rule_n of_o worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v a_o interest_n too_o considerable_a to_o be_v neglect_v for_o any_o body_n sake_n all_o be_v not_o gold_n that_o glister_v and_o yet_o we_o may_v buy_v gold_n too_o dear_a it_o be_v possible_a the_o separatist_n may_v not_o be_v such_o a_o good_a company_n of_o christian_n as_o they_o themselves_o report_v but_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v much_o better_a than_o indeed_o they_o be_v they_o which_o shall_v sell_v the_o establish_a government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o fix_a mode_n of_o worship_n to_o regain_v they_o to_o it_o shall_v pay_v much_o too_o dear_a for_o it_o have_v a_o very_a bad_a bargain_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o put_v all_o the_o gain_n in_o their_o eye_n for_o they_o be_v a_o people_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o such_o volatile_a spirit_n that_o if_o you_o have_v no_o bind_v imposition_n to_o fix_v they_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v their_o company_n when_o you_o have_v it_o and_o so_o in_o the_o issue_n the_o mean_n use_v to_o make_v their_o company_n most_o sure_a will_v bring_v it_o to_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n that_o can_v be_v take_v away_o all_o order_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n or_o if_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o be_v the_o master_n of_o order_n it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o the_o most_o will_v be_v the_o master_n of_o misrule_n sect._n 33._o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_o better_a to_o keep_v the_o church-door_n close_o shut_v than_o to_o set_v they_o wide_o open_v to_o those_o separatist_n who_o will_v turn_v the_o door_n out_o at_o window_n i_o mean_v invert_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o thing_n and_o render_v religion_n in_o its_o ministration_n like_o some_o late_a itinerant_a preacher_n of_o it_o a_o ambulatory_a thing_n as_o various_a as_o the_o complexion_n of_o the_o celebrator_n and_o as_o changeable_a as_o the_o moon_n which_o will_v infallible_o harden_v its_o enemy_n against_o it_o and_o expose_v it_o to_o their_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n have_v any_o nation_n change_v their_o god_n jer._n 2.11_o i_o e._n all_o nation_n account_v innovation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n a_o reproach_n to_o they_o because_o man_n lightness_n and_o inconstancy_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o have_v very_o weak_a head_n or_o very_o bad_a heart_n either_o that_o they_o be_v great_o uncertain_a or_o exceed_o careless_a whether_o they_o please_v god_n or_o not_o by_o what_o they_o do_v and_o true_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n to_o abolish_v a_o good_a custom_n 1_o cor._n 11.16_o as_o to_o introduce_v a_o bad_a one_o and_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o that_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o alteration_n do_v compensate_a the_o trouble_n of_o it_o and_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o man_n give_v to_o change_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o satisfy_v but_o the_o gratify_n of_o they_o in_o one_o thing_n encourage_v they_o to_o challenge_v it_o as_o their_o due_n in_o other_o change_n be_v so_o sweet_a to_o they_o that_o like_o the_o horseleech_n daughter_n they_o be_v still_o cry_v give_v give_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o may_v be_v better_o employ_v than_o to_o be_v meddle_v with_o those_o man_n who_o be_v give_v to_o change_v in_o a_o word_n when_o man_n who_o have_v withdraw_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o we_o into_o distinct_a society_n be_v obstinate_a and_o refuse_v to_o be_v reform_v we_o must_v be_v so_o far_o from_o study_v a_o compliance_n with_o they_o that_o we_o must_v not_o give_v place_n to_o they_o by_o subjection_n no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n gal._n 2.5_o but_o must_v mark_v and_o avoid_v they_o as_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n rom._n 15.16_o and_o the_o word_n of_o limitation_n in_o my_o text_n be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o they_o that_o build_v a_o altar_n beside_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n rebel_n against_o god_n and_o against_o we_o sect._n 34._o the_o altar_n be_v call_v in_o the_o hebrew_n misbeach_n a_o sacrificatory_a or_o a_o place_n for_o the_o sacrifice_n gen._n 22.19_o leu._n 1.11_o and_o such_o a_o most_o holy_a place_n be_v it_o both_o in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o temple_n that_o it_o sanctify_a what_o they_o offer_v on_o it_o exod._n 29.37_o mat._n 23.19_o now_o sacrifice_n