o such_o in_o that_o for_o their_o time_n they_o have_v all_o church_n power_n commit_v unto_o to_o they_o do_v exercise_v it_o as_o occasion_v require_v as_o to_o constitution_n of_o officer_n receive_v dismiss_v or_o excommunicate_v member_n but_o there_o be_v none_o in_o succession_n unto_o they_o this_o key_n of_o power_n can_v be_v find_v no_o where_o lodge_v but_o in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n build_v on_o the_o faith_n which_o peter_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n profess_v mat._n 16.19_o phil._n but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v where_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n lie_v in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n whether_o in_o the_o fraternity_n or_o in_o the_o eldership_n christ_n i_o call_v the_o decisive_a church_n power_n the_o key_n and_o say_v it_o lie_v in_o the_o majority_n as_o in_o all_o society_n that_o arise_v by_o mutual_a consent_n or_o agreement_n but_o i_o distinguish_v between_o the_o key_n and_o the_o management_n of_o they_o for_o a_o key_n be_v dead_a and_o open_v no_o door_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o hand_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o so_o that_o in_o a_o organise_v church_n the_o orderly_a manage_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o church_n power_n lie_v in_o the_o elder_n but_o if_o the_o church_n be_v not_o organise_v they_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o common_a rule_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o procure_v their_o well_o be_v they_o act_n by_o common_a consent_n as_o they_o come_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n till_o they_o be_v due_o organise_v with_o officer_n and_o therefore_o they_o admit_v member_n or_o excommunicate_a if_o necessity_n require_v as_o they_o may_v before_o they_o have_v officer_n but_o have_v choose_v officer_n the_o orderly_a way_n of_o proceed_v be_v by_o the_o authoritative_a power_n of_o the_o officer_n in_o management_n of_o this_o key_n which_o be_v the_o decisive_a power_n hence_o i_o distinguish_v between_o a_o church_n act_v pro_fw-la necessitate_v and_o pro_fw-la regula_fw-la ordinis_fw-la phil._n what_o part_n have_v the_o roll_a elder_n viz._n the_o pastor_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o or_o if_o there_o be_v the_o roll_a presbyter_n that_o take_v part_n with_o he_o as_o assistant_n in_o admit_v of_o a_o member_n christ_n the_o elder_a or_o elder_n work_n be_v 1._o to_o speak_v with_o the_o party_n that_o desire_v admission_n propound_v he_o to_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o mature_a deliberation_n cause_v the_o decisive_a vote_n of_o the_o church_n to_o pass_v upon_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v receive_v or_o reject_v if_o receive_v the_o elder_a declare_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o do_v solemn_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n enter_v into_o a_o mutual_a obligation_n with_o the_o say_a member_n say_v you_o be_v here_o now_o to_o give_v up_o yourself_o and_o child_n if_o he_o have_v any_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o congregation_n promise_v as_o christ_n shall_v help_v you_o to_o walk_v and_o abide_v in_o and_o with_o this_o church_n in_o all_o gospel_n conversation_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n submit_v yourself_o to_o the_o watch_n of_o the_o same_o and_o promise_v to_o bring_v your_o child_n to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n educate_v they_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n likewise_o add_v i_o do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o congregation_n give_v you_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n and_o receive_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n promise_v to_o perform_v all_o the_o duty_n towards_o you_o that_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o your_o edification_n as_o christ_n shall_v enable_v we_o phil._n have_v a_o elder_a no_o more_o part_n in_o the_o decisive_a power_n by_o vote_n than_o a_o ordinary_a brother_n christ_n though_o the_o elder_n judgement_n be_v usual_o hearken_v to_o and_o sway_v many_o time_n much_o with_o the_o congregation_n give_v light_n unto_o they_o from_o the_o word_n yet_o when_o a_o matter_n come_v by_o vote_n to_o be_v determine_v his_o vote_n be_v but_o single_a as_o another_o brother_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v this_o key_n of_o decisive_a power_n be_v in_o the_o fraternity_n though_o the_o orderly_a management_n thereof_o and_o authoritative_a declaration_n