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authority_n church_n scripture_n testimony_n 11,640 5 8.8001 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53681 A discourse concerning evangelical love, church-peace and unity with the occasions and reasons of present differences and divisions about things sacred and religious, written in the vindication of the principles and practise of some ministers and others. Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1672 (1672) Wing O735; ESTC R13316 129,318 262

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shall_v always_o walk_v blameless_a according_a unto_o the_o evangelical_n rule_n of_o obedience_n without_o give_v offence_n unto_o other_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v so_o bless_v in_o this_o world_n that_o all_o who_o belong_v unto_o it_o shall_v be_v constant_o and_o perpetual_o inoffensive_a this_o indeed_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o but_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o otherwise_o it_o do_v so_o among_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o old_a and_o be_v not_o therefore_o otherwise_o to_o be_v expect_v among_o we_o on_o who_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v come_v and_o who_o be_v even_o press_v with_o the_o decay_n and_o ruin_n of_o it_o many_o hypocrite_n may_v obtain_v a_o admission_n into_o church_n society_n by_o the_o strict_a rule_n that_o any_o can_v proceed_v upon_o therein_o and_o these_o after_o they_o have_v know_v and_o profess_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n may_v and_o often_o do_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o and_o fall_v again_o into_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n many_o good_a man_n and_o real_o sincere_a believer_n may_v through_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n be_v surprise_v into_o fault_n and_o sin_n scandalous_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o offensive_a to_o the_o whole_a congregation_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v no_o relief_n in_o and_o for_o his_o church_n in_o such_o case_n 7._o no_o way_n whereby_o they_o may_v clear_v themselves_o from_o a_o participation_n in_o such_o impiety_n 6._o or_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o be_v look_v on_o as_o those_o who_o give_v countenance_n unto_o they_o 11._o as_o they_o who_o continue_v in_o this_o communion_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v 18._o no_o power_n whereby_o they_o may_v put_v forth_o from_o among_o they_o the_o old_a leaven_n which_o will_v otherwise_o infect_v the_o whole_a 2._o no_o way_n to_o discharge_v themselves_o and_o their_o society_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v impenitent_a in_o their_o sin_n no_o mean_n for_o the_o awaken_n conviction_n humiliation_n and_o recovery_n of_o they_o that_o have_v offend_v no_o way_n to_o declare_v his_o mind_n and_o judgement_n in_o such_o case_n with_o the_o sentence_n that_o he_o denounce_v in_o heaven_n against_o they_o that_o be_v impenitent_a if_o he_o have_v do_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o church_n in_o this_o world_n can_v possible_o be_v preserve_v from_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n nor_o can_v they_o by_o love_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o holy_a communiou_n be_v keep_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o he_o can_v be_v please_v with_o they_o or_o continue_v to_o walk_v among_o they_o for_o let_v man_n please_v themselves_o whilst_o they_o will_v with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v no_o otherwise_o with_o they_o where_o person_n obstinate_o and_o impenitent_o wicked_a and_o who_o life_n be_v whole_o discrepant_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v suffer_v to_o abide_v without_o control_n but_o if_o he_o have_v make_v the_o provision_n inquire_v after_o in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o have_v both_o the_o authority_n he_o have_v grant_v unto_o his_o church_n for_o these_o end_n his_o command_n to_o exercise_v it_o with_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n with_o the_o rule_v give_v they_o to_o proceed_v by_o with_o the_o know_a end_n of_o all_o institute_v church_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o holiness_n be_v all_o open_a and_o plain_a in_o the_o scripture_n it_o must_v then_o be_v inquire_v unto_o who_o this_o trust_n be_v first_o commit_v and_o of_o who_o these_o duty_n be_v principal_o require_v for_o private_a member_n of_o the_o church_n what_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o the_o way_n how_o they_o may_v regular_o attend_v unto_o the_o discharge_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o case_n of_o scandalous_a sin_n and_o offence_n among_o they_o they_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o particular_o lay_v down_o and_o direct_v as_o that_o set_v aside_o the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o rule_n herein_o by_o the_o extreme_o force_v and_o unproveable_a exception_n of_o some_o interest_v person_n that_o none_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o mat._n 18._o v._n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o a_o liberty_n to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n herein_o they_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n in_o due_a order_n to_o provide_v for_o if_o they_o be_v abridge_v hereof_o and_o deprive_v thereby_o of_o so_o great_a a_o mean_n of_o their_o own_o edification_n as_o also_o of_o the_o usefulness_n require_v in_o they_o towards_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a oppression_n that_o they_o suffer_v under_o and_o where_o it_o be_v voluntary_o neglect_v by_o they_o 17._o not_o only_o the_o gild_n of_o their_o own_o but_o of_o other_o man_n sin_n also_o lie_v upon_o they_o 15._o neither_o be_v their_o own_o gild_n small_a herein_o for_o suffer_v sin_n to_o abide_v on_o a_o brother_n without_o reproof_n be_v a_o fruit_n of_o hatred_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o this_o hatred_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o a_o heinous_a nature_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o duty_n also_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n in_o such_o case_n be_v no_o less_o evident_o declare_v for_o from_o such_o person_n as_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o refuse_v to_o reform_v on_o due_a admonition_n they_o be_v to_o withdraw_v and_o to_o put_v from_o among_o they_o such_o obstinate_a offender_n as_o also_o previous_o thereunto_o to_o watch_v diligent_o lest_o any_o root_n of_o bitterness_n spring_v up_o among_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v defile_v and_o hereunto_o also_o be_v subservient_fw-fr all_o the_o command_n that_o be_v give_v they_o to_o exhort_v and_o admonish_v one_o another_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o purity_n order_n holiness_n and_o faithfulness_n but_o the_o chief_a enquiry_n be_v with_o who_o rest_v the_o principal_a care_n and_o power_n according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n to_o see_v the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a congregation_n exercise_v and_o to_o exercise_v it_o according_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o the_o minister_n and_o through_o their_o neglect_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o offender_n be_v leave_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n without_o a_o due_a application_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o their_o heal_n and_o recovery_n if_o the_o church_n its_o self_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v thereby_o and_o to_o fall_v under_o the_o displeasure_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o these_o thing_n in_o one_o degree_n or_o other_o more_o or_o less_o will_v ensue_v on_o that_o neglect_n it_o will_v not_o turn_v unto_o their_o comfortable_a account_n at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o this_o be_v their_o duty_n that_o this_o authority_n and_o inspection_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o the_o reason_n before_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o case_n of_o admission_n do_v undeniable_o evince_v and_o if_o those_o minister_n who_o do_v conscientious_o attend_v unto_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o ministerial_a office_n towards_o particular_a flock_n will_v but_o examine_v their_o own_o heart_n by_o the_o light_n of_o open_a and_o plain_a scripture_n testimony_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o office_n and_o of_o the_o work_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o there_o will_v need_v little_a argue_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o what_o trust_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o or_o what_o be_v require_v from_o they_o if_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o these_o thing_n if_o they_o have_v no_o light_n into_o the_o duty_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v incumbent_a on_o they_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n or_o as_o we_o think_v mistake_n and_o neglect_v can_v be_v no_o rule_n unto_o we_o what_o we_o may_v be_v forbid_v what_o we_o may_v be_v hinder_v in_o be_v of_o another_o consideration_n but_o for_o we_o voluntary_o to_o engage_v unto_o the_o omission_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v be_v require_v of_o we_o be_v a_o evil_n which_o we_o be_v every_o way_n oblige_v to_o avoid_v there_o be_v also_o sundry_a particular_a duty_n relate_v unto_o these_o that_o be_v more_o general_a which_o in_o like_a manner_n on_o the_o term_n of_o communion_n propose_v unto_o we_o must_v be_v forgo_v and_o omit_v and_o where_o by_o these_o mean_n or_o neglect_v some_o of_o the_o principal_a way_n of_o exercise_v church_n communion_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n some_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o its_o member_n be_v whole_o lose_v and_o sundry_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o be_v virtual_o prohibit_v unto_o they_o until_o they_o be_v utter_o grow_v into_o
can_v hence_o be_v take_v for_o other_o man_n who_o be_v neither_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n but_o weak_a and_o fallible_a as_o ourselves_o to_o compose_v entire_a liturgy_n and_o impose_v the_o necessary_a use_n of_o they_o in_o all_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n neither_o be_v there_o the_o least_o countenance_n to_o be_v obtain_v unto_o such_o imposition_n from_o the_o practice_n or_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n liturgy_n themselves_o be_v a_o invention_n of_o after-age_n and_o the_o use_n of_o they_o now_o inquire_v after_o of_o a_o much_o late_a date_n for_o those_o which_o pretend_v unto_o apostolical_a antiquity_n have_v long_o since_o be_v convict_v to_o be_v spurious_a and_o feign_a nor_o be_v there_o scarce_o any_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o assert_v they_o to_o be_v genuine_a and_o on_o a_o supposition_n that_o so_o they_o be_v no_o tolerable_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o use_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v neglect_v and_o such_o other_o take_v up_o as_o be_v of_o a_o most_o uncertain_a original_a the_o first_o condition_n therefore_o of_o communion_n propose_v unto_o we_o be_v not_o only_o unscriptural_a which_o be_v sufficient_a unto_o our_o present_a argument_n but_o also_o destitute_a of_o any_o ancient_a example_n or_o usuage_v among_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o it_o this_o if_o we_o admit_v not_o of_o if_o we_o attend_v not_o unto_o we_o be_v not_o only_o refuse_v communion_n in_o other_o thing_n but_o also_o excommunicate_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n as_o many_o be_v at_o this_o day_n yea_o some_o be_v so_o not_o only_o for_o refuse_v compliance_n with_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o in_o general_a but_o for_o not_o observe_v every_o particular_a direction_n belong_v unto_o it_o as_o might_n be_v manifest_v in_o instance_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n if_o therefore_o any_o division_n or_o schism_n do_v ensue_v among_o we_o on_o this_o account_n that_o some_o indispensible_o require_v a_o assent_n and_o consent_v unto_o the_o liturgy_n and_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o complete_a church-communion_n or_o a_o necessary_a attendance_n on_o the_o whole_a religious_a worship_n thereby_o perform_v and_o therein_o prescribe_v which_o other_o refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o as_o such_o and_o thereon_o forbear_v the_o communion_n propose_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o rule_v lay_v down_o where_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v and_o we_o do_v not_o discourse_v of_o what_o any_o may_v do_v among_o themselves_o judge_v it_o meet_v for_o their_o edification_n nor_o of_o what_o a_o civil_a law_n may_v constitute_v with_o respect_n unto_o public_a place_n employment_n and_o preferment_n but_o only_o where_o lie_v the_o lin_v and_o evil_a that_o attend_v division_n arise_v on_o these_o imposition_n and_o which_o by_o their_o removal_n will_v be_v take_v away_o and_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o this_o disorder_n in_o that_o not_o only_o all_o man_n be_v refuse_v communion_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o these_o term_n of_o it_o but_o also_o they_o be_v seek_v out_o and_o expose_v unto_o severe_a penalty_n if_o they_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o they_o though_o express_o contrary_a to_o their_o conscience_n and_o persuasion_n 2._o canonical_a submission_n unto_o the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o discipline_n thereof_o in_o their_o hand_n by_o who_o the_o power_n of_o it_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o acquiescency_n therein_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n require_v of_o we_o and_o expect_v from_o we_o who_o these_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o their_o administration_n we_o shall_v not_o repeat_v as_o unwilling_a to_o give_v offence_n unto_o any_o we_o can_v but_o know_v how_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n these_o thing_n be_v propose_v unto_o we_o and_o what_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o thereon_o neither_o dare_v we_o give_v another_o sense_n of_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n than_o what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v the_o sense_n and_o intention_n of_o they_o who_o require_v our_o submission_n and_o obedience_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o certain_o their_o design_n nor_o mind_n that_o we_o shall_v look_v on_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unwarrantable_a and_o on_o their_o rule_n as_o inconvenient_a so_o as_o to_o endeavour_v a_o reformation_n in_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v such_o a_o conformity_n they_o intend_v as_o whereby_o we_o do_v virtual_o at_o least_o declare_v our_o approbation_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o our_o acquiescency_n in_o they_o neither_o can_v we_o be_v admit_v to_o put_v in_o any_o exception_n nor_o discharge_v our_o conscience_n by_o a_o plain_a declaration_n of_o what_o we_o dislike_v or_o dissent_v from_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n we_o can_v submit_v unto_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o take_v it_o therefore_o for_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o we_o must_v cordial_o and_o sincere_o approve_v the_o present_a ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o church-discipline_n thereby_o for_o it_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o acceptance_n of_o it_o as_o propose_v unto_o we_o and_o if_o we_o acquiesce_v not_o therein_o but_o express_v a_o uneasiness_n under_o it_o we_o do_v it_o at_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o reputation_n of_o our_o sincerity_n and_o honesty_n in_o conform_v now_o this_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v also_o unscriptural_a and_o consequent_o unlawful_a to_o be_v make_v so_o this_o be_v by_o many_o now_o plain_o acknowledge_v for_o they_o say_v there_o be_v no_o government_n determine_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o now_o in_o force_n