enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o such_o a_o society_n to_o discharge_v their_o respective_a trust_n and_o obligation_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o or_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n include_v a_o right_a and_o title_n to_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o his_o church_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o church_n society_n as_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n instruction_n censure_n of_o the_o church_n a_o communion_n in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o other_o religious_a office_n and_o he_o who_o despise_v the_o authority_n or_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n renounce_v his_o membership_n and_o communion_n with_o it_o these_o thing_n be_v exteme_o plain_a and_o though_o man_n may_v cavil_v for_o dispute_n sake_n yet_o must_v needs_o convince_v they_o that_o no_o man_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n which_o he_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o though_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o discipline_n he_o shall_v sometime_o be_v admit_v to_o some_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v observe_v some_o few_o thing_n from_o hence_o of_o great_a use_n 1._o that_o church-communion_n primary_o and_o principal_o respect_v the_o universal_a church_n not_o any_o particular_a church_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n signify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v but_o one_o all_o the_o world_n over_o church-communion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o particular_a act_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v only_o among_o those_o who_o be_v present_a and_o neighbour_n to_o each_o other_o but_o in_o membership_n now_o a_o member_n be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n not_o mere_o of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o how_o large_a soever_o the_o body_n be_v all_o the_o subject_n of_o england_n those_o who_o live_v at_o st._n david_n and_o those_o at_o yarmouth_n who_o never_o see_v nor_o converse_v with_o each_o other_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n this_o membership_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o body_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n reach_v so_o far_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v we_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o such_o but_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o a_o church-state_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o church-communion_n be_v found_v only_o on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n and_o therefore_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a covenant_n to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o particular_a church_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o universal_a church_n such_o particular_a church-membership_a be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o human_a invention_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o schism_n from_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o alone_o if_o well_o consider_v be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o independency_n which_o be_v a_o particular_a church-state_n as_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o church_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n 2._o i_o observe_v further_o that_o though_o the_o exercise_n of_o church_n communion_n as_o to_o most_o of_o the_o particular_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o it_o must_v be_v confine_v to_o a_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n for_o we_o can_v actual_o join_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n but_o with_o some_o particular_a church_n yet_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n though_o perform_v in_o some_o particular_a church_n be_v and_o must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o do_v not_o make_v we_o more_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n then_o with_o any_o other_o true_a and_o orthodox_n part_v of_o the_o church_n though_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o exercise_n of_o true_a christian_a communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o catholic_n communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o affair_n require_v since_o all_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n can_v meet_v together_o for_o act_n of_o worship_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o these_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o do_v more_o peculiarly_a unite_v we_o to_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n than_o to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n when_o we_o pray_v together_o to_o god_n we_o pray_v to_o he_o as_o the_o common_a father_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o do_v not_o challenge_v any_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o he_o as_o member_n of_o such_o a_o particular_a church_n but_o as_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o pray_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n we_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o great_a high_a priest_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n who_o powerful_o intercee_v for_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o for_o we_o as_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n not_o only_o for_o ourselves_o and_o those_o who_o be_v present_a but_o for_o all_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o our_o fellow-member_n and_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o communion_n of_o prayer_n for_o pray_v with_o one_o another_o be_v only_o in_o order_n to_o pray_v for_o one_o another_o and_o thus_o our_o prayer_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n when_o we_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o common_a father_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o the_o same_o common_a saviour_n and_o redeemer_n for_o the_o same_o common_a blessing_n for_o ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n thus_o when_o we_o meet_v together_o to_o celebrate_v the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o do_v not_o meet_v as_o at_o a_o private_a supper_n but_o as_o at_o the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o particular_a church_n fellowship_n but_o of_o catholic_n communion_n the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o other_o kind_n of_o union_n and_o confederation_n between_o those_o neighbour_n christian_n who_o receive_v together_o in_o the_o same_o church_n than_o with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ._n the_o sacramental_a bread_n signify_v and_o represent_v all_o those_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v that_o one_o mystical_a body_n for_o which_o he_o offer_v his_o natural_a body_n which_o be_v the_o universal_a church_n and_o our_o eat_n of_o this_o bread_n signify_v our_o union_n to_o this_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o act_n of_o true_a catholic_n not_o of_o a_o particular_a church-communion_n and_o the_o sacramental_a cup_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o represent_v our_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o with_o all_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o particular_a in_o this_o feast_n to_o make_v it_o a_o private_a feast_n or_o a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n consider_v as_o particular_a but_o it_o be_v the_o common_a feast_n of_o christian_n and_o a_o act_n of_o catholic_n communion_n which_o by_o the_o way_n plain_o show_v how_o groundless_a that_o scruple_n be_v against_o mix_a communion_n that_o man_n think_v themselves_o defile_v by_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n with_o man_n who_o be_v vicious_a for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o discipline_n and_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o christian_a profession_n when_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o censure_v and_o remove_v from_o christian_a communion_n yet_o they_o may_v as_o well_o pretend_v that_o their_o communion_n be_v defile_v by_o bad_a man_n who_o communicate_v in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o other_o congregation_n as_o in_o that_o in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o communicate_v for_o this_o holy_a feast_n signify_v no_o other_o communion_n between_o they_o who_o receive_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o company_n than_o it_o do_v with_o all_o sincere_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v not_o a_o communion_n with_o any_o person_n consider_v as_o present_v but_o it_o be_v a_o communion_n with_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a member_n of_o it_o whether_o present_a or_o absent_a those_o who_o separate_v from_o a_o national_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o corrupt_a professor_n though_o they_o can_v form_v a_o society_n as_o pure_a and_o holy_a as_o they_o seem_v to_o desire_v yet_o be_v schismatic_n in_o it_o because_o they_o confine_v their_o communion_n