thereof_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n belong_v to_o the_o elder_n phil._n in_o what_o other_o case_n be_v this_o key_n make_v use_v of_o christ_n in_o let_v shut_v out_o and_o turn_v out_o of_o member_n 1._o in_o let_v out_o or_o translate_n member_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o when_o upon_o good_a reason_n a_o church_n member_n desire_v to_o change_v his_o or_o her_o communion_n and_o ask_v a_o dismission_n it_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n approve_v his_o reason_n for_o it_o phil._n be_v there_o any_o scripture_n ground_n for_o a_o dismission_n may_v not_o a_o church_n member_n not_o chargeable_a with_o any_o scandalous_a sin_n go_v away_o to_o another_o church_n without_o a_o dismission_n christ_n no_o for_o it_o will_v cause_v confusion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o order_n and_o not_o confusion_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n beside_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o society_n and_o the_o obligation_n by_o which_o the_o member_n stand_v mutual_o bind_v together_o in_o one_o body_n and_o christ_n have_v provide_v as_o well_o the_o orderly_a departure_n as_o stay_v of_o church_n member_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_v rom._n 16.1_o shall_v be_v render_v statuo_fw-la constituo_fw-la in_o coetu_fw-la vobiscum_fw-la i_o dismiss_v to_o you_o for_o though_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o i_o recommend_v yet_o it_o shall_v more_o right_o be_v render_v i_o dismiss_v or_o place_n in_o church_n fellowship_n with_o you_o and_o so_o all_o the_o apostle_n speak_v afterward_o be_v term_n of_o a_o dismission_n these_o paul_n need_v not_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o have_v have_v a_o seal_n of_o his_o apostleship_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v commendatory_a letter_n with_o dismission_n 2_o cor._n 3.2_o phil._n what_o then_o be_v your_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n christ_n a_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v but_o a_o certificate_n under_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o officer_n that_o this_o or_o that_o brother_n or_o sister_n be_v a_o member_n of_o such_o a_o congregation_n walk_v blameless_o and_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n that_o when_o any_o brother_n or_o sister_n come_v to_o other_o church_n in_o their_o travel_n they_o may_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o receive_v they_o to_o occasional_a or_o transient_a communion_n but_o transfer_v not_o any_o as_o member_n to_o another_o congregation_n phil._n how_o be_v the_o key_n use_v for_o exclusion_n of_o a_o member_n christ_n a_o church_n member_n be_v exclude_v or_o put_v out_o of_o communion_n by_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o church_n and_o either_o amount_n to_o excommunication_n for_o excommunication_n be_v the_o put_v one_o out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n which_o be_v do_v when_o a_o member_n do_v disorderly_o withdraw_v and_o divide_v himself_o from_o the_o church_n communion_n obstinate_o refuse_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o his_o place_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o say_a church_n this_o be_v a_o usurpation_n of_o the_o key_n of_o power_n and_o separate_v of_o himself_o and_o i_o call_v it_o indirect_a excommunication_n because_o he_o divide_v himself_o violent_o and_o schismatical_o upon_o which_o the_o church_n be_v to_o reassume_v the_o key_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o communion_n upon_o he_o either_o by_o a_o direct_a excommunication_n which_o be_v the_o regular_a way_n and_o may_v be_v justify_v from_o express_a place_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o rom._n 16.17_o 18._o or_o else_o if_o this_o way_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o be_v bear_v judicial_o to_o
over_o to_o satan_n be_v as_o much_o as_o our_o saviour_n by_o who_o spirit_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v the_o use_n of_o this_o word_n express_v mat._n 18._o that_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v account_v as_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v by_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o as_o one_o out_o of_o that_o church_n communion_n viz._n a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n for_o such_o the_o jew_n will_v not_o eat_v with_o and_o condemn_v our_o saviour_n for_o so_o do_v there_o be_v but_o two_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n christ_n and_o satan_n who_o be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n that_o