empire_n under_o himself_o by_o their_o common_a consent_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n by_o the_o original_a division_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o the_o revolution_n that_o happen_v afterward_o among_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n be_v whole_o inconcerned_a in_o this_o new_a church_n sovereignty_n which_o be_v erect_v in_o the_o western_a province_n of_o that_o empire_n so_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n consummate_v for_o whereas_o the_o pope_n to_o secure_v his_o new_a acquisition_n endeavour_v to_o empale_v the_o title_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n unto_o those_o christian_n which_o profess_a obedience_n unto_o himself_o unto_o a_o exclusion_n of_o a_o great_a number_n there_o ensue_v such_o a_o confusion_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o that_o both_o of_o they_o be_v almost_o utter_o lose_v concern_v these_o several_a sort_n of_o conceit_a particular_a church_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o some_o of_o they_o as_o to_o their_o nature_n and_o kind_n have_v no_o institution_n in_o nor_o warrant_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o be_v prudential_n contrivance_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o day_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o form_v which_o they_o effect_v by_o various_a degree_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o apprehension_n that_o they_o tend_v unto_o the_o increase_n of_o concord_n and_o order_n among_o christian_n whether_o real_o and_o effectual_o they_o have_v attain_v that_o end_n the_o event_n have_v long_o since_o manifest_v and_o it_o will_v be_v one_o day_n acknowledge_v that_o no_o religious_a union_n or_o order_n among_o christian_n will_v be_v last_v and_o of_o spiritual_a use_n or_o advantage_n unto_o they_o but_o what_o be_v appoint_v and_o design_v for_o they_o by_o jesus_n christ._n the_o truth_n be_v the_o mutual_a intestine_a difference_n and_o contest_v among_o they_o who_o first_o possess_v the_o rule_n of_o such_o church_n about_o their_o dignity_n pre-eminences_a privilege_n and_o jurisdiction_n which_o first_o apparent_o let_v in_o pride_n ambition_n revenge_n and_o hatred_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o church-guide_n lose_v in_o the_o peace_n of_o christendom_n and_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o theâ—r_a successor_n more_o and_o more_o into_o a_o secular_a interest_n and_o worldly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v one_o great_a mean_n of_o continue_v we_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o its_o retrival_v how_o far_o any_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n unto_o communion_n with_o these_o church_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v such_o and_o as_o such_o behave_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o rule_n and_o administration_n may_v be_v inquire_v into_o by_o they_o who_o be_v concern_v what_o respect_v we_o have_v unto_o they_o or_o what_o duty_n we_o may_v owe_v they_o as_o they_o may_v in_o any_o place_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o civil_a law_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n be_v not_o of_o our_o present_a consideration_n but_o whereas_o in_o their_o original_a and_o rise_v they_o have_v no_o other_o warrant_n but_o the_o prudential_n contrivance_n of_o some_o man_n who_o unquestionable_o may_v be_v various_o influence_v by_o corrupt_a preâ—udâ—ces_n and_o affection_n in_o the_o find_n out_o and_o mannagement_n of_o their_o invention_n what_o ground_n there_o be_v for_o hold_v a_o religious_a communion_n with_o they_o and_o wherein_o such_o communion_n may_v consist_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v declare_v for_o the_o notion_n that_o the_o church-communion_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o minister_n consist_v only_o in_o a_o quiet_a subjection_n unto_o they_o who_o by_o any_o mean_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v set_v over_o they_o and_o claim_v a_o right_a to_o rule_v they_o be_v fond_a and_o impious_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o whole_o deny_v that_o the_o mistake_v or_o disorder_n of_o christian_n in_o comply_v with_o or_o join_v themselves_o unto_o such_o church_n as_o have_v no_o warrantable_a institution_n aught_o to_o be_v any_o cause_n of_o the_o diminish_n of_o our_o love_n towards_o they_o or_o of_o withdraw_v it_o from_o they_o for_o notwithstanding_o their_o error_n and_o wander_n from_o the_o path_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o matter_n they_o do_v or_o may_v continue_v interest_v in_o all_o that_o love_n which_o be_v due_a from_o we_o unto_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o double_a account_n before_o insist_v on_o for_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o person_n bear_v of_o god_n unite_v unto_o christ_n make_v partaker_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n mystical_a which_o be_v the_o first_o principal_a object_n of_o all_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n the_o error_n wherewith_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v overtake_v may_v befall_v any_o person_n under_o those_o qualification_n the_o admittance_n of_o they_o though_o culpable_a be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o acceptation_n with_o god_n and_o they_o may_v also_o by_o a_o due_a profession_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n evince_n themselves_o to_o be_v profess_v subject_n of_o the_o visible_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o church_n catholic_n uâ—sibly_o profess_v under_o which_o notion_n the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n commend_v unto_o our_o love_n and_o it_o be_v the_o fond_a imagination_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n want_v love_n towards_o all_o those_o with_o who_o we_o can_v join_v in_o all_o act_n of_o religious_a worship_n or_o that_o there_o need_v be_v any_o schism_n between_o they_o and_o we_o on_o the_o sole_a account_n thereof_o take_v schism_n in_o the_o common_a receive_v notion_n of_o it_o if_o we_o bear_v unkindness_n towards_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n if_o we_o desire_v or_o seek_v their_o hurt_n if_o we_o persecute_v they_o or_o put_v they_o to_o trouble_v in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o profession_n if_o we_o pray_v not_o for_o they_o if_o we_o pity_v they_o not_o in_o all_o their_o temptation_n error_n or_o suffering_n if_o we_o say_v unto_o any_o of_o they_o when_o naked_a be_v thou_o clothe_v and_o when_o hungry_a be_v thou_o feed_v but_o relieve_v they_o not_o according_a unto_o our_o ability_n and_o opportunity_n if_o we_o have_v a_o aversation_n to_o their_o person_n or_o judge_v they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o cast_v themselves_o open_o and_o visible_o under_o the_o sentence_n of_o natural_a reason_n or_o scripture-rule_n we_o may_v be_v just_o think_v to_o fail_v in_o our_o love_n towards_o they_o but_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o in_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o the_o difference_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v between_o they_o and_o we_o about_o church-constitution_n or_o order_n that_o ought_v be_v a_o cause_n or_o can_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o any_o want_n of_o love_n on_o our_o part_n there_o will_v indeed_o be_v a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a practice_n in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o the_o difference_n lie_v which_o in_o itself_o and_o without_o other_o avoidable_a evil_n need_v not_o on_o either_o side_n to_o be_v schismatical_a if_o by_o censure_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o power_n such_o church_n or_o person_n will_v force_v we_o to_o submit_v unto_o or_o comply_v with_o such_o thing_n or_o way_n in_o religious_a worship_n as_o be_v contrary_a unto_o our_o light_n and_o which_o they_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o the_o lord_n christ_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o the_o case_n be_v change_v as_o we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o as_o for_o those_o particular_a church_n which_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o person_n assemble_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n