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christian_n church_n communicate_v communion_n 2,762 5 9.2903 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41790 A sigh for peace, or, The cause of division discovered wherein the great Gospel promise of the Holy Ghost, and the doctrine of prayer with imposition of hands, as the way ordained of God to seek for it, is asserted and vindicated, as the interest and duty of Christs disciples in general : in answer to a book intituled A search for schism / by Tho. Grantham ... Grantham, Thomas, 1634-1692. 1671 (1671) Wing G1548; ESTC R39437 69,616 172

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a_o sigh_n for_o peace_n or_o the_o cause_n of_o division_n discover_v wherein_o the_o great_a gospel_n promise_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o prayer_n with_o imposition_n of_o hand_n as_o the_o way_n ordain_v of_o god_n to_o seek_v for_o it_o be_v assert_v and_o vindicate_v as_o the_o interest_n and_o duty_n of_o christ_n disciple_n in_o general_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v a_o search_n for_o schism_n by_o tho._n grantham_n a_o servant_n of_o christ_n gal._n 5._o 7_o 8_o 9_o you_o do_v run_v well_o who_o do_v hinder_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n this_o persuasion_n come_v not_o of_o he_o that_o call_v you_o a_o little_a leaven_n leaven_v the_o whole_a lump_n i_o have_v confidence_n in_o you_o through_o the_o lord_n that_o you_o will_v be_v none_o otherwise_o mind_v but_o he_o that_o trouble_v you_o shall_v bear_v his_o burden_n whosoever_o he_o be_v wherefore_o love_v the_o truth_n and_o peace_n zech._n 8._o 19_o print_v 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priscilla_n and_o aquilla_n have_v be_v leave_v there_o who_o teach_v such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n more_o perfect_o apollo_n also_o mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n we_o can_v now_o reasonable_o think_v that_o paul_n will_v settle_v those_o certain_a disciple_n act_n 19_o in_o a_o church_n distinct_a from_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n already_o much_o less_o in_o a_o way_n or_o practice_v contradistinct_a from_o the_o church_n and_o if_o not_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n at_o ephesus_n be_v also_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o those_o certain_a disciple_n who_o be_v now_o to_o be_v lay_v into_o the_o build_n with_o the_o rest_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o more_o considerable_a if_o we_o note_v that_o passage_n in_o ephesian_n 1._o 13._o which_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o whole_a church_n at_o ephesus_n and_o show_v plain_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n of_o promise_n after_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o full_o agree_v with_o the_o order_n wherein_o the_o certain_a disciple_n also_o receive_v the_o spirit_n and_o here_o let_v we_o not_o omit_v that_o passage_n act_v 22._o 10._o &_o 9_o 17._o whence_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o paul_n the_o elect_a u●ssel_n must_v be_v send_v to_o damaseus_fw-la to_o be_v teach_v the_o principle_n or_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n by_o he_o ananias_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o only_o in_o respect_v of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v a_o doubt_n among_o christian_n whether_o he_o speak_v with_o tongue_n by_o virtue_n of_o any_o proper_a gift_n or_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o education_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n power_n and_o of_o a_o second_o mind_n which_o he_o affirm_v god_n have_v give_v he_o 2_o tim._n 1._o 7._o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o variaiton_n in_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n in_o paul_n case_n that_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o general_a there_o be_v a_o emergency_n which_o may_v occasion_v it_o and_o a_o special_a allowance_n from_o heaven_n for_o it_o at_o that_o time_n nor_o may_v this_o variation_n be_v a_o precedent_n for_o we_o to_o vary_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n have_v no_o such_o occasion_n for_o it_o any_o more_o than_o the_o israelite_n eat_v the_o passover_n without_o be_v cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n when_o a_o emergency_n call_v for_o it_o and_o the_o lord_n allow_v it_o give_v they_o ground_n to_o do_v so_o again_o when_o there_o be_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v it_o material_a against_o aught_o that_o we_o have_v say_v that_o ananias_n be_v no_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o impose_v hand_n on_o paul_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o gift_n only_o for_o unless_o we_o imagine_v the_o church_n to_o have_v great_a power_n than_o god_n we_o can_v deny_v ananias_n to_o have_v authority_n for_o all_o that_o he_o say_v and_o do_v to_o saul_n see_v he_o have_v immediate_a mission_n from_o heaven_n which_o be_v equivolent_a to_o the_o church_n mission_n at_o least_o nor_o be_v it_o ●easonable_a to_o think_v that_o power_n to_o act_v in_o gospel_n ordinance_n be_v so_o tie_v to_o the_o church_n as_o that_o god_n may_v not_o anticipate_v that_o order_n when_o it_o please_v he_o and_o as_o this_o choose_a vessel_n be_v teach_v the_o rudiment_n of_o christianity_n so_o he_o instruct_v other_o in_o the_o same_o as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o part_n and_o may_v see_v yet_o further_o in_o his_o writing_n to_o timothy_a who_o be_v under_o some_o fear_n and_o temptation_n he_o labour_v to_o comfort_v he_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o which_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o love_n power_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n which_o he_o remind_v he_o of_o by_o mention_v the_o mean_n use_v for_o obtain_v it_o which_o be_v the_o put_v on_o of_o paul_n hand_n see_v and_o consider_v 2_o tim._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o great_a