rule_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n i._n e._n the_o son_n of_o belial_n man_n that_o will_v not_o come_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n government_n and_o with_o such_o christ_n can_v have_v no_o concord_n in_o his_o church_n 2_o cor._n 6.15_o and_o therefore_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o visible_a church_n as_o a_o child_n of_o disobedience_n a_o incorrigible_a person_n harden_v in_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v return_v into_o the_o world_n as_o one_o that_o have_v no_o right_a to_o the_o child_n bread_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o humble_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o to_o shame_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n so_o that_o his_o flesh_n a_o gospel_n expression_n for_o sin_n which_o be_v corrupt_a affection_n and_o lust_n may_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o consequent_a behaviour_n require_v towards_o such_o a_o one_o abundant_o show_v it_o that_o intimacy_n of_o familiarity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v keep_v with_o he_o 1_o cor._n 5.11_o and_o that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v to_o be_v put_v away_o from_o communion_n in_o this_o manner_n as_o to_o all_o sacred_a thing_n peculiar_a to_o the_o church_n ver_fw-la 13._o and_o what_o do_v the_o apostle_n intend_v 2_o thes_n 3.14_o but_o the_o excommunication_n of_o one_o that_o be_v unruly_a that_o he_o may_v be_v ashamed_a for_o it_o be_v set_v a_o mark_n upon_o he_o that_o other_o may_v withdraw_v from_o he_o to_o his_o great_a shame_n but_o yet_o ver_fw-la 15._o to_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o admonish_v he_o in_o order_n to_o his_o recovery_n phil._n what_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o this_o solemn_a sentence_n christ_n all_o the_o rule_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o offence_n be_v private_a or_o public_a aught_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o all_o due_a deliberation_n be_v use_v and_o tenderness_n towards_o the_o offend_a brother_n before_o the_o case_n be_v put_v to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v pass_v and_o the_o offender_n convict_v as_o guilty_a and_o ripe_a for_o censure_v the_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v open_a with_o all_o the_o aggravation_n thereof_o then_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o true_a end_n and_o intent_n thereof_o show_v solemn_a prayer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o way_n of_o humiliation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o supplication_n for_o the_o conviction_n repentance_n and_o humiliation_n of_o the_o sinner_n that_o the_o ordinance_n may_v obtain_v its_o true_a and_o best_a effect_n upon_o he_o last_o the_o sentence_n be_v to_o be_v denounce_v solemn_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o a_o roll_a elder_n if_o any_o if_o none_o by_o the_o pastor_n and_o then_o the_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v conclude_v with_o prayer_n of_o god_n blessing_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o sinner_n for_o his_o return_n and_o for_o the_o church_n that_o god_n will_v preserve_v it_o from_o impurity_n apostasy_n and_o decay_n in_o grace_n and_o that_o the_o fall_n of_o this_o brother_n may_v be_v a_o warn_a example_n that_o he_o that_o stand_v do_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v phil._n be_v there_o not_o a_o lesser_a excommunication_n which_o a_o offend_a brother_n may_v be_v try_v with_o before_o you_o proceed_v to_o this_o great_a and_o tremendous_a one_o christ_n there_o be_v with_o some_o that_o which_o they_o call_v suspension_n but_o i_o know_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o from_o the_o word_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o adult_n member_n have_v right_a to_o all_o ordinance_n or_o not_o and_o right_o he_o have_v still_o till_o he_o be_v due_o convict_v and_o sentence_n pass_v upon_o he_o and_o i_o know_v no_o power_n that_o any_o church_n or_o officer_n have_v to_o debar_v he_o from_o any_o ordinance_n of_o church_n communion_n till_o he_o be_v exclude_v judicial_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n phil._n you_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v a_o excommunicate_a person_n again_o upon_o credible_a manifestation_n of_o his_o repentance_n christ_n there_o aught_o to_o be_v great_a readiness_n to_o receive_v a_o repent_v and_o return_v sinner_n with_o all_o tenderness_n compassion_n and_o commiseration_n but_o with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n his_o