a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n viz._n i._o whether_o to_o communicate_v with_o some_o church_n especial_o in_o such_o a_o divide_a state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n ii_o whether_o constant_a communion_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n where_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a iii_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o two_o church_n which_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o each_o other_o london_n print_v by_o henry_n hill_n jun._n for_o fincham_n gardiner_n at_o the_o white_a horse_n in_o ludgate-street_n 1682_o 3._o a_o resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n in_o order_n to_o state_n such_o case_n as_o particular_o relate_v to_o church-communion_n with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v a_o brief_a explication_n of_o some_o word_n which_o must_v be_v use_v in_o question_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o so_o common_o understand_v as_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o church_n and_o a_o christian_a church_n 2._o what_o church_n communion_n be_v 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a communion_n and_o by_o occasional_a communion_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o church_n now_o the_o plain_a description_n i_o can_v give_v of_o a_o church_n be_v this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v this_o description_n to_o fit_v it_o to_o the_o mean_a understanding_n 1._o then_o a_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n for_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o that_o dispute_n in_o what_o sense_n angel_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n and_o when_o i_o call_v the_o church_n a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n i_o oppose_v a_o body_n to_o single_a individual_n or_o particular_a man_n and_o to_o a_o confuse_a multitude_n without_o any_o order_n or_o union_n among_o themselves_o for_o though_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o particular_a man_n and_o when_o their_o number_n be_v increase_v of_o great_a multitude_n yet_o the_o church_n consist_v of_o such_o particular_a man_n not_o consider_v in_o a_o private_a and_o separate_a capacity_n but_o as_o unite_v into_o a_o regular_a society_n which_o be_v call_v a_o body_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o natural_a body_n in_o which_o all_o the_o part_n and_o member_n be_v unite_v in_o a_o exact_a order_n eph._n 4._o 16._o 1_o cor._n 12._o 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o peace_n as_o in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o if_o the_o mean_a society_n can_v subsist_v without_o order_n wherein_o their_o strength_n and_o beauty_n and_o usefulness_n consist_v much_o less_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o society_n institute_v for_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a ends._n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o god_n ordain_v a_o most_o exact_a order_n and_o government_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n which_o for_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o unity_n he_o form_v into_o a_o religious_a commonwealth_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n ordain_v the_o apostle_n and_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n to_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n with_o a_o promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o firm_a and_o close_a union_n and_o orderly_a disposition_n of_o all_o its_o part_n 22._o be_v not_o only_o call_v a_o body_n but_o a_o spiritual_a building_n 15._o and_o holy_a temple_n and_o the_o house_n of_o god_n but_o then_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o one_o body_n in_o opposition_n to_o many_o body_n for_o christ_n have_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o church_n and_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o this_o body_n the_o jewish_a church_n be_v but_o one_o and_o therefore_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o which_o be_v not_o a_o new_a distinct_a church_n but_o be_v graft_v into_o the_o jewish_a stock_n or_o root_n believe_v jew_n and_o christian_n be_v unite_v into_o one_o church_n 18._o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n who_o unite_v jew_n and_o gentile_n into_o one_o church_n as_o the_o corner_n stone_n unite_v both_o side_n of_o the_o house_n and_o hold_v they_o together_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o building_n the_o house_n the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v the_o temple_n be_v but_o one_o and_o be_v to_o be_v but_o one_o by_o the_o express_a command_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n christ_n tell_v we_o 16._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o one_o fold_n under_o one_o shepherd_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v extreme_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o say_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n which_o worship_v the_o same_o god_n and_o saviour_n which_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n be_v heir_n to_o the_o same_o promise_n and_o enjoy_v all_o privilege_n in_o common_a shall_v be_v divide_v into_o as_o distinct_a and_o separate_a body_n though_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o nature_n as_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v distinct_a person_n though_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n that_o be_v it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o where_o every_o thing_n be_v common_a there_o be_v not_o one_o community_n peter_n and_o james_n and_o john_n though_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o same_o common_a nature_n yet_o each_o of_o they_o have_v a_o distinct_a essence_n and_o subsistence_n of_o their_o own_o as_o it_o must_v be_v in_o natural_a being_n otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o make_v they_o distinct_a person_n but_o where_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o body_n or_o society_n consist_v in_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o therefore_o if_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o be_v common_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n if_o there_o be_v no_o peculiar_a privilege_n which_o belong_v to_o some_o christian_n and_o not_o to_o all_o to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o another_o then_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n one_o body_n one_o communion_n one_o household_n and_o family_n for_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o distinguish_v and_o separate_a no_o enclosure_n or_o partition_n of_o divine_a appointment_n there_o can_v be_v by_o divine_a institution_n but_o one_o body_n 2._o i_o add_v that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n or_o society_n of_o man_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n or_o call_v out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o whence_o ecclesia_fw-la be_v derive_v may_v signify_v and_o be_v so_o expound_v by_o many_o divine_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o christian_n be_v so_o often_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o call_v and_o choose_v or_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o church_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o peculiar_a and_o appropriate_a faith_n by_o peculiar_a law_n by_o peculiar_a rite_n of_o worship_n and_o peculiar_a promise_n and_o privilege_n which_o be_v not_o common_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o about_o it_o 3._o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o man_n unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o themselves_o by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n the_o church_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v a_o religious_a society_n institute_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o and_o to_o each_o other_o because_o it_o be_v but_o one_o body_n which_o require_v a_o union_n of_o all_o its_o part_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o shall_v discourse_v more_o present_o but_o the_o chief_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v here_o be_v this_o that_o this_o union_n with_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o which_o constitute_v a_o church_n be_v make_v by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o choose_v he_o and_o his_o posterity_n for_o his_o church_n and_o peculiar_a
