execution_n of_o discipline_n which_o i_o have_v in_o the_o former_a section_n note_v to_o be_v hinder_v in_o the_o effect_n thereof_o and_o not_o help_v by_o division_n and_o separation_n be_v desirable_a and_o will_v be_v advantageous_a to_o the_o church_n yet_o here_o we_o must_v observe_v 1._o that_o some_o man_n rigour_n will_v make_v the_o rule_n of_o communion_n overstrict_n and_o severe_a which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o schism_n of_o the_o novatian_o and_o donatist_n and_o as_o some_o have_v ancient_o relate_v of_o the_o meletian_o also_o and_o it_o be_v not_o desirable_a that_o the_o church_n authority_n shall_v be_v act_v by_o such_o heat_n 2._o that_o real_a defect_n in_o this_o particular_a though_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v approve_v of_o be_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n since_o such_o blemish_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n themselves_o as_o be_v manifest_a from_o almost_o all_o the_o apostolical_a epistle_n and_o particular_o from_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o which_o divers_a miscarriage_n be_v tax_v and_o yet_o unity_n be_v strict_o command_v and_o divide_v severe_o rebuke_v yea_o this_o very_a discourse_n at_o sometime_o will_v not_o own_o 126._o p._n 126._o that_o this_o thing_n sole_o of_o itself_o be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v a_o separation_n and_o the_o congregational_a church_n in_o england_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o order_n affirm_v 21._o of_o institution_n and_o order_n of_o church_n sect._n 21._o the_o church-member_n upon_o offence_n take_v by_o they_o have_v perform_v their_o duty_n private_a admonition_n and_o relate_v it_o to_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v any_o church-order_n or_o absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n or_o the_o administration_n of_o any_o ordinance_n upon_o that_o pretence_n but_o to_o wait_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o further_o proceed_v of_o the_o church_n 19_o plea_n last_o plea_n another_o thing_n only_o touch_v in_o that_o discourse_n but_o which_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o mis-apprehensin_a be_v that_o there_o be_v say_v he_o no_o evangelical_n obligation_n to_o local_a or_o external_a comunion_n 257._o p._n 256_o 257._o with_o any_o particular_a or_o parochial_a church_n of_o this_o nation_n because_o every_o man_n may_v relinquish_v it_o by_o remove_v his_o habitation_n which_o plea_n flow_v from_o want_n of_o a_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n catholic_n for_o every_o christian_n obligation_n to_o keep_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n be_v found_v in_o his_o be_v visible_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n body_n which_o include_v his_o visible_a fellowship_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n which_o he_o enter_v upon_o by_o baptism_n and_o from_o hence_o he_o stand_v oblige_v to_o communicate_v with_o that_o regular_a fix_a part_n of_o this_o church_n where_o he_o reside_v and_o from_o which_o he_o have_v no_o warrantable_a or_o necessary_a cause_n of_o separation_n in_o this_o respect_n our_o parochial_a assembly_n be_v of_o like_a nature_n with_o the_o jewish_a synagogal_a assembly_n unto_o which_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o any_o special_a synagogal-covenant_n but_o partly_o from_o god_n general_a command_n of_o their_o assemble_v themselves_o together_o and_o partly_o from_o their_o religious_a profession_n and_o circumcision_n engage_v they_o to_o communion_n with_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o thereby_o to_o their_o synagogal-communion_n hereupon_o under_o that_o dispensation_n it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o example_n shall_v not_o be_v over-looked_n by_o we_o to_o attend_v upon_o these_o synagogal_a assembly_n and_o the_o religious_a worship_n of_o god_n celebrate_v therein_o as_o appear_v luk._n 4.16_o at_o nazareth_n where_o he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o as_o his_o custom_n be_v he_o go_v into_o the_o synagogue_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n 20._o and_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o christian_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o holy_a apostle_n who_o in_o their_o travel_n can_v not_o be_v fix_v in_o any_o particular_a congregation_n do_v not_o stand_v bind_v by_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a unity_n to_o join_v themselves_o in_o communion_n with_o the_o particular_a fix_a church_n or_o assembly_n of_o christian_n where_o they_o come_v as_o s._n peter_n at_o antioch_n s._n paul_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o