be_v rite_n of_o address_n to_o god_n and_o use_v as_o medium_n of_o praise_n and_o prayer_n 1_o sam._n 13.12_o ezra_n 6.10_o psal_n 116.13_o and_o according_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o where_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n build_v altar_n they_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n 12.7_o comp_n with_o 13.4_o gen._n 26.25_o &_o 33.20_o &_o 35.1_o i_o e._n they_o praise_v god_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o so_o that_o a_o altar_n be_v a_o place_n for_o solemn_a religious_a worship_n and_o then_o by_o build_v a_o altar_n beside_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n must_v needs_o be_v design_v as_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n think_v the_o erect_v a_o holy_a place_n for_o solemn_a religious_a worship_n contradistinct_a to_o that_o of_o the_o lord_n own_o appointment_n where_o the_o reubenites_n gadites_n and_o half_a tribe_n of_o manasseh_n have_v conspire_v to_o meet_v in_o religious_a assembly_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o peculiar_a &_o separate_a way_n under_o distinct_a officer_n and_o order_n from_o themselves_o who_o be_v to_o inhabit_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a they_o uncharitable_o suspect_v a_o intent_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n and_o so_o take_v it_o for_o a_o design_n of_o a_o aggravate_v separation_n it_o be_v true_a they_o have_v no_o such_o bad_a design_n as_o be_v suppose_v yet_o lot_n the_o fact_n be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o then_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o by_o so_o do_v they_o rebel_v against_o god_n and_o his_o church_n sect._n 35._o this_o building_n of_o a_o altar_n beside_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v apply_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o schismatical_a separation_n from_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v when_o any_o sort_n of_o christian_n do_v voluntary_o and_o causeless_o or_o rash_o forsake_v those_o christian_a society_n with_o which_o they_o once_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v communion_n and_o gather_v themselves_o into_o separate_a religious_a society_n live_v combine_v in_o a_o submission_n to_o distinct_a law_n of_o government_n and_o rule_n of_o worship_n from_o those_o former_o observe_v or_o be_v oblige_v unto_o renounce_v refuse_v or_o not_o own_v public_a religious_a communion_n with_o those_o from_o who_o they_o separate_v they_o be_v say_v to_o erect_v altar_n against_o altar_n to_o gather_v church_n out_o of_o church_n and_o to_o set_v up_o church_n against_o church_n sect._n 36._o now_o although_o this_o be_v but_o too_o ordinary_o practise_v among_o we_o here_o in_o england_n yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o very_a bad_a thing_n that_o many_o of_o those_o among_o we_o who_o be_v most_o notorious_o guilty_a of_o it_o vehement_o disclaim_v and_o disow_v it_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a society_n of_o christian_n distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o by_o the_o observation_n of_o separate_a way_n of_o church-government_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n be_v too_o evident_a to_o be_v deny_v but_o who_o be_v the_o faulty_a separatist_n be_v make_v by_o some_o matter_n of_o question_n and_o doubt_n it_o be_v but_o to_o put_v case_n and_o the_o question_n will_v be_v answer_v and_o the_o doubt_n if_o there_o be_v any_o resolve_v when_o the_o reubenites_n etc._n etc._n build_v a_o altar_n if_o they_o have_v withal_o actual_o forsake_v the_o religious_a communion_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o hold_v separate_v religious_a meeting_n at_o their_o new-erected_n altar_n and_o resolve_v not_o to_o be_v unite_v by_o the_o same_o common_a tie_n of_o government_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n with_o they_o who_o have_v be_v the_o separatist_n questionless_a the_o reubenites_n gadites_n and_o half_a tribe_n of_o manasseh_n because_o they_o only_o will_v have_v depart_v from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o national_a church_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v as_o member_n and_o to_o who_o law_n of_o government_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n they_o owe_v subjection_n and_o obedience_n so_o here_o they_o who_o have_v depart_v from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o national_a church_n of_o england_n be_v the_o separatist_n the_o national_a church_n that_o be_v a_o scare_n crow_n yea_o less_o a_o chimaera_n dance_v in_o a_o vacuum_n and_o so_o some_o man_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o old_a church_n of_o england_n to_o a_o new_a nothing_o they_o can_v swear_v at_o least_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o what_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v and_o
