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christian_n assembly_n church_n visible_a 1,656 5 9.8153 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53681 A discourse concerning evangelical love, church-peace and unity with the occasions and reasons of present differences and divisions about things sacred and religious, written in the vindication of the principles and practise of some ministers and others. Owen, John, 1616-1683. 1672 (1672) Wing O735; ESTC R13316 129,318 262

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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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pre-eminences_a privilege_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o first_o apparent_o let_v in_o pride_n ambition_n revenge_n and_o hatred_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o church-guide_n lose_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the●r_a successor_n more_o and_o more_o into_o a_o secular_a interest_n and_o worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o continue_v we_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o its_o retrival_v how_o far_o any_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n unto_o communion_n with_o these_o church_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v such_o and_o as_o such_o behave_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o rule_n and_o administration_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o by_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v what_o respect_v we_o have_v unto_o they_o or_o what_o duty_n we_o may_v owe_v they_o as_o they_o may_v in_o any_o place_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n but_o whereas_o in_o their_o original_a and_o rise_v they_o have_v no_o other_o warrant_n but_o the_o prudential_n contrivance_n of_o some_o man_n who_o unquestionable_o may_v be_v various_o influence_v by_o corrupt_a pre●ud●ces_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o find_n out_o and_o mannagement_n of_o their_o invention_n what_o ground_n there_o be_v for_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o wherein_o such_o communion_n may_v consist_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v declare_v for_o the_o notion_n that_o the_o church-communion_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o minister_n consist_v only_o in_o a_o quiet_a subjection_n unto_o they_o who_o by_o any_o mean_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o and_o claim_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v they_o be_v fond_a and_o impious_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o whole_o deny_v that_o the_o mistake_v or_o disorder_n of_o christian_n in_o comply_v with_o or_o join_v themselves_o unto_o such_o church_n as_o have_v no_o warrantable_a institution_n aught_o to_o be_v any_o cause_n of_o the_o diminish_n of_o our_o love_n towards_o they_o or_o of_o withdraw_v it_o from_o they_o for_o notwithstanding_o their_o error_n and_o wander_n from_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o do_v or_o may_v continue_v interest_v in_o all_o that_o love_n which_o be_v due_a from_o we_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o double_a account_n before_o insist_v on_o for_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o person_n bear_v of_o god_n unite_v unto_o christ_n make_v partaker_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n mystical_a which_o be_v the_o first_o principal_a object_n of_o all_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n the_o error_n wherewith_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v overtake_v may_v befall_v any_o person_n under_o those_o qualification_n the_o admittance_n of_o they_o though_o culpable_a be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptation_n with_o god_n and_o they_o may_v also_o by_o a_o due_a profession_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n evince_n themselves_o to_o be_v profess_v subject_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n u●sibly_o profess_v under_o which_o notion_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n commend_v unto_o our_o love_n and_o it_o be_v the_o fond_a imagination_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n want_v love_n towards_o all_o those_o with_o who_o we_o can_v join_v in_o all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o that_o there_o need_v be_v any_o schism_n between_o they_o and_o we_o on_o the_o sole_a account_n thereof_o take_v schism_n in_o the_o common_a receive_v notion_n of_o it_o if_o we_o bear_v unkindness_n towards_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n if_o we_o desire_v or_o seek_v their_o hurt_n if_o we_o persecute_v they_o or_o put_v they_o to_o trouble_v in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o profession_n if_o we_o pray_v not_o for_o they_o if_o we_o pity_v they_o not_o in_o all_o their_o temptation_n error_n or_o suffering_n if_o we_o say_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o when_o naked_a be_v thou_o clothe_v and_o when_o hungry_a be_v thou_o feed_v but_o relieve_v they_o not_o according_a unto_o our_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n if_o we_o have_v a_o aversation_n to_o their_o person_n or_o judge_v they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o cast_v themselves_o open_o and_o visible_o