they_o the_o elder_n upon_o some_o lord_n day_n or_o other_o public_a meeting_n do_v ordain_v he_o to_o the_o office_n and_o appoint_v he_o over_o that_o business_n by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n the_o church_n thus_o gather_v and_o furnish_v with_o able_a helper_n for_o edification_n proceed_v to_o all_o public_a administration_n in_o the_o body_n worship_n 3._o solemn_a worship_n wherein_o our_o desire_n and_o care_n above_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o have_v all_o and_o no_o more_o than_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n himself_o 12.32_o deut._n 12.32_o and_o all_o those_o as_o far_o as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o lend_v light_n in_o the_o native_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n without_o any_o dress_n or_o paint_n of_o humane_a invention_n we_o use_v not_o to_o read_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n read_v read_v record_n or_o write_n of_o man_n but_o that_o alone_o which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o man_n of_o god_n perfect_o and_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o 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people_n declare_v withal_o and_o apply_v the_o signification_n of_o those_o holy_a rite_n and_o action_n he_o distribute_v it_o to_o those_o who_o be_v near_o about_o he_o 6.2_o act_n 6.2_o and_o give_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o deacon_n hand_n who_o stand_v ready_a according_a to_o their_o office_n attend_v on_o the_o table_n to_o give_v unto_o all_o the_o people_n not_o bow_v or_o kneel_v which_o be_v form_n of_o worship_n that_o never_o come_v into_o christ_n mind_n 30._o matth._n 26.20_o luke_n 22.27_o to_o 30._o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v to_o appoint_v nor_o any_o way_n suitable_a to_o a_o table-gesture_n but_o in_o that_o posture_n of_o body_n in_o which_o christ_n himself_o give_v it_o unto_o his_o disciple_n after_o the_o bread_n he_o take_v the_o cup_n and_o bless_v it_o distinct_o by_o itself_o for_o so_o our_o lord_n christ_n do_v 26.26.27.29_o matth._n 26.26.27.29_o he_o power_v out_o the_o wine_n and_o distribute_v it_o this_o do_v a_o psalm_n be_v sing_v prayer_n return_v and_o the_o congregation_n dissolve_v 26.30_o mat._n 26.30_o we_o also_o take_v our_o liberty_n to_o solemnize_v holy_a feast_n and_o fast_a day_n as_o god_n give_v occasion_n by_o his_o extraordinary_a hand_n of_o providence_n of_o special_a mercy_n or_o judgement_n either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o native_a country_n or_o other_o church_n for_o the_o admit_v of_o additional_a member_n to_o those_o that_o be_v the_o fundamental_n member_n 4._o addition_n of_o member_n we_o proceed_v in_o this_o manner_n such_o as_o desire_v to_o join_v to_o the_o church_n do_v make_v know_v their_o desire_n to_o the_o eldership_n who_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n both_o of_o the_o knowledge_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n 6.7_o 1_o king_n 6.7_o and_o of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o their_o heart_n as_o also_o their_o blameless_a and_o godly_a conversation_n among_o man_n in_o any_o of_o which_o if_o they_o find_v any_o wound_v they_o plain_o declare_v it_o to_o the_o party_n themselves_o labour_v by_o love_n and_o patience_n to_o heal_v they_o and_o ripen_v they_o where_o all_o thing_n be_v clear_a to_o themselves_o they_o propound_v they_o to_o the_o church_n and_o entreat_v they_o as_o opportunity_n may_v serve_v to_o take_v some_o time_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o about_o their_o spiritual_a condition_n and_o inquire_v of_o the_o godly_a approve_v which_o know_v they_o that_o nothing_o may_v hinder_v when_o they_o be_v call_v to_o admission_n after_o some_o due_a space_n the_o ruling-elders_a call_v they_o before_o the_o church_n in_o public_a faith_n confession_n of_o faith_n who_o hear_v they_o confess_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n than_o their_o effectual_a vocation_n to_o christ_n first_o in_o their_o sound_a repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n