charter_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o point_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v ●hat_n epistle_n which_o paul_n write_v unto_o the_o hebrew_n church_n who_o as_o he_o himself_o have_v learned_a and_o teach_v other_o concern_v the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o so_o he_o ●uts_v the_o first_o of_o gospel_n church_n in_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o they_o who_o be_v to_o be_v as_o a_o standard_n to_o the_o rest_n have_v be_v teach_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o principle_n as_o christian_n heb._n 5._o ●2_n and_o particular_o concern_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o concern_v which_o particular_a as_o i_o shall_v have_v too_o much_o occasion_n to_o note_v the_o differ_a opinion_n among_o the_o baptise_a congregation_n so_o i_o shall_v first_o set_v down_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o do_v general_o agree_v or_o rather_o that_o which_o be_v grant_v by_o the_o searcher_n and_o first_o they_o grant_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o suppose_v they_o mean_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v frequent_o teach_v as_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o they_o give_v we_o no_o reason_n why_o it_o ought_v not_o with_o like_a frequency_n to_o be_v teach_v as_o a_o principle_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n now_o second_o they_o grant_v that_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v a_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n book_n now_o either_o they_o must_v grant_v that_o these_o two_o to_o wit_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n with_o prayer_n to_o obtain_v it_o make_v but_o one_o principle_n of_o christianity_n or_o else_o they_o fall_v into_o that_o which_o they_o condemn_v viz._n the_o make_v seven_o principle_n but_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n they_o seem_v to_o make_v these_o two_o to_o be_v but_o one_o yet_o so_o as_o that_o they_o will_v destroy_v the_o practic_a part_n for_o they_o demand_v whether_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n heb._n 6._o 2._o may_v not_o be_v figurative_o understand_v for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o be_v give_v thereby_o but_o the_o answer_n be_v easy_a and_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o ●his_v be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v such_o a_o figurative_a foundation_n as_o babe_n in_o christ_n can_v never_o understand_v and_o then_o will_v come_v in_o a_o figurative_a baptism_n only_o yea_o a_o figurative_a resurrection_n too_o ●ould_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n at_o the_o heel_n of_o ●he_n other_o figure_n till_o at_o last_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o ●he_n principle_n will_v stand_v only_o for_o a_o cyber_n but_o the_o instance_n which_o the_o searcher_n bring_v ●o_o strengthen_v this_o their_o figurative_a interpretation_n very_o providential_o overthrow_v it_o for_o ●hough_o the_o cup_n be_v take_v for_o the_o wine_n and_o the_o ●read_n and_o wine_n for_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n ●et_o we_o know_v that_o the_o sign_n and_o thing_n signify_v do_v both_o remain_v for_o the_o use_n and_o com●●rt_n of_o the_o church_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v ●rayer_n with_o the_o lay_n on_o of_o hand_n which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o sign_n be_v make_v void_a by_o the_o promise_n of_o ●he_n spirit_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n these_o ●hings_n premise_v the_o searcher_n twenty_o five_o ●emand_n and_o the_o discourse_n thereon_o depend_v 〈◊〉_d discern_v to_o be_v frivolous_a because_o whatsoever_o they_o be_v please_v to_o write_v it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o their_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o that_o writing_n otherwise_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v not_o only_o the_o novelty_n of_o their_o conceit_n in_o the_o say_a question_n but_o the_o vanity_n of_o such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n foundation_n as_o th●re_o they_o bring_v may_v be_v discover_v for_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o same_o which_o be_v call_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o milk_n for_o babe_n vers_fw-la 12._o be_v call_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o christian_a man_n which_o now_o the_o author_n will_v intermit_v and_o the_o foundation_n which_o he_o will_v not_o lay_v again_o which_o foundation_n when_o he_o come_v to_o set_v down_o in_o its_o part_n which_o principle_n when_o he_o come_v to_o enumerate_v be_v thus_o set_v forth_o of_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o of_o faith_n towards_o god_n of_o the_o
unlawful_o be_v punish_v by_o separate_v the_o person_n so_o couple_v the_o child_n also_o be_v put_v away_o as_o well_o as_o the_o wife_n which_o howsoever_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o perhaps_o be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o terrestrial_a inheritance_n and_o the_o policy_n of_o their_o nation_n yet_o sure_o it_o will_v be_v great_a cruelty_n for_o man_n profess_v christianity_n to_o turn_v their_o wife_n and_o child_n out_o of_o door_n who_o both_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o nation_n have_v as_o clear_v a_o right_n to_o all_o temporal_a or_o domestical_a privilege_n now_o as_o the_o husband_n himself_o in_o any_o nation_n whatsoever_o final_o since_o god_n have_v grievous_o punish_v this_o sin_n of_o marry_v contrary_a to_o his_o positive_a law_n in_o that_o case_n provide_v for_o his_o people_n good_a chief_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n let_v all_o christian_n therefore_o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_v not_o but_o common_a with_o their_o own_o heart_n in_o this_o behalf_n lest_o they_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o plead_v against_o they_o by_o his_o judgement_n for_o