people_n and_o give_v he_o circumcision_n for_o a_o sign_n and_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o mankind_n in_o and_o by_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n found_v upon_o better_a promise_n and_o this_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o society_n of_o man_n as_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ._n i_o suppose_v all_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o god_n only_o can_v make_v or_o constitute_v a_o church_n for_o such_o person_n if_o there_o be_v any_o so_o absurd_a be_v not_o worth_a dispute_v with_o who_o dare_v affirm_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o human_a creature_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o men._n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o the_o only_a visible_a way_n god_n have_v of_o form_v a_o church_n for_o i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o invisible_a operation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v by_o grant_v a_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v the_o divine_a charter_n whereon_o the_o church_n be_v found_v and_o invest_v some_o person_n with_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o receive_v other_o into_o this_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o by_o such_o covenant_n rite_n and_o form_n of_o admission_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o institute_v which_o under_o the_o gospel_n be_v baptism_n as_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v circumcision_n to_o be_v take_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n of_o man_n who_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n that_o can_v be_v no_o church_n which_o be_v not_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n he_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n who_o be_v not_o at_o least_o visible_o admit_v into_o god_n covenant_n and_o whoever_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n by_o be_v admit_v into_o covenant_n now_o before_o i_o proceed_v i_o shall_v brief_o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a if_o these_o principle_n be_v true_a that_o i_o need_v only_o name_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o resolution_n of_o some_o follow_a case_n as_o 1._o that_o a_o covenant-state_n and_o church-state_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n 2._o that_o every_o profess_a christian_a who_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n as_o such_o be_v a_o church_n member_n 3._o that_o nothing_o else_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n but_o only_a baptism_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o christian_a covenant_n for_o if_o baptism_n which_o give_v we_o right_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v not_o make_v we_o church_n member_n than_o a_o church-state_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n then_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n through_o christ_n and_o yet_o be_v no_o member_n of_o christ_n or_o he_o may_v be_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o member_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v the_o church_n 4._o that_o no_o church-state_n can_v depend_v upon_o human_a contract_n and_o covenant_n for_o then_o a_o church_n will_v be_v a_o human_a creature_n and_o a_o human_a constitution_n whereas_o a_o church_n can_v be_v found_v only_o upon_o a_o divine_a covenant_n it_o be_v true_a no_o man_n who_o be_v at_o age_n can_v be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n till_o he_o profess_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o voluntary_o undertake_v the_o baptismal_a vow_n but_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n from_o this_o unless_o any_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o voluntary_a contract_n and_o covenant_n which_o the_o independent_o exact_v from_o their_o member_n and_o wherein_o they_o place_v a_o church-state_n be_v part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o they_o find_v the_o church_n upon_o a_o human_a covenant_n for_o christ_n have_v make_v but_o one_o covenant_n with_o mankind_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o vow_n of_o baptism_n if_o it_o be_v than_o no_o man_n be_v a_o christian_n but_o a_o independent_a and_o then_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o show_v how_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n which_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o all_o mankind_n determine_v one_o man_n to_o be_v a_o fix_a member_n of_o dr._n owen_n church_n another_o of_o mr._n griffiths_n or_o any_o other_o independent_a pastor_n and_o if_o they_o can_v get_v over_o this_o difficulty_n there_o be_v another_o still_o why_o they_o exact_v this_o church-covenant_n of_o baptise_a christian_n before_o they_o will_v admit_v they_o to_o their_o communion_n if_o baptism_n make_v they_o member_n of_o their_o church_n this_o i_o think_v make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o independent_a church-covenant_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a covenant_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church-state_n but_o what_o depend_v on_o such_o human_a contract_n than_o the_o church_n owe_v its_o be_v to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n not_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n 5._o i_o observe_v far_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n which_o already_o consist_v of_o baptise_a christian_n christianity_n indeed_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o sure_o it_o do_v not_o separate_a christian_n from_o each_o other_o the_o apostle_n only_o undertake_v to_o convert_v jew_n and_o heathen_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o make_v they_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o world_n but_o these_o man_n convert_v christian_n from_o common_a christianity_n and_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n to_o independency_n if_o the_o church_n be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n we_o know_v no_o church_n but_o what_o all_o christian_n be_v make_v member_n of_o by_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o universal_a church_n the_o one_o body_n and_o spouse_n of_o christ._n and_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o apostle_n gather_v church_n from_o among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n to_o prove_v the_o gather_a church_n out_o of_o a_o christian_a and_o national_a church_n must_v either_o conclude_v that_o a_o church_n and_o church-state_n be_v a_o very_a indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_a thing_n and_o that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o in_o a_o safe_a condition_n without_o it_o or_o that_o baptise_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o member_n of_o a_o particular_a independent_a church_n be_v no_o better_o than_o jew_n and_o heathen_n that_o be_v that_o baptism_n itself_o though_o a_o divine_a sacrament_n and_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v of_o no_o value_n till_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o ratify_v by_o a_o human_a independent_a covenant_n 6._o i_o observe_v that_o if_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a covenant_n on_o that_o new_a covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o mankind_n in_o christ_n then_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n of_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o covenant_n into_o which_o we_o be_v all_o admit_v by_o baptism_n for_o the_o church_n and_o the_o covenant_n must_v be_v of_o a_o equal_a extent_n there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o church_n found_v upon_o one_o covenant_n and_o all_o who_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o the_o same_o covenant_n be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n and_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n may_v and_o have_v divide_v the_o church_n into_o several_a part_n and_o member_n and_o particular_a church_n yet_o the_o church_n can_v be_v divide_v into_o two_o or_o more_o distinct_a and_o separate_a church_n for_o that_o destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unless_o they_o can_v divide_v the_o covenant_n also_o two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o can_v partake_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n but_o the_o guilty_a divider_n forfeit_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o covenant_n without_o a_o new_a grant_n a_o prince_n indeed_o may_v grant_v the_o same_o charter_n to_o several_a distinct_a city_n and_o corporation_n but_o than_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o charter_n be_v the_o same_o their_o right_n to_o it_o depend_v upon_o distinct_a grant_n but_o if_o he_o grant_v a_o charter_n for_o the_o erect_v of_o such_o a_o corporation_n and_o confine_v his_o charter_n to_o the_o member_n of_o that_o corporation_n those_o who_o wilful_o separate_v themselves_o from_o this_o corporation_n
