head_n so_o it_o be_v in_o body_n politic_a phil._n i_o pray_v sir_n where_o do_v you_o place_v church_n power_n christ_n the_o power_n that_o be_v in_o a_o church_n be_v christ_n but_o it_o be_v act_v in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la &_o mediante_fw-la ecclesiâ_fw-la the_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o it_o as_o a_o associate_v or_o embody_v company_n of_o believer_n for_o the_o key_n of_o government_n be_v give_v to_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n primary_o as_o believe_v disciple_n and_o associate_v follower_n of_o jesus_n christ_n secondary_o as_o minister_n and_o last_o as_o apostle_n extraordinary_a minister_n and_o that_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v or_o lose_v be_v primary_o in_o the_o society_n as_o such_o without_o the_o consideration_n of_o officer_n appear_v 1._o because_o the_o church_n have_v the_o essence_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o a_o church_n without_o officer_n and_o therefore_o the_o power_n of_o it_o for_o it_o admit_v the_o 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be_v member_n and_o capable_a of_o be_v judge_v by_o it_o so_o it_o be_v here_o christian_n meet_v and_o agree_v together_o to_o walk_v in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o what_o do_v they_o promise_v solemn_o to_o god_n and_o one_o another_o to_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o one_o another_o to_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n ordinance_n and_o appointment_n of_o christ_n now_o i_o find_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n when_o a_o people_n first_o join_v themselves_o to_o christ_n in_o church_n fellowship_n and_o so_o the_o first_o gather_v the_o church_n at_o antioch_n be_v express_v for_o act._n 11.19_o some_o scatter_v upon_o the_o persecution_n by_o saul_n man_n of_o cyprus_n and_o cyrene_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o prophet_n inspire_v at_o pentecost_n preach_v to_o the_o grecian_a jew_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n v._o 20._o and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o and_o a_o great_a number_n turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n v._o 21._o upon_o the_o tiding_n of_o this_o success_n barnabas_n be_v send_v from_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o faith_n and_o much_o people_n be_v add_v to_o the_o lord_n i.e._n they_o by_o mutual_a consent_n give_v up_o themselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n they_o turn_v to_o the_o the_o lord_n by_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o these_o first_o comer_n but_o now_o the_o spirit_n tell_v we_o the_o success_n of_o barnabas_n his_o come_n and_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o exhortation_n of_o they_o thereto_o v._o 23._o and_o when_o he_o be_v come_v and_o see_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o have_v prevail_v unto_o conversion_n he_o rejoice_v and_o exhort_v they_o all_o with_o full_a purpose_n of_o heart_n i._n e._n with_o sincerity_n and_o resolution_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o join_v themselves_o for_o constancy_n unto_o the_o lord_n in_o church_n fellowship_n afterward_o when_o paul_n come_v v._o 26._o he_o find_v they_o a_o church_n and_o as_o such_o abide_v among_o they_o for_o a_o whole_a year_n for_o it_o be_v say_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n assemble_v themselves_o with_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d preach_v to_o a_o great_a multitude_n many_o of_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o this_o add_v or_o join_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n obligation_n be_v manifest_a also_o from_o act._n 5._o where_o it_o appear_v upon_o the_o signal_n judgement_n that_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n fall_v under_o v._o 13._o of_o the_o rest_n such_o hypocrite_n as_o they_o none_o dare_v join_v themselves_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o cement_n and_o unite_v into_o a_o body_n it_o be_v use_v for_o join_v to_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n act._n 9.26_o and_o 1_o cor._n 6.17_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v say_v here_o v._o 14._o believer_n be_v the_o more_o add_v to_o the_o lord_n which_o must_v be_v by_o some_o visible_a overt_a act_n whereby_o they_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n after_o believe_v for_o it_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o their_o mystical_a join_n to_o christ_n by_o believe_v for_o then_o the_o antithesis_fw-la will_v not_o hold_v between_o they_o that_o dare_v not_o and_o they_o that_o do_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v