second_o their_o unfeigned_a faith_n towards_o the_o lord_n jesus_n matth._n 3.7_o luke_n 3.7_o act_n 8.37_o then_o if_o they_o be_v satisfy_v in_o both_o these_o as_o where_o they_o discern_v the_o least_o true_a breathe_n of_o christ_n though_o but_o as_o sinoak_a slax_n they_o be_v they_o call_v if_o need_v be_v for_o testification_n of_o their_o godly_a conversation_n which_o be_v do_v they_o rest_v and_o testify_v all_o their_o consent_n to_o their_o admission_n by_o hold_v up_o their_o hand_n after_o that_o the_o pastor_n or_o elder_n propound_v to_o they_o the_o covenant_n which_o they_o be_v to_o make_v before_o god_n and_o his_o people_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v to_o this_o effect_n covenant_n covenant_n to_o give_v up_o one selve_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o duty_n of_o holiness_n 8.5_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o then_o to_o the_o church_n and_o the_o officer_n in_o all_o love_n and_o submission_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o trust_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n covenant_n see_v cotton_n way_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n pag._n 55._o more_o full_o express_v the_o covenant_n but_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n himself_o to_o this_o covenant_n when_o they_o have_v give_v their_o consent_n the_o elder_n in_o their_o own_o name_n and_o the_o church_n reciprocal_o do_v covenant_n also_o with_o they_o to_o perform_v the_o like_a duty_n back_o again_o unto_o they_o then_o after_o prayer_n make_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o his_o gracious_a assistance_n in_o perform_v these_o mutual_a duty_n each_o to_o other_o and_o all_o of_o they_o to_o god_n they_o depart_v away_o with_o a_o blessing_n if_o any_o member_n thus_o admit_v have_v afterward_o any_o special_a occasion_n to_o reside_v for_o any_o considerable_a space_n of_o time_n member_n of_o recommendation_n and_o dismission_n of_o member_n in_o some_o other_o church_n that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a know_v according_a to_o our_o charge_n receive_v of_o they_o what_o become_v of_o our_o member_n
a_o brief_a narration_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_n write_a in_o private_a to_o one_o that_o desire_v information_n therein_o by_o a_o inhabitant_n there_o a_o friend_n to_o truth_n and_o peace_n publish_v according_a to_o order_n london_n print_v by_o matth._n simmons_n for_o john_n rothwell_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1645._o a_o brief_a narration_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o new-england_a preface_n mr_n scope_n in_o this_o declaration_n be_v only_o to_o answer_v your_o own_o desire_n and_o clear_v our_o way_n from_o some_o misapprehension_n which_o i_o plain_o see_v have_v be_v suggest_v to_o you_o against_o our_o proceed_n what_o weakness_n may_v fall_v from_o my_o pen_n in_o this_o relation_n impute_v it_o to_o my_o own_o slenderness_n not_o to_o the_o cause_n in_o our_o hand_n dirige_fw-la &_o corrige_n jesus_n benignissime_fw-la our_o practice_n in_o discipline_n consist_v in_o these_o six_o head_n especial_o 1._o in_o gather_v or_o sound_v our_o church_n 2._o in_o call_v officer_n as_o pastor_n teacher_n rule_v elder_n deacon_n 3._o in_o solemn_a church-worship_n 4._o in_o admit_v of_o member_n 5._o in_o recommendation_n and_o dismission_n of_o member_n to_o other_o church_n 6._o in_o censure_v delinquent_a member_n by_o admonition_n excommunication_n for_o the_o first_o such_o as_o do_v intend_v to_o gather_v into_o church-followship_a church_n 1._o gather_v the_o church_n do_v often_o in_o private_a meet_v together_o and_o serious_o examine_v the_o spiritual_a condition_n one_o of_o another_o even_o until_o they_o be_v mutual_o satisfy_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n of_o each_o other_o of_o all_o such_o as_o they_o intend_v to_o make_v the_o foundational_o of_o that_o church_n which_o do_v they_o certify_v the_o magistrate_n and_o all_o near_a adjoin_a church_n of_o their_o 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upon_o