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 ritâ—_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 enjoyment_n of_o himself_o for_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o send_n and_o continue_v of_o it_o 11._o whereon_o he_o enjoin_v the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o stay_v in_o such_o place_n where_o he_o have_v much_o people_n who_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v convert_v he_o will_v not_o continue_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n to_o scatter_v his_o pearl_n where_o there_o be_v none_o but_o rend_a swine_n nor_o send_v fisher_n unto_o water_n wherein_o he_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o serpent_n and_o viper_n 14._o it_o be_v true_a the_o gospel_n as_o preach_v unto_o many_o be_v only_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o 16._o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n and_o prove_v unto_o they_o a_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n but_o the_o first_o direct_v and_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o conversion_n of_o soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n it_o will_v not_o probable_o be_v continue_v in_o any_o place_n nor_o be_v so_o where_o this_o design_n be_v not_o pursue_v nor_o accomplish_v towards_o any_o neither_o will_v god_n make_v use_n of_o it_o any_o where_o mere_o for_o the_o aggravation_n of_o man_n sin_n and_o condemnation_n nor_o will_v his_o so_o do_v consist_v with_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o gospel_n its_o self_n or_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o love_n and_o grace_n which_o it_o profess_v to_o declare_v where_o it_o be_v indeed_o open_o reject_v there_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o man_n but_o where_o it_o find_v any_o admittance_n there_o be_v have_v somewhat_o of_o its_o genuine_a and_o proper_a work_n to_o effect_v and_o the_o gospel_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v in_o all_o place_n dispense_v and_o admit_v where_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n man_n be_v from_o the_o light_n truth_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o by_o any_o mean_n so_o far_o instruct_v as_o to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o profession_n of_o subject_v their_o soul_n to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o observe_v the_o religious_a duty_n by_o he_o prescribe_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n among_o all_o these_o the_o foundation_n of_o save_a faith_n be_v at_o this_o day_n preserve_v for_o they_o universal_o receive_v the_o whole_a canonical_a scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o such_o motive_n as_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o do_v so_o sincere_o herein_o they_o give_v a_o tacit_n consent_n unto_o the_o whole_a truth_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o they_o receive_v it_o as_o from_o god_n without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n and_o this_o they_o can_v do_v without_o a_o general_n renunciation_n of_o all_o the_o falsity_n and_o evil_n that_o it_o do_v condemn_v where_o these_o thing_n concur_v man_n will_v not_o believe_v nor_o practice_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o they_o think_v god_n require_v of_o they_o and_o will_v accept_v from_o they_o and_o we_o find_v it_o also_o in_o the_o event_n that_o all_o the_o person_n speak_v of_o wherever_o they_o be_v do_v universal_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o his_o only_a and_o eternal_a son_n they_o all_o look_v also_o for_o salvation_n by_o he_o and_o profess_v obedience_n unto_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o believe_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n with_o many_o other_o sacred_a truth_n of_o the_o same_o importance_n as_o also_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n however_o therefore_o they_o be_v difference_v and_o divide_v among_o themselves_o however_o they_o be_v mutual_o esteem_v heretic_n and_o schismatic_n however_o through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n they_o be_v excite_v and_o provoke_v to_o curse_n and_o persecute_v one_o another_o with_o wonderful_a folly_n and_o by_o a_o open_a contradiction_n unto_o other_o principle_n which_o they_o profess_v yet_o be_v they_o all_o subject_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o belong_v all_o of_o they_o to_o the_o catholic_a church_n make_v profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o there_o be_v salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v and_o out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v none_o we_o take_v not_o any_o consideration_n at_o present_a of_o that_o absurd_a foolish_a and_o uncharitable_a error_n which_o will_v confine_v the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n unto_o a_o particular_a church_n of_o one_o single_a denomination_n or_o indeed_o rather_o unto_o a_o combination_n of_o some_o person_n in_o a_o outward_a mode_n of_o religious_a rule_n and_o worship_n where_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o silent_a as_o of_o thing_n that_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v yea_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o intolerable_a presumption_n and_o the_o utmost_a height_n of_o vncharitableness_n for_o any_o to_o judge_v that_o the_o constant_a profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n make_v by_o multitude_n of_o christian_n with_o the_o last_a misery_n and_o frequent_a martyrdom_n which_o for_o