choose_v its_o own_o servant_n phebe_n be_v call_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o church_n rom._n 6.2_o so_o be_v widow_n for_o they_o be_v not_o ordain_v so_o their_o sexton_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v oversee_v the_o building_n or_o any_o other_o servant_n that_o may_v be_v for_o the_o conveniency_n of_o the_o church_n this_o church_n privilege_n of_o choose_v officer_n do_v only_o belong_v to_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n the_o brethren_n be_v say_v to_o choose_v the_o deacon_n act._n 6.3_o and_o woman_n have_v not_o power_n in_o this_o matter_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o let_v your_o woman_n keep_v silence_n in_o the_o church_n 1_o tim._n 2.12_o suffer_v not_o a_o woman_n to_o teach_v nor_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o state_n of_o subjection_n which_o god_n have_v put_v they_o into_o if_o they_o may_v vote_n they_o may_v over-rule_v the_o man_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n those_o male_n that_o be_v not_o their_o own_o master_n as_o child_n that_o be_v not_o at_o their_o own_o dispose_n and_o servant_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o vote_n in_o the_o church_n they_o that_o be_v not_o free_a be_v not_o to_o partake_v of_o this_o liberty_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o officer_n of_o congregational_a church_n and_o their_o power_n the_o officer_n of_o congregational_a church_n be_v either_o elder_n or_o deacon_n the_o elder_n be_v either_o teach_v elder_n or_o rule_v elder_n the_o work_n of_o the_o teach_v elder_n lie_v principal_o in_o these_o five_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n both_o in_o the_o public_a assembly_n and_o private_o in_o case_n of_o sickness_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o be_v to_o administer_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n they_o together_o with_o the_o rule_v elder_n be_v to_o govern_v the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n such_o learned_a man_n as_o be_v suitable_o qualify_v but_o not_o in_o office_n may_v upon_o occasion_n discharge_v some_o part_n of_o this_o work_n but_o there_o be_v some_o other_o part_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v not_o meddle_v with_o those_o act_n which_o be_v act_n of_o natural_a worship_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o they_o as_o pray_v and_o preach_v but_o such_o ministerial_a act_n as_o do_v depend_v whole_o upon_o institution_n they_o may_v not_o perform_v as_o the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n the_o dispence_n of_o censure_n and_o a_o authoritative_a blessing_n these_o be_v perform_v only_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o institution_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v do_v only_o according_a to_o a_o institution_n a_o teach_v elder_a by_o virtue_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v bind_v to_o attend_v his_o work_n in_o that_o church_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o perform_v act_n of_o office_n to_o any_o other_o church_n or_o to_o the_o member_n of_o any_o other_o church_n assemble_v with_o his_o own_o church_n pastoral_a power_n over_o a_o particular_a church_n give_v he_o no_o power_n over_o any_o that_o be_v of_o that_o church_n his_o relation_n to_o they_o give_v he_o no_o power_n over_o any_o other_o but_o every_o man_n that_o be_v a_o pastor_n of_o a_o particular_a church_n stand_v in_o a_o more_o general_a relation_n as_o a_o minister_n of_o christ_n some_o that_o be_v not_o pastor_n to_o particular_a congregation_n be_v yet_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o man_n that_o be_v a_o pastor_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o relation_n he_o may_v do_v act_n of_o office_n to_o the_o member_n of_o other_o church_n occasional_o assemble_v with_o 〈◊〉_d own_o and_o towards_o other_o church_n be_v desire_v when_o he_o can_v convenient_o be_v spare_v from_o his_o own_o and_o towards_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v member_n of_o no_o church_n the_o levite_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n before_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o any_o particular_a synagogue_n paul_n have_v office_n power_n over_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o god_n act._n 26.17,18_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n send_v barnabas_n to_o antiock_n to_o officiate_v as_o a_o minister_n act._n 11._o and_o they_o that_o have_v authority_n to_o preach_v have_v also_o to_o baptise_v mat._n 28.19,20_o we_o find_v that_o paul_n do_v not_o baptise_v such_o as_o he_o bring_v over_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o commit_v that_o work_n to_o some_o other_o inferior_a minister_n that_o be_v in_o company_n with_o he_o 1_o cor._n 1.14_o and_o this_o he_o do_v after_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n john_n 4.2_o there_o be_v need_n that_o some_o have_v office-power_n now_o to_o preach_v to_o the_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o there_o may_v be_v several_a now_o that_o baptism_n do_v belong_v to_o as_o well_o as_o cornelius_n the_o eunuch_n and_o the_o jallor_n and_o other_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o that_o service_n the_o teach_v officer_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o