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power_n apostle_n church_n key_n 4,850 5 9.8788 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A32768 Ecclesiasticum, or, A plain and familiar Christian conference concerning gospel churches, and order for the information and benefit of those who shall seek the Lord their God and ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward ... Chauncy, Isaac, 1632-1712. 1690 (1690) Wing C3751; ESTC R23991 70,072 162

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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 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person_n or_o a_o few_o at_o most_o 2._o they_o can_v divest_v themselves_o without_o destroy_v the_o very_a formal_a nature_n of_o the_o society_n for_o as_o their_o first_o be_v arise_v by_o common_a consent_n so_o their_o continue_a act_n must_v be_v 3._o if_o they_o give_v up_o this_o power_n they_o part_v with_o their_o freedom_n and_o be_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o one_o man_n and_o they_o set_v up_o a_o arbitrary_a government_n 4._o they_o can_v exercise_v that_o power_n which_o they_o have_v give_v up_o and_o then_o in_o case_n of_o maladministration_n who_o shall_v say_v to_o archippus_n take_v heed_n to_o thy_o ministry_n that_o thou_o fulfil_v it_o etc._n etc._n for_o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o church_n may_v see_v reason_n to_o deal_v with_o a_o officer_n and_o to_o excommunicate_v he_o from_o his_o office_n relation_n and_o membership_n too_o 5._o what_o a_o condition_n be_v such_o a_o church_n in_o that_o do_v so_o for_o if_o a_o pastor_n or_o rule_v elder_a 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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
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
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
remark_n by_o the_o decisive_a power_n of_o the_o church_n and_o declare_v that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v sinful_o or_o disorderly_o withdraw_v and_o divide_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n whereby_o he_o must_v immediate_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o ecclesiastical_o felo_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la and_o one_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v separate_v from_o that_o congregation_n to_o which_o he_o do_v belong_v for_o he_o that_o challenge_v communion_n with_o other_o church_n can_v do_v it_o but_o as_o a_o member_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n from_o which_o be_v divide_v by_o his_o act_n have_v disclaim_v it_o and_o seclude_v thereupon_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v double_o excommunicate_a and_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o claim_v right_a of_o communion_n any_o where_o but_o be_v as_o a_o dead_a branch_n cut_v off_o a_o tree_n twice_o dead_a in_o respect_n of_o his_o visible_a church-standing_a and_o pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n phil._n i_o be_o glad_a to_o understand_v that_o in_o the_o way_n of_o church_n discipline_n you_o do_v profess_v to_o there_o be_v a_o regular_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o curb_v such_o kind_n of_o disturber_n of_o church_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o correct_v those_o who_o be_v chargeable_a with_o scandal_n for_o such_o make_v party_n divide_v church_n and_o depart_v from_o their_o communion_n bid_v defiance_n to_o all_o rule_n and_o government_n and_o that_o out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n now_o the_o way_n you_o speak_v of_o will_v tend_v much_o to_o the_o humble_v such_o proud_a and_o prejudice_v professor_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o serve_v christ_n serve_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o their_o own_o lust_n which_o to_o gratify_v they_o regard_v not_o the_o defame_n and_o break_v the_o best_a church_n on_o earth_n but_o other_o church_n and_o elder_n will_v countenance_v abett_n and_o receive_v they_o as_o i_o have_v know_v some_o do_v christ_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o our_o great_a sorrow_n and_o shame_n that_o be_v of_o some_o elder_n and_o church_n that_o will_v be_v still_o take_v part_n with_o the_o offender_n and_o censure_v member_n of_o other_o church_n and_o have_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n but_o there_o be_v not_o many_o of_o they_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o as_o among_o a_o great_a many_o church_n some_o will_v be_v disorderly_a and_o unruly_a so_o among_o many_o church_n some_o will_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o become_v common-shore_n for_o mammon_n sake_n to_o all_o lawless_a ungovernable_a member_n of_o other_o congregation_n but_o a_o little_a more_o of_o this_o when_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n phil._n what_o be_v that_o which_o you_o call_v direct_a excommunication_n christ_n it_o be_v when_o the_o church_n by_o its_o decisive_a power_n adjudge_v a_o person_n a_o impenitent_a obstinate_a offender_n