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cause_n difference_n former_a great_a 135 4 2.1090 3 false
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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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a_o discourse_n concern_v evangelical_n love_n church-peace_n and_o unity_n with_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o present_a difference_n and_o division_n about_o thing_n sacred_a and_o religious_a write_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o minister_n and_o other_o speciosum_fw-la quidem_fw-la nomen_fw-la est_fw-la pacis_fw-la et_fw-la pulchra_fw-la opinio_fw-la unitatis_fw-la sed_fw-la quis_fw-la ambigat_fw-la eam_fw-la solam_fw-la unicam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pacem_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la christi_fw-la est_fw-la hilar._n london_n print_v 1672._o a_o discourse_n concern_v christian_n love_n and_o peace_n chap._n i._n complaint_n of_o want_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n how_o to_o be_v manage_v and_o whence_o fruitless_a charge_v of_o gild_n on_o some_o why_o now_o remove_v and_o for_o who_o sake_n personal_a miscarriage_n of_o any_o not_o excuse_v those_o who_o manage_n the_o charge_n mention_v not_o agree_v the_o 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strife_n wrath_n anger_n and_o debate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o different_a apprehension_n and_o practice_n in_o and_o about_o the_o concern_v of_o religious_a worship_n much_o more_o do_v we_o cast_v out_o all_o thought_n of_o judge_a man_n eternal_a state_n and_o condition_n with_o respect_n unto_o such_o difference_n nor_o do_v we_o nor_o dare_v we_o give_v countenance_n unto_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o least_o real_o opposite_a to_o love_v peace_n unity_n or_o concord_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n and_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o excuse_v any_o of_o those_o extravagancy_n and_o intemperate_a heat_n in_o word_n or_o otherwise_o which_o some_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o who_o until_o their_o repentance_n must_v bear_v their_o own_o judgement_n so_o we_o will_v not_o make_v a_o recharge_v on_o other_o who_o differ_v in_o persuasion_n from_o we_o of_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a crime_n nor_o indeed_o need_v we_o so_o to_o do_v their_o principle_n and_o practice_n contrary_a unto_o all_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n be_v write_v as_o with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o we_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o our_o lot_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o appearance_n of_o such_o thing_n in_o any_o of_o we_o will_v be_v esteem_v a_o scandalous_a crime_n which_o other_o that_o condemn_v they_o in_o we_o indulg_v in_o themselves_o without_o the_o least_o check_n or_o control_v the_o law_n of_o this_o condition_n be_v put_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o profession_n which_o we_o do_v avow_v only_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n against_o we_o by_o their_o plea_n for_o love_n unity_n and_o concord_n as_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v for_o peace_n but_o that_o we_o make_v ourselves_o ready_a for_o war_n can_v they_o convince_v we_o that_o we_o come_v behind_o they_o in_o the_o valuation_n and_o seck_v after_o these_o thing_n by_o all_o way_n and_o mean_v bless_v by_o christ_n to_o that_o 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such_o mutual_a reflection_n grievous_a and_o irksome_a unto_o man_n when_o they_o apprehend_v that_o in_o they_o or_o by_o they_o profess_a friend_n do_v industrious_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o contempt_n and_o wrath_n of_o profess_a adversary_n chap._n iu._n want_v of_o love_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n just_o complain_v of_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o schism_n 1._o misapprehension_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n wherein_o it_o do_v true_o consist_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v and_o preserve_v mistake_v about_o both_o 2._o neglect_v in_o church_n to_o attend_v unto_o know_a gospel-duty_n of_o preach_v unto_o conversion_n and_o edification_n care_v of_o those_o that_o be_v real_o godly_a of_o discipline_n how_o neglect_v how_o corrupt_v principle_n seduce_v church_n and_o their_o ruler_n into_o miscarriage_n 1._o confidence_n of_o their_o place_n 2._o contempt_n of_o the_o people_n 3._o trust_v unto_o worldly_a grandeur_n other_o cause_n of_o division_n remainder_n of_o corruption_n from_o the_o general_n apostasy_n weakness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o readiness_n to_o take_v offence_n remedy_n hereof_o pride_n false_a teacher_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a decay_n of_o love_n a_o great_a want_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a nor_o less_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o command_v and_o enjoin_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n may_v they_o be_v obtain_v it_o will_v great_o further_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o answer_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o loss_n be_v obstructive_a unto_o the_o one_o and_o no_o less_o dishonourable_a unto_o that_o profession_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o other_o for_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n occasion_v chief_o by_o false_a notion_n of_o unity_n and_o undue_a mean_n
of_o attain_v it_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o offence_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v yet_o stranger_n from_o christianity_n the_o jew_n object_n unto_o we_o the_o war_n among_o christian_n which_o they_o suppose_v shall_v have_v no_o place_n under_o the_o kingdom_n and_o reign_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o we_o have_v be_v reproach_v with_o our_o intestine_a difference_n by_o gentile_n and_o mahumetan_n for_o those_o who_o never_o have_v either_o peace_n or_o love_n or_o unity_n among_o themselves_o do_v yet_o think_v meet_a to_o revile_v we_o with_o the_o want_n of_o they_o because_o they_o know_v how_o high_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o they_o but_o any_o man_n may_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o the_o neglect_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o they_o profess_v if_o they_o be_v find_v defective_a therein_o under_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o the_o want_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v labour_v long_o enough_o if_o we_o endeavour_v not_o to_o take_v away_o ihe_a cause_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o our_o disquisition_n after_o they_o we_o be_v again_o entangle_v christian_n can_v come_v to_o a_o agreement_n about_o these_o cause_n and_o so_o live_v under_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o effect_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o conclude_v on_o a_o remedy_n the_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v here_o divide_v and_o one_o cry_v one_o thing_n another_o another_o most_o place_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o difference_n in_o a_o dissent_n from_o themselves_o and_o their_o judgement_n yea_o they_o do_v so_o apparent_o who_o yet_o disavow_v their_o so_o do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v here_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v give_v some_o account_n of_o our_o thought_n as_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o difference_n whereof_o we_o also_o have_v now_o complain_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n or_o obstructive_a of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o endeavour_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o as_o may_v have_v those_o expectation_n particular_a evil_n which_o contribute_v much_o unto_o our_o division_n we_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o much_o less_o shall_v we_o reflect_v upon_o and_o aggravate_v the_o fail_n of_o other_o whether_o person_n or_o society_n some_o of_o the_o principal_a and_o more_o general_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o they_o especial_o among_o protestant_n it_o shall_v suffice_v we_o to_o enumerate_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o division_n and_o schism_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o ignorance_n or_o misapprehension_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o evangelical_n unity_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o follow_v after_o with_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v and_o preserve_v hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o great_a plea_n for_o unity_n and_o endeavour_n after_o it_o most_o man_n have_v pursue_v a_o shadow_n and_o fight_v uncertain_o as_o those_o that_o beat_v the_o air._n for_o have_v lose_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o gospel_n unity_n and_o not_o love_v the_o thing_n its_o self_n under_o what_o term_n soever_o propose_v unto_o they_o they_o consign_v the_o name_n of_o it_o unto_o and_o clothe_v with_o its_o ornament_n and_o privilege_n a_o vain_a figment_n of_o their_o own_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n never_o require_v nor_o ever_o bless_v any_o in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o attain_v and_o when_o they_o have_v change_v the_o end_n it_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o also_o to_o change_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o to_o substitute_v those_o in_o their_o room_n which_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o new_a mark_n and_o aim_v they_o have_v erect_v farther_o to_o evidence_n these_o thing_n we_o shall_v give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o with_o the_o