under_o the_o sentence_n of_o natural_a reason_n or_o scripture-rule_n we_o may_v be_v just_o think_v to_o fail_v in_o our_o love_n towards_o they_o but_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v between_o they_o and_o we_o about_o church-constitution_n or_o order_n that_o ought_v be_v a_o cause_n or_o can_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o any_o want_n of_o love_n on_o our_o part_n there_o will_v indeed_o be_v a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a practice_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o difference_n lie_v which_o in_o itself_o and_o without_o other_o avoidable_a evil_n need_v not_o on_o either_o side_n to_o be_v schismatical_a if_o by_o censure_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o power_n such_o church_n or_o person_n will_v force_v we_o to_o submit_v unto_o or_o comply_v with_o such_o thing_n or_o way_n in_o religious_a worship_n as_o be_v contrary_a unto_o our_o light_n and_o which_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o the_o case_n be_v change_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o as_o for_o those_o particular_a church_n which_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o person_n assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n under_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o have_v only_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v full_a well_o assure_v that_o wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n there_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o far_o than_o this_o there_o be_v very_o few_o concern_v who_o we_o be_v call_v to_o pass_v any_o other_o censure_n or_o judgement_n so_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v with_o they_o and_o so_o we_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o esteem_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o hold_v that_o communion_n with_o all_o these_o assembly_n when_o call_v thereunto_o which_o be_v require_v of_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o circumstance_n unless_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o or_o such_o instance_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o neither_o among_o ourselves_o nor_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o nor_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o present_a communion_n with_o they_o we_o shall_v observe_v they_o in_o his_o worship_n we_o judge_v ourselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n
make_v his_o choice_n of_o the_o measure_n he_o will_v comply_v withal_o at_o least_o if_o he_o will_v make_v the_o choice_n of_o his_o habitation_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o his_o edification_n hereby_o the_o peace_n and_o duty_n both_o of_o church_n and_o private_a person_n be_v secure_v and_o this_o rule_n of_o church_n admission_n and_o communion_n furnish_v christian_n with_o peace_n love_n and_o unity_n for_o many_o age_n set_v aside_o the_o ruffle_v give_v they_o in_o the_o rashness_n of_o victor_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v also_o render_v practicable_a and_o easy_a by_o virtue_n of_o their_o communion_n as_o church_n among_o themselves_o for_o from_o thence_o commendatory_a letter_n supply_v the_o room_n of_o actual_a profession_n in_o th●m_n who_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o one_o church_n do_v desire_v the_o same_o privilege_n in_o any_o other_o and_o on_o this_o rule_n be_v person_n to_o be_v receive_v though_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n 1._o think_v it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o thing_n otherwise_o mind_v than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n 15._o though_o babe_n and_o unskilful_a as_o to_o degree_n 14._o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o a_o proviso_n that_o man_n do_v not_o contradict_v or_o destroy_v their_o own_o profession_n by_o a_o unholy_a conversation_n for_o such_o person_n never_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o especial_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o neglect_n of_o due_a attendance_n hereunto_o be_v that_o which_o principal_o have_v cast_v we_o into_o all_o our_o confusion_n and_o render_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n ineffectual_a and_o if_o this_o warranty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o disciple_n of_o claim_v a_o participation_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n and_o a_o admission_n unto_o a_o joynt-performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o they_o may_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o power_n leave_v to_o impose_v other_o condition_n of_o communion_n on_o they_o be_v reject_v and_o render_v useless_a all_o church_n communion_n be_v absolute_o resolve_v into_o the_o variable_a will_n of_o men._n the_o church_n no_o doubt_n may_v judge_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o due_a application_n unto_o particular_a occasion_n as_o whether_o such_o person_n may_v according_a to_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o fellowship_n to_o deprive_v church_n of_o this_o litberty_n be_v to_o take_v away_o their_o principal_a use_n and_o service_n but_o to_o make_v law_n of_o their_o own_o the_o subject_a matter_n whereof_o shall_v be_v thing_n not_o