church_n and_o ordinance_n to_o endeavour_v to_o get_v as_o much_o satisfaction_n as_o may_v be_v concern_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o profess_a repentance_n not_o only_o by_o manifest_a remorse_n but_o in_o some_o case_n by_o experience_a reformation_n phil._n you_o be_v say_v that_o one_o that_o be_v a_o unjust_a divider_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o a_o direct_a excommunication_n christ_n i_o do_v very_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o christ_n and_o though_o our_o church_n that_o be_v now_o but_o in_o a_o decline_a state_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o order_n will_v not_o receive_v it_o yet_o church_n have_v practise_v it_o and_o whenever_o the_o church_n flourish_v they_o will_v practice_v it_o my_o reason_n be_v brief_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v schism_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n be_v the_o actual_a divide_v of_o a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o schism_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v but_o faction_n tend_v to_o this_o division_n else_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v give_v command_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o causer_n thereof_o as_o well_o as_o the_o incestuous_a person_n for_o the_o contention_n and_o faction_n that_o have_v a_o tendency_n thereto_o they_o be_v high_o rebuke_v 1_o cor._n 1.11_o 12._o ch_z 3.3_o 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 2._o what_o way_n be_v for_o mark_v and_o withdraw_v from_o a_o person_n but_o the_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n rom._n 16.17_o 1_o thes_n 5.14_o 2_o thes_n 3.14_o 3._o it_o be_v a_o most_o scandalous_a sin_n to_o jew_n gentile_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n nothing_o stain_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n more_o in_o the_o congregation_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o root_n of_o bitterness_n that_o infect_v many_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o censure_n if_o it_o can_v be_v cure_v heb._n 12.15_o 5._o to_o excommunicate_v such_o a_o person_n be_v no_o wrong_n because_o he_o have_v excommunicate_v himself_o he_o have_v but_o what_o he_o seek_v after_o and_o have_v do_v 6._o it_o be_v fit_a such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v judicial_o because_o he_o have_v by_o usurpation_n excommunicate_v himself_o and_o the_o church_n 7._o it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o such_o a_o one_o wherein_o he_o hear_v not_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v make_v as_o a_o heathen_a and_o publican_n 8._o it_o be_v a_o gross_a breach_n of_o his_o covenant_n at_o entrance_n into_o church_n communion_n phil._n speak_v something_o now_o of_o the_o five_o head_n of_o ordinance_n which_o be_v contribution_n to_o the_o support_n of_o ordinance_n ministry_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n christ_n contribution_n on_o these_o account_n be_v manifest_o the_o office_n charge_n of_o the_o deacon_n to_o call_v the_o church_n to_o its_o duty_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o faithful_a distribution_n of_o all_o collection_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o to_o give_v account_n thereof_o to_o the_o church_n they_o be_v herein_o the_o church_n steward_n it_o be_v full_o manifest_a from_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o that_o office_n act_v 6._o and_o by_o their_o necessary_a qualification_n speak_v of_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o office_n and_o ordinance_n be_v not_o only_o the_o gospel_n institution_n which_o from_o the_o place_n foremention_v be_v without_o dispute_n but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o church_n society_n itself_o no_o society_n if_o but_o civil_a can_v be_v support_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n without_o charge_n and_o there_o be_v many_o charge_n necessary_o require_v to_o support_v a_o church_n society_n for_o a_o ministry_n must_v be_v maintain_v 1_o cor._n 9.9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o 18._o gal._n 6.6_o luke_n 10.4_o likewise_o there_o be_v charge_n as_o to_o place_n for_o the_o church_n