under_o the_o guidance_n of_o their_o own_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o have_v only_o to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v full_a well_o assure_v that_o wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n there_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o and_o far_o than_o this_o there_o be_v very_o few_o concern_v who_o we_o be_v call_v to_o pass_v any_o other_o censure_n or_o judgement_n so_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v with_o they_o and_o so_o we_o pray_v that_o it_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o esteem_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o hold_v that_o communion_n with_o all_o these_o assembly_n when_o call_v thereunto_o which_o be_v require_v of_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o circumstance_n unless_o we_o be_v convince_v that_o with_o respect_n unto_o such_o or_o such_o instance_n it_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n that_o neither_o among_o ourselves_o nor_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o nor_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o present_a communion_n with_o they_o we_o shall_v observe_v they_o in_o his_o worship_n we_o judge_v ourselves_o under_o a_o obligation_n
god_n we_o can_v with_o confidence_n and_o much_o assurance_n of_o mind_n own_o as_o dear_a a_o valuation_n of_o love_n unity_n and_o peaceableness_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o any_o sort_n of_o professor_n whatever_o and_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o our_o principle_n do_v as_o much_o tend_v and_o and_o conduce_v unto_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o as_o any_o that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v propose_v unto_o that_o end_n for_o we_o either_o do_v or_o be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o embrace_v every_o thing_n or_o way_n that_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v appoint_v or_o do_v bless_v thereunto_o we_o doubt_v not_o as_o have_v be_v before_o acknowledge_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o fail_n and_o sinful_a miscarriage_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o professor_n who_o separate_v or_o be_v rather_o drive_v from_o the_o present_a public_a worship_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o in_o they_o all_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o bitter_a root_n of_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o under_o the_o various_a temptation_n and_o provocation_n they_o have_v be_v expose_v unto_o have_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o a_o unpleasant_a relish_n it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n that_o irregular_a prejudices_fw-la shall_v be_v find_v act_v themselves_o in_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o have_v be_v so_o among_o they_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o we_o hope_v that_o where_o there_o be_v or_o have_v be_v any_o guilt_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o the_o reproof_n which_o have_v be_v public_o give_v unto_o it_o with_o what_o spirit_n or_o intention_n soever_o manage_v may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o amendment_n of_o they_o who_o have_v offend_v but_o for_o our_o own_o part_n we_o must_v bear_v this_o testimony_n unto_o our_o sincerity_n that_o we_o not_o only_o condemn_v but_o abhor_v all_o evil_a surmise_n among_o professor_n all_o rash_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n all_o causeless_a aversation_n of_o mind_n and_o affection_n all_o strife_n wrath_n anger_n and_o debate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o different_a apprehension_n and_o practice_n in_o and_o about_o the_o concern_v of_o religious_a worship_n much_o more_o do_v we_o cast_v out_o all_o thought_n of_o judge_a man_n eternal_a state_n and_o condition_n with_o respect_n unto_o such_o difference_n nor_o do_v we_o nor_o dare_v we_o give_v countenance_n unto_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o least_o real_o opposite_a to_o love_v peace_n unity_n or_o concord_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ._n and_o as_o we_o shall_v not_o excuse_v any_o of_o those_o extravagancy_n and_o intemperate_a heat_n in_o word_n or_o otherwise_o which_o some_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o who_o until_o their_o repentance_n must_v bear_v their_o own_o judgement_n so_o we_o will_v not_o make_v a_o recharge_v on_o other_o who_o differ_v in_o persuasion_n from_o we_o of_o the_o same_o or_o the_o like_a crime_n nor_o indeed_o need_v we_o so_o to_o do_v their_o principle_n and_o practice_n contrary_a unto_o all_o christian_a love_n and_o charity_n be_v write_v as_o with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o we_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o our_o lot_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o appearance_n of_o such_o thing_n in_o any_o of_o we_o will_v be_v esteem_v a_o scandalous_a crime_n which_o other_o that_o condemn_v they_o in_o we_o indulg_v in_o themselves_o without_o the_o least_o check_n or_o control_v the_o law_n of_o this_o condition_n be_v put_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o profession_n which_o we_o do_v avow_v only_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v make_v advantage_n against_o we_o by_o their_o plea_n for_o love_n unity_n and_o concord_n as_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v for_o peace_n but_o that_o we_o make_v ourselves_o ready_a for_o war_n can_v they_o convince_v we_o that_o we_o come_v behind_o they_o in_o the_o valuation_n and_o seck_v after_o these_o thing_n by_o all_o way_n and_o mean_v bless_v by_o christ_n to_o that_o purpose_n we_o shall_v judge_v ourselves_o with_o a_o severity_n at_o least_o commensurate_a to_o the_o utmost_a they_o be_v able_a to_o exercise_v against_o we_o whilst_o free_a from_o malice_n and_o evil_a design_n only_o we_o must_v add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a measure_n of_o love_n to_o be_v take_v by_o the_o accession_n that_o man_n can_v make_v towards_o they_o who_o depart_v from_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v so_o those_o must_v be_v judge_v to_o abound_v most_o with_o it_o who_o can_v most_o comply_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o such_o discourse_n with_o the_o application_n of_o they_o unto_o those_o who_o differ_v from_o their_o author_n do_v proceed_v from_o sincerity_n in_o they_o only_o as_o we_o fear_v somewhat_o leaven_v with_o a_o apprehension_n that_o their_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v according_a unto_o truth_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o other_o man_n perhaps_o no_o less_o sincere_a and_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n than_o themselves_o though_o differ_v from_o they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v unhappy_o fall_v out_o that_o in_o the_o reproof_n which_o some_o do_v manage_v on_o the_o foundation_n mention_v and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o mannagement_n many_o do_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a a_o appearance_n if_o not_o evidence_n of_o evil_a surmise_n ungrounded_a temerarious_a censure_n of_o self-conceit_n and_o elation_n of_o mind_n of_o hard_a thought_n of_o undue_a charge_n on_o and_o the_o contempt_n of_o other_o and_o in_o all_o of_o a_o want_n of_o real_a love_n condescension_n and_o compassion_n as_o in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a and_o to_o be_v real_o find_v among_o professor_n blame_v by_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n both_o as_o charge_v and_o recharge_v have_v a_o double_a appearance_n those_o from_o who_o they_o proceed_v look_v on_o they_o in_o the_o light_n of_o that_o sincerity_n and_o integrity_n which_o they_o be_v conscious_a of_o to_o themselves_o wherein_o they_o seem_v amiable_a useful_a and_o free_a from_o all_o offence_n whereas_o other_o that_o be_v concern_v view_v of_o they_o in_o the_o disorder_a reflection_n of_o their_o opposition_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o disadvantage_n which_o they_o undergo_v by_o they_o do_v apprehend_v they_o quite_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o trouble_n unto_o we_o to_o find_v that_o when_o some_o be_v severe_o handle_v for_o those_o principle_n and_o