his_o eye_n be_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o man_n to_o render_v to_o they_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n chief_o those_o who_o sin_n presumptuous_o for_o such_o do_v reproach_n the_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v write_v numb_a 15_o 30_o 31._o in_o the_o next_o place_n on_o ch_a blood_n and_o ●hings_n 4._o strangle_v we_o know_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o eat_n thereof_o to_o noah_n and_o his_o son_n for_o ever_o and_o when_o man_n have_v general_o forget_v the_o lord_n he_o sever_v abraham_n 15._o and_o his_o seed_n to_o be_v his_o heritage_n and_o give_v they_o this_o law_n to_o observe_v among_o other_o which_o law_n he_o have_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o gentiles_n in_o those_o right_n needful_a decree_n which_o do_v declare_v the_o repeal_n of_o the_o cerimonial_a law_n and_o give_v continuance_n to_o what_o be_v general_o necessary_a upon_o the_o delivery_n whereof_o 29._o the_o church_n be_v establish_v in_o that_o f●ith_n by_o which_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n true_a it_o be_v that_o which_o g●e●h_v into_o the_o man_n defile_v not_o a_o man_n and_o consequent_o blood_n do_v not_o defile_v any_o man_n by_o eat_v thereof_o but_o disobedience_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o unlawful_a desire_n to_o that_o which_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o so_o come_v out_o of_o the_o man_n that_o defile_v a_o man_n so_o then_o not_o the_o fruit_n which_o adam_n do_v eat_v but_o the_o sin_n which_o he_o commit_v defile_v he_o and_o the_o same_o will_v defile_v his_o posterity_n if_o they_o covet_v and_o take_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n about_o apparel_n be_v this_o that_o the_o adorn_v of_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v that_o of_o plate_v the_o hair_n wear_v of_o gold_n nor_o costly_a array_n with_o ring_n and_o toy_n as_o the_o humour_n of_o fantastic_a person_n in_o city_n or_o country_n common_o lead_v they_o but_o that_o instead_o thereof_o moderation_n modesty_n and_o yet_o decency_n according_a to_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o person_n respective_o shall_v be_v observe_v on_o all_o side_n that_o so_o christian_n may_v be_v example_n to_o other_o even_o in_o these_o matter_n and_o what_o though_o some_o person_n or_o person_n in_o the_o church_n be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a set_v against_o the_o vain_a fashion_n of_o our_o day_n and_o sometime_o let_v their_o zeal_n go_v a_o step_n too_o far_o be_v this_o so_o offensive_a to_o our_o brethren_n that_o they_o can_v no_o way_n bear_v this_o without_o such_o a_o public_a reprehension_n i_o fear_v in_o so_o do_v they_o may_v have_v do_v the_o church_n more_o disservice_n than_o those_o who_o they_o inveigh_v against_o what_o the_o searcher_n shall_v mean_v about_o these_o matter_n be_v make_v the_o essentials_n of_o communion_n i_o can_v imagine_v unless_o they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o suffer_v man_n to_o sin_n in_o these_o case_n without_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o reform_v and_o in_o case_n of_o obstinacy_n to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o by_o the_o church_n as_o disorderly_a person_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o be_v ashamed_a yet_o we_o mean_v not_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v as_o enemy_n but_o admonish_v as_o brethren_n and_o sure_o if_o this_o be_v their_o meaning_n that_o offender_n in_o these_o case_n must_v be_v let_v alone_o in_o their_o sin_n we_o shall_v in_o so_o do_v loose_a the_o order_n and_o in_o time_n the_o essence_n of_o church_n for_o suppose_v now_o a_o gallant_a of_o the_o time_n shall_v desire_v to_o be_v baptise_a and_o to_o walk_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o searcher_n only_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o must_v give_v he_o leave_v to_o marry_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o allow_v he_o the_o liberty_n to_o transgress_v the_o apostolical_a decree_n in_o eat_v blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v and_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o therewithal_o that_o he_o may_v wear_v gold_n and_o tread_v the_o step_n of_o the_o gallant_n in_o matter_n of_o apparel_n etc._n etc._n will_v the_o searcher_n now_o admit_v such_o a_o person_n into_o their_o communion_n if_o not_o than_o they_o make_v these_o thing_n as_o necessary_a to_o church-communion_n as_o we_o do_v and_o certain_o that_o which_o be_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o keep_v man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n will_v justify_v a_o church_n in_o withdraw_v from_o such_o if_o they_o refuse_v to_o reform_v to_o give_v evidence_n by_o oath_n to_o terminate_v strife_n among_o man_n we_o have_v not_o one_o congregation_n in_o england_n that_o i_o can_v hear_v of_o do_v oppose_v it_o indeed_o some_o particular_a person_n be_v doubtful_a in_o that_o matter_n because_o of_o our_o saviour_n word_n swear_v not_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o unnecessary_o put_v to_o public_a observation_n as_o a_o essential_a of_o our_o church-communion_n what_o the_o searcher_n do_v suggest_v against_o some_o as_o deny_v that_o christ_n take_v flesh_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v i_o confess_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n and_o sure_o i_o be_o many_o of_o our_o congregation_n never_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n till_o the_o searcher_n become_v their_o informer_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o one_o congregation_n in_o england_n that_o hold_v such_o a_o thing_n for_o particular_n no_o man_n may_v speak_v however_o upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o protest_v against_o that_o opinion_n as_o a_o most_o dangerous_a conceit_n nothing_o inferior_a to_o they_o that_o deny_v that_o glorious_a and_o bless_a person_n to_o be_v god_n by_o