the_o add_v a_o member_n to_o a_o church_n which_o be_v join_v to_o the_o lord_n act._n 2.41_o 47._o there_o they_o be_v first_o visible_a believer_n then_o add_v to_o a_o society_n by_o some_o overt_a solemn_a act_n and_o therefore_o say_v to_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o in_o this_o way_n of_o conference_n between_o you_o and_o i_o to_o evince_v this_o truth_n particular_o from_o the_o method_n that_o god_n use_v in_o the_o constitute_n and_o maintain_v a_o visible_a church_n from_o the_o beginning_n to_o look_v back_o but_o as_o far_o as_o abraham_n how_o he_o and_o his_o family_n and_o his_o seed_n become_v a_o visible_a church_n it_o be_v by_o explicit_a obligation_n and_o overt_a act_n in_o bind_v they_o by_o sacrifice_n i_o may_v mention_v the_o several_a express_a obligation_n that_o church_n come_v under_o from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o moses_n time_n at_o horeb_n joshua_n the_o judge_n samuel_n especial_o david_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o reform_a king_n remarkable_o by_o josiah_n and_o after_o the_o captivity_n in_o ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n day_n and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o dispensation_n peculiar_a only_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n state_n and_o stand_v of_o the_o church_n be_v manifest_a from_o isa_n 56.3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o for_o there_o god_n speak_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n salvation_n which_o be_v near_o mean_v the_o gentile_a by_o the_o son_n of_o the_o stranger_n and_o by_o the_o eunuch_n any_o other_o exclude_v from_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o incapacitate_v by_o levitical_a uncleanness_n these_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v believer_n and_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n the_o word_n use_v in_o the_o act_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o his_o covenant_n shall_v have_v a_o place_n and_o a_o name_n in_o my_o house_n i._n e._n to_o be_v church_n member_n and_o have_v right_a to_o all_o church_n privilege_n and_o this_o be_v that_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n foretell_v that_o the_o great_a and_o gospel_n restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v bring_v they_o under_o ezek._n 20.37_o of_o which_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n chap._n 50.4_o 5_o 6._o and_o zech._n 2.10_o 11._o i_o refer_v you_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o that_o clear_a discourse_n that_o the_o learned_a mr._n j._n cotton_n have_v upon_o this_o subject_n in_o his_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o n.e._n pag._n 59_o 60_o 61_o etc._n etc._n where_o you_o may_v receive_v full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n if_o what_o i_o have_v brief_o speak_v be_v not_o enough_o you_o may_v read_v also_o mr._n j._n davenport_n power_n of_o congregational_a church_n his_o answer_n to_o mr._n j._n paget_n where_o he_o show_v pag._n 27._o that_o this_o covenant_n obligation_n be_v the_o formal_a cause_n of_o a_o church_n and_o show_v the_o nature_n and_o evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o to_o a_o church_n be_v as_o likewise_o mr._n hooker_n survey_v chap._n 4._o page_n 45._o phil._n sir_n i_o thank_v you_o for_o discover_v these_o author_n to_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v reverend_a pious_a &_o learned_a man_n who_o suffer_v much_o for_o the_o testimony_n they_o bear_v against_o our_o corruption_n prejudice_n for_o a_o long_a time_n have_v keep_v i_o off_o from_o read_v the_o work_n of_o such_o man_n but_o i_o pray_v sir_n give_v the_o head_n of_o the_o argument_n they_o insist_v on_o for_o it_o chr._n 1._o believer_n be_v under_o church_n power_n this_o way_n or_o quatenus_fw-la believer_n if_o quatenus_fw-la profess_v believer_n then_o where_o ever_o 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temple_n be_v bind_v and_o pine_v together_o a_o natural_a body_n have_v all_o the_o member_n knit_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n it_o be_v represent_v as_o a_o city_n compact_v rev._n 11.2_o eph._n 2.19_o and_o what_o city_n can_v become_v enfranchise_v but_o this_o way_n and_o manner_n 4._o it_o be_v no_o reason_n any_o shall_v challenge_v privilege_n of_o a_o society_n without_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o walk_v 5._o if_o this_o be_v not_o but_o member_n may_v come_v in_o and_o out_o as_o they_o please_v without_o obligation_n church_n have_v no_o power_n to_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a by_o admission_n or_o excommunication_n for_o as_o a_o member_n can_v come_v at_o pleasure_n so_o he_o may_v depart_v 6._o last_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a