his_o sake_n they_o undergo_v shall_v turn_v unto_o no_o advantage_n either_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o their_o own_o eternal_a blessedness_n because_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o differ_v from_o they_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o so_o be_v they_o bind_v to_o judge_v by_o the_o fundamental_a princiciple_n and_o law_n of_o their_o church_n communion_n but_o man_n ought_v to_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o judgement_n without_o mercy_n who_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n 13._o have_v we_o ever_o entertain_v a_o thought_n uncharitable_a to_o such_o a_o prodigy_n of_o insolence_n have_v we_o ever_o exclude_v any_o sort_n of_o christian_n absolute_o from_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n or_o grace_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o hope_n of_o salvation_n because_o they_o do_v not_o or_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o those_o way_n and_o term_n of_o outward_a church_n communion_n which_o we_o approve_v of_o we_o shall_v judge_v ourselves_o as_o high_o criminal_a in_o want_n of_o christian_a love_n as_o any_o can_v desire_v to_o have_v we_o esteem_v so_o to_o be_v it_o be_v then_o the_o universal_a collective_a body_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v the_o gospel_n throughout_o the_o world_n which_o we_o own_v as_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ._n how_o far_o the_o error_n in_o judgement_n or_o miscarriage_n in_o sacred_a worship_n which_o any_o of_o they_o have_v superad_v unto_o the_o foundation_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v may_v be_v of_o so_o pernicious_a a_o nature_n as_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o a_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o so_o prejudice_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n god_n only_o know_v but_o those_o notice_n which_o we_o have_v concern_v the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o also_o of_o the_o love_n care_n and_o compassion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o end_n of_o his_o mediation_n do_v persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o where_o man_n in_o sincerity_n do_v improve_v the_o ability_n and_o mean_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n where_o with_o they_o be_v entrust_v endeavour_v withal_o to_o answer_v their_o light_n and_o conviction_n with_o a_o suitable_a obedience_n there_o be_v but_o few_o error_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o so_o malignant_a a_o nature_n as_o absolute_o to_o exclude_v such_o person_n from_o a_o interest_n in_o eternal_a mercy_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o man_n out_o of_o a_o zeal_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n real_a or_o pretend_a have_v imprison_v banish_a kill_v burn_v other_o for_o such_o error_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o pardon_v in_o they_o and_o which_o he_o have_v do_v according_o but_o this_o we_o must_v grant_v and_o do_v that_o those_o who_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v no_o way_n influence_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o some_o conformity_n thereunto_o or_o who_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o a_o christian_a profession_n do_v give_v themselves_o up_o unto_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n be_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v esteem_v but_o as_o enemy_n to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n 14._o for_o as_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n so_o no_o idolater_n or_o murderer_n have_v eternal_a life_n abide_v in_o he_o 8._o with_o respect_n unto_o these_o thing_n we_o look_v upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 15._o or_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o nation_n profess_v christian_a religion_n measure_v they_o by_o the_o doctrine_n that_o have_v be_v preach_v unto_o they_o and_o receive_v by_o they_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 cà se_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
be_v ordain_v or_o for_o which_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n be_v grant_v unto_o the_o church_n eph._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o the_o scripture_n abound_v in_o the_o declaration_n of_o what_o skill_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o attendance_n unto_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n what_o care_n watchfulness_n and_o diligent_a labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctaine_n be_v require_v unto_o a_o due_a discharge_n of_o the_o ministerial_a duty_n where_o it_o be_v omit_v or_o neglect_v where_o it_o be_v careless_o attend_v unto_o where_o those_o on_o who_o it_o be_v incumbent_n to_o act_v more_o like_a hireling_n than_o true_a shepherd_n where_o they_o want_v skill_n to_o divide_v the_o word_n aright_o or_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n to_o declare_v from_o it_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n or_o diligence_n to_o be_v urgent_a continual_o in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o there_o the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church-communion_n be_v ruin_v and_o utter_o lose_v and_o where_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v what_o thought_n they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v exercise_v withal_o who_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o own_o duty_n