or_o gross_o scandalous_a lay_v he_o under_o a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n phil._n what_o rule_n be_v there_o to_o proceed_v by_o in_o that_o case_n christ_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o offence_n to_o be_v proceed_v upon_o and_o according_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o proceed_v 1._o case_n of_o less_o heinous_a nature_n and_o private_o commit_v as_o one_o brother_n sin_v against_o another_o in_o lie_v defraud_v purloin_v etc._n etc._n and_o so_o sin_v not_o public_o know_v not_o be_v so_o criminal_a and_o heinous_a in_o this_o kind_n of_o offence_n christ_n have_v lay_v we_o down_o the_o degree_n of_o proceed_v and_o if_o at_o last_o he_o be_v not_o convince_v of_o his_o sin_n when_o the_o church_n adjudge_v there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n of_o conviction_n lay_v before_o he_o it_o be_v to_o proceed_v to_o censure_v and_o he_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o heathen_a or_o publican_n that_o have_v no_o right_a to_o church-priviledge_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o sin_n heinous_a more_o criminal_a public_o commit_v and_o know_v to_o the_o world_n such_o as_o blasphemy_n drunkenness_n whoredom_n perjury_n etc._n etc._n these_o sin_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dally_v with_o in_o a_o gradual_a way_n of_o proceed_v for_o they_o go_v before_o the_o sinner_n to_o judgement_n and_o such_o be_v immediate_o to_o be_v proceed_v against_o to_o excommunication_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v so_o practise_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o incestuous_a person_n by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 5.2_o it_o be_v requisite_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n before_o the_o world_n 3._o that_o whatever_o pretence_n there_o be_v of_o present_a remorse_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v such_o a_o person_n shall_v be_v permit_v to_o abide_v a_o actual_a church_n member_n under_o the_o reproach_n of_o such_o a_o sin_n without_o suffer_v the_o utmost_a censure_n so_o long_a time_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o satisfy_v the_o church_n of_o the_o dueness_n of_o his_o remorse_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o repentance_n the_o deal_n with_o the_o incestuous_a person_n after_o excommunication_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o church_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o like_a case_n phil._n the_o receive_n in_o of_o a_o excommunicate_v person_n upon_o due_a repentance_n be_v also_o by_o the_o decisive_a power_n of_o the_o church_n christ_n it_o be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o key_n that_o open_v to_o cast_v out_o and_o shut_v the_o door_n and_o therefore_o must_v open_v it_o again_o to_o let_v in_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n upon_o his_o repentance_n phil._n for_o what_o sin_n be_v a_o person_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v some_o of_o your_o persuasion_n say_v not_o for_o any_o but_o heinous_a crime_n such_o as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n condemn_v as_o murder_n adultery_n theft_n blasphemy_n and_o the_o act_n of_o those_o sin_n must_v be_v clear_o prove_v too_o any_o scandalous_a action_n lead_v to_o these_o sin_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o dreadful_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n as_o for_o example_n word_n of_o threaten_a and_o revenge_n and_o action_n manifest_o such_o lascivious_a carriage_n keep_v ill_a and_o wicked_a company_n purloin_v overreach_v cheat_v equivocate_a lie_a these_o be_v not_o sin_n with_o they_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o nor_o any_o sin_n of_o omission_n as_o for_o example_n never_o to_o pray_v in_o a_o family_n or_o read_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n nor_o for_o great_a error_n christ_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v much_o wonder_v upon_o what_o ground_n some_o man_n speak_v and_o write_v in_o this_o case_n but_o i_o find_v it_o most_o be_v those_o that_o prudential_o make_v this_o plea_n a_o evasion_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o the_o exercise_v of_o any_o censure_n upon_o any_o church-member_n especial_o from_o question_v and_o deal_n with_o any_o rich_a and_o honourable_a for_o any_o sin_n for_o pastor_n be_v hereby_o pretty_a well_o secure_v upon_o this_o account_n from_o this_o trouble_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v excommunicate_v but_o such_o as_o be_v burn_v in_o the_o hand_n at_o the_o old_a bailie_n or_o whip_v at_o the_o cart_n tail_n or_o condemn_v to_o be_v hang_v at_o tyburn_n but_o we_o have_v not_o this_o limitation_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o from_o corrupt_a man_n for_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n specify_v mat._n 18._o yea_o any_o manifest_a sin_n be_v suppose_v by_o that_o text_n to_o be_v cause_n enough_o of_o excommunication_n if_o a_o manifest_a impenitency_n be_v find_v in_o