way_n wherein_o they_o can_v and_o do_v commend_v their_o conscience_n unto_o god_n and_o thereby_o apprehend_v that_o their_o intention_n purpose_n principle_n and_o affection_n be_v injurious_o traduce_v and_o pervert_v they_o fall_v with_o a_o equal_a severity_n on_o they_o by_o who_o they_o be_v reprove_v though_o their_o reproof_n proceed_v from_o a_o equal_a sincerity_n unto_o what_o themselves_o profess_v and_o expect_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o especial_o be_v such_o mutual_a reflection_n grievous_a and_o irksome_a unto_o man_n when_o they_o apprehend_v that_o in_o they_o or_o by_o they_o profess_a friend_n do_v industrious_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o contempt_n and_o wrath_n of_o profess_a adversary_n chap._n iu._n want_v of_o love_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n just_o complain_v of_o cause_n of_o division_n and_o schism_n 1._o misapprehension_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n wherein_o it_o do_v true_o consist_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v obtain_v and_o preserve_v mistake_v about_o both_o 2._o neglect_v in_o church_n to_o attend_v unto_o know_a gospel-duty_n of_o preach_v unto_o conversion_n and_o edification_n care_v of_o those_o that_o be_v real_o godly_a of_o discipline_n how_o neglect_v how_o corrupt_v principle_n seduce_v church_n and_o their_o ruler_n into_o miscarriage_n 1._o confidence_n of_o their_o place_n 2._o contempt_n of_o the_o people_n 3._o trust_v unto_o worldly_a grandeur_n other_o cause_n of_o division_n remainder_n of_o corruption_n from_o the_o general_n apostasy_n weakness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o readiness_n to_o take_v offence_n remedy_n hereof_o pride_n false_a teacher_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a decay_n of_o love_n a_o great_a want_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a nor_o less_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v frequent_o command_v and_o enjoin_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n may_v they_o be_v obtain_v it_o will_v great_o further_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o answer_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o loss_n be_v obstructive_a unto_o the_o one_o and_o no_o less_o dishonourable_a unto_o that_o profession_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o other_o for_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n occasion_v chief_o by_o false_a notion_n of_o unity_n and_o undue_a mean_n
make_v his_o choice_n of_o the_o measure_n he_o will_v comply_v withal_o at_o least_o if_o he_o will_v make_v the_o choice_n of_o his_o habitation_n subservient_fw-fr unto_o his_o edification_n hereby_o the_o peace_n and_o duty_n both_o of_o church_n and_o private_a person_n be_v secure_v and_o this_o rule_n of_o church_n admission_n and_o communion_n furnish_v christian_n with_o peace_n love_n and_o unity_n for_o many_o age_n set_v aside_o the_o ruffle_v give_v they_o in_o the_o rashness_n of_o victor_n before_o mention_v it_o be_v also_o render_v practicable_a and_o easy_a by_o virtue_n of_o their_o communion_n as_o church_n among_o themselves_o for_o from_o thence_o commendatory_a letter_n supply_v the_o room_n of_o actual_a profession_n in_o thâ—m_n who_o have_v be_v admit_v into_o one_o church_n do_v desire_v the_o same_o privilege_n in_o any_o other_o and_o on_o this_o rule_n be_v person_n to_o be_v receive_v though_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n 1._o think_v it_o may_v be_v in_o some_o thing_n otherwise_o mind_v than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n 15._o though_o babe_n and_o unskilful_a as_o to_o degree_n 14._o in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o a_o proviso_n that_o man_n do_v not_o contradict_v or_o destroy_v their_o own_o profession_n by_o a_o unholy_a conversation_n for_o such_o person_n never_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v unto_o the_o especial_a ordinance_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o neglect_n of_o due_a attendance_n hereunto_o be_v that_o which_o principal_o have_v cast_v we_o into_o all_o our_o confusion_n and_o render_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n ineffectual_a and_o if_o this_o warranty_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n have_v give_v unto_o his_o disciple_n of_o claim_v a_o participation_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o church_n and_o a_o admission_n unto_o a_o joynt-performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n require_v in_o they_o may_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o power_n leave_v to_o impose_v other_o condition_n of_o communion_n on_o they_o be_v reject_v and_o render_v useless_a all_o church_n communion_n be_v absolute_o resolve_v into_o the_o variable_a will_n of_o men._n the_o church_n no_o doubt_n may_v judge_v and_o determine_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o due_a application_n unto_o particular_a occasion_n as_o whether_o such_o person_n may_v according_a to_o they_o be_v admit_v into_o their_o fellowship_n to_o deprive_v church_n of_o this_o litberty_n be_v to_o take_v away_o their_o principal_a use_n and_o service_n but_o to_o make_v law_n of_o their_o own_o the_o subject_a matter_n whereof_o shall_v be_v thing_n not_o command_v by_o christ_n &_o to_o make_v they_o the_o rule_n of_o admit_v profess_a christian_n unto_o their_o communion_n be_v a_o assumption_n that_o can_v be_v justify_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o assume_v of_o a_o authority_n by_o some_o church_n for_o such_o like_a imposition_n be_v that_o which_o have_v principal_o occasion_v many_o to_o deny_v they_o so_o to_o be_v so_o at_o once_o to_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o that_o authority_n which_o in_o so_o many_o instance_n they_o find_v to_o be_v abuse_v and_o although_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n may_v prevail_v on_o weak_a and_o credulous_a person_n by_o propose_v unto_o they_o a_o absolute_a acquiescency_n in_o their_o dictate_v and_o determination_n as_o the_o best_a ready_a and_o most_o facile_a mean_n of_o satisfaction_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o do_v more_o alienate_v wise_a and_o conscientious_a person_n from_o they_o than_o do_v that_o unreasonable_a proposal_n moreover_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o endless_a dispute_n will_v arise_v on_o this_o supposition_n about_o what_o be_v meet_v and_o convenient_a and_o what_o not_o to_o be_v add_v unto_o the_o scripture-rule_n of_o communion_n they_o have_v do_v so_o in_o the_o age_n past_a and_o continue_v yet_o so_o to_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n on_o this_o principle_n know_v or_o probable_o conjecture_v when_o he_o have_v a_o firm_a station_n in_o the_o church_n or_o a_o indefensable_a interest_n in_o the_o privilege_n thereof_o for_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v concoct_v the_o imposition_n of_o one_o church_n on_o the_o first_o removal_n of_o his_o habitation_n he_o may_v have_v new_a condition_n of_o communion_n prescribe_v unto_o he_o and_o from_o this_o perplexity_n nothing_o can_v relieve_v he_o but_o a_o resolution_n to_o do_v in_o every_o place_n whereunto_o he_o may_v come_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o place_n beit_v good_a or_o bad_a right_a or_o wrong_n but_o neither_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n leave_v his_o disciple_n at_o this_o uncertainty_n which_o the_o case_n suppose_v nor_o will_v accept_v of_o that_o indifferency_n which_o be_v in_o the_o remedy_n suggest_v they_o therefore_o who_o regulate_v their_o communion_n with_o any_o church_n by_o the_o firm_a state_v law_n of_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n if_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v thereon_o do_v not_o by_o their_o abstinence_n from_o it_o contract_v the_o gild_n of_o schism_n or_o any_o unblamable_a division_n moreover_o upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o liberty_n and_o power_n to_o prescribe_v and_o impose_v unwritten_a condition_n of_o church-communion_n on_o christian_n who_o or_o what_o law_n do_v or_o shall_v prescribe_v bound_n unto_o man_n that_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v in_o their_o prescription_n beyond_o what_o be_v useful_a unto_o edification_n or_o unto_o what_o will_v be_v real_o burdensome_a