baptise_v and_o administer_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v make_v the_o judge_n by_o god_n what_o person_n those_o ordinance_n be_v to_o be_v administer_v to_o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n either_o of_o the_o brethren_n or_o rule_v elder_n any_o way_n to_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o affair_n or_o limit_v he_o we_o never_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v advise_v with_o the_o church_n whether_o they_o shall_v baptise_v such_o as_o offer_v themselves_o as_o the_o administration_n of_o these_o ordinance_n be_v commit_v to_o they_o so_o the_o judge_a concern_v those_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v administer_v unto_o as_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o subject_n to_o teach_v upon_o and_o as_o the_o deacon_n be_v to_o judge_v who_o be_v to_o be_v relieve_v so_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o judge_v who_o be_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o rule_v elder_n be_v to_o join_v with_o the_o teach_v elder_n in_o rule_n and_o government_n these_o officer_n be_v call_v government_n 1_o cor._n 12._o such_o as_o rule_v rom._n 12._o distinguish_v from_o such_o as_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n 1_o tim._n 5._o the_o teach_v elder_n with_o the_o rule_v elder_n make_v the_o presbytery_n of_o the_o church_n with_o who_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v entrust_v the_o power_n of_o censure_v offender_n in_o the_o church_n and_o absolve_v of_o penitent_n do_v belong_v alone_o to_o these_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o to_o intermeddle_v with_o it_o the_o elder_n be_v to_o rule_v over_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v overrule_v by_o the_o brethren_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o elder_n to_o rule_v well_o 1_o tim._n 5.17_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o elder_n therefore_o not_o to_o control_v they_o in_o their_o government_n heb._n 12.17_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v the_o power_n of_o government_n of_o the_o church_n in_o their_o hand_n hence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o ruler_n and_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act._n 18._o deut._n 21.5_o the_o elder_n have_v the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n commit_v to_o they_o matth._n 16.18_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o elder_a and_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o as_o a_o personal_a reward_n of_o his_o profession_n obj._n matth._n 18.17_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n this_o imply_v the_o power_n of_o the_o brethren_n answ_n 1._o by_o the_o church_n be_v mean_v the_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o civil_a 2._o it_o be_v not_o harsh_a by_o the_o church_n to_o intend_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n see_v numb_a 24.25_o 3._o by_o the_o church_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o the_o day_n when_o it_o be_v speak_v and_o there_o be_v now_o no_o church_n in_o be_v but_o the_o jewish_a church_n in_o which_o all_o the_o power_n of_o government_n be_v with_o the_o elder_n obj._n 1_o cor._n 5.1,4_o the_o church_n be_v order_v to_o cast_v out_o the_o incestuous_a person_n and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o his_o punishment_n be_v say_v to_o be_v inflict_v by_o many_o answ_n 1._o they_o may_v be_v only_o require_v to_o publish_v a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n from_o paul_n 2._o it_o be_v common_a in_o scripture_n to_o attribute_v that_o which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ruler_n to_o the_o public_a society_n as_o when_o god_n require_v that_o the_o people_n of_o judah_n do_v act_n of_o public_a justice_n he_o do_v not_o
the_o christian_a church_n matth._n 18.17_o 4._o we_o be_v refer_v in_o some_o case_n to_o those_o institution_n god_n send_v we_o to_o the_o law_n for_o light_n direct_v we_o to_o do_v as_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o about_o woman_n not_o speak_v in_o the_o church_n 1_o cor._n 14.34_o so_o about_o the_o maintenance_n of_o minister_n gal._n 6.6_o 1_o cor._n 9.13,14_o 3._o new_a testament_n institution_n there_o be_v some_o institution_n appoint_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o gospel_n these_o be_v few_o principal_o what_o officer_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o the_o first_o day_n sabbath_n 1._o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o temporal_a and_o perpetual_a institution_n some_o institution_n be_v only_o for_o a_o time_n as_o the_o office_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o the_o anoint_v of_o the_o sick_a with_o oil_n jam._n 5.14_o there_o be_v other_o that_o be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o be_v baptism_n matth._n 20._o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 11.26_o these_o ordinance_n will_v not_o be_v remove_v as_o jewish_a ceremony_n heb._n 13.28_o 2._o distinguish_v between_o approve_a practice_n and_o institution_n there_o be_v many_o practice_n and_o institution_n there_o be_v many_o practice_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n that_o be_v approve_v yet_o not_o bind_v to_o