that_o enterprise_n then_o one_o of_o they_o choose_v to_o order_v the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n stand_v up_o and_o speak_v to_o the_o other_o of_o the_o brethren_n that_o they_o may_v now_o begin_v to_o act_v what_o they_o meet_v that_o day_n for_o which_o be_v to_o join_v together_o into_o holy_a fellowship_n if_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o and_o withal_o desire_v then_o that_o whereas_o they_o have_v manifest_v already_o god_n gracious_a working_n upon_o their_o heart_n to_o each_o other_o in_o private_a now_o they_o will_v do_v the_o same_o again_o before_o the_o church_n in_o public_a then_o himself_o begin_v confession_n confession_n and_o make_v confession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o effectual_a call_n to_o christ_n and_o how_o god_n have_v carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n viz._n repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n both_o of_o which_o they_o insist_v upon_o in_o his_o soul_n to_o that_o day_n then_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v the_o like_a which_o do_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o brethren_n present_a they_o give_v testimony_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o approve_a life_n and_o conversation_n of_o each_o other_o after_o this_o covenant_n covenant_n they_o enter_v into_o a_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a covenant_n engagement_n profession_n call_v it_o what_o you_o please_v whereby_o they_o protest_v and_o promise_n by_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n to_o walk_v together_o as_o become_v a_o church_n of_o god_n 8._o see_v cotton_n way_n in_o new-england_n p._n 8._o in_o all_o duty_n of_o holiness_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o all_o brotherly_a love_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o each_o other_o according_a unto_o god_n withal_o produce_v their_o covenant_n agree_v on_o before_o among_o themselves_o then_o read_v it_o before_o the_o assembly_n and_o then_o either_o subscribe_v their_o hand_n to_o it_o or_o testify_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n their_o agreement_n thereto_o then_o the_o brethren_n of_o other_o church_n some_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n reach_v forth_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n unto_o they_o bear_v witness_n to_o their_o proceed_n to_o be_v according_a to_o god_n testify_v their_o acceptance_n of_o they_o into_o brotherly_a fellowship_n and_o do_v exhort_v they_o also_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o proceed_v according_a to_o those_o beginning_n and_o so_o prayer_n make_v and_o praise_n give_v unto_o god_n and_o a_o psalm_n sing_v the_o blessing_n be_v pronounce_v and_o the_o congregation_n dissolve_v the_o church_n thus_o gather_v 6.3_o 2._o call_v of_o officer_n act_n 6.3_o they_o look_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o such_o who_o be_v fit_a for_o office_n and_o if_o none_o among_o they_o be_v so_o though_o usual_o those_o that_o join_v into_o a_o church_n have_v one_o among_o they_o upon_o who_o their_o eye_n be_v for_o such_o employment_n they_o seek_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o harvest_n to_o direct_v they_o elsewhere_o 9.38_o matth._n 9.38_o and_o because_o apostle_n prophet_n evangelist_n have_v no_o successor_n appoint_v in_o scripture_n the_o ordinary_a officer_n we_o use_v to_o call_v 4.10_o ephes_n 4.10_o be_v elder_n teach_v pastor_n teacher_n rule_v deacon_n the_o pastor_n office_n proper_o be_v to_o bend_v himself_o to_o exhortation_n 8._o pastor_n teacher_n rom._n 12.7_o 8._o the_o teacher_n office_n to_o give_v himself_o to_o instruction_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n explication_n of_o scripture_n confutation_n of_o error_n etc._n etc._n the_o roll_a elder_a to_o order_v the_o assembly_n ruling-elders_a ruling-elders_a to_o look_v to_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o to_o visit_v from_o house_n to_o house_n to_o see_v how_o all_o thrive_v in_o godliness_n while_o the_o