divers_a other_o place_n though_o such_o church_n be_v found_v by_o some_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o go_v abroad_o into_o other_o region_n and_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n do_v with_o a_o religious_a care_n seek_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o they_o come_v and_o not_o to_o make_v separate_a assembly_n yea_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o far_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o english_a independent_n themselves_o though_o they_o can_v talk_v at_o another_o rate_n where_o it_o serve_v their_o interest_n that_o in_o their_o public_a confession_n of_o faith_n at_o the_o savoy_n they_o say_v 2._o conf._n ch._n 27._o sect._n 2._o all_o saint_n be_v bind_v to_o maintain_v a_o holy_a fellowship_n and_o communion_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o communion_n though_o especial_o to_o be_v exercise_v by_o they_o in_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v whether_o of_o family_n or_o church_n yet_o as_o god_n afford_v opportunity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v extend_v to_o all_o those_o who_o in_o every_o place_n call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 21._o but_o the_o condition_n require_v in_o any_o particular_a fix_a christian_a assembly_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n in_o the_o place_n of_o our_o residence_n to_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o christian_a unity_n to_o join_v therein_o be_v these_o two_o 1._o that_o our_o communicate_v therein_o do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o join_v in_o any_o action_n or_o profession_n which_o be_v sinful_a this_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o all_o hand_n and_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n because_o the_o christian_n duty_n of_o keep_v in_o communion_n with_o christ_n himself_o do_v require_v it_o 2._o that_o the_o assembly_n we_o join_v in_o do_v not_o maintain_v a_o unwarrantable_a separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o establish_a church_n for_o here_o to_o join_v in_o communion_n be_v to_o join_v in_o separation_n and_o be_v like_o barnabas_n and_o the_o other_o jew_n join_v with_o s._n peter_n 2.14_o gal._n 2.14_o who_o all_o walk_v contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o withdraw_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o gentile_n at_o antioch_n and_o the_o communicate_v with_o such_o a_o separate_a assembly_n will_v be_v a_o breach_n of_o that_o apostolical_a command_n of_o avoid_v they_o who_o cause_n division_n rom._n 16.17_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o join_n in_o needless_a separation_n be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n which_o require_v christian_a unity_n and_o communion_n can_v not_o be_v warrant_v by_o any_o authority_n upon_o earth_n because_o that_o authority_n can_v not_o dispense_v with_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o s._n peter_n practice_n and_o countenance_n 166._o theod._n hift._n l._n 4._o c._n 22._o aug._n ep._n 166._o do_v not_o excuse_v barnablas_fw-es and_o the_o other_o jew_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o indulgence_n of_o valon_n the_o emperor_n or_o his_o predecessor_n execuse_v the_o different_a sect_n by_o they_o tolerate_v from_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o christian_a duty_n in_o their_o division_n and_o separation_n 22._o another_o notion_n of_o schism_n there_o be_v schism_n a_o four_o notion_n of_o schism_n which_o condemn_v separation_n where_o ever_o communion_n be_v lawful_a but_o assume_v that_o wherever_o any_o thing_n unlawful_a or_o strong_o suspect_v 8._o mr._n h._n tract_n of_o schism_n p._n 2_o 5_o 8._o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o communion_n there_o to_o hold_v communion_n will_v be_v to_o join_v in_o conspiracy_n and_o separation_n be_v then_o both_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a concern_v which_o notion_n grant_v that_o separation_n be_v necessary_a where_o any_o thing_n unlawful_a be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o communion_n i_o can_v not_o admit_v for_o truth_n that_o if_o any_o thing_n suspect_v be_v so_o require_v separation_n become_v lawful_a thereby_o for_o if_o by_o suspect_v be_v mean_v whatsoever_o the_o person_n who_o make_v the_o separation_n do_v suspect_v as_o evil_n by_o this_o rule_n he_o who_o through_o carelessness_n of_o enquiry_n or_o prejudice_n and_o want_v of_o charity_n be_v needless_o suspicious_a about_o any_o form_n of_o service_n or_o way_n of_o church-administrations_a will_v be_v allow_v to_o separate_v and_o to_o be_v therein_o free_a from_o