and_o intolerable_a unto_o church_n to_o say_v that_o those_o who_o claim_v this_o power_n may_v be_v secure_o trust_v with_o it_o for_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o such_o excess_n will_v scarce_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o beside_o that_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o power_n be_v exceed_o apt_a to_o swell_v and_o extend_v itself_o unmeasurable_o the_o common_a experience_n of_o christendom_n lie_v against_o this_o suggestion_n be_v not_o a_o excess_n of_o this_o kind_n complain_v of_o by_o austin_n of_o old_a when_o yet_o the_o observation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a custom_n be_v much_o more_o voluntary_a than_o in_o after_o age_n neither_o be_v they_o make_v absolute_o condition_n of_o communion_n unless_o among_o a_o very_a few_o do_v not_o all_o protestant_n grant_n and_o plead_v that_o the_o papal_a church_n have_v exceed_v all_o bound_n of_o moderation_n and_o sobriety_n herein_o so_o that_o from_o thence_o they_o take_v the_o principal_a warranty_n of_o their_o secession_n from_o it_o do_v not_o other_o church_n mutual_o charge_v one_o another_o on_o the_o same_o account_n have_v not_o a_o charge_n of_o this_o exâ—â—ss_n be_v the_o ball_n of_o contention_n in_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n in_o any_o either_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o be_v confine_v unto_o certain_a instance_n by_o some_o power_n superior_a unto_o they_o or_o it_o be_v leave_v absolute_o as_o unto_o all_o particular_n whereunto_o it_o may_v be_v extend_v unto_o their_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n the_o first_o will_v not_o be_v assert_v nor_o can_v be_v so_o unless_o the_o instance_n intend_v can_v be_v recount_v and_o the_o confirm_a power_n be_v declare_v if_o the_o latter_a be_v affirm_v then_o let_v they_o run_v into_o what_o excess_n they_o please_v unless_o they_o judge_v themselves_o that_o so_o they_o do_v which_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v none_o ought_v ever_o to_o complain_v of_o what_o they_o do_v for_o there_o be_v no_o failure_n in_o they_o who_o attend_v unto_o their_o rule_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v man_n own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n and_o this_o be_v direct_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n whence_o they_o think_v it_o always_o exceed_o unequal_a that_o any_o of_o their_o ecclesiastical_a law_n shall_v be_v call_v in_o question_n since_o they_o make_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o exercise_v their_o authority_n in_o such_o thing_n where_o be_v the_o certainty_n and_o stability_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o communion_n and_o peace_n of_o all_o church_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v leave_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o and_o who_o will_v give_v assurance_n that_o no_o one_o condition_n direct_o unlawful_a in_o itself_o shall_v be_v prescribe_v and_o impose_v by_o person_n enjoy_v this_o pretend_a power_n or_o who_o can_v undertake_v that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o condition_n as_o may_v be_v countenance_v by_o a_o plea_n of_o be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a shall_v not_o be_v increase_v until_o they_o come_v to_o be_v such_o a_o burden_n and_o yoke_n as_o be_v too_o heavy_a for_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o bear_v and_o unlawful_a for_o they_o to_o submit_v themselves_o
a_o discourse_n concern_v evangelical_n love_n church-peace_n and_o unity_n with_o the_o occasion_n and_o reason_n of_o present_a difference_n and_o division_n about_o thing_n sacred_a and_o religious_a write_a in_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o minister_n and_o other_o speciosum_fw-la quidem_fw-la nomen_fw-la est_fw-la pacis_fw-la et_fw-la pulchra_fw-la opinio_fw-la unitatis_fw-la sed_fw-la quis_fw-la ambigat_fw-la eam_fw-la solam_fw-la unicam_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la pacem_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la christi_fw-la est_fw-la hilar._n london_n print_v 1672._o a_o discourse_n concern_v christian_n love_n and_o peace_n chap._n i._n complaint_n of_o want_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n how_o to_o be_v manage_v and_o whence_o fruitless_a charge_v of_o gild_n on_o some_o why_o now_o remove_v and_o for_o who_o sake_n personal_a miscarriage_n of_o any_o not_o excuse_v those_o who_o manage_n the_o charge_n mention_v not_o agree_v the_o great_a difference_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n about_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n do_v exercise_n more_o or_o less_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n for_o either_o in_o themselves_o or_o their_o consequent_n they_o be_v look_v on_o to_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n some_o herein_o regard_v principal_o that_o disadvantageous_a influence_n which_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v into_o man_n spiritual_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n other_o that_o aspect_n which_o they_o fancy_v they_o to_o have_v upon_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o world_n hence_o in_o all_o age_n such_o division_n have_v cause_v great_a thought_n of_o heart_n 15._o especial_o because_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n either_o of_o their_o nature_n or_o their_o tendency_n but_o general_o by_o all_o they_o be_v look_v on_o as_o evil_a by_o some_o for_o what_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o by_o other_o from_o the_o disadvantage_n which_o they_o bring_v as_o they_o suppose_v unto_o their_o secular_a interest_n hence_o there_o be_v among_o many_o great_a complaint_n of_o they_o and_o of_o that_o want_n of_o love_n which_o be_v look_v on_o as_o their_o cause_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o be_v in_o the_o liberty_n but_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o man_n sober_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o will_v but_o can_v remedy_v for_o such_o complaint_n testify_v a_o sense_n of_o their_o evil_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o their_o cure_n can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o love_n unto_o the_o public_a good_a require_v of_o we_o and_o if_o in_o any_o case_n this_o may_v be_v allow_v it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o that_o of_o division_n about_o sacred_a thing_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o their_o cause_n and_o manner_n of_o mannagement_n among_o man_n for_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o edification_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n be_v deep_o concern_v in_o they_o and_o high_o prejudice_v by_o they_o and_o in_o these_o thing_n all_o man_n have_v if_o not_o a_o equal_a yet_o such_o a_o special_a interest_n as_o none_o can_v forbid_v they_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o no_o man_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v judge_v as_o though_o he_o do_v transgress_v his_o rule_n or_o go_v beyond_o his_o line_n who_o sober_o express_v his_o sense_n of_o their_o evil_n and_o of_o the_o calamity_n wherewith_o they_o be_v attend_v yet_o must_v it_o not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o much_o prudence_n and_o moderation_n be_v require_v unto_o the_o due_a mannagement_n of_o such_o complaint_n for_o those_o which_o either_o consist_v in_o or_o be_v accompany_v with_o invective_n against_o the_o person_n or_o way_n of_o other_o instead_o of_o a_o rational_a discourse_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o division_n and_o their_o remedy_n do_v not_o only_o open_a inflame_v and_o irritate_fw-la former_a wound_n but_o prove_v matter_n of_o new_a contention_n and_o strife_n to_o their_o great_a increase_n beside_o in_o the_o manifold_a division_n and_o difference_n of_o this_o nature_n among_o we_o all_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v under_o a_o adherence_n unto_o some_o one_o party_n or_o other_o herein_o every_o man_n stand_v at_o the_o same_o distance_n from_o other_o as_o they_o do_v for_o he_o now_o all_o complaint_n of_o this_o kind_n carry_v along_o with_o they_o a_o tacit_n justification_n of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v make_v for_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o profligate_v