false_a notion_n of_o it_o that_o some_o have_v embrace_v and_o the_o corrupt_a mean_n which_o they_o have_v use_v for_o the_o compass_v of_o the_o same_o first_o that_o unity_n which_o be_v recommend_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v spiritual_a and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o so_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a 4._o hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n because_o there_o be_v one_o body_n 22._o and_o one_o spirit_n whereby_o that_o body_n be_v animate_v thus_o all_o true_a believer_n become_v one_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n or_o perfect_a in_o one_o it_o be_v their_o participation_n of_o and_o quicken_a by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n whereby_o they_o become_v his_o body_n or_o member_n of_o it_o 30_o even_o of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n that_o be_v no_o less_o real_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a spiritual_a nature_n with_o he_o 4_o than_o eve_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o adam_n when_o she_o be_v make_v of_o his_o fl●sh_n and_o his_o bone_n 3_o the_o real_a union_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o their_o head_n wrought_v by_o his_o spi●i●_n which_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o communicate_v of_o his_o grace_n unto_o they_o be_v that_o which_o we_o intend_v for_o as_o hereby_o they_o become_v one_o with_o and_o in_o he_o so_o they_o come_v to_o be_v one_o among_o themselves_o as_o his_o body_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v many_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o body_n wherein_o their_o oneness_n among_o themselves_o do_v consist_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n have_v divers_a form_n or_o shape_n divers_a use_n and_o operation_n much_o more_o may_v be_v diverse_o clothe_v and_o adorn_v yet_o be_v they_o one_o body_n still_o wherein_o this_o unity_n do_v consist_v and_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o attempt_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o dead_a useless_a unity_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n by_o clothing_n of_o they_o all_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o garment_n or_o cover_v but_o grant_v they_o their_o unity_n by_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o head_n and_o thence_o to_o one_o another_o unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o their_o different_a form_n shape_n uses_n operation_n ornament_n all_o tend_v to_o make_v they_o serviceable_a in_o their_o unity_n unto_o their_o proper_a ends._n and_o say_v the_o apostle_n as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n 13._o so_o also_o be_v christ._n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n and_o he_o do_v elsewhere_o so_o describe_v this_o fundamental_a unity_n of_o believer_n in_o one_o body_n under_o and_o in_o dependence_n on_o the_o same_o head_n as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a 16._o they_o grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_v of_o its_o self_n in_o love_n the_o conjunction_n of_o all_o the_o member_n into_o one_o body_n their_o mutual_a usefulness_n unto_o one_o another_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o its_o increase_n the_o due_a exercise_n of_o love_n which_o thing_n contain_v the_o whole_a nature_n and_o the_o utmost_a end_n of_o all_o church-communion_n do_v depend_v mere_o and_o sole_o upon_o and_o flow_v from_o the_o relation_n that_o the_o member_n have_v to_o the_o head_n and_o their_o union_n with_o he_o he_o speak_v again_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o the_o reproof_n of_o they_o who_o hold_v not_o the_o head_n 19_o from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o band_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o gospel_n unity_n among_o believer_n whereunto_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o complete_n of_o it_o be_v but_o accessary_a nor_o be_v they_o without_o this_o of_o any_o value_n or_o acceptation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n whatever_o order_n peace_n concord_n union_n in_o the_o church_n any_o one_o may_v hold_v or_o keep_v who_o be_v not_o interest_v herein_o he_o be_v but_o like_o a_o stone_n in_o a_o building_n lay_v it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o comely_a order_n but_o not_o cement_v and_o fix_v unto_o the_o whole_a which_o render_v its_o station_n useless_a to_o the_o
building_n and_o unsafe_a unto_o its_o self_n or_o like_o a_o dead_a mortify_v part_n of_o the_o body_n which_o neither_o receive_v any_o vital_a influence_n from_o the_o head_n nor_o administer_v nourishment_n unto_o any_o other_o part_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o the_o contest_v that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n about_o church_n union_n and_o division_n with_o what_o be_v plead_v about_o their_o nature_n and_o cause_n there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o consideration_n have_v thereof_o yea_o those_o thing_n be_v principal_o insist_v on_o for_o the_o constitute_n of_o the_o one_o atd_v the_o according_a of_o the_o other_o which_o cast_v a_o neglect_n yea_o a_o contempt_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v the_o romanist_n who_o make_v the_o great_a outcry_n about_o church_n union_n and_o who_o make_v the_o great_a advantage_n by_o what_o they_o pretend_v so_o to_o be_v but_o hereunto_o they_o contend_v express_o on_o the_o one_o side_n that_o it_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o unite_v unto_o he_o and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a at_o all_o that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v spiritual_o and_o save_o unite_v unto_o christ._n other_o also_o place_v it_o in_o various_a instance_n of_o conformity_n unto_o and_o compliance_n with_o the_o command_v of_o man_n which_o if_o they_o be_v observe_v they_o be_v wondrous_a cold_a in_o their_o inquiry_n after_o this_o relation_n unto_o the_o head_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o where_o any_o one_o be_v interest_v in_o this_o foundation_n of_o all_o gospel_n unity_n he_o may_v demand_v communion_n with_o any_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v refuse_v unless_o in_o case_n of_o some_o present_a offence_n or_o scandal_n and_o those_o by_o who_o such_o person_n be_v reject_v from_o communion_n to_o be_v hold_v on_o gospel_n term_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o difference_n not_o entrench_v on_o this_o foundation_n do_v exercise_v a_o kind_n of_o church_n tyranny_n and_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o schism_n which_o may_v ensue_v thereon_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n where_o this_o be_v want_v man_n compliance_n with_o any_o other_o term_n or_o condition_n that_o may_v be_v propose_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o obtain_n of_o church-communion_n thereon_o will_v be_v of_o little_a advantage_n unto_o their_o soul_n second_o unto_o this_o foundation_n of_o gospel_n unity_n among_o believer_n for_o and_o unto_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o it_o there_o be_v require_v a_o unity_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a truth_n for_o as_o there_o be_v one_o lord_n so_o also_o one_o faith_n and_o one_o baptism_n unto_o believer_n and_o this_o arise_v from_o and_o follow_v the_o other_o for_o those_o who_o be_v so_o unite_v unto_o christ_n be_v all_o teach_v of_o god_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_o require_v thereunto_o and_o however_o by_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n they_o may_v fall_v in_o it_o or_o from_o it_o for_o a_o season_n as_o do_v peter_n yet_o through_o the_o love_n and_o care_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o recover_v now_o unto_o this_o unity_n of_o faith_n two_o thing_n be_v require_v first_o a_o precise_a and_o express_a professio_fw-la 1_o of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o we_o outward_o hold_v the_o head_n by_o a_o consent_n unto_o the_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v of_o the_o number_n and_o nature_n of_o such_o fundamental_a truth_n who_o express_a acknowledgement_n belong_v unto_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n so_o much_o have_v be_v discourse_v by_o other_o as_o that_o we_o need_v not_o add_v any_o thing_n thereunto_o the_o sum_n be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n evidence_v their_o own_o necessity_n all_o conduce_v to_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n whereby_o we_o live_v unto_o god_n second_o it_o be_v require_v hereunto_o that_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o duty_n 5._o every_o man_n be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v attain_v 15_o do_v follow_v peace_n and_o love_n with_o those_o who_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v than_o he_o be_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n do_v never_o consist_v in_o the_o same_o precise_a conception_n of_o all_o reveal_v object_n neither_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o mean_n of_o revelation_n will_v allow_v such_o a_o unity_n to_o be_v moral_o possible_a and_o the_o figment_n of_o supply_v this_o variety_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v ridiculous_a for_o herein_o faith_n be_v consider_v as_o profess_v and_o no_o man_n can_v make_v profession_n of_o what_o he_o know_v not_o it_o be_v therefore_o condescension_n and_o mutual_a forbearance_n whereby_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o the_o joint_a belief_n of_o necessary_a truth_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v with_o respect_n unto_o other_o thing_n about_o which_o difference_n may_v arise_v yet_o be_v not_o this_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o though_o christian_n especial_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o