special_a manner_n present_a in_o those_o place_n which_o be_v set_v apart_o for_o his_o service_n and_o be_v appropriate_o he_o those_o place_n which_o by_o a_o public_a designation_n be_v set_v apart_o only_o for_o the_o office_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o use_n of_o holy_a thing_n have_v god_n name_n set_v upon_o they_o and_o god_n have_v such_o a_o peculiar_a propriety_n in_o they_o that_o he_o make_v they_o the_o place_n of_o the_o special_a determination_n of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n i_o have_v sanctify_v the_o house_n which_o thou_o have_v build_v 1_o king_n 9.3_o that_o be_v i_o have_v accept_v what_o thou_o have_v dedicate_v what_o thou_o have_v design_v for_o my_o worship_n i_o have_v design_v for_o thy_o blessing_n sect._n 12._o we_o have_v the_o memorial_n of_o god_n name_n symbol_n and_o token_n to_o testify_v god_n covenant_n with_o we_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o have_v under_o the_o law_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o those_o place_n which_o be_v select_v and_o employ_v to_o partake_v of_o they_o be_v grace_v with_o god_n special_a presence_n now_o as_o well_o as_o then_o place_n be_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o solemn_a and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o time_n and_o if_o some_o select_a portion_n of_o time_n be_v to_o be_v appropriate_v unto_o god_n and_o more_o acceptable_a to_o he_o than_o other_o why_o shall_v not_o select_v place_n be_v so_o too_o it_o be_v true_a the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n be_v place_n of_o god_n own_o immediate_a appointment_n and_o have_v extraordinary_a privilege_n and_o peculiar_a rite_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o from_o the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n and_o common_a reason_n there_o be_v public_a place_n set_v apart_o and_o erect_v for_o god_n public_a worship_n with_o god_n approbation_n long_o before_o these_o place_n and_o have_v god_n special_a presence_n determine_v to_o they_o too_o gen._n 28.16_o 17_o 18._o exod._n 33.7_o and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o jewish_a synagogue_n which_o be_v of_o humane_a and_o prudential_a institution_n and_o appointment_n be_v call_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o house_n of_o god_n psal_n 74.8_o &_o 83.10_o our_o christian_a temple_n and_o oratory_n be_v by_o he_o also_o call_v the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 11.22_o even_o because_o dedicate_v and_o appropriate_v to_o his_o service_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o apostle_n argument_n draw_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o angel_n with_o christian_n assemble_v in_o they_o v._o 10._o that_o god_n be_v special_o present_a in_o they_o the_o specialty_n of_o god_n presence_n be_v general_o specify_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o angel_n which_o be_v god_n houshold-train_n and_o retinue_n act_v 7.5_o comp_n with_o exod._n 19.16_o &_o 18._o dan._n 7.10_o isai_n 61.1_o sect._n 13._o have_v god_n say_v that_o where_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n there_o be_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o mat._n 18.20_o he_o have_v say_v too_o that_o he_o love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n psal_n 87.2_o for_o there_o he_o command_v his_o blessing_n and_o life_n for_o evermore_o psal_n 133.3_o and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n assert_v that_o a_o day_n in_o god_n court_n i._n e._n spend_v in_o partake_v of_o god_n public_a ordinance_n with_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o his_o people_n in_o his_o house_n be_v better_o than_o a_o thousand_o psal_n 84.10_o and_o elsewhere_o profess_v that_o this_o one_o thing_n he_o have_v desire_v of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o most_o desirable_a favour_n and_o that_o will_v he_o seek_v after_o that_o he_o may_v dwell_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o psal_n 27.4_o and_o when_o he_o be_v debar_v from_o access_n to_o it_o he_o be_v as_o a_o dry_a and_o thirsty_a land_n where_o no_o water_n be_v and_o therefore_o long_v to_o see_v god_n power_n and_o glory_n so_o as_o he_o have_v see_v it_o in_o the_o sanctuary_n psal_n 63.1_o 2._o which_o impli_v that_o he_o have_v observe_v that_o god_n do_v there_o manifest_v great_a impression_n and_o expression_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n than_o in_o any_o other_o place_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o know_v no_o