among_o we_o be_v erect_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n who_o have_v supreme_a power_n in_o thing_n ecclesiastical_a and_o on_o that_o ground_n a_o lawful_a government_n they_o plead_v it_o to_o be_v and_o lawful_a to_o be_v exercise_v and_o so_o also_o by_o other_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o but_o we_o have_v now_o sundry_a time_n declare_v that_o this_o be_v not_o our_o present_a question_n we_o inquire_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a or_o no_o or_o on_o what_o account_v it_o may_v be_v so_o esteem_v or_o how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v submit_v unto_o or_o wherein_o but_o we_o say_v the_o profess_a acknowledge_v of_o it_o with_o submission_n unto_o it_o as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o communion_n if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o give_v we_o liberty_n to_o declare_v our_o sense_n concern_v it_o without_o prejudice_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o may_v we_o refuse_v this_o condition_n as_o unscrptural_a for_o in_o the_o case_n of_o conformity_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n require_v but_o express_o as_o be_v say_v a_o approbation_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o in_o religious_a thing_n our_o practice_n declare_v a_o cordial_a approbation_n as_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o profession_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v sincere_a some_o again_o make_v some_o plea_n that_o bishop_n and_o some_o government_n by_o they_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o a_o submission_n unto_o they_o may_v be_v just_o require_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n for_o we_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v but_o that_o whatever_o be_v so_o appoint_v may_v be_v so_o require_v although_o we_o believe_v that_o every_o particular_a instance_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o rigid_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o if_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o the_o essential_o of_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v dubious_a to_o some_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o appoint_v or_o no._n but_o yet_o neither_o do_v a_o admittance_n of_o this_o plea_n give_v we_o any_o relief_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o suppose_v it_o shall_v or_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o church_n bishop_n with_o a_o preeminence_n above_o presbyter_n in_o order_n or_o degree_n and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n do_v principal_o belong_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v so_o yet_o will_v not_o this_o concession_n bear_v a_o application_n to_o the_o present_a question_n so_o as_o to_o afford_v we_o any_o relief_n for_o the_o grant_n of_o thing_n so_o dubious_a and_o questionable_a can_v never_o give_v they_o such_o a_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o firmitude_n in_o the_o church_n as_o to_o warrant_v the_o make_n of_o they_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n unto_o all_o christian_n neither_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o any_o thing_n that_o
empire_n under_o himself_o by_o their_o common_a consent_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o the_o original_a division_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o the_o revolution_n that_o happen_v afterward_o among_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n be_v whole_o inconcerned_a in_o this_o new_a church_n sovereignty_n which_o be_v erect_v in_o the_o western_a province_n of_o that_o empire_n so_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n consummate_v for_o whereas_o the_o pope_n to_o secure_v his_o new_a acquisition_n endeavour_v to_o empale_v the_o title_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n unto_o those_o christian_n which_o profess_a obedience_n unto_o himself_o unto_o a_o exclusion_n of_o a_o great_a number_n there_o ensue_v such_o a_o confusion_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v almost_o utter_o lose_v concern_v these_o several_a sort_n of_o conceit_a particular_a church_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o some_o of_o they_o as_o to_o their_o nature_n and_o kind_n have_v no_o institution_n in_o nor_o warrant_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v prudential_n contrivance_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o form_v which_o they_o effect_v by_o various_a degree_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o apprehension_n that_o they_o tend_v unto_o the_o increase_n of_o concord_n and_o order_n among_o christian_n whether_o real_o and_o effectual_o they_o have_v attain_v that_o end_n the_o event_n have_v long_o since_o manifest_v and_o it_o will_v be_v one_o day_n acknowledge_v that_o no_o religious_a union_n or_o order_n among_o christian_n will_v be_v last_v and_o of_o spiritual_a use_n or_o advantage_n unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v appoint_v and_o design_v for_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n the_o truth_n be_v the_o mutual_a intestine_a difference_n and_o contest_v among_o they_o who_o first_o possess_v the_o rule_n of_o such_o church_n about_o their_o dignity_n pre-eminences_a privilege_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o first_o apparent_o let_v in_o pride_n ambition_n revenge_n and_o hatred_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o church-guide_n lose_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the●r_a successor_n more_o and_o more_o into_o a_o secular_a interest_n and_o worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o continue_v we_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o its_o retrival_v how_o far_o any_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n unto_o communion_n with_o these_o church_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v such_o and_o as_o such_o behave_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o rule_n and_o administration_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o by_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v what_o respect_v we_o have_v unto_o they_o or_o what_o duty_n we_o may_v owe_v they_o as_o they_o may_v in_o any_o place_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n but_o whereas_o in_o their_o original_a and_o rise_v they_o have_v no_o other_o warrant_n but_o the_o prudential_n contrivance_n of_o some_o man_n who_o unquestionable_o may_v be_v various_o influence_v by_o corrupt_a pre●ud●ces_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o find_n out_o and_o mannagement_n of_o their_o invention_n what_o ground_n there_o be_v for_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o wherein_o such_o communion_n may_v consist_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v declare_v for_o the_o notion_n that_o the_o church-communion_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o minister_n consist_v only_o in_o a_o quiet_a subjection_n unto_o they_o who_o by_o any_o mean_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o and_o claim_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v they_o be_v fond_a and_o impious_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o whole_o deny_v that_o the_o mistake_v or_o disorder_n of_o christian_n in_o comply_v with_o or_o join_v themselves_o unto_o such_o church_n as_o have_v no_o warrantable_a institution_n aught_o to_o be_v any_o cause_n of_o the_o diminish_n of_o our_o love_n towards_o they_o or_o of_o withdraw_v it_o from_o they_o for_o notwithstanding_o their_o error_n and_o wander_n from_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o do_v or_o may_v continue_v interest_v in_o all_o that_o love_n which_o be_v due_a from_o we_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o double_a account_n before_o insist_v on_o for_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o person_n bear_v of_o god_n unite_v unto_o christ_n make_v partaker_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n mystical_a which_o be_v the_o first_o principal_a object_n of_o all_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n the_o error_n wherewith_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v overtake_v may_v befall_v any_o person_n under_o those_o qualification_n the_o admittance_n of_o they_o though_o culpable_a be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptation_n with_o god_n and_o they_o may_v also_o by_o a_o due_a profession_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n evince_n themselves_o to_o be_v profess_v subject_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n u●sibly_o profess_v under_o which_o notion_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n commend_v unto_o our_o love_n and_o it_o be_v the_o fond_a imagination_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n want_v love_n towards_o all_o those_o with_o who_o we_o can_v join_v in_o all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o that_o there_o need_v be_v any_o schism_n between_o they_o and_o we_o on_o the_o sole_a account_n thereof_o take_v schism_n in_o the_o common_a receive_v notion_n of_o it_o if_o we_o bear_v unkindness_n towards_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n if_o we_o desire_v or_o seek_v their_o hurt_n if_o we_o persecute_v they_o or_o put_v they_o to_o trouble_v in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o profession_n if_o we_o pray_v not_o for_o they_o if_o we_o pity_v they_o not_o in_o all_o their_o temptation_n error_n or_o suffering_n if_o we_o say_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o when_o naked_a be_v thou_o clothe_v and_o when_o hungry_a be_v thou_o feed_v but_o relieve_v they_o not_o according_a unto_o our_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n if_o we_o have_v a_o aversation_n to_o their_o person_n or_o judge_v they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o cast_v themselves_o open_o and_o visible_o under_o the_o sentence_n of_o natural_a reason_n or_o scripture-rule_n we_o may_v be_v just_o think_v to_o fail_v in_o our_o love_n towards_o they_o but_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v between_o they_o and_o we_o about_o church-constitution_n or_o order_n that_o ought_v be_v a_o cause_n or_o can_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o any_o want_n of_o love_n on_o our_o part_n there_o will_v indeed_o be_v a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a practice_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o difference_n lie_v which_o in_o itself_o and_o without_o other_o avoidable_a evil_n need_v not_o on_o either_o side_n to_o be_v schismatical_a if_o by_o censure_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o power_n such_o church_n or_o person_n will_v force_v we_o to_o submit_v unto_o or_o comply_v with_o such_o thing_n or_o way_n in_o religious_a worship_n as_o be_v contrary_a unto_o our_o light_n and_o which_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o the_o case_n be_v change_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o as_o for_o those_o particular_a church_n which_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o person_n assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n under_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o have_v only_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v full_a well_o assure_v that_o wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n there_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o far_o than_o this_o there_o be_v very_o few_o concern_v who_o we_o be_v call_v to_o pass_v any_o other_o censure_n or_o judgement_n so_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v with_o they_o and_o so_o we_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o esteem_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o hold_v that_o communion_n with_o all_o these_o assembly_n when_o call_v thereunto_o which_o be_v require_v of_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o circumstance_n unless_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o or_o such_o instance_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o neither_o among_o ourselves_o nor_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o nor_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o present_a communion_n with_o they_o we_o shall_v observe_v they_o in_o his_o worship_n we_o judge_v ourselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n
to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o assembly_n in_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n unto_o our_o edification_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v but_o where_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o sacred_a worship_n do_v intervene_v all_o other_o consideration_n must_v be_v discard_v and_o a_o compliance_n therewith_o will_v secure_v we_o from_o all_o irregular_a event_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o many_o of_o these_o church_n have_v woeful_o degenerate_v and_o that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v so_o do_v both_o from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n and_o also_o the_o sole_a rule_n of_o their_o worship_n and_o this_o they_o may_v do_v and_o have_v do_v in_o such_o various_a degree_n and_o way_n as_o necessary_o require_v a_o great_a variety_n in_o our_o judgement_n concern_v they_o and_o our_o communion_n with_o they_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n give_v we_o instance_n hereof_o at_o this_o day_n yea_o we_o have_v it_o confirm_v unto_o we_o in_o what_o be_v record_v concern_v sundry_a church_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n they_o be_v new_o plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o have_v rule_n give_v by_o they_o to_o attend_v unto_o for_o their_o direction_n and_o beside_o they_o be_v oblige_v in_o all_o emergency_n to_o inquire_v after_o and_o receive_v those_o command_n and_o direction_n which_o they_o be_v enable_v infallible_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o these_o great_a advantage_n we_o f●nd_v that_o sundry_a of_o they_o be_v sudden_o fall_v into_o sinful_a neglect_n disorder_n and_o miscarriage_n both_o in_o doctrine_n discipline_n and_o worship_n some_o of_o these_o be_v reprove_v and_o reform_v by_o the_o great_a apostle_n 3._o in_o his_o epistle_n write_v unto_o they_o for_o that_o end_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v rebuke_v and_o threaten_v by_o the_o lord_n christ_n himself_o immediate_o from_o heaven_n that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o have_v increase_v in_o their_o degeneracy_n wax_v worse_a and_o worse_o their_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n or_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o which_o be_v now_o not_o at_o all_o with_o the_o severe_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o they_o in_o his_o holy_a wise_a providence_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_v yea_o some_o of_o they_o though_o yet_o continue_v under_o other_o form_n and_o shape_n have_v by_o their_o superstition_n false_a worship_n and_o express_a idolatry_n join_v with_o wickedness_n of_o life_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o christ_n as_o also_o by_o cast_v themselves_o into_o a_o new_a worldly_a constitution_n utter_o foreign_a unto_o what_o be_v appoint_v in_o the_o gospel_n abandon_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o state_n and_o right_n of_o church_n of_o christ._n so_o be_v sundry_a faithful_a city_n become_v harlot_n and_o where_o righteousness_n inhabit_v there_o dwell_v persecute_v murderer_n such_o church_n be_v plant_v of_o christ_n whole_o noble_a vine_n but_o be_v degenerate_v into_o those_o that_o be_v bitter_a and_o wild_a whatever_o our_o judgement_n may_v be_v concern_v the_o personal_a condition_n of_o the_o member_n of_o such_o apostatise_v church_n or_o of_o any_o of_o they_o all_o communion_n with_o they_o as_o they_o will_v be_v esteem_v the_o seat_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o in_o their_o pretend_a administration_n of_o they_o be_v unlawful_a for_o we_o and_o it_o be_v our_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o separate_v from_o they_o for_o whatever_o indifferency_n many_o may_v be_v grow_v into_o in_o matter_n of_o outward_a worship_n which_o arise_v from_o ignorance_n of_o the_o