fundamental_o or_o confine_v their_o scripture_n inquiry_n unto_o they_o whatever_o be_v write_v in_o the_o scripture_n 12._o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o search_v diligent_o into_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n therein_o reveal_v 16._o yea_o to_o inquire_v with_o all_o diligence_n in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o mean_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o advantage_n with_o fervent_a supplication_n for_o light_n and_o aid_n from_o above_o 17._o into_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o 11._o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n that_o be_v incumbent_n on_o we_o in_o this_o world_n and_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v minister_n and_o instructor_n of_o other_o by_o who_o this_o be_v neglect_v who_o take_v up_o with_o a_o superficiary_a knowledge_n of_o general_a principle_n and_o those_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o have_v a_o coincidence_n with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v but_o betray_v the_o soul_n of_o those_o over_o who_o they_o usurp_v a_o charge_n and_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o title_n and_o office_n which_o they_o bear_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n employ_v in_o the_o mean_n of_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n that_o shall_v hinder_v we_o from_o explain_v confirm_v and_o vindicate_v any_o truth_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v wherein_o other_o differ_v from_o we_o provide_v that_o what_o we_o do_v be_v do_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o love_n yea_o our_o so_o do_v be_v one_o principal_a mean_n of_o minister_a nourishment_n unto_o the_o body_n whereby_o the_o whole_a be_v increase_v as_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o room_n of_o all_o this_o what_o contending_n fight_n destruction_n of_o man_n body_n and_o soul_n upon_o variety_n of_o judgement_n about_o sacred_a thing_n have_v be_v introduce_v by_o the_o craft_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o carnal_a interest_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n three_o there_o be_v a_o unity_n of_o love_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o evangelical_n unity_n which_o we_o be_v in_o the_o description_n of_o for_o love_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n that_o whereby_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v knit_v together_o among_o themselves_o and_o which_o render_v all_o the_o other_o ingredient_n of_o this_o unity_n useful_a unto_o they_o and_o as_o we_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o love_n before_o so_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o it_o have_v a_o actual_a influence_n into_o gospel_n unity_n among_o christian_n may_v be_v reduce_v unto_o two_o head_n for_o first_o it_o work_v effectual_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o they_o in_o who_o it_o be_v in_o the_o contribution_n of_o supply_n of_o grace_n and_o light_n and_o help_v of_o obedience_n unto_o other_o member_n of_o the_o body_n every_o one_o in_o who_o this_o love_n dwell_v according_a to_o his_o ability_n call_v and_o opportunity_n which_o make_v up_o his_o measure_n will_v communicate_v the_o spiritual_a supply_n which_o he_o receive_v from_o the_o head_n christ_n jesus_n unto_o other_o by_o instruction_n exhortation_n consolation_n and_o example_n unto_o their_o edification_n this_o he_o will_v do_v in_o love_n and_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o love_n namely_o to_o testify_v a_o joint_a relation_n unto_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o all_o and_o the_o increase_n of_o the_o whole_a by_o supply_n of_o life_n
schismatic_a a_o divider_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o a_o enemy_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o it_o howbeit_o of_o conformity_n unto_o such_o institution_n and_o order_n of_o man_n of_o uniformity_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o external_a rite_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n speak_v nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n intimate_v in_o all_o the_o command_v for_o unity_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o nor_o in_o the_o direction_n that_o be_v sanctify_v unto_o the_o due_a preservation_n of_o it_o yet_o such_o a_o uniformity_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n and_o order_n mean_v suit_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o but_o real_o destructive_a of_o that_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v and_o who_o place_n it_o possess_v have_v not_o be_v want_v and_o it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a consideration_n how_o man_n endeavour_v to_o deceive_v other_o and_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o by_o manifold_a equivocation_n in_o their_o arguing_n about_o this_o matter_n for_o first_o they_o lay_v down_o the_o necessity_n of_o unity_n among_o christian_n with_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o breach_n division_n and_o schism_n which_o they_o prove_v from_o the_o command_v of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o other_o that_o abound_v in_o the_o scripture_n then_o with_o a_o easy_a deduction_n they_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o christian_n in_o their_o several_a capacity_n to_o observe_v keep_v further_o and_o promote_v this_o unity_n and_o to_o prevent_v oppose_v resist_v and_o avoid_v all_o division_n that_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o if_o so_o the_o magistrate_n must_v do_v the_o same_o in_o his_o place_n and_o capacity_n now_o see_v it_o be_v his_o office_n and_o unto_o he_o of_o god_n it_o be_v commit_v to_o exercise_v his_o power_n in_o law_n and_o penalty_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o the_o punish_n of_o what_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o coerce_v restrain_v and_o punish_v all_o those_o who_o oppose_v despise_v or_o any_o way_n break_v or_o disturb_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o ratiocination_n will_v seem_v reasonable_a be_v it_o not_o double_o defective_a for_o first_o the_o unity_n intend_v in_o the_o first_o proposition_n who_o necessity_n be_v confirm_v by_o scripture-testimony_n be_v utter_o lose_v before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o the_o outward_a uniformity_n mention_v be_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o hereby_o in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v they_o deceive_v to_o believe_v that_o external_a force_n and_o penalty_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v by_o any_o for_o the_o attain_n or_o preserve_v of_o gospel-vnity_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a indeed_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v suit_v to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o that_o external_a uniformity_n which_o be_v intend_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o promotion_n of_o gospel-vnion_n among_o believer_n be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n let_v such_o person_n keep_v themselves_o and_o their_o argument_n unto_o that_o union_n which_o the_o scripture_n commend_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n with_o the_o mean_v fit_v and_o appoint_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o they_o shall_v have_v our_o compliance_n with_o any_o conclusion_n that_o will_v thence_o ensue_v herein_o therefore_o lie_v the_o fundamental_a cause_n of_o our_o division_n which_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v until_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n leave_v believer_n or_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o their_o duty_n in_o seek_v after_o evangelical_n unity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o other_o mean_v institute_v and_o bless_v unto_o that_o end_n impose_v nothing_o on_o their_o conscience_n or_o practice_n under_o that_o name_n which_o indeed_o belong_v not_o thereunto_o and_o although_o upon_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n afterward_o to_o be_v mention_v there_o may_v for_o a_o season_n remain_v some_o division_n among_o they_o yet_o there_o will_v be_v a_o way_n of_o heal_v continual_o ready_a for_o they_o and_o agree_v upon_o by_o they_o as_o such_o where_o indeed_o man_n propose_v unto_o themselves_o different_a end_n though_o under_o the_o same_o name_n the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o they_o will_v but_o increase_v their_o variance_n as_o where_o some_o aim_n at_o evangelical_n union_n and_o other_o at_o a_o external_n uniformity_n both_o under_o the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o these_o end_n they_o will_v be_v more_o divide_v among_o themselves_o but_o where_o the_o same_o end_n be_v aim_v at_o even_o the_o debate_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o will_v insensible_o bring_v the_o party_n at_o difference_n into_o a_o coalition_n and_o work_v out_o in_o the_o issue_n a_o complete_a reconciliation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v christian_n due_o instruct_v how_o many_o lesser_a difference_n in_o mind_n judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v real_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o the_o unity_n that_o christ_n require_v among_o they_o it_o will_v undoubted_o prevail_v with_o they_o so_o to_o manage_v themselves_o in_o their_o difference_n by_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n in_o love_n as_o not_o to_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o be_v disturber_n or_o breaker_n of_o it_o for_o suppose_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v invincible_o prepossess_v with_o the_o principle_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o other_o yet_o all_o who_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n