as_o to_o judge_v himself_o and_o the_o way_n of_o religious_a worship_n wherein_o he_o be_v engage_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o blaneable_a division_n among_o christian_n and_o yet_o continue_v therein_o reflection_n therefore_o of_o gild_n upon_o other_o they_o be_v usual_o replenish_v withal_o but_o if_o those_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o evident_a light_n and_o unavoidable_a conviction_n because_o they_o proceed_v from_o person_n suppose_v not_o indifferent_a yea_o culpable_a in_o this_o very_a matter_n more_o of_o less_o themselves_o by_o they_o who_o they_o reflect_v upon_o they_o be_v general_o turn_v into_o occasion_n of_o new_a exasperation_n and_o contest_v and_o hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o although_o all_o good_a man_n do_v on_o all_o occasion_n bewail_v the_o want_n of_o love_n forbearance_n and_o condescension_n that_o be_v find_v among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o division_n which_o follow_v thereon_o yet_o no_o comfortable_a nor_o advantageous_a effect_n do_v thence_o ensue_v yea_o not_o only_o be_v all_o expectation_n of_o that_o bless_a fruit_n which_o a_o general_a serious_a consent_n unto_o such_o complaint_n may_v produce_v as_o yet_o utter_o frustrate_v but_o the_o small_a remainder_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n among_o we_o be_v hazard_v and_o impair_v by_o mutual_a charge_n of_o the_o want_n and_o loss_n of_o they_o on_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o each_o other_o we_o have_v therefore_o need_v of_o no_o small_a watchfulness_n and_o care_n least_o in_o this_o matter_n it_o fall_v out_o with_o we_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o israelite_n of_o old_a 43._o in_o another_o occasion_n for_o when_o they_o have_v by_o a_o sinful_a sedition_n cast_v out_o david_n from_o among_o they_o and_o from_o reign_v over_o they_o after_o a_o little_a while_n see_v their_o folly_n and_o iniquity_n they_o assemble_v together_o with_o one_o consent_n to_o bring_v he_o home_o again_o but_o in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o this_o purpose_n fall_v into_o a_o dispute_n about_o which_o of_o the_o tribe_n have_v the_o great_a interest_n in_o he_o they_o not_o only_o desist_v from_o their_o first_o design_n but_o fall_v into_o another_o distemper_n of_o no_o less_o dangerous_a importance_n then_o what_o they_o be_v new_o deliver_v from_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o sinful_a decay_n of_o love_n among_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o nation_n if_o not_o a_o violent_a cast_n of_o it_o out_o by_o such_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a affection_n as_o wherewith_o it_o be_v whole_o inconsistent_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a lamentation_n if_o upon_o the_o bloom_a of_o a_o design_n for_o its_o recovery_n and_o reduction_n with_o all_o its_o train_n as_o forbearance_n condescension_n gentleness_n and_o peace_n if_o any_o such_o design_n there_o be_v by_o contest_v about_o the_o occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o its_o absence_n with_o too_o much_o seriousness_n in_o our_o own_o vindication_n and_o plea_n of_o a_o special_a interest_n in_o it_o above_o other_o new_a distemper_n shall_v be_v raise_v hazard_v its_o everlasting_a exclusion_n in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n we_o have_v hitherto_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n unto_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o desire_n as_o to_o walk_v in_o love_n and_o peace_n with_o all_o man_n so_o to_o exercise_v the_o fruit_n of_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n administer_v unto_o we_o and_o as_o this_o alone_a we_o have_v thus_o far_o oppose_v unto_o all_o those_o censure_n and_o reproach_n which_o we_o have_v undergo_v to_o the_o contrary_a so_o therewithal_o have_v we_o support_v ourselves_o under_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v also_o suffer_v farther_o to_o declare_v our_o thought_n and_o principle_n in_o and_o about_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v evidence_v and_o testify_v unto_o by_o our_o practice_n we_o have_v hitherto_o forbear_v lest_o the_o most_o moderate_a claim_n of_o a_o especial_a interest_n in_o the_o common_a faith_n and_o love_n of_o christian_n shall_v occasion_v new_a contest_v and_o trouble_v unto_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o we_o have_v observe_v that_o sometime_o a_o overhasty_a endeavour_n to_o
of_o attain_v it_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o offence_n unto_o they_o who_o be_v yet_o stranger_n from_o christianity_n the_o jew_n object_n unto_o we_o the_o war_n among_o christian_n which_o they_o suppose_v shall_v have_v no_o place_n under_o the_o kingdom_n and_o reign_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o we_o have_v be_v reproach_v with_o our_o intestine_a difference_n by_o gentile_n and_o mahumetan_n for_o those_o who_o never_o have_v either_o peace_n or_o love_n or_o unity_n among_o themselves_o do_v yet_o think_v meet_a to_o revile_v we_o with_o the_o want_n of_o they_o because_o they_o know_v how_o high_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o they_o but_o any_o man_n may_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o the_o neglect_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o they_o profess_v if_o they_o be_v find_v defective_a therein_o under_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o the_o want_n of_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v labour_v long_o enough_o if_o we_o endeavour_v not_o to_o take_v away_o ihe_a cause_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o our_o disquisition_n after_o they_o we_o be_v again_o entangle_v christian_n can_v come_v to_o a_o agreement_n about_o these_o cause_n and_o so_o live_v under_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o effect_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o conclude_v on_o a_o remedy_n the_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v here_o divide_v and_o one_o cry_v one_o thing_n another_o another_o most_o place_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o difference_n in_o a_o dissent_n from_o themselves_o and_o their_o judgement_n yea_o they_o do_v so_o apparent_o who_o yet_o disavow_v their_o so_o do_v and_o it_o may_v be_v here_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v give_v some_o account_n of_o our_o thought_n as_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o these_o difference_n whereof_o we_o also_o have_v now_o complain_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n or_o obstructive_a of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o endeavour_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o such_o as_o may_v have_v those_o expectation_n particular_a evil_n which_o contribute_v much_o unto_o our_o division_n we_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o much_o less_o shall_v we_o reflect_v upon_o and_o aggravate_v the_o fail_n of_o other_o whether_o person_n or_o society_n some_o of_o the_o principal_a and_o more_o general_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o they_o especial_o among_o protestant_n it_o shall_v suffice_v we_o to_o enumerate_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o division_n and_o schism_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o ignorance_n or_o misapprehension_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o evangelical_n unity_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o follow_v after_o with_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v and_o preserve_v hence_o it_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o great_a plea_n for_o unity_n and_o endeavour_n after_o it_o most_o man_n have_v pursue_v a_o shadow_n and_o fight_v uncertain_o as_o those_o that_o beat_v the_o air._n for_o have_v lose_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o gospel_n unity_n and_o not_o love_v the_o thing_n its_o self_n under_o what_o term_n soever_o propose_v unto_o they_o they_o consign_v the_o name_n of_o it_o unto_o and_o clothe_v with_o its_o ornament_n and_o privilege_n a_o vain_a figment_n of_o their_o own_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n never_o require_v nor_o ever_o bless_v any_o in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o attain_v and_o when_o they_o have_v change_v the_o