respect_n that_o be_v between_o the_o grace_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o from_o a_o apprehension_n that_o all_o internal_a religion_n consist_v in_o moral_a honesty_n only_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o any_o other_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v approve_v ourselves_o faithful_a in_o our_o profession_n 20._o but_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o all_o whatever_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o to_o abstain_v from_o what_o he_o condemn_v for_o both_o our_o faith_n and_o love_n 14._o whatever_o we_o pretend_v will_v be_v find_v vain_a if_o we_o endeavour_v not_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n such_o be_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o israel_n of_o old_a after_o the_o defection_n u●der_fw-mi jeroboam_n it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o true_a church_n nor_o any_o church_n at_o all_o by_o virtue_n of_o positive_a institution_n for_o they_o have_v neither_o priest_n nor_o sacrifice_n nor_o any_o ordinance_n of_o public_a worship_n that_o god_n approve_v of_o hence_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o that_o fear_v god_n in_o the_o ten_o tribe_n not_o to_o join_v with_o the_o leader_n and_o body_n of_o the_o people_n in_o their_o worship_n as_o also_o to_o observe_v those_o sacred_a institution_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v forbid_v by_o they_o in_o the_o order_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n 11._o but_o attend_v unto_o all_o their_o sacred_a solemnity_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o calf_n be_v set_v up_o 13._o according_o many_a of_o the_o most_o zealous_a professor_n among_o they_o 12._o with_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n 13._o and_o with_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o people_n open_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n and_o join_v themselves_o unto_o judah_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n continue_v therein_o other_o among_o they_o secret_o in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n preserve_v themselves_o from_o the_o abomination_n of_o the_o whole_a people_n in_o like_a manner_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n 4._o when_o some_o have_v deserve_v the_o title_n of_o babylon_n because_o of_o their_o idolatry_n false_a worship_n and_o persecution_n we_o be_v command_v to_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o in_o a_o open_a visible_a profess_a separation_n that_o we_o be_v not_o partaker_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o plague_n but_o this_o judgement_n we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v nor_o do_v make_v concern_v any_o but_o such_o as_o among_o who_o idolatry_n spread_v its_o self_n over_o the_o face_n of_o all_o their_o solemn_a assembly_n and_o who_o join_v thereunto_o the_o persecution_n of_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o constitution_n of_o such_o church_n as_o to_o their_o be_v acceptable_a assembly_n of_o worshipper_n before_o god_n be_v lose_v and_o dissolve_v neither_o be_v it_o lawful_a for_o any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o sacred_a administration_n for_o so_o to_o do_v be_v plain_o to_o disowne_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n or_o to_o set_v up_o that_o of_o wicked_a and_o corrupt_a man_n above_o it_o yet_o all_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o there_o may_v in_o such_o apostatical_a church_n remain_v a_o profession_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o as_o they_o maintain_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n visible_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n so_o we_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o among_o they_o who_o by_o a_o save_a faith_n in_o the_o truth_n they_o do_v profess_v do_v real_o belong_v to_o the_o mystical_a church_n of_o christ._n a_o institute_v church_n therefore_o may_v by_o the_o crime_n and_o wickedness_n of_o its_o ruler_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o member_n and_o their_o idolatrous_a administration_n in_o holy_a thing_n utter_o destroy_v their_o institute_v estate_n and_o yet_o not_o present_o all_o of_o they_o cease_v to_o belong_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n for_o we_o can_v say_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o will_v certain_o annul_v church_n administration_n and_o render_v they_o abominable_a will_v absolute_o destroy_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o individual_a person_n who_o partake_v in_o they_o and_o many_o may_v secret_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o be_v defile_v with_o such_o abomination_n so_o in_o the_o height_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n and_o apostasy_n of_o the_o israelitish_n church_n there_o be_v seven_o thousand_o who_o keep_v themselves_o pure_a from_o baalish_n idolatry_n of_o who_o none_o be_v know_v to_o elijah_n and_o therefore_o do_v god_n still_o continue_v a_o respect_n unto_o they_o as_o his_o people_n because_o of_o those_o secret_a one_o and_o because_o the_o token_n of_o his_o covenant_n be_v yet_o in_o their_o flesh_n afford_v unto_o they_o a_o extraordinary_a ministry_n by_o his_o prophet_n when_o the_o ordinary_a by_o priest_n and_o levite_n be_v utter_o cease_v this_o we_o be_v to_o hope_v concern_v every_o place_n where_o there_o be_v any_o profession_n make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n see_v it_o be_v the_o passion_n of_o elijah_n which_o cause_v he_o to_o oversee_v so_o great_a a_o remnant_n as_o god_n have_v leave_v unto_o himself_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o from_o his_o example_n we_o may_v learn_v that_o good_a man_n may_v sometime_o be_v more_o
they_o may_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o make_v use_v of_o in_o another_o way_n much_o more_o may_v any_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n if_o they_o impose_v on_o they_o their_o corruption_n error_n fail_n and_o mistake_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n for_o hereby_o they_o direct_o make_v themselves_o lord_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v void_a of_o all_o authority_n from_o he_o in_o what_o they_o so_o do_v or_o impose_v and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o that_o any_o man_n withdraw_v of_o themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o such_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o way_n of_o reformation_n for_o their_o own_o good_a in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n shall_v infer_v in_o they_o a_o want_n of_o love_n and_o peaceableness_n or_o a_o spirit_n of_o division_n that_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o divide_v from_o christ_n and_o to_o cast_v out_o all_o true_a christian_a love_n embrace_v a_o cloud_n of_o slothful_a negligence_n and_o carelessness_n in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o we_o be_v neither_o the_o author_n nor_o the_o guide_n of_o our_o own_o love_n he_o who_o implant_v and_o work_v it_o in_o we_o have_v give_v we_o rule_n how_o it_o must_v be_v exercise_v and_o that_o on_o all_o emergency_n it_o may_v work_v as_o regular_o by_o sharp_a cut_a rebuke_n as_o by_o the_o most_o silken_a and_o compliant_a expression_n by_o manifest_v a_o aversation_n from_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a as_o by_o embrace_v and_o approve_v of_o what_o be_v good_a in_o all_o thing_n and_o case_n it_o be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o word_n and_o when_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o we_o leave_v that_o rule_n and_o go_v off_o from_o any_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v immediate_o unto_o god_n it_o be_v will_n pride_n and_o self-conceit_n in_o we_o and_o not_o love_n and_o among_o all_o the_o exhortation_n that_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n unto_o unity_n and_o concord_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o love_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o we_o shall_v agree_v or_o comply_v with_o any_o in_o their_o sin_n or_o evil_a practice_n but_o as_o we_o be_v command_v in_o ourselves_o to_o obtain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n so_o be_v we_o forbid_v a_o participation_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n and_o all_o fellowship_n with_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n our_o love_n towards_o such_o church_n be_v to_o work_v by_o pity_n compassion_n prayer_n instruction_n which_o be_v due_a mean_n for_o their_o heal_n and_o recovery_n not_o by_o consent_n unto_o they_o or_o communion_n with_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v harden_v in_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v subvert_v for_o if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o his_o authority_n all_o that_o we_o have_v or_o may_v pretend_v to_o have_v unto_o any_o church_n be_v of_o no_o value_n neither_o ought_v we_o to_o take_v into_o consideration_n any_o term_n of_o communion_n who_o foundation_n be_v not_o lay_v in_o a_o regard_n thereunto_o moreover_o as_o have_v be_v declare_v there_o be_v no_o such_o society_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o assembly_n as_o to_o institute_v worship_n be_v reject_v by_o christ_n so_o that_o they_o have_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n give_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o that_o until_o they_o be_v utter_o also_o as_o it_o be_v extirpate_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o be_v many_o of_o the_o primitive_a plantation_n we_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o some_o secret_a hidden_a one_o among_o they_o that_o belong_v unto_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n grace_n for_o we_o do_v judge_v that_o wherever_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v call_v upon_o there_o be_v salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v however_o the_o way_n of_o it_o may_v be_v obstruct_v unto_o the_o most_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o error_n they_o may_v also_o retain_v that_o profession_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o infidel_n world_n in_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v still_o to_o hold_v communion_n with_o they_o and_o on_o these_o account_n be_v our_o love_n to_o be_v continue_v unto_o they_o some_o kind_n of_o communion_n we_o may_v hold_v with_o they_o that_o that_o be_v of_o no_o institute_v or_o particular_a church_n or_o who_o church-state_n be_v reject_v even_o as_o a_o person_n excommunicate_v be_v to_o be_v admonish_v as_o a_o brother_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o communion_n we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v with_o some_o true_a church_n instance_n whereof_o shall_v be_v give_v afterward_o there_o be_v therefore_o no_o necessity_n that_o any_o shall_v deny_v all_o they_o to_o be_v true_a church_n from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o withdraw_v their_o communion_n for_o such_o as_o be_v so_o may_v require_v such_o thing_n thereunto_o as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o they_o to_o accept_v of_o or_o submit_v unto_o what_o assembly_n of_o christian_n we_o behold_v visible_o worship_v god_n in_o christ_n we_o take_v for_o grant_v to_o be_v true_a visible_a church_n and_o when_o we_o judge_v of_o our_o own_o communion_n with_o they_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o this_o question_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a church_n or_o no_o as_o though_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o practice_n do_v depend_v sole_o thereon_o for_o as_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o be_v of_o their_o constitution_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o unless_o they_o be_v open_o judge_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n persist_v in_o so_o a_o determination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o constitution_n or_o that_o they_o be_v true_a church_n will_v not_o present_o resolve_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n as_o to_o communion_n with_o they_o for_o the_o reason_n before_o give_v but_o in_o such_o a_o càse_n two_o thing_n be_v by_o we_o principal_o to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o nothing_o sinful_a in_o itself_o or_o unto_o we_o be_v require_v of_o we_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n 2._o that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o church_n obtain_v the_o immediate_a end_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o our_o conjunction_n with_o they_o which_o be_v our_o edification_n in_o faith_n love_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v discourse_v comprise_v our_o thought_n concern_v those_o society_n of_o christian_n who_o degeneracy_n from_o their_o primitive_a rule_n and_o institution_n be_v most_o manifest_a and_o notorious_a whilst_o there_o be_v any_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n any_o subjection_n of_o soul_n unto_o jesus_n christ_n avow_v or_o any_o expectation_n of_o help_n from_o he_o continue_v among_o they_o we_o can_v but_o hope_v that_o there_o be_v in_o all_o of_o they_o at_o least_o some_o few_o name_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o lamb_n book_n of_o life_n and_o which_o shall_v be_v save_v eternal_o for_o as_o a_o relation_n unto_o a_o particular_a visible_a church_n walk_v according_a to_o the_o order_n and_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o believer_n to_o give_v himself_o up_o unto_o as_o that_o which_o be_v a_o mean_v appoint_v and_o sanctify_v to_o the_o furtherance_n of_o his_o edification_n and_o salvation_n so_o where_o it_o can_v be_v obtain_v through_o invincible_a outward_a impediment_n or_o be_v omit_v through_o ignorance_n of_o duty_n or_o be_v on_o just_a cause_n refuse_v where_o opportunity_n make_v a_o tender_a of_o it_o or_o where_o the_o be_v and_o benefit_n of_o it_o be_v lose_v through_o the_o apostasy_n of_o those_o church_n whereunto_o any_o person_n do_v belong_v the_o utter_a want_n of_o it_o and_o that_o always_o be_v not_o such_o as_o necessary_o infer_v the_o eternal_a loss_n of_o their_o soul_n who_o suffer_v under_o it_o other_o church_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o evident_o guilty_a of_o the_o enormity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n before_o discourse_v of_o these_o all_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v true_a church_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v hope_n that_o his_o promise_a presence_n be_v with_o they_o in_o their_o assembly_n answerable_a hereunto_o be_v our_o judgement_n concern_v their_o officer_n or_o ruler_n and_o all_o their_o sacred_a administration_n it_o become_v we_o to_o think_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o one_o have_v authority_n from_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o other_o be_v accept_v with_o he_o for_o it_o be_v most_o unwarrantable_a rashness_n and_o presumption_n yea_o a_o evident_a fruit_n of_o ignorance_n or_o want_v of_o love_n or_o secular_a private_a interest_n