and_o affectionate_o recommend_v and_o have_v natural_o such_o other_o dangerous_a attendant_n as_o have_v be_v above_o observe_v to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o breach_n or_o want_v of_o the_o church_n peace_n this_o sin_n be_v to_o the_o church_n what_o sedition_n be_v to_o the_o state_n the_o most_o manifest_a and_o direct_a mean_n to_o hinder_v its_o government_n and_o to_o destroy_v that_o society_n which_o be_v best_a preserve_v in_o true_a unity_n and_o of_o which_o as_o christ_n himself_o have_v so_o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o tender_a regard_n it_o be_v to_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n what_o disjoint_v be_v to_o the_o body_n of_o man_n it_o hinder_v the_o action_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o member_n to_o each_o other_o it_o weaken_v the_o whole_a and_o cause_v pain_n and_o anxious_a grief_n to_o those_o other_o member_n which_o be_v not_o senseless_a and_o be_v ordinary_o accompany_v with_o swell_a tumor_n in_o the_o part_n ill-affected_a and_o out_o of_o order_n 12._o and_o as_o itself_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n commandment_n so_o its_o influence_n promote_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v call_v by_o ignatius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o original_n of_o evil_n smyrn_n ign._n ep._n ad_fw-la smyrn_n for_o beside_o the_o evil_n above_o mention_v which_o accompany_v this_o sin_n as_o it_o include_v a_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o prevail_v with_o the_o separatist_n to_o so_o much_o impiety_n as_o to_o place_n much_o of_o his_o religion_n in_o that_o which_o be_v his_o sin_n viz._n his_o unwarrantable_a separation_n and_o it_o be_v oft_o if_o not_o ordinary_o attend_v with_o so_o great_a uncharitableness_n as_o to_o be_v please_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o party_n in_o hear_v if_o not_o speak_v evil_a concern_v other_o who_o withstand_v they_o it_o promote_v prosaneness_n and_o disadvantage_v religion_n in_o other_o by_o render_v censure_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o church_n when_o they_o be_v administer_v the_o less_o efficacious_a upon_o the_o offender_n who_o be_v the_o more_o ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v no_o great_a shame_n or_o danger_n to_o be_v exclude_v from_o that_o society_n of_o christian_n from_o which_o many_o who_o profess_v religion_n do_v exclude_v themselves_o and_o upon_o this_o and_o other_o easy_o discernible_a account_n it_o be_v a_o probable_a occasion_n of_o remissness_n in_o the_o exercise_v discipline_n which_o will_v be_v more_o enforce_v and_o enliven_v by_o a_o more_o general_a union_n whereby_o also_o divers_a obstacle_n and_o impediment_n will_v be_v remove_v cor._n athan._n synop_n in_o 1._o ep._n ad_fw-la cor._n thus_o athanasius_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o corinthian_a division_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o incestuous_a person_n be_v not_o reject_v sect_n iv_o some_o false_a conception_n of_o schism_n refute_v 1._o but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o notion_n or_o rather_o misrepresentation_n of_o this_o sin_n of_o schism_n design_v to_o excuse_v many_o from_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o who_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n do_v envolve_v under_o it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o such_o plaster_n either_o to_o cover_v or_o cure_v so_o great_a and_o dangerous_a wound_n as_o the_o deep_a rent_n make_v in_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v apply_v 2._o a_o first_o false_a conception_n of_o schism_n notion_n a_o first_o notion_n be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o the_o new-england_n independent_a principle_n of_o church-communion_n they_o assert_v express_o 4._o ans_fw-fr to_o 32._o qu._n quo_fw-la 4._o that_o baptism_n neither_o make_v nor_o admit_v any_o to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o call_v it_o the_o opinion_n of_o papist_n and_o anabaptist_n that_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n but_o they_o assert_v the_o foundation_n of_o church-society_n to_o be_v lay_v in_o their_o church-covenant_n which_o be_v a_o particular_a contract_n among_o themselves_o bind_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o one_o to_o another_o to_o live_v in_o christian_a society_n with_o that_o particular_a congregation_n to_o which_o they_o join_v themselves_o by_o this_o contract_n 15._o apol._n for_o chur._n coven_n p._n 3_o 5_o 15._o and_o this_o church-covenant_n be_v they_o say_v the_o constitutive_a form_n of_o a_o church_n and_o join_v in_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o particular_a person_n a_o member_n of_o a_o