reason_n any_o body_n have_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v less_o propitious_a to_o public_a religious_a assembly_n in_o his_o holy_a place_n now_o than_o he_o be_v former_o i_o be_o sure_a his_o ordinance_n be_v not_o less_o essicacious_a nor_o he_o himself_o less_o gracious_a nor_o be_v holy_a place_n less_o capacious_a of_o god_n presence_n and_o blessing_n so_o that_o if_o we_o come_v hither_o and_o depart_v without_o special_a advantage_n to_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v because_o we_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o do_v not_o use_v holy_a place_n holy_a ordinance_n and_o holy_a assembly_n in_o that_o manner_n and_o to_o those_o end_n and_o purpose_n we_o shall_v and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v scare_v that_o meet_v in_o secret_a chamber_n yea_o barn_n and_o stable_n and_o suchlike_a place_n for_o ordinary_a and_o profane_a employment_n have_v be_v and_o be_v prefer_v before_o our_o church-assembly_n because_o very_o few_o have_v sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v betwixt_o thing_n that_o differ_v and_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o meet_v with_o god_n in_o his_o way_n of_o acceptance_n and_o benediction_n sect._n 14._o the_o next_o thing_n here_o considerable_a in_o my_o text_n be_v that_o they_o offer_v they_o liberty_n to_o take_v a_o possession_n among_o themselves_o that_o be_v to_o share_v with_o they_o in_o that_o inheritance_n which_o fall_v to_o they_o by_o lot_n when_o the_o land_n be_v divide_v it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o land_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o canaanite_n that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o they_o at_o present_a enjoy_v be_v little_a enough_o for_o themselves_o to_o be_v sure_a they_o have_v no_o great_a supersluity_n and_o yet_o so_o far_o do_v they_o prefer_v religion_n before_o interest_n a_o inconvenient_a maintenance_n before_o a_o mischievous_a separation_n that_o they_o free_o offer_v to_o dispossess_v themselves_o and_o to_o disinherit_v their_o posterity_n rather_o than_o their_o brethren_n shall_v separate_v from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o communion_n with_o they_o from_o whence_o this_o observation_n natural_o offer_v itself_o to_o we_o that_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n have_v rather_o depart_v from_o their_o estate_n than_o their_o brethren_n shall_v wilful_o and_o causeless_o depart_v from_o a_o public_a fellowship_n with_o they_o in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n house_n they_o will_v rather_o communicate_v their_o worldly_a good_n to_o they_o than_o be_v deprive_v of_o communion_n with_o they_o they_o be_v the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n who_o have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n who_o be_v more_o for_o dives_n his_o good_a thing_n than_o for_o the_o good_a fellowship_n of_o god_n church_n the_o man_n of_o god_n who_o be_v expectant_n of_o a_o heavenly_a kingdom_n value_v that_o most_o which_o have_v most_o of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o account_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n a_o more_o eligible_a enjoyment_n than_o large_a possession_n the_o evangelical_n church_n have_v high_a obligation_n and_o strong_a motive_n to_o love_n unity_n and_o peace_n than_o the_o jewish_a have_v aught_o to_o be_v proportionable_o the_o more_o careful_a and_o zealous_a to_o preserve_v her_o communion_n entire_a and_o inviolate_a and_o consequent_o wilful_a and_o causeless_a separation_n from_o she_o be_v in_o a_o due_a estimate_n a_o far_o great_a calamity_n to_o she_o than_o any_o worldly_a adversity_n or_o distress_n whatsoever_o and_o she_o can_v be_v due_o affect_v with_o the_o evil_n of_o it_o unless_o she_o have_v great_a thought_n of_o heart_n for_o it_o than_o for_o any_o worldly_a loss_n whatsoever_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v these_o sect._n 15._o first_o because_o they_o be_v more_o for_o god_n than_o for_o themselves_o will_v rather_o god_n name_v shall_v be_v hallow_v than_o their_o own_o turn_n serve_v if_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v despise_v as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v when_o her_o member_n divide_v and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o she_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v profane_v for_o the_o church_n be_v call_v by_o god_n name_n and_o mark_v for_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o one_o can_v be_v despise_v but_o the_o other_o must_v be_v profane_v too_o and_o be_v it_o not_o better_a that_o our_o estate_n shall_v be_v lessen_v than_o the_o celebrate_a honour_n of_o god_n abate_v the_o one_o be_v a_o penal_a evil_n a_o evil_a only_a contrary_n to_o their_o present_a well-being_n as_o man_n and_o in_o some_o case_n eligible_a but_o the_o other_o be_v a_o sinful_a evil_n a_o evil_a contrary_n