nature_n for_o as_o the_o one_o deny_v his_o manhood_n the_o other_o deny_v his_o godhead_n and_o so_o between_o they_o we_o have_v little_o leave_v to_o fix_v on_o for_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v my_o dislike_n to_o these_o conceit_n to_o say_v no_o more_o at_o present_a so_o i_o hold_v it_o requisite_a to_o protest_v my_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n as_o i_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o as_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o as_o i_o trust_v i_o shall_v hold_v fast_o unto_o the_o end_n that_o faith_n which_o i_o have_v learn_v and_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o our_o church_n general_o be_v this_o first_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v god_n by_o nature_n and_o therefore_o of_o one_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n as_o touch_v his_o godhead_n he_o be_v call_v the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n person_n the_o true_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n the_o lord_n almighty_n it_o be_v he_o by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v make_v without_o he_o nothing_o be_v make_v which_o be_v make_v he_o be_v that_o very_a lord_n who_o in_o the_o beginning_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n he_o be_v the_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o first_o and_o the_o ●●st_n he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o ●im_v all_o thing_n consist_v he_o be_v the_o i_o a_o m_o who_o ●eing_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n think_v not_o robbery_n ●o_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n he_o be_v god_n over_o all_o blessed_a forever_o amen_o i_o conclude_v then_o that_o he_o of_o ●hom_n these_o thing_n be_v speak_v be_v doubtless_o god_n by_o nature_n ●_o this_o lord_n jesus_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v man_n 〈◊〉_d nature_n he_o be_v make_v low_a than_o the_o angel_n 〈◊〉_d take_v not_o on_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o angel_n but_o
or_o congr●●tions_n of_o christ_n as_o be_v free_a from_o these_o corrup●ions_n i_o will_v descend_v to_o those_o ground_n which_o ●re_n more_o familiar_a to_o we_o and_o then_o see_v how_o it_o ●ay_v reach_v the_o case_n depend_v between_o the_o searcher_n and_o their_o brethren_n and_o first_o from_o act_n 15._o 2._o it_o appear_v that_o ●here_o be_v not_o only_o great_a disputation_n but_o dissension_n also_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n about_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n which_o word_n communion_n dissension_n do_v imply_v the_o discontinuance_n o●_n communion_n between_o paul_n ba●n●bas_n with_o those_o which_o do_v adhere_v to_o they_o and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v zealous_a for_o circumcision_n and_o the_o law_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o do_v one_o unchurch_n another_o but_o use_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n tha●_n may_v be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o strife_n and_o very_o remarkable_a it_o be_v that_o though_o the_o assembly_n a●_n jerusalem_n do_v plain_o determine_v the_o point_n o●_n doctrine_n yet_o do_v they_o forbear_v their_o censure_n against_o the_o person_n who_o err_v in_o that_o case_n 〈◊〉_d choose_v to_o exercise_v all_o longanimity_n rather_o than_o severity_n know_v that_o their_o power_n be_v give_v moderation_n more_o for_o edification●_n then_o for_o destroy_v any_o man_n attainment_n in_o the_o path_n of_o christianity_n howbeit_o when_o this_o lenity_n will_v not_o effect_v th●_n reformation_n of_o the_o ill_a manner_n of_o those_o corrupter_n or_o depraver_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o di●_n the_o apostle_n lie_v great_a weight_n upon_o they_o wh●_n will_v not_o cease_v to_o trouble_v the_o church_n gal._n 5._o 12._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o judaizer_n have_v general_o be_v hold_v at_o some_o distance_n in_o point_n of_o communion_n or_o privilege_n in_o the_o church_n before_o paul_n write_v to_o the_o gallatian_n for_o see_v that_o epistle_n write_v by_o paul_n si●vanus_n and_o timotheus_n do_v empower_v the_o church_n at_o thessalonica_n to_o note_v such_o as_o disobey_v 1._o it_o with_o a_o note_n of_o di●inction_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o conform_v themselves_o to_o its_o direction_n then_o doubtless_o that_o epistle_n act_v 15._o write_v in_o the_o ●ame_n of_o the_o great_a assembly_n at_o jerusalem_n do_v every_o way_n as_o much_o empower_v all_o church_n to_o put_v ●he_n like_o note_n of_o distinction_n upon_o all_o that_o do_v not_o ●hey_n the_o same_o which_o note_n of_o distinction_n howsoever_o it_o may_v lie_v as_o a_o bar_n against_o their_o present_a communion_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o destroy_v their_o bre●her-hood_n 2_o thes_n 3._o 14_o 15._o so_o that_o it_o be_v further_a evident_a that_o a_o people_n ●ay_v be_v esteem_v brethren_n in_o christ_n or_o a_o church_n 〈◊〉_d christ_n and_o yet_o just_o be_v deny_v communion●●th_v ●●th_z other_o church_n or_o brethren_n in_o christ_n for_o ●he_n matter_n in_o short_a lie_v thus_o as_o a_o brother_n be_v 〈◊〉_d member_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o congregation_n or_o church_n to_o which_o he_o be_v immediate_o relate_v ●o_o a_o particular_a congregation_n be_v but_o a_o member_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a as_o therefore_o a_o man_n may_v be_v call_v a_o christian_a brother_n and_o yet_o just_o for_o some_o cause_n be_v deny_v present_a communion_n with_o his_o fellow_n brethren_n so_o a_o congregation_n may_v be_v account_v a_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o just_o be_v deny_v communion_n by_o her_o sister_n church_n and_o chief_o when_o she_o be_v such_o a_o church_n as_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o primitive_a church_n receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n all_o which_o be_v consider_v may_v well_o serve_v