church_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o infer_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o duty_n of_o hold_v and_o therefore_o no_o sin_n of_o schism_n in_o withdraw_a or_o neglect_v communion_n where_o they_o have_v not_o make_v this_o engagement_n by_o that_o particular_a covenant_n 3._o but_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o union_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n do_v confine_v it_o to_o such_o strait_a limit_n as_o to_o exclude_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o christian_n of_o all_o age_n from_o church_n society_n but_o themselves_o and_o be_v thereby_o uncharitable_a and_o no_o stranger_n to_o schism_n and_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o full_a and_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n catholicism_n for_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v never_o account_v the_o obligation_n to_o christian_a communion_n to_o be_v so_o narrow_a a_o thing_n as_o only_o to_o respect_v a_o particular_a congregation_n and_o therefore_o never_o frame_v any_o such_o particular_a covenant_n this_o be_v also_o direct_o contrary_a to_o s._n paul_n who_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o union_n and_o against_o schism_n say_v 1_o cor._n 12_o 13._o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptize_v into_o one_o body_n and_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n rom._n 6.3_o and_o thereby_o be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n v._o 5._o and_o that_o they_o who_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n do_v put_v on_o christ_n gal._n 3.27_o which_o scripture_n do_v sufficient_o express_v that_o by_o our_o baptism_n as_o we_o undertake_v the_o christian_a life_n so_o we_o thereby_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v engage_v as_o member_n to_o unity_n therein_o and_o to_o continue_v in_o communion_n therewith_o whereas_o if_o this_o notion_n be_v admit_v the_o ground_n for_o the_o be_v and_o union_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o scripture_n lay_v down_o together_o with_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a practice_n must_v be_v account_v as_o insufficient_a and_o the_o necessary_a support_n of_o its_o be_v and_o union_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o this_o late_a invention_n all_o which_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v the_o error_n of_o this_o opinion_n and_o to_o show_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sinful_a breach_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n among_o they_o who_o never_o enter_v into_o that_o church_n covenant_n 4._o 3._o a_o second_o notion_n dr._n owen_n of_o love_n &_o church_n peace_n c._n 3._o but_o one_o of_o that_o way_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n treat_v of_o schism_n and_o separation_n acknowledge_v baptism_n to_o give_v relation_n to_o or_o entrance_n into_o the_o catholic_n church_n visible_a but_o still_o ow_v a_o particular_a contract_n or_o joint_a consent_n among_o themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a bond_n for_o external_a ecclesiastical_a communion_n in_o a_o particular_a church_n or_o as_o he_o express_v it_o to_o be_v that_o wherein_o the_o union_n of_o such_o a_o church_n do_v consist_v which_o will_v be_v hereafter_o further_o consider_v 9_o n._n 19_o 20._o dr._n owen_n review_n of_o schism_n ch_n 8_o 9_o and_o he_o give_v we_o this_o representation_n of_o schism_n that_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o want_n of_o or_o breach_n of_o external_a unity_n by_o separation_n but_o in_o the_o want_n of_o internal_a unity_n by_o needless_a division_n of_o judgement_n in_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o say_v be_v use_v 1_o cor._n c._n 1.11_o hence_o these_o assertion_n be_v lay_v down_o 1._o that_o the_o depart_n of_o any_o man_n or_o man_n from_o any_o particular_a church_n as_o to_o the_o communion_n peculiar_a to_o such_o a_o church_n be_v no_o where_n in_o scripture_n call_v schism_n nor_o be_v so_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o 2._o one_o church_n refuse_v to_o hold_v that_o communion_n with_o another_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o they_o be_v not_o schism_n proper_o so_o call_v 5._o but_o if_o we_o here_o consider_v the_o matter_n or_o thing_n itself_o we_o must_v inquire_v whether_o christian_n religion_n do_v allow_v needless_a separation_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o sure_o he_o must_v have_v strange_a thought_n of_o the_o earnest_a command_n and_o frequent_a argument_n for_o christian_a unity_n who_o suppose_v they_o to_o regard_v only_o a_o inward_a