we_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v seven_o deacon_n act_n 6.5_o they_o do_v baptise_v in_o private_a house_n act._n 10.33_o christ_n send_v out_o his_o disciple_n two_o and_o two_o luk._n 10.1_o this_o do_v not_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v institution_n that_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v do_v in_o one_o case_n that_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o be_v do_v in_o another_o one_o or_o two_o example_n show_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o practice_n but_o do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o bind_a rule_n chap._n ii_o the_o nature_n of_o institute_v church_n explain_v the_o word_n church_n be_v use_v equivocal_o there_o be_v three_o sense_n especial_o wherein_o it_o be_v use_v in_o the_o scripture_n first_o it_o be_v take_v for_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_o unite_v unto_o christ_n the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n eph._n 5.27_o that_o he_o may_v present_v it_o to_o himself_o a_o glorious_a church_n second_o for_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o do_v profess_v the_o true_a faith_n for_o they_o that_o be_v visible_a christian_n 1_o cor._n 15.9_o i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n three_o it_o be_v take_v for_o a_o institute_v church_n this_o church_n be_v invest_v by_o christ_n with_o spiritual_a power_n and_o be_v thus_o define_v a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o saint_n join_v together_o according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o constant_a carry_v on_o of_o his_o public_a worship_n a_o church_n be_v a_o society_n a_o single_a person_n be_v not_o a_o church_n a_o church_n be_v a_o collection_n or_o congregative_a body_n consist_v of_o many_o member_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o you_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o member_n in_o particular_n hence_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o flock_n and_o other_o câ—…ective_a body_n it_o be_v a_o society_n of_o saint_n the_o member_n of_o a_o church_n be_v saint_n by_o calling_n 1_o cor._n 11.12_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o corinth_n to_o they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v in_o christ_n jesus_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n 1_o cor._n 14.33_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o society_n of_o saint_n psal_n 79.12,11_o psal_n 1._o none_o be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o institute_v church_n but_o those_o that_o be_v member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n particular_a church_n be_v but_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n they_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n therefore_o must_v be_v holy_a therefore_o society_n of_o papist_n be_v abusive_o call_v church_n a_o church_n do_v join_v together_o for_o the_o public_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n a_o family_n join_v together_o for_o the_o private_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o church_n we_o read_v of_o a_o church_n in_o the_o house_n of_o aquila_n rom._n 16.5_o and_o in_o the_o house_n of_o nymphas_n col._n 4.15_o because_o there_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v attend_v the_o church_n do_v join_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o public_a worship_n as_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o word_n the_o administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o dispense_n of_o censure_n in_o a_o public_a way_n a_o church_n do_v join_v together_o for_o the_o constant_a carry_v on_o of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n corporate_a which_o may_v continue_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n it_o be_v not_o any_o occasional_a meeting_n together_o that_o give_v be_v to_o a_o church_n a_o church_n be_v a_o stand_a society_n not_o depend_v on_o any_o occasional_a meeting_n therefore_o a_o congregation_n that_o meet_v together_o on_o a_o lecture_n day_n from_o several_a town_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v be_v not_o a_o church_n neither_o have_v any_o ecclesiastical_a power_n yea_o a_o synod_n that_o meet_v now_o and_o then_o occasional_o though_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o representative_a church_n be_v not_o a_o church_n proper_o the_o member_n thereof_o be_v choose_v for_o a_o particular_a occasion_n a_o church_n do_v join_v together_o according_a to_o christ_n appointment_n christ_n have_v give_v a_o rule_n according_a to_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o join_v together_o and_o if_o man_n join_v in_o worship_v with_o a_o church_n irregular_o that_o do_v not_o make_v they_o to_o be_v member_n of_o that_o church_n if_o a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o one_o town_n where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n do_v join_v constant_o in_o worship_v with_o another_o church_n that_o do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o that_o church_n quest_n who_o be_v visible_a saint_n answ_n this_o question_n have_v be_v matter_n of_o great_a debate_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o great_a contention_n in_o the_o church_n we_o may_v not_o count_v those_o only_a to_o be_v saint_n who_o after_o the_o