from_o he_o instead_o hereof_o some_o have_v invent_v bond_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n which_o may_v outward_o bind_v man_n together_o in_o some_o appearance_n of_o order_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o live_v in_o envy_n wrath_n and_o malice_n bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o love_n among_o they_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v mere_o natural_a or_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a work_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n in_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n or_o at_o best_o in_o civil_a thing_n belong_v unto_o their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n the_o love_n that_o be_v among_o such_o person_n in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v perish_v with_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o easy_a thing_n to_o satisfy_v conscience_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o preserve_a church_n unity_n by_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o some_o outward_a rule_n and_o constitution_n wherein_o man_n mind_n be_v little_o concern_v than_o to_o attend_v diligent_o unto_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o love_n against_o all_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o love_n require_v a_o sedulous_a and_o painful_a labour_n heb._n 6._o 10._o but_o yet_o this_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n unto_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o which_o all_o other_o pretence_n or_o appearance_n of_o unity_n be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o he_o second_o this_o love_n act_v itself_o by_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o the_o infirmity_n mistake_n and_o fault_n of_o other_o wherein_o of_o what_o singular_a use_v it_o be_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o order_n the_o apostle_n at_o large_a declare_v 1_o cor._n 13._o four_o 20._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o kingly_a authority_n have_v institute_v order_n for_o rule_n and_o ordinance_n for_o worship_n 13._o to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o his_o church_n that_o they_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o celebrate_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n belong_v unto_o the_o unity_n which_o he_o require_v among_o his_o disciple_n to_o this_o end_n he_o communicate_v supply_n of_o spiritual_a ability_n and_o wisdom_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n for_o their_o administration_n unto_o edification_n and_o hereon_o if_o a_o submission_n unto_o his_o authority_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n no_o such_o variety_n or_o difference_n will_v ensue_v as_o shall_v impeach_v that_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o all_o to_o attend_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v consist_v that_o evangelical_n church_n unity_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v unto_o we_o 22._o and_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v on_o his_o name_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o love_n one_o lord_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o and_o unto_o they_o all_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o first_o church_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v they_o in_o succeed_a generation_n continue_v according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o all_o those_o scandalous_a division_n which_o afterward_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o pre-eminences_a jurisdiction_n liturgy_n rite_n ceremony_n violent_o or_o fraudulent_o obtrude_v on_o their_o communion_n have_v be_v prevent_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o this_o unity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o preserve_v among_o christian_n 5._o be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v spiritual_a none_o other_o be_v suit_v thereunto_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v any_o other_o 20._o but_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o word_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v he_o promise_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n among_o they_o that_o believe_v 16._o unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o he_o do_v both_o as_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a unto_o the_o end_v mention_v so_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o orderly_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o and_o about_o they_o his_o word_n also_o as_o the_o rule_n which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o he_o have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o this_o end_n beside_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o spiritual_a assistance_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o holy_a rule_n he_o have_v not_o design_v or_o appoint_v this_o be_v that_o gospel-vnity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o labour_v after_o and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v do_v so_o but_o now_o through_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o the_o strong_a influence_n which_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a interest_n have_v upon_o they_o we_o know_v how_o it_o have_v be_v despise_v and_o what_o have_v be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v pursue_v and_o promote_v we_o may_v take_v a_o instance_n in_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v do_v at_o this_o day_n more_o pretend_v unto_o unity_n or_o more_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o more_o fierce_o judge_n oppose_v and_o destroy_v other_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o which_o they_o charge_v upon_o they_o nor_o more_o prevail_v or_o advantage_v themselves_o by_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o than_o do_v they_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o unity_n which_o they_o so_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o and_o press_v upon_o other_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o destructive_a of_o that_o peace_n union_n and_o concord_n among_o christian_n which_o it_o do_v require_v they_o know_v how_o high_o unity_n be_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n how_o much_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prize_v and_o value_v by_o all_o true_a believer_n how_o acceptable_a it_o be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o severe_o they_o be_v condemn_v who_o break_v it_o or_o despise_v it_o these_o thing_n they_o press_v and_o plead_v and_o make_v their_o advantage_n by_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o intend_v by_o church-vnity_n they_o tell_v we_o long_a story_n of_o subjection_n unto_o the_o pope_n to_o the_o church_n in_o it_o dictate_v and_o resolution_n without_o far_a examination_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v they_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o kind_n than_o the_o unity_n and_o concord_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o perfect_o inconsistent_a with_o they_o and_o destructive_a of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o will_v impose_v upon_o we_o a_o corrupt_a confederacy_n for_o their_o own_o secular_a advantage_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v find_v out_o mean_v suitable_a unto_o its_o accomplishment_n and_o preservation_n as_o distant_a from_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o gospel-vnion_n as_o their_o carnal_a confederacy_n be_v from_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n and_o they_o have_v do_v according_o for_o the_o enforce_n man_n by_o all_o way_n of_o deceit_n and_o outward_a violence_n unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o and_o submission_n unto_o their_o order_n be_v the_o great_a expedient_a for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o perverse_a union_n that_o they_o have_v fix_v on_o now_o that_o this_o fictitious_a unity_n and_o corrupt_v carnal_a pursuit_n of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o beget_v foment_v and_o continue_v the_o division_n that_o 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body_n of_o the_o church_n promise_v it_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o loose_v in_o heaven_n whatever_o they_o do_v bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n and_o that_o whatever_o they_o do_v ask_v with_o a_o common_a consent_n shall_v be_v grant_v by_o the_o father_n in_o this_o charitable_a office_n to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o offend_a and_o pardon_v to_o the_o offendor_n the_o primitive_a church_n be_v always_o exercise_v and_o in_o conformity_n to_o this_o st._n paul_n ordain_v that_o brethren_n have_v civil_a suit_n one_o against_o another_o shall_v not_o go_v to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o infidel_n but_o that_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v appoint_v to_o judge_n the_o difference_n and_o this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o civil_a judgement_n as_o the_o other_o have_v the_o similitude_n of_o a_o criminal_a but_o be_v both_o so_o different_a from_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n that_o as_o these_o be_v execute_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o judge_n who_o enforce_v submission_n so_o 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consent_v and_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o court_n which_o law_n be_v not_o much_o observe_v in_o rome_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o bishop_n valentinian_n be_v in_o the_o city_n in_o the_o year_n 452._o do_v renew_v it_o and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n but_o a_o little_a after_o some_o part_n of_o the_o power_n take_v away_o be_v restore_v by_o the_o prince_n that_o follow_v so_o that_o justinian_n do_v establish_v unto_o they_o a_o court_n and_o audience_n and_o assign_v unto_o they_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n the_o ecclesiastical_a fault_n of_o the_o clergy_n and_o divers_a voluntary_a jurisdiction_n also_o over_o the_o laity_n by_o these_o degree_n the_o charitable_a correction_n of_o christ_n do_v degenerate_a into_o domination_n and_o make_v christian_n lose_v their_o ancient_a reverence_n and_o obedience_n it_o be_v deny_v in_o word_n that_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n be_v dominion_n as_o 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as_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n in_o or_o among_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n we_o dispute_v not_o now_o about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o vnlawfulness_n or_o thing_n in_o themselves_o nor_o whether_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v or_o no_o by_o such_o as_o have_v no_o conviction_n of_o any_o sin_n or_o evil_n in_o they_o neither_o do_v we_o judge_v or_o censure_v they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v observe_v our_o enquiry_n be_v sole_o about_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o duty_n and_o what_o concern_v they_o be_v resolve_v into_o this_o one_o question_n as_o to_o the_o argument_n in_o hand_n whether_o such_o thing_n or_o observance_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o be_v whole_o unscriptural_a may_v be_v so_o make_v the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v so_o make_v and_o impose_v on_o other_o shall_v be_v justify_v in_o their_o so_o do_v and_o that_o if_o any_o difference_n division_n or_o schism_n do_v ensue_v thereon_o the_o guilt_n and_o blame_n of_o they_o must_v necessary_o fall_v on_o those_o who_o refuse_v submission_n to_o they_o or_o to_o admit_v of_o they_o as_o such_o that_o the_o condition_n propose_v unto_o we_o and_o impose_v on_o we_o indispensible_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o enjoy_v the_o communion_n of_o this_o church_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v by_o a_o induction_n of_o instance_n nor_o be_v it_o of_o any_o concernment_n in_o this_o matter_n what_o place_n the_o thing_n inquire_v after_o do_v hold_n or_o be_v suppose_v to_o hold_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v about_o their_o warranty_n to_o be_v make_v condition_n of_o church-communion_n now_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v set_v his_o disciple_n at_o liberty_n from_o accept_v of_o such_o term_n of_o communion_n from_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n we_o deny_v that_o he_o 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son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n all_o the_o comfort_n and_o use_v of_o church-assembly_n and_o communion_n depend_v alone_o on_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n with_o they_o thence_o do_v all_o the_o authority_n that_o may_v be_v exercise_v in_o they_o proceed_v and_o thence_o do_v the_o efficacy_n of_o what_o they_o do_v unto_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n arise_v and_o flow_v now_o that_o any_o one_o may_v thus_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o church_n with_o the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o no_o more_o can_v be_v require_v of_o he_o but_o that_o through_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o baptism_n be_v make_v a_o profess_a disciple_n he_o do_v or_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v and_o observe_v all_o 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of_o it_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o rule_n neither_o the_o church_n nor_o its_o guide_n can_v make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o but_o only_o what_o he_o have_v command_v for_o the_o rule_n here_o lay_v down_o be_v give_v unto_o those_o guide_n or_o ruler_n who_o be_v thereby_o bind_v up_o in_o the_o appointment_n of_o what_o the_o disciple_n be_v to_o observe_v unto_o the_o command_v of_o christ._n and_o be_v a_o command_n include_v herein_o of_o obey_v the_o command_n or_o appointment_n of_o church-guide_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n annex_v thereunto_o as_o he_o have_v give_v they_o all_o his_o own_o power_n and_o place_v they_o in_o his_o throne_n so_o we_o have_v be_v all_o oblige_a to_o follow_v they_o whither_o ever_o they_o have_v carry_v or_o lead_v we_o although_o it_o be_v to_o hell_n itself_o as_o some_o of_o the_o canonist_n on_o this_o principle_n have_v speak_v concern_v the_o pope_n here_o therefore_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o communion_n fix_v both_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v to_o rule_v in_o the_o church_n and_o they_o that_o be_v to_o obey_v and_o whereas_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o if_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n may_v appoint_v nothing_o in_o and_o unto_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o what_o christ_n have_v himself_o command_v then_o indeed_o be_v their_o authority_n little_a worth_n yea_o upon_o the_o matter_n none_o at_o all_o for_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_o confirm_v and_o fix_v by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o to_o what_o end_n then_o serve_v that_o of_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n we_o must_v say_v that_o their_o whole_a authority_n be_v limit_v in_o the_o text_n unto_o teach_v of_o man_n to_o observe_v what_o christ_n have_v command_v and_o this_o they_o be_v to_o do_v with_o authority_n but_o under_o he_o and_o in_o his_o name_n and_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n that_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o those_o who_o think_v not_o this_o power_n sufficient_a for_o they_o must_v seek_v it_o elsewhere_o for_o the_o lord_n christ_n will_v allow_v no_o more_o in_o his_o church_n to_o make_v this_o yet_o more_o evident_a we_o may_v consider_v that_o particular_a instance_n wherein_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v a_o trial_n in_o the_o case_n as_o now_o state_v before_o we_o and_o this_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n and_o institution_n which_o some_o will_v have_v impose_v on_o they_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o determination_n hereof_o be_v their_o liberty_n assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o duty_n declare_v to_o abide_v therein_o and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o specious_a pretence_n of_o impose_v on_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n that_o ever_o they_o be_v exercise_v withal_o for_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v countenance_n give_v unto_o it_o from_o their_o divine_a original_a and_o the_o condescend_v practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o a_o good_a season_n that_o other_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v condemn_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v impossible_a see_v none_o have_v then_o endeavour_v the_o introduction_n of_o any_o of_o that_o nature_n but_o a_o general_a rule_n may_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o determination_n of_o one_o case_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o of_o many_o provide_v it_o be_v not_o extend_v beyond_o what_o be_v eminent_o include_v in_o that_o case_n herein_o therefore_o be_v there_o a_o direction_n give_v for_o the_o duty_n and_o practice_n of_o church_n in_o follow_a age_n and_o that_o in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n beforementioned_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o force_n in_o