to_o satisfy_v our_o brethren_n that_o we_o commit_v no_o absurdity_n in_o refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o they_o though_o we_o grant_v they_o the_o appellation_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o brethren_n in_o particular_a as_o before_o we_o have_v say_v have_v show_v that_o al●_n manner_n of_o division_n which_o church_n happen_v in_o the_o church_n be_v not_o proper_o against_o she_o they_o being_n after_o a_o sort_n rather_o necessary_a for_o her_o reformation_n then_o to_o bring_v he●_n to_o desolation_n when_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o manner_n have_v make_v in_o vasion_n upon_o he●_n though_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o eve●_n those_o division_n be_v accidental_o against_o th●_n church_n and_o that_o as_o for_o other_o cause_n so_o chief_o for_o that_o they_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o world_n and_o a_o stumble_n to_o weak_a christian_n it_o behove_v that_o we_o brief_o show_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o division_n which_o be_v proper_o against_o the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o when_o both_o party_n contend_v strive_v to_o set_v up_o some_o sinful_a thing_n or_o their_o own_o device_n 2._o when_o they_o divide_v about_o that_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o indifferent_a only_o 3._o when_o the_o point_n in_o question_n be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o thing_n seek_v for_o as_o revenge_v upon_o the_o person_n against_o who_o the_o controversy_n be_v hold_v those_o and_o such_o like_v tend_v only_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o church_n have_v no_o tendency_n at_o all_o to_o edification_n the_o first_o of_o these_o show_v itself_o among_o the_o corinthian_n when_o they_o strive_v to_o set_v up_o man_n some_o this_o man_n and_o other_o that_o and_o this_o in_o opposition_n one_o unto_o another_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 12._o which_o folly_n have_v be_v the_o overthrow_n of_o congregation_n where_o man_n person_n have_v be_v admi●ed_v and_o truth_n neglect_v the_o second_o be_v rebuke_v rom._n 14._o but_o why_o do_v thou_o judge_v thy_o brother_n or_o set_v at_o nought_o thy_o brother_n meaning_n for_o thing_n indifferent_a therefore_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o stand_v the_o three_o be_v detect_v gal._n 5._o 15._o for_o whatsoever_o the_o question_n be_v this_o be_v their_o sin_n they_o do_v bite_v one_o another_o thus_o man_n may_v hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o without_o charity_n preach_v christ_n mere_o of_o envy_n to_o add_v thereby_o some_o affliction_n to_o the_o bond_n of_o their_o brethren_n those_o kind_n of_o division_n in_o the_o age_n border_v upon_o the_o apostle_n become_v the_o heathen_n sport_n and_o the_o christian_n shame_n upon_o their_o ●pen_a theater_n let_v we_o therefore_o now_o return_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o distemper_n which_o have_v befall_v our_o body_n about_o the_o four_o principle_n of_o christ_n his_o doctrine_n heb._n 6._o 2._o the_o searcher_n have_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o part_n distemper_v to_o be_v only_o the_o congregation_n under_o the_o practice_n of_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a contexture_n of_o their_o search_n and_o the_o directon_n of_o the_o epistle_n prefix_v to_o it_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o amiss_o in_o this_o matter_n on_o their_o part_n who_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v have_v make_v and_o defend_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o there_o withal_o divide_v themselves_o from_o a_o principle_n thereof_o and_o this_o word_n schism_n be_v take_v by_o the_o searcher_n not_o in_o a_o mild_a sense_n such_o as_o wherein_o it_o may_v be_v take_v by_o propriety_n of_o speech_n to_o signify_v division_n in_o some_o low_a consideration_n as_o the_o word_n be_v translate_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 10._o but_o they_o have_v hoist_v it_o in_o their_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o congregation_n profess_v the_o four_o principle_n to_o the_o most_o extreme_a signification_n even_o that_o of_o sedition_n yea_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o if_o we_o unchurch_v constitution_n all_o church_n but_o ourselves_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o light_a matter_n to_o brand_v all_o those_o church_n for_o schismatic_n but_o they_o shall_v have_v consider_v that_o bare_a abstain_v from_o communion_n chief_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v general_o if_o so_o much_o have_v be_v do_v and_o that_o upon_o such_o immergent_fw-la occasion_n as_o have_v at_o least_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hot_a contention_n be_v give_v for_o it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v they_o out_o in_o this_o their_o rash_a charge_n against_o their_o brethren_n see_v our_o saviour_n himself_o put_v a_o bar_n for_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n while_o difference_n between_o brother_n and_o brother_n only_o remain_v undecided_a which_o be_v due_o
