church_n exercise_n of_o its_o power_n 1._o in_o election_n of_o officer_n 2._o admission_n of_o member_n 3._o translate_n member_n to_o other_o church_n admonition_n and_o censure_n 5._o contribution_n for_o the_o support_n of_o ordinance_n ministry_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n 6._o i_o may_v add_v unto_o this_o holy_a conference_n for_o mutual_a edification_n these_o be_v give_v either_o as_o peculiar_a privilege_n to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o the_o seal_n and_o key_n of_o discipline_n or_o primary_o though_o for_o the_o conversion_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o church_n for_o their_o multiplication_n growth_n and_o confirmation_n in_o grace_n phil._n speak_v to_o these_o gospel_n ordinance_n particular_o as_o to_o the_o distinct_a nature_n end_v and_o use_v of_o they_o christ_n 1._o the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n comprehend_v 1._o the_o read_n of_o it_o frequent_o in_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o open_n and_o expound_v of_o it_o 3._o the_o apply_v it_o unto_o the_o conscience_n of_o saint_n and_o unbelieve_a sinner_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n thereof_o by_o instruction_n reprehension_n exhortation_n direction_n consolation_n in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4._o by_o the_o instil_a and_o promote_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o catechise_v child_n &_o youth_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o may_v conduce_v most_o to_o the_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n in_o and_o bring_v over_o their_o affection_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o their_o tender_a year_n phil._n sir_n i_o doubt_v in_o the_o last_o thing_n mention_v many_o if_o not_o most_o of_o your_o church_n have_v be_v too_o defective_a christ_n i_o grant_v it_o and_o fear_v the_o next_o generation_n will_v have_v great_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o we_o for_o the_o child_n of_o church_n member_n do_v manifest_o grow_v up_o in_o ignorance_n carnality_n and_o looseness_n little_a care_n be_v take_v of_o most_o religious_a parent_n and_o less_o by_o the_o church_n to_o educate_v they_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n all_z or_o the_o chief_a of_o parent_n care_v be_v how_o to_o provide_v well_o for_o they_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o every_o way_n of_o catechise_v will_v not_o answer_v the_o end_n to_o learn_v a_o catechism_n mere_o by_o rote_n and_o a_o preach_n upon_o it_o will_v make_v no_o more_o impression_n on_o their_o age_n than_o other_o preach_n there_o must_v be_v care_n to_o instill_v in_o to_o their_o understanding_n by_o little_a and_o little_a in_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n of_o discourse_n with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v if_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o water_n be_v flush_v on_o upon_o a_o narrow-mouthed_a bottle_n very_o little_a or_o none_o will_v go_v in_o but_o you_o may_v by_o a_o small_a stream_n and_o gradual_o fill_v it_o ignorance_n in_o religion_n be_v destruction_n of_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o false_a worship_n and_o error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v the_o cause_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o disorder_n in_o and_o among_o church_n phil._n to_o what_o officer_n do_v the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n in_o church_n belong_v christ_n to_o the_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n if_o there_o be_v any_o they_o be_v the_o preach_a elder_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n the_o pastor_n work_n in_o preach_v seem_v to_o lie_v most_o in_o deal_v with_o the_o conscience_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o hearer_n whether_o for_o conversion_n or_o edification_n the_o teacher_n insist_o most_o on_o the_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n by_o doctrinal_a truth_n catechise_v argumentation_n and_o conviction_n of_o gainsayer_n rom._n 12.7_o 8._o if_o one_o officer_n according_a to_o the_o present_a circumstance_n can_v perform_v his_o office_n to_o the_o full_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v well_o if_o not_o then_o both_o be_v requisite_a as_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v so_o preach_v as_o have_v be_v say_v 2_o tim._n 4.2_o 3._o eph._n 4.12_o act._n 2.42_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v the_o word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v and_o to_o be_v attend_v on_o by_o we_o phil._n i_o look_v upon_o prayer_n and_o praise_n ab_fw-la be_v great_a church_n ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o duty_n of_o a_o universal_a nature_n to_o all_o and_o individual_a person_n in_o private_a and_o secret_a christ_n it_o be_v a_o solemn_a church_n ordinance_n express_v either_o way_n in_o public_a prayer_n or_o in_o praise_n not_o only_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o single_a person_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o congregation_n but_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n that_o prayer_n be_v a_o church_n ordinance_n and_o a_o duty_n to_o be_v perform_v frequent_o in_o the_o church_n service_n see_v act._n 1.14_o these_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n so_o act._n 2.42_o no_o other_o ordinance_n can_v be_v due_o administer_v without_o it_o phil._n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o christian_n but_o hold_v that_o prayer_n be_v a_o church_n ordinance_n but_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o except_o against_o sing_v of_o psalm_n in_o metre_n as_o we_o do_v christ_n that_o sing_v psalm_n be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n i_o think_v be_v plain_a 1._o that_o sing_v praise_n to_o god_n with_o a_o audible_a voice_n be_v practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n by_o the_o apostle_n act._n 16.25_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v sing_v in_o the_o church_n at_o the_o most_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v without_o dispute_n mat._n 26.30_o mark_v 14.26_o 3._o that_o sing_v with_o word_n of_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v melody_n in_o the_o heart_n be_v recommend_v to_o we_o eph._n 5.19_o so_o col._n 3.16_o teach_v and_o admonish_v yourselves_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v render_v and_o not_o one_o another_o for_o thus_o interpreter_n have_v render_v the_o same_o word_n yourselves_o eph._n 5.19_o in_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o spiritual_a ode_n in_o grace_n sing_v in_o your_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n from_o both_o which_o place_n sing_v spiritual_a psalm_n and_o hymn_n for_o instruct_v and_o quicken_a a_o gracious_a heart_n sweet_o and_o affectionate_o carry_v forth_o in_o they_o be_v high_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o sing_v in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o appear_v by_o what_o be_v practise_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n that_o they_o sing_v a_o hymn_n and_o by_o paul_n and_o silas_n in_o prison_n but_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v express_o he_o expect_v of_o we_o rom._n 15.6_o that_o you_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n i.e._n with_o sameness_n of_o word_n and_o heart_n glorify_v god_n phil._n some_o may_v say_v this_o be_v to_o use_v form_n christ_n a._n 1._o though_o it_o be_v to_o use_v a_o form_n in_o sing_v it_o be_v not_o a_o impose_v form_n but_o free_o take_v and_o choose_v no_o more_o than_o the_o minister_n text_n be_v impose_v 2._o a_o form_n allow_v or_o enjoin_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v use_v as_o the_o word_n of_o institution_n in_o administration_n of_o the_o seal_n of_o baptism_n or_o of_o the_o element_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n 3._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v that_o it_o be_v premeditate_v that_o the_o sing_v be_v melodious_a i._n e._n orderly_o not_o with_o confusion_n and_o not_o in_o absurd_a dissony_n phil._n but_o some_o be_v against_o sing_v in_o mix_a congregation_n chr._n they_o may_v as_o well_o be_v against_o public_a pray_v in_o mix_a congregation_n do_v not_o he_o that_o pray_v endeavour_v to_o use_v such_o expression_n as_o most_o may_v join_v with_o he_o in_o so_o he_o that_o propound_v a_o psalm_n or_o hymn_n endeavour_n to_o suit_n it_o to_o the_o congregation_n where_o and_o the_o time_n and_o occasion_n when_o it_o be_v to_o be_v sing_v it_o be_v due_a to_o god_n from_o all_o his_o creature_n to_o praise_v he_o it_o be_v his_o saint_n only_o bless_v he_o but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o judge_v the_o heart_n of_o he_o that_o join_v in_o a_o public_a duty_n and_o if_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v public_o as_o pray_v and_o preach_v we_o be_v not_o to_o hinder_v any_o that_o will_v join_v with_o we_o if_o they_o be_v not_o upright_o in_o one_o or_o profit_v by_o the_o other_o the_o sin_n lie_v on_o themselves_o to_o answer_v for_o it_o phil._n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o
doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n i_o be_v much_o startle_v at_o that_o text_n once_o by_o a_o able_a preacher_n drip_v in_o a_o strange_a place_n into_o a_o conventicle_n where_o no_o body_n know_v i_o who_o do_v open_a and_o apply_v that_o place_n notable_o i_o wish_v in_o my_o mind_n some_o of_o my_o acquaintance_n have_v hear_v he_o but_o that_o be_v not_o a_o day_n for_o such_o as_o i_o and_o they_o to_o be_v see_v at_o a_o conventicle_n christ_n sir_n i_o shall_v now_o most_o glad_o comply_v with_o you_o in_o the_o command_n you_o lay_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o pray_v sir_n how_o come_v you_o so_o in_o love_n with_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n you_o may_v remember_v how_o in_o your_o familiar_a discourse_n with_o i_o at_o your_o table_n you_o will_v take_v occasion_n a_o little_a merry_o to_o descant_v upon_o my_o name_n and_o say_v it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a puritanick_n name_n sure_a thy_o father_n be_v a_o great_a puritan_n brownist_n or_o anabaptist_n phil._n sir_n i_o remember_v it_o very_o well_o and_o i_o be_o convince_v i_o do_v very_o ill_o in_o it_o to_o jest_v with_o spiritual_a thing_n for_o i_o find_v now_o i_o have_v as_o good_a have_v joke_v on_o the_o name_n christian_n for_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o that_o name_n who_o be_v not_o a_o friend_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v and_o hope_v through_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o hereafter_o and_o oh_o that_o through_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n i_o may_v be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o then_o my_o name_n will_v not_o only_o be_v philomathes_n but_o polumathes_n christ_n amen_n it_o be_v my_o hearty_a desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v save_v and_o always_o have_v be_v since_o i_o know_v you_o but_o i_o pray_v how_o come_v you_o all_o of_o a_o sudden_a to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o friend_n unto_o christ_n as_o i_o hear_v you_o now_o profess_v to_o my_o unspeakable_a rejoice_v phil._n on_o a_o sudden_a no_o no_o man_n it_o be_v not_o on_o a_o sudden_a god_n have_v be_v long_o deal_n with_o my_o heart_n than_o you_o or_o any_o one_o have_v know_v of_o though_o you_o hear_v of_o it_o but_o now_o it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n with_o i_o the_o many_o conviction_n of_o conscience_n that_o i_o have_v wrestle_v with_o and_o at_o last_o through_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n palliate_v with_o some_o religion_n or_o stifle_v with_o merry_a companion_n or_o by_o resolute_o cast_v off_o conviction_n from_o read_v the_o word_n from_o hear_v it_o from_o the_o good_a education_n my_o good_a parent_n give_v i_o for_o indeed_o to_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n they_o be_v puritan_n and_o i_o the_o lord_n forgive_v i_o a_o apostate_n wretch_n from_o the_o principle_n i_o be_v instruct_v in_o however_o all_o be_v palliate_v under_o the_o name_n and_o carriage_n of_o a_o prudential_a man_n conviction_n from_o the_o conversation_n of_o good_a man_n from_o the_o sin_n of_o profane_a one_o that_o i_o be_v often_o a_o eye_n and_o earwitness_n of_o conviction_n from_o the_o preach_n of_o our_o parson_n that_o preach_v against_o some_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v too_o too_o much_o guilty_a of_o i_o be_v convince_v it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o do_v as_o he_o say_v not_o as_o he_o do_v but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n whatever_o i_o or_o other_o think_v of_o i_o for_o i_o know_v not_o christ_n and_o taste_v no_o true_a savour_n of_o he_o i_o have_v something_o of_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o no_o power_n my_o religion_n such_o as_o it_o be_v be_v a_o mere_a slavery_n to_o i_o the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n keep_v i_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o devil_n christ_n when_o do_v you_o think_v those_o bond_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v break_v and_o how_o phil._n true_o it_o be_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o when_o i_o consider_v some_o place_n of_o scripture_n such_o as_o rom._n 10.17_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v etc._n etc._n &_o jam._n 1.18_o of_o his_o own_o will_n beget_v he_o we_o with_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n it_o wrought_v upon_o i_o to_o look_v out_o a_o little_a in_o my_o prudential_a way_n after_o good_a preach_v that_o i_o may_v find_v the_o gate_n of_o wisdom_n and_o i_o will_v hear_v some_o of_o the_o able_a man_n of_o our_o church_n especial_o when_o i_o go_v to_o london_n and_o true_o i_o hear_v many_o notable_a discourse_n for_o eloquence_n and_o learning_n and_o they_o seem_v for_o to_o make_v a_o great_a