endeavour_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n may_v come_v mat._n 6.10_o that_o be_v that_o the_o government_n of_o god_n administer_v by_o jesus_n christ_n may_v more_o and_o more_o prevail_v and_o be_v every_o where_o erect_v or_o in_o the_o apostle_n word_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o kingdom_n may_v have_v free_a passage_n and_o be_v glorify_v 2_o thess_n 3.1_o by_o open_v man_n eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n act_v 26.18_o and_o add_v they_o to_o the_o church_n act_v 2.47_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o whosoever_o set_v himself_o to_o oppose_v it_o be_v a_o oppressor_n of_o it_o you_o account_v that_o he_o which_o unlawful_o obstruct_v another_o trade_n and_o commerce_n and_o hinder_v he_o from_o improve_n and_o increase_v his_o stock_n do_v as_o real_o oppress_v he_o as_o he_o that_o violent_o detain_v or_o take_v his_o good_n from_o he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o separatist_n as_o they_o do_v unjust_o with-hokl_a from_o the_o church_n what_o of_o right_n belong_v to_o it_o so_o they_o hinder_v it_o from_o enlarge_n itself_o by_o beget_v scandal_n and_o lay_v stumbling-block_n against_o its_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n both_o good_a and_o pleasant_a for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n psal_n 133.1_o 2_o 3._o excite_v admiration_n in_o the_o beholder_n invite_v their_o affection_n and_o encourage_v they_o to_o a_o commerce_n and_o communion_n but_o can_v we_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o gain_v the_o heart_n of_o jew_n pagan_n mahometan_n papist_n and_o atheist_n to_o we_o persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v our_o religion_n and_o to_o join_v themselves_o to_o our_o communion_n so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v such_o variance_n be_v at_o such_o distance_n from_o one_o another_o and_o can_v agree_v upon_o term_n of_o religious_a communion_n among_o ourselves_o do_v not_o our_o division_n and_o separation_n seem_v to_o proclaim_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o understand_v not_o the_o intent_n and_o meaning_n of_o those_o institution_n &_o law_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v impose_v upon_o we_o and_o be_v uncertain_a what_o that_o religion_n be_v which_o we_o ourselves_o profess_v and_o commend_v to_o other_o as_o the_o best_a in_o the_o world_n one_o sect_n preach_v up_o that_o which_o another_o cry_v down_o and_o the_o religious_a communion_n of_o one_o sort_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o another_o and_o what_o one_o justifi_v another_o condemn_v and_o do_v you_o ever_o know_v disagree_v witness_n a_o effectual_a proof_n sect._n 25._o beside_o will_v a_o consider_a man_n unite_v himself_o to_o that_o city_n which_o be_v divide_v against_o itself_o or_o choose_v that_o house_n for_o his_o place_n of_o habitation_n who_o material_n be_v fall_v asunder_o and_o will_v not_o the_o enemy_n of_o christ_n think_v he_o a_o unmeet_a person_n to_o gather_v under_o his_o dominion_n and_o rule_v all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n who_o seem_v not_o able_a to_o govern_v those_o in_o unity_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v already_o subject_a to_o he_o it_o be_v report_v of_o julian_n that_o he_o think_v the_o foment_v of_o division_n in_o the_o church_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o suppress_v christianity_n and_o to_o advance_v paganism_n and_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v so_o for_o the_o world_n will_v never_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n who_o divide_v from_o one_o another_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o contrary_a to_o itself_o and_o the_o design_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o draw_v and_o bind_v man_n unto_o god_n and_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o our_o saviour_n pray_v again_o and_o again_o that_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n may_v be_v one_o as_o he_o and_o his_o father_n be_v one_o and_o to_o this_o very_a end_n that_o the_o world_n may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v send_v he_o joh._n 17.21_o 23._o which_o impli_v that_o their_o unity_n will_v be_v of_o principal_a influence_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n on_o god_n errand_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o restore_v man_n to_o god_n image_n favour_n and_o fellowship_n sect._n 26._o