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
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
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
and_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o church_n consider_v as_o god_n house_n and_o temple_n and_o it_o be_v a_o odd_a way_n of_o build_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n by_o divide_v and_o separate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o from_o each_o other_o this_o one_o thing_n well_o consider_v viz._n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d edification_n or_o building_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o it_o do_v always_o primary_o refer_v to_o or_o at_o least_o include_v church-unity_n and_o communion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o man_n what_o a_o ill_a way_n it_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o great_a edification_n in_o break_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n by_o schism_n and_o separation_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a scripture_n notion_n of_o edification_n and_o to_o that_o end_n shall_v consider_v the_o most_o material_a place_n where_o this_o word_n be_v use_v now_o the_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o our_o translator_n render_v by_o edification_n be_v a_o house_n or_o building_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a sense_n wherein_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n 10._o you_o be_v god_n husbandry_n you_o be_v god_n building_n that_o be_v the_o church_n be_v god_n house_n or_o building_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o christ_n â—1_n the_o whole_a building_n i._n e._n the_o whole_a christian_a church_n fit_o frame_v together_o 42._o grow_v unto_o a_o holy_a temple_n in_o the_o lord_n hence_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n be_v call_v builder_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 11._o and_o the_o apostle_n be_v call_v labourer_n together_o with_o god_n 9_o in_o erect_v this_o spiritual_a building_n and_o st._n paul_n call_v himself_o a_o master_n builder_n hence_o the_o increase_n growth_n and_o advance_n towards_o perfection_n in_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o building_n or_o edification_n of_o it_o for_o this_o reason_n st._n paul_n commend_v prophesy_v or_o expound_v the_o scripture_n before_o speak_v in_o unknown_a tongue_n without_o a_o interpreter_n 9_o because_o by_o this_o the_o church_n receive_v building_n or_o edification_n 12._o all_o these_o spiritual_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v on_o the_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o building_n and_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n the_o apostolical_a power_n in_o church_n censure_n be_v for_o edification_n not_o for_o destruction_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o build_v 10._o and_o not_o to_o pull_v down_o that_o be_v to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n entire_a and_o its_o communion_n pure_a and_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o edification_n be_v primary_o apply_v to_o the_o church_n 12._o that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v edify_v 12._o that_o you_o may_v excel_v to_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a wherein_o the_o apostle_n place_v the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n viz._n in_o unity_n and_o love_n 13._o till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n till_o we_o be_v unite_v by_o one_o faith_n into_o one_o body_n and_o perfect_a man._n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o love_n may_v grow_v up_o in_o he_o into_o all_o thing_n 16._o which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_v by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_v itself_o in_o love_n this_o be_v a_o admirable_a description_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o all_o the_o part_n be_v close_o unite_v and_o compact_v together_o as_o stones_z and_o timber_n be_v to_o make_v one_o house_n and_o thus_o they_o grow_v into_o one_o body_n and_o increase_v in_o mutual_a love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a building_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o which_o be_v edifyed_a and_o build_v up_o in_o love_n as_o the_o apostle_n add_v that_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v this_o build_v up_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o such_o a_o common_a charity_n as_o we_o have_v for_o all_o mankind_n but_o such_o a_o love_n and_o sympathy_n as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o which_o none_o but_o member_n can_v have_v for_o each_o other_o and_o now_o methinks_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v that_o schism_n and_o separation_n be_v the_o not_o for_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n to_o separate_a for_o edification_n be_v to_o pull_v down_o instead_o of_o building_n up_o but_o these_o man_n do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o only_o to_o their_o own_o particular_a edification_n and_o we_o must_v grant_v that_o edification_n be_v sometime_o apply_v to_o particular_a christian_n in_o scripture_n according_a to_o st._n paul_n exhortation_n comfort_v yourselves_o together_o and_o edify_v one_o another_o 11._o even_o as_o also_o you_o do_v and_o this_o edify_v one_o another_o without_o question_n signify_v our_o promote_a each_o other_o growth_n and_o progress_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o the_o building_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v the_o growth_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o christian_a grace_n the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v in_o the_o edification_n of_o particular_a christian_n but_o then_o this_o be_v call_v edification_n or_o building_n because_o this_o growth_n and_o improvement_n be_v in_o the_o unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o make_v they_o one_o spiritual_a house_n and_o temple_n thus_o the_o church_n be_v call_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n and_o every_o particular_a christian_a be_v god_n temple_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v and_o yet_o god_n have_v but_o one_o temple_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v only_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o particular_a christian_n be_v god_n temple_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o as_o live_v member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o church_n be_v edify_v and_o build_v up_o as_o it_o grow_v into_o a_o spiritual_a house_n and_o holy_a temple_n by_o a_o firm_a and_o close_a union_n and_o communion_n of_o all_o its_o part_n and_o every_o christian_a be_v edify_v as_o he_o grow_v up_o in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o extraordinary_a mean_n of_o edification_n man_n may_v fancy_v to_o themselves_o in_o a_o separation_n the_o apostle_n know_v no_o edification_n but_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o if_o our_o growth_n and_o increase_n in_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o the_o internal_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n than_o to_o the_o external_a administration_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 7._o i_o have_v plant_v and_o apollo_n water_v but_o god_n give_v the_o increase_n so_o then_o neither_o be_v he_o that_o plant_v any_o thing_n nor_o he_o that_o water_v but_o god_n that_o give_v the_o increase_n and_o the_o divine_a spirit_n confine_v his_o influence_n and_o operation_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o body_n and_o one_o spirit_n 4._o which_o plain_o signify_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o this_o one_o spirit_n be_v appropriate_v to_o this_o one_o body_n as_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o the_o body_n it_o animate_v than_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v a_o very_a likely_a way_n for_o edification_n to_o cut_v ourselves_o off_o from_o the_o unity_n of_o christ_n body_n 3._o 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o case_n still_o remain_v which_o will_v be_v resolve_v in_o a_o few_o word_n according_a to_o the_o principle_n now_o lay_v down_o which_o be_v this_o whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o two_o distinct_a and_o separate_a church_n for_o this_o be_v think_v of_o late_a day_n not_o only_o a_o very_a innocent_a and_o lawful_a thing_n but_o the_o true_a catholick-spirit_n and_o catholick-communion_n to_o communicate_v with_o church_n of_o all_o communion_n unless_o perhaps_o they_o may_v except_v the_o papist_n and_o quaker_n it_o be_v think_v a_o schismatical_a principle_n to_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o those_o church_n which_o withdraw_v communion_n from_o we_o and_o thus_o some_o who_o communicate_v ordinary_o with_o