command_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o admit_v profess_a christian_n unto_o their_o communion_n be_v a_o assumption_n that_o can_v be_v justify_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o assume_v of_o a_o authority_n by_o some_o church_n for_o such_o like_a imposition_n be_v that_o which_o have_v principal_o occasion_v many_o to_o deny_v they_o so_o to_o be_v so_o at_o once_o to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o authority_n which_o in_o so_o many_o instance_n they_o find_v to_o be_v abuse_v and_o although_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v prevail_v on_o weak_a and_o credulous_a person_n by_o propose_v unto_o they_o a_o absolute_a acquiescency_n in_o their_o dictate_v and_o determination_n as_o the_o best_a ready_a and_o most_o facile_a mean_n of_o satisfaction_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o do_v more_o alienate_v wise_a and_o conscientious_a person_n from_o they_o than_o do_v that_o unreasonable_a proposal_n moreover_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o endless_a dispute_n will_v arise_v on_o this_o supposition_n about_o what_o be_v meet_v and_o convenient_a and_o what_o not_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o scripture-rule_n of_o communion_n they_o have_v do_v so_o in_o the_o age_n past_a and_o continue_v yet_o so_o to_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n on_o this_o principle_n know_v or_o probable_o conjecture_v when_o he_o have_v a_o firm_a station_n in_o the_o church_n or_o a_o indefensable_a interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o for_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v concoct_v the_o imposition_n of_o one_o church_n on_o the_o first_o removal_n of_o his_o habitation_n he_o may_v have_v new_a condition_n of_o communion_n prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o from_o this_o perplexity_n nothing_o can_v relieve_v he_o but_o a_o resolution_n to_o do_v in_o every_o place_n whereunto_o he_o may_v come_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o place_n beit_v good_a or_o bad_a right_a or_o wrong_n but_o neither_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n leave_v his_o disciple_n at_o this_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o case_n suppose_v nor_o will_v accept_v of_o that_o indifferency_n which_o be_v in_o the_o remedy_n suggest_v they_o therefore_o who_o regulate_v their_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n by_o the_o firm_a state_v law_n of_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n if_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v thereon_o do_v not_o by_o their_o abstinence_n from_o it_o contract_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n or_o any_o unblamable_a division_n moreover_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o prescribe_v and_o impose_v unwritten_a condition_n of_o church-communion_n on_o christian_n who_o or_o what_o law_n do_v or_o shall_v prescribe_v bound_n unto_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v in_o their_o prescription_n beyond_o what_o be_v useful_a unto_o edification_n or_o unto_o what_o will_v be_v real_o burdensome_a and_o intolerable_a unto_o church_n to_o say_v that_o those_o who_o claim_v this_o power_n may_v be_v secure_o trust_v with_o it_o for_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o such_o excess_n will_v scarce_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o beside_o that_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o power_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o swell_v and_o extend_v itself_o unmeasurable_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o christendom_n lie_v against_o this_o suggestion_n be_v not_o a_o excess_n of_o this_o kind_n complain_v of_o by_o austin_n of_o old_a when_o yet_o the_o observation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n be_v much_o more_o voluntary_a than_o in_o after_o age_n neither_o be_v they_o make_v absolute_o condition_n of_o communion_n unless_o among_o a_o very_a few_o do_v not_o all_o protestant_n grant_n and_o plead_v that_o the_o papal_a church_n have_v exceed_v all_o bound_n of_o moderation_n and_o sobriety_n herein_o so_o that_o from_o thence_o they_o take_v the_o principal_a warranty_n of_o their_o secession_n from_o it_o do_v not_o other_o church_n mutual_o charge_v one_o another_o on_o the_o same_o account_n have_v not_o a_o charge_n of_o this_o ex●●ss_n be_v the_o ball_n of_o contention_n in_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o any_o either_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o certain_a instance_n by_o some_o power_n superior_a unto_o they_o or_o it_o be_v leave_v absolute_o as_o unto_o all_o particular_n whereunto_o it_o may_v be_v extend_v unto_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n the_o first_o will_v not_o be_v assert_v nor_o can_v be_v so_o unless_o the_o instance_n intend_v can_v be_v recount_v and_o the_o confirm_a power_n be_v declare_v if_o the_o latter_a be_v affirm_v then_o let_v they_o run_v into_o what_o excess_n they_o please_v unless_o they_o judge_v themselves_o that_o so_o they_o do_v which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v none_o ought_v ever_o to_o complain_v of_o what_o they_o do_v for_o there_o be_v no_o failure_n in_o they_o who_o attend_v unto_o their_o