strict_a examination_n give_v considerable_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v saint_n we_o have_v no_o such_o rule_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o admit_v member_n into_o the_o christian_a church_n do_v not_o countenance_v any_o such_o opinion_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o make_v baptise_a person_n and_o visible_a saint_n to_o be_v the_o same_o for_o person_n must_v be_v visible_a saint_n before_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o some_o that_o be_v baptise_a may_v cease_v to_o be_v visible_a saint_n neither_o be_v they_o only_o visible_a saint_n that_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n join_v with_o a_o holy_a conversation_n some_o man_n may_v behave_v themselves_o so_o as_o to_o deserve_v a_o sentence_n of_o excommunication_n and_o yet_o be_v visible_a saint_n visible_a saintship_n and_o real_a saintship_n may_v consist_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o iniquity_n in_o the_o conversation_n for_o a_o time_n visible_a saint_n be_v such_o as_o make_v a_o serious_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n together_o with_o those_o that_o do_v descend_v from_o they_o till_o reject_v of_o god_n 1._o such_o as_o do_v make_v a_o serious_a profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v visible_a saint_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n do_v real_o accept_v of_o such_o not_o wait_v to_o see_v what_o their_o conversation_n will_v be_v act._n 16,14,15_o so_o do_v john_n luk._n 7.29,30_o such_o be_v to_o be_v accept_v without_o delay_n 2._o their_o infant_n seed_n be_v likewise_o visible_a saint_n god_n give_v that_o testimony_n for_o they_o 1_o cor._n 7.14_o 3._o such_o also_o as_o descend_v from_o they_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n until_o they_o be_v reject_v by_o god_n be_v visible_a saint_n for_o they_o that_o be_v visible_a saint_n do_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o till_o god_n have_v cast_v they_o off_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n if_o they_o shall_v carry_v it_o wicked_o or_o if_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o heresy_n yet_o they_o be_v visible_a saint_n till_o god_n have_v reject_v they_o and_o there_o be_v two_o way_n whereby_o god_n may_v show_v his_o rejection_n of_o they_o one_o be_v when_o they_o do_v depart_v from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n to_o heathen_a or_o antichristian_a society_n the_o other_o be_v when_o the_o people_n that_o they_o belong_v unto_o and_o they_o with_o they_o be_v unchurch_v by_o god_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n as_o a_o civil_a society_n do_v consist_v of_o one_o town_n or_o more_o town_n so_o a_o institute_v church_n
man_n that_o be_v real_o and_o visible_o godly_a may_v fall_v into_o a_o scandal_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v forbid_v to_o participate_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o when_o their_o conversation_n be_v good_a they_o can_v be_v hinder_v upon_o that_o account_n a_o three_o requisite_a be_v that_o they_o have_v knowledge_n to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n for_o the_o want_n of_o this_o infant_n be_v deny_v the_o lord_n supper_n those_o adult_n person_n that_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n all_o adult_a person_n that_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n ordinary_o have_v all_o those_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o make_v profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o be_v of_o good_a conversation_n they_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v able_a to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o ordinance_n they_o may_v soon_o be_v sufficient_o inform_v two_o thing_n be_v evident_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n one_o be_v that_o they_o ready_o admit_v such_o into_o the_o church_n as_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n act._n 2._o act._n 6._o we_o never_o read_v that_o ever_o they_o deny_v admission_n to_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n that_o make_v that_o profession_n the_o other_o be_v that_o all_o that_o be_v thus_o receive_v by_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n 1_o cor._n 10.17_o act._n 2.24_o they_o make_v no_o distinction_n of_o the_o adult_n member_n of_o the_o church_n into_o communicant_n and_o non-communicants_a those_o that_o be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o participate_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o all_o professor_n that_o have_v a_o good_a conversation_n and_o knowledge_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o participate_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o man_n have_v not_o these_o qualification_n they_o be_v not_o oblige_v immediate_o to_o participate_v in_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n if_o they_o shall_v but_o have_v these_o qualification_n they_o be_v bind_v provide_v they_o have_v opportunity_n christ_n have_v lay_v this_o law_n upon_o professor_n 1_o cor._n 11.24,25_o the_o person_n here_o command_v be_v not_o only_o true_a believer_n than_o none_o can_v do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o those_o that_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a believer_n then_o