to_o assemble_v and_o meet_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n assemble_v in_o upper_a room_n of_o ordinary_a house_n act._n 1.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o go_v up_o into_o a_o upper_a room_n and_o paul_n preach_v in_o his_o own_o hire_a house_n act._n 28.30_o 31._o the_o church_n be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o hire_v place_n to_o meet_v in_o and_o so_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o the_o profession_n of_o christian_a religion_n they_o be_v build_v or_o hire_v there_o be_v element_n for_o the_o lord_n table_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o charge_n there_o be_v the_o poor_a to_o be_v support_v and_o relieve_v and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v frequent_a collection_n for_o these_o end_n and_o purpose_n be_v beyond_o all_o dispute_n 2_o cor._n 9.1_o 1_o cor._n 16.1_o 2._o the_o time_n and_o manner_n for_o make_v these_o collection_n seem_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o prudent_a consideration_n of_o each_o church_n as_o may_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o its_o circumstance_n though_o paul_n seem_v to_o intimate_v to_o the_o corinthian_n that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n when_o the_o church_n assemble_v be_v a_o suitable_a and_o meet_a time_n for_o it_o as_o for_o the_o administration_n of_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o proportion_n that_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v to_o all_o such_o occasion_n of_o contribution_n be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o and_o the_o manner_n specify_v he_o that_o give_v with_o simplicity_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n with_o cheerfulness_n rom._n 12.8_o phil._n you_o seem_v to_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o practise_v in_o church_n as_o a_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n for_o edification_n the_o frequent_a assemble_v of_o the_o church_n for_o prayer_n and_o conference_n christ_n whatever_o may_v have_v a_o manifest_a tendency_n to_o edification_n be_v undoubted_o require_v and_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v in_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o assemble_v of_o the_o church_n all_o together_o or_o in_o part_n or_o neighbourhood_n do_v undoubted_o do_v so_o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v plead_v for_o it_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o encourage_v it_o mal._n 3.16_o 17._o but_o the_o apostle_n seem_v heb._n 10.24_o 25._o to_o lay_v frequent_a assembling_n in_o this_o kind_n as_o a_o great_a charge_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o practice_n of_o this_o nature_n frequent_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o brethren_n speak_v by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n in_o conference_n one_o with_o another_o and_o it_o be_v call_v prophesy_v 1_o cor._n 14.3_o 4_o 5._o and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v but_o speak_v and_o pray_v in_o this_o manner_n of_o the_o brethren_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o this_o practice_n do_v the_o apostle_n discourse_n 1_o cor._n 11.2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n seem_v plain_o to_o look_v phil._n how_o be_v those_o meeting_n for_o conference_n or_o mutual_a edification_n manage_v christ_n it_o be_v by_o brethren_n speak_v one_o after_o another_o not_o several_a talk_n of_o spiritual_a matter_n in_o the_o same_o roomin_v divers_a company_n as_o it_o be_v before_o that_o the_o apostle_n correct_v that_o disorder_n 1_o cor._n 14.29_o but_o the_o regular_a way_n of_o carry_v it_o on_o be_v that_o one_o speak_v at_o once_o and_o the_o rest_n judge_n viz._n that_o a_o practical_a question_n be_v propound_v and_o two_o or_o three_o or_o more_o speak_v brief_o in_o answer_n thereto_o one_o after_o another_o &_o if_o that_o a_o officer_n shall_v be_v there_o or_o one_o appoint_v in_o chief_a to_o judge_n &_o to_o review_v the_o consonancy_n to_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v then_o let_v other_o submit_v thereto_o according_a to_o the_o light_n bring_v 1_o cor._n 14.30_o chap._n vii_o of_o communion_n of_o church_n phil._n be_v the_o supreme_a jurisdiction_n ecclesiastical_a in_o every_o particular_a congregation_n be_v there_o none_o superior_a to_o appeal_v to_o episcopal_a or_o classical_a christ_n none_o but_o christ_n himself_o for_o all_o church_n be_v coordinate_a in_o power_n one_o with_o another_o next_o and_o immediate_o under_o christ_n neither_o have_v christ_n constitute_v any_o officer_n with_o apostolic_a power_n over_o many_o church_n phil._n but_o what_o if_o matter_n of_o difficulty_n arise_v ought_v not_o elder_n of_o neighbour_a church_n to_o assemble_v and_o decide_v it_o christ_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o thing_n wherein_o matter_n of_o controversy_n do_v usual_o lie_v 1._o there_o may_v be_v a_o case_n in_o thesi_fw-la which_o to_o understand_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n