to_o which_o this_o charter_n be_v grant_v forfeit_v their_o interest_n in_o the_o charter_n and_o must_v not_o think_v to_o erect_v a_o new_a distinct_a corporation_n by_o the_o same_o charter_n thus_o it_o be_v here_o god_n have_v make_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n with_o mankind_n in_o christ_n and_o declare_v that_o by_o this_o one_o covenant_n he_o unite_v all_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n into_o one_o body_n and_o christian_a church_n who_o shall_v all_o partake_v of_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n we_o be_v all_o receive_v into_o this_o covenant_n and_o admit_v member_n of_o this_o one_o church_n now_o while_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o body_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o have_v a_o right_n to_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o this_o body_n and_o to_o every_o member_n of_o it_o but_o if_o we_o divide_v ourselves_o from_o this_o body_n and_o set_v up_o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n which_o we_o call_v church_n but_o which_o be_v not_o member_n nor_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o one_o catholic_n church_n we_o can_v carry_v our_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o covenant_n out_o of_o the_o church_n with_o we_o the_o gospel-covenant_n be_v the_o common_a charter_n of_o the_o christian-church_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o content_v to_o enjoy_v these_o blessing_n in_o common_a with_o other_o christian_n we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o go_v without_o they_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o particular_a covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o particular_a separate_a church_n but_o a_o general_a covenant_n make_v with_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n as_o unite_v in_o one_o communion_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o no_o particular_a church_n have_v any_o interest_n in_o but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n god_n have_v not_o make_v any_o covenant_n in_o particular_a with_o the_o church_n of_o geneva_n of_o france_n or_o england_n but_o with_o the_o one_o body_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v give_v we_o in_o particular_a a_o right_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v that_o we_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o live_v in_o unity_n and_o communion_n with_o all_o true_a christian_a church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v second_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-communion_n now_o church-communion_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o church-fellowship_n and_o society_n and_o to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v call_v communion_n because_o all_o church_n member_n have_v a_o common_a right_n to_o church_n privilege_n and_o a_o common_a obligation_n to_o all_o those_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o a_o church_n relation_n exact_v from_o they_o i_o know_v this_o word_n communion_n be_v common_o use_v to_o signify_v a_o personal_a and_o presential_a communion_n in_o religious_a office_n as_o when_o man_n pray_v and_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n together_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o and_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o they_o join_v in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n now_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o public_a act_n of_o worship_n perform_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o church-communion_n be_v something_o antecedent_n to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o communion_n for_o no_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o any_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o natural_a union_n be_v in_o natural_a body_n that_o communion_n be_v in_o body_n politic_a whether_o civil_a or_o religious_a society_n a_o member_n must_v be_v vital_o unite_v to_o the_o body_n before_o it_o can_v perform_v any_o natural_a action_n or_o office_n of_o a_o member_n before_o the_o eye_n can_v see_v or_o the_o foot_n can_v walk_v or_o the_o ear_n can_v hear_v and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o foot_n to_o the_o body_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o see_v or_o walk_v but_o see_v and_o walk_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o union_n thus_o in_o a_o body_n politic_a when_o man_n by_o any_o common_a charter_n be_v unite_v into_o one_o society_n they_o become_v one_o common_a body_n or_o one_o communion_n and_o this_o give_v they_o right_o to_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o that_o body_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o their_o charter_n require_v of_o they_o but_o shall_v any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o regular_o admit_v into_o this_o society_n pretend_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n or_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v require_v of_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o this_o body_n this_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o they_o that_o it_o will_v be_v censure_v as_o a_o unjust_a usurpation_n shall_v a_o man_n who_o be_v no_o citizen_n of_o london_n open_v his_o shop_n and_o drive_v a_o trade_n as_o other_o citizen_n do_v or_o give_v his_o vote_n at_o a_o common-hall_n and_o in_o all_o other_o case_n act_n like_o a_o citizen_n this_o will_v not_o make_v he_o a_o citizen_n but_o a_o intruder_n he_o be_v a_o foreigner_n still_o and_o his_o presume_v to_o act_n like_o a_o citizen_n when_o he_o be_v none_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n with_o that_o body_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n but_o just_o expose_v he_o to_o censure_v and_o punishment_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v one_o body_n and_o society_n unite_v by_o a_o divine_a covenant_n our_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o be_v make_v by_o baptism_n the_o exercise_n of_o this_o communion_n consist_v in_o all_o those_o office_n and_o duty_n which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o and_o which_o none_o have_v any_o right_a to_o perform_v but_o they_o such_o as_o pray_v and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n together_o etc._n etc._n now_o shall_v any_o man_n who_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o intrude_v into_o the_o church_n and_o communicate_v in_o all_o holy_a office_n this_o can_v be_v no_o more_o call_v a_o act_n of_o communion_n than_o it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v no_o member_n and_o resolve_v not_o to_o be_v prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n be_v act_n of_o communion_n when_o perform_v by_o church-member_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n when_o perform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v no_o church-member_n though_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n they_o thrust_v themselves_o into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v a_o member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a conventicle_n shall_v for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o at_o some_o critical_a time_n come_v to_o his_o parish_n church_n and_o there_o hear_v the_o common-prayer_n and_o sermon_n and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v this_o make_v this_o man_n a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o which_o he_o never_o communicate_v before_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a will_v never_o do_v again_o if_o it_o do_v not_o all_o this_o be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n which_o can_v be_v only_o between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n so_o that_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n do_v not_o signify_v mere_o to_o perform_v some_o such_o act_n which_o be_v act_n of_o communion_n in_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o since_o the_o decay_n of_o church_n discipline_n may_v sometime_o be_v perform_v by_o those_o who_o be_v not_o member_n which_o be_v such_o a_o abuse_n as_o will_v not_o have_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o deny_v their_o communion_n to_o schismatic_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o excommunicate_a upon_o other_o account_n but_o to_o be_v in_o church-communion_n signify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v embody_v and_o incorporate_v with_o it_o and_o i_o suppose_v what_o that_o mean_n every_o one_o know_v who_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o any_o society_n of_o a_o city_n or_o any_o inferior_a corporation_n which_o consist_v of_o privilege_n and_o duty_n and_o require_v all_o those_o who_o will_v