can_v but_o rejoice_v to_o be_v direct_v unto_o such_o a_o mannagery_n of_o they_o as_o to_o be_v preserve_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o dissolve_v the_o unity_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o to_o speak_v plain_o among_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v free_a from_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n it_o be_v not_o different_a opinion_n or_o a_o difference_n in_o judgement_n about_o reveal_v truth_n nor_o a_o different_a practice_n in_o sacred_a administration_n but_o pride_n self-interest_n love_n of_o honour_n reputation_n and_o dominion_n with_o the_o influence_n of_o civil_a or_o political_a intrigue_n and_o consideration_n that_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o that_o defect_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o they_o for_o set_v they_o aside_o and_o the_o real_a difference_n which_o will_v remain_v may_v be_v so_o manage_v in_o love_n gentleness_n and_o meekness_n as_o not_o to_o interfere_v with_o that_o unity_n which_o christ_n require_v they_o to_o preserve_v nothing_o will_v from_o thence_o follow_v which_o shall_v impeach_v their_o common_a interest_n in_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o love_n one_o spirit_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n according_a to_o their_o light_n and_o ability_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v cast_v away_o this_o evangelical_n union_n among_o the_o disciple_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o shall_v break_v up_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n fix_v unto_o it_o and_o set_v up_o in_o its_o place_n a_o compliance_n with_o or_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o command_v and_o appointment_n of_o man_n make_v their_o observation_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a concord_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o innumerable_a and_o endless_a division_n will_v ensue_v thereon_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o union_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v it_o be_v certain_a we_o shall_v have_v none_o in_o this_o world_n for_o concern_v that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n find_v out_o there_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v contention_n and_o division_n whilst_o there_o be_v any_o on_o the_o one_o side_n who_o will_v endeavour_v its_o imposition_n and_o on_o the_o other_o who_o desire_v to_o preserve_v their_o conscience_n entire_a unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o law_n and_o appointment_n there_o be_v none_o who_o can_v be_v such_o a_o stranger_n in_o our_o israel_n as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o of_o the_o division_n and_o contention_n that_o have_v be_v among_o we_o near_o a_o hundred_o year_n and_o which_o at_o this_o day_n make_v our_o breach_n wide_a like_o the_o sea_n that_o they_o can_v be_v heal_v let_v therefore_o those_o who_o have_v power_n and_o ability_n be_v instrumental_a to_o restore_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o true_a notion_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o unity_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o church_n and_o disciple_n and_o let_v they_o be_v leave_v unto_o that_o liberty_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o that_o unity_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v
unto_o they_o and_o let_v we_o all_o labour_n to_o stir_v up_o those_o gracious_a principle_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n which_o ought_v to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n and_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o preserve_v gospel-unity_n and_o there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a progress_n make_v towards_o peace_n reconciliation_n and_o concord_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n than_o the_o spoil_n of_o the_o good_n or_o imprison_v of_o the_o person_n of_o dissenter_n will_v ever_o effect_v but_o it_o may_v be_v such_o thing_n be_v require_v here_o unto_o as_o the_o world_n be_v yet_o scarce_o able_a to_o comply_v withal_o for_o whilst_o man_n do_v hardly_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o efficacy_n and_o power_n accompany_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o that_o whole_a end_n which_o he_o aim_v at_o and_o intend_v whilst_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v bring_v unto_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o that_o spiritual_a diligence_n patience_n meekness_n condescension_n self-denial_n renunciation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o conformity_n thereunto_o which_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a in_o church-guide_n and_o church-member_n according_a to_o their_o measure_n unto_o the_o attain_n and_o preservation_n of_o gopel-unity_n but_o do_v satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o disposal_n of_o a_o ecclesiastical_a union_n into_o a_o subordination_n unto_o their_o own_o secular_a interest_n by_o external_a force_n and_o power_n we_o have_v very_o small_a expectation_n of_o success_n in_o the_o way_n propose_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o be_v herewith_o satisfy_v take_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o infect_v with_o idolatry_n or_o persecution_n and_o restore_v their_o unity_n unto_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n leave_v unto_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o be_v find_v uncompliant_a therewithal_o we_o shall_v without_o repine_v bear_v the_o reproach_n of_o it_o and_o hasten_v a_o amendment_n another_o cause_n of_o the_o evil_a effect_n and_o consequent_n mention_v be_v the_o great_a neglect_n that_o have_v be_v in_o church_n and_o church-ruler_n in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o the_o open_a direct_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n of_o it_o this_o have_v be_v such_o and_o so_o evident_a in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a for_o any_o to_o deny_v it_o or_o to_o attempt_v a_o excuse_n of_o it_o and_o man_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o flatter_v themselves_o that_o whilst_o they_o live_v in_o a_o open_a neglect_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n other_o will_v always_o according_a to_o their_o will_n or_o desire_n attend_v with_o diligence_n unto_o what_o they_o prescribe_v unto_o they_o if_o church_n or_o their_o ruler_n will_v excuse_v or_o justify_v their_o member_n in_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o may_v befall_v they_o through_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o mal-administrations_a it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v go_v along_o with_o they_o under_o their_o conduct_n whither-eve_a they_o shall_v lead_v they_o but_o if_o it_o can_v never_o be_v obliterated_a out_o of_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n that_o they_o must_v every_o one_o live_v by_o his_o own_o faith_n and_o every_o one_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n and_o that_o every_o one_o notwithstanding_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o help_n of_o church_n and_o their_o ruler_n be_v oblige_v immediate_o in_o his_o own_o person_n to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o whole_a duty_n towards_o god_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o in_o such_o case_n they_o will_v judge_v for_o themselves_o and_o what_o be_v meet_v for_o they_o to_o do_v in_o case_n therefore_o that_o they_o find_v the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v relate_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o neglect_n mention_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o will_v provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o safety_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a but_o that_o difference_n and_o division_n will_v fall_v out_o which_o may_v all_o of_o they_o have_v be_v prevent_v have_v there_o be_v a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o work_n doctrine_n order_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o care_n and_o administration_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o by_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v inevitable_o shut_v up_o under_o spiritual_a disadvantage_n see_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o have_v order_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n for_o their_o edification_n but_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o particular_a instance_n will_v render_v this_o cause_n of_o our_o division_n more_o evident_a and_o manifest_a the_o first_o end_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v the_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n unto_o god_n act_v 26._o 17_o 18._o this_o we_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v question_v nor_o deny_v that_o the_o work_n hereof_o in_o all_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v attend_v and_o pursue_v with_o zeal_n diligence_n labour_n and_o care_n all_o accompany_v with_o constant_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o success_n in_o and_o by_o the_o minister_n and_o ruler_n of_o they_o 1_o tim._n 5._o 17._o 2_o tim._n 4._o 1_o 2._o be_v a_o truth_n also_o that_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o controversy_n among_o they_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n herein_o principal_o do_v man_n in_o office_n in_o the_o church_n exercise_n and_o manifest_v their_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o compassion_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o acquit_v themselves_o faithful_o in_o the_o trust_v commit_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o great_a shepherd_n of_o the_o sheep_n christ_n jesus_n if_o now_o in_o any_o assembly_n or_o other_o society_n profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v