consider_v may_v just_o cause_v the_o sober_a christian_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o such_o a_o communion_n as_o i_o perceive_v the_o searcher_n will_v hand_n ou●r_o head_n involve_v we_o into_o now_o what_o have_v be_v do_v by_o some_o particular_a person_n among_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o church-rendings_a or_o unchurch_v other_o church_n through_o ignorance_n or_o preposterus_fw-la zeal_n as_o i_o do_v not_o perfect_o know_v so_o i_o will_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a go_v about_o to_o justify_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v no_o good_a ground_n for_o you_o to_o asperse_v all_o our_o congregation_n with_o such_o man_n action_n no_o more_o than_o the_o like_a preposterous_a action_n by_o some_o among_o you_o for_o such_o there_o have_v be_v both_o particular_a person_n and_o congregation_n will_v justify_v we_o to_o fasten_v the_o like_a reproach_n upon_o you_o which_o hitherto_o we_o have_v not_o do_v nor_o intend_v to_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o your_o procreation_n to_o do_v it_o now_o and_o what_o though_o there_o have_v be_v during_o the_o time_n of_o these_o contention_n and_o opposition_n a_o distinction_n in_o communion_n between_o the_o congregation_n aforesaid_a hold_v to_o be_v needful_a at_o least_o in_o some_o thing_n wherein_o christian_n communicate_v one_o with_o another_o can_v be_v very_o comfortable_a without_o unity_n in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n yet_o sure_a this_o have_v be_v do_v general_o without_o contract_v the_o guilt_n of_o schism_n on_o either_o side_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o such_o as_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o these_o dissension_n have_v maintain_v the_o great_a engagement_n of_o charity_n towards_o one_o another_o and_o for_o those_o that_o have_v not_o so_o do_v it_o be_v just_o fear_v the_o guilt_n have_v be_v as_o great_a on_o the_o one_o side_n as_o on_o the_o other_o this_o distinction_n in_o communion_n have_v be_v hold_v i_o presume_v by_o all_o wise_a christian_n rather_o of_o necessity_n then_o for_o any_o delight_n they_o have_v have_v in_o it_o partly_o for_o that_o the_o truth_n in_o question_n will_v otherwise_o have_v be_v slight_v as_o a_o thing_n but_o at_o most_o indifferent_a and_o there_o be_v no_o ready_a way_n to_o destroy_v any_o truth_n then_o to_o let_v it_o pass_v with_o such_o a_o estimation_n and_o partly_o for_o that_o contention_n will_v ever_o have_v be_v rise_v between_o member_n of_o the_o same_o particular_a community_n and_o no_o mean_n remain_v to_o pacify_v those_o division_n for_o what_o pious_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n can_v justify_v his_o admit_v some_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n without_o embrace_v nay_o though_o oppose_v the_o four_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o yet_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n deny_v another_o that_o liberty_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o disparity_n in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n must_v admit_v of_o one_o thing_n out_o of_o two_o at_o least_o so_o long_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n work_v viz._n either_o that_o the_o party_n dissent_v may_v sit_v down_o in_o distinct_a congreation_n without_o the_o offence_n or_o grudge_v one_o against_o another_o or_o else_o it_o must_v admit_v of_o dispence_v with_o most_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n one_o by_o one_o till_o indeed_o we_o have_v none_o leave_v entire_a as_o will_v appear_v by_o single_v they_o apart_o and_o yield_v to_o each_o opinionist_n the_o plea_n which_o our_o brethren_n do_v use_v in_o the_o case_n depend_v which_o in_o effect_n be_v this_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o sit_v down_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o you_o see_v we_o own_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o you_o do_v which_o yet_o i_o fear_v etc._n etc._n except_o the_o four_o and_o as_o touch_v that_o we_o say_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o heb._n 6._o 2._o be_v a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o founlation_n yet_o we_o deny_v that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o you_o hold_v to_o be_v that_o principle_n this_o plea_n be_v admit_v a_o second_o come_v and_o plead_v thus_o let_v we_o build_v with_o you_o for_o we_o own_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n heb._n 6._o 1,2_o as_o you_o do_v except_o that_o of_o faith_n and_o yet_o we_o say_v faith_n be_v a_o principle_n according_a to_o heb._n 6._o 1._o but_o we_o deny_v that_o faith_n which_o you_o say_v be_v there_o mean_v to_o be_v that_o principle_n a_o three_o come_v and_o say_v we_o have_v right_a to_o sit_v down_o in_o communion_n with_o you_o for_o we_o do_v own_o all_o the_o principle_n heb._n 6._o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n which_o you_o say_v be_v there_o mean_v we_o deny_v to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o do_v say_v that_o it_o be_v your_o own_o innovation_n or_o tradition_n yet_o we_o own_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n a_o four_o pretend_v they_o own_o all_o the_o principle_n etc._n etc._n only_a that_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o we_o say_v be_v a_o principle_n of_o christianity_n they_o term_v a_o humane_a innovation_n yet_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n final_o there_o come_v other_o and_o profess_v that_o they_o own_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o god_n oracle_n he●_n 6._o etc._n etc._n but_o withal_o they_o deny_v with_o origen_n that_o eternal_a judgement_n which_o we_o hold_v and_o say_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o universal_a salvation_n and_o yet_o they_o own_o with_o he_o a_o judgement_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o upon_o these_o pretension_n they_o demand_v the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n among_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n now_o admit_v lay_v on_o of_o hand_n as_o we_o hold_v to_o be_v as_o undoubted_o a_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n as_o that_o be_v our_o case_n let_v our_o brethren_n resolve_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v dispense_v with_o they_o in_o reject_v and_o oppose_v that_o principle_n and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o any_o other_o principle_n or_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n certain_a it_o be_v as_o before_o we_o have_v hint_v there_o be_v no_o artifice_n of_o satan_n so_o likely_a to_o wear_v out_o this_o or_o any_o other_o truth_n as_o to_o make_v it_o subject_a to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n viz._n to_o admit_v man_n to_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o