to_o their_o own_o select_a company_n and_o exclude_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n all_o the_o world_n over_o out_o of_o it_o their_o communion_n be_v no_o large_a than_o their_o gather_a church_n for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o must_v still_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n which_o have_v corrupt_a member_n as_o all_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n have_v unless_o we_o will_v except_v independent_o because_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o except_v themselves_o and_o then_o their_o separation_n do_v not_o answer_v its_o end_n which_o be_v to_o avoid_v such_o corrupt_a communion_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v confine_v their_o communion_n to_o their_o own_o gather_a church_n they_o be_v schismatic_n in_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o all_o their_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n be_v not_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n but_o a_o schismatical_a combination_n this_o do_v not_o prove_v indeed_o that_o particular_a church_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o to_o preserve_v their_o own_o communion_n pure_a from_o corrupt_a member_n unless_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n will_v do_v so_o too_o because_o every_o particular_a church_n whether_o diocesan_n or_o national_a have_v power_n to_o reform_v its_o own_o member_n and_o be_v accountable_a to_o god_n for_o such_o neglect_v of_o discipline_n but_o it_o do_v prove_v that_o no_o church_n without_o the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n can_v renounce_v communion_n with_o other_o christian_a church_n or_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a communion_n of_o its_o own_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o corrupt_a member_n which_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o novatian_a and_o danatist_n schism_n of_o old_a and_o be_v so_o of_o the_o independent_a schism_n at_o this_o day_n 3._o i_o observe_v further_o that_o our_o obligation_n to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n whole_o result_v from_o our_o obligation_n to_o catholic_n communion_n the_o only_a reason_n why_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n be_v because_o i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n without_o actual_a communion_n with_o some_o part_n of_o it_o when_o i_o be_o in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v a_o visible_a christian_a church_n as_o no_o member_n can_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o natural_a body_n without_o its_o be_v unite_v to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o body_n for_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o all_o its_o part_n to_o each_o other_o every_o act_n of_o christian_a communion_n though_o perform_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o congregation_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o particular_a church-communion_n but_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o act_n of_o communion_n at_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o perform_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n which_o it_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o some_o particular_a church_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a obligation_n i_o know_v of_o to_o communion_n with_o any_o particular_a church_n that_o as_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n i_o be_o a_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n and_o therefore_o be_o bind_v to_o maintain_v actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n wherever_o i_o find_v it_o and_o by_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n wherein_o i_o live_v if_o it_o be_v a_o find_v and_o orthodox_n member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o maintain_v communion_n with_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n which_o be_v but_o one_o body_n so_o that_o here_o be_v no_o choice_n what_o church_n we_o will_v communicate_v with_o for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n all_o the_o world_n over_o with_o which_o we_o must_v communicate_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o judge_v whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v be_v so_o sound_a and_o orthodox_n that_o we_o may_v communicate_v with_o it_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o it_o under_o peril_n of_o schism_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n if_o we_o do_v not_o 4._o from_o hence_o we_o may_v plain_o learn_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o separate_a communion_n and_o separate_a church_n for_o some_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v great_o sensible_a of_o the_o sin_n and_o mischief_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n but_o then_o they_o use_v great_a art_n so_o to_o confound_v the_o notion_n of_o separation_n as_o that_o neither_o they_o themselves_o nor_o any_o one_o else_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v whereas_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v or_o ever_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o understand_v what_o separation_n be_v as_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o member_n to_o be_v divide_v from_o the_o body_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o one_o communion_n of_o which_o all_o true_a christian_n and_o christian_a church_n be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n than_o those_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o be_v separate_a church_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o indeed_o to_o prove_v a_o separation_n that_o two_o congregation_n meet_v in_o several_a place_n for_o worship_n for_o this_o be_v do_v by_o all_o the_o parish-church_n of_o england_n who_o be_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o yet_o hold_v distinct_a and_o separate_a assembly_n as_o to_o local_a separation_n nor_o be_v it_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o separation_n because_o these_o differ_a church_n agree_v in_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o essential_o of_o worship_n for_o thus_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n do_v who_o yet_o be_v schismatic_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n but_o where_o there_o be_v two_o church_n which_o be_v not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o there_o be_v a_o schism_n though_o they_o agree_v in_o every_o thing_n else_o but_o in_o one_o communion_n and_o where_o church_n own_o each_o other_o communion_n as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n there_o be_v no_o schism_n though_o they_o be_v as_o distant_a from_o each_o other_o in_o place_n as_o east_n and_o west_n and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v for_o two_o church_n to_o be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o but_o to_o make_v this_o as_o plain_a as_o i_o can_v and_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o prevent_v all_o evasion_n and_o subterfuges_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o few_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o catholic_n communion_n whereby_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v what_o church_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o which_o be_v separate_a and_o schismatical_a conventicle_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o church_n in_o one_o place_n according_a to_o that_o ancient_a rule_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o there_o must_v be_v but_o one_o bishop_n in_o a_o city_n and_o this_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o apostolical_a time_n that_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o populous_a city_n and_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a number_n of_o convert_v yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n such_o as_o jerusalem_n antioch_n ephesus_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o independent_o themselves_o who_o endeavour_n hence_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o christian_n in_o any_o of_o those_o city_n than_o can_v meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n for_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v a_o mighty_a groundless_a surmise_n and_o not_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o have_v be_v often_o show_v by_o learned_a man_n both_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a divine_n and_o there_o be_v a_o evident_a reason_n why_o this_o shall_v be_v so_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n of_o catholic_n communion_n for_o private_a christian_n but_o to_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o all_o act_n of_o government_n and_o discipline_n with_o those_o christian_n with_o who_o they_o live_v for_o to_o renounce_v the_o ordinary_a communion_n of_o any_o christian_n or_o true_a christian_a church_n be_v to_o divide_v the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o withdraw_v ourselves_o from_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v into_o distinct_a and_o separate_a