and_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v for_o their_o edification_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o church_n will_v in_o vain_a or_o at_o least_o unjust_o expect_v that_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v abide_v in_o their_o particular_a communion_n when_o they_o can_v or_o do_v not_o provide_v food_n for_o their_o soul_n whereby_o they_o may_v live_v to_o god_n unless_o all_o the_o member_n of_o such_o church_n be_v equal_o asleep_a in_o security_n division_n among_o they_o will_v in_o this_o case_n ensue_v will_v any_o disciple_n of_o christ_n esteem_v himself_o oblige_v to_o starve_v his_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o who_o have_v sinful_o destroy_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o church-communion_n be_v there_o any_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o duty_n of_o love_n that_o require_v they_o so_o to_o do_v the_o sole_a immediate_a end_n of_o man_n join_v in_o church_n be_v their_o own_o edification_n and_o usefulness_n unto_o other_o can_v they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n always_o to_o abide_v there_o or_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o those_o church_n where_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v where_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o be_v utter_o cast_v aside_o this_o may_v become_v such_o as_o know_v not_o their_o duty_n nor_o care_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o perish_v in_o and_o for_o the_o company_n of_o other_o but_o for_o they_o which_o in_o such_o case_n shall_v provide_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o safety_n they_o may_v be_v censure_v judge_v and_o severe_o treat_v by_o they_o who_o interest_n and_o advantage_n it_o be_v so_o to_o do_v they_o may_v be_v despise_v by_o riotous_a person_n who_o sport_n themselves_o with_o their_o own_o deceive_n but_o with_o the_o lord_n christ_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o they_o will_v be_v accept_v and_o they_o do_v but_o increase_v the_o dread_n of_o their_o own_o account_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o church-power_n and_o order_n will_v forcible_o shut_v up_o christian_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o wherein_o they_o be_v keep_v short_a of_o all_o the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o church_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o every_o voluntary_a departure_n from_o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o such_o church_n make_v with_o a_o design_n of_o join_v unto_o those_o where_o the_o word_n be_v dispense_v with_o more_o diligence_n and_o efficacy_n be_v a_o schism_n from_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o suppose_v that_o which_o neither_o the_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n will_v give_v the_o least_o countenance_n unto_o and_o it_o will_v better_o become_v such_o church_n to_o return_v industrious_o unto_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n whereby_o this_o occasion_n of_o division_n may_v be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n than_o to_o attempt_v their_o own_o justification_n by_o the_o severe_a prosecution_n of_o such_o as_o depart_v from_o they_o three_o in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o improve_v and_o apply_v it_o be_v the_o know_v and_o open_a duty_n of_o church_n in_o their_o guide_n or_o minister_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o countenance_n and_o promote_v the_o growth_n of_o light_n knowledge_n godliness_n strictness_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o conversation_n in_o those_o member_n of_o they_o in_o who_o they_o may_v be_v find_v or_o do_v appear_v in_o a_o especial_a manner_n such_o be_v they_o to_o own_o encourage_v and_o make_v their_o companion_n and_o endeavour_v that_o other_o may_v become_v like_a unto_o they_o for_o unless_o man_n in_o their_o ordinary_a and_o common_a conversation_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n do_v uniform_o answer_v the_o doctrine_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o preach_v it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v matter_n of_o offence_n upto_o other_o and_o of_o reproach_n to_o themselves_o much_o more_o will_v it_o be_v so_o if_o instead_o of_o these_o thing_n those_o who_o preside_v in_o the_o church_n shall_v beat_v their_o fellow_n servant_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o the_o drunken_a but_o by_o all_o way_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o separate_v the_o precious_a from_o the_o vile_a if_o they_o intend_v to_o be_v as_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n even_o in_o their_o judgement_n affection_n and_o conversation_n and_o herein_o what_o wisdom_n patience_n diligence_n love_n condescension_n and_o forbearance_n be_v require_v they_o alone_o know_v and_o they_o full_a well_o know_v who_o for_o any_o season_n have_v in_o their_o place_n conscientious_o endeavour_v the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o whatever_o be_v the_o labour_n which_o be_v to_o be_v undergo_v therein_o and_o the_o trouble_n wherewith_o it_o be_v attend_v it_o be_v that_o which_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v oblige_v to_o attend_v unto_o they_o be_v not_o by_o contrary_a act_n to_o make_v sad_a the_o heart_n of_o they_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v make_v sad_a nor_o to_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o they_o who_o god_n will_v not_o have_v encourage_v as_o they_o will_v answer_v