other_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o of_o they_o together_o to_o govern_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o also_o to_o prepare_v in_o private_a all_o matter_n for_o church_n and_o to_o survey_v the_o estate_n and_o ripen_v all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o church_n before_o they_o produce_v they_o in_o public_a etc._n etc._n the_o deacon_n office_n be_v to_o have_v a_o diligent_a eye_n to_o look_v into_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o with_o a_o tender_a heart_n deacon_n deacon_n and_o careful_a hand_n supply_v they_o from_o the_o church_n treasury_n with_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o need_v for_o necessity_n conveniency_n and_o comfort_n and_o to_o see_v that_o none_o want_v but_o honourable_o to_o supply_v they_o even_o before_o they_o fall_v into_o any_o extremity_n or_o be_v force_v to_o crave_v help_n from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o collect_v diligent_o to_o keep_v faithful_o to_o distribute_v careful_o the_o church_n treasure_n 6.2_o act_n 6.2_o that_o so_o he_o may_v serve_v the_o table_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n the_o lord_n table_n minister_n table_n and_o the_o poor_n table_n to_o the_o deacon_n office_n 5.3_o deacon_n 1_o tim._n 5.3_o we_o will_v add_v deaconess_n where_o such_o may_v be_v have_v according_a to_o which_o shall_v be_v widow_n of_o the_o church_n faithful_a approve_a and_o full_a of_o good_a work_n who_o may_v give_v themselves_o to_o work_n of_o mercy_n cheerful_o and_o to_o be_v serviceable_a also_o to_o those_o that_o be_v sick_a when_o the_o deacon_n so_o convenient_o can_v and_o sometime_o so_o modest_o may_v not_o send_v their_o help_n as_o that_o sex_n may_v and_o here_o behold_v by_o the_o way_n the_o faithful_a and_o tender_a care_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n that_o full_o provide_v in_o those_o officer_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o his_o saint_n 4.12_o ephes_n 4.12_o viz._n by_o pastor_n teacher_n elder_n deacon_n widow_n and_o have_v give_v they_o their_o name_n work_n and_o title_n in_o his_o house_n which_o be_v
full_o sufficient_a for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n less_o than_o which_o will_v be_v too_o little_a more_o than_o which_o will_v be_v too_o much_o for_o if_o the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o saint_n be_v well_o inform_v and_o instruct_v in_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v believe_v and_o do_v which_o be_v the_o work_n and_o office_n of_o the_o teacher_n and_o if_o the_o conscience_n be_v convince_v the_o will_v bow_v to_o holy_a obedience_n the_o affection_n rectify_v and_o set_v upon_o their_o object_n which_o be_v the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o pastor_n if_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v well_o order_v also_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a employment_n of_o the_o roll_a elder_a and_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v beautiful_o order_v and_o govern_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o administration_n hereof_o which_o be_v the_o joint_a work_n of_o they_o all_o together_o there_o and_o then_o also_o if_o the_o outward_a man_n be_v provide_v for_o convenienly_a comfortable_o and_o timely_a that_o no_o lack_n be_v there_o no_o cry_v and_o complain_v in_o our_o street_n for_o want_n of_o supply_n which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o deacon_n and_o if_o the_o sick_a be_v help_v refresh_v comfort_v which_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o deaconesse_n then_o there_o be_v full_a provision_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n all_o which_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o here_o these_o we_o have_v and_o more_o than_o these_o we_o be_v like_o six_o finger_n to_o a_o hand_n now_o these_o we_o say_v and_o not_o other_o be_v the_o officer_n which_o be_v in_o our_o eye_n to_o call_v we_o proceed_v to_o election_n and_o then_o to_o ordination_n in_o this_o manner_n follow_v first_o the_o man_n that_o we_o be_v