end_n it_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o also_o to_o change_v the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o to_o substitute_v those_o in_o their_o room_n which_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o new_a mark_n and_o aim_v they_o have_v erect_v farther_o to_o evidence_n these_o thing_n we_o shall_v give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n the_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o with_o the_o false_a notion_n of_o it_o that_o some_o have_v embrace_v and_o the_o corrupt_a mean_n which_o they_o have_v use_v for_o the_o compass_v of_o the_o same_o first_o that_o unity_n which_o be_v recommend_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v spiritual_a and_o in_o that_o which_o be_v pure_o so_o lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a 4._o hence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n because_o there_o be_v one_o body_n 22._o and_o one_o spirit_n whereby_o that_o body_n be_v animate_v thus_o all_o true_a believer_n become_v one_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n or_o perfect_a in_o one_o it_o be_v their_o participation_n of_o and_o quicken_a by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n whereby_o they_o become_v his_o body_n or_o member_n of_o it_o 30_o even_o of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n that_o be_v no_o less_o real_o partaker_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a spiritual_a nature_n with_o he_o 4_o than_o eve_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o adam_n when_o she_o be_v make_v of_o his_o flâ—sh_n and_o his_o bone_n 3_o the_o real_a union_n of_o all_o true_a believer_n unto_o the_o lord_n christ_n as_o their_o head_n wrought_v by_o his_o spiâ—iâ—_n which_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o communicate_v of_o his_o grace_n unto_o they_o be_v that_o which_o we_o intend_v for_o as_o hereby_o they_o become_v one_o with_o and_o in_o he_o so_o they_o come_v to_o be_v one_o among_o themselves_o as_o his_o body_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n be_v many_o be_v yet_o but_o one_o body_n wherein_o their_o oneness_n among_o themselves_o do_v consist_v the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n have_v divers_a form_n or_o shape_n divers_a use_n and_o operation_n much_o more_o may_v be_v diverse_o clothe_v and_o adorn_v yet_o be_v they_o one_o body_n still_o wherein_o this_o unity_n do_v consist_v and_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o attempt_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o dead_a useless_a unity_n among_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n by_o clothing_n of_o they_o all_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o garment_n or_o cover_v but_o grant_v they_o their_o unity_n by_o their_o relation_n unto_o the_o head_n and_o thence_o to_o one_o another_o unto_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o their_o different_a form_n shape_n uses_n operation_n ornament_n all_o tend_v to_o make_v they_o serviceable_a in_o their_o unity_n unto_o their_o proper_a ends._n and_o say_v the_o apostle_n as_o the_o body_n be_v one_o and_o have_v many_o member_n and_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o one_o body_n be_v many_o be_v one_o body_n 13._o so_o also_o be_v christ._n for_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n whether_o we_o be_v jew_n or_o gentile_n whether_o we_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o have_v be_v all_o make_v to_o drink_v into_o one_o spirit_n and_o he_o do_v elsewhere_o so_o describe_v this_o fundamental_a unity_n of_o believer_n in_o one_o body_n under_o and_o in_o dependence_n on_o the_o same_o head_n as_o to_o make_v it_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o whole_a 16._o they_o grow_v up_o into_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o head_n even_o christ_n from_o who_o the_o whole_a body_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o compact_a by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v according_a to_o the_o effectual_a work_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o every_o part_n make_v increase_v of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_v of_o its_o self_n in_o love_n the_o conjunction_n of_o all_o the_o member_n into_o one_o body_n their_o mutual_a usefulness_n unto_o one_o another_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o its_o increase_n the_o due_a exercise_n of_o love_n which_o thing_n contain_v the_o whole_a nature_n and_o the_o utmost_a end_n of_o all_o church-communion_n do_v depend_v mere_o and_o sole_o upon_o and_o flow_v from_o the_o relation_n that_o the_o member_n have_v to_o the_o head_n and_o their_o union_n with_o he_o he_o speak_v again_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o the_o reproof_n of_o they_o who_o hold_v not_o the_o head_n 19_o from_o which_o all_o the_o body_n by_o joint_n and_o band_n have_v nourishment_n minister_v and_o knit_v together_o increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o gospel_n unity_n among_o believer_n whereunto_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v require_v unto_o the_o complete_n of_o it_o be_v but_o accessary_a nor_o be_v they_o without_o this_o of_o any_o value_n or_o acceptation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n whatever_o order_n peace_n concord_n union_n in_o the_o church_n any_o one_o may_v hold_v or_o keep_v who_o be_v not_o interest_v herein_o he_o be_v but_o like_o a_o stone_n in_o a_o building_n lay_v it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o comely_a order_n but_o not_o cement_v and_o fix_v unto_o the_o whole_a which_o render_v its_o station_n useless_a to_o the_o
from_o he_o instead_o hereof_o some_o have_v invent_v bond_n of_o ecclesiastical_a unity_n which_o may_v outward_o bind_v man_n together_o in_o some_o appearance_n of_o order_n whilst_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o live_v in_o envy_n wrath_n and_o malice_n bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o love_n among_o they_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v mere_o natural_a or_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a work_v by_o a_o joint_a consent_n in_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n or_o at_o best_o in_o civil_a thing_n belong_v unto_o their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n the_o love_n that_o be_v among_o such_o person_n in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v perish_v with_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o easy_a thing_n to_o satisfy_v conscience_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o preserve_a church_n unity_n by_o a_o acquiescency_n in_o some_o outward_a rule_n and_o constitution_n wherein_o man_n mind_n be_v little_o concern_v than_o to_o attend_v diligent_o unto_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n of_o love_n against_o all_o opposition_n and_o temptation_n unto_o the_o contrary_a for_o indeed_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o love_n require_v a_o sedulous_a and_o painful_a labour_n heb._n 6._o 10._o but_o yet_o this_o be_v that_o alone_a which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfection_n unto_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o which_o all_o other_o pretence_n or_o appearance_n of_o unity_n be_v of_o no_o value_n with_o he_o second_o this_o love_n act_v itself_o by_o forbearance_n and_o condescension_n towards_o the_o infirmity_n mistake_n and_o fault_n of_o other_o wherein_o of_o what_o singular_a use_v it_o be_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n peace_n and_o order_n the_o apostle_n at_o large_a declare_v 1_o cor._n 13._o four_o 20._o the_o lord_n christ_n by_o his_o kingly_a authority_n have_v institute_v order_n for_o rule_n and_o ordinance_n for_o worship_n 13._o to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o his_o church_n that_o they_o be_v attend_v unto_o and_o celebrate_v in_o a_o due_a manner_n belong_v unto_o the_o unity_n which_o he_o require_v among_o his_o disciple_n to_o this_o end_n he_o communicate_v supply_n of_o spiritual_a ability_n and_o wisdom_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n unto_o the_o guide_n and_o ruler_n of_o his_o church_n for_o their_o administration_n unto_o edification_n and_o hereon_o if_o a_o submission_n unto_o his_o authority_n be_v accompany_v with_o a_o due_a attendance_n