it_o at_o their_o peril_n the_o heart_n of_o church_n guide_n and_o of_o those_o who_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n fear_n god_n thrive_a in_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o word_n aught_o to_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o all_o holy_a affection_n that_o they_o may_v together_o grow_v up_o into_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n for_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n &_o manifestation_n of_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o christ_n in_o any_o there_o ought_v their_o affection_n to_o be_v most_o intense_a for_o as_o such_o person_n be_v the_o crown_n the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o their_o guide_n and_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o they_o do_v know_v or_o may_v easy_o do_v so_o what_o obligation_n be_v on_o they_o to_o honour_n and_o pay_v all_o due_a respect_n unto_o their_o teacher_n how_o much_o on_o all_o account_n they_o owe_v unto_o they_o whereby_o their_o mutual_a love_n may_v be_v confirm_v and_o where_o there_o be_v this_o uniformity_n between_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o preach_v and_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o as_o practise_v then_o be_v they_o both_o beautiful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o believer_n and_o effectual_a unto_o their_o proper_a end_n but_o where_o thing_n in_o church_n through_o their_o negligence_n or_o corruption_n or_o that_o of_o their_o guide_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conjecture_v what_o will_v ensue_v thereon_o if_o those_o who_o be_v forward_a in_o profession_n who_o give_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v teach_v and_o own_v among_o they_o who_o have_v apparent_o attain_v a_o growth_n in_o spirituol_n light_a and_o knowledge_n above_o other_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v peculiar_o cherish_v and_o regard_v from_o be_v love_v like_v or_o associate_v withal_o as_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o shall_v be_v mark_v observe_v reproach_v and_o it_o may_v be_v on_o every_o slight_a provocation_n put_v even_o to_o outward_a trouble_n whilst_o man_n of_o worldly_a and_o profane_a conversation_n ignorant_a perhaps_o riotous_a and_o debauch_a shall_v be_v the_o delight_n and_o companion_n of_o church_n guide_n and_o ruler_n it_o can_v be_v that_o
utter_o cease_v and_o become_v disuse_v hence_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n begin_v to_o converse_v together_o as_o man_n only_o or_o at_o the_o best_a civil_a neighbour_n and_o if_o at_o all_o as_o christian_n yet_o not_o with_o respect_n unto_o that_o especial_a relation_n unto_o a_o particular_a church_n 20._o wherein_o their_o usefulness_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o organical_a body_n be_v require_v hence_o some_o person_n look_v on_o these_o thing_n as_o intolerable_a and_o not_o only_o obstructive_a of_o their_o edification_n but_o destructive_a unto_o all_o real_o useful_a church-communion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o they_o have_v think_v meet_a to_o provide_v otherwise_o for_o themselves_o not_o that_o we_o approve_v of_o every_o departure_n or_o withdraw_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o church_n where_o thing_n continue_v under_o such_o disorder_n but_o only_o show_v what_o it_o be_v that_o occasion_v many_o so_o to_o do_v for_o as_o there_o may_v sometime_o be_v just_a cause_n hereof_o and_o person_n in_o so_o do_v may_v manage_v what_o they_o do_v according_a unto_o scripture-rule_n so_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o some_o may_v rash_o and_o precipitately_a without_o due_a attendance_n unto_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o in_o such_o undertake_n be_v require_v of_o they_o without_o that_o charity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o no_o circumstance_n can_v absolve_v they_o from_o make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o a_o unblamable_a separation_n and_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o general_a cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o all_o the_o schism_n and_o division_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n find_v among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n whether_o the_o guilt_n of_o they_o will_v not_o much_o cleave_v unto_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v keep_v on_o foot_n and_o maintain_v be_v worth_a your_o enquiry_n for_o so_o do_v it_o befall_v our_o humane_a nature_n apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o impose_v on_o by_o various_a pretence_n and_o prejudices_fw-la that_o those_o be_v oftentimes_o high_o guilty_a themselves_o of_o those_o miscarriage_n who_o chief_a satisfaction_n and_o glory_n consist_v in_o charge_v they_o on_o other_o however_o if_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o absolute_o justify_v any_o in_o a_o secession_n from_o the_o church_n where_o unto_o they_o do_v relate_v yet_o they_o render_v the_o matter_n so_o high_o questionable_a and_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v so_o burdensome_a unto_o the_o mind_n of_o many_o as_o that_o division_n will_v thereon_o undoubted_o ensue_v and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o fall_v out_o to_o design_n and_o contrive_v the_o reduction_n of_o all_o unto_o outward_a unity_n and_o concord_n by_o force_v they_o who_o on_o such_o occasion_n have_v dissent_v and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n without_o