to_o call_v to_o office_n be_v our_o own_o member_n 6._o 1._o election_n act_n 6._o or_o if_o member_n of_o other_o church_n they_o join_v with_o the_o church_n which_o call_v they_o before_o they_o have_v any_o propriety_n in_o they_o or_o power_n in_o the_o lord_n over_o they_o to_o call_v they_o to_o office_n in_o that_o body_n then_o they_o be_v well_o know_v and_o approve_v by_o some_o convenient_a space_n of_o trial_n see_v we_o must_v lay_v hand_n sudden_o on_o no_o man_n 5.22_o 1_o tim._n 5.22_o and_o we_o discern_v that_o not_o only_o his_o gift_n grace_n and_o frame_v of_o spirit_n be_v in_o themselves_o desirable_a and_o commendable_a but_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n also_o suitable_a and_o fit_a for_o that_o people_n for_o every_o worthy_a man_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o every_o godly_a people_n no_o more_o than_o every_o glove_n be_v fit_a for_o every_o hand_n nor_o every_o key_n fit_a to_o open_v every_o lock_n though_o happy_o it_o be_v a_o key_n of_o gold_n another_z of_o iron_n which_o be_v fit_a may_v be_v better_o they_o be_v thus_o approve_v the_o church_n herself_o over_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o overseer_n call_v he_o and_o none_o other_o for_o they_o as_o act_n 16.3_o those_o i_o say_v who_o soul_n he_o be_v to_o take_v the_o charge_n of_o call_v he_o and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o his_o administration_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o not_o some_o of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o officer_n only_o if_o there_o be_v any_o or_o the_o people_n only_o but_o all_o of_o we_o with_o joint_a consent_n as_o one_o man_n or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n elect_v a_o officer_n over_o we_o so_o we_o read_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v carry_v in_o all_o their_o vote_n and_o election_n 14.23_o act_n 1.23.26_o &_o 14.23_o act_n 23._o all_o thing_n thus_o ripen_v for_o election_n when_o we_o be_v to_o elect_v a_o pastor_n teacher_n or_o rule_v elder_a we_o give_v notice_n thereof_o to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o all_o the_o next_o adjoin_v church_n who_o and_o when_o and_o to_o what_o office_n we_o ordain_v he_o unto_o and_o entreat_v their_o presence_n and_o company_n with_o we_o for_o their_o brotherly_a counsel_n and_o assistance_n when_o the_o day_n be_v come_v and_o well_o spend_v in_o preach_v fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o act_n 13.2_o 3._o then_o one_o of_o themselves_o appoint_v to_o oversee_v the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n stand_v up_o and_o be_v inquire_v of_o the_o church_n if_o none_o after_o this_o solemn_a seek_v of_o god_n for_o his_o counsel_n and_o direction_n in_o that_o weighty_a work_n they_o still_o resolve_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o seek_v such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v pastor_n or_o teacher_n as_o before_o they_o resolve_v to_o do_v then_o have_v take_v their_o silence_n for_o a_o testimony_n of_o their_o purpose_n he_o tell_v they_o now_o he_o see_v all_o be_v clear_a for_o his_o call_n he_o desire_v the_o brethren_n to_o testify_v their_o vote_n in_o call_v such_o a_o one_o to_o such_o a_o office_n by_o hold_v up_o their_o hand_n which_o be_v do_v he_o desire_v of_o the_o party_n to_o know_v if_o he_o accept_v of_o the_o call_v to_o the_o office_n which_o the_o brethren_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n have_v give_v he_o to_o exercise_v in_o the_o church_n after_o his_o acceptance_n express_v the_o elder_a require_v of_o the_o church_n to_o promise_v solemn_o by_o christ_n help_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o church_n to_o he_o as_o to_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n viz._n to_o submit_v to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o doctrine_n to_o love_v he_o to_o give_v that_o respect_n to_o he_o that_o christ_n command_v and_o require_v also_o that_o the_o same_o engagement_n from_o he_o to_o do_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o pastor_n or_o teacher_n