clear_o in_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o church_n and_o if_o the_o pastor_n and_o other_o officer_n can_v sufficient_o satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o brethren_n then_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o consult_v other_o church_n and_o elder_n who_o when_o they_o give_v their_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v no_o further_o bind_v than_o it_o carry_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n with_o it_o for_o no_o elder_n can_v impose_v any_o rule_n of_o practice_n upon_o the_o church_n and_o their_o judgement_n have_v no_o more_o force_n than_o ministerial_a so_o far_o as_o carry_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o declare_a mind_n and_o will._n here_o then_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a and_o requisite_a that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v other_o church_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v and_o consult_v other_o thing_n be_v referrible_a all_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o election_n admission_n translation_n and_o exclusion_n and_o here_o the_o church_n be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n and_o none_o to_o be_v appeal_v to_o why_o shall_v not_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o able_a to_o judge_v in_o any_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o a_o jury_n in_o civil_a affair_n to_o who_o judgement_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n our_o life_n and_o estate_n be_v leave_v daily_o therefore_o if_o we_o hold_v the_o distinction_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la &_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la this_o matter_n of_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o church_n will_v be_v clear_a in_o case_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la a_o church_n can_v be_v lead_v only_o by_o the_o best_a light_n they_o can_v have_v and_o the_o more_o the_o better_o and_o know_v this_o they_o have_v a_o foundation_n to_o proceed_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n whereupon_o the_o bind_n and_o lose_v lie_n in_o themselves_o phil._n what_o if_o a_o member_n or_o minor_a part_n of_o a_o church_n think_v themselves_o wrong_v upon_o the_o suppose_a irregular_a proceed_n of_o the_o majority_n christ_n he_o or_o they_o may_v complain_v to_o another_o church_n that_o church_n be_v to_o hear_v what_o the_o sister_n church_n say_v in_o vindication_n if_o it_o satisfy_v not_o nor_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o error_n than_o another_o church_n i._n e._n the_o elder_n with_o messenger_n thereof_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o offend_a church_n and_o if_o it_o hear_v not_o than_o the_o case_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o vicinity_n of_o church_n all_o which_o find_v this_o church_n just_o chargeable_a with_o sin_n and_o incorrigible_a therein_o agree_v to_o declare_v non-communion_n with_o it_o which_o be_v virtual_o a_o excommunication_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o church_n deal_v with_o each_o other_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n as_o that_o mat._n 18._o where_o a_o rule_n be_v lay_v down_o by_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o orderly_a proceed_n of_o one_o church_n member_n with_o another_o phil._n what_o if_o a_o elder_a fall_n under_o offence_n in_o a_o church_n be_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o that_o church_n to_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o ordinary_a brother_n christ_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o the_o jurisdiction_n be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o officer_n who_o be_v brethren_n as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v the_o same_o but_o a_o accusation_n against_o a_o elder_n be_v not_o present_o to_o be_v receive_v it_o must_v be_v clear_o evidence_v by_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n again_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v good_a for_o the_o church_n to_o proceed_v with_o the_o advice_n and_o approbation_n if_o possible_a of_o other_o neighbour_a church_n and_o elder_n phil._n wherein_o consist_v the_o practical_a part_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n christ_n 1._o a_o concurrence_n in_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o order_n 2._o in_o give_v each_o other_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n as_o 1._o in_o receive_v each_o other_o member_n unto_o transient_a communion_n as_o due_a occasion_n require_v 2._o in_o dismiss_v member_n to_o each_o other_o or_o receive_v member_n orderly_o dismiss_v 3._o in_o refusal_n to_o