endeavour_v the_o removal_n of_o these_o occasion_n of_o their_o so_o do_v and_o the_o reformation_n of_o those_o abuse_n which_o have_v give_v cause_n thereunto_o be_v severe_a if_o not_o unjust_a but_o when_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o care_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o they_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o remove_v these_o and_o the_o like_a stumbling-block_n out_o of_o the_o way_n there_o will_v we_o hope_v be_v a_o full_a return_n unto_o gospel-unity_n and_o peace_n among_o they_o that_o serve_v and_o worship_v he_o on_o the_o earth_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n wherever_o it_o be_v find_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o weakness_n ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la and_o temptation_n of_o man_n do_v interpose_v themselves_o unto_o the_o increase_n and_o heighten_v of_o those_o division_n who_o spring_n and_o occasion_n lie_v elsewhere_o when_o none_o of_o these_o provocation_n be_v give_v they_o 11._o yet_o we_o know_v there_o be_v enough_o in_o professor_n themselves_o to_o bring_v forth_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o difference_n and_o schism_n 3_o even_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o much_o more_o may_v we_o fear_v the_o like_a fruit_n and_o effect_n from_o the_o like_a principle_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n now_o the_o occasion_n of_o draw_v they_o forth_o be_v more_o temptation_n unto_o they_o great_a direction_n against_o they_o less_o evident_a and_o powerful_a and_o all_o sense_n of_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n through_o its_o abuse_n and_o maladministration_n be_v if_o not_o lose_v and_o ruin_v yet_o much_o weaken_v and_o impair_v but_o from_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o their_o unmortified_a affection_n as_o the_o best_a know_v but_o in_o part_n nor_o be_v they_o perfect_o sanctify_v it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n one_o at_o another_o and_o thereon_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v each_o other_o temerarious_o and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o every_o one_o to_o make_v his_o own_o understanding_n and_o persuasion_n thereon_o the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o worship_n unto_o other_o all_o such_o way_n and_o course_n be_v against_o we_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o love_n and_o union_n all_o tend_v to_o make_v and_o increase_v division_n among_o we_o and_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o they_o we_o may_v here_o declare_v but_o that_o it_o fall_v frequent_o under_o the_o chastisement_n of_o other_o hand_n neither_o indeed_o can_v it_o well_o meet_v with_o too_o much_o severity_n of_o reproof_n only_o it_o be_v desirable_a that_o those_o by_o who_o such_o reproof_n be_v manage_v will_v take_v care_n not_o to_o give_v advantage_n of_o retortion_n or_o self-justification_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v reprove_v by_o they_o but_o this_o they_o do_v avoidable_o whilst_o they_o seem_v to_o make_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o practice_n the_o sole_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o they_o approve_v or_o disallow_v in_o what_o complye_v with_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o perverse_a and_o in_o what_o differ_v from_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o sincere_a and_o on_o this_o foundation_n whilst_o they_o reprove_v censure_v rash-judging_a and_o reproach_v of_o other_o with_o pride_n self-conceitedness_n false_a opinion_n irregular_a practice_n in_o church_n worship_n or_o any_o other_o concern_v of_o religion_n backbiting_a easiness_n in_o take_v up_o false_a report_n with_o the_o like_a evil_n as_o they_o deserve_v severe_o to_o be_v rebuke_v those_o reprove_v by_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o they_o see_v the_o guilt_n of_o many_o of_o the_o crime_n charge_v on_o themselves_o in_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v reprove_v so_o on_o all_o hand_n thing_n gendor_n unto_o far_a strife_n whilst_o every_o party_n be_v conscious_a unto_o their_o own_o sincerity_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o present_a light_n which_o be_v the_o only_a measure_n they_o can_v take_v of_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o impeach_v the_o sincerity_n of_o they_o by_o who_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o causeless_o traduce_v and_o condemn_v this_o evil_a therefore_o be_v to_o be_v diligent_o watch_v against_o by_o all_o that_o love_n unity_n truth_n holiness_n or_o peace_n and_o see_v there_o be_v rule_n and_o precept_n give_v we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o may_v not_o be_v unmeet_a to_o call_v over_o some_o of_o they_o one_o rule_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o import_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v all_o of_o we_o study_n to_o be_v quiet_a and_o to_o do_v our_o own_o business_n 11._o in_o thing_n civil_a and_o sacred_a who_o will_v harm_v man_n who_o will_v be_v offend_v with_o they_o whilst_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o busy_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o any_o attempt_n to_o do_v they_o evil_n what_o need_n have_v they_o to_o be_v trouble_v thereat_o duty_n and_o innocency_n will_v give_v peace_n to_o a_o worthy_a soul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o storm_n and_o whatever_o may_v befall_v it_o now_o will_v any_o one_o deny_v