to_o they_o the_o election_n be_v finish_v ordination_n ordination_n they_o proceed_v to_o ordination_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o set_n apart_o for_o and_o put_v he_o into_o that_o office_n to_o which_o be_v be_v elect_v and_o commit_v the_o whole_a charge_n into_o his_o hand_n or_o lay_v it_o on_o his_o shoulder_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o prayer_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o same_o church_n if_o there_o be_v any_o do_v impose_v their_o hand_n if_o there_o be_v none_o but_o himself_o be_v the_o first_o than_o two_o or_o three_o of_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o grave_a and_o eminent_a christian_n be_v require_v by_o the_o body_n do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n in_o scripture_n as_o we_o conceive_v 8.10_o numb_a 8.10_o moses_n must_v bring_v the_o levite_n to_o be_v consecrate_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n must_v lay_v their_o hand_n on_o they_o and_o then_o aaron_n shall_v offer_v they_o to_o the_o lord_n so_o also_o zadock_n the_o priest_n be_v consecrate_v 29.22_o 1_o chro._n 29.22_o and_o solomon_n anoint_v by_o the_o congregation_n in_o time_n of_o which_o imposition_n of_o hand_n 1._o they_o pray_v over_o they_o for_o all_o needful_a gift_n and_o grace_n fit_a for_o that_o great_a place_n to_o which_o he_o be_v call_v 2._o they_o speak_v the_o word_n themselves_o of_o ordination_n of_o he_o in_o christ_n name_n and_o the_o name_n of_o that_o church_n to_o that_o very_a office_n 3._o put_v a_o solemn_a charge_n upon_o he_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o almighty_a god_n 5.10_o 2_o cor._n 5.10_o before_o who_o he_o must_v short_o appear_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o those_o soul_n commit_v to_o his_o charge_n by_o the_o great_a shepherd_n christ_n jesus_n himself_o 27.20_o num._n 27.20_o that_o he_o be_v diligent_a faithful_a careful_a and_o constant_a in_o a_o full_a discharge_n of_o that_o great_a charge_n lay_v upon_o he_o after_o this_o the_o elder_n of_o the_o church_n some_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n 2.9_o gal._n 2.9_o do_v give_v he_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o assembly_n and_o testify_v their_o brotherly_a respect_n unto_o he_o and_o after_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o gracious_a gift_n bestow_v on_o he_o do_v exhort_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o fulfil_v his_o ministration_n receive_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o after_o praise_n give_v to_o god_n by_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n he_o dissolve_v the_o assembly_n with_o a_o blessing_n for_o our_o call_n of_o deacon_n deacon_n deacon_n we_o judge_v it_o not_o necessary_a because_o we_o want_v a_o rule_n to_o effect_v it_o with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n as_o in_o the_o ordination_n of_o other_o officer_n but_o the_o brethren_n look_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o man_n fit_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n act_v 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 3.8_o 9_o and_o after_o due_a approose_n make_v
he_o be_v wont_a to_o acquaint_v the_o elder_n whither_o he_o go_v and_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o withal_o to_o desire_v they_o to_o propound_v to_o the_o church_n for_o their_o letter_n recommendatory_a 3.1_o rom._n 16.1_o 1_o cor._n 3.1_o which_o be_v do_v the_o church_n grant_v it_o the_o scope_n whereof_o be_v to_o testify_v of_o the_o godliness_n of_o the_o man_n and_o to_o desire_v they_o to_o receive_v he_o as_o become_v a_o saint_n and_o to_o be_v helpful_a to_o he_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v need_v their_o assistance_n watchfulness_n communion_n and_o edification_n in_o the_o lord_n during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o the_o letter_n be_v subscribe_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o elder_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n and_o deliver_v unto_o they_o but_o if_o any_o member_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o