jingle_n in_o my_o imagination_n for_o the_o present_a but_o no_o impression_n on_o my_o heart_n that_o remain_v very_o lean_a still_o and_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o their_o discourse_n be_v usual_o to_o cry_v up_o our_o church_n for_o the_o pure_a in_o the_o world_n and_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n free_a will_n to_o the_o embrace_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o nonresistance_n and_o passive_a obedience_n and_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o those_o doctrine_n i_o be_v so_o far_o from_o profit_v that_o my_o heart_n tell_v i_o still_o while_o i_o hear_v that_o i_o sufficient_o know_v by_o my_o own_o experience_n that_o they_o preach_v lie_n and_o that_o they_o cause_v the_o people_n to_o err_v such_o as_o be_v speak_v of_o jer._n 14.14_o &_o 23.25_o 26_o 32._o ezek._n 13.8_o 9_o &_o 16.29_o &_o 22.28_o i_o pity_v the_o poor_a soul_n that_o sit_v constant_o under_o such_o teach_n and_o resolve_v to_o give_v they_o off_o and_o betake_v myself_o to_o conventicle_n but_o my_o covetous_a heart_n in_o love_n still_o with_o the_o world_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o i_o for_o there_o be_v danger_n yet_o in_o it_o whereupon_o i_o talk_v with_o some_o whig_n that_o be_v not_o so_o straitlaced_a but_o that_o they_o will_v hear_v good_a preach_v in_o the_o church_n and_o common-prayer_n too_o if_o need_n be_v but_o will_v shake_v their_o head_n and_o make_v great_a complaint_n of_o the_o public_a ministry_n in_o brief_a i_o find_v they_o be_v sick_a of_o my_o disease_n though_o i_o like_v they_o the_o better_a for_o it_o then_o they_o tell_v i_o of_o a_o man_n or_o two_o which_o the_o whig_n that_o have_v be_v affright_v from_o conventicle_n have_v smell_v out_o and_o go_v to_o hear_v but_o they_o be_v say_v some_o reckon_v but_o fanatic_n in_o a_o mask_n the_o true_a son_n of_o the_o church_n hate_v they_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n quoth_v i_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n for_o that_o i_o will_v hear_v they_o what_o they_o say_v if_o it_o please_v god_n indeed_o i_o be_v so_o dissatisfy_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o some_o of_o their_o london_n don_n that_o i_o have_v rather_o hear_v our_o country_n doctor_n which_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o more_o orthodox_n and_o be_v just_a resolve_v to_o leave_v the_o church_n and_o venture_v it_o at_o the_o conventicle_n no_o say_v my_o honest_a latitudinarian_a whig_n as_o true_a blue_n for_o the_o people_n civil_a right_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n but_o since_o i_o find_v they_o mere_a boggler_n at_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v some_o n._n c._n divine_n that_o give_v large_a measure_n to_o their_o conscience_n too_o but_o no_o more_o of_o that_o do_v it_o do_v any_o thing_n rash_o consider_v you_o have_v a_o plentiful_a estate_n god_n be_v thank_v and_o you_o have_v a_o wife_n and_o many_o child_n it_o become_v you_o to_o mind_v the_o main_a chance_n these_o be_v but_o punctilio_n of_o difference_n between_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dissenter_n the_o great_a danger_n be_v of_o popery_n let_v we_o all_o combine_v against_o that_o and_o not_o let_v protestant_n break_v one_o another_o by_o these_o small_a indifference_n we_o confess_v we_o be_v trouble_v at_o this_o devil_n of_o persecution_n that_o be_v break_v out_o in_o the_o church_n but_o we_o think_v too_o they_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o imprudent_a rash_a people_n that_o will_v be_v cast_v into_o prison_n and_o ruin_v their_o estate_n and_o family_n for_o noncompliance_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o which_o cause_n we_o believe_v they_o can_v not_o justify_v themselves_o to_o die_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n indeed_o shall_v be_v rectify_v in_o our_o church_n but_o you_o know_v our_o article_n be_v very_a sound_n and_o as_o for_o the_o prayer_n and_o ceremony_n they_o be_v as_o our_o first_o reformer_n and_o martyr_n leave_v they_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v at_o a_o note_a coffee-house_n for_o whig_n take_v