rule_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v man_n own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n and_o this_o be_v direct_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whence_o they_o think_v it_o always_o exceed_o unequal_a that_o any_o of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a law_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o they_o make_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o such_o thing_n where_o be_v the_o certainty_n and_o stability_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o communion_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o church_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o and_o who_o will_v give_v assurance_n that_o no_o one_o condition_n direct_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o shall_v be_v prescribe_v and_o impose_v by_o person_n enjoy_v this_o pretend_a power_n or_o who_o can_v undertake_v that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o condition_n as_o may_v be_v countenance_v by_o a_o plea_n of_o be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a shall_v not_o be_v increase_v until_o they_o come_v to_o be_v such_o a_o burden_n and_o yoke_n as_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o bear_v and_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o submit_v themselves_o
have_v a_o good_a foundation_n to_o build_v upon_o for_o that_o easter_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v byvertue_n of_o apostolical_a tradition_n be_v general_o grant_v by_o all_o and_o he_o take_v it_o as_o unquestionable_a upon_o a_o current_n and_o prevalent_a rumour_n that_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o lord_n day_n by_o the_o example_n of_o st._n peter_n hereupon_o he_o refuse_v the_o communion_n of_o all_o that_o will_v not_o conform_v unto_o his_o resolution_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o cast_v out_o of_o communion_n all_o those_o person_n and_o church_n who_o will_v observe_v any_o other_o day_n which_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o principal_a church_n of_o asia_n among_o who_o the_o apostle_n john_n do_v long_o converse_v here_o be_v our_o present_a case_n direct_o exemplify_v or_o represent_v so_o long_o before_o hand_n the_o success_n only_o of_o this_o fact_n of_o he_o remain_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o now_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o all_o what_o entertainment_n this_o his_o new_a rule_n of_o communion_n find_v among_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o reproof_n of_o his_o precipitancy_n and_o irregular_a fix_v new_a bound_n unto_o church_n communion_n be_v famous_a in_o those_o day_n especial_o the_o rebuke_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o practice_n by_o one_o of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o learned_a person_n then_o live_v be_v eminent_o celebrate_v as_o consonant_a to_o truth_n and_o peace_n by_o those_o who_o have_v transmit_v unto_o we_o the_o report_n of_o those_o time_n he_o who_o himself_z first_o condemn_v other_o rash_o be_v for_o his_o so_o do_v general_o condemn_v by_o all_o suppose_v now_o that_o any_o person_n live_v at_o rome_n and_o there_o call_v into_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v have_v the_o condition_n thereof_o propose_v unto_o they_o namely_o that_o they_o shall_v assent_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o easter_n by_o apostolical_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n only_o and_o upon_o their_o refusal_n so_o to_o do_v shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o communion_n or_o on_o their_o own_o accord_n shall_v refrain_v from_o it_o where_o shall_v the_o gild_n of_o this_o disorder_n and_o schism_n be_v charge_v and_o thus_o it_o fall_v out_o not_o only_o with_o those_o who_o come_v out_o of_o asia_n to_o rome_n who_o be_v not_o receive_v by_o that_o diotrephes_n but_o also_o with_o sundry_a in_o that_o church_n its_o self_n as_o blastus_n and_o other_o as_o what_o great_a division_n be_v occasion_v hereby_o between_o the_o saxon_n and_o britain_n have_v be_v by_o many_o declare_v but_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o gild_n of_o these_o schism_n be_v to_o be_v charge_v on_o they_o that_o coin_a and_o impose_v these_o new_a rule_n and_o condition_n of_o communion_n and_o have_v they_o not_o be_v judge_v by_o any_o the_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o this_o temerarious_a attempt_n be_v sufficient_a to_o reflect_v no_o inconsiderable_a gild_n upon_o it_o neither_o can_v the_o whole_a observance_n its_o self_n from_o first_o to_o last_o ever_o compensate_a that_o loss_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n among_o christian_n and_o church_n which_o be_v occasion_v thereby_o nor_o have_v the_o introduction_n of_o such_o thing_n ever_o obtain_v any_o better_a success_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n how_o free_a the_o church_n be_v until_o that_o time_n after_o they_o be_v once_o deliver_v from_o the_o attempt_n of_o the_o circumcise_a professor_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n from_o any_o appearance_n of_o unwritten_a condition_n of_o communion_n be_v manifest_a unto_o all_o who_o have_v look_v into_o the_o monument_n which_o remain_v of_o those_o time_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o