admit_v such_o to_o communion_n which_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o another_o church_n or_o disorderly_o withdraw_v from_o it_o signification_n be_v make_v thereof_o 3._o there_o be_v communion_n of_o church_n in_o mutual_a advice_n and_o counsel_n which_o shall_v be_v maintain_v by_o elder_n frequent_a assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n 4._o by_o sympathize_v with_o each_o other_o poverty_n and_o affliction_n by_o relieve_v and_o support_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a such_o as_o labour_v in_o this_o kind_n and_o this_o be_v a_o communion_n in_o give_v and_o receive_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o phil._n be_v there_o not_o a_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o office_n power_n of_o the_o elder_n v._o gr_n for_o one_o pastor_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o another_o and_o for_o the_o elder_n of_o one_o or_o more_o congregation_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o another_o christ_n officer_n have_v a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o the_o society_n that_o have_v call_v they_o and_o there_o only_o they_o be_v such_o and_o that_o society_n only_o can_v constitute_v and_o ordain_v they_o and_o there_o only_o they_o can_v exercise_v their_o particular_a office_n charge_n as_o a_o pastor_n can_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n only_o in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v overseer_n neither_o the_o roll_a elder_a can_v govern_v nor_o the_o deacon_n have_v power_n to_o distribute_v any_o where_o but_o where_o he_o be_v a_o deacon_n or_o have_v that_o office_n charge_v commit_v to_o he_o for_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n be_v thereby_o make_v a_o indefinite_a officer_n to_o all_o it_o will_v soon_o bring_v confusion_n to_o all_o and_o the_o elder_n of_o one_o church_n may_v excommunicate_v in_o another_o phil._n i_o thank_v you_o sir_n for_o this_o brief_a account_n you_o have_v give_v i_o of_o your_o church_n order_n as_o for_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n institution_n i_o think_v all_o reform_a church_n own_o they_o more_o or_o less_o and_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o in_o their_o way_n though_o with_o innumerable_a superstition_n and_o idolatrous_a addition_n and_o for_o the_o church_n officer_n you_o insist_v on_o methinks_v i_o see_v there_o be_v something_o analogous_a to_o they_o remain_v in_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n through_o antichristian_a darkness_n as_o in_o some_o of_o our_o parish_n we_o have_v the_o parson_n as_o pastor_n the_o assistant_n in_o preach_v as_o the_o teacher_n the_o church_n warden_n as_o roll_a elder_n the_o overseer_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o deacon_n and_o though_o these_o labour_n under_o many_o abuse_n now_o and_o irregularity_n by_o popish_a corruption_n yet_o it_o show_v that_o these_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o do_v full_o answer_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v large_a none_o of_o they_o can_v well_o be_v spare_v chap._n viii_o of_o letter_n of_o commendation_n and_o discommendation_n phil._n before_o we_o break_v up_o this_o conference_n i_o pray_v inform_v i_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o translate_n of_o a_o church_n member_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o say_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n and_o of_o dismission_n christ_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o a_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v but_o a_o certificate_n under_o a_o elder_n hand_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o church_n member_n and_o orderly_a walker_n in_o order_n to_o his_o free_a admission_n to_o occasional_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n it_o need_v not_o be_v a_o church_n act._n 2._o it_o be_v not_o in_o order_n to_o the_o part_n with_o a_o member_n 3._o it_o need_v not_o be_v direct_v to_o any_o particular_a congregation_n 4._o when_o member_n of_o each_o congregation_n be_v well_o know_v to_o one_o another_o they_o be_v needless_a as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 2._o we_o need_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d letter_n of_o commendation_n to_o you_o phil._n i_o pray_v in_o what_o form_n do_v a_o letter_n of_o commendation_n run_v christ_n it_o may_v be_v in_o these_o or_o such_o like_a word_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o respective_a