and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o when_o three_o thousand_o be_v convert_v at_o one_o sermon_n and_o add_v to_o the_o church_n all_o the_o christian_n be_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n and_o continue_v with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n act_v 2.1_o 41_o 46._o &_o 4.32_o 33._o and_o then_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o contrary_n they_o which_o cause_n division_n cause_n offence_n rom._n 16.17_o and_o prejudice_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n against_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n a_o society_n to_o be_v shun_v and_o abhor_v which_o obstruct_v the_o propagation_n and_o enlargement_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o be_v a_o mighty_a oppression_n to_o it_o sect._n 27._o as_o separation_n be_v a_o heavy_a oppression_n to_o so_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n too_o persecution_n in_o the_o strict_a and_o severe_a sense_n be_v the_o prosecution_n of_o a_o person_n with_o a_o peremptory_a design_n to_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v he_o and_o what_o be_v separation_n less_o than_o the_o execution_n of_o a_o design_n to_o dissolve_v and_o destroy_v that_o community_n of_o christian_n from_o which_o the_o separation_n be_v make_v persecutor_n think_v the_o persecute_v so_o bad_a and_o hateful_a that_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o society_n of_o man_n and_o separatist_n think_v that_o church_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v so_o corrupt_a and_o degenerous_a that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n and_o as_o persecutor_n will_v not_o have_v the_o persecute_v to_o continue_v in_o be_v and_o existence_n among_o man_n so_o the_o separatist_n will_v not_o have_v the_o church_n they_o separate_v from_o to_o continue_v in_o be_v and_o existence_n among_o church_n they_o both_o act_n from_o the_o same_o inodiate_a and_o envenom_a principle_n and_o the_o aim_n of_o each_o horrible_o mischievous_a sect._n 28._o yea_o i_o take_v the_o separatist_n to_o be_v the_o worst_a and_o most_o cruel_a sort_n of_o persecutor_n for_o by_o how_o much_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o christian_n as_o such_o be_v better_o and_o dear_a to_o they_o than_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o man_n as_o such_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o of_o rigour_n and_o severity_n be_v there_o in_o the_o rejection_n of_o christian_n from_o their_o right_n and_o privilege_n be_v it_o a_o very_a bad_a thing_n to_o suffer_v confiscation_n of_o good_n imprisonment_n banishment_n and_o death_n it_o be_v much_o worse_a to_o be_v reject_v from_o the_o love_n and_o fellowship_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n whatever_o some_o inconsiderate_a folk_n may_v think_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o as_o intolerable_a in_o the_o church_n be_v much_o hard_a usage_n than_o to_o be_v deal_v withal_o as_o intolerable_a in_o the_o commonwealth_n for_o the_o outward_a earthly_a and_o temporal_a condition_n of_o the_o body_n be_v only_o concern_v in_o the_o one_o but_o the_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a condition_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o other_o when_o you_o unchurch_n a_o society_n of_o christian_n you_o account_v they_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o holy_a text_n as_o dog_n rev._n 22.15_o the_o base_a and_o unclean_a sort_n of_o creature_n a_o company_n of_o man_n so_o far_o sink_v under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n and_o give_v over_o to_o the_o power_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o they_o be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n enemy_n to_o all_o goodness_n to_o be_v shun_v as_o the_o prophaner_n of_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o pest_n of_o christian_a commerce_n and_o if_o it_o be_v great_a cruelty_n without_o cause_n to_o be_v judge_v worthy_a of_o death_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o great_a without_o cause_n to_o be_v judge_v worthy_a of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n sect._n 29._o and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a for_o the_o separatist_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o separation_n by_o far_o worse_a method_n than_o for_o the_o most_o part_n other_o persecutor_n do_v their_o persecution_n for_o other_o persecutor_n accuse_v those_o they_o persecute_v of_o some_o heinous_a and_o capital_a crime_n implead_v and_o try_v they_o by_o the_o know_a law_n of_o that_o community_n to_o which_o they_o do_v belong_v produce_v evidence_n of_o their_o allegation_n against_o they_o and_o