the_o church_n authority_n can_v require_v none_o but_o true_a believer_n to_o come_v the_o person_n therefore_o require_v to_o partake_v be_v such_o professor_n as_o carry_v it_o inoffensive_o and_o if_o such_o be_v bind_v to_o come_v the_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o they_o may_v not_o hinder_v any_o man_n from_o do_v his_o duty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n assign_v why_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v debar_v from_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v debar_v for_o not_o give_v the_o high_a evidence_n of_o sincerity_n there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o law_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o any_o shall_v be_v debar_v church_n privilege_n because_o they_o do_v not_o give_v the_o high_a evidence_n of_o sincerity_n nor_o for_o want_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o believe_v man_n to_o be_v visible_a saint_n from_o their_o infancy_n till_o they_o be_v forty_o or_o fifty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o yet_o not_o capable_a of_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o want_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o grace_n they_o that_o have_v the_o least_o grace_n need_v to_o have_v it_o nourish_v and_o cherish_v such_o adult_n person_n as_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n or_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v continue_v without_o censure_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v utter_o unreasonable_a to_o deny_v the_o adult_n member_n of_o the_o church_n the_o lord_n supper_n and_o yet_o not_o lay_v they_o under_o censure_n if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o any_o such_o offence_n as_o to_o be_v deny_v the_o lord_n supper_n why_o be_v they_o not_o censure_v if_o they_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v censure_v why_o be_v they_o keep_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n there_o be_v some_o scripture_n that_o have_v be_v think_v to_o hold_v forth_o a_o need_n of_o somewhat_o further_o in_o order_n to_o participation_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o if_o they_o be_v examine_v will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v strain_v beyond_o the_o import_n of_o they_o psal_n 6.16_o david_n say_v i_o will_v tell_v you_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v for_o my_o soul_n hence_o it_o be_v argue_v that_o man_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n in_o order_n to_o their_o admission_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o david_n do_v respect_v the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n do_v it_o follow_v because_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o talk_v of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o law_n to_o bind_v he_o to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o synagogue_n or_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o david_n offer_v to_o do_v it_o in_o order_n to_o his_o join_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n act._n 2.37_o they_o be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n before_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o many_o other_o be_v join_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o who_o we_o read_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o here_o be_v no_o live_a rule_n that_o other_o must_v declare_v that_o they_o be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n before_o their_o admission_n yea_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o do_v not_o declare_v their_o trouble_n in_o order_n to_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n but_o in_o order_n to_o their_o direction_n yea_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o these_o man_n be_v under_o a_o work_n of_o conversion_n at_o this_o time_n they_o may_v be_v godly_a man_n before_o the_o thing_n that_o sting_v they_o be_v a_o national_a sin_n which_o in_o probability_n they_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v stranger_n come_v up_o to_o keep_v the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n and_o be_v great_o affect_v with_o the_o sin_n which_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o in_o crucify_a of_o christ_n act._n 9.26,27_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n refuse_v to_o admit_v paul_n to_o their_o communion_n till_o they_o be_v inform_v by_o barnabas_n of_o his_o conversion_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o paul_n do_v then_o desire_v to_o participate_v with_o they_o in_o the_o lord_n supper_n possible_o it_o may_v be_v only_o in_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o receive_v he_o be_v not_o any_o doubt_n whether_o his_o conversion_n be_v sincere_a but_o whether_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a as_o if_o in_o a_o popish_a country_n one_o who_o have_v be_v a_o violent_a persecutor_n shall_v essay_n to_o join_v himself_o to_o a_o protestant_a congregation_n it_o will_v be_v no_o wonder_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v afraid_a of_o he_o until_o they_o be_v inform_v that_o he_o be_v become_v a_o protestant_n this_o be_v no_o foundation_n to_o require_v of_o all_o that_o join_v to_o the_o church_n a_o accout_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o