society_n for_o worship_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o communion_n and_o when_o there_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v a_o schismatical_a separation_n so_o that_o distinct_a and_o particular_a church_n which_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o must_v have_v their_o distinct_a bound_n and_o limit_n as_o every_o member_n have_v its_o natural_a and_o proper_a place_n and_o situation_n in_o the_o body_n but_o when_o there_o be_v one_o church_n within_o the_o bowel_n of_o another_o a_o new_a church_n gather_v out_o of_o a_o church_n already_o constitute_v and_o form_v into_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a society_n this_o divide_v christian_a communion_n and_o be_v a_o notorious_a schism_n these_o church_n can_v be_v member_n of_o each_o other_o because_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o therefore_o to_o form_v and_o gather_v a_o new_a church_n be_v to_o divide_v and_o separate_a the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n from_o each_o other_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a case_n of_o the_o presbyterian_a and_o independent_a church_n and_o those_o other_o conventicle_n of_o sectary_n which_o be_v among_o we_o they_o be_v church_n in_o a_o church_n church_n form_v out_o of_o the_o national_a church_n by_o which_o mean_v ohristian_n who_o live_v together_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o same_o assembly_n and_o have_v bitter_a envy_n and_o contention_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o purity_n of_o their_o several_a church_n if_o all_o christian_n be_v member_n of_o the_o one_o body_n of_o christ_n nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o distinction_n of_o christian_n into_o several_a church_n but_o only_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o place_n as_o make_v it_o necessary_a and_o expedient_a to_o put_v they_o under_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o several_a bishop_n for_o the_o great_a edification_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o regular_a administration_n of_o discipline_n and_o all_o holy_a office_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v justify_v the_o gather_n of_o a_o church_n out_o of_o a_o christian_a church_n and_o divide_v neighbour_n christian_n into_o distinct_a communion_n church_n at_o a_o distance_n may_v be_v distinct_a church_n under_o their_o distinct_a bishop_n but_o yet_o in_o the_o same_o communion_n but_o distinct_a church_n in_o the_o same_o place_n can_v never_o be_v of_o the_o same_o communion_n for_o than_o they_o will_v natural_o unite_v and_o cement_v into_o one_o there_o must_v either_o be_v antibishop_n or_o schismatical_a presbyter_n set_v up_o in_o opposition_n to_o their_o bishop_n under_z different_z and_o opposite_a rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n which_o make_v they_o rival_n and_o opposite_a church_n not_o member_n of_o each_o other_o from_o hence_o i_o think_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n wherein_o we_o live_v unless_o there_o be_v necessary_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v schism_n and_o we_o can_v justify_v such_o distinct_a church_n within_o one_o another_o from_o the_o example_n of_o other_o distinct_a church_n who_o bound_n and_o limit_n and_o jurisdiction_n also_o be_v distinct_a and_o separate_a 2._o it_o be_v plain_a those_o be_v separate_a church_n which_o divide_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o any_o church_n from_o any_o dislike_n of_o its_o doctrine_n government_n or_o worship_n for_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o leave_v the_o church_n and_o form_n themselves_o into_o a_o new_a church_n out_o of_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o go_v because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o continue_v one_o body_n with_o it_o this_o have_v often_o make_v i_o wonder_n what_o those_o man_n mean_v who_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o quarrel_n at_o our_o constitution_n and_o assign_v a_o great_a many_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n will_v not_o own_o that_o they_o have_v make_v any_o separation_n from_o we_o what_o middle_a state_n now_o shall_v we_o find_v for_o these_o man_n who_o will_v neither_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n nor_o allow_v themselves_o to_o be_v out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o two_o particular_a church_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o not_o actual_o to_o communicate_v together_o because_o distance_n of_o place_n will_v not_o permit_v it_o but_o for_o two_o church_n to_o renounce_v each_o other_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o to_o withdraw_v ordinary_a communion_n from_o each_o other_o from_o a_o profess_a dislike_n and_o yet_o still_o to_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o one_o another_o be_v a_o down_o right_a contradiction_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n be_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o society_n and_o he_o that_o can_v prove_v and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v two_o opposite_a society_n found_v upon_o contrary_a principle_n and_o act_v by_o contrary_a rule_n and_o pursue_v contrary_a end_n to_o the_o ruin_n and_o subversion_n of_o each_o other_o to_o be_v the_o same_o body_n and_o the_o same_o society_n be_v very_o wonderful_a man_n to_o i_o 3._o those_o be_v separate_a church_n who_o do_v not_o own_o each_o other_o member_n as_o their_o own_o actual_a communion_n during_o our_o residence_n in_o any_o certain_a place_n must_v be_v confine_v to_o that_o particular_a church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v if_o it_o be_v a_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o church-membership_a be_v not_o confine_v to_o any_o particular_a church_n i_o be_o no_o otherwise_o a_o member_n of_o any_o particular_a church_n than_o i_o be_o of_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o give_v i_o a_o right_n of_o membership_n and_o communion_n in_o all_o the_o particular_a church_n of_o the_o world_n now_o i_o will_v ask_v whether_o every_o baptise_a christian_a who_o by_o baptism_n be_v make_v a_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o have_v not_o forfeit_v this_o right_n by_o a_o scandalous_a life_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la a_o member_n of_o a_o independent_a church_n if_o he_o be_v not_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o constitution_n of_o independency_n he_o be_v not_o for_o independent_a church-membership_a be_v not_o found_v on_o baptism_n but_o on_o a_o particular_a church-covenant_n then_o independency_n be_v a_o separate_a communion_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n for_o the_o member_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v not_o by_o be_v so_o make_v the_o member_n of_o a_o independent_a church_n and_o therefore_o a_o independent_a church_n be_v a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a body_n from_o the_o catholick-church_n nay_o i_o will_v know_v whether_o a_o member_n of_o one_o independent_a church_n by_o be_v so_o become_v a_o member_n of_o another_o independent_a church_n if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o do_v for_o every_o independent_a church_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o particular_a church-covenant_n between_o such_o a_o particular_a pastor_n and_o particular_a member_n than_o every_o independent_a church_n be_v a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a body_n from_o all_o other_o independent_a church_n and_o so_o they_o be_v all_o schismatic_n to_o each_o other_o as_o not_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n and_o though_o independent_a church_n shall_v be_v so_o civil_a to_o each_o other_o as_o to_o admit_v each_o other_o member_n to_o some_o act_n of_o communion_n yet_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o courtesy_n not_o of_o right_a and_o therefore_o their_o constitution_n be_v schismatical_a it_o be_v like_o two_o neighbour_n family_n which_o hold_v good_a correspondence_n with_o each_o other_o and_o often_o visit_v one_o another_o and_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o but_o yet_o remain_v very_o distinct_a family_n and_o have_v all_o their_o concern_v apart_o and_o separate_v but_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v but_o one_o household_n and_o family_n and_o whoever_o make_v two_o family_n of_o it_o be_v a_o schismatic_a thus_o let_v i_o ask_v whether_o the_o episcopal_a and_o presbyterian_a church_n in_o the_o same_o christian_a kingdom_n be_v one_o church_n and_o member_n of_o each_o other_o and_o own_o each_o other_o member_n as_o such_o to_o be_v member_n of_o their_o own_o body_n and_o church_n if_o they_o do_v not_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o do_v from_o their_o hold_v distinct_a and_o separate_a assembly_n under_o a_o distinct_a kind_n and_o species_n of_o government_n which_o both_o of_o they_o assert_v to_o be_v institute_v by_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n from_o their_o form_n themselves_o into_o distinct_a body_n under_o different_a governor_n which_o have_v no_o communion_n as_o such_o with_o each_o other_o which_o yet_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o particular_a church_n that_o their_o governor_n shall_v be_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o from_o their_o condemn_v each_o other_o constitution_n and_o particular_a mode_n of_o