can_v be_v but_o that_o division_n and_o schism_n will_v ensue_v thereon_o so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a for_o a_o indifferent_a by-stander_n to_o judge_v on_o whether_o side_n the_o occasion_n and_o guilt_n of_o they_o do_v remain_v second_o we_o have_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o the_o direction_n and_o command_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o we_o for_o our_o guide_n in_o this_o case_n and_o it_o may_v be_v well_o and_o safe_o think_v that_o this_o shall_v give_v a_o certain_a rule_n unto_o the_o proceed_n and_o act_n of_o all_o church-guide_n in_o future_a age_n now_o they_o do_v never_o make_v any_o thing_n unscriptural_a or_o what_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v by_o divine_a revelation_n to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o communion_n in_o religious_a worship_n &_o church_n order_n among_o christian_n for_o as_o they_o testify_v of_o themselves_o 4._o that_o they_o will_v continual_o give_v themselves_o unto_o prayer_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n so_o it_o be_v of_o old_a observe_v concern_v they_o that_o their_o constant_a labour_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o their_o conversion_n unto_o god_n 5._o and_o edification_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n but_o as_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o festival_n or_o fast_n of_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n they_o intermedle_v with_o no_o such_o thing_n and_o thence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o first_o entrance_n and_o admission_n of_o observance_n about_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o endless_a variety_n in_o they_o both_z as_o to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o observe_v and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o observation_n and_o this_o be_v gradual_o increase_v unto_o such_o a_o height_n and_o excess_n as_o that_o the_o burden_n of_o they_o become_v intolerable_a unto_o christendom_n nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o better_a success_n be_v expect_v in_o a_o relinquishment_n and_o departure_n from_o the_o pattern_n of_o church_n order_n give_v we_o in_o their_o example_n and_o practice_n neither_o be_v the_o plea_n from_o hence_o build_v mere_o on_o this_o consideration_n that_o no_o man_n alive_a either_o from_o their_o write_n or_o the_o approve_a record_n of_o those_o time_n can_v manifest_v that_o they_o ever_o prescribe_v unto_o the_o church_n or_o impose_v on_o they_o the_o observance_n of_o any_o uninstituted_a rit●_n to_o be_v observe_v as_o a_o measure_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o communion_n but_o also_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o case_n under_o debate_n be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o joint_o determine_v by_o they_o for_o be_v call_v unto_o advice_n and_o counsel_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v between_o the_o jewish_a and_o gentile_n convert_v and_o professor_n wherein_o the_o former_a labour_v to_o impose_v on_o the_o latter_a the_o observation_n of_o moses_n institution_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o joint_a communion_n as_o be_v mention_v even_o now_o they_o not_o only_o determine_v against_o any_o such_o imposition_n but_o also_o express_o declare_v that_o nothing_o but_o necessary_a thing_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v so_o from_o other_o reason_n antecedent_o unto_o their_o prescription_n and_o appointment_n ought_v to_o be_v require_v of_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o communion_n or_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n 15._o and_o as_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o will_v on_o that_o great_a occasion_n in_o that_o solemn_a assembly_n appoint_v any_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o disciple_n and_o church_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v not_o command_v so_o in_o their_o direction_n give_v unto_o the_o gentile_a believer_n for_o a_o temporary_a abstinence_n from_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n whereunto_o it_o do_v extend_v they_o plain_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o avoidance_n of_o a_o present_a scandal_n which_o may_v have_v great_o retard_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o direction_n and_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o we_o may_v in_o many_o thing_n for_o a_o season_n forgo_v the_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n this_o be_v their_o way_n and_o practise_v this_o the_o example_n which_o they_o leave_v unto_o all_o that_o shall_v follow_v they_o in_o the_o rule_n and_o guidance_n of_o the_o church_n whence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o after-age_n that_o man_n shall_v think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o they_o or_o more_o careful_a to_o provide_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n we_o know_v not_o but_o let_v the_o bound_n and_o measure_n of_o church_n communion_n fix_v in_o and_o by_o their_o example_n stand_v unmoved_a and_o many_o cause_n of_o our_o present_a division_n will_v be_v take_v away_o but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v offer_v that_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n require_v some_o alteration_n in_o or_o variation_n from_o the_o precise_a example_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o of_o they_o require_v be_v then_o sufficient_a unto_o the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n but_o primitive_a simplicity_n be_v now_o decay_a among_o the_o most_o so_o that_o a_o multiplication_n of_o rule_n and_o observance_n be_v needful_a for_o the_o same_o end_n but_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o the_o accommodation_n of_o church_n rule_n and_o communion_n to_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o christian_n or_o church_n or_o their_o secular_a engagement_n be_v no_o way_n advantageous_a unto_o religion_n let_v they_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v professor_n and_o profession_n to_o the_o primitive_a standard_n of_o light_n humility_n and_o holiness_n and_o they_o may_v be_v order_v in_o all_o church_n concern_v according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a pattern_n wherefore_o when_o christian_n unto_o the_o former_a plea_n of_o their_o readiness_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o christ_n have_v command_v they_o do_v also_o add_v their_o willingness_n to_o comply_v with_o whatever_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n have_v either_o by_o precept_n or_o example_n in_o their_o own_o practice_n commend_v unto_o they_o or_o do_v do_v or_o require_v in_o the_o first_o church_n and_o can_v be_v convince_v of_o fail_v to_o make_v good_a their_o profession_n we_o do_v not_o know_v whence_o any_o can_v derive_v a_o warranty_n enable_v they_o to_o impose_v any_o other_o condition_n of_o communion_n on_o they_o the_o institution_n therefore_o of_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n lie_v direct_o against_o the_o impose_v of_o the_o condition_n inquire_v about_o and_o first_o to_o invent_v they_o then_o to_o impose_v they_o make_v they_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o then_o to_o judge_n and_o censure_v they_o as_o schismatic_n as_o enemy_n to_o love_n and_o peace_n who_o do_v not_o submit_v unto_o they_o look_v not_o unlike_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o unwarrantable_a dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n three_o not_o only_o by_o their_o example_n and_o practice_n but_o they_o have_v also_o doctrinal_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o church_n and_o what_o be_v the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o apostle_n paul_n discourse_v at_o large_a hereon_o rom._n 14._o 15._o chap._n the_o attentive_a read_n of_o those_o two_o chapter_n be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v this_o cause_n among_o all_o unintere_v and_o unprejudiced_a person_n he_o suppose_v in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o case_n which_o he_o exemplify_v in_o sundry_a instance_n that_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o church_n at_o that_o time_n different_a apprehension_n and_o observance_n about_o some_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o have_v some_o seem_a countenance_n of_o a_o sacred_a and_o divine_a authority_n for_o such_o be_v their_o original_a institution_n some_o in_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v observe_v and_o their_o conscience_n have_v be_v long_o exercise_v in_o a_o holy_a subjection_n unto_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o yet_o any_o express_a and_o positive_a law_n erect_v for_o their_o abrogation_n but_o the_o cease_n of_o any_o obligation_n unto_o their_o observance_n from_o their_o primitive_a institution_n be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n oeconomy_n towards_o his_o church_n many_o therefore_o continue_v to_o observe_v they_o esteem_v it_o their_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v other_o be_v persuade_v and_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v free_v from_o any_o obligation_n
unto_o the_o own_n and_o observance_n of_o they_o and_o whereas_o this_o liberty_n be_v give_v they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v resolve_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o not_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o other_o sort_n who_o press_v conformity_n upon_o they_o in_o their_o ceremony_n and_o mode_n of_o divine_a worship_n so_o it_o may_v fall_v out_o in_o other_o instance_n some_o may_v be_v persuade_v that_o such_o or_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v so_o unto_o they_o and_o as_o be_v suppose_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n on_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o circumstance_n they_o may_v judge_n that_o it_o be_v convenient_a or_o expedient_a to_o attend_v unto_o their_o observance_n last_o all_o coincidency_n weigh_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o so_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o that_o other_o also_o that_o walk_n with_o they_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v conform_v themselves_o unto_o their_o order_n and_o practice_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o there_o be_v who_o because_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o joynt-practice_n require_v be_v not_o appoint_v by_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o have_v give_v power_n unto_o any_o other_o to_o appoint_v they_o do_v not_o judge_v it_o expedient_a nor_o yet_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v lawful_a to_o observe_v they_o now_o whereas_o this_o case_n answer_v unto_o that_o before_o propose_v the_o determination_n thereof_o give_v by_o the_o apostle_n may_v safe_o be_v apply_v unto_o this_o also_o what_o rule_n therefore_o do_v he_o give_v therein_o which_o he_o will_v have_v attend_v unto_o as_o the_o mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o love_n peace_n and_o unity_n among_o they_o be_v it_o that_o the_o former_a sort_n of_o person_n provide_v they_o be_v the_o most_o or_o have_v the_o most_o power_n aught_o to_o impose_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o esteem_v lawful_a and_o convenient_a on_o those_o who_o judge_v they_o not_o so_o when_o it_o be_v out_o of_o question_n that_o they_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o christ_n only_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forbid_v by_o he_o where_o indeed_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n he_o bind_v up_o the_o church_n precise_o unto_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o but_o in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n 23._o wherein_o a_o direct_a command_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v plead_v nor_o be_v pretend_v he_o absolute_o reject_v and_o condemn_v all_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o procedure_n but_o suppose_v that_o difference_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v and_o will_v be_v among_o christian_n the_o sum_n of_o his_o advice_n be_v that_o all_o offence_n and_o scandal_n ought_v to_o be_v diligent_o avoid_v that_o censure_v judge_a and_o despising_n on_o the_o account_n of_o such_o difference_n be_v cast_v out_o that_o tenderness_n be_v use_v towards_o they_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o nothing_o severe_o press_v on_o they_o that_o doubt_v and_o for_o their_o different_a apprehension_n and_o way_n they_o shall_v all_o walk_v in_o peace_n condescend_v unto_o and_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o nothing_o can_v more_o evident_o determine_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o impose_v on_o christian_n unscriptural_a condition_n of_o communion_n than_o do_v the_o discourse_n of_o that_o great_a apostle_n to_o this_o purpose_n yea_o better_a it_o be_v and_o more_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o person_n and_o particular_a church_n shall_v be_v leave_v unto_o different_a observation_n in_o sundry_a thing_n relate_v unto_o sacred_a worship_n wherein_o they_o can_v join_v with_o each_o other_o nor_o communicate_v together_o endeavour_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v enforce_v unto_o a_o uniformity_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o the_o immediate_a authority_n of_o christ_n enstamp_v on_o they_o according_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o unto_o who_o the_o apostle_n give_v these_o direction_n and_o that_o suitable_o unto_o his_o intention_n in_o they_o for_o the_o dissent_v party_n agree_v in_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o constant_o meet_v in_o distinct_a assembly_n or_o church_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o holy_a worship_n because_o of_o the_o different_a rite_n wherein_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v and_o in_o this_o posture_n be_v peace_n and_o love_n continue_v among_o they_o until_o in_o process_n of_o time_n their_o difference_n through_o mutual_a forbearance_n be_v extinguish_v they_o coalesce_v into_o one_o church_n state_n and_o order_n and_o the_o former_a peace_n which_o they_o have_v in_o their_o distance_n be_v deem_v sufficient_a whilst_o thing_n be_v not_o measure_v nor_o regulate_v by_o secular_a interest_n or_o advantage_n but_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o present_a unhappiness_n that_o such_o a_o peace_n among_o christian_n and_o particular_a church_n be_v mistake_v to_o have_v a_o ill_a aspect_n upon_o the_o concern_v of_o some_o belong_v unto_o the_o church_n in_o power_n honour_n and_o revenue_n but_o as_o we_o apprehend_v there_o be_v as_o thing_n be_v now_o state_v among_o we_o a_o plain_a mistake_n in_o this_o surmise_n so_o if_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v chief_a in_o our_o consultation_n about_o church_n affair_n it_o will_v be_v with_o we_o of_o no_o such_o consideration_n as_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o commit_v quiet_o the_o success_n and_o event_n of_o duty_n unto_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n four_o there_o be_v also_o a_o signal_n vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n plead_v for_o in_o a_o instance_n of_o fact_n among_o the_o primitive_a church_n there_o be_v a_o opinion_n which_o prevail_v very_o early_o among_o they_o about_o the_o necessary_a observation_n of_o easter_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o jewish_a passeover_n for_o the_o solemn_a commemoration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v by_o most_o of_o they_o that_o the_o observance_n hereof_o be_v countenance_v if_o not_o render_v necessary_a unto_o they_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o general_o believe_v that_o by_o they_o it_o be_v observe_v and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o accommodate_v themselves_o unto_o their_o practice_n only_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n about_o the_o precise_a time_n or_o day_n which_o they_o be_v to_o solemnize_v as_o the_o head_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o festival_n as_o every_o undue_a presumption_n have_v one_o lameness_n or_o other_o accompany_v it_o it_o be_v truth_n alone_o which_o be_v square_a and_o steady_a some_o therefore_o plead_v the_o example_n of_o john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n who_o as_o it_o be_v strong_o assert_v and_o testify_v by_o multitude_n keep_v his_o easter_n at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o by_o such_o a_o rule_n who_o they_o think_v meet_v to_o follow_v and_o imitate_v other_o not_o inferior_a unto_o they_o in_o number_n or_o authority_n oppose_v unto_o their_o time_n the_o example_n of_o peter_n who_o they_o affirm_v on_o what_o ground_n and_o reason_n they_o know_v best_a for_o they_o be_v now_o lose_v to_o have_v observe_v his_o easter_n at_o another_o time_n and_o according_a unto_o a_o different_a rule_n and_o it_o be_v scarce_o imaginable_a how_o the_o contest_v hereabout_o trouble_v the_o church_n both_o of_o europe_n and_o asia_n who_o certain_o have_v thing_n more_o material_a to_o have_v exercise_v themselves_o about_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n embrace_v that_o opinion_n which_o at_o length_n prevail_v over_o the_o other_o and_o obtain_v a_o kind_n of_o catholicism_n against_o that_o which_o be_v countenance_v only_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n john_n as_o that_o church_n be_v always_o wondrous_a happy_a in_o reduce_v other_o church_n unto_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o its_o sentiment_n as_o seldom_o want_v desire_n or_o skill_n dexterous_o to_o improve_v its_o manifold_a advantage_n now_o this_o be_v that_o easter_n to_o be_v celebrate_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n only_o and_o not_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o jewish_a passover_n on_o the_o 14_o day_n of_o the_o first_o month_n what_o day_n of_o the_o week_n soever_o it_o fall_v out_o upon_o hereon_o victor_n the_o bishop_n of_o that_o church_n be_v confident_a that_o the_o truth_n be_v on_o his_o side_n namely_o that_o easter_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n resolve_v to_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n unto_o all_o the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o he_o see_v not_o how_o there_o can_v be_v either_o union_n peace_n or_o uniformity_n among_o they_o he_o do_v not_o question_v but_o that_o he_o