conversion_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o man_n be_v require_v to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o here_o by_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v their_o experience_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n this_o be_v evident_a because_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o persecution_n v._o 14._o and_o because_o he_o direct_v they_o to_o give_v their_o answer_n with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n quest_n here_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v whether_o such_o person_n as_o have_v a_o good_a conversation_n and_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n may_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n with_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o case_n they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a condition_n answ_n they_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o come_v though_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v in_o a_o natural_a condition_n this_o ordinance_n be_v institute_v for_o all_o the_o adult_n member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o scandalous_a and_o therefore_o must_v be_v attend_v by_o they_o
be_v either_o congregational_a or_o that_o which_o consist_v of_o divers_a congregation_n a_o congregational_a church_n be_v a_o church_n that_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o assemble_v together_o in_o one_o place_n in_o a_o constant_a way_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n a_o congregational_a church_n be_v a_o church_n consist_v of_o one_o congregation_n such_o we_o read_v of_o act._n 20.7_o 1_o cor._n 14.23_o the_o form_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n be_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n to_o assemble_v in_o one_o place_n in_o a_o constant_a way_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n some_o have_v think_v that_o the_o form_n of_o a_o congregational_a church_n be_v a_o church_n covenant_n explicit_a or_o implicit_a wherein_o they_o bound_v themselves_o to_o walk_v together_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n covenant_v with_o god_n be_v a_o foundation_n for_o this_o whereas_o that_o covenant_n of_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o all_o christian_n do_v make_v when_o they_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o partiâ—…lar_a covenant_n make_v in_o the_o synagogue_n which_o answer_v to_o our_o congregation_n whereby_o the_o member_n of_o one_o synagogue_n be_v bind_v one_o to_o another_o it_o be_v plead_v that_o nothing_o else_o can_v bind_v aâ—…e_a people_n one_o to_o another_o but_o a_o ecclesiastical_a covenant_n but_o there_o 〈◊〉_d somewhat_o else_o that_o bind_v a_o free_a people_n in_o the_o same_o town_n to_o mutual_a subjection_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o town_n and_o though_o christian_n be_v a_o free_a people_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o a_o licentious_a liberty_n but_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n and_o likewise_o by_o their_o own_o profession_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o bond_n to_o distinguish_v one_o church_n from_o another_o and_o to_o avoid_v confusion_n of_o church_n we_o read_v of_o no_o such_o particular_a covenant_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v no_o precept_n for_o it_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_n for_o it_o we_o read_v of_o many_o congregational_a church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o syllable_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n intimate_v any_o such_o thing_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o it_o the_o member_n of_o a_o congregation_n be_v bind_v to_o carry_v on_o the_o worship_n together_o this_o be_v god_n appointment_n that_o his_o people_n that_o live_v together_o shall_v carry_v on_o his_o worship_n together_o the_o christian_n at_o corinth_n be_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 1.2_o and_o the_o christian_n at_o ephesus_n be_v the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n order_n call_v for_o it_o that_o where_o man_n live_v there_o they_o join_v together_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n if_o a_o christian_a live_v in_o a_o town_n where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n he_o be_v immediate_o bind_v to_o join_v with_o that_o church_n and_o that_o church_n be_v bind_v to_o he_o to_o govern_v he_o and_o give_v he_o christian_a privilege_n there_o be_v some_o case_n wherein_o there_o be_v need_n of_o humane_a prudence_n in_o determine_v how_o many_o church_n shall_v be_v in_o some_o town_n some_o town_n arise_v to_o be_v numerous_a so_o that_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v join_v in_o several_a society_n and_o some_o be_v so_o small_a and_o lie_v so_o near_o together_o that_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o two_o or_o more_o shall_v make_v one_o church_n in_o such_o case_n god_n have_v appoint_v that_o the_o bound_n of_o church_n be_v set_v either_o by_o general_n agreement_n or_o by_o order_n from_o authority_n but_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n that_o every_o member_n shall_v covenant_n particular_o with_o the_o church_n grant_v this_o particular_a