do_v not_o judge_v and_o execute_v they_o before_o trial_n and_o conviction_n but_o the_o separatist_n from_o our_o church_n at_o least_o many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o heady_a and_o fierce_a against_o those_o christian_a society_n from_o which_o they_o separate_v that_o they_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o such_o measure_n of_o proceed_n but_o assume_v and_o exercise_v a_o power_n to_o reform_v before_o they_o have_v or_o indeed_o ever_o can_v prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v amiss_o and_o go_v about_o to_o heal_v the_o church_n distemper_n by_o cut_v her_o throat_n and_o stab_v she_o to_o the_o heart_n without_o tell_v she_o that_o she_o be_v sick_a herein_o do_v that_o to_o other_o which_o they_o will_v questionless_a in_o no_o case_n have_v do_v to_o themselves_o nor_o perhaps_o to_o no_o particular_a person_n else_o in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o justice_n charity_n and_o common_a honesty_n be_v not_o concern_v man_n behaviour_n towards_o whole_a church_n or_o congregation_n of_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o towards_o particular_a person_n and_o that_o be_v justifiable_a towards_o a_o national_a provincial_a or_o parochial_a community_n of_o man_n which_o by_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n have_v be_v condemn_v for_o cruelty_n towards_o a_o single_a man_n certain_o to_o condemn_v and_o reject_v a_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o the_o great_a guilt_n without_o trial_n and_o conviction_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a outrage_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o a_o thing_n i_o be_o confident_a the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n abhor_v and_o yet_o be_v not_o this_o the_o common_a practice_n of_o separatist_n yea_o when_o do_v they_o otherwise_o what_o congregation_n in_o england_n do_v they_o ever_o endeavour_v to_o convict_v and_o reform_v before_o they_o forsake_v it_o so_o that_o the_o separatist_n have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o separation_n than_o they_o have_v to_o glory_n in_o the_o vile_a oppression_n and_o most_o cruel_a persecution_n sect._n 30._o and_o here_o be_v a_o answer_n ready_a for_o they_o who_o ask_v why_o we_o be_v so_o angry_a with_o they_o that_o separate_v from_o we_o even_o because_o they_o heavy_o oppress_v and_o grievous_o persecute_v we_o without_o a_o cause_n they_o break_v the_o staff_n of_o our_o beauty_n and_o the_o band_n of_o our_o perfectness_n that_o be_v violate_v our_o unity_n and_o quench_v our_o charity_n defame_n and_o expose_v we_o to_o contempt_n abhor_v we_o and_o passionate_o pursue_v our_o ruin_n and_o yet_o confident_o ask_v what_o ail_v we_o and_o why_o we_o complain_v as_o if_o they_o can_v not_o wrong_v or_o hurt_v we_o unless_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a law_n of_o the_o land_n they_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o live_v quiet_o in_o our_o house_n and_o do_v beat_v and_o slay_v we_o where_o ever_o they_o meet_v we_o and_o yet_o some_o of_o we_o can_v remember_v when_o such_o forbearance_n be_v account_v great_a favour_n from_o some_o very_o near_o akin_a to_o they_o you_o may_v as_o easy_o conceive_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v tear_v into_o piece_n without_o pain_n and_o smart_n groan_n and_o lamentation_n as_o a_o church-society_n of_o christian_n divide_v and_o break_v asunder_o without_o grief_n and_o exasperation_n when_o any_o of_o the_o separatist_n for_o affront_a lawful_a authority_n and_o trample_v on_o the_o know_a law_n of_o the_o land_n endure_v a_o confiscation_n of_o good_n imprisonment_n or_o banishment_n than_o your_o ear_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n with_o exclamation_n and_o bite_a reflection_n and_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v ring_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o these_o suffering_n but_o what_o have_v relation_n to_o a_o temporal_a concern_v but_o when_o they_o censure_v and_o reject_v we_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n deal_v with_o we_o as_o intolerable_a profane_a and_o ungodly_a wretch_n proclaim_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v apostate_n and_o incorrigible_a evil_a doer_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v disfranchise_v we_o of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a right_n and_o privilege_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o than_o life_n itself_o if_o we_o take_v on_o as_o hurt_v and_o injure_v we_o be_v peevish_a and_o choleric_a and_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o conduct_v we_o as_o they_o judge_v we_o have_v of_o religion_n but_o