confess_v he_o who_o be_v crucify_v let_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v confident_o make_v upon_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o finger_n 18._o catech._n 13._o amalar._n de_fw-fr eccl._n offic._n l._n 3._o c._n 18._o and_o amalarius_n say_v we_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o he_o who_o be_v crucify_v of_o who_o name_n the_o jew_n be_v ashamed_a and_o therefore_o we_o make_v the_o sign_n in_o our_o forehead_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o shame_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n by_o some_o of_o the_o soldier_n under_o julian_n be_v account_v in_o theodoret_n to_o be_v a_o expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o christian_a profession_n 16._o theod._n hist_o eccl._n l._n 3._o c._n 16._o and_o indeed_o whenever_o the_o ancient_a christian_n use_v this_o sign_n public_o especial_o when_o any_o one_o sign_v himself_o therewith_o it_o always_o include_v a_o profession_n of_o christ_n yet_o since_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n we_o live_v not_o among_o the_o gentile_n or_o jew_n who_o oppose_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v other_o sufficient_a visible_a sign_n of_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n in_o public_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n the_o use_n of_o this_o rite_n to_o this_o end_n be_v no_o way_n needful_a to_o be_v continue_v among_o we_o but_o because_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o danger_n with_o what_o i_o mention_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_a the_o disuse_n hereof_o be_v useful_a and_o commendable_a in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n 3._o second_o this_o sign_n be_v most_o frequent_o use_v as_o a_o expression_n of_o hope_n and_o and_o trust_n in_o christ_n crucify_v and_o of_o confidence_n in_o he_o expectation_n of_o blessing_n from_o he_o and_z supplication_z unto_o god_n by_o he_o to_o this_o purpose_n both_o latin_a and_o greek_a writer_n have_v parallel_v this_o with_o moses_n lift_v up_o his_o hand_n when_o israel_n be_v engage_v with_o amalek_n which_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o devout_a application_n to_o god_n and_o holy_a confidence_n in_o he_o 21._o de_fw-fr cor._n mil._n c._n 3._o ad_fw-la vxor_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 5._o chrys_n ad_fw-la pop_n ant._n hom._n 21._o and_o this_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n be_v ancient_o very_o common_a in_o the_o action_n of_o life_n even_o in_o retirement_n and_o privacy_n as_o be_v express_v by_o tertulian_n thus_o s._n chrysostom_n direct_v the_o christian_a when_o he_o go_v abroad_o that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o safety_n under_o the_o divine_a protection_n to_o disclaim_v the_o devil_n and_o express_v his_o adhere_n to_o christ_n with_o use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n when_o julian_n after_o his_o apostasy_n be_v affright_v and_o terrify_v while_o he_o seek_v to_o consult_v with_o the_o devil_n as_o a_o remedy_n against_o his_o fear_n he_o sign_v himself_o with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n 3._o naz._n orat._n 3._o which_o nazianzen_n express_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o word_n show_v his_o use_n of_o that_o sign_n to_o be_v a_o declaration_n of_o fly_v for_o aid_n and_o expect_v help_n from_o christ_n who_o he_o persecute_v upon_o this_o account_n this_o sign_n be_v sometime_o ancient_o use_v in_o the_o work_a miracle_n as_o be_v express_v by_o nazianzen_n epiphanius_n and_o other_o father_n as_o a_o visible_a testimony_n of_o confidence_n in_o christ_n which_o casaubone_n well_o express_v 33._o casaub_n exerc._n 13._o in_o baron_n n._n 33._o opem_fw-la à _fw-la christo_fw-la petiit_fw-la facto_fw-la signo_fw-la crucis_fw-la quod_fw-la primitivae_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la fuit_fw-la symbolum_fw-la ejus_fw-la fiduciae_fw-la quam_fw-la in_o christo_fw-la &_o cruse_a ipsius_fw-la &_o passione_n ponebant_fw-la and_o whereas_o this_o sign_n be_v long_o since_o use_v in_o every_o sacramental_a administration_n and_o some_o expression_n of_o the_o ancient_n have_v mention_v spiritual_a aid_n and_o grace_n to_o be_v convey_v per_fw-la signum_fw-la crucis_fw-la by_o the_o use_n of_o this_o sign_n they_o hereby_o only_o mean_v that_o these_o benefit_n flow_v from_o christ_n passion_n and_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o religious_a application_n unto_o he_o as_o cassander_n assert_v 220._o cassand_n in_o hymn_n eccles_n p._n 220._o haud_fw-la dubiè_fw-la nil_fw-la aliud_fw-la significare_fw-la volebant_fw-la quam_fw-la omnem_fw-la tutelam_fw-la &_o salutem_fw-la in_o morte_fw-la christi_fw-la esse_fw-la constitutam_fw-la &_o sacramenta_fw-la omne_fw-la vim_o