the_o offender_n and_o he_o be_v not_o by_o any_o due_a mean_n to_o be_v reduce_v and_o bring_v to_o a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o be_v charge_v with_o and_o there_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o for_o sin_n of_o ordinary_a infirmity_n they_o be_v watch_v against_o to_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o brotherly_a admonition_n of_o other_o and_o frequent_o bewail_v by_o ourselves_o but_o not_o make_v the_o cause_n of_o church_n censure_n phil._n in_o case_n one_o come_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o excommunication_n in_o what_o form_n and_o manner_n be_v it_o usual_o denounce_v in_o your_o church_n christ_n in_o the_o very_a word_n which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n command_v the_o corinthian_n to_o excommunicate_v the_o incestuous_a person_n 1_o cor._n 5._o phil._n be_v not_o that_o a_o dreadful_a curse_n to_o deliver_v one_o to_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n i_o pray_v what_o do_v these_o word_n import_v christ_n the_o sentence_n be_v very_o terrible_a and_o awful_a but_o it_o be_v for_o a_o good_a and_o desirable_a end_n viz._n the_o recovery_n of_o a_o sinner_n from_o sin_n and_o save_v his_o soul_n the_o word_n which_o you_o mention_v be_v of_o marvellous_a spiritual_a signification_n to_o deliver_v
admit_v such_o to_o communion_n which_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o another_o church_n or_o disorderly_o withdraw_v from_o it_o signification_n be_v make_v thereof_o 3._o there_o be_v communion_n of_o church_n in_o mutual_a advice_n and_o counsel_n which_o shall_v be_v maintain_v by_o elder_n frequent_a assemble_v and_o meet_v together_o for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n 4._o by_o sympathize_v with_o each_o other_o poverty_n and_o affliction_n by_o relieve_v and_o support_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a such_o as_o labour_v in_o this_o kind_n and_o this_o be_v a_o communion_n in_o give_v and_o receive_v as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o phil._n be_v there_o not_o a_o communion_n of_o church_n in_o the_o office_n power_n of_o the_o elder_n v._o gr_n for_o one_o pastor_n to_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n in_o another_o and_o for_o the_o elder_n of_o one_o or_o more_o congregation_n to_o ordain_v elder_n in_o another_o christ_n officer_n have_v a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o the_o society_n that_o have_v call_v they_o and_o there_o only_o they_o be_v such_o and_o that_o society_n only_o can_v constitute_v and_o ordain_v they_o and_o there_o only_o they_o can_v exercise_v their_o particular_a office_n charge_n as_o a_o pastor_n can_v administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n only_o in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v overseer_n neither_o the_o roll_a elder_a can_v govern_v nor_o the_o deacon_n have_v power_n to_o distribute_v any_o where_o but_o where_o he_o be_v a_o deacon_n or_o have_v that_o office_n charge_v commit_v to_o he_o for_o if_o the_o officer_n of_o one_o church_n be_v thereby_o make_v a_o indefinite_a officer_n to_o all_o it_o will_v soon_o bring_v confusion_n to_o all_o and_o the_o elder_n of_o one_o church_n may_v excommunicate_v in_o another_o phil._n i_o thank_v you_o sir_n for_o this_o brief_a account_n you_o have_v give_v i_o of_o your_o church_n order_n as_o for_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n institution_n i_o think_v all_o reform_a church_n own_o they_o more_o or_o less_o and_o the_o romanist_n themselves_o in_o their_o way_n though_o with_o innumerable_a superstition_n and_o idolatrous_a addition_n and_o for_o the_o church_n officer_n you_o insist_v on_o methinks_v i_o see_v there_o be_v something_o analogous_a to_o they_o remain_v in_o our_o parochial_a church_n which_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o from_o the_o primitive_a practice_n through_o antichristian_a darkness_n as_o in_o some_o of_o our_o parish_n we_o have_v the_o parson_n as_o pastor_n the_o assistant_n in_o preach_v as_o the_o teacher_n the_o church_n warden_n as_o roll_a elder_n the_o overseer_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o deacon_n and_o though_o these_o labour_n under_o many_o abuse_n now_o and_o irregularity_n by_o popish_a corruption_n yet_o it_o show_v that_o these_o be_v the_o officer_n that_o do_v full_o answer_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o christian_a congregation_n and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v large_a none_o of_o they_o can_v well_o be_v spare_v chap._n viii_o of_o letter_n of_o commendation_n and_o discommendation_n phil._n before_o we_o break_v up_o this_o conference_n i_o pray_v inform_v i_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o translate_n of_o a_o church_n member_n from_o one_o church_n to_o another_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o say_v there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n and_o of_o dismission_n christ_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o