this_o language_n of_o they_o become_v no_o man_n mouth_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o be_v who_o say_v he_o have_v rather_o have_v a_o part_n in_o paris_n than_o in_o paradise_n they_o who_o be_v christian_n indeed_o prefer_v their_o god_n before_o their_o good_n and_o be_v more_o for_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n than_o for_o great_a possession_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o branch_n of_o my_o text._n sect._n 31._o three_o the_o limitation_n of_o the_o concession_n but_o rebel_v not_o against_o the_o lord_n nor_o rebel_n against_o we_o in_o build_v you_o a_o altar_n beside_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n the_o exceptive_a particle_n but_o be_v very_o emphatical_a and_o seem_v to_o suggest_v that_o no_o indulgence_n be_v to_o be_v show_v to_o our_o separate_a brethren_n but_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o penitence_n and_o return_v to_o our_o communion_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n condescension_n here_o be_v found_v on_o a_o presumption_n of_o the_o reubenites_n reformation_n if_o the_o reubenites_n etc._n etc._n will_v yield_v and_o submit_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n than_o they_o will_v stoop_v to_o they_o and_o gratify_v they_o not_o else_o so_o here_o if_o the_o separatist_n continue_v impenitent_a and_o obstinate_a set_v up_o altar_n against_o altar_n and_o church_n against_o church_n we_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o remit_v any_o of_o our_o right_n or_o to_o give_v away_o any_o thing_n we_o just_o possess_v to_o they_o to_o live_v in_o amity_n &_o peace_n with_o they_o we_o need_v not_o be_v at_o any_o trouble_n or_o cost_v to_o purchase_v pattern_n of_o stubbornness_n and_o disobedience_n we_o shall_v have_v more_o than_o a_o good_a many_o thrust_n upon_o we_o against_o our_o wi_n church-peace_n be_v such_o a_o valuable_a blessing_n that_o we_o shall_v ready_o purchase_v it_o at_o any_o rate_n of_o disadvantage_n to_o our_o worldly_a interest_n and_o we_o shall_v gratify_v they_o that_o have_v separate_v themselves_o from_o we_o into_o opposite_a party_n to_o we_o in_o any_o thing_n consistent_a with_o truth_n goodness_n and_o charity_n to_o our_o religious_a church-communion_n but_o if_o we_o can_v bring_v these_o offender_n into_o the_o church_n without_o bring_v in_o their_o offence_n too_o we_o have_v better_o give_v away_o what_o we_o have_v to_o keep_v they_o out_o than_o to_o be_v at_o any_o cost_n or_o trouble_v to_o make_v room_n to_o receive_v they_o in_o if_o we_o can_v have_v some_o reasonable_a security_n that_o their_o join_n with_o we_o will_v do_v we_o more_o good_a than_o hurt_n let_v they_o alone_o hos_fw-la 4.17_o to_o stretch_v ourselves_o by_o comprehensive_a act_n to_o take_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n as_o the_o trojan_n do_v with_o the_o wooden_a horse_n a_o company_n of_o man_n arm_v with_o design_n to_o undermine_v and_o betray_v her_o power_n and_o to_o disgrace_n and_o disturb_v her_o order_n will_v add_v to_o her_o calamity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o her_o number_n though_o they_o leave_v off_o their_o separation_n yet_o if_o they_o retain_v their_o unpeaceable_a and_o ungovernable_a spirit_n and_o principle_n continue_v more_o apt_a to_o find_v fault_n in_o other_o than_o to_o amend_v they_o in_o themselves_o will_v check_v at_o every_o feather_n raise_v quarrel_n and_o division_n from_o their_o own_o mistake_n and_o misperswasion_n will_v not_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o law_n but_o will_v have_v law_n make_v conformable_a to_o they_o or_o will_v live_v at_o large_a without_o the_o precinct_n of_o any_o government_n at_o all_o but_o what_o they_o themselves_o call_v the_o government_n of_o christ_n and_o will_v have_v the_o wall_n within_o which_o we_o be_v enclose_v break_v and_o tread_v down_o cant._n 4.2_o isai_n 5.2_o i_o e._n have_v it_o leave_v indifferent_a how_o congregation_n of_o christian_n and_o their_o respective_a worship_n and_o discipline_n be_v model_v our_o congregation_n may_v be_v much_o the_o great_a but_o our_o offence_n and_o sorrow_n will_v be_v never_o the_o less_o and_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v more_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o safety_n too_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n though_o without_o their_o company_n in_o the_o good_a old_a way_n sect._n 32._o a_o ceremony_n or_o two_o may_v not_o be_v much_o stand_v upon_o though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o make_v matter_n of_o decency_n so_o cheap_a as_o to_o alter_v they_o to_o please_v every_o unmannerly_a humourist_n but_o faith_n and_o order_n fix_a