remove_v whole_o from_o the_o church_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v and_o to_o live_v elsewhere_o he_o use_v to_o make_v know_v his_o desire_n to_o the_o elder_n and_o by_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o church_n and_o where_o he_o desire_v to_o live_v as_o also_o the_o ground_n which_o lead_v he_o to_o such_o a_o removal_n which_o if_o upon_o examine_v they_o prove_v weak_a or_o sinful_a savour_v of_o self-will_n covetousness_n schism_n or_o etc._n etc._n more_o than_o of_o sound_a reason_n and_o such_o as_o be_v like_a to_o cast_v he_o upon_o eminent_a danger_n spiritual_a or_o temporal_a then_o according_a to_o their_o covenant_n of_o love_n and_o faithfulness_n they_o with_o tenderness_n show_v he_o his_o weakness_n and_o dissuade_v he_o from_o his_o purpose_n so_o prejudicial_a to_o his_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o which_o counsel_n god_n usual_o bow_v his_o heart_n to_o submit_v and_o stoop_v but_o if_o after_o all_o the_o dissuasion_n and_o brotherly_a advice_n they_o shall_v see_v the_o bent_n of_o his_o spirit_n stand_v towards_o a_o removal_n that_o he_o can_v comfortable_o and_o full_o be_v poise_v by_o their_o judgement_n in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o his_o sin_n be_v not_o apparent_a his_o danger_n eminent_a they_o use_v some_o indulgence_n not_o willing_a to_o imprison_v the_o spirit_n of_o any_o and_o they_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o liberty_n and_o permit_v he_o to_o depart_v and_o this_o we_o observe_v that_o when_o man_n thus_o depart_v god_n follow_v they_o with_o the_o cross_n till_o they_o be_v drive_v to_o repent_v of_o such_o unadvised_a proceed_n and_o desire_v to_o return_v to_o the_o place_n which_o they_o leave_v but_o if_o they_o see_v his_o ground_n be_v good_a and_o sound_a and_o god_n lead_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n from_o themselves_o to_o another_o place_n where_o he_o may_v sit_v down_o comfortable_o and_o be_v edify_v they_o use_v to_o say_v no_o more_o but_o as_o they_o do_v to_o paul_n when_o god_n mind_n appear_v 21.14_o act_n 21.14_o to_o have_v he_o leave_v they_o and_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v do_v and_o so_o they_o write_v from_o that_o church_n to_o the_o other_o letter_n of_o dismission_n which_o so_o we_o call_v for_o distinction_n sake_n which_o indeed_o be_v all_o one_o with_o letter_n of_o recommendation_n speak_v of_o before_o only_o those_o be_v for_o a_o time_n these_o for_o ever_o wherein_o they_o do_v use_v to_o give_v testimonial_a of_o the_o brother_n and_o entreat_v they_o to_o receive_v he_o in_o all_o bowel_n of_o brotherly_a love_n as_o their_o own_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o his_o soul_n until_o they_o shall_v present_v he_o blameless_a to_o the_o great_a shepherd_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o after_o godly_a counsel_n give_v he_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v to_o live_v cotton_n act_n 15.40_o &_o 20.22_o this_o we_o have_v add_v out_o of_o mr_n cotton_n they_o commend_v he_o by_o prayer_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o word_n of_o grace_n the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o be_v commend_v if_o they_o know_v not_o the_o person_n make_v trial_n of_o he_o as_o above_z before_o they_o admit_v he_o know_v church_n may_v err_v in_o person_n as_o well_o as_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n so_o long_o as_o the_o church_n member_n walk_v blameless_a and_o holy_a we_o encourage_v they_o and_o comfort_v they_o in_o their_o godly_a proceed_n 6.1_o censure_v delinquent_n gal._n 6.1_o but_o in_o case_n any_o be_v fall_v by_o temptation_n as_o who_o be_v exempt_v if_o corruption_n press_v in_o and_o the_o lord_n withdraw_v we_o pity_v he_o and_o labour_n to_o regain_v he_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o christ_n have_v prescribe_v as_o if_o his_o sin_n be_v private_a and_o know_v but_o to_o one_o only_a we_o dare_v not_o unless_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o case_n require_v communicate_v