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 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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 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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
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
be_v manifest_a from_o eph._n 4.14_o 15._o compare_v with_o the_o primitive_a practice_n act._n 2.42_o ch_n 9.5_o see_v also_o eph._n 2.19_o 6._o all_o that_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n shall_v walk_v as_o profess_a subject_n thereof_o and_o this_o they_o can_v do_v but_o in_o communion_n with_o a_o visible_a church_n for_o particular_a church_n be_v the_o visible_a part_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n here_o christ_n rule_v as_o king_n lawgiver_n and_o appear_v as_o high_a priest_n and_o prophet_n give_v forth_o himself_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n with_o all_o his_o fullness_n of_o grace_n in_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o dispensation_n here_o than_o it_o be_v that_o a_o believer_n do_v exalt_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n most_o eminent_o as_o to_o visibility_n in_o his_o regal_a power_n and_o therefore_o so_o long_o as_o a_o believer_n join_v not_o himself_o to_o a_o particular_a church_n he_o stay_v in_o the_o verge_n of_o satan_n kingdom_n expose_v himself_o at_o no_o small_a rate_n to_o his_o temptation_n rage_n and_o tyranny_n and_o sall_n short_a of_o one_o great_a end_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o profess_a subject_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n deal_v disloyal_o with_o christ_n instead_o of_o promote_a prejudice_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o and_o other_o in_o the_o world_n he_o may_v be_v a_o nicodemus_n like_o friend_n of_o christ_n but_o why_o do_v he_o not_o profess_o and_o open_o practice_n obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o his_o house_n and_o bear_v witness_n thereto_o be_v it_o not_o a_o tacit_a and_o implicit_a deny_v of_o christ_n and_o will_v not_o christ_n take_v it_o so_o and_o man_n talk_v of_o christ_n kingdom_n be_v but_o a_o vain_a show_n unless_o they_o do_v he_o this_o particular_a personal_a service_n as_o to_o join_v themselves_o actual_o and_o visible_o to_o a_o church_n of_o christ_n therein_o espouse_v his_o interest_n in_o give_v up_o their_o name_n unto_o he_o and_o walk_v in_o his_o name_n as_o micah_n 4.5_o all_o people_n will_v walk_v every_o one_o in_o the_o name_n of_o his_o god_n and_o we_o will_v walk_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o this_o practice_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a and_o shall_v bear_v little_a weight_n in_o a_o mind_n true_o enlighten_v some_o of_o which_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n other_o i_o shall_v here_o remove_v if_o there_o be_v room_n for_o it_o i_o think_v the_o name_v they_o be_v the_o shame_n of_o they_o to_o all_o man_n that_o have_v learned_a christ_n and_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a 1._o the_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n man_n shall_v fall_v under_o from_o the_o profane_a world_n i_o think_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v laugh_v out_o of_o his_o estate_n how_o much_o less_o out_o of_o his_o religion_n and_o soul_n salvation_n 2._o a_o suspicion_n lest_o they_o shall_v come_v under_o too_o strict_a tie_n and_o bond_n to_o holy_a and_o religious_a conversation_n read_v 1_o pet._n 1.14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 3._o other_o be_v keep_v off_o by_o prejudices_fw-la arisen_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o fail_n of_o church_n and_o church-member_n but_o will_v wise_a man_n refuse_v a_o good_a call_v or_o estate_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o abuse_v they_o and_o name_v a_o church_n or_o christian_n without_o fail_n and_o considerable_a one_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o choose_v the_o pure_a society_n and_o you_o be_v at_o your_o liberty_n to_o do_v it_o where_o you_o may_v have_v most_o comfort_n and_o edification_n last_o many_o be_v hinder_v from_o their_o ignorance_n or_o mislead_v apprehension_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o gospel_n church_n for_o their_o information_n and_o rectification_n especial_o i_o have_v publish_v this_o christian_a conference_n that_o be_v in_o my_o hand_n and_o that_o it_o may_v obtain_v the_o desire_a end_n be_v the_o sincere_a wish_n and_o prayer_n of_o a_o unworthy_a servant_n of_o christ_n isa_n chauncy_n this_o conference_n be_v manage_v by_o mr._n cornelius_n philomathes_n