covenant_n to_o be_v the_o form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o then_o a_o christian_a may_v continue_v a_o considerable_a time_n without_o any_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a church_n though_o he_o live_v where_o there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n for_o seven_o year_n together_o and_o live_v all_o that_o while_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n a_o covenant_n which_o he_o live_v in_o the_o continual_a breach_n of_o make_v a_o member_n at_o corinth_n and_o according_a to_o some_o give_v he_o a_o right_a to_o all_o ordinance_n grant_v this_o particular_a covenant_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o seek_v what_o church_n many_o child_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o father_n be_v in_o covenant_n with_o one_o church_n the_o mother_n with_o another_o the_o child_n be_v baptise_a in_o a_o three_o and_o life_n in_o a_o four_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o particular_a covenant_n which_o be_v whole_o unscriptural_a be_v the_o â—…on_n that_o many_o among_o we_o be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o church_n privilege_n do_v belong_v chap._n iu._n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o congregational_a church_n the_o great_a privilege_n of_o congregational_a church_n be_v to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n they_o have_v a_o liberty_n give_v to_o they_o by_o god_n to_o choose_v suitable_a person_n to_o office_n they_o be_v limit_v to_o person_n fit_o qualify_v but_o the_o privilege_n of_o choose_v they_o do_v belong_v unto_o the_o church_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o synagognes_n of_o the_o yews_n have_v liberty_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n if_o they_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n yet_o out_o of_o the_o levite_n they_o choose_v for_o themselves_o however_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o christian_a church_n the_o apostle_n order_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o deacon_n act._n 6.3,4_o they_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o prescribe_v who_o the_o person_n shall_v be_v and_o impose_v deacon_n on_o they_o but_o refer_v the_o matter_n to_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o the_o people_n nominate_v two_o out_o of_o which_o god_n choose_v one_o to_o be_v a_o apostle_n act._n 1.23_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o all_o free_a society_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n such_o country_n as_o be_v conquer_v dont_fw-fr choose_v their_o own_o ruler_n nor_o such_o country_n where_o the_o government_n be_v hereditary_a but_o such_o as_o be_v free_a neither_o under_o the_o power_n of_o conqueroe_n nor_o the_o bond_n of_o a_o covenant_n do_v choose_v their_o own_o officer_n either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o all_o the_o power_n that_o man_n have_v over_o a_o free_a people_n be_v by_o their_o own_o consent_n direct_o or_o indirect_o except_v such_o case_n wherein_o god_n be_v please_v to_o â—…oint_v ruler_n or_o some_o who_o shall_v appoint_v ruler_n over_o they_o god_n appoint_v aaron_n and_o his_o posterity_n to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priesthood_n in_o israel_n but_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v any_o officer_n in_o church_n now_o neither_o have_v he_o appoint_v any_o that_o shall_v impose_v officer_n over_o they_o but_o have_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o free_a choice_n yea_o where_o a_o church_n have_v teach_v or_o rule_v elder_n or_o both_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v consent_v to_o the_o choice_n if_o they_o do_v not_o consent_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o major_a part_n the_o choice_n be_v vallid_a the_o officer_n ought_v to_o submit_v thereto_o unless_o they_o have_v some_o weighty_a objection_n the_o act_n of_o the_o major_a part_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o community_n that_o which_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o community_n must_v not_o be_v wrest_v out_o of_o their_o hand_n it_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o the_o officer_n to_o disannul_v their_o act._n and_o as_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o officer_n so_o in_o case_n of_o need_n they_o have_v power_n to_o choose_v those_o that_o shall_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o officer_n for_o a_o time_n the_o church_n be_v entrust_v with_o sufficient_a power_n in_o order_n to_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o god_n work_n therefore_o in_o case_n of_o the_o vacancy_n of_o a_o pastor_n they_o may_v choose_v one_o to_o preach_v to_o they_o for_o a_o time_n in_o case_n they_o have_v no_o elder_n they_o may_v choose_v a_o moderator_n in_o case_n they_o have_v no_o deacon_n they_o may_v choose_v one_o to_o do_v the_o deacon_n work_v yea_o in_o case_n there_o be_v need_n they_o may_v choose_v some_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o administer_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n or_o perform_v some_o act_n of_o government_n upon_o a_o particular_a occasion_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o church_n may_v choose_v its_o own_o officer_n it_o may_v also_o