have_v a_o good_a foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o for_o that_o easter_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v byvertue_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o and_o he_o take_v it_o as_o unquestionable_a upon_o a_o current_n and_o prevalent_a rumour_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o lord_n day_n by_o the_o example_n of_o st._n peter_n hereupon_o he_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o that_o will_v not_o conform_v unto_o his_o resolution_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o communion_n all_o those_o person_n and_o church_n who_o will_v observe_v any_o other_o day_n which_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o principal_a church_n of_o asia_n among_o who_o the_o apostle_n john_n do_v long_o converse_v here_o be_v our_o present_a case_n direct_o exemplify_v or_o represent_v so_o long_o before_o hand_n the_o success_n only_o of_o this_o fact_n of_o he_o remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o now_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o all_o what_o entertainment_n this_o his_o new_a rule_n of_o communion_n find_v among_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o reproof_n of_o his_o precipitancy_n and_o irregular_a fix_v new_a bound_n unto_o church_n communion_n be_v famous_a in_o those_o day_n especial_o the_o rebuke_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o practice_n by_o one_o of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o learned_a person_n then_o live_v be_v eminent_o celebrate_v as_o consonant_a to_o truth_n and_o peace_n by_o those_o who_o have_v transmit_v unto_o we_o the_o report_n of_o those_o time_n he_o who_o himself_z first_o condemn_v other_o rash_o be_v for_o his_o so_o do_v general_o condemn_v by_o all_o suppose_v now_o that_o any_o person_n live_v at_o rome_n and_o there_o call_v into_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v have_v the_o condition_n thereof_o propose_v unto_o they_o namely_o that_o they_o shall_v assent_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n by_o apostolical_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n only_o and_o upon_o their_o refusal_n so_o to_o do_v shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n or_o on_o their_o own_o accord_n shall_v refrain_v from_o it_o where_o shall_v the_o gild_n of_o this_o disorder_n and_o schism_n be_v charge_v and_o thus_o it_o fall_v out_o not_o only_o with_o those_o who_o come_v out_o of_o asia_n to_o rome_n who_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o that_o diotrephes_n but_o also_o with_o sundry_a in_o that_o church_n its_o self_n as_o blastus_n and_o other_o as_o what_o great_a division_n be_v occasion_v hereby_o between_o the_o saxon_n and_o britain_n have_v be_v by_o many_o declare_v but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o gild_n of_o these_o schism_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o that_o coin_a and_o impose_v these_o new_a rule_n and_o condition_n of_o communion_n and_o have_v they_o not_o be_v judge_v by_o any_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o this_o temerarious_a attempt_n be_v sufficient_a to_o reflect_v no_o inconsiderable_a gild_n upon_o it_o neither_o can_v the_o whole_a observance_n its_o self_n from_o first_o to_o last_o ever_o compensate_a that_o loss_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n among_o christian_n and_o church_n which_o be_v occasion_v thereby_o nor_o have_v the_o introduction_n of_o such_o thing_n ever_o obtain_v any_o better_a success_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n how_o free_a the_o church_n be_v until_o that_o time_n after_o they_o be_v once_o deliver_v from_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o circumcise_a professor_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n from_o any_o appearance_n of_o unwritten_a condition_n of_o communion_n be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o who_o have_v look_v into_o the_o monument_n which_o remain_v of_o those_o time_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o sundry_a christian_n take_v upon_o they_o very_o early_o the_o observation_n of_o sundry_a rite_n and_o usage_n in_o religion_n whereunto_o they_o have_v no_o guidance_n or_o direction_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o the_o invention_n and_o use_n of_o sensible_a present_a thing_n in_o religion_n especial_o where_o person_n be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v satisfaction_n in_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a require_v great_a intention_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n in_o their_o exercise_n so_o be_v they_o many_o of_o they_o easy_o infect_v by_o that_o tincture_n which_o remain_v in_o they_o from_o the_o judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n from_o which_o they_o be_v convert_v but_o these_o observance_n be_v free_a and_o take_v up_o by_o man_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n not_o only_o every_o church_n but_o every_o person_n in_o the_o most_o of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o it_o appear_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n some_o age_n it_o be_v before_o such_o thing_n be_v turn_v into_o law_n and_o canon_n and_o that_o perhaps_o first_o by_o heretic_n or_o at_o least_o under_o such_o a_o degeneracy_n as_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n can_v be_v regulate_v by_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o and_o practise_v of_o the_o first_o church_n be_v manifest_a against_o such_o imposition_n five_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o any_o person_n or_o church_n to_o assign_v unscriptural_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n of_o communion_n among_o christian_n fix_v and_o determine_v by_o christ._n that_o this_o be_v otherwise_o we_o have_v before_o declare_v and_o shall_v now_o only_o manifest_v the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o supposition_n for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o no_o man_n can_v claim_v a_o admission_n into_o the_o society_n or_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n or_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o plea_n of_o submission_n to_o his_o institution_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o command_n every_o church_n may_v propose_v something_o yea_o many_o thing_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v without_o a_o admission_n whereof_o a●d_a subjection_n thereunto_o he_o may_v be_v just_o exclude_v from_o all_o church_n privilege_n among_o they_o now_o this_o seem_v not_o consonant_a unto_o the_o authority_n that_o christ_n have_v over_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o honour_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o therein_o nor_o on_o the_o same_o supposition_n be_v his_o law_n sufficient_a to_o rule_v and_o quiet_v the_o conscience_n or_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o disciple_n now_o if_o diotrephes_n be_v blame_v for_o not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n 10._o who_o be_v recommend_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n probable_o because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o that_o pre-eminence_n which_o he_o have_v obtain_v among_o they_o they_o will_v scarce_o escape_v without_o reproof_n who_o refuse_v those_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n commend_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o such_o new_a imposition_n as_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o pre-eminence_n they_o will_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o what_o endless_a perplexity_n they_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o who_o have_v learn_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o call_v he_o only_a lord_n and_o master_n be_v apparent_a unto_o all_o baptism_n with_o a_o voluntary_a credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o command_n and_o institution_n be_v all_o the_o warranty_n which_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o claim_v their_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n which_o be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o their_o faith_n and_o if_o any_o person_n who_o produce_v this_o warranty_n and_o thereon_o desire_v according_a to_o order_n the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n if_o he_o may_v be_v exclude_v from_o it_o or_o forbid_v a_o entrance_n into_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v on_o ground_n sufficient_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o evince_v the_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o his_o profession_n little_a regard_n be_v have_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o too_o much_o unto_o man_n own_o church_n indeed_o may_v more_o or_o less_o insist_v upon_o the_o explicitness_n of_o this_o profession_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o sincerity_n as_o they_o find_v it_o tend_v to_o their_o peace_n and_o edification_n with_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n and_o example_n leave_v unto_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o any_o church_n may_v not_o turn_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o any_o every_o professor_n be_v allow_v with_o reference_n unto_o particular_a assembly_n to_o
make_v his_o choice_n of_o the_o measure_n he_o will_v comply_v withal_o at_o least_o if_o he_o will_v make_v the_o choice_n of_o his_o habitation_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o his_o edification_n hereby_o the_o peace_n and_o duty_n both_o of_o church_n and_o private_a person_n be_v secure_v and_o this_o rule_n of_o church_n admission_n and_o communion_n furnish_v christian_n with_o peace_n love_n and_o unity_n for_o many_o age_n set_v aside_o the_o ruffle_v give_v they_o in_o the_o rashness_n of_o victor_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v also_o render_v practicable_a and_o easy_a by_o virtue_n of_o their_o communion_n as_o church_n among_o themselves_o for_o from_o thence_o commendatory_a letter_n supply_v the_o room_n of_o actual_a profession_n in_o th●m_n who_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o one_o church_n do_v desire_v the_o same_o privilege_n in_o any_o other_o and_o on_o this_o rule_n be_v person_n to_o be_v receive_v though_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n 1._o think_v it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o thing_n otherwise_o mind_v than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n 15._o though_o babe_n and_o unskilful_a as_o to_o degree_n 14._o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o a_o proviso_n that_o man_n do_v not_o contradict_v or_o destroy_v their_o own_o profession_n by_o a_o unholy_a conversation_n for_o such_o person_n never_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o especial_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o neglect_n of_o due_a attendance_n hereunto_o be_v that_o which_o principal_o have_v cast_v we_o into_o all_o our_o confusion_n and_o render_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n ineffectual_a and_o if_o this_o warranty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o disciple_n of_o claim_v a_o participation_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n and_o a_o admission_n unto_o a_o joynt-performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o they_o may_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o power_n leave_v to_o impose_v other_o condition_n of_o communion_n on_o they_o be_v reject_v and_o render_v useless_a all_o church_n communion_n be_v absolute_o resolve_v into_o the_o variable_a will_n of_o men._n the_o church_n no_o doubt_n may_v judge_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o due_a application_n unto_o particular_a occasion_n as_o whether_o such_o person_n may_v according_a to_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o fellowship_n to_o deprive_v church_n of_o this_o litberty_n be_v to_o take_v away_o their_o principal_a use_n and_o service_n but_o to_o make_v law_n of_o their_o own_o the_o subject_a matter_n whereof_o shall_v be_v thing_n not_o command_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o admit_v profess_a christian_n unto_o their_o communion_n be_v a_o assumption_n that_o can_v be_v justify_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o assume_v of_o a_o authority_n by_o some_o church_n for_o such_o like_a imposition_n be_v that_o which_o have_v principal_o occasion_v many_o to_o deny_v they_o so_o to_o be_v so_o at_o once_o to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o authority_n which_o in_o so_o many_o instance_n they_o find_v to_o be_v abuse_v and_o although_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v prevail_v on_o weak_a and_o credulous_a person_n by_o propose_v unto_o they_o a_o absolute_a acquiescency_n in_o their_o dictate_v and_o determination_n as_o the_o best_a ready_a and_o most_o facile_a mean_n of_o satisfaction_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o do_v more_o alienate_v wise_a and_o conscientious_a person_n from_o they_o than_o do_v that_o unreasonable_a proposal_n moreover_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o endless_a dispute_n will_v arise_v on_o this_o supposition_n about_o what_o be_v meet_v and_o convenient_a and_o what_o not_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o scripture-rule_n of_o communion_n they_o have_v do_v so_o in_o the_o age_n past_a and_o continue_v yet_o so_o to_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n on_o this_o principle_n know_v or_o probable_o conjecture_v when_o he_o have_v a_o firm_a station_n in_o the_o church_n or_o a_o indefensable_a interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o for_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v concoct_v the_o imposition_n of_o one_o church_n on_o the_o first_o removal_n of_o his_o habitation_n he_o may_v have_v new_a condition_n of_o communion_n prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o from_o this_o