church_n of_o christ_n and_o claim_v the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o church_n towards_o all_o person_n live_v within_o the_o bound_n or_o limit_n which_o they_o have_v prescribe_v unto_o themselves_o this_o work_n be_v either_o total_o neglect_v or_o careless_o &_o perfunctory_o attend_v unto_o if_o those_o on_o who_o it_o be_v immediate_o incumbent_a do_v either_o suppose_v themselves_o free_a from_o any_o obligation_n thereunto_o upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o other_o engagement_n or_o do_v so_o dispose_v of_o themselves_o in_o their_o relation_n unto_o many_o charge_n or_o employment_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v due_o attend_v unto_o it_o or_o be_v unable_a and_o insufficient_a for_o it_o so_o that_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o in_o such_o church_n a_o due_a representation_n of_o the_o love_n care_n and_o kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n towards_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v the_o administration_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o testify_v it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o great_a thought_n of_o heart_n and_o no_o small_a disorder_n of_o mind_n will_v be_v occasion_v in_o they_o who_o understand_v aright_o how_o much_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o constitute_v church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v neglect_v among_o they_o and_o although_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n for_o a_o season_n patient_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o quiet_o seek_v the_o reformation_n of_o this_o evil_a in_o the_o church_n whereunto_o they_o do_v belong_v yet_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o exclude_v it_o may_v be_v by_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n its_o self_n it_o may_v be_v by_o the_o iniquity_n of_o they_o that_o prevail_v therein_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o tend_v thereunto_o it_o will_v increase_v their_o disquietment_n and_o whereas_o man_n do_v not_o join_v themselves_o nor_o be_v by_o any_o other_o way_n join_v unto_o church_n for_o any_o civil_a or_o secular_a end_n or_o purpose_n but_o mere_o for_o the_o promotion_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o faith_n and_o gospel-obedience_n it_o be_v altogether_o vain_a for_o any_o to_o endeavour_v a_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v sin_n to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o church_n wherein_o these_o end_n be_v not_o pursue_v nor_o attainable_a and_o yet_o a_o confidence_n hereof_o be_v that_o which_o have_v countenance_v sundry_a church-guide_n into_o that_o neglect_n of_o duty_n which_o many_o complain_v of_o and_o groan_v under_o at_o this_o day_n the_o second_o end_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o minister_n of_o they_o be_v the_o edification_n of_o they_o that_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n and_o do_v believe_v herein_o consist_v that_o feed_n of_o his_o sheep_n and_o lamb_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o principal_a end_n for_o which_o the_o ministry_n
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 those_o only_o by_o the_o will_n of_o the_o guilty_a to_o receive_v they_o who_o refuse_v of_o they_o the_o ecclesiastical_a judge_n remain_v without_o execution_n and_o have_v no_o power_n but_o to_o foreshow_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o according_a unto_o his_o omnipotent_a good_a pleasure_n will_v follow_v in_o this_o life_n or_o the_o next_o and_o indeed_o the_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n do_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o charity_n in_o regard_n that_o it_o do_v only_o induee_v the_o guilty_a to_o submit_v and_o the_o church_n to_o judge_n with_o such_o sincerity_n that_o neither_o in_o the_o one_o any_o bad_a effect_n can_v have_v place_n nor_o just_a complaint_n in_o the_o other_o and_o the_o excess_n of_o charity_n in_o correct_v do_v make_v the_o corrector_n to_o feel_v great_a pain_n than_o the_o correct_v so_o that_o in_o the_o church_n no_o punishment_n be_v impose_v without_o lamentation_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o great_a of_o the_o better_a sort_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o to_o correct_v be_v call_v to_o lament_v so_o st._n paul_n rebuke_v of_o the_o corinchians_n for_o not_o chastise_v the_o incestuous_a say_v you_o have_v not_o lament_v to_o separate_v such_o a_o transgressor_n from_o you_o and_o in_o another_o epistle_n i_o fear_v that_o when_o i_o come_v unto_o you_o i_o shall_v not_o find_v you_o such_o as_o i_o desire_v but_o in_o contention_n and_o tumult_n and_o that_o at_o my_o come_n i_o shall_v lament_v many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v sin_v before_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o every_o multitude_n be_v fit_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v conduct_v by_o one_o who_o shall_v preside_v and_o guide_v the_o action_n propose_v the_o matter_n and_o collect_v the_o point_n to_o be_v consult_v on_o this_o care_n due_a to_o the_o most_o principal_a and_o worthy_a psrson_n be_v always_o commit_v to_o the_o bishop_n and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v many_o the_o proposition_n and_o deliberation_n be_v make_v by_o the_o bishop_n first_o in_o the_o college_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o deacon_n which_o they_o call_v the_o presbytery_n and_o there_o be_v ripen_v to_o receive_v afterward_o the_o last_o resolution_n in_o the_o general_a congregation_n of_o the_o church_n this_o form_n be_v still_o on_o foot_n in_o the_o year_n 250_o and_o be_v plain_o see_v by_o the_o epistle_n of_o cyprian_a who_o in_o the_o matter_n concern_v those_o who_o do_v eat_v of_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o subscribe_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n write_v to_o the_o presbytery_n that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o their_o counsel_n &_o consent_v of_o the_o people_n &_o write_v to_o the_o people_n that_o at_o his_o return_n he_o will_v examine_v the_o cause_n and_o merit_n thereof_o in_o their_o presence_n and_o under_o their_o judgement_n and_o he_o write_v to_o those_o priest_n who_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n have_v reconcile_v some_o that_o they_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n to_o the_o people_n the_o goodness_n and_o charity_n of_o the_o bishop_n make_v their_o opinion_n for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o be_v follow_v and_o by_o little_a and_o little_a be_v cause_n that_o the_o church_n charity_n wax_v cold_a not_o regard_v the_o charge_n lay_v upon_o they_o by_o christ_n do_v lean_v the_o ear_n to_o the_o bishop_n and_o ambition_n a_o witty_a passion_n which_o do_v insinuate_v itself_o in_o the_o show_n of_o virtue_n do_v cause_v it_o to_o be_v ready_o embrace_v but_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o change_n be_v the_o cease_n of_o the_o persecution_n for_o then_o the_o bishop_n do_v erect_v as_o it_o be_v a_o tribunal_n which_o be_v much_o frequent_v because_o as_o temporal_a commodity_n so_o suit_n do_v increase_v this_o judgement_n though_o it_o be_v not_o as_o the_o former_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o form_n to_o determine_v all_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sincerity_n whereupon_o constantine_n see_v how_o profitable_a it_o be_v to_o determine_v cause_n and_o that_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o religion_n captious_a action_n be_v discover_v which_o the_o jadge_n can_v not_o penetrate_v make_v a_o law_n that_o there_o shall_v lie_v no_o appeal_n from_o the_o sentence_n of_o bishop_n which_o shall_v be_v execute_v by_o the_o secular_a judge_n and_o if_o in_o a_o cause_n depend_v before_o a_o secular_a tribunal_n in_o any_o state_n thereof_o either_o of_o the_o party_n though_o the_o other_o contradict_v shall_v demand_v the_o episcopal_a judgement_n the_o cause_n shall_v be_v immediate_o remit_v to_o he_o here_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o bishop_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o common_a plead_v place_n have_v execution_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o to_o gain_v the_o name_n of_o episcopal_a jurisdiction_n episcopal_a audience_n and_o such_o like_a the_o emperor_n valence_n do_v enlarge_v it_o who_o in_o the_o year_n 365._o give_v the_o bishop_n the_o care_n over_o all_o the_o prize_n of_o vendible_a thing_n this_o judicial_a negotiation_n please_v not_o the_o good_a bishop_n possidonius_fw-la do_v recount_v that_o austin_n be_v employ_v herein_o sometime_o until_o dinnertime_n sometime_o long_o be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o trouble_n and_o do_v divert_v he_o from_o do_v thing_n proper_a unto_o he_o and_o himself_o write_v that_o it_o be_v to_o leave_v thing_n profitable_a and_o to_o attend_v thing_n tumultuous_a and_o perplex_a and_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o take_v it_o unto_o himself_o as_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o a_o preacher_n but_o will_v have_v it_o give_v to_o other_o afterward_o some_o bishop_n beginning_n to_o abuse_v the_o authority_n give_v they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o constantine_n that_o be_v seventy_o year_n after_o revoke_v by_o horcadius_n and_o honorius_n and_o a_o ordination_n make_v that_o they_o shall_v judge_v cause_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o civil_a except_o both_o party_n do_v 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 be_v the_o secular_a yet_o one_o know_v not_o how_o to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o but_o st._n paul_n do_v put_v it_o when_o he_o write_v to_o timothy_n and_o repeat_v it_o to_o titus_n that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v not_o be_v greedy_a of_o gain_n nor_o a_o striker_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o make_v man_n pay_v for_o process_n and_o imprison_v the_o party_n as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o secular_a court_n etc._n etc._n this_o degeneracy_n of_o discipline_n be_v long_o since_o esteem_v burdensome_a and_o look_v on_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o innumerable_a trouble_n and_o grievance_n unto_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n yea_o it_o have_v have_v no_o better_a esteem_n among_o they_o who_o have_v little_a or_o no_o acquaintance_n with_o what_o be_v teach_v concern_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n only_o they_o find_v a_o inconsistency_n in_o it_o with_o those_o law_n and_o privilege_n
blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a as_o well_o he_o that_o be_v lead_v as_o he_o that_o lead_v will_v into_o the_o ditch_n add_v hereunto_o the_o thought_n of_o some_o that_o secular_a grandeur_n and_o outward_a pomp_n with_o a_o distance_n and_o reservedness_n from_o the_o conversation_n of_o ordinary_a man_n be_v necessary_a in_o ecclesiastic_n to_o raise_v and_o preserve_v that_o popular_a veneration_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v their_o due_n without_o this_o it_o be_v think_v government_n will_v not_o be_v carry_v on_o nor_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n awe_v unto_o obedience_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o old_a nor_o of_o the_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o no_o direction_n be_v give_v for_o it_o in_o any_o of_o the_o sacred_a or_o ancient_a ecclesiastical_a write_n and_o yet_o they_o all_o of_o they_o abound_v with_o instruction_n how_o the_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v preserve_v that_o respect_n which_o be_v their_o due_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v 3._o readiness_n to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n 31._o in_o labour_n kindness_n compassion_n and_o zeal_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n they_o shall_v excel_v and_o go_v before_o the_o flock_n as_o their_o example_n this_o way_n of_o procure_a veneration_n unto_o church_n guide_v by_o worldly_a state_n greatness_n seem_v domination_n or_o power_n be_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v a_o utter_a stranger_n unto_o the_o primitive_a time_n yea_o not_o only_o so_o but_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v express_o prohibit_v 26._o in_o that_o direction_n of_o our_o saviour_n unto_o they_o for_o avoid_v conformity_n in_o these_o thing_n unto_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n but_o those_o time_n they_o say_v be_v past_a and_o go_v there_o remain_v not_o that_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o christian_n as_o to_o reverence_v their_o pastor_n for_o their_o humility_n grace_n labour_n and_o gift_n the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v now_o give_v they_o to_o be_v use_v and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o popular_a level_a spirit_n that_o envy_v the_o dignity_n and_o exaltation_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v it_o so_o therefore_o that_o in_o any_o place_n they_o be_v just_o and_o useful_o at_o least_o as_o unto_o themselves_o possess_v of_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n and_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o or_o any_o of_o we_o to_o envy_v they_o their_o enjoyment_n or_o to_o endeavour_v their_o deprivation_n of_o they_o but_o we_o must_v crave_v leave_n to_o say_v that_o the_o use_n of_o they_o to_o the_o end_v mention_v be_v vain_a and_o whole_o frustrate_v and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o that_o christian_n or_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v not_o pay_v the_o respect_n and_o duty_n which_o they_o owe_v unto_o their_o pastor_n and_o guide_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o office_n with_o their_o work_n and_o labour_n therein_o it_o be_v a_o open_a evidence_n how_o great_a a_o necessity_n there_o be_v for_o all_o man_n to_o endeavour_v the_o reduction_n of_o primitive_a light_n truth_n holiness_n and_o obedience_n into_o church_n for_o this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v endanger_v their_o ruin_n and_o will_v effect_v it_o if_o continue_v namely_o a_o accommodation_n of_o church-order_n and_o discipline_n with_o the_o state_n and_o deportment_n of_o ruler_n unto_o the_o decay_n and_o irreligion_n of_o the_o people_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v correct_v and_o remove_v by_o their_o reformation_n but_o we_o hope_v better_a thing_n of_o many_o christian_n who_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v imitate_v than_o the_o corrupt_a degeneracy_n of_o other_o to_o be_v comply_v with_o or_o provide_v for_o however_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o corrupt_a persuasion_n have_v in_o most_o age_n since_o the_o day_n of_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la let_v out_o and_o give_v countenance_n unto_o the_o pride_n covetousness_n ambition_n and_o vainglory_n of_o several_a ecclesiastic_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o they_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o secular_a advantage_n which_o some_o church_n have_v obtain_v in_o the_o world_n be_v otherwise_o utter_o destitute_a of_o those_o qualification_n which_o tue_o name_n of_o the_o place_n they_o possess_v do_v require_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o give_v one_o single_a instance_n where_o that_o respect_n and_o estimation_n which_o the_o scripture_n tequire_v in_o the_o people_n towards_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n be_v ever_o ingenerate_v or_o improve_v by_o that_o worldly_a grandeur_n pomp_n and_o domination_n which_o some_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o useful_a unto_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o that_o awe_n which_o be_v put_v thereby_o on_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o common_a fort_n of_o man_n that_o terror_n which_o these_o thing_n strike_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o who_o may_v be_v obnoxious_a unto_o trouble_n and_o disadvantage_n from_o they_o that_o outward_a observance_n which_o be_v by_o some_o do_v unto_o person_n vest_v with_o they_o with_o the_o admission_n which_o they_o have_v thereby_o into_o a_o equality_n of_o society_n with_o great_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v thing_n quite_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o those_o who_o satisfy_v and_o please_v themselves_o herewith_o instead_o of_o that_o regard_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o the_o officer_n or_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o people_n that_o belong_v unto_o they_o do_v but_o help_v on_o their_o defection_n from_o their_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o difficult_a to_o manifest_v what_o innumerable_a scandalous_a offence_n proceed_v from_o the_o pride_n and_o elation_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v find_v among_o many_o who_o be_v perhaps_o young_a and_o ignorant_a it_o may_v be_v corrupt_a in_o their_o conversation_n have_v nothing_o to_o bear_v up_o themselves_o withal_o but_o a_o interest_n in_o dignity_n and_o worldly_a riches_n have_v be_v occasion_v by_o this_o corrupt_a persuasion_n and_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o judge_v how_o much_o be_v lose_v hereby_o from_o the_o true_a glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o church_n the_o people_n be_v quiet_o suffer_v to_o decay_v in_o that_o love_n and_o respect_n towards_o their_o pastor_n which_o be_v their_o grace_n and_o duty_n whilst_o they_o will_v pay_v that_o outward_a veneration_n which_o worldly_a grandeur_n do_v acquire_v and_o pastor_n satisfy_v themselves_o therewith_o grow_v neglective_a of_o that_o exemplary_a humility_n and_o holiness_n of_o that_o laborious_a diligence_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o care_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o flock_n which_o shall_v procure_v they_o that_o holy_a respect_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o their_o office_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ._n but_o these_o thing_n be_v here_o mention_v only_o on_o the_o occasion_n of_o what_o be_v before_o discourse_v of_o another_o great_a occasion_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n arise_v from_o the_o remainder_n of_o that_o confusion_n which_o be_v bring_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o europe_n by_o that_o general_a apostasy_n from_o gospel-truth_n purity_n and_o order_n whereiu_o they_o be_v for_o sundry_a age_n involve_v few_o church_n in_o the_o world_n have_v yet_o total_o free_v themselves_o from_o be_v influence_v by_o the_o relic_n of_o its_o disorder_n that_o such_o a_o apostasy_n do_v befall_v these_o church_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o prove_v a_o supposition_n of_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o present_a church-state_n of_o england_n that_o thing_n shall_v so_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o be_v of_o old_a foretell_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o that_o many_o church_n have_v receive_v a_o signal_n deliverance_n from_o the_o principal_a evil_n of_o that_o apostasy_n in_o the_o reformation_n we_o all_o acknowledge_v for_o therein_o by_o several_a way_n and_o in_o several_a degree_n of_o success_n a_o return_n unto_o their_o pristine_a faith_n and_o order_n be_v sincere_o endeavour_v and_o so_o far_o be_v there_o a_o blessing_n accompany_v of_o their_o endeavour_n as_o that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o deliver_v from_o thing_n in_o themselves_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n nevertheless_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o do_v yet_o continue_v among_o they_o sundry_a remainder_n of_o those_o disorder_n which_o under_o their_o fatal_a declension_n they_o be_v cast_v into_o nor_o do_v there_o need_v any_o further_a proof_n hereof_o than_o the_o incurable_a difference_n and_o division_n that_o be_v find_v among_o they_o for_o have_v they_o all_o attain_v their_o primitive_a condition_n such_o division_n with_o all_o their_o cause_n have_v be_v prevent_v and_o the_o papist_n upbraid_v protestant_n with_o their_o