unto_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n no_o such_o variety_n or_o difference_n will_v ensue_v as_o shall_v impeach_v that_o unity_n which_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o they_o all_o to_o attend_v unto_o in_o these_o thing_n do_v consist_v that_o evangelical_n church_n unity_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v unto_o we_o 22._o and_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n pray_v for_o with_o respect_n unto_o all_o that_o shall_v believe_v on_o his_o name_n one_o spirit_n one_o faith_n one_o love_n one_o lord_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o and_o unto_o they_o all_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o unity_n and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o first_o church_n leave_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v they_o in_o succeed_a generation_n continue_v according_a to_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o liberty_n of_o it_o all_o those_o scandalous_a division_n which_o afterward_o fall_v out_o among_o they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o pre-eminences_a jurisdiction_n liturgy_n rite_n ceremony_n violent_o or_o fraudulent_o obtrude_v on_o their_o communion_n have_v be_v prevent_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o this_o unity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o preserve_v among_o christian_n 5._o be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o whereas_o it_o be_v spiritual_a none_o other_o be_v suit_v thereunto_o nor_o have_v the_o lord_n christ_n appoint_v any_o other_o 20._o but_o his_o spirit_n and_o his_o word_n for_o to_o this_o end_n do_v he_o promise_v the_o presence_n of_o his_o spirit_n among_o they_o that_o believe_v 16._o unto_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o he_o do_v both_o as_o to_o lead_v and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n necessary_a unto_o the_o end_v mention_v so_o to_o assist_v and_o help_v they_o in_o the_o orderly_a performance_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o and_o about_o they_o his_o word_n also_o as_o the_o rule_n which_o they_o be_v to_o attend_v unto_o he_o have_v commit_v unto_o they_o and_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o this_o end_n beside_o the_o due_a improvement_n of_o spiritual_a assistance_n in_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o holy_a rule_n he_o have_v not_o design_v or_o appoint_v this_o be_v that_o gospel-vnity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o labour_v after_o and_o these_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v do_v so_o but_o now_o through_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o the_o strong_a influence_n which_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a interest_n have_v upon_o they_o we_o know_v how_o it_o have_v be_v despise_v and_o what_o have_v be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v pursue_v and_o promote_v we_o may_v take_v a_o instance_n in_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n no_o sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v do_v at_o this_o day_n more_o pretend_v unto_o unity_n or_o more_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o more_o fierce_o judge_n oppose_v and_o destroy_v other_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o which_o they_o charge_v upon_o they_o nor_o more_o prevail_v or_o advantage_v themselves_o by_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o than_o do_v they_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretence_n it_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o unity_n which_o they_o so_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o and_o press_v upon_o other_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o foreign_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o destructive_a of_o that_o peace_n union_n and_o concord_n among_o christian_n which_o it_o do_v require_v they_o know_v how_o high_o unity_n be_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n how_o much_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prize_v and_o value_v by_o all_o true_a believer_n how_o acceptable_a it_o be_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o how_o severe_o they_o be_v condemn_v who_o break_v it_o or_o despise_v it_o these_o thing_n they_o press_v and_o plead_v and_o make_v their_o advantage_n by_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o intend_v by_o church-vnity_n they_o tell_v we_o long_a story_n of_o subjection_n unto_o the_o pope_n to_o the_o church_n in_o it_o dictate_v and_o resolution_n without_o far_a examination_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v they_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o kind_n than_o the_o unity_n and_o concord_n commend_v unto_o we_o by_o jesus_n christ_n but_o perfect_o inconsistent_a with_o they_o and_o destructive_a of_o they_o and_o as_o they_o will_v impose_v upon_o we_o a_o corrupt_a confederacy_n for_o their_o own_o secular_a advantage_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o spiritual_a unity_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v find_v out_o mean_v suitable_a unto_o its_o accomplishment_n and_o preservation_n as_o distant_a from_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o christ_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o gospel-vnion_n as_o their_o carnal_a confederacy_n be_v from_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n and_o they_o have_v do_v according_o for_o the_o enforce_n man_n by_o all_o way_n of_o deceit_n and_o outward_a violence_n unto_o a_o compliance_n with_o and_o submission_n unto_o their_o order_n be_v the_o great_a expedient_a for_o the_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n of_o their_o perverse_a union_n that_o they_o have_v fix_v on_o now_o that_o this_o fictitious_a unity_n and_o corrupt_v carnal_a pursuit_n of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o beget_v foment_v and_o continue_v the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v indeniable_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o so_o it_o will_v fall_v out_o wherever_o any_o reject_v the_o union_n of_o christ_n institution_n and_o substitute_n in_o the_o room_n thereof_o a_o agreement_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n as_o he_o will_v be_v utter_o lose_v so_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o retain_v their_o own_o thus_o other_o also_o not_o content_a with_o those_o bound_n and_o measure_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v fix_v unto_o the_o unity_n of_o christian_n and_o church_n will_v have_v it_o to_o consist_v almost_o whole_o in_o a_o outward_a conformity_n unto_o certain_a rite_n order_n ceremony_n and_o modes_n of_o sacred_a administration_n which_o themselves_o have_v either_o invent_v and_o find_v out_o or_o do_v observe_v and_o approve_v whoever_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o these_o thing_n must_v immediate_o be_v brand_v as_o a_o
schismatic_a a_o divider_n of_o the_o church_n unity_n and_o a_o enemy_n unto_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o it_o howbeit_o of_o conformity_n unto_o such_o institution_n and_o order_n of_o man_n of_o uniformity_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o external_a rite_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n speak_v nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n intimate_v in_o all_o the_o command_v for_o unity_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o nor_o in_o the_o direction_n that_o be_v sanctify_v unto_o the_o due_a preservation_n of_o it_o yet_o such_o a_o uniformity_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n and_o order_n mean_v suit_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o but_o real_o destructive_a of_o that_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v and_o who_o place_n it_o possess_v have_v not_o be_v want_v and_o it_o be_v not_o unworthy_a consideration_n how_o man_n endeavour_v to_o deceive_v other_o and_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o by_o manifold_a equivocation_n in_o their_o arguing_n about_o this_o matter_n for_o first_o they_o lay_v down_o the_o necessity_n of_o unity_n among_o christian_n with_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o breach_n division_n and_o schism_n which_o they_o prove_v from_o the_o command_v of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o