atque_fw-la efficaciam_fw-la svam_fw-la non_fw-la aliunde_fw-la quam_fw-la à _fw-la morte_fw-la christi_fw-la haurire_fw-la in_o like_a manner_n the_o christian_a emperor_n from_o constantine_n and_o downward_o make_v use_v of_o the_o banner_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o a_o expression_n of_o their_o trust_n in_o christ_n crucify_v and_o the_o same_o be_v relate_v by_o bede_n 2._o bed_n eccl._n histl_n l._n 3._o c._n 2._o concern_v oswaldus_n in_o england_n in_o his_o engagement_n against_o the_o britain_n 4._o yet_o because_o this_o sign_n which_o have_v be_v gross_o abuse_v to_o superstition_n by_o place_v a_o operative_a virtue_n and_o essicacy_n in_o the_o mere_a outward_a use_n thereof_o will_v in_o this_o ordinary_a practice_n be_v still_o very_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o abuse_n by_o many_o person_n or_o to_o be_v so_o misunderstand_v by_o other_o because_o they_o can_v upon_o every_o such_o action_n declare_v their_o intent_n and_o end_n in_o that_o usage_n as_o be_v do_v in_o our_o liturgy_n when_o it_o make_v use_v of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n therefore_o the_o disuse_n of_o this_o outward_a sign_n as_o a_o expression_n of_o christian_a confidence_n in_o order_n to_o the_o avoid_n of_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o scandal_n the_o produce_v corruption_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n which_o be_v therein_o include_v be_v altogether_o as_o reasonable_a and_o fit_a as_o be_v the_o ancient_a forbearance_n of_o the_o love-kiss_a and_o the_o agapae_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n 5._o three_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n as_o also_o general_o make_v upon_o the_o forehead_n of_o they_o who_o be_v receive_v unto_o the_o church_n hence_o in_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o catechumeni_fw-la 20._o aug._n de_fw-fr catech._n rudib._n c._n 20._o they_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o tell_v at_o their_o due_a time_n passionis_fw-la &_o crucis_fw-la signo_fw-la in_o front_n hodie_fw-la signandus_fw-la es_fw-la omnesque_fw-la christiani_n signantur_fw-la that_o he_o must_v then_o be_v sign_v in_o the_o forehead_n with_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o that_o this_o sign_n be_v constant_o attendant_a upon_o the_o admission_n of_o member_n in_o the_o regular_a administration_n of_o the_o church_n be_v declare_v by_o s._n augustin_n upon_o john_n 118._o tr._n in_o johan_n 118._o and_o the_o same_o usage_n be_v reckon_v by_o s._n basil_n among_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 27._o bas_n de_fw-fr spir._n sanct._n c._n 27._o or_o the_o fix_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o when_o s._n cyprian_n say_v eccles_n cyp._n de_fw-fr unit_fw-la eccles_n in_o front_n signantur_fw-la qui_fw-la dominum_fw-la promerentur_fw-la he_o thereby_o mean_v that_o they_o who_o be_v though_o worthy_a to_o be_v admit_v to_o christianity_n be_v so_o sign_v in_o their_o forehead_n 6._o the_o intent_n of_o this_o sign_n in_o this_o use_n thereof_o be_v that_o the_o church_n do_v hereby_o solemn_o testify_v those_o person_n have_v relation_n to_o the_o christian_a society_n to_o stand_v oblige_v to_o mainain_v the_o christian_a profession_n and_o life_n and_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v her_o authority_n do_v hereby_o dedicate_v or_o engage_v they_o thereto_o and_o charge_n and_o require_v they_o to_o be_v mindful_a thereof_o and_o this_o be_v a_o token_n to_o admonish_v they_o that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o fight_v under_o christ_n banner_n and_o to_o serve_v and_o honour_v he_o upon_o this_o account_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v ordinary_o call_v signum_fw-la or_o signaculum_fw-la dei_fw-la by_o the_o latin_a writer_n and_o by_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o seal_n or_o mark_v whereby_o these_o person_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v set_v apart_o to_o god_n so_o far_o as_o the_o church_n have_v any_o right_n over_o 56._o cyp._n ep._n 56._o or_o interest_n in_o they_o of_o her_o communion_n thus_o those_o word_n of_o s._n cyprian_n muniatur_fw-la frons_fw-la ut_fw-la signum_fw-la dei_fw-la incolume_fw-la servetur_fw-la do_v exhort_v to_o christian_a constancy_n and_o resolution_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o keep_v inviolable_a what_o be_v intend_v by_o this_o sign_n on_o their_o forehead_n which_o engage_v they_o thereto_o 85._o aug._n in_o psal_n 85._o and_o when_o s._n austin_n check_v the_o donatist_n who_o confine_v the_o kingdom_n of_o