perplexity_n nothing_o can_v relieve_v he_o but_o a_o resolution_n to_o do_v in_o every_o place_n whereunto_o he_o may_v come_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o place_n beit_v good_a or_o bad_a right_a or_o wrong_n but_o neither_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n leave_v his_o disciple_n at_o this_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o case_n suppose_v nor_o will_v accept_v of_o that_o indifferency_n which_o be_v in_o the_o remedy_n suggest_v they_o therefore_o who_o regulate_v their_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n by_o the_o firm_a state_v law_n of_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n if_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v thereon_o do_v not_o by_o their_o abstinence_n from_o it_o contract_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n or_o any_o unblamable_a division_n moreover_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o prescribe_v and_o impose_v unwritten_a condition_n of_o church-communion_n on_o christian_n who_o or_o what_o law_n do_v or_o shall_v prescribe_v bound_n unto_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v in_o their_o prescription_n beyond_o what_o be_v useful_a unto_o edification_n or_o unto_o what_o will_v be_v real_o burdensome_a and_o intolerable_a unto_o church_n to_o say_v that_o those_o who_o claim_v this_o power_n may_v be_v secure_o trust_v with_o it_o for_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o such_o excess_n will_v scarce_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o beside_o that_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o power_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o swell_v and_o extend_v itself_o unmeasurable_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o christendom_n lie_v against_o this_o suggestion_n be_v not_o a_o excess_n of_o this_o kind_n complain_v of_o by_o austin_n of_o old_a when_o yet_o the_o observation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n be_v much_o more_o voluntary_a than_o in_o after_o age_n neither_o be_v they_o make_v absolute_o condition_n of_o communion_n unless_o among_o a_o very_a few_o do_v not_o all_o protestant_n grant_n and_o plead_v that_o the_o papal_a church_n have_v exceed_v all_o bound_n of_o moderation_n and_o sobriety_n herein_o so_o that_o from_o thence_o they_o take_v the_o principal_a warranty_n of_o their_o secession_n from_o it_o do_v not_o other_o church_n mutual_o charge_v one_o another_o on_o the_o same_o account_n have_v not_o a_o charge_n of_o this_o ex●●ss_n be_v the_o ball_n of_o contention_n in_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o any_o either_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o certain_a instance_n by_o some_o power_n superior_a unto_o they_o or_o it_o be_v leave_v absolute_o as_o unto_o all_o particular_n whereunto_o it_o may_v be_v extend_v unto_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n the_o first_o will_v not_o be_v assert_v nor_o can_v be_v so_o unless_o the_o instance_n intend_v can_v be_v recount_v and_o the_o confirm_a power_n be_v declare_v if_o the_o latter_a be_v affirm_v then_o let_v they_o run_v into_o what_o excess_n they_o please_v unless_o they_o judge_v themselves_o that_o so_o they_o do_v which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v none_o ought_v ever_o to_o complain_v of_o what_o they_o do_v for_o there_o be_v no_o failure_n in_o they_o who_o attend_v unto_o their_o rule_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v man_n own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n and_o this_o be_v direct_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whence_o they_o think_v it_o always_o exceed_o unequal_a that_o any_o of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a law_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o they_o make_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o such_o thing_n where_o be_v the_o certainty_n and_o stability_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o communion_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o church_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o and_o who_o will_v give_v assurance_n that_o no_o one_o condition_n direct_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o shall_v be_v prescribe_v and_o impose_v by_o person_n enjoy_v this_o pretend_a power_n or_o who_o can_v undertake_v that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o condition_n as_o may_v be_v countenance_v by_o a_o plea_n of_o be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a shall_v not_o be_v increase_v until_o they_o come_v to_o be_v such_o a_o burden_n and_o yoke_n as_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o bear_v and_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o submit_v themselves_o
pretend_v to_o fall_v under_o scripture-proof_n that_o such_o bishop_n shall_v be_v diocesan_n that_o they_o shall_v depend_v on_o archbishop_n over_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v assume_v the_o whole_a power_n of_o church-rule_n and_o discipline_n into_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o shall_v administer_v it_o by_o chancellor_n archdeacon_n commissary_n and_o the_o like_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v by_o presentment_n or_o indictment_n citation_n process_n litigious_a plead_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o secular_a or_o civil_a court_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o that_o rule_n and_o discipline_n which_o the_o gospel_n direct_v unto_o with_o the_o management_n of_o it_o in_o love_n and_o brotherly_n compassion_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n but_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v not_o in_o particular_a insist_v upon_o for_o the_o reason_n before_o give_v this_o we_o must_v say_v that_o take_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o government_n and_o the_o administration_n thereof_o together_o which_o by_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o we_o must_v testify_v our_o approbation_n of_o and_o acquiescence_n in_o or_o we_o deal_v hypocritical_o with_o they_o that_o require_v it_o of_o we_o and_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o far_o unscriptural_a as_o that_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o and_o submission_n unto_o it_o can_v due_o and_o just_o be_v make_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n unto_o we_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o submission_n unto_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v that_o wherein_o our_o communion_n itself_o with_o it_o do_v consist_v and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o fancy_n to_o think_v of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n without_o it_o but_o this_o be_v otherwise_o as_o appear_v in_o those_o church_n where_o all_o rule_n and_o government_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n there_o communion_n be_v mere_o spiritual_a in_o the_o administration_n of_o evangelical_n ordinance_n and_o may_v but_o that_o be_v admit_v which_o nature_n reason_n the_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o gospel-obedience_n do_v require_v namely_o that_o church-fellowship_n and_o communion_n be_v build_v upon_o man_n own_o judgement_n and_o choice_n and_o this_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n towards_o the_o pacification_n of_o our_o difference_n but_o if_o this_o be_v so_o and_o that_o all_o church-communion_n consist_v in_o submission_n to_o the_o government_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o do_v so_o principal_o it_o become_v they_o by_o who_o it_o be_v own_v and_o avow_v so_o to_o do_v to_o take_v care_n that_o that_o government_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o administer_v according_a to_o his_o mind_n or_o all_o church_n communion_n proper_o so_o call_v will_v be_v overthrow_v three_o we_o be_v require_v to_o use_v and_o observe_v the_o ceremony_n in_o worship_n which_o the_o present_a church_n have_v appoint_v or_o do_v use_v and_o observe_v this_o also_o be_v make_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n unto_o we_o for_o many_o be_v at_o this_o day_n actual_o cast_v out_o of_o all_o communion_n for_o not_o observe_v of_o they_o some_o be_v so_o proceed_v against_o for_o not_o observe_v of_o holy_a day_n some_o for_o not_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n some_o for_o not_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o minister_n that_o shall_v neglect_v or_o omit_v to_o wear_v the_o surplice_n in_o sacred_a administration_n be_v easy_a to_o conjecture_v but_o these_o thing_n be_v all_o of_o they_o unwritten_a and_o unscriptural_a great_a and_o many_o indeed_o have_v be_v the_o dispute_n of_o learned_a man_n to_o prove_v that_o although_o they_o have_v no_o divine_a institution_n nor_o yet_o example_n of_o apostolical_a or_o primitive_a practice_n yet_o that_o they_o may_v be_v lawful_o use_v for_o decency_n and_o order_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n whether_o they_o have_v evince_v what_o they_o aim_v at_o be_v as_o yet_o undetermined_a but_o suppose_v in_o this_o case_n all_o to_o be_v as_o they_o will_v pretend_v and_o plead_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v yet_o because_o they_o be_v all_o grant_v to_o be_v arbitrary_a invention_n of_o man_n and_o very_o few_o of_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o they_o be_v agree_v what_o be_v their_o proper_a use_n and_o signification_n or_o whether_o they_o have_v any_o or_o no_o they_o be_v altogether_o unmeet_a to_o be_v make_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n for_o enquiry_n may_v be_v make_v on_o what_o warranty_n or_o by_o what_o rule_n they_o may_v be_v appoint_v so_o to_o be_v those_o who_o preside_v in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v so_o in_o his_o name_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v impose_v nothing_o on_o they_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o their_o communion_n together_o but_o what_o his_o name_n be_v upon_o or_o what_o they_o have_v his_o authority_n for_o and_o it_o will_v be_v dangerous_a to_o set_v his_o seal_n unto_o our_o own_o appointment_n for_o what_o man_n think_v meet_v to_o do_v themselves_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n it_o may_v be_v measure_v and_o accept_v with_o he_o according_a to_o their_o light_n and_o design_n but_o for_o what_o they_o impose_v on_o other_o and_o that_o under_o no_o less_o penalty_n than_o the_o deprivation_n of_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n procure_v for_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v his_o warrant_n and_o authority_n for_o and_o their_o zeal_n be_v to_o be_v bewail_v who_o not_o only_o cast_v man_n out_o of_o all_o church_n communion_n so_o far_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v for_o a_o refusal_n to_o observe_v those_o voluntary_o impose_v ceremony_n in_o sacred_a worship_n but_o also_o prosecute_v they_o with_o outward_a force_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o they_o and_o their_o family_n and_o we_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o any_o shall_v as_o yet_o think_v meet_v to_o make_v use_n of_o prison_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o man_n thereby_o as_o a_o appendix_n of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n exercise_v in_o the_o high_a severity_n on_o no_o great_a occasion_n than_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o observance_n of_o these_o ceremony_n whether_o such_o proceed_n be_v measure_v by_o present_a interest_n or_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o what_o will_v be_v please_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v not_o difficult_a to_o determine_v four_o as_o we_o be_v minister_n there_o be_v in_o some_o case_n require_v of_o we_o under_o the_o same_o penalty_n a_o oath_n of_o canonical_a obedience_n we_o need_v not_o labour_v to_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v unscriptural_a nor_o to_o avoid_v provocation_n shall_v at_o present_a declare_v the_o rise_n nature_n and_o use_v of_o it_o with_o the_o fierce_a digladiation_n that_o have_v former_o be_v about_o it_o we_o can_v look_v upon_o it_o no_o otherwise_o but_o as_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o liberty_n and_o unworthy_a of_o the_o office_n of_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o know_v not_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o unto_o the_o end_n mention_v unless_o it_o be_v of_o some_o a_o subscription_n unto_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o because_o the_o scripture_n enjoin_v unto_o all_o a_o consent_n unto_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o a_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n may_v be_v admit_v so_o far_o as_o those_o article_n concern_v only_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o whereas_o there_o be_v annex_v unto_o they_o and_o enjoin_v with_o other_o thing_n a_o approbation_n of_o all_o those_o instance_n of_o condition_n of_o communion_n before_o insist_v on_o a_o subscription_n unto_o the_o whole_a become_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o thing_n themselves_o therein_o approve_v of_o these_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o and_o which_o we_o be_v indispensible_o to_o submit_v unto_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o be_v partaker_n thereof_o and_o these_o be_v all_o which_o we_o know_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o any_o of_o these_o be_v in_o particular_a prescribe_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n much_o less_o that_o they_o can_v derive_v any_o warranty_n from_o thence_o to_o be_v make_v necessary_a condition_n of_o church-communion_n will_v not_o we_o suppose_v be_v pretend_v by_o any_o if_o therefore_o any_o division_n do_v ensue_v on_o the_o refusal_n of_o some_o to_o admit_v of_o these_o condition_n the_o gild_n of_o they_o can_v by_o any_o rule_n of_o scripture_n or_o from_o any_o example_n of_o the_o first_o church_n be_v charge_v on_o they_o