this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o mistake_v about_o fix_v and_o occasional_a communion_n that_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v found_v on_o great_a and_o wise_a reason_n and_o indeed_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o catholic_n communion_n every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o he_o live_v now_o man_n may_v have_v house_n in_o different_a parish_n or_o distinct_a diocese_n or_o may_v travel_v into_o other_o part_n of_o the_o country_n and_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n which_o they_o find_v in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v or_o they_o may_v sometime_o go_v to_o prayer_n or_o hear_v a_o sermon_n or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o another_o parish-church_n now_o our_o ordinary_a communion_n with_o those_o church_n where_o our_o constant_a abide_v be_v may_v be_v call_v constant_a communion_n and_o our_o communion_n with_o those_o church_n which_o we_o accidental_o visit_v and_o communicate_v with_o may_v be_v call_v occasional_a communion_n and_o all_o this_o without_o schism_n because_o we_o still_o communicate_v either_o with_o the_o same_o national_a church_n or_o which_o be_v often_o the_o case_n of_o traveller_n with_o some_o other_o sound_a part_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v also_o member_n and_o so_o still_o keep_v in_o the_o same_o communion_n and_o communicate_v with_o no_o church_n but_o those_o of_o which_o we_o own_v ourselves_o member_n as_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o communion_n as_o be_v either_o sincere_a member_n of_o the_o national_a or_o catholic_n church_n from_o hence_o our_o dissenter_n conclude_v that_o their_o communion_n with_o a_o independent_a or_o presbyterian_a church_n of_o which_o they_o profess_v themselves_o fix_v member_n be_v as_o consistent_a with_o their_o occasional_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n when_o to_o serve_v some_o present_a turn_n they_o hear_v the_o prayer_n and_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n with_o we_o as_o our_o fix_a communion_n with_o our_o parish-church_n be_v with_o our_o occasional_a communion_n with_o other_o parish-church_n which_o no_o body_n account_v schism_n though_o when_o it_o be_v too_o frequent_a and_o causeless_a it_o be_v a_o great_a disorder_n but_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v vast_o great_a for_o in_o the_o first_o case_n we_o only_o communicate_v with_o such_o church_n which_o be_v all_o in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o one_o be_v a_o member_n of_o they_o all_o and_o communicate_v with_o they_o wherever_o he_o be_v as_o a_o member_n but_o he_o who_o be_v a_o fix_a member_n of_o a_o presbyterian_a or_o independent_a church_n can_v communicate_v so_o much_o as_o occasional_o with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o a_o member_n because_o he_o be_v a_o member_n not_o only_o of_o another_o particular_a but_o of_o a_o separate_a church_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n who_o be_v one_o with_o himself_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o two_o separate_a church_n and_o whatever_o act_n of_o worship_n we_o join_v in_o with_o other_o church_n of_o which_o we_o be_v no_o member_n they_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o communion_n have_v thus_o premise_v the_o explication_n of_o these_o term_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o church_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o church-communion_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o fix_a or_o constant_a and_o occasional_a communion_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v make_v it_o very_o easy_a to_o resolve_v those_o case_n which_o immediate_o respect_v church-communion_n and_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o these_o three_o 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n 2._o whether_o constant_a communion_n with_o that_o church_n with_o which_o occasional_a communion_n be_v lawful_a be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n 3._o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o communicate_v with_o two_o separate_a church_n case_n 1._o whether_o communion_n with_o some_o church_n or_o other_o 1._o especial_o when_o the_o church_n be_v divide_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o all_o christian_n now_o methinks_v the_o resolution_n of_o this_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o every_o man_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o every_o christian_n be_v baptise_a into_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o must_v continue_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n till_o he_o renounce_v his_o membership_n by_o schism_n or_o infidelity_n or_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n baptism_n incorporate_v we_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o church_n and_o be_v frequent_o so_o call_v in_o scripture_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n eph._n 4._o 4._o one_o christian_a church_n 12._o which_o be_v animate_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o one_o spirit_n of_o christ._n and_o we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o this_o one_o body_n 18._o for_o as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n so_o also_o be_v christ_n that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o head_n 13._o for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_n and_o be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n for_o the_o body_n be_v not_o one_o member_n but_o many_o now_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o church_n communion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o church-membership_n to_o be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n and_o to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n contain_v both_o a_o right_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o actual_a communion_n he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v challenge_v all_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o member_n among_o which_o actual_a communion_n be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o act_n and_o office_n of_o christian-communion_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n and_o all_o other_o christian_a duty_n which_o no_o man_n who_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n have_v any_o right_n to_o and_o he_o who_o be_v a_o member_n be_v bind_v to_o perform_v all_o those_o duty_n and_o office_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o church-communion_n and_o therefore_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o religious_a assembly_n to_o join_v in_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n to_o attend_v public_a instruction_n and_o to_o live_v like_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o to_o put_v this_o past_a all_o boudt_fw-ge that_o external_a and_o actual_a communion_n be_v a_o essential_a duty_n of_o a_o church-member_n i_o shall_v offer_v these_o plain_a proof_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o baptism_n make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n of_o christ_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o visible_a church_n without_o visible_a communion_n and_o therefore_o every_o visible_a member_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o membership_n be_v bind_v to_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v 2._o this_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o body_n and_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o all_o body_n and_o society_n of_o man_n be_v institute_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o member_n of_o it_o a_o body_n of_o man_n be_v a_o community_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o community_n in_o which_o every_o member_n may_v act_v by_o itself_o without_o any_o communication_n with_o other_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o body_n as_o this_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o essential_a duty_n of_o every_o member_n to_o live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n when_o he_o can_v for_o there_o be_v the_o same_o law_n for_o all_o member_n and_o either_o all_o or_o none_o be_v bind_v to_o actual_a communion_n but_o this_o be_v more_o absurd_a still_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o church_n be_v such_o a_o body_n as_o consist_v of_o variety_n of_o member_n of_o different_a office_n and_o officer_n which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n without_o actual_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o all_o its_o member_n to_o what_o purpose_n