elder_n to_o who_o these_o present_n shall_v come_v grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n see_v god_n by_o his_o providence_n have_v call_v this_o our_o brother_n a._n b._n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o place_n remote_a from_o we_o for_o a_o time_n and_o that_o he_o may_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o any_o place_n whither_o he_o be_v lawful_o call_v and_o where_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v plant_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n these_o be_v to_o certify_v that_o this_o our_o brother_n a._n b._n be_v under_o no_o censure_n but_o in_o actual_a communion_n with_o we_o have_v walk_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o holy_a conversation_n as_o become_v the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o great_a honour_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o rejoice_v wherefore_o you_o need_v not_o doubt_v to_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o occasional_a communion_n whensoever_o he_o shall_v desire_v the_o same_o we_o greet_v you_o well_o in_o the_o lord_n c._n d._n pastor_n phil._n be_v not_o this_o sufficient_a for_o to_o translate_v a_o member_n to_o another_o church_n and_o make_v he_o a_o actual_a member_n there_o christ_n no_o this_o make_v he_o not_o a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o church_n more_o than_o another_o 2._o here_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v give_v up_o no_o right_a in_o he_o neither_o do_v any_o church_n act_n pass_v to_o that_o purpose_n or_o be_v desire_v by_o he_o the_o end_n of_o this_o be_v but_o to_o be_v a_o testimonial_a to_o other_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o church_n member_n and_o one_o under_o no_o censure_n but_o approve_v and_o therefore_o that_o no_o other_o church_n may_v scruple_n to_o admit_v he_o to_o their_o communion_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v phil._n i_o pray_v then_o how_o do_v you_o write_v a_o dismission_n some_o dismiss_v member_n but_o to_o no_o church_n christ_n it_o may_v be_v write_v with_o these_o or_o such_o like_a expression_n as_o the_o matter_n require_v for_o in_o some_o case_n variation_n be_v require_v phil._n what_o be_v those_o case_n christ_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o some_o dismission_n can_v be_v write_v with_o so_o great_a commendation_n as_o other_o may_v some_o depart_a member_n give_v considerable_a cause_n of_o offence_n in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n before_o and_o in_o their_o ask_a dismission_n phil._n how_o do_v you_o write_v a_o dismission_n witâ—_n commendation_n christ_n a_o dismission_n with_o commendation_n may_v be_v after_o this_o manner_n and_o it_o must_v be_v direct_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o place_n to_o which_o the_o reverend_n mr._n l._n p._n be_v pastor_n grace_n mercy_n etc._n etc._n dear_o belove_v in_o the_o lord_n whereas_o f._n d._n a_o brother_n in_o fellowship_n with_o we_o have_v walk_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n and_o holy_a conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o his_o profession_n continue_v steadfast_o in_o attendance_n on_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o congregation_n and_o now_o have_v consult_v we_o and_o give_v we_o reason_n why_o he_o apprehend_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o ask_v his_o dismission_n which_o reason_n be_v due_o consider_v by_o we_o and_o approve_v as_o satisfactory_a we_o think_v it_o no_o less_o our_o duty_n to_o grant_v his_o say_a request_n and_o do_v hereby_o dismiss_v he_o unto_o you_o discharge_v he_o from_o his_o near_a relation_n and_o obligation_n unto_o we_o and_o commit_v he_o to_o your_o particular_a watch_n and_o care_n desire_v you_o to_o receive_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o you_o will_v be_v every_o way_n helpful_a to_o he_o to_o promote_v his_o edification_n and_o comfort_n for_o which_o spiritual_a end_n we_o commend_v you_o and_o he_o with_o you_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n who_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v subscribe_v by_o the_o consent_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o k._n by_o a._n n._n pastor_n phil._n but_o what_o kind_n of_o dismission_n can_v you_o give_v without_o commendation_n christ_n there_o must_v be_v some_o in_o every_o one_o and_o charity_n allow_v we_o to_o give_v some_o commendation_n to_o a_o member_n that_o stand_v under_o very_o dissatisfactory_a circumstance_n which_o we_o hope_v proceed_v from_o his_o infirmity_n only_o and_o therefore_o can_v say_v