sundry_a christian_n take_v upon_o they_o very_o early_o the_o observation_n of_o sundry_a rite_n and_o usage_n in_o religion_n whereunto_o they_o have_v no_o guidance_n or_o direction_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o the_o invention_n and_o use_n of_o sensible_a present_a thing_n in_o religion_n especial_o where_o person_n be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v satisfaction_n in_o those_o that_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a require_v great_a intention_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n in_o their_o exercise_n so_o be_v they_o many_o of_o they_o easy_o infect_v by_o that_o tincture_n which_o remain_v in_o they_o from_o the_o judaisme_n or_o gentilism_n from_o which_o they_o be_v convert_v but_o these_o observance_n be_v free_a and_o take_v up_o by_o man_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n not_o only_o every_o church_n but_o every_o person_n in_o the_o most_o of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o it_o appear_v be_v leave_v unto_o their_o own_o liberty_n some_o age_n it_o be_v before_o such_o thing_n be_v turn_v into_o law_n and_o canon_n and_o that_o perhaps_o first_o by_o heretic_n or_o at_o least_o under_o such_o a_o degeneracy_n as_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n can_v be_v regulate_v by_o the_o judgement_n therefore_o and_o practise_v of_o the_o first_o church_n be_v manifest_a against_o such_o imposition_n five_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o any_o person_n or_o church_n to_o assign_v unscriptural_a condition_n of_o their_o communion_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n of_o communion_n among_o christian_n fix_v and_o determine_v by_o christ._n that_o this_o be_v otherwise_o we_o have_v before_o declare_v and_o shall_v now_o only_o manifest_v the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o supposition_n for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o no_o man_n can_v claim_v a_o admission_n into_o the_o society_n or_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n or_o a_o participation_n in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o plea_n of_o submission_n to_o his_o institution_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o command_n every_o church_n may_v propose_v something_o yea_o many_o thing_n unto_o he_o that_o he_o have_v not_o appoint_v without_o a_o admission_n whereof_o a●d_a subjection_n thereunto_o he_o may_v be_v just_o exclude_v from_o all_o church_n privilege_n among_o they_o now_o this_o seem_v not_o consonant_a unto_o the_o authority_n that_o christ_n have_v over_o the_o church_n nor_o that_o honour_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o therein_o nor_o on_o the_o same_o supposition_n be_v his_o law_n sufficient_a to_o rule_v and_o quiet_v the_o conscience_n or_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o his_o disciple_n now_o if_o diotrephes_n be_v blame_v for_o not_o receive_v the_o brethren_n 10._o who_o be_v recommend_v unto_o the_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n probable_o because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o that_o pre-eminence_n which_o he_o have_v obtain_v among_o they_o they_o will_v scarce_o escape_v without_o reproof_n who_o refuse_v those_o who_o the_o lord_n christ_n commend_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o they_o will_v not_o submit_v unto_o such_o new_a imposition_n as_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o pre-eminence_n they_o will_v put_v upon_o they_o and_o what_o endless_a perplexity_n they_o must_v be_v cast_v into_o who_o have_v learn_v in_o these_o thing_n to_o call_v he_o only_a lord_n and_o master_n be_v apparent_a unto_o all_o baptism_n with_o a_o voluntary_a credible_a profession_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n in_o his_o command_n and_o institution_n be_v all_o the_o warranty_n which_o he_o have_v give_v unto_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o claim_v their_o admission_n into_o his_o church_n which_o be_v institute_v and_o appoint_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o to_o build_v they_o up_o in_o their_o faith_n and_o if_o any_o person_n who_o produce_v this_o warranty_n and_o thereon_o desire_v according_a to_o order_n the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n if_o he_o may_v be_v exclude_v from_o it_o or_o forbid_v a_o entrance_n into_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v on_o ground_n sufficient_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o charity_n to_o evince_v the_o falseness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o his_o profession_n little_a regard_n be_v have_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o too_o much_o unto_o man_n own_o church_n indeed_o may_v more_o or_o less_o insist_v upon_o the_o explicitness_n of_o this_o profession_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o sincerity_n as_o they_o find_v it_o tend_v to_o their_o peace_n and_o edification_n with_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n and_o example_n leave_v unto_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o power_n in_o any_o church_n may_v not_o turn_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o any_o every_o professor_n be_v allow_v with_o reference_n unto_o particular_a assembly_n to_o