estimation_n and_o fitness_n for_o communion_n in_o the_o church_n though_o they_o deny_v this_o truth_n as_o if_o they_o own_v it_o and_o whilst_o our_o brethren_n be_v labour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o bring_v the_o four_o principle_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o this_o state_n of_o subjection_n other_o be_v as_o busy_o tamper_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o baptism_n and_o have_v prevail_v to_o the_o great_a reproach_n of_o those_o christian_n who_o have_v suffer_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v thus_o abuse_v open_v opposition_n though_o too_o bad_a yet_o be_v more_o advantageous_a to_o the_o truth_n than_o such_o pretend_a friendship_n for_o truth_n be_v oppose_v have_v strength_n and_o authority_n to_o withstand_v its_o great_a adversary_n but_o if_o once_o subtle_a man_n creep_v into_o the_o church_n under_o a_o specious_a pretence_n of_o wait_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o truth_n as_o they_o have_v a_o design_n to_o overthrow_v these_o prove_v the_o great_a prophaner_n and_o subverter_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o devourer_n shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v out_o that_o have_v but_o craft_n to_o get_v in_o if_o once_o this_o door_n of_o dispense_n with_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v open_v assure_o have_v those_o person_n act_n the_o 10._o the_o remission_n of_o who_o sin_n be_v evidence_v from_o heaven_n very_o eminent_o be_v admit_v to_o communion_n without_o submit_v to_o the_o baptism_n of_o repentance_n for_o remission_n of_o sin_n as_o peter_n question_n can_v any_o man_n forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a which_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o some_o such_o thought_n may_v possible_o dart_v itself_o into_o the_o breast_n of_o some_o it_o have_v certain_o make_v hey-boyss_n that_o ordinance_n almost_o total_o for_o who_o do_v not_o now_o a-days_o present_o suppose_v himself_o to_o be_v baptize_v with_o the_o spiri●_n our_o brethren_n demand_v of_o we_o whether_o those_o qualification_n which_o give_v right_a to_o baptism_n do_v not_o give_v right_a to_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a for_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o they_o say_v give_v right_o to_o baptism_n but_o not_o so_o for_o the_o lord_n table_n for_o though_o baptism_n be_v no_o qualification_n for_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a qualification_n for_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o that_o we_o may_v reach_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v
tendency_n of_o your_o 19_o demand_n as_o if_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o because_o there_o be_v some_o sinful_o suffer_v in_o some_o church_n of_o old_a who_o teach_v god_n people_n to_o commit_v fornication_n and_o to_o eat_v meat_n effire_v to_o idol_n and_o to_o hold_v 〈◊〉_d community_n of_o woman_n a_o thing_n so_o beastly_a as_o scarce_o fit_a to_o be_v name_v therefore_o we_o may_v not_o withdraw_v from_o such_o church_n as_o suffer_v such_o thing_n now_o when_o yet_o its_o evident_a that_o the_o lord_n charge_v those_o sin_n so_o deep_o upon_o those_o that_o suffer_v those_o abomination_n that_o without_o speedy_a repentance_n their_o church-state_n must_v be_v remove_v but_o sure_o our_o brethren_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o lord_n commend_v such_o of_o the_o church_n in_o asia_n as_o can_v not_o bear_v but_o uncharch_v those_o that_o be_v evil_a who_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o aposty_n and_o be_v not_o but_o be_v the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n and_o how_o vehement_o ●he_v reprove_v those_o that_o do_v not_o thus_o separate_v from_o such_o evil_a worker_n whether_o congregation_n or_o particular_a member_n for_o sure_a there_o be_v but_o one_o law_n for_o few_o or_o for_o many_o in_o this_o case_n true_a it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v mercy_n for_o great_a offender_n upon_o repentance_n and_o there_o must_v be_v admoniton_n before_o they_o be_v spew_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n but_o what_o will_v this_o avail_v their_o case_n who_o be_v entreat_v and_o exhort_v to_o turn_v from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o diligent_o teach_v concern_v the_o truth_n yet_o persist_v in_o their_o opposition_n the_o slight_a exposition_n which_o the_o searcher_n give_v we_o of_o 2_o john_n 7._o 9_o verse_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v commend_v as_o i_o conceive_v than_o their_o adversary_n unwary_a syllogism_n from_o thence_o see_v it_o be_v not_o all_o that_o confess_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n that_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n for_o that_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o searcher_n or_o else_o they_o must_v tell_v we_o how_o many_o of_o christ_n doctrine_n or_o teach_n must_v be_v own_v as_o necessary_a to_o man_n communion_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o will_v puzzle_v the_o searcher_n as_o much_o as_o any_o body_n else_o their_o flourish_n and_o reflection_n against_o other_o notwithstanding_o nor_o need_v we_o say_v much_o to_o our_o brethren_n demand_n which_o they_o ground_n on_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o opinion_n consider_v what_o we_o have_v say_v already_o for_o if_o that_o we_o hold_v b●_n the_o truth_n it_o be_v such_o a_o truth_n as_o may_v not_o be_v dispense_v with_o or_o neglect_v without_o manife_a danger_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o have_v be_v show_v it_o shall_v therefore_o now_o suffice_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o conscience_n of_o ou●_n brethren_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o we_o appeal_v t●_n they_o touch_v the_o like_a service_n in_o another_o case_n namely_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n in_o the_o ordination_n