or_o can_v they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o every_o man_n to_o seek_v his_o own_o edification_n and_o the_o save_n of_o his_o soul_n deny_v this_o unto_o any_o man_n and_o you_o put_v yourself_o in_o the_o place_n of_o god_n to_o he_o and_o make_v he_o more_o miserable_a than_o a_o beast_n and_o this_o which_o no_o man_n can_v forbid_v no_o man_n can_v otherwise_o do_v than_o according_a to_o that_o light_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v if_o this_o therefore_o be_v so_o attend_v to_o as_o that_o we_o do_v not_o thereby_o break_v in_o upon_o the_o concern_v of_o other_o nor_o disturb_v they_o in_o what_o be_v they_o but_o be_v carry_v on_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o with_o a_o evidence_n in_o what_o we_o do_v that_o it_o be_v mere_o our_o own_o personal_a duty_n that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o all_o cause_n of_o offence_n will_v be_v take_v away_o for_o if_o any_o will_v yet_o be_v offend_v
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 aâ—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 thâ—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 exâ—â—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
for_o the_o preservation_n of_o outward_a order_n and_o whatever_o arbitrariness_n may_v be_v suppose_v in_o make_v a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n or_o in_o the_o application_n of_o its_o rule_n unto_o the_o present_a case_n it_o must_v abide_v in_o some_o or_o other_o and_o who_o shall_v be_v think_v more_o meet_a or_o able_a to_o make_v a_o right_a determination_n thereon_o than_o those_o who_o duty_n it_o be_v and_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o case_n propose_v beside_o there_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o congregation_n itself_o which_o be_v great_o to_o be_v regard_v even_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n a_o suspension_n of_o any_o from_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v allow_v unto_o the_o curate_n upon_o the_o offence_n of_o the_o congregation_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v own_v to_o be_v their_o due_n for_o none_o can_v take_v offence_n but_o upon_o a_o judgement_n of_o the_o matter_n at_o which_o he_o be_v offend_v nor_o in_o this_o case_n without_o a_o right_a to_o determine_v that_o some_o offence_n ought_v to_o debar_v person_n from_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n as_o also_o what_o those_o offence_n be_v this_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o aid_n and_o assistance_n unto_o minister_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o church_n into_o who_o communion_n person_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v and_o although_o it_o be_v no_o way_n necessary_a that_o determination_n in_o this_o case_n shall_v be_v always_o make_v by_o suffrage_n or_o a_o plurality_n of_o vote_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o the_o sense_n or_o mind_n of_o the_o congregation_n may_v be_v know_v or_o be_v so_o upon_o the_o enquiry_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v unto_o that_o purpose_n that_o any_o person_n be_v unmeet_a for_o their_o communion_n it_o be_v not_o convenient_a they_o shall_v be_v receive_v nor_o will_v their_o admission_n in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o any_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o or_o the_o church_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o fundamental_a constitutive_a principle_n of_o all_o free_a society_n such_o as_o the_o church_n be_v ascribe_v this_o liberty_n unto_o it_o 28._o and_o the_o primitive_a church_n practise_v according_o so_o also_o be_v the_o judgement_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o congregation_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o admission_n of_o any_o 1._o if_o they_o be_v make_v know_v to_o the_o guide_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v expect_v from_o they_o they_o shall_v confirm_v their_o love_n unto_o they_o without_o dissimulation_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o therefore_o in_o their_o approbation_n of_o what_o be_v do_v their_o ruler_n have_v light_a and_o encouragement_n in_o their_o own_o duty_n beside_o there_o be_v appoint_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v preserve_v a_o communion_n among_o church_n themselves_o by_o virtue_n hereof_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mutual_a aid_n advice_n and_o counsel_n antecedent_o unto_o a_o act_n of_o importance_n but_o each_o particular_a church_n be_v upon_o just_a demand_n to_o give_v a_o account_n unto_o other_o church_n of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o they_o and_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n it_o have_v mistake_v or_o miscarry_v to_o rectify_v they_o upon_o their_o advice_n and_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o manifest_v how_o through_o these_o mean_n and_o advantage_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n be_v sufficient_o secure_v in_o that_o discharge_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v in_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n about_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n unto_o a_o participation_n of_o holy_a ordinance_n in_o they_o 5._o this_o duty_n therefore_o must_v either_o be_v whole_o neglect_v which_o will_v unavoidable_o tend_v to_o the_o corrupt_a and_o debauch_v of_o all_o church_n and_o in_o the_o end_n unto_o their_o ruin_n or_o it_o must_v be_v attend_v unto_o by_o each_o