another_o congregation_n and_o call_v he_o to_o it_o and_o why_o not_o as_o well_o as_o to_o call_v one_o to_o be_v a_o preach_v elder_a that_o be_v a_o brother_n of_o another_o congregation_n for_o all_o church_n officer_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o church_n and_o first_o make_v member_n of_o that_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o serve_v christ_n in_o office_n before_o they_o be_v solemn_o set_v apart_o thereto_o phil._n what_o reason_n may_v a_o church_n be_v move_v by_o to_o choose_v a_o roll_a elder_a or_o more_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v a_o brother_n apt_o qualify_v and_o can_v attend_v it_o there_o need_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o it_o though_o the_o church_n be_v but_o small_a it_o may_v be_v much_o comfort_n and_o help_v to_o the_o pastor_n and_o tend_v to_o much_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 2._o the_o church_n may_v see_v reason_n to_o choose_v rule_v elder_n from_o the_o great_a increase_n and_o largeness_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o management_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n lie_v not_o too_o heavy_o upon_o their_o pastor_n 3._o the_o church_n may_v see_v reason_n for_o it_o because_o their_o pastor_n qualify_v it_o may_v be_v with_o much_o of_o grace_n preach_v gift_n and_o learning_n may_v not_o be_v qualify_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o government_n and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o man_n of_o retire_a studious_a life_n have_v so_o great_a a_o insight_n into_o the_o right_a order_n of_o politic_a affair_n a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o great_a mathematician_n but_o yet_o a_o ill_a seaman_n not_o know_v how_o to_o work_v or_o steer_v a_o ship_n so_o well_o as_o a_o master_n mate_n or_o a_o boatswain_n there_o be_v in_o spiritual_n as_o well_o as_o temporal_n a_o skill_n in_o practice_n to_o have_v the_o sense_n exercise_v by_o reason_n of_o use_n as_o well_o as_o a_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o rule_n phil._n what_o be_v the_o officework_n of_o a_o roll_a elder_n christ_n to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o admission_n to_o make_v good_a enquiry_n after_o the_o faith_n and_o holy_a conversation_n of_o such_o who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o church_n communion_n to_o propound_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o church_n 2._o to_o make_v inspection_n into_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o actual_a member_n frequent_o to_o visit_v they_o to_o rebuke_v any_o seem_o late-walking_a as_o not_o become_v the_o gospel_n to_o inquire_v after_o the_o reason_n of_o member_n absentment_n from_o communion_n to_o exhort_v they_o to_o frequent_v assemble_v together_o for_o mutual_a edification_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a to_o support_v the_o weak_a to_o visit_v the_o sick_a to_o inform_v the_o ignorant_a etc._n etc._n 3._o in_o all_o matter_n of_o admonition_n and_o censure_n to_o hear_v and_o prepare_v matter_n for_o the_o church_n before_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o do_v in_o confusion_n and_o in_o disquietment_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o church_n but_o with_o all_o meekness_n unanimity_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n phil._n you_o have_v show_v that_o the_o ministerial_a office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v pastoral_n or_o diaconal_a and_o have_v show_v that_o the_o pastoral_n or_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o pastoral_n care_n be_v exhortation_n teach_v administration_n of_o the_o seal_n rule_n and_o government_n according_a to_o all_o which_o part_n of_o a_o pastor_n office_n the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v provide_v affi_v officer_n and_o help_n such_o as_o teacher_n and_o roll_a elder_n to_o the_o full_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n i_o pray_v speak_v now_o something_o of_o the_o deacon_n office_n christ_n the_o english_a word_n deacon_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o minister_n or_o one_o that_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n in_o office_n it_o be_v use_v for_o any_o minister_n at_o large_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o deaconship_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o apostleship_n itself_o act._n 1.17_o 25._o or_o to_o a_o part_n of_o their_o ministry_n as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o act._n 6.4_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o any_o particular_a service_n of_o the_o church_n act._n 11.29_o ch_n 12.25_o and_o paul_n appli_v it_o to_o his_o whole_a ministry_n as_o a_o apostle_n act._n 20.24_o rom._n 11.13_o ch_n 15.31_o 2._o cor._n 6.3_o but_o it_o have_v its_o peculiar_a application_n to_o that_o ministry_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o supply_n of_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n necessity_n by_o way_n of_o distribution_n of_o collection_n make_v to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n to_o whosesoever_o care_v it_o be_v commit_v and_o such_o a_o