reproof_n of_o the_o other_o that_o abound_v in_o the_o scripture_n then_o with_o a_o easy_a deduction_n they_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o all_o christian_n in_o their_o several_a capacity_n to_o observe_v keep_v further_o and_o promote_v this_o unity_n and_o to_o prevent_v oppose_v resist_v and_o avoid_v all_o division_n that_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o if_o so_o the_o magistrate_n must_v do_v the_o same_o in_o his_o place_n and_o capacity_n now_o see_v it_o be_v his_o office_n and_o unto_o he_o of_o god_n it_o be_v commit_v to_o exercise_v his_o power_n in_o law_n and_o penalty_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o the_o punish_n of_o what_o be_v contrary_a thereunto_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o coerce_v restrain_v and_o punish_v all_o those_o who_o oppose_v despise_v or_o any_o way_n break_v or_o disturb_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o ratiocination_n will_v seem_v reasonable_a be_v it_o not_o double_o defective_a for_o first_o the_o unity_n intend_v in_o the_o first_o proposition_n who_o necessity_n be_v confirm_v by_o scripture-testimony_n be_v utter_o lose_v before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o the_o outward_a uniformity_n mention_v be_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o and_o hereby_o in_o the_o second_o place_n be_v they_o deceive_v to_o believe_v that_o external_a force_n and_o penalty_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v by_o any_o for_o the_o attain_n or_o preserve_v of_o gospel-vnity_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a indeed_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v suit_v to_o give_v countenance_n unto_o that_o external_a uniformity_n which_o be_v intend_v but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o promotion_n of_o gospel-vnion_n among_o believer_n be_v a_o weak_a imagination_n let_v such_o person_n keep_v themselves_o and_o their_o argument_n unto_o that_o union_n which_o the_o scripture_n commend_v among_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n with_o the_o mean_v fit_v and_o appoint_v unto_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o they_o shall_v have_v our_o compliance_n with_o any_o conclusion_n that_o will_v thence_o ensue_v herein_o therefore_o lie_v the_o fundamental_a cause_n of_o our_o division_n which_o will_v not_o be_v heal_v until_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n leave_v believer_n or_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o their_o duty_n in_o seek_v after_o evangelical_n unity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o other_o mean_v institute_v and_o bless_v unto_o that_o end_n impose_v nothing_o on_o their_o conscience_n or_o practice_n under_o that_o name_n which_o indeed_o belong_v not_o thereunto_o and_o although_o upon_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n afterward_o to_o be_v mention_v there_o may_v for_o a_o season_n remain_v some_o division_n among_o they_o yet_o there_o will_v be_v a_o way_n of_o heal_v continual_o ready_a for_o they_o and_o agree_v upon_o by_o they_o as_o such_o where_o indeed_o man_n propose_v unto_o themselves_o different_a end_n though_o under_o the_o same_o name_n the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o they_o will_v but_o increase_v their_o variance_n as_o where_o some_o aim_n at_o evangelical_n union_n and_o other_o at_o a_o external_n uniformity_n both_o under_o the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o peace_n in_o the_o use_n of_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o these_o end_n they_o will_v be_v more_o divide_v among_o themselves_o but_o where_o the_o same_o end_n be_v aim_v at_o even_o the_o debate_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o will_v insensible_o bring_v the_o party_n at_o difference_n into_o a_o coalition_n and_o work_v out_o in_o the_o issue_n a_o complete_a reconciliation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v christian_n due_o instruct_v how_o many_o lesser_a difference_n in_o mind_n judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v real_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o genuine_a fruit_n of_o the_o unity_n that_o christ_n require_v among_o they_o it_o will_v undoubted_o prevail_v with_o they_o so_o to_o manage_v themselves_o in_o their_o difference_n by_o mutual_a forbearance_n and_o condescension_n in_o love_n as_o not_o to_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o be_v disturber_n or_o breaker_n of_o it_o for_o suppose_v the_o mind_n of_o any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v invincible_o prepossess_v with_o the_o principle_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o other_o yet_o all_o who_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n can_v but_o rejoice_v to_o be_v direct_v unto_o such_o a_o mannagery_n of_o they_o as_o to_o be_v preserve_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o dissolve_v the_o unity_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o be_v observe_v and_o to_o speak_v plain_o among_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v free_a from_o idolatry_n and_o persecution_n it_o be_v not_o different_a opinion_n or_o a_o difference_n in_o judgement_n about_o reveal_v truth_n nor_o a_o different_a practice_n in_o sacred_a administration_n but_o pride_n self-interest_n love_n of_o honour_n reputation_n and_o dominion_n with_o the_o influence_n of_o civil_a or_o political_a intrigue_n and_o consideration_n that_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o that_o defect_n of_o evangelical_n unity_n that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n among_o they_o for_o set_v they_o aside_o and_o the_o real_a difference_n which_o will_v remain_v may_v be_v so_o manage_v in_o love_n gentleness_n and_o meekness_n as_o not_o to_o interfere_v with_o that_o unity_n which_o christ_n require_v they_o to_o preserve_v nothing_o will_v from_o thence_o follow_v which_o shall_v impeach_v their_o common_a interest_n in_o one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o love_n one_o spirit_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o same_o ordinance_n according_a to_o their_o light_n and_o ability_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v cast_v away_o this_o evangelical_n union_n among_o the_o disciple_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o shall_v break_v up_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n fix_v unto_o it_o and_o set_v up_o in_o its_o place_n a_o compliance_n with_o or_o a_o agreement_n in_o the_o command_v and_o appointment_n of_o man_n make_v their_o observation_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o ecclesiastical_a concord_n it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o innumerable_a and_o endless_a division_n will_v ensue_v thereon_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o union_n that_o christ_n have_v appoint_v it_o be_v certain_a we_o shall_v have_v none_o in_o this_o world_n for_o concern_v that_o which_o be_v of_o man_n find_v out_o there_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v contention_n and_o division_n whilst_o there_o be_v any_o on_o the_o one_o side_n who_o will_v endeavour_v its_o imposition_n and_o on_o the_o other_o who_o desire_v to_o preserve_v their_o conscience_n entire_a unto_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o law_n and_o appointment_n there_o be_v none_o who_o can_v be_v such_o a_o stranger_n in_o our_o israel_n as_o not_o to_o know_v that_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v the_o great_a occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o of_o the_o division_n and_o contention_n that_o have_v be_v among_o we_o near_o a_o hundred_o year_n and_o which_o at_o this_o day_n make_v our_o breach_n wide_a like_o the_o sea_n that_o they_o can_v be_v heal_v let_v therefore_o those_o who_o have_v power_n and_o ability_n be_v instrumental_a to_o restore_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o true_a notion_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o unity_n which_o the_o lord_n christ_n require_v among_o his_o church_n and_o disciple_n and_o let_v they_o be_v leave_v unto_o that_o liberty_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o they_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o that_o unity_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v