of_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n which_o some_o o●_n they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v that_o principle_n heb._n 6●_n though_o other_o of_o they_o reject_v that_o as_o erroneous_a s●_n that_o our_o brethren_n have_v little_a cause_n to_o upbraid_v u●_n about_o some_o differ_a apprehension_n about_o the_o end_n of_o that_o ministration_n since_o themselves_o be_v divide_v both_o about_o the_o end_n and_o the_o principle_n itself_o i_o say_v put_v case_n now_o that_o some_o among_o you_o shall_v deny_v the_o la_n on_o of_o hand_n on_o officer_n to_o be_v institute_v of_o god_n and_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v a_o innovation_n of_o man_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o and_o that_o you_o have_v no_o command_n from_o god_n for_o it_o and_o thereupon_o they_o bring_v all_o the_o argument_n against_o you_o which_o you_o devise_v against_o we_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o carry_v on_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o that_o orderly_a way_n of_o ordain_v man_n to_o office_n by_o prayer_n with_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n only_o because_o it_o be_v your_o humour_n to_o have_v man_n so_o ordain_v therefore_o in_o condescension_n to_o your_o weakness_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bring_v you_o off_o that_o usage_n they_o permit_v you_o once_o twice_o or_o thrice_o etc._n etc._n to_o preach_v up_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o their_o congregation_n do_v you_o now_o make_v so_o little_a conscience_n of_o that_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n which_o you_o practise_v and_o that_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o foundation_n say_v some_o of_o you_o as_o that_o you_o can_v maintain_v a_o free_a and_o cheerful_a communion_n with_o such_o person_n howsoever_o you_o may_v shuffle_v in_o this_o case_n consider_v the_o liberty_n which_o you_o incline_v to_o in_o the_o other_o yet_o sure_o be_v you_o free_a from_o that_o temptation_n you_o will_v find_v no_o small_a difficulty_n to_o hold_v such_o communion_n with_o those_o who_o shall_v not_o only_o make_v void_a but_o even_o despise_v for_o it_o be_v no_o better_o that_o wholesome_a and_o divine_a order_n which_o god_n have_v leave_v for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o house_n as_o for_o general_a assembly_n which_o be_v ordain_v for_o general_a controversy_n and_o which_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a expedient_a under_o the_o sun_n for_o compose_v division_n in_o the_o church_n here_o the_o liberty_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v yea_o must_v be_v maintain_v though_o they_o differ_v right_a much_o in_o their_o opinion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v indeed_o very_o christianly_o admit_v the_o searcher_n to_o such_o our_o assembly_n know_v well_o that_o not_o only_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o age_n border_v upon_o the_o primitive_a but_o even_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v allow_v christian_n of_o very_a different_a persuasion_n free_o to_o deliberate_v on_o thing_n propound_v in_o such_o assembly_n but_o yet_o we_o little_o think_v that_o our_o brethren_n will_v have_v abuse_v we_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o our_o christian_a respect_n towards_o they_o as_o if_o we_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o our_o principle_n in_o such_o our_o condescension_n unless_o we_o also_o communicate_v with_o they_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n sure_o this_o kind_n of_o deal_n be_v unlikely_a to_o effect_v the_o peace_n and_o concord_n of_o our_o too_o much_o divide_v congregation_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v baptize_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o christ_n math._n 28._o 19_o mark_v 16._o 16._o act_n 2._o 38._o will_v make_v one_o consistory_n at_o least_o some_o time_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n among_o they_o for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o admit_v there_o be_v no_o mean_n under_o heaven_n remain_v as_o i_o conceive_v to_o heal_v their_o division_n and_o consequent_o to_o obtain_v that_o peace_n which_o shall_v rule_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o god_n people_n because_o they_o be_v thereunto_o call_v in_o one_o universal_a body_n and_o herein_o i_o conceive_v a_o union_n in_o the_o main_n may_v be_v hold_v though_o in_o our_o particular_a community_n for_o the_o avoid_n otherwise_o inevitable_a inconvenience_n we_o be_v constrain_v to_o hold_v some_o distinction_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o another_o to_o cease_v communicate_v with_o such_o a_o particular_a congregation_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n will_v needs_o stay_v behind_o in_o the_o step_n of_o irregularity_n the_o first_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o schism_n since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o church_n of_o god_n though_o there_o may_v be_v cause_n to_o forbear_v communicate_v with_o some_o particular_a member_n or_o congregation_n thereof_o the_o other_o be_v so_o far_o from_o schism_n that_o it_o be_v more_o true_o call_v reformation_n nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o we_o efuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o our_o brethren_n in_o rheir_n irregular_a proceed_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n that_o therefore_o we_o reject_v they_o in_o those_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v religious_o observe_v and_o zealous_o profess_v neither_o be_v our_o distinguish_v our_o congregation_n from_o they_o so_o much_o a_o separation_n from_o they_o as_o a_o reformation_n of_o ourselves_o so_o that_o the_o 10._o and_o 11._o demand_n of_o the_o searcher_n may_v well_o have_v be_v spare_v since_o as_o thing_n stand_v among_o we_o they_o be_v not_o only_o unnecessary_a but_o i_o fear_v may_v prove_v very_o pernicious_a to_o