unity_n and_o yet_o to_o allow_v of_o open_a break_n and_o divide_v and_o visible_a fall_n into_o piece_n be_v this_o to_o think_v either_o honourable_o or_o reasonable_o of_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n to_o suppose_v that_o he_o shall_v express_v his_o church_n to_o be_v one_o body_n compact_v and_o join_v together_o eph._n 4.16_o intend_v that_o its_o real_a member_n may_v be_v daily_o part_v asunder_o by_o disclaim_v the_o communion_n of_o each_o other_o or_o that_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v as_o one_o building_n fit_o frame_v together_o eph._n 2.21_o but_o with_o free_a allowance_n that_o its_o part_n shall_v be_v at_o such_o a_o manifest_a distance_n as_o never_o to_o come_v so_o near_o one_o another_o as_o to_o own_o their_o communion_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n pray_v for_o his_o church_n which_o shall_v believe_v through_o his_o apostle_n doctrine_n as_o a_o consequent_a upon_o their_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o in_o we_o that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o joh._n 17_o 20_o 21._o 〈◊〉_d cyp._n de_fw-fr ovat_fw-la dom._n christoph_n in_o joh._n 17._o hom._n 81._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v manifest_a that_o that_o union_n of_o the_o church_n which_o shall_v tend_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o christianity_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n must_v beside_o the_o inward_a unity_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n include_v a_o open_a and_o profess_v hold_v communion_n with_o each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o most_o visible_a testimony_n of_o their_o unity_n and_o the_o want_n of_o which_o have_v occasion_v they_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o christianity_n to_o decry_v and_o loathe_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o appear_v from_o what_o be_v abovementioned_a in_o the_o second_o section_n 4._o hier._n in_o eph._n 4._o and_o when_o s._n paul_n require_v to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n it_o have_v be_v reasonable_o of_o old_a thence_o infer_v that_o separation_n and_o break_v the_o church_n peace_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v because_o it_o oppose_v and_o lose_v that_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n 52._o cypr._n ep._n 52._o which_o christian_n shall_v maintain_v by_o renounce_v fellowship_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n 6._o and_o it_o be_v manifest_v that_o needless_a withdraw_a or_o not_o hold_v communion_n with_o that_o particular_a settle_a church_n where_o we_o abide_v with_o appearance_n of_o causeless_a distaste_n towards_o it_o or_o the_o way_n of_o its_o communion_n be_v vehement_o and_o with_o a_o pathetic_a zeal_n condemn_v in_o s._n peter_n himself_o withdraw_v and_o separate_n from_o the_o gentile_n which_o action_n include_v a_o unblamable_a forbearance_n of_o manifest_v his_o allowance_n and_o approbation_n of_o their_o way_n of_o christian_a life_n and_o serve_v god_n gal._n 2.11.14_o and_o the_o manifold_a caution_n against_o division_n oft_o express_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v especial_o condemn_v such_o separation_n which_o be_v the_o high_a attempt_n and_o most_o open_a profession_n of_o divide_v and_o as_o this_o separation_n be_v express_o condemn_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o this_o be_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o great_o condemn_v by_o the_o ancient_a canon_n above_o name_v and_o that_o even_o under_o the_o term_n and_o name_n of_o schism_n and_o it_o be_v of_o no_o small_a moment_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o primitive_a church_n who_o receive_v the_o holy_a commandment_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o apostle_n do_v always_o understand_v the_o precept_n of_o peace_n to_o extend_v main_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o external_a communion_n especial_o consider_v that_o whereas_o the_o church_n peace_n can_v only_o be_v break_v by_o church_n contest_v which_o be_v manage_v either_o by_o word_n writing_n or_o open_a action_n of_o discord_n this_o latter_a way_n of_o express_v they_o by_o action_n of_o separation_n and_o open_a rendezvous_n of_o party_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o high_a and_o most_o considerable_a 7._o but_o if_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n schism_n be_v here_o consider_v it_o include_v much_o of_o needless_a strife_n about_o word_n to_o deny_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o schism_n signify_v division_n or_o rent_v asunder_o to_o be_v a_o fit_a expression_n for_o rent_n and_o separation_n in_o the_o church_n when_o it_o have_v be_v so_o use_v in_o the_o common_a ecclesiastical_a custom_n of_o speech_n and_o be_v