service_n paul_n say_v he_o undertake_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o other_o church_n 2_o cor._n 8.4_o which_o be_v call_v the_o deaconship_n of_o this_o liturgy_n 2_o cor._n 9.12_o render_v the_o administration_n of_o this_o service_n now_o we_o find_v as_o office_n title_n of_o large_a significancy_n be_v bring_v down_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o denote_v a_o single_a particular_a office_n in_o the_o church_n as_o apostle_n pastor_n bishop_n presbyter_n etc._n etc._n so_o here_o the_o word_n deacon_n be_v often_o use_v for_o all_o sacred_a ministry_n liturgy_n or_o service_n be_v a_o title_n put_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v call_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o the_o liturgy_n or_o service_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o way_n of_o administration_n by_o distribution_n phil._n when_o be_v the_o first_o institution_n of_o deacon_n christ_n it_o be_v act._n 6._o a_o apostolic_a i._n e._n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v a_o divine_a institution_n and_o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o observe_v the_o reason_n &_o ground_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o ease_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o great_a burden_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o when_o those_o that_o be_v convert_v sell_v their_o possession_n and_o bring_v the_o money_n and_o lay_v it_o down_o at_o their_o foot_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v forth_o again_o for_o a_o equal_a and_o necessary_a support_n to_o every_o one_o as_o need_v require_v this_o be_v too_o great_a a_o charge_n and_o burden_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o likely_a afterward_o to_o be_v unto_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o hence_o they_o institute_v this_o office_n of_o deaconship_n and_o therefore_o be_v also_o a_o more_o remote_a office_n of_o assistance_n unto_o the_o roll_a episcopacy_n but_o be_v very_o distinct_a in_o nature_n and_o kind_n from_o that_o sort_n of_o ministry_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n speak_v after_o that_o manner_n act._n 6.1_o 4._o that_o the_o church_n shall_v choose_v they_o fit_a man_n for_o this_o daily_a care_n and_o trust_v and_o they_o will_v betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n phil._n what_o ground_n have_v you_o for_o this_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n christ._n the_o very_a nature_n of_o such_o a_o society_n as_o a_o church_n require_v it_o and_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a ground_n for_o a_o office_n when_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o well_o be_v of_o a_o society_n and_o it_o be_v ordinary_a necessity_n do_v require_v it_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v most_o express_a upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o apostle_n choose_v such_o officer_n for_o the_o necessary_a service_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o be_v afterward_o state_v officer_n in_o other_o church_n appear_v from_o phil._n 1.1_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v express_o call_v their_o ministry_n a_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.10_o 13._o as_o the_o word_n be_v render_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v by_o our_o interpreter_n their_o qualification_n and_o encouragement_n be_v also_o very_o particular_a v._o 8.9_o 10_o 13._o see_v rom._n 12.8_o he_o it_o to_o be_v grave_n sober_a exemplary_a in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n etc._n etc._n phil._n what_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o deacon_n christ._n the_o holy_a ghost_n call_v it_o serve_v of_o table_n the_o lord_n table_n and_o the_o table_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o a_o faithful_a collection_n and_o distribution_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v give_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o ordinance_n ministry_n and_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v with_o simplicity_n prudence_n and_o cheerfulness_n and_o of_o which_o they_o be_v accountable_a to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o church_n let_v that_o word_n cheerfulness_n be_v observe_v because_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o murmur_v at_o this_o office_n as_o a_o burden_n to_o they_o phil._n how_o many_o deacon_n be_v there_o to_o be_v christ_n there_o be_v seven_o in_o the_o first_o church_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o there_o have_v seldom_o church_n arrive_v to_o the_o bigness_n
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