a_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n be_v but_o a_o certificate_n under_o a_o elder_n hand_n that_o such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o church_n member_n and_o orderly_a walker_n in_o order_n to_o his_o free_a admission_n to_o occasional_a communion_n with_o other_o church_n it_o need_v not_o be_v a_o church_n act._n 2._o it_o be_v not_o in_o order_n to_o the_o part_n with_o a_o member_n 3._o it_o need_v not_o be_v direct_v to_o any_o particular_a congregation_n 4._o when_o member_n of_o each_o congregation_n be_v well_o know_v to_o one_o another_o they_o be_v needless_a as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o 2_o cor._n 3.1_o 2._o we_o need_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d letter_n of_o commendation_n to_o you_o phil._n i_o pray_v in_o what_o form_n do_v a_o letter_n of_o commendation_n run_v christ_n it_o may_v be_v in_o these_o or_o such_o like_a word_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o respective_a elder_n to_o who_o these_o present_n shall_v come_v grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n see_v god_n by_o his_o providence_n have_v call_v this_o our_o brother_n a._n b._n to_o be_v conversant_a in_o place_n remote_a from_o we_o for_o a_o time_n and_o that_o he_o may_v reap_v the_o comfort_n of_o christian_a communion_n in_o gospel_n ordinance_n in_o any_o place_n whither_o he_o be_v lawful_o call_v and_o where_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v plant_v by_o virtue_n of_o communion_n of_o church_n these_o be_v to_o certify_v that_o this_o our_o brother_n a._n b._n be_v under_o no_o censure_n but_o in_o actual_a communion_n with_o we_o have_v walk_v in_o all_o christian_n and_o holy_a conversation_n as_o become_v the_o faith_n and_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o great_a honour_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o rejoice_v wherefore_o you_o need_v not_o doubt_v to_o give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o occasional_a communion_n whensoever_o he_o shall_v desire_v the_o same_o we_o greet_v you_o well_o in_o the_o lord_n c._n d._n pastor_n phil._n be_v not_o this_o sufficient_a for_o to_o translate_v a_o member_n to_o another_o church_n and_o make_v he_o a_o actual_a member_n there_o christ_n no_o this_o make_v he_o not_o a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o church_n more_o than_o another_o 2._o here_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v give_v up_o no_o right_a in_o he_o neither_o do_v any_o church_n act_n pass_v to_o that_o purpose_n or_o be_v desire_v by_o he_o the_o end_n of_o this_o be_v but_o to_o be_v a_o testimonial_a to_o other_o church_n that_o they_o may_v know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o church_n member_n and_o one_o under_o no_o censure_n but_o approve_v and_o therefore_o that_o no_o other_o church_n may_v scruple_n to_o admit_v he_o to_o their_o communion_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v phil._n i_o pray_v then_o how_o do_v you_o write_v a_o dismission_n some_o dismiss_v member_n but_o to_o no_o church_n christ_n it_o may_v be_v write_v with_o these_o or_o such_o like_a expression_n as_o the_o matter_n require_v for_o in_o some_o case_n variation_n be_v require_v phil._n what_o be_v those_o case_n christ_n i_o will_v tell_v you_o some_o dismission_n can_v be_v write_v with_o so_o great_a commendation_n as_o other_o may_v some_o depart_a member_n give_v considerable_a cause_n of_o offence_n in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n before_o and_o in_o their_o ask_a dismission_n phil._n how_o do_v you_o write_v a_o dismission_n wit●_n commendation_n christ_n a_o dismission_n with_o commendation_n may_v be_v after_o this_o manner_n and_o it_o must_v be_v direct_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o a_o place_n to_o which_o the_o reverend_n mr._n l._n p._n be_v pastor_n grace_n mercy_n etc._n etc._n dear_o belove_v in_o the_o lord_n whereas_o f._n d._n a_o brother_n in_o fellowship_n with_o we_o have_v walk_v in_o all_o good_a conscience_n and_o holy_a conversation_n as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o his_o profession_n continue_v steadfast_o in_o attendance_n on_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o congregation_n and_o now_o have_v consult_v we_o and_o give_v we_o reason_n why_o he_o apprehend_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o ask_v his_o dismission_n which_o reason_n be_v due_o consider_v by_o we_o and_o approve_v as_o satisfactory_a we_o think_v it_o no_o less_o our_o duty_n to_o grant_v his_o say_a request_n and_o do_v hereby_o dismiss_v he_o unto_o you_o discharge_v he_o from_o his_o near_a relation_n and_o obligation_n unto_o we_o and_o commit_v he_o to_o your_o particular_a watch_n and_o care_n desire_v you_o to_o receive_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o you_o will_v be_v every_o way_n helpful_a to_o he_o to_o promote_v his_o edification_n and_o comfort_n for_o which_o spiritual_a end_n we_o commend_v you_o and_o he_o with_o you_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n who_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o and_o give_v you_o a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v subscribe_v by_o the_o consent_n and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n at_o k._n by_o a._n n._n pastor_n phil._n but_o what_o kind_n of_o dismission_n can_v you_o give_v without_o commendation_n christ_n there_o must_v be_v some_o in_o every_o one_o and_o charity_n allow_v we_o to_o give_v some_o commendation_n to_o a_o member_n that_o stand_v under_o very_o dissatisfactory_a circumstance_n which_o we_o hope_v proceed_v from_o his_o infirmity_n only_o and_o therefore_o can_v say_v