diligent_o seek_v out_o and_o improve_v nothing_o but_o a_o deceive_a apprehension_n that_o they_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o meet_v to_o have_v a_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o fellow-servant_n will_v prevail_v with_o man_n otherwise_o sober_a and_o learned_a so_o to_o deal_v with_o all_o that_o dissent_n from_o they_o as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o do_v four_o all_o these_o evil_n mention_v be_v much_o increase_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 3._o when_o they_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n 1._o this_o therefore_o we_o be_v warn_v to_o avoid_v that_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v promote_v and_o love_v preserve_v for_o hence_o be_v very_o many_o apt_a to_o take_v false_a measure_n of_o thing_n especial_o of_o themselves_o and_o thereon_o to_o cast_v themselves_o into_o many_o mischievous_a mistake_v 12._o and_o this_o be_v apt_a to_o befall_v they_o who_o for_o end_n best_o know_v unto_o themselves_o have_v with_o any_o ordinary_a diligence_n attend_v to_o the_o study_n of_o learning_n for_o upon_o a_o supposal_n of_o some_o competent_a furniture_n with_o natural_a ability_n they_o can_v but_o attain_v some_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n that_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o unstudy_v person_n be_v unacquainted_a withal_o ofttime_n indeed_o their_o pre-eminence_n in_o this_o kind_n consist_v in_o matter_n of_o very_a small_a consequence_n or_o importance_n but_o whatever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v ready_a to_o make_v they_o think_v strange_a of_o the_o apostle_n advice_n 18._o if_o any_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v wise_a in_o this_o world_n let_v he_o become_v a_o fool_n that_o he_o may_v be_v wise_a apt_a it_o be_v to_o puff_n they_o up_o to_o influence_n their_o mind_n with_o a_o good_a conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o a_o contempt_n of_o other_o hence_o may_v we_o see_v some_o when_o they_o have_v get_v a_o little_a skill_n in_o language_n and_o through_o custom_n advantage_v by_o the_o read_n of_o some_o book_n be_v able_a ready_o to_o express_v some_o thought_n perhaps_o not_o original_o their_o own_o present_o conceit_n themselves_o to_o be_v so_o much_o wise_a than_o the_o multitude_n of_o unlettered_a person_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o impatient_a that_o in_o any_o thing_n they_o shall_v dissent_v from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o common_a frame_n with_o they_o who_o learning_n and_o wit_n be_v their_o all_o do_v yet_o reach_v but_o half_a way_n towards_o the_o useful_a end_n of_o such_o thing_n other_o also_o there_o be_v and_o of_o they_o not_o a_o few_o who_o have_v be_v in_o the_o way_n wherein_o the_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n mention_v be_v usual_o attain_v yet_o through_o their_o incapacity_n or_o negligence_n or_o some_o deprave_a habit_n of_o mind_n or_o course_n of_o life_n have_v not_o real_o at_o all_o improve_v in_o they_o and_o yet_o these_o also_o have_v once_o attain_v the_o countenance_n of_o ecclesiastical_a office_n or_o preferment_n be_v as_o forward_o as_o any_o to_o declaim_v against_o and_o pretend_v a_o contempt_n of_o that_o ignorance_n in_o other_o which_o they_o be_v not_o so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o the_o guilt_n of_o it_o may_v be_v reflect_v on_o themselves_o however_o these_o thing_n at_o best_a and_o in_o their_o high_a improvement_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o solid_a wisdom_n especial_o that_o which_o be_v from_o above_o and_o which_o alone_o will_v promote_v the_o peace_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n some_o have_v no_o advantage_n by_o they_o but_o that_o they_o can_v declare_v and_o speak_v out_o their_o own_o weakness_n other_o that_o they_o can_v rail_v and_o lie_v and_o false_o accuse_v in_o word_n and_o language_n wherewith_o they_o hope_v to_o please_v the_o vile_a of_o man_n and_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o science_n which_o whatever_n it_o be_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v but_o false_o so_o call_v and_o oftentimes_o false_o pretend_v unto_o for_o this_o evil_a end_n of_o it_o alone_o be_v apt_a to_o lift_v up_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n above_o other_o who_o perhaps_o come_v not_o behind_o they_o in_o any_o useful_a understanding_n yea_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v real_o attain_v a_o singular_a degree_n in_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o that_o either_o in_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a or_o in_o learning_n and_o science_n or_o in_o political_a prudence_n yet_o experience_n show_v we_o that_o a_o hurtful_a elation_n of_o mind_n be_v apt_a to_o arise_v from_o they_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o well_o balance_v with_o humility_n and_o this_o evil_n particular_o watch_v against_o hence_o arise_v that_o impatience_n of_o contradiction_n that_o jealousy_n and_o tenderness_n of_o man_n own_o name_n and_o reputation_n those_o sharp_a revenge_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v of_o any_o suppose_a inroad_n upon_o they_o or_o disrespect_n towards_o they_o that_o contempt_n &_o undervaluation_n of_o other_o man_n judgement_n those_o magisterial_a imposition_n and_o censure_n which_o proceed_v from_o man_n under_o a_o reputation_n of_o these_o endowment_n the_o caution_n give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n against_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n the_o example_n that_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o to_o the_o contrary_a even_o that_o of_o christ_n himself_o the_o command_n that_o be_v multiply_v for_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n jealousy_n over_o ourselves_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n in_o choose_v who_o he_o please_v to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n and_o truth_n unto_o and_o by_o may_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o be_v useful_a to_o prevent_v such_o surprisal_n with_o pride_n self-conceit_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o as_o suppose_v or_o abuse_v knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o cast_v man_n into_o whereby_o division_n be_v great_o foment_v and_o increase_v among_o we_o but_o it_o may_v be_v these_o thing_n will_v not_o much_o prevail_v with_o they_o who_o pretend_v a_o zeal_n and_o principle_n above_o other_o in_o preach_v and_o urge_v the_o example_n of_o christ_n do_v in_o most_o of_o their_o way_n and_o act_n and_o in_o some_o of_o their_o write_n give_v we_o a_o unparalleled_a representation_n of_o the_o devil_n last_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o that_o false_a teacher_n seducer_n broacher_n of_o novel_a corrupt_a and_o heretical_a doctrine_n have_v cause_v many_o breach_n and_o division_n among_o such_o as_o once_o agree_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o mean_n of_o such_o person_n whether_o within_o the_o present_a church-state_n or_o without_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o sacred_a truth_n which_o have_v former_o secure_v its_o station_n and_o possession_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o nation_n but_o what_o have_v be_v solicit_v or_o oppose_v some_o make_v their_o error_n the_o principal_a foundation_n rule_n and_o measure_n in_o communion_n whoever_o comply_v with_o they_o therein_o be_v of_o they_o and_o whoso_o do_v not_o they_o avoid_v so_o at_o once_o they_o shut_v up_o themselves_o from_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v with_o they_o that_o love_v truth_n and_o peace_n and_o where_o these_o consequent_n do_v not_o ensue_v man_n zeal_n for_o their_o error_n be_v overballance_v by_o their_o love_n of_o and_o concern_v in_o their_o secular_a interest_n and_o their_o mind_n influence_v by_o the_o novel_a prevail_a opinion_n of_o a_o great_a indifferency_n in_o all_o thing_n appertain_v unto_o outward_a worship_n yet_o the_o advance_n and_o foment_v of_o opinion_n contrary_a unto_o that_o sound_a doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v general_o own_v and_o teach_v by_o the_o learned_a and_o godly_a pastor_n and_o receive_v by_o the_o people_n themselves_o can_v but_o occasion_n strife_n contention_n and_o division_n among_o professor_n and_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o those_o article_n or_o head_n of_o religion_n which_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o a_o long_a time_n after_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o most_o useful_a important_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o have_v not_o be_v among_o we_o various_o oppose_v and_o corrupt_v and_o in_o these_o difference_n about_o doctrine_n lie_v the_o hide_a cause_n of_o the_o animosity_n whereby_o those_o about_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v manage_v for_o those_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o law_n and_o power_n on_o their_o side_n in_o these_o lesser_a thing_n be_v not_o so_o unwise_a as_o to_o deal_v open_o with_o their_o adversary_n about_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o reputation_n of_o establish_a and_o common_o receive_v doctrine_n lie_v against_o they_o but_o under_o the_o pretence_n and_o shelter_n of_o contend_v for_o legal_a appointment_n not_o a_o few_o do_v exercise_v a_o enmity_n against_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o think_v it_o not_o meet_v