it_o to_o a_o second_o but_o use_v to_o deal_v in_o secret_a with_o himself_o and_o cure_v he_o of_o it_o but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v but_o either_o he_o remain_v unconvince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o 3.13_o heb._n 3.13_o and_o so_o be_v like_a to_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n then_o the_o other_o take_v himself_o bind_v in_o conscience_n if_o the_o evil_n be_v apparent_a to_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n 16._o matth._n 18.15_o 16._o and_o gradual_o to_o proceed_v further_o with_o he_o that_o be_v takes_z one_o or_o two_o more_o with_o he_o such_o as_o be_v most_o able_a and_o likely_a to_o prevail_v with_o the_o delinquent_a brother_n and_o after_o prayer_n make_v to_o god_n to_o bow_v his_o heart_n and_o boar_n his_o ear_n to_o attend_v to_o their_o admonition_n they_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v he_o to_o the_o lord_n from_o his_o sin_n if_o this_o mean_n prevail_v his_o soul_n be_v heal_v the_o offence_n remove_v their_o love_n renew_v but_o if_o yet_o he_o remain_v impenitent_a they_o inform_v the_o elder_n and_o they_o tell_v the_o church_n the_o delinquent_n be_v convent_v in_o public_a and_o his_o sin_n lay_v open_a they_o endeavour_v to_o regain_v he_o by_o open_v his_o sin_n together_o with_o the_o uneffectualnesse_n of_o the_o former_a mean_n witness_v by_o which_o very_a particular_a his_o former_a sin_n be_v much_o aggravate_v upon_o his_o conscience_n before_o the_o lord_n from_o the_o word_n apply_v and_o press_v all_o which_o if_o even_o than_o it_o shall_v work_v kind_o to_o the_o melt_a of_o his_o heart_n into_o godly_a sorrow_n and_o humble_a confession_n it_o be_v acceptable_a and_o no_o further_o proceed_v attempt_v against_o hâ—â—_n but_o if_o none_o of_o all_o these_o work_v effectual_o upon_o he_o 18.19_o 1_o thes_n 5.19_o mat._n 18.19_o than_o a_o solemn_a admonition_n by_o the_o vote_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o pastor_n or_o ruling_n elder_a be_v sad_o lay_v upon_o he_o wherein_o his_o sin_n be_v set_v home_o with_o ground_n from_o the_o word_n be_v leave_v upon_o he_o as_o strong_a physic_n to_o purge_v out_o the_o distemper_n which_o more_o private_a and_o gentle_a mean_n will_v not_o effect_v all_o the_o while_n the_o church_n imitate_v the_o patience_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n unto_o ourselves_o be_v willing_a to_o wait_v to_o see_v 2.25_o 2_o tim._n 2.25_o if_o god_n at_o any_o time_n by_o any_o mean_n will_v grant_v he_o repentance_n which_o if_o it_o so_o be_v and_o he_o come_v forth_o and_o declare_v it_o public_o for_o the_o plaster_n must_v be_v as_o broad_a as_o the_o sore_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o church_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o shame_n of_o himself_o by_o the_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o sin_n and_o his_o former_a impenitency_n in_o withstand_v so_o many_o precious_a mean_n so_o patient_o use_v towards_o he_o with_o promise_n by_o the_o help_n of_o christ_n for_o better_a endeavour_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o church_n proceed_v no_o further_o but_o be_v satisfy_v comfort_v and_o render_v praise_n to_o the_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n that_o have_v give_v we_o such_o free_a use_n of_o such_o precious_a ordinance_n and_o have_v crown_v our_o poor_a endeavour_n with_o such_o a_o blessing_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o poor_a servant_n but_o if_o he_o be_v so_o far_o shut_v up_o under_o a_o hard_a heart_n that_o he_o depart_v away_o impenitent_a the_o church_n account_v it_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o sore_a blow_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o poor_a brother_n but_o upon_o they_o all_o who_o be_v so_o near_o unite_v unto_o he_o 16.22_o josh_n 7.25_o to_z 11_o 12._o num._n 16.22_o and_o may_v just_o make_v they_o sinart_n as_o he_o do_v all_o israel_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o achan_n as_o the_o church_n use_v these_o mean_n towards_o he_o in_o public_a so_o