wine_n pour_v out_o signify_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n suffering_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n they_o be_v exhibit_v in_o this_o ordinance_n in_o a_o lively_a manner_n to_o our_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n love_n to_o we_o therefore_o by_o the_o ancient_n call_v the_o eucharist_n 2._o hereby_o our_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v renew_v and_o our_o faith_n great_o strengthen_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o jesus_n christ_n for_o we_o in_o his_o death_n and_o suffer_v for_o our_o present_a justification_n and_o sanctification_n and_o future_a glory_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o sign_n and_o seal_v of_o our_o union_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o our_o communion_n together_o by_o a_o common_a participation_n of_o christ_n our_o head_n in_o his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o mystical_a communication_n as_o also_o our_o communion_n in_o he_o one_o with_o another_o as_o a_o mystical_a and_o visible_a politic_a body_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o visible_a testimony_n and_o profession_n of_o our_o mutual_a love_n and_o obligation_n therein_o as_o member_n one_o of_o another_o 5._o there_o be_v a_o sweet_a communion_n in_o each_o other_o gift_n and_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o edification_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n phil._n to_o what_o church_n officer_n do_v the_o administration_n of_o this_o ordinance_n appertain_v christ_n it_o appertain_v to_o the_o pastoral_n teach_v office_n for_o the_o seal_n be_v teach_v ceremony_n by_o way_n of_o instruction_n unto_o we_o for_o increase_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n and_o by_o way_n of_o consolation_n and_o confirmation_n in_o our_o right_n to_o covenant_n benefit_n and_o privilege_n and_o hence_o it_o belong_v primary_o to_o the_o pastor_n that_o be_v principal_o call_v to_o the_o whole_a office_n of_o feed_v the_o flock_n for_o christ_n the_o great_a pastor_n first_o administer_v it_o and_o secondary_o to_o the_o teacher_n who_o be_v call_v to_o bear_v a_o share_n with_o he_o in_o his_o teach_v work_n which_o be_v feed_v the_o flock_n with_o wholesome_a doctrine_n and_o administer_a such_o institute_v sign_n and_o seal_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o confirmation_n thereof_o unto_o their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v actual_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n it_o may_v for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o pastor_n that_o part_n of_o this_o labour_n may_v be_v bear_v by_o the_o teacher_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o teach_v and_o in_o case_n of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o pastor_n the_o whole_a pastoral_a charge_n as_o to_o teach_v and_o administer_a fall_n upon_o the_o teacher_n unless_o the_o church_n think_v meet_v to_o choose_v another_o pastor_n phil._n but_o i_o pray_v what_o do_v you_o think_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o minister_n and_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o some_o nonconformist_n use_n it_o still_o viz._n for_o the_o administrator_n or_o administrator_n for_o i_o have_v know_v several_a at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o one_o congregation_n to_o go_v about_o from_o person_n to_o person_n and_o deliver_v the_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o each_o repeat_v as_o oft_o the_o word_n of_o institution_n take_v eat_v etc._n etc._n take_v drink_v etc._n etc._n christ_n i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o unscriptural_a usage_n for_o luke_n 22.17_o christ_n say_v take_v this_o and_o divide_v it_o among_o yourselves_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o passover_n cup_n it_o make_v not_o against_o we_o for_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o that_o cup_n go_v about_o do_v also_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n that_o follow_v and_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o suppose_v that_o he_o deliver_v the_o bread_n with_o the_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n take_v eat_v nor_o the_o wine_n etc._n etc._n any_o more_o than_o once_o again_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o practice_n come_v from_o rome_n from_o that_o blasphemous_a heresy_n of_o they_o that_o the_o bread_n be_v