as_o yet_o open_o to_o oppose_v such_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o such_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o difference_n and_o division_n in_o and_o about_o religious_a concern_v that_o be_v among_o we_o by_o such_o mean_n have_v they_o be_v foment_v and_o increase_v heighten_v they_o have_v be_v by_o the_o personal_a fault_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o many_o of_o all_o sort_n and_o party_n and_o as_o the_o reproof_n of_o their_o sinful_a fail_n be_v in_o its_o proper_a season_n a_o necessary_a duty_n so_o no_o reformation_n or_o amendment_n of_o person_n will_v give_v a_o full_a relief_n nor_o free_v we_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o division_n until_o the_o principle_n and_o way_n which_o occasion_n they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n chap._n v._n ground_n and_o reason_n of_o nonconformity_n have_v brief_o declare_v our_o sense_n concern_v the_o general_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o our_o difference_n and_o that_o present_a want_n of_o christian_a love_n which_o be_v complain_v of_o by_o many_o we_o shall_v now_o return_v to_o give_v some_o more_o particular_a account_n concern_v our_o inconformity_n unto_o and_o noncompliance_n with_o the_o observance_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o do_v in_o sundry_a thing_n dissent_v from_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o that_o we_o can_v come_v up_o unto_o a_o joint_a practice_n with_o other_o in_o they_o it_o be_v also_o confess_v that_o hereon_o there_o do_v ensue_v a_o appearance_n of_o schism_n between_o they_o and_o we_o according_a as_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n and_o because_o in_o this_o distance_n and_o difference_n the_o dissent_n unto_o compliance_n be_v on_o our_o part_n there_o be_v a_o semblance_n of_o a_o voluntary_a relinquishment_n of_o your_o communion_n and_o this_o we_o know_v expose_v we_o in_o vulgar_a judgement_n and_o apprehension_n unto_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n and_o necessitate_v we_o unto_o self-defence_n as_o though_o the_o only_a matter_n in_o question_n be_v whether_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o evil_a or_o no._n for_o that_o advantage_n have_v all_o church_n which_o have_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o fix_v term_n of_o communion_n right_a or_o wrong_n just_a or_o unequal_a the_o difference_n which_o ensue_v thereon_o they_o will_v try_v out_o on_o no_o other_o term_n but_o only_o whether_o those_o that_o dissent_n from_o they_o be_v schismatic_n or_o not_o thus_o they_o make_v themselves_o actor_n ofttimes_o in_o this_o cause_n who_o ought_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o injury_n and_o a_o trial_n be_v make_v mere_o at_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o reputation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v causeless_o put_v upon_o their_o purgation_n and_o defence_n yea_o with_o many_o a_o kind_n of_o possession_n and_o multitude_n do_v render_v dissenter_n unquestionable_o schismatical_a so_o that_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o unreasonable_a confidence_n in_o they_o to_o deny_v themselves_o so_o to_o be_v so_o deal_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o those_o that_o be_v reform_v a_o open_a schism_n there_o be_v between_o they_o and_o if_o they_o can_v sufficient_o fix_v the_o gild_n of_o it_o on_o the_o reform_a by_o confidence_n and_o clamour_n with_o the_o advantage_n of_o prepossession_n yet_o as_o if_o they_o they_o be_v perfect_o innocent_a themselves_o they_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o other_o enquiry_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o what_o consist_v in_o call_v the_o truth_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o other_o party_n into_o question_n it_o be_v our_o present_a condition_n to_o lie_v under_o this_o charge_n from_o many_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o have_v we_o think_v guilty_a thereof_o we_o do_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o culpable_a secession_n make_v by_o we_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n in_o these_o nation_n or_o that_o the_o blame_n of_o the_o appear_a schism_n that_o be_v among_o we_o can_v due_o or_o just_o be_v reflect_v on_o we_o which_o in_o the_o remainder_n of_o our_o discourse_n we_o shall_v make_v to_o appear_v what_o be_v our_o thought_n and_o judgement_n concern_v the_o church-state_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o nation_n we_o have_v before_o declare_v and_o we_o hope_v they_o be_v such_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o person_n sober_a and_o impartial_a we_o shall_v be_v relieve_v from_o those_o clamorous_a accusation_n which_o be_v without_o number_n or_o measure_n by_o some_o cast_n upon_o we_o our_o prayer_n be_v also_o continual_o unto_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o all_o division_n and_o their_o cause_n from_o among_o we_o nor_o be_v the_o satisfaction_n which_o arise_v from_o our_o sincerity_n herein_o in_o the_o least_o take_v off_o or_o rend_v from_o we_o by_o the_o uncharitable_a endeavour_n of_o some_o to_o rake_v up_o pretence_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o shall_v those_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v think_v meet_v to_o imitate_v the_o pastor_n and_o guide_n of_o the_o church_n of_o old_a and_o to_o follow_v they_o in_o any_o of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o use_v for_o the_o restauration_n of_o unity_n and_o agreement_n unto_o christian_n when_o lose_v or_o endanger_v we_o shall_v not_o decline_v the_o contribution_n of_o any_o assistance_n by_o counsel_n or_o fraternal_a compliance_n which_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o supply_v we_o withal_o but_o whilst_o some_o who_o advantage_n render_v they_o considerable_a in_o these_o matter_n seem_v to_o entertain_v no_o other_o thought_n concern_v we_o but_o what_o issue_n in_o violence_n and_o oppression_n the_o principal_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o we_o be_v quiet_o to_o approve_v our_o conscience_n unto_o god_n that_o in_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n we_o desire_v in_o all_o thing_n to_o please_v he_o and_o to_o conform_v our_o life_n principle_n and_o practice_n to_o his_o will_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o make_v it_o know_v unto_o we_o and_o as_o for_o man_n we_o hope_v so_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o as_o that_o none_o may_v just_o charge_v we_o with_o any_o disorder_n vnpeaceableness_n or_o other_o evil_n for_o we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o we_o be_v either_o the_o cause_n or_o culpable_a occasion_n of_o those_o inconvenience_n and_o trouble_n which_o some_o have_v put_v themselves_o unto_o by_o their_o endeavour_n for_o our_o disturbance_n impoverish_v and_o ruin_n let_v none_o imagine_v but_o that_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o evil_n and_o evil_a consequent_n of_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o be_v among_o we_o and_o those_o who_o do_v so_o do_v it_o upon_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o charity_n we_o know_v how_o much_o the_o great_a work_n of_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 impede_v thereby_o as_o also_o what_o prejudice_n arise_v thence_o against_o the_o truth_n wherein_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v with_o what_o temptation_n and_o mutual_a exasperation_n to_o the_o loss_n of_o love_n and_o the_o occasion_v of_o many_o sinful_a miscarriage_n in_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n do_v hereon_o ensue_v but_o we_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o remove_v they_o or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n nor_o be_v we_o conscious_a unto_o ourselves_o of_o any_o sin_n or_o evil_n in_o what_o we_o do_v or_o in_o what_o we_o do_v not_o do_v by_o our_o not_o do_v of_o it_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v duty_n alone_o unto_o jesus_n christ_n whereunto_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o attend_v and_o wherein_o we_o ought_v so_o to_o do_v and_o where_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v so_o circumstance_v as_o that_o duty_n will_v contribute_v nothing_o towards_o unity_n we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o any_o progress_n towards_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v object_v unto_o we_o as_o have_v be_v observe_v be_v our_o nonconformity_n or_o our_o forbearance_n of_o actual_a personal_a communion_n with_o the_o present_a church-constitution_n in_o the_o modes_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o its_o worship_n hence_o the_o schism_n complain_v of_o do_v ensue_v unless_o this_o communion_n be_v total_a constant_a without_o endeavour_n of_o any_o alteration_n or_o reformation_n we_o can_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o be_v free_v from_o the_o guilt_n hereof_o this_o we_o deny_v and_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v charge_v elsewhere_o for_o first_o all_z the_o condition_n of_o absolute_a and_o complete_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o be_v propose_v unto_o we_o and_o indispensible_o require_v of_o we_o especial_o as_o we_o be_v minister_n be_v vnscriptural_a such_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v neither_o warrant_n mention_n nor_o intimate_v especial_o not_o under_o any_o such_o consideration_n
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 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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 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