do_v christ_n appoint_v such_o variety_n of_o minister_n in_o his_o church_n 12._o apostles_n prophet_n evangelist_n pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o what_o purpose_n have_v he_o institute_v a_o stand_a ministry_n in_o his_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o god_n to_o instruct_v exhort_v reprove_v and_o administer_v the_o christian_a sacrament_n if_o private_a christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o maintain_v communion_n with_o they_o in_o all_o religious_a office_n 3._o nay_o the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n oblige_v we_o to_o church-communion_n i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o every_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n institution_n and_o what_o that_o be_v we_o can_v learn_v better_a than_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n of_o who_o st._n luke_n give_v we_o this_o account_n 41._o that_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n and_o in_o prayer_n that_o which_o make_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o strict_a sense_n a_o act_n of_o church-communion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o bishop_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o offer_v up_o the_o prayer_n of_o christian_n to_o god_n in_o his_o name_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o private_a devotion_n of_o christian_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o the_o prayer_n of_o church-member_n yet_o none_o but_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o by_o man_n who_o have_v their_o authority_n from_o christ_n to_o offer_v these_o spiritual_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n be_v proper_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o act_n of_o church-communion_n if_o then_o we_o must_v offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n according_a to_o christ_n institution_n that_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o person_n authorize_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o that_o purpose_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n join_v in_o the_o actual_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o christian_a worship_n and_o we_o can_v celebrate_v this_o feast_n but_o in_o church-communion_n for_o this_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o common_a supper_n or_o communion-feast_n which_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n have_v be_v administer_v by_o consecrate_a person_n and_o in_o church-communion_n for_o it_o lose_v its_o nature_n and_o signification_n when_o it_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o private_a mass_n so_o that_o if_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o true_a christian_a worship_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o a_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o we_o may_v observe_v further_o that_o church_n authority_n be_v exercise_v only_o about_o church-communion_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o all_o christian_n who_o be_v church-member_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n be_v bind_v to_o all_o the_o act_n of_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n the_o exercise_n of_o church_n authority_n consist_v in_o receive_v in_o or_o shut_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n be_v to_o admit_v they_o to_o all_o external_a act_n of_o communion_n to_o shut_v or_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o deny_v they_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o allow_v they_o to_o pray_o or_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n or_o perform_v any_o religious_a office_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n now_o all_o this_o church_n authority_n will_v signify_v nothing_o be_v not_o external_n and_o actual_a communion_n both_o the_o privilege_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o authority_n christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n 5._o and_o to_o confirm_v all_o this_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n be_v to_o withdraw_v from_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o notion_n of_o separation_n without_o this_o now_o if_o separation_n from_o religious_a assembly_n be_v to_o break_v communion_n then_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n require_v our_o actual_a communicate_v with_o the_o church_n in_o all_o religious_a duty_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o separation_n be_v easy_o prove_v from_o the_o most_o express_a testimony_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 17._o wherefore_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v no_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o where_o come_v out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v plain_o signify_v to_o forsake_v the_o assembly_n of_o idolater_n not_o to_o communicate_v with_o they_o in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n so_o that_o not_o to_o join_v with_o any_o man_n or_o church_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v to_o separate_a from_o their_o communion_n which_o be_v a_o very_a godly_a separation_n when_o the_o worship_n be_v idolatrous_a and_o sinful_a but_o a_o schismatical_a separation_n when_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o 19_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o where_o their_o go_v out_o from_o they_o plain_o signify_v their_o forsake_v christian_n assembly_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n admonish_v the_o christian_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o 25._o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v in_o which_o he_o refer_v to_o the_o separation_n of_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n and_o thus_o according_o to_o have_v fellowship_n or_o communion_n with_o any_o be_v to_o partake_v with_o they_o in_o their_o religious_a mystery_n by_o this_o argument_n st._n paul_n dissuade_v the_o corinthian_n from_o eat_v of_o the_o idol_n feast_n because_o they_o be_v sacrifice_n to_o evil_a spirit_n and_o by_o partake_v of_o those_o sacrifice_n they_o have_v communion_n with_o they_o 21._o but_o i_o say_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o gentile_n sacrifice_n they_o sacrifice_n to_o devil_n and_o not_o to_o god_n and_o i_o will_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v have_v fellowship_n with_o devil_n you_o can_v drink_v the_o cup_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o cup_n of_o devil_n you_o can_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o of_o the_o table_n of_o devil_n so_o that_o though_o we_o must_v first_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o communion_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n must_v first_o be_v receive_v into_o covenant_n and_o by_o baptism_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o we_o have_v any_o right_a to_o communicate_v with_o this_o church_n yet_o no_o man_n can_v preserve_v his_o church-state_n without_o actual_a communion_n no_o man_n have_v communion_n with_o christ_n or_o his_o church_n but_o he_o who_o actual_o communicate_v in_o all_o religious_a office_n and_o christian_a institution_n a_o state_n of_o communion_n confer_v a_o right_a to_o communicate_v but_o actual_a communion_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o communion_n and_o a_o right_a to_o communicate_v without_o actual_a communion_n be_v worth_a nothing_o as_o no_o right_a or_o privilege_n be_v without_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o enjoyment_n consist_v in_o act_n and_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o blessing_n of_o christian_a communion_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o actual_a communion_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v partake_v in_o the_o blessing_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o will_v reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o church-communion_n we_o must_v live_v in_o actual_a communion_n and_o not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o dormant_a and_o useless_a right_n which_o we_o never_o bring_v into_o act._n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o actual_a communion_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n when_o it_o may_v be_v have_v for_o where_o it_o can_v be_v have_v non-communion_n be_v no_o sin_n for_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o impossibility_n he_o who_o live_v in_o a_o country_n or_o travel_n through_o any_o country_n where_o there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o can_v enjoy_v actual_a communion_n the_o right_a and_o duty_n of_o communion_n continue_v though_o necessity_n may_v suspend_v the_o act._n but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o suspend_v