particular_a church_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o ruler_n or_o some_o other_o must_v take_v it_o upon_o themselves_o what_o have_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o supposal_n that_o it_o may_v be_v discharge_v in_o the_o latter_a way_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o be_v insist_v on_o for_o whilst_o those_o who_o undertake_v the_o exercise_n of_o church-power_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o dispense_v the_o word_n or_o preach_v it_o unto_o they_o towards_o who_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v but_o be_v stranger_n unto_o their_o spiritual_a state_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o act_v or_o exercise_v their_o presume_a authority_n but_o by_o citation_n process_n information_n and_o penalty_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o secular_a court_n of_o judicature_n in_o cause_n civil_a and_o criminal_a and_o whilst_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o be_v commit_v unto_o man_n utter_o unacquainted_a with_o and_o inconcerned_a in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o purity_n and_o order_n and_o whilst_o herein_o many_o the_o most_o or_o all_o of_o they_o who_o be_v so_o employ_v have_v thereby_o outward_a emolument_n and_o advantage_n which_o they_o do_v principal_o regard_v the_o due_a and_o proper_a care_n of_o the_o right_a order_n of_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o own_o edification_n be_v utter_o omit_v and_o lose_v it_o be_v true_a many_o think_v this_o the_o only_a decent_a useful_a and_o expedient_a way_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o think_v it_o wondrous_a unreasonable_a that_o other_o will_v not_o submit_v thereunto_o and_o acquiesce_v therein_o but_o what_o will_v they_o have_v we_o do_v or_o what_o be_v it_o that_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o unto_o be_v it_o that_o this_o kind_n of_o rule_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n have_v institution_n give_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o countenance_n from_o apostolieal_a practice_n both_o they_o and_o we_o know_v that_o no_o pretence_n of_o any_o such_o plea_n can_v be_v make_v be_v it_o that_o the_o first_o church_n after_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v find_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o rule_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o erect_v it_o among_o themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o remote_a from_o truth_n will_v they_o persuade_v we_o that_o as_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v have_v the_o care_n of_o particular_a church_n commit_v unto_o we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o such_o concernment_n in_o these_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o may_v solemn_o renounce_v and_o leave_v they_o whole_o to_o the_o mannagement_n of_o other_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o believe_v they_o the_o charge_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o the_o account_n that_o will_v be_v require_v of_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o office_n we_o be_v call_v unto_o continual_o testify_v other_o thing_n unto_o we_o wherefore_o we_o dare_v not_o voluntary_o engage_v into_o the_o neglect_n or_o omission_n of_o this_o duty_n which_o christ_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o of_o who_o neglect_n we_o see_v so_o many_o sad_a consequent_n and_o effect_n the_o lord_n christ_n we_o know_v have_v the_o same_o thought_n and_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o his_o church_n as_o he_o do_v of_o old_a when_o he_o make_v a_o solemn_a revelation_n and_o declaration_n of_o they_o and_o then_o we_o find_v that_o he_o charge_v the_o fail_n neglect_v and_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o church_n principal_o upon_o the_o angel_n or_o minister_n of_o they_o and_o we_o will_v not_o willing_o by_o our_o neglect_n render_v ourselves_o obnoxious_a unto_o his_o displeasure_n nor_o betray_v the_o church_n whereunto_o we_o do_v relate_v unto_o his_o just_a indignation_n for_o their_o declension_n from_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o institution_n and_o the_o vigour_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o they_o have_v profess_v we_o shall_v moreover_o by_o the_o conformity_n require_v of_o we_o and_o according_a to_o the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o be_v propose_v engage_v ourselves_o against_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o ministerial_a office_n and_o power_n with_o respect_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v already_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n for_o this_o we_o carry_v along_o with_o we_o that_o by_o conform_v we_o voluntary_o consent_v unto_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o conformity_n and_o unto_o all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v by_o the_o law_n thereof_o now_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o all_o who_o be_v due_o initiate_v or_o join_v unto_o any_o church_n
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 theâ—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 preâ—udâ—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 uâ—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 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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 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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