that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o the_o direct_a and_o proper_a import_n of_o the_o word_n and_o if_o s._n paul_n account_v the_o bandy_n into_o party_n and_o faction_n at_o corinth_n though_o without_o separation_n which_o some_o account_n to_o be_v their_o case_n to_o be_v schism_n because_o their_o unity_n be_v thereby_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v much_o more_o must_v separation_n which_o be_v the_o high_a appearance_n of_o party_n and_o breach_n of_o unity_n and_o be_v probable_o the_o true_a state_n at_o corinth_n be_v so_o account_v of_o 8._o 5._o dr._n owen_n of_o evang._n love_n and_o church_n peace_n c._n 5._o and_o whereas_o the_o same_o person_n have_v of_o late_a purposely_o undertake_v to_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o separation_n from_o the_o present_a church_n of_o england_n and_o to_o defend_v it_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o schism_n the_o plea_n and_o pretence_n make_v in_o behalf_n thereof_o will_v now_o fall_v under_o our_o enquiry_n 9_o 172._o a_o three_o notion_n its_o first_o plea_n p._n 167_o 171_o 172._o one_o principal_a plea_n be_v that_o where_o thing_n or_o observance_n unscriptural_a be_v make_v the_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o communion_n there_o to_o refuse_v submission_n to_o such_o thing_n impose_v and_o to_o with_o hold_v communion_n from_o that_o church_n be_v no_o schism_n but_o a_o discharge_n of_o a_o duty_n and_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o such_o expression_n as_o vnscriptural_a condition_n of_o communion_n he_o tell_v we_o in_o one_o place_n 171._o p._n 171._o we_o do_v not_o dispute_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o 177._o p._n 177._o and_o in_o another_o place_n that_o it_o may_v be_v at_o present_a grant_v that_o the_o manner_n or_o mode_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o god_n worship_n with_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o order_n and_o decency_n may_v be_v lawful_o appoint_v or_o as_o it_o please_v he_o to_o call_v it_o institute_v by_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o say_v he_o this_o will_v not_o help_v in_o our_o present_a enquiry_n unless_o it_o be_v also_o grant_v that_o what_o may_v be_v lawful_o practise_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n may_v be_v also_o lawful_o make_v a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n and_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n 205._o p._n 205._o it_o be_v require_v in_o this_o case_n not_o only_o to_o produce_v a_o warranty_n from_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n of_o liturgy_n but_o also_o for_o make_v the_o constant_a attendance_n on_o they_o a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o communion_n wherefore_o his_o sense_n be_v that_o withhold_a communion_n become_v lawful_a and_o a_o duty_n where_o any_o appointment_n for_o orderly_a ministration_n and_o the_o fit_a and_o decent_a performance_n of_o god_n service_n though_o lawful_a in_o themselves_o but_o not_o particular_o express_v in_o scripture_n as_o condition_n of_o communion_n be_v so_o determine_v that_o they_o must_v be_v submit_v to_o and_o comply_v with_o by_o they_o who_o embrace_v actual_a communion_n with_o that_o particular_a church_n 10._o but_o this_o be_v both_o false_a in_o itself_o and_o will_v render_v all_o settle_a church-communion_n utter_o unlawful_a and_o will_v make_v separation_n the_o universal_a duty_n of_o all_o christian_n in_o every_o christian_a assembly_n in_o the_o world_n not_o except_v they_o of_o the_o congregational_a way_n for_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o enjoin_v the_o particular_a time_n for_o sacramental_a and_o other_o administration_n nor_o the_o place_n for_o public_a assembly_n nor_o in_o what_o method_n prayer_n preach_v sacrament_n psalm_n chapter_n hymn_n with_o other_o thanksgiving_n and_o service_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v nor_o have_v it_o determine_v we_o either_o to_o or_o against_o any_o particular_a lawful_a form_n or_o external_a rite_n as_o make_v they_o either_o universal_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a but_o these_o with_o divers_a other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o ecclesiastical_a liberty_n and_o prudence_n now_o it_o concern_v he_o who_o make_v this_o exception_n to_o discover_v how_o there_o can_v possible_o be_v any_o orderly_a christian_a assembly_n and_o unconfused_a performance_n of_o religious_a service_n where_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v not_o determine_v as_o where_o their_o prayer_n and_o service_n be_v neither_o perform_v with_o nor_o without_o a_o form_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o the_o common_a