a_o country_n gentleman_n and_o mr._n peter_n christophilus_n a_o minister_n neighbour_n to_o he_o the_o introduction_n christophilus_n mr._n philomathes_n i_o be_o hearty_o glad_a to_o see_v you_o methinks_v you_o be_v mighty_o enjoy_v yourself_o in_o your_o pleasant_a and_o retire_a walk_n will_v not_o my_o company_n disturb_v your_o meditation_n philomathes_n i_o take_v it_o kind_o sir_n you_o be_v please_v to_o give_v i_o a_o visit_n for_o indeed_o i_o live_v somewhat_o lonely_a i_o be_o glad_a of_o good_a company_n especial_o sometime_o for_o divertisement_n but_o there_o be_v no_o friend_n more_o welcome_a than_o yourself_o to_o i_o because_o your_o cheerfulness_n revive_v i_o and_o your_o discourse_n profit_v i_o christoph_n dear_a sir_n i_o deserve_v not_o so_o great_a a_o character_n and_o commendation_n it_o be_v your_o generous_a disposition_n that_o lead_v you_o to_o speak_v these_o thing_n for_o you_o know_v we_o use_v to_o differ_v pretty_a much_o in_o many_o thing_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o discourse_n seem_o hot_a opponent_n of_o each_o other_o but_o i_o think_v never_o the_o worse_a friend_n phil._n sir_n i_o have_v so_o near_o as_o i_o know_v my_o own_o heart_n a_o most_o cordial_a love_n to_o every_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n though_o he_o be_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n of_o my_o mind_n but_o for_o you_o sir_n i_o have_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a respect_n and_o esteem_v as_o have_v be_v my_o old_a acquaintance_n and_o intimate_a friend_n and_o neighbour_n in_o all_o the_o late_a change_n in_o church_n and_o state_n for_o above_o these_o forty_o year_n we_o never_o have_v any_o last_a difference_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o very_a friendly_a correspondence_n christ_n and_o to_o your_o great_a honour_n with_o a_o grateful_a remembrance_n may_v i_o often_o rehearse_v to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o marvellous_a christian_a kindness_n and_o commiseration_n that_o you_o show_v to_o i_o and_o my_o wife_n and_o family_n in_o our_o late_a persecution_n that_o you_o often_o shelter_v i_o from_o the_o rage_n of_o my_o enemy_n and_o when_o they_o hale_v i_o to_o prison_n and_o plunder_v all_o my_o good_n that_o my_o wife_n and_o child_n have_v not_o bed_n to_o lie_v on_o victual_n to_o eat_v nor_o vessel_n to_o dress_v any_o thing_n in_o left_a you_o be_v please_v to_o take_v they_o into_o your_o house_n and_o provide_v plentiful_o for_o they_o and_o this_o you_o do_v when_o you_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o have_v do_v we_o more_o hurt_n than_o they_o who_o do_v it_o and_o run_v no_o small_a hazard_n from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o not_o do_v it_o phil._n no_o no_o i_o hope_v god_n will_v keep_v i_o from_o a_o persecute_v spirit_n i_o bless_v his_o name_n he_o have_v keep_v i_o from_o it_o hitherto_o and_o it_o be_v a_o change_n in_o our_o nation_n much_o to_o be_v admire_v that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o day_n of_o liberty_n as_o we_o have_v that_o all_o good_a man_n may_v live_v quiet_o and_o peaceable_o one_o by_o another_o and_o serve_v god_n according_a to_o their_o conscience_n christ_n ay_o sir_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o stupendous_a circumstance_n of_o providence_n these_o few_o last_o year_n past_a that_o have_v wrought_v about_o matter_n to_o effect_v that_o which_o we_o so_o long_o pray_v and_o wait_v for_o phil._n but_o my_o friend_n i_o must_v whisper_v a_o word_n in_o your_o ear_n thing_n be_v not_o right_a yet_o christ_n no_o no_o nor_o will_v not_o be_v yet_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o bless_v be_v god_n they_o be_v so_o well_o as_o they_o be_v and_o that_o god_n be_v go_v on_o so_o fast_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o finish_v his_o mystery_n phil._n i_o see_v you_o be_v on_o your_o prophetic_a hint_n still_o i_o must_v confess_v myself_o here_o asinus_fw-la ad_fw-la lyram_fw-la for_o the_o darkness_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o disagreement_n of_o interpreter_n and_o event_n refute_v so_o many_o that_o have_v be_v very_o confident_a have_v quite_o discourage_v i_o that_o as_o i_o look_v not_o into_o they_o myself_o so_o i_o give_v little_a heed_n to_o what_o other_o say_v for_o all_o man_n will_v abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v whether_o he_o be_v right_a or_o wrong_n in_o those_o thing_n christ_n well_o sir_n then_o we_o will_v let_v those_o thing_n alone_o i_o will_v not_o introduce_v any_o ungrateful_a discourse_n but_o will_v rather_o enter_v upon_o something_o more_o suitable_a to_o
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