duty_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o shadow_n of_o authority_n for_o it_o will_v be_v leave_v unto_o we_o for_o what_o be_v allow_v in_o case_n of_o a_o sudden_a emergency_n upon_o a_o offence_n take_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n at_o the_o wickedness_n of_o any_o which_o be_v instruct_v beforehand_o that_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o offence_n unto_o they_o as_o it_o may_v be_v it_o can_v be_v prove_v ever_o to_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o any_o one_o instance_n so_o the_o allow_a exercise_n of_o it_o will_v yield_v no_o relief_n in_o this_o case_n and_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v extend_v the_o rule_n beyond_o the_o interpretation_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o present_a current_a administration_n of_o church-discipline_n there_o be_v no_o great_a question_n to_o be_v make_v what_o entertainment_n he_o will_v meet_v withal_o for_o his_o so_o do_v and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o come_v into_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o go_v out_o again_o and_o if_o instead_o of_o deal_n with_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n as_o steward_n of_o his_o mystery_n any_o can_v content_v themselves_o to_o be_v informer_n of_o crime_n unto_o other_o we_o desire_v their_o pardon_n if_o we_o can_v comply_v with_o they_o therein_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o at_o present_a we_o be_v plead_v about_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n of_o particular_a church_n to_o judge_v and_o take_v care_n concern_v the_o fitness_n of_o they_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o church_n and_o thereby_o unto_o a_o participation_n of_o all_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n thereof_o this_o charge_n the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o hereof_o will_v require_v a_o account_n from_o they_o upon_o the_o neglect_n or_o right_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n consequent_n of_o great_a moment_n do_v depend_v yea_o the_o due_a attendance_n unto_o it_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n into_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v the_o hinge_v whereon_o the_o well-being_n of_o it_o do_v turn_v but_o the_o power_n of_o exercise_v ministerial_a authority_n in_o a_o just_a attendance_n unto_o this_o duty_n we_o must_v renounce_v in_o our_o conformity_n if_o we_o shall_v submit_v thereunto_o for_o we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o after_o we_o have_v conform_v we_o can_v pretend_v no_o excuse_n from_o what_o be_v enjoin_v we_o or_o forbid_v unto_o we_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o all_o be_v found_v in_o our_o own_o voluntary_a act_n and_o consent_n hence_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o omission_n must_v whole_o fall_v on_o we_o which_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o undergo_v there_o be_v we_o know_v many_o objection_n raise_v against_o the_o commit_n of_o this_o power_n and_o trust_n unto_o the_o minister_n of_o particular_a congregation_n great_a inconvenience_n be_v pretend_v as_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unfitness_n of_o most_o minister_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o such_o a_o trust_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v commit_v unto_o they_o the_o arbitrariness_n and_o partiality_n which_o probable_o other_o will_v exercise_v therein_o the_o yoke_n that_o will_v be_v bring_v on_o the_o people_n thereby_o and_o disorder_n in_o the_o whole_a be_v usual_o plead_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o insist_v on_o but_o 1._o this_o trust_n be_v commit_v unto_o some_o or_o other_o by_o christ_n himself_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v never_o do_v he_o appoint_v nor_o be_v it_o meet_v nor_o be_v it_o ever_o practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v at_o his_o pleasure_n on_o his_o own_o presumption_n intrude_v himself_o into_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o consideration_n of_o man_n habitation_n with_o their_o age_n and_o the_o like_a be_v of_o no_o consideration_n with_o respect_n unto_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n either_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v unto_o the_o pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o every_o man_n be_v he_o never_o so_o ignorant_a wicked_a or_o profligate_v to_o impose_v himself_o on_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n of_o christ_n or_o there_o must_v be_v a_o judgement_n in_o the_o church_n concern_v they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o their_o communion_n 2._o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christian_a religion_n those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v principal_o entrust_v with_o this_o power_n and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o gather_v they_o who_o be_v so_o convert_v into_o that_o church-order_n and_o fellowship_n wherein_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n or_o solemn_a ordinance_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n and_o this_o course_n of_o proceed_v continue_v uninterrupted_a with_o some_o little_a variation_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n and_o duty_n until_o corruption_n have_v spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a profess_v church_n in_o the_o world_n but_o still_o a_o shadow_n and_o resemblance_n of_o it_o be_v retain_v and_o in_o the_o papal_a church_n itself_o to_o this_o day_n particular_a confessor_n be_v esteem_v competent_a judge_n of_o the_o meetness_n of_o their_o penitent_n for_o a_o admission_n unto_o the_o sacrament_n of_o their_o church_n and_o who_o shall_v now_o be_v esteem_v more_o meet_a for_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n than_o those_o who_o succeed_v in_o the_o office_n and_o work_n of_o preach_v the_o word_n whereby_o man_n be_v prepare_v for_o church-society_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o unheard_a of_o in_o antiquity_n that_o those_o who_o dispense_v the_o word_n unto_o the_o illumination_n and_o conversion_n of_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o power_n of_o their_o disposal_n as_o to_o their_o be_v add_v to_o the_o church_n or_o suspend_v for_o a_o time_n as_o there_o be_v occasion_n so_o it_o be_v as_o uncouth_a that_o those_o who_o now_o sustain_v the_o same_o place_n and_o office_n unto_o the_o several_a congregation_n attend_v on_o their_o ministry_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o it_o 3._o if_o there_o be_v that_o ignorance_n and_o disability_n in_o minister_n as_o be_v pretend_v the_o blame_n of_o it_o reflect_v on_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v make_v and_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o accommodate_v any_o of_o the_o way_n or_o truth_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o sin_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n and_o if_o they_o be_v insufficient_a for_o this_o work_n how_o come_v they_o to_o be_v so_o sufficient_a for_o that_o which_o be_v great_a namely_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o unto_o all_o their_o hearer_n but_o we_o speak_v of_o such_o minister_n as_o be_v competent_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n and_o no_o other_o ought_v there_o to_o be_v and_o such_o there_o be_v bless_a be_v god_n through_o the_o watchful_a care_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n over_o his_o church_n and_o his_o supply_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o they_o and_o such_o as_o these_o know_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o study_v meditate_v pray_v ask_v counsel_n and_o advice_n of_o other_o perhaps_o of_o more_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n than_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n nor_o will_v god_n be_v want_v unto_o they_o who_o in_o sincerity_n seek_v direction_n from_o he_o for_o the_o discharge_n of_o any_o duty_n which_o he_o call_v they_o unto_o other_o security_n of_o regular_a orderly_a and_o useful_a proceed_n in_o this_o matter_n christ_n have_v not_o give_v we_o nor_o do_v we_o need_v for_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o his_o appointment_n will_v not_o fail_v the_o attain_n of_o his_o end_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o also_o 4._o the_o judgement_n and_o act_n of_o the_o church-officer_n in_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n into_o the_o complete_a society_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o arbitrary_a as_o be_v pretend_v they_o have_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o be_v diligent_o to_o attend_v unto_o this_o be_v the_o entire_a rule_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v leave_v unto_o his_o church_n both_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n whatever_o be_v beyond_o this_o or_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o he_o nor_o own_a by_o he_o what_o be_v not_o do_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n though_o it_o may_v stand_v until_o lawful_o recall_v
who_o cause_n they_o plead_v we_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o exclude_v from_o church_n communion_n with_o they_o by_o the_o unscriptural_a condition_n of_o it_o which_o they_o will_v force_v upon_o we_o the_o distance_n between_o we_o that_o ensue_v hereon_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o not_o we_o for_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v with_o they_o or_o any_o other_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v they_o think_v it_o meet_v that_o we_o shall_v revenge_v their_o fault_n upon_o ourselves_o by_o a_o voluntary_a abstinence_n from_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o edification_n do_v any_o man_n think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n leave_v any_o of_o his_o disciple_n unto_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v observe_v his_o command_n and_o institution_n without_o sin_n that_o we_o shall_v join_v in_o some_o society_n that_o in_o they_o we_o shall_v assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o they_o do_v and_o observe_v whatever_o he_o have_v appoint_v we_o look_v upon_o as_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n make_v so_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o command_n these_o thing_n say_v some_o you_o shall_v not_o do_v with_o we_o if_o you_o will_v do_v no_o more_o and_o if_o you_o do_v they_o among_o yourselves_o you_o be_v schismatic_n but_o this_o be_v a_o severity_n which_o we_o know_v we_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o at_o the_o last_o day_n we_o stand_v at_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o jesus_n christ._n it_o will_v it_o may_v be_v be_v demand_v by_o what_o warrant_n or_o authority_n we_o do_v assemble_v ourselves_o in_o church_n society_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o gospel_n ordinance_n and_o who_o give_v we_o this_o authority_n we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o we_o so_o that_o with_o they_o we_o can_v enjoy_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o of_o this_o difference_n we_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n nor_o do_v give_v occasion_n to_o any_o unblamable_a division_n by_o our_o principle_n or_o practice_n where_o the_o cause_n be_v find_v there_o the_o guilt_n remain_v this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n with_o we_o it_o be_v fond_a to_o imagine_v that_o any_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v absolute_o want_v a_o warranty_n or_o authority_n to_o obey_v jesus_n christ_n to_o observe_v his_o command_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o revealed_z will._n his_o command_n in_o his_o word_n his_o promise_n of_o the_o acceptance_n of_o they_o and_o of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o their_o holy_a obedience_n the_o assistance_n and_o guidance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o he_o afford_v gracious_o unto_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warranty_n and_o authority_n for_o what_o they_o do_v in_o express_a compliance_n with_o his_o command_n and_o more_o they_o will_v not_o plead_v a_o power_n for_o where_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o be_v his_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v no_o otherwise_o commit_v unto_o man_n but_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v obediential_o towards_o he_o and_o ministerial_o towards_o other_o and_o be_v church_n act_n consider_v more_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o obedidience_n that_o in_o they_o be_v perform_v unto_o christ_n which_o be_v their_o first_o and_o principal_a consideration_n it_o will_v quick_o be_v evident_a whence_o man_n may_v have_v authority_n for_o their_o performance_n and_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n be_v we_o direct_v in_o their_o order_n and_o manner_n beside_o the_o minister_n who_o go_v before_o the_o people_n in_o their_o assembly_n be_v all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v solemn_o set_v apart_o unto_o their_o office_n and_o work_n according_a unto_o what_o christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o good_a way_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o go_v before_o they_o who_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v by_o they_o in_o their_o practice_n these_o thing_n have_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n require_v of_o they_o and_o a_o account_n concern_v they_o will_v he_o call_v they_o unto_o at_o the_o last_o day_n a_o dispensation_n be_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o a_o necessity_n be_v thence_o incumbent_a on_o they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o who_o shall_v excuse_v they_o if_o they_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v for_o that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o that_o diligent_o every_o one_o according_a as_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v out_o of_o question_n with_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o stewardship_n which_o be_v commit_v unto_o they_o herein_o be_v they_o to_o give_v a_o account_n and_o we_o do_v know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n for_o sinner_n that_o be_v wilful_a neglecter_n of_o his_o command_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n also_o have_v testify_v beforehand_o that_o he_o who_o set_v his_o hand_n to_o this_o plough_n and_o look_v back_o again_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n he_o alone_o who_o call_v they_o to_o this_o work_n can_v discharge_v they_o of_o it_o and_o that_o either_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n or_o his_o providence_n and_o when_o man_n be_v invincible_o hinder_v as_o many_o be_v at_o this_o day_n it_o be_v their_o suffering_n but_o not_o their_o sin_n otherwise_o none_o can_v absolve_v they_o from_o the_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o debt_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o undertake_v the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n some_o indeed_o suppose_v or_o pretend_v to_o suppose_v that_o a_o prohibition_n give_v they_o by_o superior_n forbid_v they_o to_o preach_v though_o not_o by_o nor_o according_a unto_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v discharge_v they_o from_o any_o obligation_n so_o to_o do_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o their_o duty_n it_o will_v do_v so_o no_o doubt_n have_v they_o receive_v no_o other_o command_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n nor_o from_o any_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o and_o from_o those_o superior_n by_o who_o they_o be_v forbid_v but_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o have_v so_o from_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a they_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o this_o discharge_n nor_o be_v buy_v with_o a_o price_n can_v they_o now_o be_v servant_n of_o man_n but_o by_o who_o be_v they_o thus_o forbid_v to_o preach_v it_o will_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o church_n which_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o which_o original_o make_v itself_o a_o part_n in_o these_o difference_n by_o the_o condition_n of_o communion_n which_o it_o will_v impose_v upon_o they_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n in_o this_o case_n nor_o will_v their_o prohibition_n who_o apparent_o thereby_o revenge_v their_o own_o quarrel_n influence_n the_o conscience_n of_o they_o that_o dissent_v from_o they_o for_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o what_o will_n or_o may_v take_v place_n but_o what_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n will_v or_o may_v be_v concern_v in_o by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n they_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o preach_v that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v prohibit_v to_o preach_v in_o the_o legal_a public_a meet_v place_n or_o church_n and_o these_o place_n be_v in_o the_o power_n and_o care_n of_o the_o magistrate_n it_o be_v meet_v his_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o use_n shall_v be_v accept_v of_o or_o his_o prohibition_n observe_v or_o his_o penalty_n quiet_o undergo_v where_o a_o peaceable_a occasion_n be_v make_v use_n of_o contrary_n unto_o it_o as_o to_o other_o place_n minister_n be_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v to_o preach_v in_o they_o no_o such_o power_n be_v as_o yet_o assume_v or_o exercise_v only_o the_o manner_n of_o assembly_n for_o sacred_a worship_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o that_o may_v assemble_v be_v regulate_v by_o law_n for_o secular_a end_n or_o civil_a security_n and_o that_o under_o express_a penalty_n incur_v on_o a_o contrary_a practice_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o minister_n can_v be_v concern_v in_o such_o law_n so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v exempt_v by_o they_o from_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o from_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n this_o they_o be_v command_v by_o he_o to_o do_v and_o other_o know_v the_o penalty_n from_o man_n under_o the_o danger_n whereof_o they_o must_v attend_v unto_o they_o beside_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o legal_a prohibition_n so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v extend_v be_v take_v from_o civil_a consideration_n alone_o namely_o of_o