the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n after_o consecration_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v touch_v by_o the_o communicant_a but_o put_v into_o his_o mouth_n by_o the_o suppose_a sacred_a hand_n of_o the_o priest_n therefore_o it_o have_v the_o same_o idolatrous_a original_a as_o kneel_v in_o receive_v have_v nourish_v much_o vain_a superstition_n in_o the_o people_n make_v the_o ordinance_n most_o tedious_a and_o troublesome_a if_o not_o too_o comical_a phil._n you_o mention_v kneel_v methinks_v that_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o comely_a gesture_n enough_o in_o so_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a a_o ordinance_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o not_o for_o impose_v of_o it_o christ_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o innovation_n viz._n from_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_v the_o bread_n and_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o posture_n in_o receive_v be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n but_o after_o the_o eastern_a manner_n of_o sit_v at_o a_o feast_n it_o be_v not_o proper_a or_o comely_a to_o kneel_v at_o a_o feast_n which_o be_v for_o a_o sociable_a rejoice_v kneel_v be_v a_o posture_n of_o prostration_n in_o prayer_n but_o this_o be_v a_o distinct_a ordinance_n from_o prayer_n though_o it_o be_v bless_v by_o prayer_n the_o prayer_n be_v over_o when_o the_o element_n be_v distribute_v and_o then_o our_o business_n be_v not_o to_o pray_v but_o to_o feed_v in_o a_o feast_v sacramental_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n neither_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o some_o communicant_n to_o be_v commend_v who_o after_o the_o element_n be_v bless_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o particular_a private_a prayer_n before_o they_o eat_v or_o drink_v it_o be_v a_o new_a consecration_n as_o if_o the_o element_n be_v not_o sufficient_o consecrate_v or_o as_o if_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v in_o a_o act_n of_o prayer_n whereas_o now_o they_o be_v to_o receive_v their_o spiritual_a food_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o hunger_a and_o thirst_a soul_n with_o rejoice_v and_o gladness_n of_o heart_n make_v it_o the_o bread_n of_o consolation_n and_o cup_n of_o salvation_n praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o nature_n of_o receive_v clear_o appear_v from_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o feast_n of_o remembrance_n and_o therein_o for_o spiritual_a repast_n nourishment_n and_o consolation_n and_o it_o appear_v in_o that_o the_o distribution_n of_o the_o last_o element_n end_v with_o a_o psalm_n or_o hymn_n of_o praise_n before_o we_o arise_v from_o the_o table_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o same_o posture_n we_o be_v in_o when_o we_o receive_v the_o cup_n and_o we_o use_v not_o a_o kneel_a posture_n in_o sing_v phil._n i_o have_v read_v many_o considerable_a argument_n indeed_o against_o this_o posture_n in_o receive_v which_o give_v ground_n to_o suspect_v there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o superstition_n in_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o rome_n but_o i_o have_v not_o before_o consider_v what_o you_o say_v of_o its_o great_a disagreement_n to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n the_o act_n of_o receive_v be_v a_o distinct_a duty_n from_o pray_v and_o therefore_o i_o believe_v many_o that_o profess_v to_o more_o knowledge_n in_o these_o thing_n than_o i_o do_v do_v they_o know_v not_o what_o in_o betake_v themselves_o to_o private_a prayer_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v exercise_v after_o another_o manner_n and_o so_o do_v undue_o mix_v one_o ordinance_n with_o another_o or_o thrust_v out_o one_o spiritual_a duty_n by_o another_o i_o be_o glad_a you_o mention_v it_o to_o i_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o good_a instruction_n to_o i_o in_o my_o practice_n for_o the_o future_a christ_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o find_v your_o heart_n so_o mould_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v otherwise_o not_o long_o ago_o phil._n i_o think_v the_o next_o head_n of_o church_n ordinance_n which_o you_o mention_v be_v the_o key_n i_o pray_v speak_v to_o they_o christ._n by_o key_n i_o mean_v church_n power_n of_o open_v and_o shut_v it_o be_v a_o scripture_n word_n but_o metaphorical_a a_o key_n be_v use_v in_o respect_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o power_n in_o respect_n of_o knowledge_n luke_n 11.52_o in_o this_o respect_n peter_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n commit_v to_o he_o as_o a_o apostle_n as_o be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 16.19_o be_v the_o first_o apostle_n instruct_v by_o god_n to_o open_v the_o door_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o gentile_n act._n 10._o but_o this_o key_n though_o first_o turn_v in_o exercise_n by_o peter_n be_v give_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o